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QB Strength of Schedule

Thu May 23 11:12am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

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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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 7

Player Notes
Mike Williams Oct 17 9:30pm ET
Mike Williams

New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams (personal) was once again absent during Thursday's practice session. He was back with the organization, but Williams didn't suit up for practice. The assumption is that Williams is sitting out due to impending trade discussions. This comes a few days after quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw Williams under the bus. Williams is off to a slow start with 10 receptions for 145 yards and zero touchdowns through five games. His role on the team is only going to decrease with Davante Adams joining the roster. Williams should draw some interest from around the league ahead of the November 5 trade deadline. Fantasy managers who have Williams rostered should hold him for the moment in case he does still traded to a better situation.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Oct 17 9:20pm ET
Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (ankle) was a full participant during Thursday's practice session. That is great news after Rodgers sat out of Wednesday's session. The veteran signal-caller played through an ankle issue during last week's loss to the Buffalo Bills. The fact Rodgers is back to full practice means he should be good to go for the Week 7 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rodgers is showing his age as he has looked lackluster early in the season. He threw for a season-high 294 yards last week, but remains a QB2 for a tough matchup against the Steelers defense.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Oct 17 9:20pm ET
Davante Adams

New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) was a full participant in practice on Thursday. This marks back-to-back days that Adams has been able to get through a full practice session. The superstar wideout hasn't played since Week 3 due to a hamstring issue. It appears a trade to the Jets has instantly fixed Adams' hamstring problems. He figures to immediately be a primary target for quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the passing game. He'll be competing for targets with Garrett Wilson, but fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned about that. Adams should make his team debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7. Fantasy managers should put Adams in the WR1 conversation for his first game with the Jets.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Oct 17 9:10pm ET
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) practiced in full for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Richardson has missed the last two weeks due to an oblique injury he suffered in the Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he's well on his way to taking back the starting gig under center from veteran Joe Flacco, who tossed five touchdowns and one interception in his two starts. Although Richardson looked shaky as a passer in his first four games before the injury, completing only 50.6% of his passes while tossing six interceptions and three touchdowns. The 22-year-old's rushing upside is undeniable, but injuries and his lack of accuracy are major concerns after he played in only four games in his rookie season in 2024. Richardson should be considered a low-end QB1/high-end QB2 in fantasy if he returns in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Oct 17 9:00pm ET
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (shoulder) was added to the Week 7 injury report on Thursday and was listed as a non-participant. Pierce could now be very much in danger of missing the upcoming game on Sunday versus the Miami Dolphins. The 24-year-old's practice status on Friday and designation on the final injury report will give us a better idea on his status. Pierce has had two 100-plus-yard games in 2024 and has three touchdowns as well, but he's also had a one-catch game and didn't haul in any of his four targets in the Week 6 win over the division-rival Tennessee Titans. With quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) expected to return this weekend, Pierce may be even more of a boom/bust flex option for fantasy managers if he plays. If Pierce is inactive, rookie Adonai Mitchell will have added opportunity in the passing attack.

From RotoBaller

Michael Pittman Jr. Oct 17 8:50pm ET
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) upgraded to a full practice session on Thursday after he was listed as a DNP on Wednesday. Pittman missed two practices last week before practicing in full on Friday and playing in the Week 6 win over the division-rival Tennessee Titans. The 27-year-old pass-catcher said after the win over the Titans that his back injury could still land him on Injured Reserve, but the fact that he's back to a full practice on Thursday likely means he'll be available again this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. However, fantasy managers may want to temper expectations for Pittman after he played a season-low in offensive snaps last week. If not for a jump-ball touchdown, he would have disappointed with only three catches for 35 yards. Outside of a 100-yard game in Week 4, Pittman hasn't gone over 40 receiving yards in 2024.

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Tyler Lockett Oct 17 8:40pm ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (knee) was added to the team's Week 7 injury report on Thursday after he missed practice with a knee injury. Mid-week additions to the injury report are usually never a good thing, so Lockett's status for the Week 7 contest against the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday is firmly up in the air. We'll have a better idea of how serious the 32-year-old's knee injury is based on his status on the final injury report on Friday. If Lockett is unavailable this weekend, second-year wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba will basically become a must-start for fantasy managers in a game that could be a shootout in Atlanta. The emergence of Smith-Njigba has made Lockett more of a volatile, touchdown-dependent WR4/flex in fantasy on a weekly basis. Through six weeks in 2024, Lockett is the WR31 in half-PPR scoring.

