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FFL: Week 2 | NFL: Week 2

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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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 2

Player Notes
Graham Gano Sep 15 5:50pm ET
Graham Gano

New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (hamstring) exited Sunday's matchup against the Washington Commanders. The veteran popped up on the injury report on Saturday night due to a groin issue. However, while he initially believed he aggravated the ailment, it was actually a hamstring injury that kept him out for the remainder of Week 2. Gano made both field goal tries during the loss to the Vikings in Week 1, including a 50-yard attempt. But considering his history, fantasy managers may not see him on the field in Week 3 against the Browns, although it's still too early to speculate.

From RotoBaller

Antonio Gibson Sep 15 5:50pm ET
Antonio Gibson

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson rushed 11 times for 96 yards during the team's 23-20 overtime loss against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. He also caught his lone target for a seven-yard game. In total, he had 103 scrimmage yards on 12 touches. The versatile running back was highly productive on Sunday, though nearly half of his yardage came on one 45-yard gain on the ground. Nevertheless, he has shown explosiveness and is starting to earn the trust of the Patriots' coaching staff. He'll continue to operate behind Rhamondre Stevenson against the Jets on Thursday but could sneak into the RB3/FLEX tier in fantasy leagues with at least 14 teams.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Lynn Polk Sep 15 5:50pm ET
Ja'Lynn Polk

New England Patriots wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk turned three targets into two catches, 12 yards, and one touchdown during the team's 23-20 overtime loss against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. Even though Polk wasn't very heavily targeted, he actually led all Patriots receivers in targets, catches, yards, and touchdowns in Week 2. In fact, K.J. Osborn was the only other Patriots receiver to even garner a target in this contest. This tells us that New England is committed to employing a run-heavy approach, making the receivers somewhat of an afterthought. Polk is an appealing dynasty target, but he lacks redraft appeal for the time being.

From RotoBaller

Jerome Ford Sep 15 5:50pm ET
Jerome Ford

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford carried the ball seven times for 64 yards and caught one pass for no gain in an 18-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2. Ford ripped off a 36-yard run on fourth-and-one in the second quarter, setting the Browns up for a 38-yard field goal. Besides that big play, however, Ford was quiet as he lost work to D'Onta Foreman (14 carries) and Pierre Strong Jr. (two touches). Foreman's usage is a concerning development for fantasy managers rostering Ford after he handled all but four of the running-back touches back in Week 1. Ford is looking like more of an RB3/flex option heading into Week 3 against the New York Giants.

From RotoBaller

Brayden Narveson Sep 15 5:50pm ET
Brayden Narveson

Green Bay Packers kicker Brayden Narveson had a solid day at the office in his first game at Lambeau Field since being picked up by the Packers after the preseason. In the Packers' 16-10 win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2, Narveson booted three field goals from distances of 46, 42, and 34, plus an extra point on the Packers' lone touchdown of the day in the first quarter. Narveson also missed a field goal attempt from 45 yards wide right toward the end of the fourth quarter. With Narveson making 6-of-8 field goals on the season, he's starting to make some waves in fantasy football. If you need a kicker in a pinch, the Packers play the Tennessee Titans in Week 3, you can do much worse than Narveson, who has been advertised in his short career. The Packers should need Narveson's services in Week 3, so consider him a low-end streaming option at the position.

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D'Onta Foreman Sep 15 5:50pm ET
D'Onta Foreman

Cleveland Browns running back D'Onta Foreman carried the ball 14 times for 42 yards while adding nine yards on one catch in an 18-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2. Foreman led the Browns in carries just one week after playing only one snap in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1. Cleveland appears content to split the backfield work between Foreman and Ford until Nick Chubb (knee) is ready to be activated from injured reserve. For now, Foreman is worth a waiver add in deeper leagues ahead of a Week 3 matchup against the New York Giants.

