Thu May 23 11:12am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Prescott setup for big success
Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the quarterback position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the quarterbacks with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the quarterbacks that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.
QB SOS | ||
1. | Miami Dolphins | 313.6 |
2. | Cincinnati Bengals | 314.77 |
3. | Los Angeles Chargers | 317.32 |
4. | Denver Broncos | 317.38 |
5. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 320.33 |
6. | Houston Texans | 320.74 |
7. | Buffalo Bills | 321.01 |
8. | Philadelphia Eagles | 323.71 |
9. | Kansas City Chiefs | 325.08 |
10. | Washington Commanders | 325.12 |
11. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 326.4 |
12. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 328.45 |
13. | New York Jets | 329.06 |
14. | New England Patriots | 329.64 |
15. | Cleveland Browns | 330.31 |
16. | Los Angeles Rams | 330.72 |
17. | Arizona Cardinals | 331.54 |
18. | Indianapolis Colts | 331.69 |
19. | Seattle Seahawks | 332 |
20. | Atlanta Falcons | 332.73 |
21. | Baltimore Ravens | 333.05 |
22. | San Francisco 49ers | 333.05 |
23. | Detroit Lions | 334.13 |
24. | Las Vegas Raiders | 334.38 |
25. | New York Giants | 334.72 |
26. | New Orleans Saints | 336.27 |
27. | Minnesota Vikings | 337.2 |
28. | Dallas Cowboys | 339.64 |
29. | Chicago Bears | 340.70 |
30. | Tennessee Titans | 343.69 |
31. | Carolina Panthers | 345.54 |
32. | Green Bay Packers | 349.53 |
The Packers have the easiest fantasy schedule for quarterbacks. Jordan Love already had a breakout season last year and could take his game to an even higher level this season. Love is shaping up to be a really intriguing QB1 this season. He is a player on the rise and seems setup for even more success this year.
A couple second-year quarterbacks have really favorable schedules, Will Levis and Bryce Young. Both seem like good No. 2 fantasy quarterbacks to take a chance. Their teams did well in upgrading the talent around them this offseason and a favorable schedule bodes well for them to take some steps forward this year.
Caleb Williams was the No.1 overall pick and the Bears gave him plenty of firepower to work with in year one. Williams has a lot of good going for him this year and could be the C.J. Stroud of this year’s rookie class. And having a favorable fantasy schedule helps Williams even more.
A couple veterans with favorable schedules are Dak Prescott and Derek Carr. Prescott is the one that stands out the most. The Cowboys are lacking top options at the running back spot, so it would not surprise if the Cowboys are really pass-heavy offensively. Prescott could really rack up the numbers this year.
There are some big-name quarterbacks on the opposite side of things, having very tough fantasy schedules. Tua Tagovalioa has the toughest schedule of all. He struggled a little down the stretch last year and now has the most unfavorable schedule for any fantasy quarterback. This is a little concerning.
Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert and whoever is starting in Pittsburgh, likely Russell Wilson, are other veteran quarterbacks that have a top-five unfavorable schedule for fantasy quarterbacks. Burrow is not a huge concern for us because we think they will still have success throwing the ball and he has a ton of talent around him at receiver. Herbert is a concern. The Chargers lost their top two receivers and could be a lot more run-heavy with a new coach in place. Herbert has some red flags for him this coming year, making him a bit of a risky pick for fantasy teams. Wilson is another veteran with a tough schedule. He also has Justin Fields pushing him to play, so Wilson is going to be a boom or bust fantasy pick.
We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy quarterbacks. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the quarterbacks with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.
