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.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson has been the QB20 in fantasy since Week 14 and faces a tough challenge on Christmas Day against the Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City has surrendered the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks over the past eight weeks. On a positive note for Wilson, Pittsburgh's top receiver George Pickens (hamstring) reportedly has a good chance to return from a three-week absence on Wednesday. Wilson has seen a significant dip in his fantasy output without Pickens as the Steelers' offense has struggled to push the ball downfield. If Pickens is indeed active, Wilson will have some upside in this contest, but he is still best viewed as a low-end QB2 for fantasy purposes.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris has been quiet as of late and will have to overcome the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17 to provide value in fantasy championships. The Chiefs have been shutting down the run all season, giving up the fewest rushing yards and fantasy points to opposing running backs as well as the fourth-fewest yards per carry. With George Pickens (hamstring) likely returning to the lineup on Wednesday, Pittsburgh's offense should look much better than it has for the past three weeks, which will put Harris in more favorable situations. Still, he can't be trusted in this matchup. Fantasy managers with other options would be wise to bench Harris or deploy him as a low-end flex option this week.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft was plenty involved in the Packers' victory over the New Orleans 34-0 in Week 16. Kraft caught 3-of-4 targets for 63 yards, highlighted by a 30-yard catch in the second quarter to get the ball deep into Saints' territory which set up the Packers third touchdown of evening. Kraft's 63 yards and four targets were second on the team for the evening and Kraft also chipped in with a direct snap that went for two yards rushing. With Kraft as involved in the offense as he is, he's become a solid low-end TE1 for fantasy managers this season. He'll remain in the starting conversation for Week 17 as well when the Packers head to Minnesota to take on the Vikings in a divisional showdown.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) had an eventful Week 16 as the Packers steamrolled the New Orleans Saints 34-0 in Week 16. Watson only recorded one target and did not record a reception in the game. After a 14-yard rush by Watson to help set up a Chris Brooks one-yard touchdown in the second quarter, Watson hurt his knee and went into the blue tent to get it checked out by medical staff. Watson was considered questionable to return, but he did not return to the game. Watson also added a nine-yard rush for his final stat line of 23 yards rushing on the evening. The Packers will face division-rival Minnesota in Week 17, where if Watson is available for fantasy managers, he will be a boom-or-bust flex option.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs kept his touchdown streak intact with a second-quarter touchdown as the Packers routed the New Orleans Saints 34-0 in Week 16. Jacobs scored on a two-yard touchdown at the beginning of the second quarter, making that the sixth consecutive game that Jacobs has scored a touchdown. With an economical 69 yards on 13 carries, Jacobs was efficient on the ground while also catching a perfect 4-of-4 targets for 38 yards on the evening. Bowing out a bit early was Jacobs as with a massive lead and the Packers well on their way to a win, he gave way for the backups later in the second half. With a divisional matchup set for Sunday afternoon when the Packers face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17, Jacobs is a locked-in RB1 for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
The Green Bay Packers defense and special teams unit was dominant in their Week 16 home win over the New Orleans Saints. The Saints were outmatched from the opening kick as the Packers held the Saints to 220 yards of total offense. The Packers sacked Spencer Rattler three times while also forcing a fumble and interception as Green Bay is the first team to hold an opponent scoreless this season. The Packers will head west to the neighboring state of Minnesota for a late afternoon date with the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17. For fantasy managers, the Packers D/ST will be a borderline startable unit in that matchup based on how well the Packers have played on defense as of late.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love was quiet and didn't have to do a lot of heavy lifting as the Packers blanked the New Orleans Saints 34-0 in Week 16. Love was 16-of-28 passing for 182 yards and one touchdown; a two-yard strike to Dontayvion Wicks to kick off the scoring for the Packers in the first quarter. Love also added two yards rushing in the win. With the run game a massive part of the production for the Packers against the undermanned Saints, Love didn't have to expend a lot of energy in this game as he bowed out in the fourth quarter for Malik Willis to finish out the game. In Week 17, the Packers will head to U.S. Bank Stadium to face the Minnesota Vikings, where Love will be a low-end QB1 for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
With quarterback Drew Lock (shoulder) banged up again, the New York Giants have not made a decision on who will start on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17. Head coach Brian Daboll said that Lock went for an MRI exam on his right shoulder on Monday. "We'll see where he's at," Daboll said. Back in the starting role in the Week 16 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, the 28-year-old was bad again, going 22-for-39 for 210 yards, one touchdown and two pick-sixes. So in addition to his underwhelming performances as the team's starter since Daniel Jones left town, Lock is injured again and could give way to Tommy DeVito for the starting job in Week 17 against the Colts. Regardless of who is starting under center for the G-Men this weekend, fantasy managers should be staying away. Lock has a touchdown and four interceptions in six games (three starts) in his first year in the Big Apple.
Dynasty | Texans wide receiver Tank Dell is out for the season with a torn ACL and dislocated kneecap. Dynasty Analysis: This is yet another devastating injury for Dell, who just can't seem to catch a break. He was having his best game of the season before suffering a gruesome knee injury on a touchdown catch yesterday that proved to be of the season-ending variety. The question now will be if he's going to be fully healthy for the 2025 season, which honestly seems unlikely at this point. The Texans claimed Diontae Johnson off waivers, but that's going to be a short-term solution. Houston will need to make a decision on how to move forward in the off-season with their receiving corps, especially considering Stefon Diggs was lost for the year as well. Dell is going to see his dynasty value sink a ton this off-season.
