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.
Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (illness) has been added to the injury report ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Benson popped up on the injury report on Saturday due to an illness and is now uncertain to play on Monday. The rookie back has been quiet this season outside of one 50-yard performance. If active, Benson still isn't a viable fantasy option for Week 7. However, his absence would likely mean that Emari Demercado takes over as the primary backup to James Conner. Fantasy managers shouldn't rush to the waiver wire to add Demercado considering Conner is likely going to see the bulk of the carries.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back Tyson Campbell (hamstring) is active ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the New England Patriots. Campbell has missed the last four games while being on the injured reserve due to a hamstring issue. Luckily, Campbell was able to practice this week and has been activated ahead of this contest in London. The 24-year-old has been limited to one game this season, but is a difference maker when healthy. Campbell should resume his role as the top defensive back on this team which should give the Jaguars defense a boost on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Browns have activated running back Nick Chubb. Dynasty Analysis: Chubb will make his much-anticipated return in week seven against the Bengals. His presence will be a welcome one by a Browns team that's 1-5 and flailing miserably. Cleveland traded Amari Cooper this week and Deshaun Watson looks like an absolute shell of himself, so anything the Browns get from Chubb will be important. Dynasty managers should be cautious as his role is likely not going to be a huge one for a few weeks. Still, it will certainly be nice to see him back after last year's gruesome injury.
Dynasty | The Jets are planning on Davante Adams playing at full strength this week. Dynasty Analysis: Adams was traded to the Jets this week and apparently the plane flight magically cured his injury. Dynasty managers won't complain as Adams has reportedly looked great in practice and is excited to be reunited with Aaron Rodgers. The Jets still have major problems and Adams is going to still need to build chemistry in the offense, so he should be viewed as more of a WR2 at the moment. Stay tuned.
Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon is expected to play the majority of the offensive snaps again in Week 7 with Jonathan Taylor (ankle) inactive. Sermon has been the Colts' lead back for each of their last two games, and he expects to remain in that role this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. The 25-year-old has commanded 34 touches over the last two weeks, but he has just 67 rushing yards and 25 receiving yards during that span (average of 2.7 yards per touch). On the other hand, backup Tyler Goodson has actually been more productive on fewer opportunities, tallying 122 scrimmage yards during that same two-week range (average of 6.1 yards per touch). This week against a modest Dolphins run defense, Goodson has higher upside in PPR leagues while Sermon is more of a touchdown-dependent FLEX play.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (hamstring) is not expected to play in Week 7 against the New York Jets, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Wilson had been listed as questionable after logging back-to-back limited practices. The 23-year-old made his NFL debut against the Las Vegas Raiders last weekend, playing just seven percent of snaps and failing to command a target. Now, he's sidelined once again, giving way to a receiving corps of George Pickens, Calvin Austin, and Van Jefferson, among others. Pickens is an appealing WR3/FLEX play against a respectable Raiders secondary.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) is expected to play against the Detroit Lions in Week 7 despite being listed as questionable, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Jones picked up the injury during Week 5 in London, but a conveniently placed bye last week allowed the veteran running back to recover for Sunday's game against Detroit without missing any time. He has been quite productive through five games this season, tallying 350 rushing yards, 167 receiving yards, and two total touchdowns. He typically ranks as a low-end fantasy RB1, but the Lions' strong run defense could drop him to the RB2 tier.
From RotoBaller
The New Orleans Saints will host wide receiver Marques Valdes-Scantling for a workout on Monday, and if all goes well, they could sign him, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Valdes-Scantling was recently released by the Buffalo Bills, for whom he caught just two passes through six games. The Saints are starving for reinforcements at the wide receiver position with Chris Olave (concussion) sidelined and Rashid Shaheed (knee) done for the year. While Olave figures to return soon, New Orleans still needs to add depth to a wide receiver room that currently contains just Olave, Bub Means, Cedrick Wilson Jr., Mason Tipton, and Jermaine Jackson.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Bills) is scheduled to work out for the New Orleans Saints Monday, Oct. 21.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jordan Whittington (shoulder) is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders despite being listed as questionable, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Whittington had been limited in practice this past week. The 24-year-old has taken advantage of injuries to Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) lately, catching 13 of 18 targets for 151 yards over his last two games combined. The rookie is still searching for his first career NFL touchdown, but in the meantime, he'll continue to operate as the Rams' top receiver while ranking as a WR3/FLEX play in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
The New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers have decided to pause trade talks surrounding wide receiver Mike Williams and will resume negotiations after the two teams face each other on Sunday night in Week 7, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Williams has become a popular name on the trade market after the Jets acquired Davante Adams. The former Los Angeles Chargers receiver has been quiet in his first season with New York, catching just 10 passes for 145 yards through six games. However, he could have more of a role if traded to a different team, such as the Steelers. Pittsburgh's wide receiver corps is headlined by George Pickens, who has delivered inconsistent production. Williams could certainly join the Steelers and immediately compete with their current No. 2 receiver, Calvin Austin III.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets LB Haason Reddick agreed to a restructured contract Sunday, Oct. 20, and will report to the team Monday, Oct. 21. Financial terms were not disclosed but it will be a short-term deal and he hopes to agree to a long-term deal in the future.
