Five NFL teams face scheduling disadvantage due to international games and byes

The NFL has scheduled the Eagles, Bengals, 49ers, Lions, and Vikings in a way that could hinder their performance. Each team must play an international game followed by a matchup against an opponent coming off a bye week. Historically, teams in this situation have struggled, with previous examples showing they have never won. The Eagles face the Jaguars in London in Week 5, followed by the Panthers off a bye; the Bengals play in Spain against the Falcons in Week 9 and then have the Steelers at home; the Lions play in Germany against the Patriots in Week 10, then return to face the Buccaneers coming off a bye; the 49ers and Vikings both face teams in Mexico City before also encountering opponents rested from byes. This scheduling pattern raises concerns about the impact on team performance in the upcoming season.

• 5:07 PMCBS NFL — Five NFL teams hit with unprecedented NFL scheduling disadvantage in a way that no one has ever overcome