From RotoBaller

Zamir White Oct 17 8:20pm ET
Zamir White

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (groin) was limited in Thursday's practice session for the second straight day this week. White has been one of the bigger fantasy disappointments in 2024 for a Raiders offense that has tanked, especially after trading away All-Pro wideout Davante Adams this week. The 25-year-old White has missed the last two games due to his groin injury, which has allowed Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah to take over the backfield. White should get his chances when he returns, but he might have already lost lead-back duties to Abdullah. In four games played, White is averaging a career-low 3.1 yards per carry and has not found the end zone. Even if White returns to action in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams, we wouldn't recommend him for starting fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller

Jakobi Meyers Oct 17 8:10pm ET
Jakobi Meyers

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (ankle) sat out of practice for a second straight day this week on Thursday. Head coach Antonio Pierce said on Wednesday that he was hopeful that Meyers would play this Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams despite missing Wednesday's practice, but two straight missed practices isn't a good sign. The 27-year-old will need to at least be limited in practice on Friday to have a shot to suit up in Week 7. It's especially concerning after Meyers missed the Week 6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Raiders are a mess right now after trading All-Pro wideout Davante Adams to the Jets this week. If Meyers misses a second straight game, look for Tre Tucker, DJ Turner and rookie tight end Brock Bowers to lead the team in aerial targets.

From RotoBaller

JuJu Smith-Schuster Oct 17 8:00pm ET
JuJu Smith-Schuster

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) was added to the Week 7 injury report after putting in a limited practice on Thursday. Smith-Schuster's status for the Super Bowl rematch against the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday is now firmly up in the air. It's bad news for a Chiefs offense that has already lost receivers Rashee Rice (knee) and Marquise Brown (shoulder) for the entire season. Running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) is also on Injured Reserve. The 27-year-old Smith-Schuster was a hot waiver-wire pickup after the Week 5 win over the New Orleans Saints in which he caught seven of eight targets for 130 yards. Depending on what he's able to do in practice on Friday, Smith-Schuster could be in danger of sitting out this weekend. KC would be forced to turn to Justin Watson, Mecole Hardman and Skyy Moore behind rookie Xavier Worthy if Smith-Schuster is unavailable.

From RotoBaller

Rachaad White Oct 17 7:50pm ET
Rachaad White

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (foot) was listed as limited on Thursday in the team's first practice of the week. White was inactive for the team's Week 6 win over the division-rival New Orleans Saints, which allowed rookie Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker to share the backfield in the blowout victory. Both Irving and Tucker went over 100 scrimmage yards in the impressive performance, which has led to the Buccaneers going to a three-man backfield committee once White is able to return to full health. It's bad news for the 25-year-old White, who has easily been the least efficient of the Bucs' three backs through six weeks of the season. Tampa plans to go with the hot-hand approach, so all is not lost for White, but for now, he's on the outside looking in after missing last week's game due to injury. And with Tampa not playing until Monday against the Ravens, White isn't a recommended fantasy play.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Oct 17 7:40pm ET
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams wide receivers Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Jordan Whittington (shoulder) were both limited in practice for the second straight day on Thursday. Kupp suffered a left high-ankle sprain in Week 2 and hasn't played since, but he's getting closer to making a return and could be active this Sunday in a great matchup against the floundering Las Vegas Raiders. The 31-year-old veteran is most likely to be listed as questionable on Friday, but he still has one more day to impress the coaching and training staff. Head coach Sean McVay said on Wednesday that Kupp was trending in the right direction. Fantasy managers definitely will want to get Kupp back in their starting lineups if he's able to get the green light to play. He was looking like a league-winner before his injury, catching 18 of 27 targets for 147 yards and a touchdown in two games.

From RotoBaller

Joe Mixon Oct 17 7:40pm ET
Joe Mixon

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) was limited in practice for the second straight day of the week on Thursday. Mixon made his return to the field in the Week 6 win over the New England Patriots after missing three games due to an ankle sprain and saw 13 carries for 102 yards and a touchdown while adding two catches for 30 yards and another trip to paydirt. The Texans are most likely giving the 28-year-old some extra rest this week after his return in Week 6. Unless he suffers a setback, fantasy managers should leave Mixon locked into their starting lineups this week for Sunday's game on the road against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mixon has only played in three of six games in his first year in Houston, but he's averaging 5.5 yards per carry and has scored three times.

