QB Strength of Schedule
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.
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- Week 10 Inactives
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (hamstring) is officially active for Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers. He had been listed as questionable. McMillan missed two consecutive practices before returning in a limited capacity on Friday, so his availability for Week 10 is notable at the very least. The 22-year-old has appeared in six games this season, catching 10 passes for 109 yards and one touchdown. His best game came in Week 8 when he started with Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (ankle). In that contest, he played 81 percent of the offensive snaps, turning seven targets into a career-high four catches and 35 yards. He'll look to build on that stat line this week with Evans still sidelined and Godwin done for the year.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is a healthy inactive yet again on Sunday in a Week 10 divisional matchup against the visiting Denver Broncos. It's the fourth straight game that Edwards-Helaire has been a healthy scratch for the Chiefs, with Kareem Hunt, Samaje Perine and rookie Carson Steele ahead of him on the RB depth chart. The 25-year-old was on the Non-Football Illness list earlier this season due to personal issues and is well off the fantasy radar, especially Isiah Pacheco (leg) hoping to return from a broken leg before the end of the season. CEH has been one of the few Chiefs' draft busts in recent years after they took him 32nd overall in the first round in 2020 out of LSU. Edwards-Helaire has yet to see the field in 2024.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams (groin) is officially inactive for Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons. He had been listed as questionable. The veteran running back logged two limited practices before downgrading to a non-participant Friday. He has appeared in eight games this season, tallying just 124 rushing yards and 21 receiving yards. With Williams sidelined and Kendre Miller (hamstring) on injured reserve, the Saints will call upon a combination of Taysom Hill and Jordan Mims to back up Alvin Kamara on Sunday. Kamara is the only Saints running back currently on the fantasy radar.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder), as expected, is officially inactive in Week 10 against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Lawrence was never expected to play this weekend after suffering an AC joint sprain in his left (non-throwing) shoulder in the Week 9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. It was reported on Sunday morning that Lawrence could also be in danger of missing the rest of the season because of his shoulder injury. It's just the second time in the 25-year-old's four-year career that he'll be missing a game, paving the way for backup Mac Jones to make his first start of 2024. The Jaguars have a bye in Week 12, so Lawrence will probably sit out the Week 11 contest against the Detroit Lions. With Jones now leading a struggling Jaguars offense, fantasy managers should downgrade all of the Jaguars' pass-catchers.
From RotoBaller
The Minnesota Vikings have declared DT Levi Drake Rodriguez, OG Dan Feeney, CB Dwight McGlothern, DB Fabian Moreau, QB Brett Rypien and OT Walter Rouse inactive for Week 10.
From TheHuddle
The New England Patriots have declared S Kyle Dugger, DL Eric Johnson, OL Tyrese Robinson, QB Joe Milton III, LB Christian Elliss, WR Tyquan Thornton and DL Yannick Ngakoue inactive for Week 10.
From TheHuddle
The New Orleans Saints have declared QB Spencer Rattler, WR Cedrick Wilson, DT Khristian Boyd, CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, RB Jamaal Williams, OG Lucas Patrick and LB Jaylan Ford inactive for Week 10.
