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.
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 11
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. returned to action after a one-week absence and led his team in targets on Sunday with eight, hauling in five of them for 46 yards in a 28-27 nailbiter win over the Jets in Week 11. It was only the third time this season in 10 games played that the fifth-year pro eclipsed the 40-yard plateau and only the third time he's caught five or more passes. Still, with Anthony Richardson looking like a competent quarterback on Sunday, there may be better days ahead for the 27-year-old. Look for the 6-foot-4 wideout to be a fringe WR3 in Week 12, especially with six teams on bye.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard rushed nine times for 15 yards in a 23-13 to Minnesota this weekend. The former Cowboy added two receptions for 14 yards in the defeat. Pollard still led the Titans in carries, but was turned away all game long as the stout Minnesota run defense lived up to their billing, only allowing 33 total yards on the afternoon. Tyjae Spears only saw five opportunities in the game and was evaluated for a head injury post-game, so Pollard will remain the bell cow in this backfield, especially if Spears can't go next week. Tennessee struggled to move the ball most of the game, which did not benefit Pollard, but he should find more success against the Houston Texans next week.
From RotoBaller
According to the NFL's Ian Rapoport, the knee injury that forced Green Bay Packers defensive back Jaire Alexander (knee) from Sunday's 20-19 win over the Chicago Bears is not considered to be serious. The 27-year-old was knocked out of the team's victory in the second half and did not return. Per Rapoport, it's a "continuation of what he's been working through," and sources said he'll be ok. Alexander was a limited participant in practice all week leading up to Sunday's outing, and he'll likely be as such ahead of Green Bay's Week 12 home tilt against the San Francisco 49ers. Fantasy managers will want to keep an eye on his status, but it appears he shouldn't miss any time as of now.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis completed 17-of-31 passes for 295 yards, one touchdown. and one pick in a 23-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. The young signal caller also rushed seven times for 18 yards. Levis played admirably despite matching up against a tough defense, throwing for a season-high in yardage, which was ballooned by a 98-yard touchdown to Nick Westbrook-Ikine on the right sideline. The Kentucky product put up his second highest total of the season with 15.6 fantasy points, and looks like a serviceable 2QB option heading into next week against the Houston Texans.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets kicker Anders Carlson made both of his field goals and added three extra points in a 28-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11. Carlson was signed from the practice squad earlier in the week after the Kansas City Chiefs signed away Spencer Shrader to be their kicker while Harrison Butker (knee) is sidelined. That left Carlson as the Jets' fourth kicker in as many games. He looked good in his New York debut, hitting field goals from 58 and 35 yards away. Carlson and the Jets head into their bye in Week 12 before they take on the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (shoulder) was forced from Sunday's contest against the Cincinnati Bengals and is questionable to return. The rookie wideout caught a 20-yard pass on the Chargers' second drive of the game but was pushed out of bounds hard and was immediately seen writhing in pain after the play. Before his exit, he caught his sole target. If McConkey does not return, wide receivers Quentin Johnston and Joshua Palmer and tight end Will Dissly are projected to benefit the most from his absence in LA's passing attack.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams caught six of his seven targets for 72 yards in a 28-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11. Adams led the Jets in receiving yards while finishing behind only Breece Hall in catches in the heartbreaking loss to the Colts. The veteran wideout has been trending up in recent weeks as he has caught at least six passes in three straight games while 31 targets over that span. Settling in as an upside WR2 in fantasy with his new team, Adams will be on bye in Week 12 before he takes on the Seattle Seahawks at home in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson caught four of his eight targets for 18 yards in a 28-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11. Wilson led the Jets in targets but he managed just a meager 4.5 yards per catch in the close loss to Indy. The veteran wideout has been quiet over his past two games as he has only nine catches for 59 yards and no touchdowns over that span. Wilson will be on bye in Week 12 before he takes on the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Per Daniel Popper of The Athletic, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (shoulder) has returned to the team's outing against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Night Football. McConkey got shaken up a bit after hauling in a 20-yard pass, but after a brief exit to the locker room, he was able to return to the field. He should slot back in as a top-two option for quarterback Justin Herbert.
