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
New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler is in line for another start when the team kicks off the Week 7 slate on Thursday night against the Denver Broncos. Regular starter Derek Carr (oblique) is listed as doubtful on the Saints' final injury report but the eleven-year veteran did not practice at all this week. In his professional debut last week, Rattler went 22-for-40 on pass attempts for 243 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. The rookie also fumbled (and recovered) his second snap of the game but was otherwise surprisingly efficient for most of the first half until the Buccaneers defense started to turn up the heat. Rattler faces an uphill battle in Week 7, going against a defense that ranks second in total sacks (22) and is allowing just 16 points per game to opposing offenses. He will also be without the services of Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) who have been declared out, making Rattler a risky play in the first game of the week.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receivers Jayden Reed (ankle), Christian Watson (ankle), and Dontayvion Wicks (shoulder) were all officially limited participants for the team's Wednesday practice. Tight end Tucker Kraft (groin) was also limited. Yikes. As of now, wideouts Romeo Doubs, Malik Heath, and Bo Melton are the only three receivers on the roster without a designation. Watson played through the ankle injury he sustained a few weeks back in last week's contest, so it's likely just a maintenance day for the third-year wideout. However, Reed and Wicks picked up their respective injuries in the 34-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals. The former returned to action -- with minimal production -- while the latter did not return in the victory. In the case of Wicks, head coach Matt LaFleur remarked that he "dodged a bullet," and it seems the team is optimistic he misses little to no time. Fantasy managers should closely monitor the Packers' WR room over the coming days.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers kickers Jake Moody (ankle) and Matthew Wright (shoulder) were both listed as non-participants in the team's first practice of the week. In a bizarre occurrence, the 49ers have had a kicker get injured in back-to-back weeks while attempting a tackle on a kickoff return. It's not much of a surprise that Moody missed another practice as he was diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain he picked up in San Francisco's Week 5 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. However, Wright's designation is worth noting after the MRI he received on his shoulder last Friday came back clean. The hope is that the 28-year-old will be healthy enough to play in the team's Week 7 tilt against the Kansas City Chiefs. If Wright can't suit up, the 49ers have signed kicker Anders Carlson to their practice squad as his replacement.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (hip) did not participate in the team's first practice of the week. The 27-year-old played 52% of snaps in Thursday's 36-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, which is around his typical allotment, so it's unclear when he picked up the hip ailment. When reporters asked about the former Volunteer on Wednesday, head coach Kyle Shanahan said the injury was sustained in the Week 6 matchup, but they were unaware of it Friday morning. Jennings will have two more opportunities to log at least a limited session this week before the team decides on his status for Sunday. The 49ers will square off against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7 and need all the help they can get against one of the league's top defenses.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Jets wide receiver Mike Williams did not practice on Wednesday. Dynasty Analysis: He was out due to "personal reasons." Those reasons surely include the fact his quarterback threw him under the bus after the game this week, the Jets subsequent trading for Davante Adams and rumors the team is attempting to trade him. At this point, it would be a surprise to see him play another game for the Jets. New York would surely take just about anything in exchange for the oft-injured wide receiver at this point, so things could move quickly. Williams is looking like more of a roster clogger than a dynasty asset at this point.
Dynasty | Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed will reportedly undergo surgery to repair a torn meniscus. Dynasty Analysis: It sounds as if Shaheed is going to be a candidate for injured reserve and any dynasty manager enjoying his breakout season is going to need to look elsewhere for production, at least in the short-term. Shaheed has 20 catches for 349 yards and three touchdowns this season, a pace that was putting him at 57 catches for 988 yards and nine touchdowns, which would all obliterate his career highs. While those numbers are likely now unattainable, Shaheed should be able to maintain his rising value, despite being sidelined.
Los Angeles Chargers TE Hayden Hurst (groin) may miss some time, but his groin injury isn't considered serious.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (wrist) got in a limited practice to kick off the week on Wednesday. The 28-year-old caught 3-of-5 targets for a team-leading 102 yards -- including a 76-yard touchdown -- in the 36-24 win over their division-rival Seahawks but left the contest briefly to get his hand checked out. He would return to the game, but it appears the injury has lingered. Considering he was not ruled out from Week 6, it's likely that fantasy managers have little reason to be alarmed regarding his status for a pivotal Week 7 matchup against the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs. Still, his practice participation over the remainder of the week is worth tracking.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) was again listed as a limited participant in the team's practice report. Technically, it's the veteran's second straight limited session, as he was designated as such in the final practice leading up to the team's Week 5 outing against the New York Jets. Whether or not he plays this week is uncertain; however, with his 21-day practice window set to close on Oct. 25, Minnesota must activate him soon lest they lose him for the remainder of the season. Fortunately, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell was optimistic when asked about him. "He's in a great spot," said O'Connell, "he's moving around great, but he's gotta get acclimated back into football a little bit." With Minnesota set to play their Week 8 matchup on Thursday Night Football, Hockenson's debut may be pushed back until then. We'll know more regarding his Sunday status over the next few days' practice designations.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (groin) was listed as limited in the team's first practice of the week. Kraft popped up on Green Bay's injury report last Thursday with a groin injury, logging two limited sessions before suiting up for the Packers' Week 6 win over the Cardinals. The 23-year-old played a full complement of snaps (82%), though he disappointed with his performance, catching 2-of-4 targets for just 13 yards -- a season-low output -- as is the case sometimes in a deep Rolodex of competent Packers' skill players. However, his designation for the following two practices will be telling about his status ahead of Week 7's home tilt against the Houston Texans. If Kraft plays, he could be in store for a busy day with a litany of Packers' wideouts dinged up this week. If he can't, tight end Ben Sims would likely handle most of the TE duties with Luke Musgrave (ankle) on injured reserve.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets WR Mike Williams is open to a trade, and the team 'is comfortable moving on' from Williams, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com.
