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.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: The Weekly Bender: Don't Look Back in Anger
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Studs and Duds: Week 11
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 11
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 11
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender DFS Pickem Plays: Week 11
- 49ers consider QB Brock Purdy (shoulder) day-to-day
- Netflix exec: 'Very ready' for XMas NFL games despite Paul-Tyson issues
- Lions are Super Bowl favorites for first time ever
- Ravens back PK Justin Tucker after missed FGs in two-point loss
- Titans LB Jack Gibbens out for season after ankle surgery
- Falcons have bye week to heal, reset from blowout loss at Denver
- Cowboys put QB Dak Prescott on IR, elevate DB Josh Butler
- Matt Eberflus, Bears cry foul to NFL on game-deciding FG block
- Bengals CB DJ Turner II has fractured clavicle
- Panthers rookie RB Jonathon Brooks to debut vs. Chiefs
- Bucs designate CB Jamel Dean to return from IR
- Jags WR Gabe Davis suffered meniscus tear
- Panthers signing CB Caleb Farley to active roster
- Week 11 MNF: Cowboys-Texans Preview, Props & Prediction
- Giants to bench QB Daniel Jones, start Tommy DeVito
- NFL roundup: Bills send once-perfect Chiefs to loss column
- Lions LB Alex Anzalone (forearm) lost for 6 to 8 weeks
- 49ers star DE Nick Bosa aggravates hip, injures other hip
- Ravens star MLB Roquan Smith (hamstring) hurt vs. Steelers
- Browns OT Dawand Jones (ankle) will miss rest of season
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 12 | Should You Trust Anthony Richardson?
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Waiver Wire Week 12 | Odafe Oweh Paying Off
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Injury Impact & Game Recaps Week 11 | Chiefs No Longer Undefeated
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Trade Targets Week 12 | I Challenge You To Buy Low On Lamar!
- Fantasy Life: A Surprise QB Shakeup and an Order of Tommy Cutlets
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Will Dissly, Ameer Abdullah and More
- Fantasy Life: Xavier Worthy, Nico Collins Fantasy Outlook: Week 11 Sheesh Report
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Takeaways: Week 12 Utilization Report
- Fantasy Life: MNF Best Bets Week 11: Cowboys-Texans, Nico Collins Return
- Fantasy Life: Battle for Texas on MNF: C.J. Stroud and Texans to ride Cowboys
The Paur Report
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert caught just two of his five targets for 21 yards during Monday's loss to the Houston Texans. The 25-year-old posted double-digit fantasy points (PPR) in four of his first eight games this year, initially giving him some low-end WR3/FLEX appeal. However, ever since Cooper Rush has taken over for Dak Prescott (hamstring), Tolbert has fallen off the fantasy radar. He continues to play north of 90 percent of the Cowboys' offensive snaps but has just five catches for 35 yards over his last two games combined. Tolbert can be benched in fantasy leagues with 14 teams or fewer.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker caught six of his 10 targets for 56 yards during Monday's loss to the Houston Texans. While Schoonmaker typically operates as the Cowboys' No. 2 tight end, he was bumped up to the first-team offense early in Monday's game after Jake Ferguson (concussion) was ruled out. The 26-year-old has shown off his ability to step up on offense before, catching six passes for 43 yards when Ferguson was sidelined back in Week 2. If Ferguson's concussion forces him to miss Week 12 against the Washington Commanders, Schoonmaker would temporarily become a fringe top-12 fantasy tight end.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver KaVontae Turpin caught each of his three targets for a total of 86 yards during Monday's loss to the Houston Texans. The bulk of his production came on a 64-yard touchdown on the first play of the second quarter. This was Turpin's best game of the year, bringing his season totals to 20 catches, 267 yards, and two touchdowns. The 28-year-old is a talented big-play threat but doesn't have the volume needed to justify rostering him in leagues with 14 teams or fewer.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb turned 12 targets into eight catches for 93 yards during Monday's loss to the Houston Texans. He also tallied a 13-yard rush. Even with the Cowboys' offense faltering under Cooper Rush, Lamb was able to be productive, turning in 18-plus fantasy points (PPR) for the fourth time this season. This was his highest fantasy point total this season in a game where he failed to find the end zone. The Cowboys' No. 1 receiver should continue to see heavy volume moving forward, which will allow him to remain in the low-end WR1 tier for fantasy purposes.