The gurus at ESPN Stats & Information have released their adjusted strength of schedule for NFL teams in 2012.
The Lions, who played nine games against playoff teams, had the most difficult schedule of any team in the league before and after the adjustment, as first reported by ESPN blogger Paul Kuharsky.
The adjusted strength of schedule removes each team’s head-to-head results from its opponents schedule.
Including a 12-4 record against the Lions, their opponents finished the season with a .566 winning percentage. The Lions’ league-high strength of schedule resulted in them earning the No. 5 pick while Oakland and Philadelphia, both 4-12, will pick No. 3 and No. 4, respectively.
After subtracting the head-to-head results, Lions opponents had a .554 winning percentage in 2012.
The Lions played playoff teams Minnesota (twice), Green Bay (twice), Houston, Indianapolis, Seattle, San Francisco and Atlanta this season. They also had two games against Chicago, who missed the playoffs despite a 10-6 record.
The Falcons, who beat the Lions in Week 16, had the league’s easiest schedule before (.422) and after (.438) adjustment.
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