Fantasy Spin: With the addition of Davante Adams, Williams is likely the No. 4 receiver in New York. His best chance at fantasy relevance would be a trade to a receiver-needy team.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers DT Maliek Collins (knee), DE Leonard Floyd (non-injury), PK Jake Moody (ankle), OT Trent Williams (non-injury) and PK Matthew Wright (back, shoulder) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 16. DT Jordan Elliott (knee), CB Darrell Luter Jr. (pelvis) and S Malik Mustapha (ankle) were limited during practice. LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf), WR Ricky Pearsall (chest) and CB Charvarius Ward (knee) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Las Vegas Raiders DE Maxx Crosby (ankle), LB Tommy Eichenberg (quadriceps), LB Kana'i Mauga (knee), OT Kolton Miller (knee, shoulder), OG Dylan Parham (foot), DT John Jenkins (illness) and CB Jack Jones (illness) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 16. DT Adam Butler (knee), WR Tyreik McAllister (shoulder), OT Thayer Munford (ankle, knee) and OG Jackson Powers-Johnson (knee) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) was limited during practice Wednesday, Oct. 16.
Fantasy Spin: The team was hoping Kupp could return for the Week 7 game, and he seems to have a decent chance to play. Fantasy players will need to monitor the situation because he is a weekly starting option in all leagues when healthy.
From TheHuddle
Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram (hamstring) was limited during practice Wednesday, Oct. 16.
Fantasy Spin: Engram returned to the lineup last week and posted over 100 yards during the game. He is a big part of the passing game when healthy and can be a No. 1 fantasy tight end.
From TheHuddle
Jacksonville Jaguars DE Arik Armstead (shoulder) and CB Tyson Campbell (hamstring) were limited during practice Wednesday, Oct. 16. OT Anton Harrison (knee) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Tennessee Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins (non-injury) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 16.
Fantasy Spin: Hopkins is coming off one of his better games of the season last week but still has posted at least 50 yards on only two of the five games this season. He will see some targets in Week 7 but is only a possible flex option in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) was listed as a non-participant in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday, but he said he hopes to return to practice on Thursday. Jones said he felt his right hip bothering him before the Week 5 win over the New York Jets in London and it flared up on him during the game. Since then (the Vikings had a bye in Week 6), he's been receiving around-the-clock treatment and seems to be in good spirits as the team prepares for a Week 7 divisional showdown against the Detroit Lions this Sunday. The 29-year-old should be considered questionable for this weekend after being pulled from the London game with his hip injury, and now he's being listed with a hamstring ailment. With Jones injured, Minnesota traded for Cam Akers on Tuesday. Both Akers and Ty Chandler could split the backfield if Jones isn't cleared for Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd (ankle) is not practicing yet despite being eligible to return to practice while on Injured Reserve on Wednesday. "I think he's getting closer," head coach Matt LaFleur said. When asked if Lloyd would return to practice next week, LaFleur said, "We'll see." Lloyd made his NFL debut in the Week 2 win over the Indianapolis Colts and carried the ball six times for 15 yards while catching his only target for a three-yard gain. He's been on IR ever since. The 23-year-old has battle multiple injuries early in his NFL career, but he still has the potential to become the direct backup to Josh Jacobs in Green Bay before the end of the year. With a return date up in the air, Lloyd is only worth stashing for now in really deep-mixed and dynasty/keeper leagues.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (ribs) did not take part in practice on Wednesday due to a ribs injury. However, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports that it doesn't sound like there's much concern over Harris' status as the team prepares to take on the New York Jets on Sunday Night Football in Week 7. Harris typically gets a rest day during the first practice of the week. As long as the 26-year-old is able to return to a limited session on Thursday, he should be on track to play this weekend as Pittsburgh's lead back. If Harris were to be out or limited at all on Sunday evening, though, Jaylen Warren would see his biggest workload of 2024. On his 96 rushing attempts through six games, Harris has 376 yards (3.9 yards per carry) and only one touchdown to make him the RB22 in half-PPR scoring. A move to Russell Wilson at QB for the Steelers could be good news for Harris' fantasy upside.
From RotoBaller