QB PLAYOFF SOS | ||
1. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 292.02 |
2. | Houston Texans | 299.33 |
3. | New York Giants | 301.93 |
4. | Miami Dolphins | 307.48 |
5. | Los Angeles Rams | 308.45 |
6. | Detroit Lions | 312.4 |
7. | Arizona Cardinals | 313.15 |
8. | Kansas City Chiefs | 313.45 |
9. | Buffalo Bills | 313.6 |
10. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 317.53 |
11. | Cincinnati Bengals | 318.03 |
12. | Baltimore Ravens | 318.25 |
13. | Green Bay Packers | 322.48 |
14. | Indianapolis Colts | 322.83 |
15. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 328.78 |
16. | Philadelphia Eagles | 331.23 |
17. | Cleveland Browns | 331.95 |
18. | Minnesota Vikings | 334.68 |
19. | Atlanta Falcons | 336.18 |
20. | Carolina Panthers | 338.62 |
21. | Seattle Seahawks | 338.65 |
22. | Las Vegas Raiders | 341.18 |
23. | Los Angeles Chargers | 341.22 |
24. | New York Jets | 344.3 |
25. | New Orleans Saints | 346.68 |
26. | Chicago Bears | 347.07 |
27. | Tennessee Titans | 348.42 |
28. | New England Patriots | 355.23 |
29. | Denver Broncos | 355.35 |
30. | Dallas Cowboys | 359.62 |
31. | Washington Commanders | 359.92 |
32. | San Francisco 49ers | 363.47 |
There is just a team that makes both the top-five favorable quarterback schedule for the regular season and playoffs. That team is the Cowboys. So Dak Prescott has the third easiest playoff schedule in addition to having the fifth easiest regular season schedule. Prescott was a player looking pretty good even before seeing these schedules, so you might want to bump him up a few spots in your rankings after seeing this. Prescott could be a league winner in 2024.
The 49ers actually have the easiest fantasy quarterback schedule for the playoffs. So Brock Purdy could have a great run during the fantasy playoffs. He always has a high weekly ceiling, so things are looking great for him this postseason.
Now some rookie quarterbacks round out the team of having top-five fantasy quarterback playoff schedules. Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix and Drake Maye are all likely starting for their teams later in the season, so they should help fantasy teams during the playoffs. They all have some question marks surrounding them but could be worth the gamble, especially if you have a dependable starter already on your roster. These rookies could make some noise late in the season.
On the opposite side of things, the Dolphins are the only team to have both a top-five unfavorable fantasy quarterback schedule for the regular season and playoffs. We already had a few concerns for Tagovalioa even before these schedules were released. And now seeing he has very challenging schedules for both the regular season and playoffs make him a player you might want to avoid come draft day.
Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars have the toughest schedule for the playoffs. Lawrence has not lived up to expectations to date. He could have his best season to date this year, but his schedule during the playoffs is concerning. Lawrence could struggle when it matters most.
C.J. Stroud is the biggest name of any quarterback with a top-five unfavorable playoff schedule. We aren’t too concerned about this because some players can rise above the challenge. Stroud is one of those players. Things will be tougher for him in year two, but he will also progress and get better. Plus, he has Stefon Diggs added to the mix, which should improve that passing game even more.
