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
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford could have another successful fantasy outing despite the difficult matchup in Week 10. With both of his top wideouts, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua back in action, Stafford has averaged an impressive 26.3 PPR points over the past two weeks. In this span, Stafford has thrown at least two passing scores in each game and averaged 288.5 yards per game. On Monday, Stafford will face a tough Miami defense who has allowed the fewest points to opposing QBs this season. However, despite the unappealing matchup, his two star wideouts will provide Stafford with enough upside to consider him a low-end QB1 in all formats.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets defensive lineman Solomon Thomas (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Arizona Cardinals, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Thomas sustained his knee injury during last Thursday's victory over the Houston Texans and was unable to participate in any team practices this week. Thomas will now set his sights on returning in Week 11 to face the Indianapolis Colts. This season, the 29-year-old has tallied 2.5 sacks and 16 tackles (eight solo) with one pass deflection. Fantasy managers should expect Will McDonald, Quinnen Williams, Javon Kinlaw, and Michael Clemons to see the majority of the snaps on the defensive line with Hasson Reddick and Leonard Taylor III rotating in.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (back) is listed as questionable but is expected to suit up on Sunday evening to face the Detroit Lions, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. Dell popped up on the injury report on Friday and was listed as a limited participant. However, given this report, fantasy managers should not be overly concerned with his availability over the weekend. Last week, Dell operated as the top wideout with Nico Collins (hamstring) still sidelined and Stefon Diggs (knee) out with a torn ACL. In that game, Dell brought in a season-high 126 yards off six receptions. Collins is also listed as questionable, but if Dell is able to play, he should be viewed as a solid WR2 given the matchup against the Lions, who have allowed the third-most PPR points to opposing wideouts.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) remains in uncertain status for Monday's game against the Los Angeles Rams. According to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network Hill is dealing with a wrist injury that is "heating up." Head coach Mike McDaniel also noted that he will play "if his body lets him." Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the weekend as he will likely carry an injury designation for Monday's game. After struggling through most of October without Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback, Hill has gone to eclipse double-digit PPR points in each of the past two games. If Hill is able to suit up, fantasy managers should view him as a high-end WR1. If not, Jaylen Waddle would see the majority of targets and be viewed as a high-end WR2.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Dee Eskridge (personal) will not travel with the team and has been ruled out for Monday's contest against the Los Angeles Rams. Eskridge did not participate in practice on Thursday due to a personal matter and will now set his sights on returning in Week 11 to face the Las Vegas Raiders. Eskridge has been operating as a depth option in the Miami wide receiver room and caught just one pass over the past two weeks. In addition, Tyreek Hill's (wrist) status is also up in the air for Monday's game. This could potentially leave Jaylen Waddle and Odell Beckham Jr. as the lone wideouts for Miami on Monday.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle will take on the Buccaneers in Tampa for the team's Week 10 contest on Sunday. In Week 8 against Dallas, Kittle had a week-winning game, catching six of seven targets for 128 yards and a touchdown. The book on Kittle in fantasy has been boom/bust for years, but in 2024 it's been all boom. After a six-point game in Week 1, Kittle has outperformed projections in each subsequent game. He is now averaging 15.2 half-PPR points per game, while the second-ranked TE Brock Bowers sits at 11.2 PPG. It remains to be seen what the effect of an active Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) will be on Kittle's target share, but even if he takes a slight hit, he'll remain an elite option at an otherwise frustrating position. The Bucs present an excellent opportunity to keep the good times rolling, having allowed the third-most TE fantasy points this year. Unsurprisingly, Kittle is projected as the overall TE1 coming into Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland (hand, knee) is optimistic that he will be able to play on Monday Night Football in Week 10 against the Los Angeles Rams, according to head coach Mike McDaniel. While Holland is hoping to be able to play, he said on Friday that he'll be a game-time decision on Monday. The 24-year-old defensive back injured his knee in the Week 8 loss to the Arizona Cardinals and was not active for last week's loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills. After missing practice on Thursday this week, Holland put in a limited session on Friday, giving him a chance to return on Monday. The Dolphins defense could surely use Holland back on the field against a high-octane Rams passing attack that has both receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua back. In six games this year, Holland has 26 tackles (18 solo), two pass breakups and a forced fumble.
