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
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (shoulder) was upgraded to a full participant during Thursday's practice session. Levis hasn't played in a game since Week 6, so it's nice to see him back on the practice field. Head coach Brian Callahan said he's hopeful that Levis can play this weekend against the Los Angeles Chargers. Before going down, Levis was struggling with seven interceptions and only 699 passing yards across five contests. He won't be a recommended fantasy option even if he's healthy and ready to start in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (foot) was absent from Thursday's practice session. Pollard missed two practices last week, but still managed to play against the New England Patriots. He rushed for 128 yards during the overtime victory. Afterwards, head coach Brian Callahan said he plans to reduce Pollard's workload because they don't want him to get overworked. That being said, it's not shocking to see the Titans being light with Pollard in practice. He should be fine ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Although, fantasy managers should check back on Friday to see what Pollard does in practice. His fantasy value is likely to take a hit with the Titans limiting Pollard going forward.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (hamstring) was able to get through a limited practice session on Thursday. Gano has been out since suffering an injury during the opening kickoff in Week 2. Since then, the Giants have been using Greg Joseph (abdomen) at kicker, but he was placed on the injured reserve last week. Jude McAtamney took over the kicking duties in Week 9 and connected on his lone field goal attempt. Afterwards, McAtamney headed back to the practice squad with Gano possibly returning in Week 10. Whoever is the kicker for the Giants might actually have streaming appeal against the terrible Carolina Panthers defense this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (finger) was once again limited in practice on Thursday. The veteran back has now opened the week with back-to-back limited practice sessions due to a finger injury. Conner is coming off his third 100-plus yard rushing game of the season. He has been tough to stop on the ground and will be an important piece of this offense against the New York Jets in Week 10. If he sits, Trey Benson and Emari Demercado would split up the carries in the backfield. Although, it seems like Conner should be good to go and should be a solid RB2 this weekend.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (knee, back) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. This marks back-to-back days that Johnson has been limited due to multiple injuries. Normally, Johnson isn't much of a factor in the offense, but he's coming off his best game of the season last week. He hauled in three of his six targets for 51 yards and a touchdown during the Week 9 loss to the Washington Commanders. The Giants are banged up right now, so Johnson could continue seeing more targets going forward. He could be on the TE2 radar if active for the Week 10 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
From RotoBaller
The New York Giants have officially ruled out wide receiver Darius Slayton (concussion) for Sunday's game in Munich, Germany, in Week 10 against the Carolina Panthers and he won't travel with the team to Europe. Slayton was unable to clear the league's concussion protocol after suffering a concussion in the Week 9 loss to the division-rival Washington Commanders and will now hope to after the Week 11 bye to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 12. Rookie Malik Nabers and Wan'Dale Robinson will continue to serve as quarterback Daniel Jones' top targets, with Jalin Hyatt and rookie tight end Theo Johnson also having more opportunities this weekend in the passing game with Slayton out. However, the Panthers defense has stiffened against opposing wideouts in the last three weeks, allowing the fourth-fewest half-PPR points per game.
From RotoBaller
After being limited in Wednesday's practice, Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (quadriceps) returned to a full practice a day later on Thursday. Hunt was also limited by a quad injury last week but ended up playing in the Monday night overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and went over 100 rushing yards with the walk-off touchdown. There shouldn't be any concerns over whether the 29-year-old will suit up as KC's lead back for a big divisional matchup against the visiting Denver Broncos. The Broncos defense has been pretty stingy against RBs in 2024, but they did give up over 100 rushing yards and two scores to Ravens RB Derrick Henry in Week 9. Because of significant volume that he's been receiving as the Chiefs' lead back with Isiah Pacheco (leg) on Injured Reserve, Hunt has been a solid RB2 for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (toe) remained a limited participant in Thursday's practice. Irving is dealing with a toe injury that he could have to manage for the rest of his first season the NFL, but he should be good to play this Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 10. Tampa's three-headed backfield that also includes Rachaad White and Sean Tucker limits Irving's weekly upside as an RB3/flex. However, the 22-year-old has the most fantasy upside of the trio and is extremely dangerous in space as a runner and pass-catcher. With receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) expected to miss a third straight game this weekend and with Chris Godwin (ankle) out for the year, look for Tampa to try and lean more heavily on their trio of RBs against San Francisco. Irving has averaged 5.0 yards per carry and 7.6 yards per catch in his nine games in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) was listed as a non-participant in practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week. Evans was working off to the side with a trainer on Wednesday but he's just not ready to return in Week 10 to face the San Francisco 49ers and is fully expected to miss a third straight game. The Bucs are hoping the 31-year-old future Hall of Famer will be ready to roll in Week 12 after the Week 11 bye. Chris Godwin (ankle) is out for the year, and now Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and Sterling Shepard (hamstring, hip) are in danger of missing this Sunday after not practicing yet this week. Depending on the statuses of McMillan and Shepard for this weekend, Trey Palmer could act as the team's top wideout against the 49ers, with tight end Cade Otton being heavily targeted by quarterback Baker Mayfield (toe) yet again.