Daniel Jones is another quarterback with a challenging playoff schedule. He is another fringe draft pick to begin with, so seeing him possibly have struggles down the stretch causes more trepidation when it comes to possibly drafting him. He might be another player to just steer clear of come draft day.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 10
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson has been on a tear of late as he has gotten to at least 100 receiving yards in three of his past five games while notching four touchdowns over that span. Wilson will look to keep it going in Week 10 against the Arizona Cardinals on the road. The Cardinals have been a decent matchup for receivers as they are allowing the 14th-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. The target share has really consolidated around Wilson and Davante Adams of late and that should continue to be the case in Week 10 with Mike Williams traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Allen Lazard (chest) on injured reserve. Treat Wilson as a top-six fantasy wideout this weekend.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (knee, hamstring) is coming off one of his best games of the season as he threw for three touchdowns in a win over the Houston Texans last week. Rodgers has a chance to stay hot against the Arizona Cardinals on the road in Week 10. The Cardinals represent a good matchup for Rodgers as they are allowing the 12th-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this season. Rodgers settles in as a high-end QB2 in fantasy heading into Week 10.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets running back Breece Hall ran for 74 yards in a win over the Houston Texans in Week 9. He will now look to break a two-game scoreless streak in Week 10's road matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals have been generous to opposing running backs as they are allowing the ninth-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. Hall has been the Jets' bell cow since they changed head coaches last month and should continue to dominate the backfield touches in a favorable matchup, making him a high-end RB1 in fantasy in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce hauled in three passes for 41 yards in Week 9 after totaling three catches for 36 yards over the prior three weeks. With fellow wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. set to miss this week's game, Pierce could see an uptick in targets. If the 6-foot-3 wideout can convert a target or two into receptions, it could be a big day for the speedy receiver. So far this year, Pierce has earned only 12.84% target share compared to Pittman's 22.18%, yet Pierce commands 26.97% of the team's air yards compared to Pittman's 24.91%. That is because most of Pierce's targets are deep shots, having a whopping 22.60 average depth of target (aDOT) compared to an aDOT of 12.08 for Pittman. Still, the Colts offense struggled last week even with a so-called upgrade at quarterback with Joe Flacco under center instead of Anthony Richardson, and it could have a difficult day against a decent Bills pass defense. If the Colts rely on the ground game, as the Bills have allowed the second-most fantasy points to RBs, then the receivers may not stand to get much of boost in Pittman's absence. Pierce is still more of a boom/bust WR5 this week, with perhaps a better shot than recent weeks of catching a long one.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers rookie tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle, wrist) came off the injury report Friday and will play against the New York Giants in Week 10. Over the last month, Sanders has been the Panthers' most reliable target, averaging four receptions for 51 yards per game during that stretch. Unfortunately, the rookie has yet to find the end zone in his NFL career, which has hurt his production numbers, but that milestone should indeed be crossed soon. The Giants defend tight ends surprisingly well, ranking third in the league in points allowed against the position. With tight end Tommy Tremble (back) questionable, Sanders should see the majority of snaps once again. He is ranked as TE21 by RotoBaller for this matchup.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro has been in fantasy purgatory for most of his 2024 campaign amid immense struggles for Carolina's offense. The team has flip-flopped quarterbacks, traded away receivers, and consistently failed to put him in a position to kick the ball. They did, however, show some improvement in Week 9 as Pineiro made a 48-yarder to go along with two extra points. He should still be wholly avoided for fantasy purposes, but there are definite signs of life for the placekicker in Carolina.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is coming off his best performance of the season against the New Orleans Saints in Week 9. Young finished that game with 171 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and a 61% completion rate. He also orchestrated a game-winning drive to secure Carolina's second win of the season. In Week 10, he'll travel to Germany to face a feeble New York Giants team who've lost four straight. Young has utilized some emerging targets in the Panthers' offense, such as tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders and wide receivers Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker. Still, as a QB fighting for his starting job every week, the second-year quarterback remains a low-end QB2 this week.
