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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The Paur Report
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 6
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton is a healthy scratch for Sunday night's game against the Giants. The rookie looked good during the preseason. However, he has just one catch through the first five weeks of the 2024-25 campaign. Instead, Trenton Irwin will suit up, although he likely won't get much action with Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Andrei Iosivas in the mix.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson may not have lit up the fantasy scoreboard like he did the past few weeks, but he moved the offense enough for a 30-23 win over the Washington Commanders. The two-time MVP finished the game with 323 yards, one touchdown, and one interception on 20-for-26 throwing while adding 40 yards on the ground with 11 carries. This game marks his second 300-passing-yard game in a row and his fourth in a row with a passer rating of 114 or higher. Jackson and the Ravens will get an extra day of rest as they take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud completed 20 of his 31 attempts for 192 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in a 41-21 victory on Sunday against the New England Patriots. Last year's Offensive Rookie of the Year tossed first-quarter touchdowns to wide receiver Tank Dell and running back Joe Mixon, the first receiving scores of the season for both players, and found wide receiver Stefon Diggs for another touchdown in the third quarter. It was another efficient outing for Stroud, who has spurred a talented offense to a 5-1 start. The second-year quarterback will look to keep the momentum going in Week 7 at Green Bay.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Trenton Irwin is active for Sunday's meeting with the Giants. The 26-year-old has played in just two games this season but has been a healthy scratch in other contests. Instead, Jermaine Burton will take a seat in Week 6. However, with Tee Higgins, Ja'Marr Chase, and Andrei Iosivas on the field, along with Zack Moss (ankle) and Chase Brown (quadriceps) cleared for action, Irwin isn't expected to get much playing time. The same would have been true for Burton.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (quadriceps) is officially active for Sunday Night Football versus the Giants. He's been on a roll of late, amassing three touchdowns in the last two contests. But there was some concern regarding his availability once he appeared on the injury report and was listed as questionable. Fortunately, he's good to go. While Zack Moss (ankle) will also be in the equation, both players have been involved to remain relevant for fantasy managers, making them flex options (at the very least) in Week 6.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin finished with game highs of 11 receptions, 125 yards and 13 targets in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints, and he had touchdowns of four and 55 yards.
Fantasy Spin: Godwin has five or more receptions in all six games this season, he has scored five times, and he has managed two 100-yard games. He has posted low-end WR1 fantasy numbers in most formats. He'll look to keep it going in Week 7 against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns running back Zack Moss (ankle) is officially active for Sunday's game against the New York Giants. The 26-year-old injured his ankle in the Week 5 overtime loss to the Ravens. As a result, he missed practice time during the week. Fortunately, Moss is good to go, and even with Chase Brown (quadriceps) also active, both men are at least flex options in any fantasy format.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (hamstring) stated he is "going to be good" after suffering a hamstring injury in Sunday's loss to the Colts. However, he acknowledged the severity of the injury, indicating that it prevented him from returning even if he wanted to. Spears finished the day by totaling 27 yards off six carries, although Tony Pollard had one of his best games of the season by going for 93 yards and a touchdown off 17 touches. Spears will likely undergo further testing. He may also miss practice time heading into the Week 7 matchup with the Bills. If he can't go for that one, Pollard will likely see more opportunities out of the backfield, with Julius Chestnut picking up the scraps.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield completed 24-of-36 passes for 325 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints, while adding 29 rushing yards on three attempts.
Fantasy Spin: It was Mayfield's second straight game with three or more touchdown throws, and he has totaled three scores in three consecutive outings. He also has a pair of 300-yard showings in the past three contests. Don't look now, but Mayfield can be trusted as a low-end TE1 in most fantasy leagues of 12 or more teams. The Buccaneers host the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night in Week 7.
From TheHuddle
Houston Texans TE Dalton Schultz caught four passes for 27 yards against the New England Patriots in Week 6. He was targeted eight times during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Schultz has been targeted at five times in each of the last four games but has been held to under 35 yards in each of those games. He should see a handful of targets next week but can be benched in fantasy leagues if players have better options available.
From TheHuddle
The Cincinnati Bengals have declared DL Lawrence Guy, TE Tanner McLachlan, OT Andrew Stueber, DT Jay Tufele, WR Jermaine Burton and DE Cedric Johnson inactive for Week 6.
From TheHuddle
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay (knee) didn't return to Sunday's win over the Cleveland Browns. The veteran injured his knee early in the second half and immediately went to the locker room after a brief stop in the medical tent. Slay, one of the team's top defenders, was replaced in the contest by Isaiah Rodgers, who had played just nine defensive snaps this season. The team will likely get an update soon on his condition. But his potential absence isn't ideal for a Philadelphia team that has struggled at times this season.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans WR Tyler Boyd ended up with three receptions for 19 yards on three targets in Week 6 against the Indianapolis Colts.
Fantasy Spin: Boyd is the third receiver on a team with a bad quarterback, and that's never good for fantasy appeal. He should be treated as a more of a WR5 in most fantasy leagues until further notice.
From TheHuddle
Tennessee Titans WR Calvin Ridley was targeted a team-high eight times in Week 6 against the Indianapolis Colts, but he was held without a reception.
Fantasy Spin: Yuck. QB Will Levis tried to get the ball to Ridley early and often, but they were unable to get on the same page at any point. Levis has been pretty bad from a fantasy perspective, and he is killing the appeal of his received like Ridley, DeAndre Hopkins and Tyler Boyd in the process. Unless a change is made under center, Ridley's fantasy ceiling seems rather limited.
From TheHuddle
Houston Texans WR Stefon Diggs caught six passes for 77 yards and one touchdown against the New England Patriots in Week 6. He was targeted seven times during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Diggs has been playing very well over the last month and has posted at least 69 yards in each of the last four games. He should be a weekly starting option in all fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (leg) was carted off the field in Sunday's meeting with the Dallas Cowboys. The 24-year-old entered Week 6 with 6.5 sacks, the most in the National Football League. He recorded another on Sunday. Unfortunately, his latest sack may cost him some time, especially since he immediately grabbed his leg afterward and was placed in an aircast before leaving the field. This isn't a good situation for the Lions, so IDP managers will anxiously await an update, which will likely come soon.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans RB Joe Mixon rushed for 102 yards and one touchdown on 13 carries against the New England Patriots in Week 6. He also caught two passes for 30 yards and one touchdown during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Mixon returned to the lineup this week after missing multiple games because of injury. He was productive in both the running and passing games against the Patriots and should be a weekly starting option in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Tennessee Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins went for 54 receiving yards on four catches on six targets in Week 6 against the Indianapolis Colts.
Fantasy Spin: Hopkins did pretty well considering his quarterback threw for less than 100 yards. You can imagine what the stats for the other receivers look like. Hopkins still has plenty left in the tank, but the clock is ticking, and he is wasting away in Nashville with a less-than-stellar QB. He remains more of a WR3 in most fantasy leagues heading into Week 7 against the Buffalo Bills.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hayden Hurst (groin) won't return to Sunday's matchup with the Denver Broncos. The veteran suffered a groin injury and will finish the week without a catch. Considering he hasn't done anything relevant this season, his departure likely won't cause panic for most fantasy managers. But his absence could at least allow Will Dissly to see a few more targets during the game.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens WR Nelson Agholor caught one pass for 25 yards against the Washington Commanders in Week 6. He was targeted three times during the game.
From TheHuddle
