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.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed was the offensive star for the Packers in their 34-29 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil on Friday night. Reed took a jet sweep for a 33-yard touchdown early in the second quarter and then caught a 70-yard touchdown just a few minutes later on the next Packers' possession. As the most dynamic playmaker for the Packers, Reed was a menace all over the field and was second on the team in targets next to Romeo Doubs. Reed is off to a great start to his second season in green and gold and is primed to build off of a rookie campaign that saw him score 10 touchdowns and put up over 900 yards from scrimmage. The Packers play the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2 and Reed should be considered a low-end WR2 in fantasy as long as Jordan Love is the starting quarterback, as Love left the game late in Week 1 with a leg injury.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk will make his NFL debut against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. A second-round pick out of the University of Washington, Polk could open the year as New England's No. 2 wide receiver. As the preseason wrapped up, both he and K.J. Osborn were competing for that role with Demario Douglas in line to serve as the No. 1 receiver. It's possible that Osborn draws the start given his experience in the NFL, but there's no denying that Polk flashed real potential this summer and will be on Osborn's heels, at the very least. Polk should be rostered in most dynasty leagues but lacks redraft appeal, especially with the Patriots projected to finish last in the NFL this year.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown looked good in the Week 1 win over the Packers. While the field conditions in Brazil weren't ideal, the wideout still had a stellar outing, leading his team in receiving by amassing five catches for 119 yards and a touchdown. Brown received a lucrative three-year, $96 million contract extension this offseason after piecing together back-to-back 1,400-yard receiving seasons. Without question, fantasy managers were certainly pleased with his performance on Friday night. With a win, Philadelphia will head home to await the Atlanta Falcons for a Week 2, Monday Night Football matchup. Of course, Brown should remain starting in any fantasy format imaginable.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs put together a modest fantasy effort in the Packers' 34-29 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil on Friday night. Doubs led the Packers in targets with seven, catching four of those targets for 50 yards. Of the group of wide receivers, Doubs ran the most routes on the team and also led the receivers with an 87% snap share, per Nathan Jahnke of PFF. Even though Doubs ran the most routes and earned the most snaps, he's still a bit of a risky proposition to start in fantasy, especially with a potential Jordan Love injury at the end of Week 1 to factor in. The utilization for Doubs makes him a bit safer as a player you know will be on the field a ton, but with that safety comes the fact that Doubs was a bit touchdown-dependent last season. Consider Doubs a low-end WR3 for fantasy in Week 2 if Love is the starter at quarterback.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs finished his first game with the Packers in bounce-back fashion in their Week 1 34-29 loss to the Eagles in Brazil. Jacobs had a nightmare first half where he had six carries for just four yards on the ground. Jacobs' second half was excellent as he reeled off a few nice runs including a 32-yard scamper in the fourth quarter as he finished with 84 yards rushing on 16 carries, while catching 2-of-3 targets for 20 yards on the night. Carrying the rushing volume for the Packers to the tune of 80% of the carries in the backfield, Jacobs was relied upon as the workhorse with MarShawn Lloyd ruled inactive and Emanuel Wilson seeing four carries. Against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2, Jacobs should be a high-end RB2, but if Jordan Love's injury at the end of the game forces somebody else other than Love to start at quarterback, Jacobs' fantasy value would take a bit of a tumble.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts helped guide his team to a win over the Packers on Friday night. The field conditions in Brazil weren't favorable. Yet, the signal-caller still put together an acceptable showing for fantasy managers, throwing for 278 yards, two touchdowns, and two picks off 20-for-34 passing. He added 13 carries for 33 yards. With Jason Kelce now retired, Hurts had issues getting on the same page as center Cam Jurgens, resulting in some botched snaps. However, things will likely get sorted out ahead of the Eagles Week 2 meeting with the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night. With that said, Hurts will remain a must-start in all fantasy formats.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas has generated some buzz as a potential fantasy starter in deeper leagues for Week 1. As the Patriots prepare for battle against the Cincinnati Bengals, quarterback Jacoby Brissett will likely be looking for reliable options in the passing attack, including Douglas. Brissett will have very little time to throw behind the porous offensive line. Therefore, he could connect early and often with Douglas, who typically runs shorter routes and can be a reliable presence over the middle. Douglas won't rack up major yardage, but he could be a PPR darling with the amount of targets he gets Sunday, especially if the Patriots are playing from behind (as expected). With that said, a lack of bye weeks and injuries this early in the season has left plenty of appealing options at the wide receiver position, lowering Douglas' ranking. He's the top fantasy receiver in New England, though, and is best viewed as a low-end FLEX play in deeper leagues this week.