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 Starts/Sits: Week 3
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell converted on two of his three field goal attempts and both of his extra-point tries in a 20-10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Boswell, whose career-long field goal is 59 yards, had his first miss of the season come on a 62-yard attempt at the end of the first half. The 33-year-old reached an impressive benchmark on Sunday, becoming the second player in Steelers team history to reach 1,000 career points. Boswell is one of the most reliable kickers in the NFL, but high-end fantasy production will likely come on an inconsistent basis. He'll be a viable streaming option next week against the Indianapolis Colts.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (foot) will undergo an MRI. The 28-year-old has battled a foot injury, although he's been playing through it. Despite that, he's been a reliable defender for the Browns this season, totaling two sacks in the team's first two contests. But the results of the MRI will determine if Garrett can continue to play. If the veteran doesn't receive good news after the MRI, he may not be available for IDP managers for a while. With the Browns sitting on one win through the first three games of the 2024-25 campaign, being without Garrett obviously wouldn't be ideal.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth caught four of his five targets for 33 yards in a home win against the Los Angeles Chargers. For a third consecutive week to start the season, Freiermuth finished with four receptions but less than 40 yards. Although he clearly has a prominent role in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's system, it hasn't yet amounted to much in the way of fantasy production. Nonetheless, a tight end with this level of usage cannot be ignored. Fantasy managers can continue to view Freiermuth as a middling option with a high floor in PPR formats against the Indianapolis Colts next week.
From RotoBaller
The Green Bay Packers defense and special teams unit were fantastic as they shut down the Tennessee Titans' offense in the Packers' 30-14 win in Week 3. The Packers forced two interceptions, including a return for a touchdown by Jaire Alexander at the end of the first quarter. The defense repeatedly got to Titans' quarterback Will Levis for a whopping eight sacks and a forced fumble and recovery on the afternoon. It was a banner day for the Packers' D/ST as they'll assuredly be one of the top-scoring fantasy D/ST units of Week 3. The Packers will head back home to face the Minnesota Vikings but will be a streaming fantasy defensive option in that game with the Vikings showing some potency with quarterback Sam Darnold at the helm.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers defense had a pedestrian performance in a Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Chargers defensive unit allowed 20 points while recording one interception and two sacks. In standard defensive scoring leagues, that was good for just four fantasy points. It was one of those games where the defense looked pretty good on the field but just didn't do the things that earn fantasy points along the way. They'll be a somewhat less recommended fantasy option in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs, especially if Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) is forced to miss the game.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III shined with four receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown in a 20-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Austin showed true potential as a WR2 for the Steelers, especially with Van Jefferson (eye) missing most of the contest. He trailed only George Pickens in targets with five and flashed his impressive speed when taking a short pass from quarterback Justin Fields 55 yards to the end zone for his first score of the season. Most fantasy managers should monitor Austin's involvement in the coming weeks, but he could be an intriguing waiver-wire addition immediately in deeper leagues. He'll look to carry some positive momentum into a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson turned a quality game for the Packers in their 30-14 victory against the Tennessee Titans in Week 3. Wilson led the running backs in rushing yards with 50 on 12 carries, while bringing in both targets for 35 yards and a touchdown. Wilson's touchdown came on a screen pass where he weaved his way behind his blockers and then used his speed to scamper 30 yards for the touchdown. With MarShawn Lloyd (ankle) placed on injured reserve, Wilson is the primary backup behind Josh Jacobs. The Packers have employed a run-heavy approach in the last couple of games with Malik Willis installed as quarterback. Wilson has standalone value in deeper fantasy leagues for Week 4 against Minnesota but is more of a contingency fantasy play in case something happens to Jacobs. That said, if Wilson continues to siphon off more work from Jacobs in the Packers' backfield, Wilson could be a sneaky startable fantasy option.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins caught six passes for 73 yards and a touchdown in a loss to Green Bay. The performance was a welcome sight for fantasy managers, as Hopkins had only mustered two catches for seventeen yards over the first two weeks to start the year. "Nuk" was targeted seven times on the afternoon, which led all Titans pass catchers. Calvin Ridley had been the favorite target of Levis up to this point, but Hopkins took that crown against Green Bay, snagging passes all over the field including an 11-yard touchdown pass in the 3rd quarter. Hopkins will look to build on this promising performance next week at Miami.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens recorded five receptions for 57 yards on seven looks in the team's Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Pickens continued to operate as the clear WR1 in Pittsburgh despite being out-gained by teammate Calvin Austin III and dropping a pass on third down in the second quarter. Once again, the 23-year-old displayed chemistry with quarterback Justin Fields, leading the team in targets and earning an opportunity near the end zone. Through three weeks of the season, Pickens appears to be on the cusp of a breakout campaign. He'll hope to strike paydirt for the first time this year next week against the Indianapolis Colts.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston scored another touchdown in a Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Johnston's touchdown was the only one the Chargers scored in a slow offensive game. He was targeted twice and caught both for a total of 44 yards, including his 27-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter. The Chargers offense only completed 14 passes, with Johnston tying for the team lead in receiving yards along with Ladd McConkey. Johnston looks like he's a completely different player than he was last season, and his fantasy arrow is certainly pointing way up even though Justin Herbert (ankle) may be forced to miss some time.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey led the team in targets and tied for the team lead in catches in a Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Chargers offense was significantly slowed by the Steelers defense after two strong weeks to start the season. McConkey was targeted six times, making three catches for 44 yards. No other Charger had more than three targets, and he tied with Quentin Johnston with the 44 yards for the team lead. The Chargers ended up only completing 14 passes in this game, so McConkey's production was decent given the circumstances. The Chargers will face off against the Chiefs next week, possibly without starting quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle).