From RotoBaller
Earlier this week, running back Chuba Hubbard agreed to a four-year, $33.2 million contract extension with the Carolina Panthers. Hubbard will look to keep things rolling against the New York Giants on Sunday. Hubbard has been one of the few bright spots for Carolina, ranking as RB7 in half-PPR scoring entering Week 10. He has absorbed all backfield work from running back Miles Sanders, who sees fewer and fewer touches. While rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) is questionable for this German matchup against the Giants, there is no reason to expect a lighter workload for Hubbard, who sealed the team's Week 9 victory with a 16-yard touchdown run. He should be a safe RB2 in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette has scored a touchdown in two straight weeks, both coming in red zone targets. The Panthers rookie wideout will look to find the end zone again in the Germany game against the New York Giants. All four of Legette's scores this season have been from inside the 20-yard line, as his 6-foot-2, 227-pound frame has become his greatest advantage. While his down-to-down consistency still leaves more to be desired, Legette did hang on for a crucial 26-yard completion over the middle in the Panthers' game-winning drive in Week 9. Facing an unimpressive New York Giants defense in Week 10, he should have opportunities to build on his chemistry with quarterback Bryce Young. Still, a WR3 for now, the rookie from South Carolina relies on scores for production.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers undrafted rookie wide receiver Jalen Coker will start in the team's Week 10 matchup against the New York Giants in Munich, Germany. Coker has been the surprise of the season for Carolina, with 14 catches for 222 yards and a touchdown over his last six games. With wide receiver Jonathan Mingo traded to Dallas earlier this week, that could be a signal that Carolina brass believe in the kid from Holy Cross and want to see him with more snaps. In the last two weeks, Coker has combined for six receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown. While not a steady starting option, he could be a streaming player in deep-leagues against the Giants in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson is a bit of a speculative play in Week 10 as he faces the New England Patriots. With the Bears' backfield set, Johnson is a potential dart throw for fantasy managers in deeper leagues or those looking for a sleeper. The Patriots' defense has struggled against the run this season, ranking 26th in rushing yards allowed and 21st in scoring defense, which presents a favorable matchup for Johnson. However, Johnson's role remains uncertain, with the Bears still trying to find their offensive rhythm. Until the Bears can stabilize their offensive game plan, Johnson remains more of a stash or desperation flex option rather than a reliable start. If you require a high-risk, high-reward play, Johnson's matchup could provide some upside, but proceed cautiously.
From RotoBaller
This week, Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore is a risky WR3 option in fantasy football. After a disappointing performance in Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals, where Moore managed just four catches for 33 yards and appeared frustrated with his offense, he's looking to bounce back. The good news is that the Patriots' defense presents an opportunity for Moore to get back on track. New England ranks 22nd in pass yards allowed and 21st in scoring defense, which should give Moore room to produce. However, there is some concern over Moore's potential one-on-one matchup with Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez, a talented rookie who has been solid in coverage. While Moore's upside is evident, his inconsistency and the challenging matchup against Gonzalez make him a risky play this week. If you're rolling with him, be prepared for a volatile performance, but the opportunity is for a bounce-back.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen hopes to bounce back in Week 10 as he faces off against a challenging New England Patriots secondary. After a frustrating outing in Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinalswhere Allen saw ten targets but only hauled in 4 catches for 36 yardshe's eager to regain his rhythm. Despite leading the team in targets, Allen struggled to make an impact, and he'll be looking to turn things around in a more favorable matchup this week. The Patriots' defense, while solid, ranks 22nd in pass yards allowed and 21st in scoring defense, providing Allen with a solid opportunity to produce. However, his role in the offense is unclear, so his fantasy upside is risky. Still, if you're banking on a bounce-back, Allen could be a WR3/WR4 with some potential this week.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze has the potential for a breakout performance this Sunday as he faces a vulnerable New England Patriots secondary. Last week, Odunze emerged as the lone bright spot in a disappointing offensive showing for the Bears, leading the team with 104 yards against the Arizona Cardinals. His strong outing proved he can be a reliable target in a struggling offense. This week, Odunze will face a Patriots defense that ranks 22nd in pass yards allowed and 21st in scoring defense, giving him an excellent chance to continue his hot streak. With his ability to stretch the field and make big plays, Odunze could be in for another strong performance, especially if the Bears look to exploit the Patriots' weaknesses in the passing game. For fantasy managers needing a WR3 or flex option, Odunze could be a sleeper with solid upside in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet is a risky starter in fantasy this week, given his limited usage and a mediocre matchup against the New England Patriots secondary. In Week 9, Kmet struggled to make an impact, finishing with no receptions in a disappointing performance against the Arizona Cardinals. With the Bears' offense still trying to find consistency, Kmet's role in the passing game has been a concern. However, he does have an opportunity to bounce back this week against a Patriots defense that ranks 22nd in pass yards allowed and 21st in scoring defense. While the Patriots' defense is generally solid, their vulnerability in coverage could open up chances for Kmet to get back on track. For fantasy managers, Kmet offers some upside, but with his recent lack of involvement, he remains a boom-or-bust option. If you're desperate for a tight end in Week 10, Kmet's matchup gives him a chance to produce, but proceed cautiously.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos is a solid yet somewhat unexciting fantasy option for Week 10 as he prepares to face the New England Patriots. In his last outing, Santos had a productive game, converting all three field goal attempts, including makes from 29, 53, and 53 yards. While the Bears' offense has been inconsistent, Santos' accuracy has been reliable, and the Patriots' defense, ranked 21st in points allowed this season, gives him a decent chance to put up points. With a potential for more field goal attempts and extra points in a matchup where the Bears may struggle to punch the ball into the end zone consistently, Santos could provide some solid fantasy production. He may not offer the excitement of a high-scoring game, but if you're looking for a steady kicker option, Santos is a startable choice for Week 10.
