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.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pickem Picks: Week 1
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 1
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Injury Status: Week 1
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Lineup Prep: Week 1
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Five Late-Round Gambles
- Steelers P Cameron Johnston sustains 'serious injury' vs. Falcons
- Falcons drop opener; Kirk Cousins, Raheem Morris turn page to Philly
- Frustration peaks for Daniel Jones, Giants in another rough opener
- Bills QB Josh Allen to have X-rays on left hand
- Giants WR/returner Gunner Olszewski injured in warmups
- Kendrick Lamar to headline Super Bowl LIX halftime show
- Despite contract impasse, Ja'Marr Chase active for Bengals
- Cowboys QB Dak Prescott signing 4-year, $240M contract
- Justin Fields to start for Steelers as Russell Wilson ailing
- Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill detained by cops, expected to play
- Bill Belichick wants to coach in 2025
- Packers QB Jordan Love to miss 'a few weeks'
- Chargers place WR DJ Chark (hip) on injured reserve
- Broncos elevate Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Michael Burton for Seahawks game
- Commanders put QB Marcus Mariota on injured reserve
- Panthers place TE Ian Thomas (calf) on IR
- Patriots add S Jabrill Peppers (hip) to injury report
- Colts elevate K Spencer Shrader with Matt Gay iffy
- Jets coach: 'Fair' to say Haason Reddick won't play in opener
- Packers QB Jordan Love (leg) scheduled for MRI
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings PPR
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings Standard
- Fantasy Six Pack: NFL DFS Cash Game Cheat Sheet
- Fantasy Life: Huge Week 1 Question Marks
- Fantasy Life: These Receivers Deserve Some Props
- Fantasy Life: Sunday morning sharp money update: The Carolina Panthers
- Fantasy Life: NFL Futures Market: Big Week 1 Bet on Bijan Robinson
The Paur Report
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (knee) exited Sunday's matchup with the Cleveland Browns and was deemed questionable to return. If Ferguson doesn't make it back in Week 1, he'll finish the day by catching three balls for 15 yards. With that said, there should be an update on his left knee soon, although further testing is likely on the horizon. Dallas has been up big for most of this game and haven't really need to go to the air often. If Ferguson needs to miss time beyond Week 1, Luke Schoonmaker would likely step in as the team's TE1.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields completed 17 of 23 pass attempts for 156 yards and added 57 rushing yards on 14 carries in an 18-10 win against the Atlanta Falcons. The Steelers were conservative in their play calling on Sunday, but Fields delivered when asked to push the ball downfield. He completed passes of 33 and 40 yards to receiver George Pickens, who was clearly his favorite target. His statistics were underwhelming from a fantasy perspective this week but Fields will continue to offer high upside as a fantasy QB1 option any time he starts. Fantasy managers should monitor the status of Russell Wilson (calf) in the coming days ahead of a Week 2 matchup against the Denver Broncos.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris handled 20 carries for 70 yards and hauled in one of his two targets for nine yards in a Week 1 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Harris operated in a workhorse role on Sunday but should expect to lose some touches to Jaylen Warren, who had just returned from a hamstring injury, as the season progresses. Nonetheless, the 26-year-old Harris looked solid, especially on a powerful run that picked up 20 yards in the fourth quarter. However, Pittsburgh's offense will need to find a way to get the ball in the end zone for Harris to become a worthwhile fantasy option, making it difficult to trust him as anything more than a flex play heading into a Week 2 bout with the Denver Broncos.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions have declared OT Colby Sorsdal, CB Ifeatu Melifonwu, DL D.J. Reader, DB Loren Strickland, DL James Houston, OT Giovanni Manu and LB Trevor Nowaske inactive for Week 1.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer was ejected from Sunday's matchup with the Raiders. Both teams were involved in a scuffle during the fourth quarter. However, Palmer and Jack Jones were the players who got the boot. Palmer finished the game by catching two of his four targets for 15 yards. While he'll likely be disciplined, his availability for Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers isn't expected to be a concern for many fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara looked good in Sunday's decisive win over the Panthers. The veteran ran the ball 15 times, accumulating 83 yards and a touchdown. He also got involved on the receiving end, catching all five targets for 27 yards. Kamara and the Saints had contract discussions over the last few months. However, a deal didn't get done, meaning further talks will likely wait until after the 2024-25 campaign. Despite not getting a new deal, Kamara remains focused on his play. "I'm not worried about it," said Kamara when asked about the unsuccessful negotiations. "I'm here to play. I'm gonna play. I'm gonna perform." It appears the 29-year-old is more focused than ever, which is great news for fantasy managers. Keep him starting in all formats when the Saints meet the Cowboys in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) exited Sunday's matchup with the Dallas Cowboys. He's questionable to return. However, considering he needed assistance to the locker room, fantasy managers shouldn't be shocked if he doesn't make it back for the remainder of Week 1. If that's the case, he'll finish with four catches for 44 yards. Hopefully, it isn't anything serious. But Njoku may appear on the injury report ahead of the Week 2 meeting with the Jaguars.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins WR Braxton Berrios and TE Durham Smythe were each held without a catch in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Berrios was targeted twice, while Smythe had three targets.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku (ankle) suffered an ankle injury during the Week 1 game and is considered questionable to return.
