NFL Scheduling Formula

I believe I figured out the NFL scheduling formula, and thus figured out the 2010 Schedule for the Dallas Cowboys.

Here is the Formula:
Play each team in Division Twice – Eagles, Giants, Redskins (since Cowboys play in NFC East)

Play each team from another NFC Division – next year this will be the NFC North (because Cowboys played South – 2009, and West – 2008)

Play each team from an AFC Division – next year this will be the AFC South (because Cowboys played West – 2009, North – 2008, and East – 2007)

Play NFC teams that had like finish in their respective divisions – this would be the other NFC Division leaders (since Cowboys won the division)

So here is the schedule:

Home Games
Eagles, Giants, Redskins, Bears, Jaguars, Titans, Saints, Lions

Away Games
Eagles, Giants, Redskins, Vikings, Colts, Texans, Packers, Cardinals

For most opponents I determined home/away based on where the last game was played. A couple of the teams we have played for various reasons outside of the rotational cycle so there is some flexibility for those opponents.

As for pre-season I haven’t determined a pattern yet, we’ll see if I got this one right and then go from there. Give it a shot for your favorite NFL team.