From RotoBaller
Per beat writer Tracy Sandler of FGSN, San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (obliques) is now having trouble with both obliques. Bosa was forced from the team's 20-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 11 after injuring his oblique. The 27-year-old came into Sunday's home tilt after missing practice due to a hip/oblique ailment and reported overcompensating on his second sack of quarterback Geno Smith and injuring the other one. Unfortunately, the superstar pass-rusher noted that he's concerned he'll have to miss some time but said, "We're going to see." San Francisco had not let up a touchdown to their division rivals on Sunday until the former first-round pick exited the game. He will almost certainly miss practice again this week, but the 49ers will hope to have him back for their Week 12 road matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates delivered another strong performance in Week 11, converting his lone field goal attempt and all seven extra points in a 52-6 win over the Jaguars. Bates remains perfect on field goals this season, going 15-for-15, while leading the league with 39 extra points on 40 attempts. His consistent production continues to shine as part of Detroit's high-powered offense. Heading into Sunday night, Bates ranks as the K3 for the week and has scored 12 or more fantasy points in four of his last six games. He remains a reliable fantasy starter heading into Week 12 against the Indianapolis Colts.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 22 of his 29 passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns while adding a seven-yard run in a 28-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11. Rodgers tossed touchdown passes to Breece Hall and Kenny Yeboah in the contest but he was held under 200 passing yards for the second straight game. It has been tough going for Rodgers and the Jets this season as he will take 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions into the bye week. He does not need to be rostered in single quarterback leagues moving forward.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs reeled in all five of his targets for 84 yards and a touchdown in a 28-27 win over the Jets on Sunday. With Anthony Richardson showing a bit more accuracy this week, Downs maintained his status as the Colts' most reliable pass catcher, leading Indy's receiving corps in yardage while scoring the only offensive touchdown outside of Richardson's two rushing scores. It was the third straight game with at least five catches for the 23-year-old and sixth time in nine games. The former third-round draft pick will face off with the Lions in Week 12, a defense that is easier to throw on than run against, and could be playing from behind all day which should afford him plenty of opportunities again.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets running back Breece Hall carried the ball 16 times for 78 yards and a touchdown while catching all seven of his targets for 43 yards and another score in a 28-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11. Hall was a bright spot for the Jets in the heartbreaking loss as he broke a three-game scoreless streak with his pair of touchdowns. The veteran running back heads into his Week 12 bye with six all-around touchdowns. His next game will be Week 13 against the Seattle Seahawks at home.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond caught both of his targets for 30 yards in the team's dominant 52-6 victory over the Jaguars in Week 11. Raymond's role was fairly limited, finishing fifth on the team in receptions. With Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams commanding the majority of targets, Raymond remains difficult to trust as a fantasy option. Even with Sam LaPorta sidelined, Detroit's crowded offense limits Raymond's opportunities to deliver consistent fantasy value. Raymond should remain on waivers as the Lions are set to play the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III scored a touchdown in Week 11 for the first time since Week 7. The San Francisco 49ers were able to hold Walker in check on the ground, but his two receptions and his touchdown kept him afloat in fantasy. Walker has now scored at least 13.9 PPR fantasy points in every game but one this season. He has scored seven total touchdowns in seven games played, and he now has a career-high in receptions with a little under half a season to go. While Walker is not delivering the top five weeks he was at the beginning of the season, he has still been a high-end RB2. The Seahawks seem to have found defensive success in Week 11 as they held the 49ers to just 17 points. If that keeps up, then Walker should have plenty of opportunities on the ground and through the air. Look for him to keep up his scoring in a Week 12 clash with the Arizona Cardinals.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett caught just two of three targets for 19 yards in a Week 11 win over the San Francisco 49ers. The Seahawks' passing offense ran almost solely through wide receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba and DK Metcalf (knee). While Lockett has consistently operated as the third target this season, that usually still resulted in solid volume. With quarterback Geno Smith only throwing the ball 32 times in this game, Lockett was the odd-man out as Metcalf and Smith-Njigba combined for 20 targets. Lockett now has four games this season with less than 9.6 PPR fantasy points. It is discouraging to see that when the Seahawks' passing volume is down, Lockett is likely to miss out on the fantasy fun in this wide receiver core. With the Seahawks looking much sharper coming out of their bye, they were able to hold San Francisco's offense in check. As such, the Seahawks' offense did not need to generate much output to win the game. This will be an interesting situation to monitor if the Seahawks have made significant offensive and defensive changes coming out of their bye. If they are able to play better defense moving forward, then Lockett could experience more games like this.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (knee) recorded seven receptions for 70 yards in his return from an MCL sprain in Week 11. In a tough matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, Metcalf was able to deliver a solid day from an efficiency perspective as he finished second on the team with nine targets. Metcalf continued his solid season. Metcalf and fellow wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba accounted for most of the Seahawks' receiving yards and have formed a relatively dynamic duo in 2024. Although Smith-Njigba earned more targets in this game, Metcalf's nine were his fourth-most of the season. Metcalf should continue to deliver in fantasy as he gets more comfortable in his return from injury. He has a chance to go on a nice run over the next few weeks with the Arizona Cardinals and the struggling defense of the New York Jets on the docket. Metcalf should have a safe floor as a WR2 in fantasy with major upside to finish as a WR1 in any given week.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams exploded in Week 11, catching four of six targets for 124 yards and a touchdown in a 52-6 blowout win over the Jaguars. Williams continues to prove himself as one of the NFL's premier deep threats, recording his third touchdown in five games. Heading into Sunday night, Williams ranks as a Top-6 WR for the week, delivering yet another standout fantasy performance. The explosive wideout has now scored 16 or more PPR fantasy points in five of his eight games this season. Williams remains a WR2 with big-play upside heading into Week 12 against the Indianapolis Colts.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught 10 of 11 targets for 110 yards in a Week 11 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Smith-Njigba led the Seahawks in targets and dominated the middle of the field. The question coming out of the Seahawks' bye was how they might use Smith-Njigba moving forward. If the last two games are any indication, he is going to be a focal point in the offense. Prior to his last two games, Smith-Njigba had been relatively inconsistent. He had a decent target share, but he was a middle-of-the-road wide receiver in fantasy. On a day in which quarterback Geno Smith only threw for 221 yards, it is encouraging that Smith-Njigba had 110 receiving yards. He is starting to build a lot of momentum in this offense.
From RotoBaller