From RotoBaller

Kendre Miller Oct 17 7:20pm ET
Kendre Miller

New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (hamstring) is active and will make his 2024 season debut on Thursday night against the visiting Denver Broncos. Miller will be active for the first time all year in his second NFL campaign, but he's likely to operate as the RB3 behind Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams, leaving him completely off the fantasy radar. The 22-year-old third-rounder out of TCU last year has been a bust early in his career and has been injured more often than not. In his rookie season, he appeared in only eight games but was quite productive, going for 156 rushing yards and a touchdown on 41 carries while catching 10 of 11 targets for 117 additional yards. Miller could eventually become the direct backup to Kamara, but he'll need to stay healthy in order to do that.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Oct 17 7:10pm ET
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) has officially been ruled out for Thursday night's contest against the visiting Denver Broncos. Carr will miss his second straight game after suffering a left-oblique strain in the Week 5 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The 33-year-old veteran signal-caller came into this game listed as doubtful, so fantasy managers weren't expecting him to play anyway. We'll have to wait and see if he can return to play in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Rookie QB Spencer Rattler will make his second straight start in Week 7 but will be without receivers Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee). Against a tough Broncos defense, expect the Saints to lean heavily on running back Alvin Kamara and the short passing attack. Rattler will be a low-end QB2, at best, in superflex fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Taysom Hill Oct 17 7:10pm ET
Taysom Hill

As expected, New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (ribs) is inactive for the Thursday night clash against the Denver Broncos. Hill is dealing with fractured ribs and will miss his third straight game. The 34-year-old veteran do-it-all player was listed as doubtful to play this week. The good news is that Hill was limited in practice all week, so he should have a good shot at returning for the Saints in Week 8 versus the Los Angeles Chargers. With Hill out again, it means more playing time for both Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau, but they'll be TE2 sleeper options, at best, even with receivers Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) out in Week 7. Hill has two rushing touchdowns in three games played in 2024, but it's come on only 16 touches. He's a boom/bust TE2 in fantasy when he's active.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Hockenson Oct 17 7:00pm ET
T.J. Hockenson

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee), who was limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday, said he has "passed every test by a mile" from a medical standpoint. Hockenson's knee is healed, but he has no predictions on when he'll make his 2024 debut. The likeliest targets are in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night or in Week 9 versus the Indianapolis Colts. The 27-year-old is making progress, but the Vikings aren't going to rush him back too soon. Hockenson must be rostered in all fantasy leagues, as he has the potential to be an immediate TE1 contributor when he returns to the field. However, those expecting him to return this Sunday against the division-rival Detroit Lions will most likely be disappointed.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Oct 17 6:50pm ET
Deebo Samuel

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (wrist) put in a second straight day with a limited practice session this week on Thursday. Samuel was seen shaking his arm during the Week 6 win over the division-rival Seattle Seahawks last Thursday night, but he played through it and didn't seek treatment during the game. It suggests that he should be just fine to play this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs in a Super Bowl rematch. The 28-year-old pass-catcher had his second 100-yard receiving game last week and caught his first receiving touchdown in the process. If running back Jordan Mason (shoulder) is limited or out, Samuel should see more work out of the backfield as well. He's tracking as a high-end WR2 for fantasy managers, especially if Jauan Jennings (hip) is unable to play.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Oct 17 6:40pm ET
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) and Michael Wilson (ankle) were both limited in Thursday's practice session. Harrison suffered a concussion in the Week 6 loss to the Green Bay Packers and put up a goose egg for his fantasy managers. Still needing to clear the league's concussion protocol in order to play on Monday night against the Los Angeles Chargers, Harrison will be a very shaky fantasy option this week. And with Wilson also banged up, Greg Dortch could be a popular streaming option if one or both of Harrison or Wilson are out or limited. Tight end Trey McBride would also have a much higher fantasy ceiling. The next couple days of practice will give us a much better idea of the statuses of Harrison and Wilson for Monday night. Harrison must get clearance from an independent neurologist in order to play against the Bolts.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Mason Oct 17 6:40pm ET
Jordan Mason

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (shoulder) was limited in practice for the second day in a row this week on Thursday. Mason has been wearing a non-contact jersey during practices this week after suffering a left AC joint sprain in his shoulder in last Thursday's win over the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. There's a good chance that the 25-year-old will be questionable for Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs. It could cause some difficult decision for fantasy managers with the 49ers playing in the later slate this coming Sunday. Mason has been a must-start RB1 in fantasy with Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) on Injured Reserve this year. If Mason isn't healthy enough to play this weekend, rookie Isaac Guerendo will be a plug-and-play option after nearly rushing for 100 yards after replacing Mason last Thursday.

From RotoBaller