From RotoBaller
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be in dire straights at the wide receiver position in Week 10 against the San Francisco 49ers. Mike Evans (hamstring) is likely to miss his third straight game, Chris Godwin (ankle) is out for the year, and Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and Sterling Shepard (hamstring, hip) are in danger of sitting out this weekend after two straight missed practices on Wednesday and Thursday. McMillan didn't play in the Week 9 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. If neither McMillan nor Shepard are able to play this Sunday, Trey Palmer and Marquez Valdes-Scantling would be quarterback Baker Mayfield's (toe) top receiving targets, as well as tight end Cade Otton, who has gone off the last several weeks with Evans and Godwin out. Check back on Friday for more clarity on McMillan's and Shepard's statuses.
From RotoBaller
For a second straight day this week on Thursday, the San Francisco 49ers listed kicker Jake Moody (ankle) as limited in practice. Moody has missed the last three games due to a high-ankle sprain but is on track to return in Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after coming off last week's bye. The 49ers already cut fill-in kicker Anders Carlson on Tuesday, so all signs point to the 24-year-old booter returning on Sunday as one of the better fantasy options at the position. In addition, the Niners are getting All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) back, which should only make the offense more productive. Before spraining his ankle, Moody made 13 of his 14 field-goal attempts while making all 12 of his extra-point tries for the Niners.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receivers Deebo Samuel Sr. (oblique, rib) and Jauan Jennings (hip) were both limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Chris Conley (hamstring) missed another practice. While Samuel is still hurting from injuries he suffered in the Week 8 win over the Dallas Cowboys, he's still up in the air to play in Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers despite having last week's bye to rest up. We'd still be surprised if he's not active this Sunday. Samuel is a must-start fantasy wideout when active, especially with Brandon Aiyuk (knee) out for the year. Jennings missed Weeks 7 and 8 due to his hip ailment but could make it back this weekend, where he'd likely serve as the No. 2 behind Samuel, giving him upside as a WR4/flex for fantasy managers in a good matchup.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) is expected to make his 2024 season debut on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 10, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. The 49ers are coming off their bye and McCaffrey has been pain-free after two straight limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday. Achilles tendonitis in both of his legs has kept CMC out all year to this point, so fantasy managers that likely drafted him first overall will finally be able to deploy him this weekend, albeit as a more volatile RB1 than usual with the Niners likely to be mindful of his workload in his debut. Jordan Mason (shoulder), who was a must-start RB1 in fantasy with McCaffrey sidelined the first eight weeks, will take a huge hit in value with last year's leading rusher returning to the fold for the 49ers.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton was inactive in the Week 9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders after missing some meetings. However, Burton was much-improved this week, and the Bengals are expecting him to be a factor for Thursday night's divisional clash against the Baltimore Ravens with Tee Higgins (quadriceps) missing his third straight game. Charlie Jones (groin) is also out for the Bengals, so the 23-year-old Burton is likely to work as the No. 3 wideout in Week 10 behind Ja'Marr Chase and Andrei Iosivas. Burton, a third-rounder in April of this year, has real skills as a deep threat but has plenty of maturing to do off the field. Tight end Mike Gesicki will remain heavily involved as a pass-catcher, too, so Burton is more of a DFS long shot on Thursday night. He has only two catches for 88 yards in his first seven NFL games.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens rookie running back Rasheen Ali (ankle) is officially out for Thursday night's divisional tilt against the Cincinnati Bengals after entering the contest with a questionable tag. Meanwhile, second-year back Keaton Mitchell (knee) is fully recovered from a torn ACL suffered last year and will make his 2024 debut on Thursday. Ali, a fifth-rounder out of Marshall this year, was active for just one game so far this year (Week 6) but didn't play any offensive snaps. Now that Mitchell is back in the fold in Baltimore's backfield, Ali will most likely be a healthy scratch on game days moving forward once he reaches full health. In addition to Mitchell, the Ravens have the NFL's leading rusher in Derrick Henry and pass-catching specialist Justice Hill.