From RotoBaller
This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams presents a risky yet intriguing fantasy option as he faces the New England Patriots. After a disappointing performance in Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals, where Williams completed 22 of 41 passes for 217 yards with no touchdowns, he's eager to bounce back and prove his potential. The Patriots' defense offers an opportunity for redemption, as they rank 22nd in the league for passing yards allowed and 21st in scoring defense. While Williams has shown flashes of promise, his inconsistency makes him a boom-or-bust play in fantasy this week. Still, with the Patriots struggling against the pass, Williams could thrive if he finds his rhythm. For fantasy managers looking for upside, he could be a high-risk, high-reward option in Week 10, especially if you're in need of a quarterback to take a gamble on.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift is primed to be a strong RB2 option in fantasy this Sunday as the Bears take on the New England Patriots. After a solid performance in Week 9, where Swift rushed for 51 yards on 16 carries and added six receptions for 31 yards, he should be in line for another productive outing. The Patriots' defense has struggled against the run this season, ranking 26th in rushing yards allowed and 21st in scoring defense. This sets up an excellent opportunity for Swift to take advantage of a vulnerable defense and produce solid fantasy numbers. With his involvement in both the running and passing game, Swift offers a high floor and plenty of upside for fantasy managers. If you're looking for reliable production from your RB2 slot, Swift should be in your lineup for Week 10.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints "tight end" Taysom Hill had his most productive game of the season against the Panthers in Week 9. In the loss, he turned in season highs in receptions (four) and receiving yards (41), had five carries for 19 yards, and scored a touchdown, his third this year. The uptick in usage resulted from the Saints' wide receiver and running back depth charts stretched thin due to injuries. The same challenge is present in Week 10, with Chris Olave (concussion) and Cedrick Wilson Jr. (shoulder) declared out and running back Jamaal Williams (groin) questionable. Hill should factor in once again as the Saints cannot run their entire offense through Alvin Kamara alone. Tight end streamers or managers feeling the pinch of a bye week can plug Hill in as the circumstances around him give him top-12 potential.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson tied for the second most receiving yards on the team in Week 9 against the Panthers. Sadly, all he needed for that distinction was 41 yards. On the season, Johnson now has 20 receptions for 225 yards with one touchdown. In Week 10, Johnson and the Saints take on the Atlanta Falcons in an NFC South rivalry game. The matchup offers no special advantage to Johnson. Atlanta has seen only two touchdowns go to opposing tight ends this season and lands in the middle of the pack in terms of receptions and receiving yards allowed to the position. With the Saints' offense decimated by injuries, Johnson may be in line for an uptick in work but the same could have been said about his situation in Week 9 and nothing substantial came to fruition. He can be left on the wire in Week 10.
From RotoBaller