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (ribs) returned to the game against the Miami Dolphins. After exiting in the first quarter, Williams was announced to be able to return in the second quarter. It is great news for the Seahawks' defense and it will help the offense by extension. The Seahawks D/ST is currently having a solid outing against a Miami Dolphins team without starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion).
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker made both of his kicks in a Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dicker attempted one field goal and one extra point, making both, with his field goal coming from 28 yards out in the second quarter. It was a slow game for the Chargers offense as a whole, limiting Dicker's chances. He and the Chargers will take on the Kansas City Chiefs next week, possibly without starting quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle).
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (knee) didn't do much in a Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, then was forced to leave early after aggravating his ankle injury. Herbert attempted 18 passes, completing 12 of them for 125 yards and a touchdown. He recorded one rush attempt, but did not gain any yardage. Herbert's touchdown went to Quentin Johnston in the first quarter to open the scoring, but the Chargers offense couldn't get much done after that, especially after Herbert limped off the field. It's unclear if he'll be able to start next week against the Chiefs, Taylor Heinicke would be in line for the start if Herbert misses time.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) was spotted in a walking boot following the Chargers' loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Herbert entered Week 3 with a high-ankle sprain and aggravated the injury midway through the game. After the game, Herbert did mention that he is hopeful to be able to play in Week 4. Prior to his exit, Herbert had thrown for 125 yards and a touchdown. Herbert was replaced by Taylor Heinicke who completed both of his passes for 24 yards. If Herbert is forced to miss time with this injury, it would be a huge blow to the Chargers offense. The offense already struggled with Herbert in the lineup against a talented Steelers defense. The loss of Herbert would affect the Chargers' pass catchers and running backs in fantasy. For now, fantasy managers should monitor the situation.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins was slowed down by the Pittsburgh Steelers in a Week 3 loss. Dobbins ran the ball 15 times, gaining 44 yards. He added three catches on three targets, gaining an additional 10 yards. His 18 touches were by far the most in the Chargers backfield, as Gus Edwards was second with just three. Dobbins has clearly taken over the RB1 role for the Chargers and will certainly have bigger weeks than this very tough matchup in a low scoring game. Dobbins and the Chargers will face the Kansas City Chiefs next week, possibly without starting quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle).
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers kicker Brayden Narveson was perfect on the day in the Packers' 30-14 victory against the Titans in Week 3. Narveson booted home all three field goal attempts from 21, 26, and 47 yards and converted all three extra-point attempts. The Packers' offense is plenty potent enough no matter who is starting at quarterback, which is always a great thing for fantasy kickers. With three consecutive double-digit fantasy scoring games to start his NFL career, Narveson is quickly ascending the ranks of fantasy kickers and should now be considered a solid starting option going forward.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back Gus Edwards barely touched the ball in a Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. In a 20-10 loss, Edwards ran the ball just three times, gaining a total of nine yards. He was not targeted in the passing game. The Bolts ran the ball 20 times, with J.K. Dobbins getting 15 of those rushes. Dobbins has clearly taken over the RB1 role in this backfield, leaving Edwards to a backup and likely goal line role. He'll have some boom weeks if game situation gets him in the red zone, but he's no more than a dart throw FLEX play most weeks.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields completed 25 of 32 attempts for 245 yards, one touchdown, and one interception while rushing for six yards and a score in a win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Outside of a turnover coming off a deflected pass, Fields was incredibly effective under center, leading Pittsburgh to its first 3-0 start since 2020. The 25-year-old completed each of his first 10 throws and scrambled into the end zone early in the second quarter. While George Pickens remained his favorite target, it was wideout Calvin Austin III on the receiving end of Fields' touchdown pass, a strike over the middle of the field taken 55 yards to the house. Fields is looking increasingly comfortable in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's system and should be viewed as a high-end QB2 in fantasy for as long as he keeps the starting gig.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard ran six times for 14 yards, adding three receptions for 15 yards in a loss to Green Bay. It was a putrid fantasy day for the former Cowboy, who was looking like a great value in the later rounds of drafts after being featured heavily in Weeks 1-2. Game script definitely played a huge part in the low volume for Pollard, as the Titans went down very early and were forced to rely on the arm of quarterback Will Levis, which did not get them very far. Green Bay had been weak against the run coming into this game, but completely dominated the Titans up front, which did not bode well for Pollard. He will look to bounce back in Week 4 vs. Miami.
From RotoBaller