From RotoBaller
The Indianapolis Colts elevated wide receiver Laquon Treadwell from the practice squad to the active roster for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills after the team ruled out Michael Pittman Jr. (back) for Week 10. It will be the first week that Treadwell has been active for the Colts in 2024, and he'll be unlikely to make any noise in fantasy as receiver depth for Indy. With Pittman inactive, Josh Downs should serve as quarterback Joe Flacco's favorite target, with Alec Pierce and rookie Adonai Mitchell also seeing more opportunities. Treadwell, 29, only played in five games last year with the Baltimore Ravens and caught just one of three targets for a 16-yard gain. The previous year he caught six of 10 targets for 42 scoreless yards in six contests with the Seattle Seahawks.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins right tackle Austin Jackson (knee) will not play in the Monday night game against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 10. Head coach Mike McDaniel said Jackson popped up with a knee injury after the Week 9 loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills. It's unknown if Jackson will need surgery, but thankfully his injury doesn't appear to be season-ending. With Jackson sidelined on Monday, veteran Kendall Lamm and rookie Patrick Paul are both options to replace him on the right side of the offensive line against the Rams. Miami comes into Week 10 action riding a three-game losing streak despite quarterback Tua Tagovailoa back in the starting role under center the last two weeks. The Dolphins currently sit at 2-6 and are 2.5 games behind the Denver Broncos for the seventh seed in the AFC.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles), who is listed as questionable to play in Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, said he feels great and is ready to make his 2024 debut on Sunday. McCaffrey missed the first eight games with bilateral Achilles tendonitis but completed his first full week of practice and will be activated from Injured Reserve on Saturday. CMC also dealt with a calf strain in early August and missed most of training camp in the summer. Now that the reigning Offensive Player of the Year is back, fantasy managers want to know how effective he'll be against Tampa and how much work he'll get. While McCaffrey should operate as San Fran's lead back on Sunday, he'll more than likely have his workload monitored, which will make him a more risky RB1. Jordan Mason will now lose most of his fantasy value as he reverts to a backup role.
From RotoBaller
Although the move isn't yet official, the Dallas Cowboys will put quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) on Injured Reserve, which means he'll be required to miss at least the next four games, according to executive vice president Stephen Jones. Multiple sources said Prescott is expected to need six to eight weeks of recovery for the partial avulsion of his hamstring that he suffered in the Week 9 loss to the Falcons. If he need surgery, Prescott would miss the rest of the regular season. If he doesn't have surgery and recovers quickly, Prescott would be eligible to return on Dec. 9 against the Bengals in Week 14. However, the prevailing sentiment is that Prescott will likely need more time than that to recover. It's a huge blow to the already disappointing 3-5 Cowboys. Their offense will now be led by backup QB Cooper Rush, who will be no better than a low-end QB2 in superflex fantasy leagues moving forward.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) is "doing everything possible" in order to play on Monday night against the Los Angeles Rams after he was added to the Week 10 injury report after missing practice on Friday, according to head coach Mike McDaniel. The head coach said Hill's wrist injury has been "heating up," and the team wants to give it a chance to "cool down." Miami is taking things day-to-day with Hill, who sounds likely to get a questionable tag on Saturday's final injury report. For what it's worth, McDaniel is optimistic Hill will be able to play. The Cheetah leads all Dolphins players with 446 receiving yards in 2024, but he has just one TD and it's his worst statistical start since coming to Miami in 2022. The good news is he has averaged 76 yards in the last two games with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa back. If Hill can't play, it will put Jaylen Waddle in the No. 1 role against LA.
From RotoBaller
The Denver Broncos defense/special teams unit is tied for third in the league with the Chicago Bears in overall fantasy points, but they represent a shaky fantasy option as they head into a tough Week 10 matchup against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes. While KC's offense hasn't been as explosive as in years past, they are definitely more dangerous now after trading for receiver DeAndre Hopkins. And while Denver's D has been one of the stingier units in 2024 -- they're allowing the third-fewest points per game (17.9) -- the Ravens proved last week that they can still be dominated. The Chiefs offense hasn't been perfect with 12 giveaways on the season, but they also haven't been an ideal matchup for opposing defenses, allowing only 5.0 fantasy points per game. There just isn't a ton of upside for Denver's D/ST on the road against the defending Super Bowl champs.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Devaughn Vele probably isn't going to break out in the team's Week 10 matchup on the road against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs, a defense that has allowed the eighth-fewest half-PPR fantasy points to opposing receivers this year. The seventh-round pick out of Utah has some intriguing long-term upside working with quarterback Bo Nix in Denver, but he's just not anywhere near the fantasy radar in single-year leagues. In just five games played in his first year in the NFL, Vele has 18 catches on 23 targets for 176 yards and no touchdowns. Courtland Sutton, the clear WR1 in Denver, is really the only fantasy relevant receiver that the Broncos have to offer in 2024. Even with Josh Reynolds (finger) on Injured Reserve, Vele just hasn't managed to stand out while competing for targets with Lil'Jordan Humphrey and fellow rookie Troy Franklin.