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans announced on Monday that safety Jimmie Ward (foot) will miss the rest of the year, while offensive guard Shaq Mason (knee) is considered week-to-week. Ward was placed on Injured Reserve after suffering a foot injury in Saturday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs that will require season-ending surgery. M.J. Stewart or Myles Bryant are the options to fill Ward's role in Houston's secondary the rest of the way. The 33-year-old veteran finishes his second season with the Texans with 48 tackles (32 solo), five tackles for loss, two interceptions (one returned for a TD) and four pass breakups in 10 starts. Mason suffered a knee injury in the first half on Saturday and is now questionable to play on another short turnaround in Week 17 on Christmas Day this Wednesday against the Baltimore Ravens. The Texans could be without their starting right guard this week.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers said on the Pat McAfee Show on Monday that he's open to taking a pay cut and is also willing to mentor a rookie if he continues to play in 2025. However, Rodgers also said that he remains undecided on whether he will continue his playing career. The Jets fell to a disappointing 4-11 after their Week 16 loss to the Los Angeles Rams despite a recent stretch of improved play from Rodgers. The 41-year-old future Hall of Famer carries a $23.5 million salary cap hit next year, and the Jets would be on the hook for a $49 million dead cap hit if Rodgers is released or if he retires. Rodgers has thrown for 3,511 yards, 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions a year after tearing his Achilles in Week 1. The Jets offense is in the bottom third in the NFL in points per game (19.5) and yards per game (307.9). Rodgers will be a QB2 in fantasy in Week 17 against the Buffalo Bills.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) is considered questionable to return to Monday night's game against the visiting New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field due to a knee injury. Watson initially got up slowly after a 14-yard rushing attempt in the second quarter but eventually returned to the game in the first half. The 25-year-old was then being stretched out on the sidelines in the second half and is now questionable to return. The Packers are up big 24-0 with the Saints not mounting much of a challenge, so we'd be surprised if the team brings the receiver back into this contest. Before Watson was listed as questionable, he had 23 yards on two rushing attempts and didn't catch his only target. On a short turnaround in Week 17 against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 29, Watson could have a tough time playing, depending on the severity of his knee injury.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel was non-committal on Monday as to whether wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (knee) will practice this week. "I'm expecting to get everything from Waddle that he can do... I've [talked to] the trainer to make sure we protect him from himself. We will see how the week progresses. I don't know exactly what it will look like." Waddle suffered a knee injury in the Week 15 loss to the division-rival New York Jets and did not play in Sunday's win over the San Francisco 49ers. The fact that the team is unsure if the 26-year-old will even practice this week doesn't bode well for his availability in the upcoming Week 17 matchup against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. If Waddle cannot practice or play this week, Tyreek Hill and tight end Jonnu Smith should see a heavy dose of targets, with Malik Washington stepping up as the WR2.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (hip) didn't suit up for practice on Monday. Skowronek injured his hip during the first half of Saturday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He was cleared to return to the game, but clearly Skowronek is still dealing with the issue. He finished with two receptions on two targets for 25 yards. He has mainly been playing on special teams all season long, but has seen a few more chances on offense with George Pickens (hamstring) injured. However, Skowronek won't see enough snaps on offense to make him worth starting in fantasy formats this week.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (abdomen) was limited during Monday's practice session. This comes after Fields sat out of Saturday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He picked up an abdomen injury in Week 15 and appears to still be dealing with the issue. The absence of Fields doesn't mean much considering he has barely played since being benched for Russell Wilson. That being said, Kyle Allen would be the primary backup if Fields is unable to play during Wednesday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (hand) was a limited participant during Monday's practice session. It's worth noting that it's a estimated practice report, so fantasy managers shouldn't read too much into it. Anderson appears to have suffered a hand injury, but played his normal amount of snaps during Saturday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. This could be the Texans just being cautious with Anderson to begin the week. The assumption is that he'll be fine in time for Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Ravens.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo (foot, hamstring) is expected to get back on the practice field on Thursday, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. The rookie back is dealing with multiple injuries that kept him out of last week's game against the Miami Dolphins. His absence resulted in the 49ers using a committee approach in the backfield with two other backs sidelined as well. The hope is that Guerendo will be able to return for the Week 17 matchup against the Detroit Lions. He could be a low-end RB2 if he's healthy in time for that contest.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears running back Travis Homer (hamstring) was absent from Monday's practice session. This doesn't come as much of a surprise after Homer missed Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions. The loss of Homer doesn't mean much for this offense considering he has only played in three games this season. He'll continue to serve as the third string back to D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson in the backfield. That being said, Homer is unlikely to have much of a role even if he's cleared in time for the Week 17 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said that the team will not rest quarterback Kyler Murray in either of the final two games of the season despite being officially eliminated from playoff contention on Sunday. The Cardinals have two divisional games remaining, at the Los Angeles Rams in Week 17 on Saturday night and at home versus the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18. Because of his dual-threat abilities at the QB position, Murray has been a top-12 fantasy player at his position in 2024, but he's had mixed results for his fantasy managers in recent weeks, including in the Week 16 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers in which he had two TDs (one throwing, one rushing) but also two interceptions. The 27-year-old will remain a low-end QB1 option in fantasy this Saturday against a Rams team that he threw for 266 yards and three TDs against way back in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (concussion) was not able to practice on Monday for the second straight day this week. Hill suffered a concussion on Saturday in the team's Week 16 win over the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers and now is likely fighting an uphill battle to be available on a short turnaround in Week 17 against the Houston Texans on Christmas Day on Wednesday. Even if the 27-year-old takes part in practice on Tuesday, he'll need to gain clearance from an independent neurologist, which is unlikely to happen on a short week. Fantasy managers that have been using the pass-catching back in a flex spot should plan to be without Hill this week. Derrick Henry is Baltimore's clear lead back and will continue to be so on Wednesday, but if Hill is out, it will open the door for Keaton Mitchell and rookie Rasheen Ali to compete for change-of-pace work.
From RotoBaller