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
Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is a low-end fantasy quarterback start for Week 7. The Cardinals will host the Los Angeles Chargers in a pivotal game on Monday night. The Cardinals' offense is coming off a sloppy outing in Green Bay. However, Murray still had a decent game, completing 22-of-32 passes for 214 yards and a touchdown. The Cardinals' offense has been streaky this season, and if they can find some consistency, they could have real fantasy upside. Cardinals wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) and Michael Wilson (ankle) appear to be playing, so the Cardinals' playmakers should be at full strength. The Chargers' defense ranks sixth against quarterbacks in fantasy, presenting a tough matchup. Murray's rushing upside still makes him a likely starter and a low-end QB1 for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, "several teams," specifically the Steelers and Chargers, have inquired about the availability of New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams (personal). The wideout spent his entire career with the Chargers before signing with the Jets this offseason. However, he's struggled in 2024-25, accumulating only 10 catches for 145 yards. With New York recently acquiring Davante Adams in a blockbuster deal, there's a good chance Williams could be moved elsewhere ahead of the trade deadline. If that happens, he may benefit from a change of scenery, so fantasy managers should contemplate holding on to him for now, considering brighter days may be on the horizon.
From RotoBaller
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, "a select group of NFL teams" have contacted the Jets regarding the availability of wide receiver Garrett Wilson. With New York recently acquiring Davante Adams, there are many who believe Wilson's days with the Jets are over. However, there hasn't been any indication suggesting the team would make a move, considering he's one of the league's most promising young receivers. Although Wilson was expected to have a breakout year in 2024-25, that hasn't happened. But in all fairness, he hasn't been horrible, amassing 41 catches for 399 yards and three touchdowns. It remains to be seen if Wilson and Adams can co-exist, so the situation is worth monitoring moving ahead. For now, the 24-year-old remains a must-start for Sunday Night's meeting with the Steelers.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson won the battle of the top two fantasy QBs in Week 6, so now he shifts his sights to the new QB2 in Baker Mayfield. Jackson still sits atop the QB ladder in fantasy football while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have given up the second-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Over the Buccaneers' last three games, the total score between both teams has been 78, 66, and 49. With the Ravens' defense giving up big passing games, this game should turn into a shootout quickly. That means Jackson could have a huge game on the way in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin has continued to be one of the most consistent options at his position this season. McLaughlin has connected on all 11 of his field goal attempts and missed just one PAT in 20 attempts. The Bucs continue to march down the field and give McLaughlin plenty of chances. He should continue getting opportunities in what looks like a possible shootout with the Baltimore Ravens. Fantasy managers in need of a kicker should look towards McLaughlin this weekend.
From RotoBaller
According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Los Angeles Rams have received calls from teams regarding the availability of wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle). Rapoport added that a trade for Kupp "would be complicated and multi-faceted." Although the Rams aren't actively looking to move the wideout, things could change before the deadline if Los Angeles continues down a losing path. Kupp has played his entire career in L.A., amassing 585 catches for 7,213 yards and 52 touchdowns. For now, he remains questionable for Sunday's clash with the Las Vegas Raiders.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton has picked up his performance over the last few weeks. Otton hauled in two of his six targets for 15 yards and a touchdown in the win over the New Orleans Saints last week. The touchdown helped salvage his fantasy value, but the six targets is nice to see. In fact, Otton has seen six of more targets in each of the last four games. He heads into a favorable matchup against the Baltimore Ravens defense. A defensive unit that has struggled to contain the pass this season. Otton could be worth a look as a TE2 for desperate fantasy managers in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin is coming off his best performance of the season. Last week, Godwin hauled in 11 receptions for 125 yards and two touchdowns in the win over the New Orleans Saints. It was season highs across the board for the veteran wideout who has been fantastic since his move back to the slot. The expectation is that Godwin will remain a focal point in the passing game this weekend against the Baltimore Ravens. A defense that has struggled to contain the passing attack early on this year. Godwin has done enough to be plugged in as a WR1 for this Week 7 contest.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker had a breakout performance against the New Orleans Saints last week. Tucker went crazy as he rushed for 136 yards with one touchdown in the win. He also added three receptions for 56 yards and an additional touchdown. This epic performance has earned him a role in the backfield committee along with Rachaad White (foot) and Bucky Irving. Right now, it's uncertain if White is going to suit up for Monday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. If not, Irving and Tucker would be the primary ball handlers in the backfield once again. However, the Ravens are a much stronger unit against the rushing attack. Tucker earned over 60 of his yards in garbage time last week. What he accomplished was impressive, but should be considered more of a fluke outing. Most fantasy managers should be able to find a more reliable option ahead of this Week 7 matchup.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Will Dissly (shoulder) could find himself fantasy relevant in a Week 7 Monday Night Football game against the Arizona Cardinals. Dissly hasn't done a ton this season, totaling 13 catches for 111 yards. His best fantasy finish so far has been a TE18 finish in Week 2, but with several Chargers pass catchers including fellow tight end Hayden Hurst (groin) injured and not expected to play, Dissly could see more targets thrown his way by necessity. He's still not a TE1 option, but he should put up solid TE2 stats and has a decently high floor for his position.
