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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- Divisional Inactives
According to the team, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Deonte Harty (knee) is active for Sunday's playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. Harty has been on the injured reserve since suffering a knee injury during their Week 6 contest against the Washington Commanders. Over his first five games of the season, Harty has logged just six offensive snaps and has been deployed primarily on special teams. However, with Zay Flowers (knee) inactive, Harty could see a slightly increased role in this contest. Although, given his lack of offensive production, he should not be considered in any DFS competitions. Instead, fantasy managers should expect Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor, and Tylan Wallace to operate as the top wideouts for Lamar Jackson.
From RotoBaller
According to the team, Baltimore Ravens running back Rasheen Ali (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. Ali did not carry an injury designation into this game but will instead watch this game from the sidelines. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Derrick Henry to operate as the lead back, with Justice Hill slotting behind him and Keaton Mitchell as the No.3 option. Ali also sat out during their wild-card victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Over his final four games of the regular season, the 23-year-old tallied 31 yards on ten attempts. Henry carries high-end RB1 upside in DFS in this contest, while Hill is worth a look at as a value play in what could be a high-scoring affair.
From RotoBaller
According to the team, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (knee) is officially inactive for Sunday's playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. Flowers sustained this knee injury during their Week 18 victory over the Cleveland Browns. The top wideout has been unable to practice each of the previous two weeks. Flowers was able to do a pre-game workout but was unable to turn the corner in time to suit up. Flowers has enjoyed a strong sophomore campaign as he eclipsed the century mark for the first time in his career and tallied four scores. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews to lead the passing attack this evening. Bateman is a solid WR2 in DFS formats, as he should continue to see an increase in targets operating as the top option on the depth chart.
From RotoBaller
According to the team, Buffalo Bills rookie running back Ray Davis (concussion) is officially active for Sunday's playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens. Davis sustained this concussion during their wild-card victory over the Denver Broncos. Davis was able to log three straight limited practice sessions and was able to turn the corner in time for this contest. Throughout the season, Davis has been deployed as a change-of-pace option in the Buffalo backfield, averaging a mere 6.6 attempts per game. Fantasy managers should continue to expect James Cook to operate as the lead back, with Ty Johnson operating as the No.2 option and Davis operating as a change-of-pace option. He is a high-risk flex option in DFS competitions, given his limited role in the offense.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Braden Fiske (knee) has been downgraded to out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Fiske, who registered a sack prior to exiting, left the game in the first half. He was initially listed as questionable before the Rams declared him unable to return. The rookie out of Florida State has been a game wrecker this year, amassing 44 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles through 17 regular-season games. His absence is bad news for the Rams as they try to pull off an upset on the road in snowy Philadelphia. Tyler Davis and Desjuan Johnson will earn more defensive snaps for the rest of this playoff contest.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) underwent a successful second ACL surgery last week, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. The operation was led by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who is widely regarded as one of the country's top sports medicine specialists. Brooks missed the first half of his rookie season due to an ACL injury, so it was crushing to see him suffer another ACL tear just a few games into his NFL career. This latest tear is expected to sideline Brooks for the entire 2025 season, meaning he won't be fully healthy until the 2026 campaign. The Panthers are fortunate that Chuba Hubbard played so well during the 2024 season and is on track to remain their starting running back in 2025. Hubbard ranks as a high-end fantasy RB2 next year, but Brooks' eventual return in 2026 could add a wrinkle to the backfield dynamic.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (shoulder) has officially been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's Divisional Round contest against the Los Angeles Rams. He made one tackle and defended a pass prior to his departure. The 23-year-old rookie spent significant time in the medical tent before the Eagles labeled him as questionable, and he was downgraded to out around halftime. Isaiah Rodgers stepped up as Mitchell's replacement for most of the first half, and he should continue to earn defensive snaps throughout the second half. The Eagles' defense faces significant adversity by losing Mitchell, who contributed 46 tackles through 16 regular-season contests.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Braden Fiske (knee) is questionable to return against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Fiske exited during the first half of the Divisional Round, but he registered a sack prior to his departure. The rookie out of Florida State has been a game wrecker this year, amassing 44 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles through 17 regular-season games. Tyler Davis and Desjuan Johnson will earn more defensive snaps until Fiske is able to return.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had seven catches for 117 yards and a touchdown in the Chiefs playoff win over the Texans. Dynasty Analysis: Kelce now owns the NFL record for most 100-yard receiving games in the playoffs by any player, not just a tight end, breaking the mark set by Jerry Rice. It seems the Chiefs are just fine using him relatively modestly during the regular season, only to unleash him in the postseason at this point. While it's great for Kansas City, it has really affected his dynasty value over the past two years and made him more of a low-end TE1 than the elite difference maker he once was. If he continues playing after this season, that will likely continue.
