Is it my imagination or has the NFL exhibition season begun? Yes, as hard as it may be to believe, the first games for the summer are in the books for each team. Of course, that means that fantasy drafts cannot be far off. When on the clock, managers take many factors into account when choices are made. If I may, I’d like to throw another bit of information that could help settle debates between players. That info would be Best Opening Fantasy Schedules edition.

In this article, I will present the teams that have the easiest beginning of their schedules in 2024. To get to my conclusions, I used the defensive teams data from a season ago. Knowing this could swing a decision from one player to another if both are tied in all other areas. Getting a fast start on the fantasy season can make all the difference. Agree? Disagree? Feel free to make your feelings known!

The Easiest Opening Schedules

Denver Broncos

The Broncos begin the season in Seattle, facing the 30th ranked overall defense from 2023. Some improvement should be expected under new coach Mike MacDonald. However, the Seahawks D hasn’t been good since the Super Bowl days. Until it is seen in action, this is a great place to start the season for Denver.

Week two finds the Broncos at home against Pittsburgh. Contrary to their reputation, the Steelers finished only 21st in overall defense in 2023. As with Seattle, they should be better this coming season, but there aren’t many tougher places to play than the Mile High City. The Broncos should be all systems go here.

Their third game has the Broncos traveling to the state of Florida to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite making the playoffs a year ago, they only ranked 23rd in overall defense. Playing the 30th, 21st and 23rd ranked defenses to begin the season couldn’t have worked out better for the Broncos.

Tampa Bay Bucaneers

As good as the schedule breaks for Denver, Tampa might have the best situation of all NFL teams. Without question, their first game couldn’t be any better for the Buccaneers. They open the season at home against the worst overall defense in 2023: Washington. Add in the Florida heat factor and this first game couldn’t have worked out better if the Bucs had actually planned it that way. Expect a quick start for the Tampa O in 2024.

Next on the schedule for Tampa is Detroit. The Lions have the toughest schedule to appear in this portion of the Best Opening Fantasy Schedules edition. Even so, it only checks in at number 19. Of course, the offense is Detroit’s bread and butter, but the defense trails significantly. Expect the Bucs to put up some points and stats for its players in this game.

The third game on the schedule is Denver at home. The Broncos are almost as bad at defense as Washington, as they finished 29th a year ago. Even with the game later in September, the heat should still be a factor for the visitors. Without doubt, the Bucs will put their players in position to put up some stellar numbers for their fantasy managers in this game.

Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions begin their season with their first two games at home. First up is the Los Angeles Rams. LA checks in with the 20th rated defense last season. First, the Rams must overcome the retirement of one of the all time greats in Aaron Donald. Second, as mentioned above, Detroit’s offense reigns supreme. There should be every expectation for the Lions to get off to a smooth start in 2024. There are plenty of players that should be of interest to fantasy managers this season.

The second team to invade Ford Field is Tampa Bay. As stated earlier, the Bucs are the 23rd rated defense from last season. There should be plenty of fireworks for the Lions’ offense in this game.

In their third game, Detroit finally hits the road as they visit the desert in Arizona. Just like the first two games, there should be no offensive issues for the Lions in this matchup. Jared Goff and company will be firing on all cylinders to begin the season.

The Final Word

Thank you for joining me for this Best Opening Fantasy Schedules edition! Follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @kevin62wilsea. Please feel free to share this article. Be sure to turn to bellyupsports.com and bellyupfantasysports.com for all the MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL happenings and the latest sports news!

I am a co-host of The Sports Stove Fantasy Baseball Show. The show will be live every Sunday at 8 pm Eastern from here to the end of the fantasy baseball season. Don’t miss a single episode! Check out our latest show, dedicated to the top fantasy baseball must win strategies and more here.