Dolphins vs Jets...Whose schedule is easier?

[mnphinfan]

We are hearing tons about how much easier our schedule is then that of the Jets by many a Jet fan. Take a look at this article I found @ http://www.thephinsider.com/ and decide for yourself.

Debunking the schedule myth

by Matty I on Dec 9, 2008 1:00 AM EST in News
Living in New Jersey, I will frequently listen to WFAN radio. Since it is New York sports talk radio, I know I'm going to be in for some bias opinions and some ignorant comments. I expect that from the hosts as well as from the callers.
But I find that the mid-day show hosted by Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts - both big Dolphin haters - are usually pretty level-headed when it comes to discussing the topics rationally and without their respective biases. But they've brought up on a number of occasions a topic that they are simply dead wrong about: the schedule.
Both Jet fans, Benigno and Roberts have continually referred to the Dolphins' schedule as a "cupcake" schedule - or at least used similar words to define it. Any many other Jet fans have echoed the same sentiments. So what's the problem? If the Dolphins' schedule was easy, then the Jets' schedule is even easier.
As any good NFL fan knows, the division teams play 14 of the same games. So of their 16 games, the Fins and Jets only played 2 different opponents. The Dolphins played the Ravens and Texans. The Jets played the Titans and Bengals. The combined record of the two Dolphin opponents? 15-11. The record of the two Jet opponents? 13-12-1. So whose schedule was easier?
Ouch. How's that slice of "humble pie" taste, Jet fans?

 

[DuderinoN703]

That would require logic to be used when "talking smack/hating".

Logic and "talking smack/hating" clash and do not mix. Though I will say that the Dolphins didn't have to go to Oakland, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle like the Jets did/will.

Though the Phins did/will go to Arizona, St Louis and Kansas City to play

 

[ckparrothead]

Technically the two teams play 12 common opponents. The Jets never have the pleasure of playing themselves, nor do the Dolphins. At the moment, however...we're both 8-5...so it's a neutral factor.

It has quickly become a very big pet peeve when people talk about scheduling as if the Dolphins have a cake schedule due to the 1-15 showing a year ago and as if the schedule will get tremendously harder because we're doing so well this year. That's just not reality. The schedule opponents are decided 100% mathematically nowadays and there are only 2 games that are decided according to finish.

I should already be able to tell you who will be on our schedule next year.

Indianapolis, Tennessee, Houston, Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, New Orleans, Carolina and Atlanta. Then we will have two additional games according to where we finish in the division and I'm going to guess that those will be against Pittsburgh and Denver, Baltimore and San Diego, or Cleveland and Oakland.

Let's say it's the first option. Our opponents for 2009 have a combined 127-81 through 13 games of 2008. Our opponents for 2008 have a combined 94-114 record through 13 games of 2008. Now, why such a dramatic shift? Is it because of our 8-5 record in 2008 as opposed to 1-15 in 2007? Not at all. The portion of the record sensitive to standing only goes from 15-11 to 18-8. The difference is that we're not playing the NFC West and AFC West in 2009, we'll probably be playing the AFC South and NFC South.

 

[JonnyZ81]

Yup. Like CK said, record is really a minimal factor in schedule nowadays. And jet fans who think the Fins had an easier schedule in 2008 are just ignorant and wrong.

 

[rainmaker1313]

Well after the 1st 8 games, we played opponents with a record of 10 games over 500 at the time and the jets played opponents with a record of 10 games under. We played Buffalo when they were 5-1, we played NE, San Diego, Denver, Arizona, Baltimore
We played way tougher schedukle the 1st half.

Also after going 1-15 last year, we were supposed to get a slightly softer schedule, but that really didnt happen.

Also take away the heads up game we had and we have a better record than the Jets!

 

[emeraldfin]

Well in fairness, any divsion that was paired with the AFC and NFC West are very lucky. Out of those eight teams, only Denver and Arizona have winning records.

Teams in the AFC East could'nt have asked for an easier schedule, compared to the rest of the NFL.

 

[DevereauxWilson]

Jest fan are idiots. Do use logic with them or you can expect a brick or beer bottle to be thrown at your head. When you see the object flying at you it reminds you of a Farve thrown pass. You have no idea where it is headed.