Dynasty | Chiefs receiver DeAndre Hopkins failed to record a catch in a playoff win against Houston. Dynasty Analysis: Hopkins honestly just looks done at this point and while he's offering some red zone appeal to the Chiefs, they seem much more happy looking for Travis Kelce, Hollywood Brown, Xavier Worthy and even other before Hopkins. While he should still stay on roster, Hopkins' best days in dynasty leagues have clearly come to an end.
Dynasty | Lions quarterback Jared Goff completed 23-of-40 passes for 313 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions in Detroit's stunning playoff loss to the Commanders. Dynasty Analysis: Goff shouldn't take all the blame in this one as the Lions defense got shredded, but he was hardly the solution either. It closes the chapter on a brilliant season but also raises some questions about just how high his ceiling really is. His value should hold this off-season, but this performance will certainly stop it from rising.
Dynasty | Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs had 105 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a playoff loss to Washington. Dynasty Analysis: He added six catches for 70 more yards. Detroit's loss was a shock, but Gibbs' performance really wasn't. The breakout star posted over 1,400 rushing yards, 50 catches and scored 20 times on the season, so nobody should be stunned at this. While David Montgomery will continue to eat into his workload a bit, it's clear he's the 1A in this offense moving forward and will be valued as one of the top running backs in dynasty leagues this off-season.
Dynasty | Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels completed 22-of-31 passes for 299 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, adding 51 rushing yards in a signature playoff road win over Detroit. Dynasty Analysis: Can he really be considered a rookie at this point? Daniels was again brilliant in what may be the win that really puts him on the map as one of the elite players in the NFL. Washington looks like a team of destiny and that tends to go with the territory when you have a breakout star like this. Daniels is a top tier QB1 in dynasty leagues and an easy player to build your franchise around moving forward as the best may still be yet to come.
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (knee) completed a pre-game workout ahead of Sunday's Divisional Round contest against the Buffalo Bills. Flowers remains listed as doubtful, which means that he faces an uphill battle to play. However, the fact that he was able to test his injury and go through a workout is noteworthy, at the very least. If Flowers defies the odds and does end up playing, it would be a surprising development, and the young receiver could still have a reduced snap count. Fantasy managers and bettors should expect confirmation on his status when the Ravens' list of inactives is revealed at 5 p.m. EST. Regardless of Flowers' availability, Rashod Bateman should take on an increased workload Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (shoulder) is officially questionable to return after exiting during the first quarter of Sunday's Divisional Round contest against the Los Angeles Rams. He made one tackle and defended a pass prior to his departure. The 23-year-old rookie spent significant time in the medical tent before the Eagles labeled him as questionable. Isaiah Rodgers will earn more defensive snaps at cornerback until Mitchell is able to return.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders right guard Sam Cosmi (knee) has been diagnosed with an ACL injury and will not return during the playoffs, head coach Dan Quinn announced Sunday. Cosmi suffered the injury during Saturday's Divisional Round victory over the Detroit Lions. The 25-year-old was an anchor on the offensive line this season, playing essentially every snap while providing impressive protection and leadership. When confirming Cosmi's injury, Quinn noted, "That's a big deal, the ballplayer and the man." Trent Scott is expected to operate as the Commanders' primary right guard going forward.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Ainias Smith (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams. The Texas A&M product was also a healthy scratch during the wild-card round when the Eagles faced the Green Bay Packers. During the regular season, Smith caught just seven passes for 41 yards and a score. Fantasy managers should expect A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson to lead the passing attack on Sunday afternoon.
From RotoBaller
According to the team, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tyler Johnson (coach's decision) will not suit up on Sunday afternoon to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round. The 26-year-old also sat out during the wild-card round. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, and Demarcus Robinson to lead the passing attack in Philadelphia. Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington will operate as rotational pieces. During Week 18, when several starters rested, Johnson brought in four of his seven targets for 35 yards and a touchdown. Nacua carries an elite WR1 upside on this slate, whereas Kupp and Robinson carry flex value.
From RotoBaller
According to the team, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Bobby Brown III (shoulder) and defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon (thigh) are both active for Sunday's playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Brown could not practice all week and is expected to return to his rotational role on the defensive line. Last week against the Vikings, Brown tallied one tackle on 13 defensive snaps. Witherspoon ended the week with a limited practice session and will return to his starting role in the secondary. Over his past five games, he has tallied 21 tackles, seven deflections, and one interception. He will be a key part of the defensive game plan to limit the potent Philadelphia offense.
From RotoBaller
According to FOX Sports' Jay Glazer, the Chicago Bears are scheduled to interview former Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George for their head-coaching job on Sunday. George has been the head coach at Tennessee State for the last four years and was named the Coach Of The Year for the Big South in 2024-25 while leading his team to a co-championship. Before starting his coaching career, George won a Heisman Trophy in college. In his time at Tennessee State, he's gone 24-22, including 9-3 during the regular season this year. The Bears fired Matt Eberflus after their Thanksgiving Day loss to the division-rival Detroit Lions, with Thomas Brown finishing out the year as the interim head coach. The Bears are casting a wide net for their next head coach and are hoping whoever they choose will be able to get more out of No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams.
From RotoBaller
