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FFL: Week 6 | NFL: Week 6

QB Strength of Schedule

Thu May 23 11:12am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

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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Player Notes
Cole Kmet Oct 14 6:20am ET
Cole Kmet

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet had a standout performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6, recording five receptions for 70 yards and two touchdowns. Both of his touchdowns came in the first half, providing the Bears' offense with crucial momentum that carried into the second half. Kmet showcased his strength on his first touchdown, powering through a defender en route to the end zone. His second touchdown featured a perfectly executed route in the red zone just before halftime. Additionally, Kmet stepped up as the team's emergency long snapper after Scott Daly injured his knee in the first quarter. The Bears will enjoy a bye week next week before taking on the Commanders in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Oct 14 6:10am ET
Caleb Williams

This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams showcased his best performance of the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In Week 6, he completed 23 of 29 passes for 226 yards and a career-high four touchdowns. After starting the game with two consecutive three-and-outs, Williams rebounded impressively, delivering some excellent throws in the red zone and making key plays as a scrambler. Although he threw one interception, it was one of the few missteps in an otherwise strong game. Additionally, Williams contributed 56 rushing yards on four carries, highlighting his dual-threat capability, which significantly boosts his fantasy value. Following a trip to London in Week 6, the Bears will enjoy a bye week, setting the stage for a highly anticipated matchup in Week 8 against the Commanders, featuring the top two picks of the 2024 NFL Draft.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Oct 14 6:10am ET
D'Andre Swift

On Sunday, Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift delivered an impressive performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He tallied 17 carries for 91 yards, a touchdown, and four receptions for 28 yards. Swift was active throughout the game, contributing significantly to both the rushing and passing attacks. His efforts culminated in a one-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, a welcome sight for fantasy owners after he was vultured by Roschon Johnson the previous week. With this being Swift's third consecutive strong game, fantasy managers can likely put his rough start to the season behind them and confidently consider him a starting running back for the remainder of the year. The Bears will have a bye week next week before facing the Commanders in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Oct 14 6:10am ET
D.J. Moore

In Week 6, Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore had a quiet outing against the Jacksonville Jaguars, finishing with four catches for 25 yards and no touchdowns. His performance could have been much more impactful if quarterback Caleb Williams had connected with him on a deep pass in the second quarter, as Moore had gotten behind the secondary. Unfortunately, Williams underthrew the ball, resulting in an interception rather than a touchdown for the Bears. Moore was also initially credited with a touchdown in the fourth quarter, but after review, it was determined he was down at the one-yard line. D'Andre Swift then scored on the next play. Moore's day was marked by missed opportunities, which he hopes to capitalize on in the coming weeks. He briefly left the field for the medical tent in the third quarter but returned at the start of the fourth quarter. The Bears will take a bye next week to regroup before facing the Commanders in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Oct 14 6:10am ET
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen had a standout performance this Sunday against the struggling Jacksonville Jaguars secondary, delivering his best game of the season. He recorded five catches for 41 yards and two touchdowns, marking his first touchdown as a Bear. After starting the season with an injury, Allen looks to have regained his health. His early-season heel injury had sidelined him for two of the first five games, and even after returning in Week 4, he didn't appear to be fully himself. Both touchdowns came in the red zone, highlighting his potential as a significant threat near the goal line when healthy. The Bears will enjoy a bye week next week before taking on the Commanders in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Oct 14 6:10am ET
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze had a modest outing against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6, catching two passes for 40 yards and no touchdowns. One highlight was his impressive 28-yard reception, showcasing his strong playability. However, with Cole Kmet and Keenan Allen enjoying standout performances in the passing game, Odunze didn't see enough opportunities to make a significant impact. This marks the second time he has received three targets or fewer in three weeks. With all three receivers and Kmet healthy, the Bears' receiving hierarchy appears to be taking shape, positioning Odunze as the fourth option. The Bears will have a bye week next week before facing the Commanders in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Bub Means Oct 14 4:30am ET
Bub Means

Wide receiver Bub Means scored his first touchdown as a pro in the Saints' 51-27 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. The rookie out of Pitt snagged a ten-yard toss from fellow fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler as Means was heading out of the side of the end zone and got both feet down before his momentum carried him out of bounds. Means stepped into the game to replace Chris Olave (concussion) who left after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit on the Saints' third play of the game. Means ended up with 45 receiving yards and tied Alvin Kamara for the team lead in targets (eight) and receptions (five). With the Saints next playing on Thursday night, it is unlikely that Olave will be ready to go which would allow Means to continue where he left off. Before fantasy managers rush to the waiver wire, consider Rattler's inconsistent performance and that New Orleans will be facing the Denver Broncos who have allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers.