From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Rams' defense has a great matchup this week, facing a weakened Las Vegas Raiders offense. Entering Week 7, the Rams allow 27.8 points per game, the fourth-highest average of any team. The team's four turnovers and nine sacks also rank among the bottom of the league. However, the lack of offensive weapons on the Raiders still makes the Rams a desirable D/ST option this week. The Raiders traded away star wide receiver Davante Adams to the New York Jets on Tuesday, and their best wide receiver remaining on the roster, Jakobi Meyers (ankle), is doubtful to play Sunday. The Raiders' running game is also a concern, with lead back Zamir White (groin) questionable to play this week. With the Raiders expected to go with quarterback Aidan O'Connell again this week, fantasy managers should feel confident starting the Rams D/ST as the 10th-ranked unit in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Kimani Vidal will look to keep his role in the Chargers backfield growing in a Week 7 Monday Night Football game against the Arizona Cardinals. Vidal started the season fourth on the depth chart, but an injury to Gus Edwards (ankle) and strong performances from Vidal in small sample sizes have taken him up to second on the depth chart behind starter J.K. Dobbins. Dobbins has a three-down skill set, so Vidal will spend most of the game on the sidelines, but he would immediately enter the high-end RB2 rankings if something were to happen to the Chargers starter. He has the kind of upside that makes him worth being stashed in most formats.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving could be in line for another start this week. The Bucs are likely going to be without Rachaad White (foot) who is currently questionable. However, it wouldn't be shocking to see the Bucs hold out White given how well Irving and Sean Tucker played last week. Irving rushed 14 times for 81 yards and a touchdown in the win over the New Orleans Saints. The rookie back continues to impress each week. He has earned more carries and possibly a chance at the full-time gig at some point. Although, Irving won't have an easy challenge against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday. A defense that has done extremely well against running backs this season. Irving should be able to carve out low-end flex value despite a tough matchup.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer could have an expanded role on Monday Night Football when the Chargers take on the Arizona Cardinals. With Ladd McConkey (hip) questionable and Quentin Johnston (ankle) doubtful, Palmer could end up the top receiving option against a defense that has really struggled to stop the passing game. So far, Palmer hasn't done much, with just nine catches this season, but even on a heavy run-focused offense like the Chargers, someone has to catch the ball sometimes, and Palmer could be that guy. He shapes up as a better DFS or best ball option because the floor is as low as the ceiling is high, but this could be one week where Palmer is a viable bye week filler in deeper leagues.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Titans have placed wide receiver Treylon Burks on injured reserve. Dynasty Analysis: Burks had been splitting time with DeAndre Hopkins recently and has turned that opportunity into a meager four catches for 34 yards. He'll now miss at least the next four weeks as he attempts to rehab a knee injury. Those hoping for a third year breakout from Burks are going to be further disappointed. While his quarterbacks have given him no help, he has just 53 catches for 699 yards and one career touchdown in 27 career games over three years, making him a candidate for waivers.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has been putting himself in the MVP discussion with how he has played early in the season. Although, Mayfield did run into some trouble during last week's win over the New Orleans Saints. Mayfield threw for 325 yards with four touchdowns, but he also threw three interceptions. Mayfield played better in the second half, but he won't be able to get away with as many mistakes against the Baltimore Ravens this week. The good news is that the Ravens have struggled to contain the passing game this season. Mayfield should be able to continue airing it out which should give him solid QB1 numbers for Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins got back on track in Week 6 and will look to keep it going in a Week 7 Monday Night Football game against the Arizona Cardinals. Dobbins got off to an excellent start this season, finishing as the overall fantasy RB4 in Week 1 and the RB5 in Week 2. Two down weeks followed (RB39 in Week 3 and RB36 in Week 4), but he got back on track after the Chargers bye, finishing as the RB12 against a strong Denver defense in Week 6. The Cardinals defense is solid enough against the run, but the Chargers have formed their entire offensive identity around the running game, so Dobbins is certain to see plenty of the ball on Monday night. He's an RB1 option with big time upside.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is tough to trust in Week 7 fantasy lineups despite an excellent matchup. With the Chargers going with an extremely run-heavy approach on offense this season, Herbert ranks as just QB29 in fantasy points per game. His best game of the year so far from a fantasy perspective was a QB21 finish in Week 6. The Cardinals defense has allowed the second-highest yards per attempt and the fifth-highest passer rating to opposing quarterbacks, but with the Chargers still likely to run, run, run, Herbert is at best a QB2 option, startable in superflex and 2QB formats, but not much of an option in any leagues that start just one.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (shoulder) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. It was recently revealed that Levis has been playing through a Grade 2 AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder. That could explain why Levis has been playing so poorly lately. This type of injury could result in a multiple game absence for Levis. For now, Levis will miss one game and Mason Rudolph will take over under center this weekend. Rudolph won't be a recommended streaming option against the tough Bills defense.
From RotoBaller
