We already had the AFCE and NFCW on our schedule for next year, so our first-place "parity" games in 2026 will be against the Jags, Steelers and Panthers.
If Liam Coen can keep Trevor Lawrence progressing, then I don't cherish that game. The Jags are ascending. But the Steelers with their new HC and ancient QB (assuming Rodgers even comes back)? Not scary. And the Panthers? Not real scary.
The Chargers' 2nd-place schedule has them playing the Ravens, Texans and Buccaneers. I think I'd rather play the Jags, Steelers and Panthers, honestly.
We may have caught a strange sort of break with our first-place schedule.