From RotoBaller

Rashid Shaheed Oct 14 4:20am ET
Rashid Shaheed

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed scored a 54-yard punt return touchdown in the team's 51-27 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A combination of poor angles, good blocking, and Shaheed's speed allowed the receiver to make his path to the end zone easy. Things did not go as smoothly as part of the offense, though. Shaheed was targeted seven times but had just one reception for 11 yards with rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler filling in for the injured Derek Carr (oblique). Rattler showed the ability to make deeper passes intermittently throughout the game but his accuracy was maddingly inconsistent and Shaheed wound up paying the price. New Orleans will face the Denver Broncos' stingy secondary in Week 7. Rattler will draw another start but Shaheed will serve as the team's primary receiver as it is unlikely that Chris Olave (concussion) will clear the league's concussion protocol before the Thursday night matchup.

From RotoBaller

Spencer Rattler Oct 14 4:10am ET
Spencer Rattler

Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler was dealt a loss in his professional debut as the New Orleans Saints fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 51-27. Rattler went 22-for-40 for 243 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions and gained 27 yards on four carries. Rattler started the game with a 27-yard strike to Juwan Johnson but followed it up with a fumbled snap (which he recovered) on the next play. So it went for the fifth-round pick, alternating between impressive displays of arm strength (often while on the run) and wildly inaccurate throws. Rattler was surprisingly efficient to start, completing 11 of his first 14 attempts, though as Tampa turned up the pressure as the game went on Rattler found it harder and harder to remain effective. It is worth noting that Rattler was without Chris Olave (concussion) for much of the game after the receiver took a helmet-to-helmet hit just three plays into the Saints' first possession. New Orleans kicks off Week 7 when they face the Denver Broncos on Thursday night. Rattler should draw another start but he will be hard to trust on a short week.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Oct 14 4:10am ET
Alvin Kamara

Running back Alvin Kamara took 13 carries for 40 yards on the ground and caught five of his eight targets for another 24 in the Saints' 51-27 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kamara also found the end zone in the second quarter for his sixth rushing touchdown of the season (seventh overall). With Tampa seemingly scoring at will, New Orleans was playing catch-up for much of the game and subsequently abandoned the run. Similar to Week 5's showing against Kansas City, Kamara was hard-pressed to find room to run as the Saints' offensive line could not open up any lanes for the back against a dominating defensive front. New Orleans gets a few days' rest before opening up Week 7 against the Broncos on Thursday Night Football. Considering the short week and the opponent, the Saints will probably be best served to get the NFL's touch leader more involved again, especially since receiver Chris Olave (concussion) is unlikely to clear the concussion protocol in time to be active.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slayton Oct 14 3:40am ET
Darius Slayton

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton led the team with six receptions for 57 yards in Sunday's 17-7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals but couldn't find the end zone. Slayton averaged 9.5 yards per catch, with his longest reception going for 15 yards, and he was targeted 11 times, including a key pass interference penalty drawn in the end zone that set up a touchdown at the one-yard line. Despite his involvement, the Giants' offensive woes limited his fantasy impact to 8.7 points. While Malik Nabers is out, Slayton remains a solid deep-league flex option due to his target share, but his upside will depend on better red-zone execution from the Giants' offense.

From RotoBaller

Wan'Dale Robinson Oct 14 3:30am ET
Wan'Dale Robinson

New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson was a consistent target in Sunday's 17-7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, though he couldn't find the end zone. Robinson caught five of his 11 targets for 50 yards, averaging 10 yards per reception, with a longest catch of 15 yards. Despite his solid involvement, the Giants' overall offensive struggles capped his fantasy output at 7.5 points, leaving managers wanting more. As a reliable short-to-intermediate option, Robinson's target volume makes him an option as a flex in PPR, but his ceiling remains limited without more scoring opportunities.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Oct 14 3:20am ET
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. provided a spark in Sunday's 17-7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, contributing both as a rusher and a receiver. Tracy hauled in six receptions for 57 yards while adding 50 yards on the ground, including a one-yard scamper for his lone rushing touchdown. His versatility was key, but his 2.9 yards per carry highlights some inefficiency in the running game. Despite not finding the end zone as a receiver, Tracy's dual-threat performance netted 19.7 fantasy points, making him an intriguing flex option for fantasy managers with Devin Singletary injured.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Oct 14 3:10am ET
Daniel Jones