From RotoBaller
Fantasy managers should be able to find more reliable kicking options in Week 10 than Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz, who has been disappointing each of the last two weeks. Lutz checks in as the No. 7 kicker in overall fantasy points entering a Week 10 showdown against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs, but he's managed just one field goal and five extra points in Weeks 8 and 9 against the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens, respectively. The 30-year-old has been one of the most accurate in the league, missing just one of his 19 field-goal attempts on the year while making all 17 of his extra points, but volume may be hard to come by on Sunday in a hostile environment against a KC defense that has allowed just 18.4 points per game, fourth-fewest in the NFL. Lutz has been money when given opportunities in 2024, but there's minimal fantasy upside for him this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey simply cannot be trusted in fantasy for a Week 10 divisional matchup this Sunday on the road against the 9-0 Kansas City Chiefs. Humphrey ranks third on the Broncos in targets (32), receptions (21) and receiving yards (188), but the lack of production speaks for itself, and he has yet to get into the end zone in nine games played. The 26-year-old does have some impressive yards-after-the-catch skills, but he's only gone over four catches in a game once this year and still has yet to eclipse 50 yards in a game. Denver's offense could struggle to move the ball for the second straight week against a Chiefs defense that has allowed the eighth-fewest half-PPR points to opposing pass-catchers this season. There's no reason for Humphrey to be rostered in 12-team fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little isn't a great option this week in fantasy against the Minnesota Vikings. The Jaguars are dealing with a lot of injuries on offense, including quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who seems likely to be replaced by Mac Jones. With the offense's upside lower than usual, the already mid-tier fantasy kicker is even worse of a fantasy option than he has been this season. To top it all off, the Vikings defense has been one of the best defenses in fantasy against kickers. If all of the banged up receiving options, such as Brian Thomas Jr. and Gabe Davis, are healthy, he could have a decent day, but the upside for fantasy points is extremely limited. Unless fantasy managers believe in Mac Jones, Little is best left out of lineups in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington will be tasked with stepping up once again against the Minnesota Vikings. In Week 9, Washington had just three catches for 41 yards on six targets last week in relief of Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis. Brian Thomas Jr. was a game-time decision but played. Kirk is out for the rest of the season and Davis and Thomas Jr. are questionable once again, so Washington should have a similar role against the Minnesota Vikings. His main competition is tight end Evan Engram, the healthiest receiving option currently on the team. Washington will have to deal with Mac Jones potentially taking over for Trevor Lawrence as well this week due to an injury of his own, but the two did play together a bit during preseason. It's risky, but Washington is a potential deep league flex play once again in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
The Chicago Bears' defense and special teams are looking to rebound in Week 10 as they face off against the New England Patriots. After a somewhat strong showing in Week 9, where they kept things competitive despite a tough loss to the Arizona Cardinals, the Bears now turn their attention to rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Maye has been impressed, managing a solid performance despite working with a below-average group of skill players. The Bears' defense will need to key in on Hunter Henry, his top weapon in the passing game if they hope to neutralize the Patriots' attack. Rhamondre Stevenson will be a key focus on the ground, especially after the Bears were gashed by the Cardinals' rushing attack last week. While the Bears' defense is still a startable fantasy option in Week 10, their floor is lower than expected, and fantasy managers should be cautious, given the potential for big plays from Stevenson and Henry. With Maye showing poise and the Patriots having some weapons, the Bears could be in for a more challenging outing than anticipated.
From RotoBaller
The New York Jets defense/special teams will head on the road to take on the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10. New York's pass rush was a problem in a Week 9 win over the Houston Texans as they notched eight sacks in the win. They will look to keep it going against Kyler Murray and company this weekend. The Cardinals have been a tough matchup for fantasy defenses this season, however, as they are allowing the 12th-fewest fantasy points per game to the position thus far. The Jets settle in as a top-15 fantasy defense heading into Week 10.
From RotoBaller