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle rushed for 28 yards on 10 carries during Monday's loss to the Houston Texans. He also caught two of his five targets for an additional six receiving yards. Even as quarterback Cooper Rush racked up production in garbage time, the Cowboys' starting running back was not able to get very involved. Between his subpar volume and reduced efficiency, Dowdle will drop to the low-end RB3 tier next week against Washington.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush completed 32 of his 55 pass attempts for 354 yards, one touchdown, and one interception during Monday's loss to the Houston Texans. He also fumbled twice, but both were recovered by the Cowboys. All in all, Rush put together a solid fantasy showing by racking up yardage during garbage time. This was enough to reward fantasy managers who may have opted to stream him in Week 11. Moving forward, Rush will drop back down to the QB3 tier. He faces the Washington Commanders next Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell finished his team's 34-10 victory at Dallas with four catches for 54 yards on seven targets. Interestingly, it was exactly the same stat line as No. 1 receiver Nico Collins, who returned to the lineup following a prolonged absence. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud completed passes to eight different receivers, but running back Joe Mixon accounted for all three of Houston's offensive touchdowns. Dell and the Texans will look for a breakout day against the Tennessee Titans in Week 12.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud completed 23 of 34 passing attempts for 257 yards with no touchdowns and an interception in a 34-10 victory at Dallas on Monday. The second-year quarterback saw the return of top wide receiver Nico Collins, but running back Joe Mixon did most of the offensive damage by scoring three touchdowns. Stroud completed passes to eight receivers in the game, but has now thrown just two touchdown passes in his past five games. The Houston signal-caller will look for a better performance in a solid matchup in Week 12 when the Texans take on the floundering Tennessee Titans.
From RotoBaller
The Houston Texans saw top wide receiver Nico Collins haul in four passes for 54 yards on seven targets during a 34-10 victory at Dallas. The star wideout's return to the field after a hamstring ailment landed him on injured reserve was a bit underwhelming, as he finished with exactly the same stat line as fellow wide receiver Tank Dell. However, it was running back Joe Mixon who stole the show, scoring all three of the Texans' offensive touchdowns in the convincing win. Collins and the Texans' passing game will have a great chance to break out against a reeling Tennessee team in Week 12.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz set a season-high with five catches for 33 yards in the Texans' 34-10 victory against the Dallas Cowboys. The big tight end drew seven targets, which tied for the team lead, but did most of his work within short yardage. The former Cowboy still has not scored this season, but Houston has only two passing touchdowns in its past five games as a team, so receiving touchdowns have been few and far between. Schultz and the Texans will look for better against the struggling Tennessee Titans in Week 12.
From RotoBaller
For the fifth consecutive week, Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon surpassed 100 rushing yards and found the end zone on Monday at Dallas, finishing with 153 total yards and three scores in the 34-10 win. The veteran running back kept up his hot streak with 109 yards on 20 carries, to which he added two catches for 44 yards. Mixon broke a 45-yard touchdown run on Houston's first drive, scored from a yard away later in the first quarter, and capped off the win with another one-yard touchdown. Five straight games of 100-plus rushing yards and a touchdown ties a Super-Bowl-era record. Houston's RB1 will look to keep the momentum going in Week 12 against Tennessee.
From RotoBaller
The Houston Texans D/ST compiled five sacks, forced two turnovers, and clinched a 34-10 victory Monday at Dallas with a wild defensive play in which they ended up in the end zone. Houston defensive end Derek Barnett stripped Dallas quarterback Cooper Rush, Cowboys guard Tyler Guyton recovered, and Houston safety Jalen Pitre blasted Guyton, jarring the ball free again. Barnett then scooped and scored from 28 yards to go up 27-10, sealing Houston's win. It was another great performance from the Texans, who will face another struggling offense in Week 12 when they take on the Tennessee Titans.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Chiefs are signing wide receiver Tyquan Thornton. Dynasty Analysis: It used to be a little more exciting when any free agent signed with Kansas City, but the team's offense has changed dramatically, making it much different now. Thornton will try to stick with the club as a depth piece and clearly has the talent to do so. However, Thornton failed to live up to his second round draft stock in New England and his dynasty value is near zero. He could be worth a speculative add, but you'd need some clear roster space to take the plunge on him.