From RotoBaller

Josh Palmer Sep 15 5:40pm ET
Josh Palmer

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer made just two catches in a Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers. He was targeted twice, making both catches for a total of 19 yards. Palmer watched Quentin Johnston end up with two touchdowns, but the Chargers only completed 14 passes on 20 attempts, which limited all of their pass catchers. It could be like this for most of the season, which will be a knock for the fantasy value of all of the Chargers receivers. Palmer will have better weeks, but he might have more games like this as well.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Sep 15 5:40pm ET
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs had a solid day given the lack of passing volume afforded to the Packers' pass-catchers in their 16-10 win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2. Doubs caught all three of his targets for a team-leading 62 receiving yards, capped by a 39-yard strike from starting quarterback Malik Willis early in the fourth quarter. With the Packers only dropping back to pass 19 times and throwing only 14 times, the pass-catchers didn't have too much to work with thanks to the game plan by head coach Matt LaFleur to lean heavily on the run game and an opportunistic defense that forced three turnovers. Doubs and the Packers will head southeast to Nashville to play the Tennessee Titans in Week 3, but Doubs will merely be a flex play in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Sep 15 5:40pm ET
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) exited Sunday's win over the Carolina Panthers. He played relatively well in Week 2, finishing with 130 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception off 14-for-20 passing, adding six carries for 18 yards. Unfortunately, Herbert sustained an ankle injury, with the signal-caller stating he got "rolled up" during the contest. He was observed limping after the game. Herbert also underwent an X-ray to determine the severity of the injury. However, until the results are released in the next day or two, fantasy managers should prepare heading into the Week 3 outing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. If he doesn't suit up for that one, Easton Stick is the favorite to take over under center.

From RotoBaller

Cameron Dicker Sep 15 5:40pm ET
Cameron Dicker

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker made four kicks in a Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers. Dicker attempted two field goals, making one from 46 yards out and the other from 42. He attempted three extra points as well, missing one. Dicker tried 35 extra points last season and made all 35, so he got one miss out of the way early this year. He should continue to be a solid and consistent fantasy kicker throughout the season.

From RotoBaller

Jacoby Brissett Sep 15 5:40pm ET
Jacoby Brissett

New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett completed 15 of 27 passes for 149 yards, one touchdown, and zero turnovers during the team's 23-20 overtime loss against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. This was a similar stat line to Brissett's Week 1 finish, with the main difference being that he threw for a touchdown this Sunday. Just as important is the fact that he played turnover-free football for the consecutive week. The veteran isn't a very appealing fantasy option given the Patriots' mellow passing attack, but he has certainly provided plenty of value to the organization with a very solid first two games of the year. He'll face the Jets on Thursday night in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Dontayvion Wicks Sep 15 5:40pm ET
Dontayvion Wicks

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks had a solid day's work in the Packers' 16-10 win at home against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2. Wicks earned a team-leading four targets, hauling in three of those targets for 26 yards. The lone passing touchdown from starting quarterback Malik Willis was scored by Wicks as he caught a 14-yard touchdown late in the first quarter. With just 14 passing attempts to go around for the Packers, Wicks made the most of his opportunities. While he's still behind in the pecking order among the team's wide receivers, Wicks is utilized plenty in the Packers' offense. For fantasy purposes, Wicks is tough to trust, so he's not going to be a recommended start in fantasy football when the Packers head to Tennessee to face the Titans in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Rhamondre Stevenson Sep 15 5:40pm ET
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson rushed 21 times for 81 yards and one touchdown during the team's 23-20 overtime loss against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. He also caught two of five targets for an additional nine yards through the air. Stevenson has been the Patriots' workhorse so far this year, and while he wasn't quite as efficient as Week 1, he still impressed with his high volume and nose for the end zone. The talented, young running back remains a very strong RB2 option heading into Thursday Night Football against the New York Jets.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Sep 15 5:30pm ET
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey made just two catches in a Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers. The Chargers second-round pick scored a touchdown in Week 1 but was slightly less involved in Week 2, drawing four targets to make his two catches for 26 yards. The Chargers only attempted 20 passes, completing 14, which didn't leave much for the team's pass catchers to work. This will be a run-first offense, but McConkey's role as slot receiver will certainly provide him with some solid weeks of fantasy production. Next week against the Steelers could be a stronger performance.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Sep 15 5:30pm ET
Malik Nabers