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals new running back Khalil Herbert, who was acquired from the Chicago Bears at the deadline on Tuesday, is officially active on Thursday night to make his debut with the team against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. The Bengals made the move to land Herbert for more backfield depth behind starter Chase Brown after Zack Moss suffered a season-ending neck injury in the Week 9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Herbert should have a bigger role in Cincinnati the rest of the way than he did in Chicago -- he had only eight carries for 16 yards and a touchdown in six games with the Bears -- but he probably won't have as much standalone fantasy appeal as Moss did while working alongside Brown. If anything, RB3 Trayveon Williams might see more run as a change-of-pace option in the Bengals' backfield as Herbert learns the offense.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (shoulder) was limited in practice on Thursday after he had no restrictions on Wednesday. It's a downgrade for Mason, but the Niners could just be resting him coming out of their bye week as they prepare to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday. Mason was a must-start RB1 for fantasy managers through the season's first nine weeks with Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) on Injured Reserve, but McCaffrey is in line to return in Week 10. San Fran could ease McCaffrey back into their backfield against the Bucs, but an active CMC will automatically make Mason more of an RB4/flex in fantasy lineups. Mason sprained his left shoulder in Week 6 and aggravated it in Week 8 before getting the bye in Week 9 to heal up. With McCaffrey on the verge of his return, Mason should still be stashed in most fantasy leagues as a handcuff.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) was limited in practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week as he tries to make his 2024 debut in Week 10 this Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was reported on Wednesday that McCaffrey was pain-free while putting in a limited session. CMC hasn't officially been activated from Injured Reserve, but that's expected to come later this week in order to debut this weekend. Because there's a chance the Niners ease the All-Pro RB into the fold on Sunday versus Tampa Bay, he'll be a more volatile low-end RB1 for fantasy managers that have been stashing the talented back all year. Jordan Mason (shoulder) has been practicing in full this week, so he looks more than ready to help shoulder the load for CMC if he makes his return in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receivers Chris Olave (concussion) and Cedrick Wilson Jr. (shoulder) both missed a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday. Olave suffered his second concussion of the year in the Week 9 loss to the division-rival Carolina Panthers and had to be carted off. The 24-year-old has met with specialists this week and doesn't appear ready to return for Week 10 versus the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. Fantasy managers may want to prepare for a multi-week absence from Olave. With Wilson also trending in the wrong direction for the weekend, rookie Mason Tipton could be quarterback Derek Carr's top target in addition to Marquez Valdes-Scantling and tight end Juwan Johnson. Expect the Saints to lean more heavily on running back Alvin Kamara and tight end Taysom Hill with Olave looking unlikely to play.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee) returned to a full practice on Thursday after he was listed as limited on Wednesday. Brown was considered day-to-day earlier this week after undergoing an MRI exam on Monday following a knee injury in the Week 9 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The fact that the 27-year-old is back to full practice is a good sign for his availability this Sunday against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys unless he suffers a setback. Brown is a must-start in fantasy lineups when he's active, but his ceiling could be higher if DeVonta Smith (hamstring) is limited or out this weekend. The three-time Pro Bowler has caught 23 of his 34 targets for 444 yards and three touchdowns in the five games he's played in this year, his third in Philly. The Cowboys secondary has been more vulnerable against opposing wideouts in recent weeks.
From RotoBaller