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) could have his 21-day practice window opened this week. Greenlaw has been on the injured reserve all season after suffering a torn Achilles during the Super Bowl. It sounds like Greenlaw is close to making it back on the field. The expectation is that Greenlaw will need to practice for a few weeks before getting back into game action. This defensive unit could certainly use Greenlaw's help, but the team isn't going to rush him back to the field. Greenlaw getting back to practice this week would be a huge step forward in his recovery process.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (forearm) has been placed on Injured Reserve on Monday. This is another big hit to the Lions defense. Anzalone suffered a broken forearm during Sunday's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The organization said Anzalone is set to miss 6-8 weeks while he recovers from this injury. There's a chance he's ready by the end of the season or in time for the playoffs. Anzalone has 56 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and one sack through nine games this season. Jack Campbell figures to start in his place going forward. This Lions defense can't take too many more hits with a handful of defenders already on the injured reserve.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (concussion) has been ruled out for the rest of Monday's game against the Houston Texans. Yikes, the injuries continue to pile up on the Cowboys as Ferguson was forced to exit early in the first quarter with a head injury. He has now been ruled out for the rest of the contest and placed into the league's concussion protocol. Ferguson caught his lone target for 11 yards before exiting the contest. Luke Schoonmaker will take over as the primary tight end for the rest of this game. He has eight receptions for 56 yards coming into Monday's contest. He might have some streaming appeal next week if Ferguson is unable to play next Sunday.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers WR Jacob Cowing (concussion) is going through the concussion protocol, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan.
From TheHuddle
The New York Jets signed kicker Anders Carlson to their 53-man active roster on Monday after the Kansas City Chiefs swooped Spencer Shrader off their practice squad last week. In his debut with the Jets in the 28-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Carlson made both of his field-goal attempts (long of 58 yards) and all three of his extra-point tries. The 26-year-old struggled with the Green Bay Packers in his rookie season in 2023, making only 81.8% of his 33 field-goal attempts before the Packers cut him in training camp. Carlson had a two-game stint with the San Francisco 49ers earlier this year while filling in for the injured Jake Moody and made all five of his field-goal opportunities while missing one of his four extra points. At best, Carlson will be a deep-league streaming option in fantasy with Greg Zuerlein (knee) still on Injured Reserve.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore (shoulder) was listed as limited on the team's Monday practice estimation ahead of their Week 12 game on Thursday night versus the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers. Moore is most likely being rested on a short week and should be able to suit up on Thursday after catching six of his eight targets for 66 yards and his first touchdown of the season in the 35-14 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday in Week 11. The 24-year-old pass-catcher has benefitted from the switch from quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) to Jameis Winston, catching 17 passes for 179 yards and a touchdown in the three games since Winston took over under center. Despite the recent uptick in production for Moore, fantasy managers should be looking to fade him in the upcoming Week 12 matchup against the Steelers on Thursday.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) is on the Week 12 injury report and was listed as limited on Monday's estimated practice report ahead of the Thursday night game versus the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers. Njoku's knee injury will be something to watch, but the Browns are likely just giving him some extra rest on a short week, and he should be available to play against Pittsburgh. Similar to last year, the 28-year-old's fantasy value has gone up after the season-ending injury to Deshaun Watson (Achilles). In the three games since Jameis Winston has taken over, Njoku has 19 catches for 171 yards and a touchdown. He came down with all nine of his targets for 81 yards in Sunday's loss to the New Orleans Saints. The matchup against the Steelers won't be easy, but Njoku should at least garner attention as a low-end TE1 if he's active.
From RotoBaller