From TheHuddle
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (foot) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction entering the weekend. In the end, the 26-year-old missed just one game due to the injury. His return this week bumps Antonio Gibson out of the starting role. Stevenson, who is averaging 78 scrimmage yards and 0.6 touchdowns per game this season, ranks as a low-end fantasy RB2 in his return. He gets help from a favorable matchup against the Jaguars, who have allowed the second-most receptions and seventh-most fantasy points to opposing running backs so far this season.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Javon Baker (illness) and Tyquan Thornton (coach's decision) are inactive for Week 7 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Baker has repeatedly been inactive, failing to log an offensive snap since Week 2. While he has typically been sidelined as a coach's decision, he's inactive this week with an illness. That's merely a technicality, of course, as Baker likely would have been a healthy scratch even if he wasn't ill. The rookie is still searching for his first NFL target and will have to wait at least one more week. Thornton, meanwhile, has been the subject of trade rumors lately but lacks significant fantasy appeal; he hasn't registered a reception since catching two passes back in the season opener. Both players can be dropped in all redraft and most dynasty leagues.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) is "unlikely" to play against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Kupp will undergo additional evaluation pregame, so the Rams haven't made an official decision on his availability yet. However, he certainly faces an uphill battle to suit up on Sunday afternoon. The star pass-catcher has been sidelined since injuring his ankle in the middle of Week 2. He dominated during the season opener, catching 14 of 21 targets for 110 yards and one touchdown. As soon as he's healthy enough to play, he'll rank as a WR1 while catching passes from Matthew Stafford. In the meantime, look for Jordan Whittington (shoulder) and Tutu Atwell to command additional targets.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) is inactive for Week 7 against the New England Patriots in London. The 25-year-old has been plagued by limited production and injury lately, and now, he's out altogether. This leaves the door open for Tank Bigsby and D'Ernest Johnson to earn additional touches, with the former presumably in line to handle the bulk of the opportunities. Bigsby will rank as an RB3/FLEX against a Patriots defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets pass rusher Haason Reddick has agreed to an adjusted contract with the team, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Reddick will report to the team on Monday morning and presumably has a strong chance to play in Week 8 against the New England Patriots. Terms of his new deal weren't immediately reported, but it's expected to be a short-term deal that allows Reddick and the Jets to discuss a long-term deal later on. Reddick had double-digit sacks in each of his last four seasons, so his return is great news for the Jets as they look to turn their season around and mount a playoff run.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (shoulder) is expected to suit up against the Dolphins. The wideout is listed as questionable for this one. However, he logged a full practice session on Friday, which was a positive indication he would be on the field in Week 7. From a yardage standpoint, Pierce is the team's most productive receiver so far in 2024-25. But outside of a few strong fantasy showings, he's been irrelevant in most of the Colts' games this season. Still, Pierce has a proven upside, giving him credibility as a flex option, at the very least, even with Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and Josh Downs (toe) also in line to play.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (toe) is slated to suit up for Sunday's contest against the Dolphins. He is currently listed as questionable, just like he was ahead of the Week 6 meeting with the Titans. However, the wideout was on the field for that one, finishing with seven catches for 66 yards and a touchdown, so the latest update isn't surprising. Downs has 24 catches in his last three games. With that in mind, he's at least a flex option for fantasy managers, even with Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and Alec Pierce (shoulder) also expected to play.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) is anticipated to play in Sunday's matchup with the Miami Dolphins. His back issue isn't anything new, and it's not expected to go away anytime soon. However, as long as the wideout's condition doesn't take a turn for the worse, he should continue to play moving forward. Pittman has scored in each of his last two games. Unfortunately, he's only caught more than four passes twice this season. Still, Pittman should always be considered a starting fantasy option, even with Josh Downs (toe) and Alec Pierce (shoulder) in line to suit up.
From RotoBaller