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley had a stellar showing in the 34-29 win over the Packers in Brazil. Making his debut with the Eagles on Friday night, Barkley ran the ball 24 times, amassing 109 yards while finding the end zone twice. It didn't end there, with the former Giant catching both targets for 23 yards and a touchdown. The veteran signed a three-year, $37.75 million contract with the Eagles this offseason after spending his entire career with the Giants. His talent has never been questioned. However, he'll need to stay healthy, which has been an issue in the past. With a win in the books, the Eagles will fly home for some rest before preparing for a Week 2 Monday Night Football showdown with the Atlanta Falcons. As always, Barkley would is considered a must-start in all fantasy formats for that one.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett is gearing up for his second stint with the team. He'll draw the start for New England in Week 1 but remains off the radar in most fantasy leagues. His below-average play coupled with the Patriots' weak pass-catching group lowers Brissett's floor, as well as his upside. He also has a tough matchup against an up-and-coming Cincinnati Bengals defense that finished with the eighth-most interceptions in the NFL last year. If you're a fantasy manager who waited to select a quarterback until the very end of your draft in 2-QB leagues, maybe you should consider Brissett. Otherwise, though, he has a bleak outlook this week and should be treated as one of the least preferable QB options in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson has more fantasy football allure than the rest of his teammates heading into a Week 1 clash with the Cincinnati Bengals. While the Patriots have a very bleak outlook in general this year, there's still an opportunity for players like Stevenson to see decent volume. That starts this week against a Bengals defense that allowed the ninth-most rushing touchdowns and the 12th-most rushing yards to running backs in 2023. Stevenson will lose some touches to Antonio Gibson, but he's still the No. 1 back in this offense and has workhorse potential. He has also consistently shown his value as a runner, receiver, and blocker, which should allow him to get on the field and earn reps in all types of situations this year. He ranks as a low-end RB2, but managers should expect reduced touchdown opportunities with the Patriots projected to finish as the worst team in the NFL this year.
From RotoBaller
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense/special teams was great for fantasy purposes last season and will kick off the 2024 campaign in Atlanta against the Falcons. The Steelers allowed the eighth-fewest points in the NFL in 2023, and although the Falcons scored just under 19 points per contest, Atlanta's offense should be much improved this season with Kirk Cousins under center. Nonetheless, Sunday will be Cousins' first game action since tearing his Achilles last October and it may take some time for the new-look Falcons offense to find its rhythm. The Steelers boast the most expensive defense in the league and have the talent to show for it. Fantasy managers should feel confident rolling with the Steelers D/ST in their lineups this week.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (undisclosed) exited Friday's meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles. The signal-caller played most of the contest. However, he took a hit with seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and needed help off the field due to what appeared to be a lower leg injury. Love would finish the night by throwing for 260 yards, two touchdowns, and one pick off 17-for-34 passing before being replaced by Malik Willis, who failed to connect on his only pass attempt. Without question, fantasy managers will anxiously await an update on his condition. Fortunately, the Packers have time before the Week 2 matchup with the Colts. With that in mind, there should be word on Love's injury soon.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is a solid starting option against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1. The Miami defense was below league-average against quarterbacks in fantasy last season and lost some pieces on defense, making for a solid opening matchup for the Jaguars quarterback. Lawrence finished as the QB13 in fantasy points per game last season, and expectations for this season are around the same level. The Clemson product's weaponry includes returning top options and intriguing new faces. Once again, Evan Engram, Christian Kirk, and Travis Etienne Jr. should be reliable options in the short and intermediate passing game. Gabe Davis and Brian Thomas Jr. were brought in to stretch the field more, replacing Calvin Ridley and Zay Jones. The receiving core will look a bit different this season, meaning it may be smartest to wait and see how Lawrence does in Week 1 before trusting him as a fantasy starter. However, fantasy managers can do much worse with their starting QB and should expect a solid floor and solid ceiling out of Lawrence in their Week 1 lineup.