According to CBS Sports John Breech, the Indianapolis Colts have the easiest road to Super Bowl 50, by factoring in Vegas odds, their first 3-4 games, and lastly, strength of schedule:
"32. Colts: The Colts might be able to start resting their starters by Week 7. (Strength of schedule: 31. Las Vegas strength of schedule: 32. First four games: 31. Avg. rating: 31.33.Overall difficulty: 32.)"
Of course, the Colts have the luxury of playing in the AFC South, where teams like the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars are perennial NFL bottom-feeders. This likely will account for another 4 easy “gimme” wins this season, and at worst, the Colts should split their season series with the Houston Texans.
The Colts are also fortunate enough to play the NFC South, as part of their out of conference schedule. Last year’s NFC South Champion Carolina Panthers went 7-8-1, although the division’s remaining teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons are all expected to be a bit improved.
Still, the Colts do have to play AFC juggernauts like the New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, and Pittsburgh Steelers this year, so their schedule isn’t a complete cakewalk either. Especially, in a league where any team can beat a team on any given Sunday.
Nevertheless, by playing in the woeful AFC South and also being paired with the NFC South this season, the Colts have a relatively easy road to making the playoffs and perhaps ensuring homefield advantage. However, they’ll still have to beat the AFC’s top teams if they want to play in Santa Clara, California, come February.
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