New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers was a bright spot in Sunday's 21-18 loss to the Washington Commanders, hauling in 10 catches for 127 yards and a touchdown on a massive 18 targets. Nabers showcased his big-play ability, averaging 12.7 yards per catch and notching a cath-and-run 28-yard reception. Nabers did have a crucial drop at the end of the game, but that rookie errors can be expected as he adjusts to the NFL. Despite the Giants' struggles, fantasy managers can take solace in his hefty target share and reliable production, proving he's more than just a deep threat. With his combination of volume and playmaking ability, Nabers is a legit WR1 with huge upside.

From RotoBaller

Taysom Hill Sep 15 5:30pm ET
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints quarterback/tight end Taysom Hill (chest) exited Sunday's win over the Dallas Cowboys. He was transported to the hospital for further evaluation. However, head coach Dennis Allen implied it was likely for precautionary reasons. The 34-year-old had 18 yards off three carries in Week 2. While Hill isn't always featured in fantasy lineups, there is usually a point in every season where he gains streaming attention. Fantasy managers will likely see him referenced on the injury report heading into the Week 3 showdown with the Eagles. There will also likely be an update on his condition soon.

From RotoBaller

Austin Seibert Sep 15 5:30pm ET
Austin Seibert

Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert scored all of his team's points on Sunday afternoon as he went 7-for-7 on his field goal attempts. His longest was from 45 yards. This was a big improvement for the Washington offense, as Cam York missed both attempts last week. Earlier in the preseason, the Commanders had Riley Patterson on their roster, but he was eventually cut, given his troubles over the summer. Seibert has spent his NFL career bouncing from multiple teams but may have found his home in the DMV after his stellar debut. Seibert holds a mere 80.4% success rate throughout his career, but this could be just the scenery change he needed. Given the Commanders' inability to finish drives in the red zone, Seibert could become a potential streaming option as the season progresses but could have inconsistent performances, as the Washington offense is still a work in progress.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Sep 15 5:30pm ET
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson completed 22 of his 34 passes for 186 yards while adding five carries for 20 yards and a touchdown in an 18-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2. Watson and the Browns offense came out hot in the first half, scoring 16 points with the quarterback punctuating an 89-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Watson looked much more comfortable than in Week 1, although he only has one touchdown pass with two interceptions through two games. He will look for more in Week 3 when the Browns face the New York Giants at home.

From RotoBaller

Will Dissly Sep 15 5:30pm ET
Will Dissly

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Will Dissly made three catches in a Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers. Dissly was targeted three times, making all three catches for 29 yards. He ended up second on the team in both catches and receiving yards. The Chargers didn't throw much, completing just 14 passes on 20 drop backs, but Dissly should retain a similar role in the offense going forward. He'll be a floor-play TE2/3 without much upside but could come down with an occasional touchdown here and there.

From RotoBaller

Austin Ekeler Sep 15 5:20pm ET
Austin Ekeler

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler was quiet as a rusher Sunday afternoon but made his impact through the air. Ekeler caught all three of his targets for 47 yards. On the ground, he saw just eight attempts for 38 yards. The veteran running back was primarily deployed as a pass catcher in the season opener, and Week 2 was quite similar. Last week, he registered 52 receiving yards (which led the team) on four receptions. While Brian Robinson Jr. will continue to see the lion's share of rushing attempts, Ekeler will still hold fantasy value, especially in PPR formats as he is becoming a safety valve for rookie QB Jayden Daniels. Fantasy managers should continue to view Ekeler as an upside flex in PPR leagues, but in standard leagues where receptions are not scored, it is better to find production elsewhere.

From RotoBaller