From TheHuddle
The Indianapolis Colts have declared DL Adam Gotsis, WR Anthony Gould, WR Michael Pittman Jr., LB Genard Avery, QB Sam Ehlinger and CB Darren Hall inactive for Week 10.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) is officially active for Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He had been listed as questionable but was widely expected to play after the Niners activated him from injured reserve on Saturday. The star running back has not yet appeared in a game this season, so Sunday represents his much-anticipated return. Many fantasy managers who selected McCaffrey with the 1.01 pick in fantasy drafts felt betrayed by his long absence, but now, he has a chance to make it up with a strong stretch throughout the second half of the season. In case he has a reduced workload, McCaffrey ranks as a low-end RB1 in his first game back. In future weeks, though, he'll likely rank among the top three running backs, joining the conversation with Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (rib, oblique) is officially active for Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He had been listed as questionable after logging three limited practices in a row. Samuel has delivered modest production so far this season, catching just 24 passes for 406 yards and one touchdown through seven games. Fantasy managers should still deploy him, given his talent, role, and usage, but his days of being a surefire WR1 are over. For now, he's a riskier WR2 play.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (hip) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He had been questionable heading into Week 10 after logging three limited practices in a row. Bosa continues to be one of the most effective defenders in his age-27 season, registering 28 tackles, 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one interception through eight games this year. This week, Bosa will be tasked with taking down Baker Mayfield and the rest of his Buccaneers teammates.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper (wrist) will miss a second straight game while recovering from a wrist injury in Week 10 versus the Indianapolis Colts. With rookie Keon Coleman (wrist) also out, Buffalo's receiving corps will be noticeably thin on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium, with Khalil Shakir to serve as the No. 1 pass-catcher for quarterback Josh Allen. In addition to Shakir, tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox should see more run in Buffalo's passing attack, while veterans Mack Hollins and Curtis Samuel should serve in starting three-receiver sets alongside Shakir. With Cooper out last week, Shakir caught six of seven targets for 50 yards and also had his first 100-yard game the week prior. Cooper's next chance to return will be for a Week 11 showdown on Nov. 17 against the Super Bowl-champion Kansas City Chiefs.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (hip) is officially active for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. He had been listed as questionable after being limited in practice ahead of Week 10. London has been quite productive this season, catching 50 passes for 552 yards and six touchdowns while ranking as the overall WR6 in PPR leagues. The 23-year-old remains a strong fantasy option heading into Week 10. His matchup against the Saints is particularly favorable given that New Orleans traded away cornerback Marshon Lattimore last Tuesday.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill (wrist) is considered a game-time decision for Week 10's game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Fantasy Spin: Hill had been listed as questionable on the injury report after missing Miami's final two practice sessions of the week due to a wrist injury that he initially sustained during training camp but aggravated a few days ago. He will participate during pregame warmups Monday, Nov. 11, before a final decision is made about his status. Fantasy owners should make alternate plans in the event that Hill is held out of action.
From TheHuddle
The Washington Commanders have declared CB Marshon Lattimore, PK Austin Seibert, OT Cornelius Lucas, QB Jeff Driskel, S Darrick Forrest Jr., S Dominique Hampton and RB Brian Robinson Jr. inactive for Week 10.
From TheHuddle
The Buffalo Bills have declared WR Amari Cooper, LB Edefuan Ulofoshio, RB Reggie Gilliam, WR Keon Coleman, C Will Clapp and WR KJ Hamler inactive for Week 10.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) said he felt "close" to being available for Week 10 against the San Francisco 49ers. However, he was ruled out and is instead eyeing a Week 12 return. That timetable would give Evans an extra week to get healthy during the bye before suiting up against the New York Giants on November 24. Evans has been sidelined since Week 7, the same week Tampa Bay also lost Chris Godwin (ankle) to a season-ending injury. As a result, Tampa Bay's passing attack has been forced to funnel through players like Cade Otton, Trey Palmer, and Jalen McMillan (hamstring). Evans' return will give Tampa Bay a reliable top receiver once again.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) is expected to undergo season-ending surgery after testing revealed a partial tear of his hamstring tendon. The veteran quarterback is set to meet with a doctor on Monday to get a final opinion. Prescott won't play in Week 10 and is likely going to elect surgery to address the issue. This would certainly be a frustrating end to Prescott's season, but the team needs to do what is best for his health. Cooper Rush will start under center in Week 10 and figures to remain the starter going forward, assuming Prescott elects the surgery.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons (ankle) is set to make his return to the field ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Parsons will take the field for the first time since suffering an ankle injury in Week 4. His return to the field is a welcoming sight for this defensive unit. Parsons was able to get in three limited practice sessions this week. That being said, Parsons is expected to be on a snap count for this first game back. The Cowboys don't want to push Parsons too hard considering he has missed quite a bit of time.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (foot, ankle) is considered doubtful to return for Sunday's Week 10 matchup against the New York Giants. It appears Sanders suffered some type of leg injury during the first half of this game. After further evaluation it sounds like the Panthers are likely going to hold him out for the rest of the game. Before exiting, Sanders rushed the ball twice as the primary backup to Chuba Hubbard. The absence of Sanders should mean a few more snaps for Hubbard during the second half of this game.
From RotoBaller