Fantasy Spin: Njoku is one of the better tight ends in the NFL, so fantasy players should keep an eye out for an update on his status. He is a weekly starting option when healthy, but fantasy players will need a backup plan if he misses time.
From TheHuddle
Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold completed 19-of-24 passes for 208 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in Week 1 against the New York Giants.
From TheHuddle
Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones rushed 14 times for a game-high 94 yards and a touchdown in his team debut in Week 1 against the New York Giants. Jones also converted his two targets into two receptions for 15 yards.
From TheHuddle
Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill finished with seven receptions for 130 yards and an 80-yard touchdown in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, bouncing back after being detained due to a minor traffic violation prior to the opener.
Fantasy Spin: Hill got off to a slow start, and fantasy managers were wringing their hands until Cheetah shook free for an 80-yard touchdown with 2:08 to go in the third quarter. The long scoring reception obviously turned a terrible start and day into another strong fantasy line. He'll look to keep it going in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills on a short week Thursday. Hill had seven grabs for 82 yards and a TD on 13 targets at home against Buffalo Jan. 7, 2024 in the most recent meeting.
From TheHuddle
Miami Dolphins TE Jonnu Smith posted a lone 7-yard reception on his two targets in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars in his team debut.
From TheHuddle
New England Patriots wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk hauled in his lone target for a gain of six yards during Sunday's Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Fans and fantasy managers alike were curious to see where Polk would rank in the pecking order, and now we have our answer. At best, he's the No. 3 receiver behind Demario Douglas and K.J. Osborn. It's worth noting that Tyquan Thornton saw more volume than him, too. Polk is avoidable in redraft leagues and nothing more than a bench stash in deeper dynasty formats.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert rushed six times for only nine yards in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, while totaling two receptions for only 10 yards on his three targets.
Fantasy Spin: Mostert led the NFL with 18 rushing touchdowns, while tying for the NFL lead with 21 total scores, but that's last season. He is expected to share the load with De'Von Achane, and the latter was much more productive for fantasy managers, especially in the pass game. Even Jeff Wilson Jr. had a handful of touches, actually leading the team in rushing yards. It's not what Mostert's fantasy managers wanted to see. He remains a low-end RB2 or flex play in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills, but expect him to share the wealth.
From TheHuddle
Chicago Bears WR DJ Moore caught five passes for 36 yards on eight targets against the Tennessee Titans in Week 1. He also rushed for 14 yards on one carry during the game.
From TheHuddle
Chicago Bears WR Keenan Allen caught four passes for 29 yards against the Tennessee Titans in Week 1. He was targeted 11 times during the game.
From TheHuddle
New England Patriots wide receiver Tyquan Thornton caught two of three targets for 27 yards during Sunday's Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. His 17-yard reception tied the Patriots' longest gain from scrimmage. Although it was a promising performance from the young receiver, he can't be trusted in fantasy football going forward. For starters, he remains behind Demario Douglas, K.J. Osborn, and possibly Ja'Lynn Polk in the pecking order. Furthermore, the Patriots aren't expected to throw enough this season to support meaningful fantasy production from a depth receiver like Thornton. He can be avoided in most fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver K.J. Osborn led the team with three receptions on six targets during Week 1 versus the Cincinnati Bengals. He finished the game with a total of 21 receiving yards. The former Viking operated as the Patriots' No. 2 receiver, putting to bed any speculation that rookie Ja'Lynn Polk may open the year in that role. Even with solid volume, Osborn will be tough to trust going forward. We don't have enough confidence in this run-heavy Patriots offense yet, meaning Osborn can't be depended on for consistent production going forward.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas caught two of his three targets for just 12 yards during Sunday's win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Douglas finished fifth on the team in terms of receiving yards and tied for third in targets. It's an interesting and noteworthy outcome given that Douglas was expected to be Jacoby Brissett's top target this year. One game is too small of a sample size to rule that out, but it likely means that Douglas can be benched in fantasy football for Week 2. For Douglas to get back on the fantasy radar, he'd likely need at least four or five catches per game given that he's not a major YAC guy.
From RotoBaller