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones struggled in Sunday's 17-7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, failing to find the end zone through the air or on the ground. Jones completed 22 of 41 passes for just 190 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception, averaging a meager 5.0 yards per attempt. He added 56 rushing yards, which helped pad his fantasy output, but two sacks and an overall lack of offensive efficiency limited his impact to just 12.8 fantasy points. Despite his mobility, Jones' poor passing performance continues to hold back his fantasy value, making him a risky QB option moving forward, especially against stronger defenses.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Oct 14 1:30am ET
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce saw four targets in the team's 20-17 win over the Tennessee Titans but could not reel any of them in. Despite the nonexistent production, Pierce saw the highest snap share of any WR, playing 62 snaps and running 33 routes. Despite his high snap share, Pierce has kept a low target share in the offense through the first six weeks, with his production coming primarily from deep shot passes from QBs Joe Flacco and Anthony Richardson. While none of those four targets materialized in Sunday's win, Pierce's usage makes him a viable option moving forward. All that in mind, Pierce can be viewed as a WR4/5 in the team's Week 7 game against the Miami Dolphins.

From RotoBaller

Adonai Mitchell Oct 14 1:20am ET
Adonai Mitchell

Indianapolis Colts rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell caught two of his four targets for nine yards in the team's 20-17 win over the Tennessee Titans. Mitchell once again saw a limited snap share in the matchup, playing just 15 snaps and running a total of 11 routes. Mitchell appears to be the WR4 option in this offense, which will translate into little fantasy relevancy should he stay in that role. Unless there is an injury to Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, or Mitchell earns additional playing time otherwise, he does not make for a viable fantasy option. The rookie is better left on the bench in Week 7 when the Colts take on the Miami Dolphins.

From RotoBaller

Hunter Henry Oct 14 1:10am ET
Hunter Henry

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry caught three of five targets for 41 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's Week 6 loss to the Houston Texans. The veteran pass-catcher served as a solid security blanket for rookie quarterback Drake Maye in his first career start, and the two continue to form a solid rapport in the passing attack. This was just Henry's second game of the season with at least three catches, five targets, or 33 yards. The touchdown reception was also his first since Week 15 of the 2023 season. Heading into Week 7 against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, Henry ranks as a mid-to-low TE2 for fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Joe Flacco Oct 14 1:10am ET
Joe Flacco

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco was named the starter on Sunday morning and completed 22 of his 38 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns in a 20-17 win over the Tennessee Titans. Flacco also threw one interception in the matchup. Flacco hit Josh Downs on a 22-yard touchdown in the first quarter, and the Colts didn't score another touchdown until the fourth quarter when he found Michael Pittman Jr. on a ten-yard touchdown grab. The 39-year-old didn't jump off the box score with just 189 yards through the air, but that shouldn't be much of a cause for panic given the Titans' secondary has allowed the fewest passing yards so far this season. It's unclear who the starter will be moving forward, but Flacco would make for a solid streaming option once again in Week 7 should he get the start against the Miami Dolphins.

From RotoBaller

Antonio Gibson Oct 14 1:10am ET
Antonio Gibson

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson registered 19 rushing yards on 13 carries during Sunday's Week 6 loss to the Houston Texans. He also caught three of four targets for an additional 24 yards through the air. Gibson earned his second consecutive start this week with Rhamondre Stevenson (foot) sidelined. Despite setting a new season-high in both rushes and touches, Gibson struggled to produce and was significantly inefficient on the ground. Through the air, he was merely a modest contributor. All in all, we'd like to see more production from Gibson before we can trust him in fantasy football, even with Stevenson out. It's too early to tell what the Patriots' backfield dynamic will look like for Week 7 against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.

From RotoBaller

Kayshon Boutte Oct 14 1:00am ET
Kayshon Boutte

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte caught all three of his targets for 59 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's loss to the Houston Texans. The highlight of his performance was a 40-yard catch that represented not only Boutte's first career touchdown reception but also rookie quarterback Drake Maye's first career touchdown pass. It was promising to see the second-year receiver demonstrate a quick rapport with Maye as the quarterback made his first NFL start. Boutte ended up playing a career-high 83 percent of offensive snaps and ran 32 routes; both of those marks were the highest among Patriots pass-catchers in Week 6. Going forward, Boutte, who was previously off the fantasy radar in all leagues, may start to generate some speculative buzz in dynasty formats.

From RotoBaller