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was extremely steady in 2023 and will hope to find success against the Atlanta Falcons in the first contest of his 10th professional season. Atlanta allowed nearly 22 points per game and gave up the third-most fantasy points to opposing kickers last year. Boswell could provide fantasy value in this matchup, but it is difficult to predict how the Steelers will fare in their first game under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and with quarterback Russell Wilson's (calf) status in limbo. Boswell can be considered in a pinch but fantasy managers would be wise to take a wait-and-see approach with Pittsburgh's offense.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields may see the field sooner than anticipated in a Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Head coach Mike Tomlin hinted at a potential package for the 25-year-old last week, but Fields could be in line to draw the start on Sunday with Russell Wilson (calf) limited on Friday and highly questionable to suit up. Even in his first start as a Steeler, Fields should immediately be considered amongst the top 12 fantasy quarterbacks. The Falcons surrendered plenty of production to opposing quarterbacks in 2023 and Fields has averaged nearly 19 fantasy points per game over the past two years. Fantasy managers that opted to pass on the early-round quarterbacks should add Fields and monitor the status of Wilson heading into Sunday. Fields' abilities as a runner give him a safe floor and high ceiling as a starting-caliber fantasy QB1 when under center.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth just secured a long-term extension and will look to carry positive momentum into a Week 1 contest against the Atlanta Falcons. There are many questions surrounding the new-look Steelers offense, including who will start at quarterback on Sunday, but Freiermuth could nonetheless be in line for a productive outing. New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has been known to heavily feature tight ends and Atlanta surrendered the sixth-most fantasy points to the position last season. Freiermuth may not offer the same upside as many of the elite tight ends, but fantasy managers who drafted him shouldn't go searching the waiver wire to replace him in this matchup. He projects as a top-15 option and is especially viable in PPR formats.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas found the end zone four times as a rookie. As a result, many expect him to get more involved in the offense this season, especially with Tyler Boyd no longer on the roster. However, his level of involvement could increase even more in the Week 1 matchup with the New England Patriots. Ja'Marr Chase (not injury-related) and Tee Higgins (hamstring) aren't a lock to suit up. If that's the case, Joe Burrow (wrist) could look in Iosivas' direction more than initially anticipated, potentially giving him value as a flex option in deeper fantasy setups. But first, Chase and Higgins will officially need to be ruled out.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton (toe) scored twice in the preseason. Yet, it's logical to assume it will still take him at least a year or two before he's consistently relevant for fantasy managers. With that said, Ja'Marr Chase (not injury-related) and Tee Higgins (hamstring) may not be available for the Week 1 opener versus the New England Patriots. If that's the case, the rookie could see more snaps than anticipated, assuming he's cleared to suit up. Granted, Burton will need to compete primarily with Trenton Irwin and Andrei Iosivas for the attention of Joe Burrow. Still, fantasy managers in 12-team leagues and up should keep Burton on the back burner in the event Chase and Higgins are both ruled out.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson will face off against his former team, the Atlanta Falcons, in Week 1. Jefferson has flashed potential since entering the league in 2020 and begins his fifth professional season with an opportunity to become the WR2 in Pittsburgh. The 28-year-old impressed throughout camp and drew praise from the Steelers' coaching staff all summer. Unfortunately, he'll have his work cut out for him on Sunday against a Falcons defense that limited wideouts to the sixth-fewest fantasy points in the NFL last season. Jefferson's role in new play-caller Arthur Smith's offense is worth monitoring but he is best left on fantasy waiver wires for now.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington (quad) has been officially ruled out for the team's home opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Washington was able to practice Wednesday and Thursday in a limited fashion, but a downgrade for Friday's practice will sideline him for Week 1. Unfortunately, the explosive rookie's debut will be delayed -- and, as of now, the timetable for his return is unclear. It's ill-fated news for the sixth-round pick as there is a window for him to make his case as the Dolphins' WR3 with Odell Beckham Jr. and River Cracraft to miss the season's first four games while on the PUP. Braxton Berrios will work as Miami's third wideout for the majority of the matchup, with Grant DuBose mixing in to give him a break. Receivers Anthony Schwartz and Tahj Washington are also on IR, leaving the Fins with just four healthy wide receivers.
From RotoBaller