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FFL: Week 3 | NFL: Week 3

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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The Paur Report

Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 3

Player Notes
Ryan Tannehill Sep 18 10:10am ET
Ryan Tannehill

Free agent quarterback Ryan Tannehill's name has come up as a potential replacement for Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) with the Dolphins. But NFL Network's Ian Rapoport believes that Tannehill is looking for a situation where he can come in and be the starter for the rest of the season. With Tagovailoa recently going on IR and expressing a desire to return to competition, that might not be the case in Miami. Because of that Rapoport says the Dolphins don't appear to be the right fit for the former Tennessee Titans quarterback as he evaluates whether to return to an NFL field this season.

From RotoBaller

Denzel Mims Sep 18 9:50am ET
Denzel Mims

Free agent wide receivers Miles Boykin and Denzel Mims worked out for the Seattle Seahawks, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. The Ravens drafted Boykin in the third round of the 2019 draft and he also spent time with the Steelers. The Jets drafted Mims as a second-rounder in 2020 and he has since spent time with the Lions, Jaguars, and Steelers. With the trio of DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle is pretty set at the top of its wide receiver depth chart but either Boykin or Mims could add to the wide receiver room if given a chance with the Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Ian Book Sep 18 9:40am ET
Ian Book

The Seattle Seahawks worked out quarterback Ian Book, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports. The Saints drafted Book as a fourth-round pick in the 2021 draft and he has since spent time with the Eagles, Patriots, and Chiefs. With Geno Smith and Sam Howell solidified as the starter and backup at the quarterback position, the Seahawks likely view Book as a depth option. He should not be fantasy-relevant even if he were to sign with Seattle.

From RotoBaller

Anders Carlson Sep 18 9:20am ET
Anders Carlson

The Buffalo Bills brought in kickers Anders Carlson and Cade York for workouts according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Bills starting kicker Tyler Bass has made 3-of-4 field goal attempts so far this season, but the team is looking at other options after Bass missed by a wide margin on his lone failed attempt. Bass has also struggled with the new kickoffs at times this season. Carlson had some success as the Packers kicker and York had stints with the Browns and Commanders.

From RotoBaller

Kareem Hunt Sep 18 8:21am ET
Kareem Hunt

Dynasty | The Chiefs have signed running back Kareem Hunt to their practice squad. Dynasty Analysis: This is reunion few ever saw happening after the Chiefs unceremoniously cut him in his second season after a domestic violence video featuring Hunt surfaced. Apparently time heals all wounds as Hunt is all the way back where it started after spending most of his career as the "B" to Nick Chubb's "A" in Cleveland. Hunt is nowhere near the player he was in his first run with the Chiefs but he could make an impact if he impresses on the practice squad. He's roster worthy again but shouldn't be a huge priority on this week's waiver wire run, especially since it's being reported he underwent sports hernia surgery this off-season.

Tua Tagovailoa Sep 18 8:20am ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Dynasty | The Dolphins have placed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve. Dynasty Analysis: This seemed like a near certainty after Miami signed Tyler Huntley yesterday. Tua will now miss at least the next four weeks, but it's also anyone's guess as to when we'll see him again. On the plus side (at least for dynasty purposes), he said this week he has no plans to retire, despite the latest of his scary looking concussions. Tagovailoa will remain a hold in dynasty leagues as we await his future.

Royce Freeman Sep 18 8:20am ET
Royce Freeman

Dynasty | The Browns have signed running back Royce Freeman to their practice squad. Dynasty Analysis: Freeman will attempt to impress the Browns enough to elevate him to compete with what has been an underwhelming duo of Jerome Ford and D'Onta Foreman to start the season. With Nick Chubb nearing a return, this mess is likely to be cleaned up soon. However, Freeman should be on watch lists as we evaluate this backfield on a week-to-week basis.

David Bell Sep 18 2:00am ET
David Bell

The Cleveland Browns have placed wide receiver David Bell (hip) on injured reserve after he was carted off the field following a hit early in the third quarter, with trainers lifting his right leg for support. Before his injury, Bell had three receptions for 27 yards in Sunday's victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, before he suffered a dislocated hip. A third-round pick in 2022, Bell has accumulated 41 catches for 408 yards and three touchdowns across 32 games, including eight receptions for 54 yards in last season's playoff loss to the Texans. Fantasy managers can anticipate increased roles for Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, Jerome Ford, and D'Onta Foreman going forward. Additionally, the Browns have signed receiver Jaelon Darden and running back Royce Freeman to their practice squad.

From RotoBaller

Feleipe Franks Sep 18 1:40am ET
Feleipe Franks

The Carolina Panthers have promoted tight end Feleipe Franks from the practice squad to the active roster. Franks saw limited action in Sunday's 26-3 loss to the Chargers, playing just one offensive snap as starting tight end Tommy Tremble was active. A one-year starter at Arkansas, Franks spent three years at the University of Florida before signing with the Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2021. After playing quarterback, he transitioned to tight end in 2022. Atlanta waived him in 2023, then joined the Panthers in 2024. Franks started the season on the active roster, was briefly released, and then signed to the practice squad, where he contributed as a standard elevation last week. He has already made his mark on special teams, and with Ian Thomas (calf) on IR until early October and Jordan Matthews released, Franks is poised to take on a depth role for Carolina.

From RotoBaller

Royce Freeman Sep 18 1:20am ET
Royce Freeman

The Cleveland Browns have signed free-agent running back Royce Freeman to their practice squad. Freeman, a seven-year veteran, was released by the Dallas Cowboys in August and now joins the Browns. A third-round draft pick by the Denver Broncos in 2018, he has also played for the Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, and Los Angeles Rams. Last season, Freeman appeared in 14 games with the Rams, accumulating 319 yards and two touchdowns. With Nick Chubb and Nyheim Hines sidelined, the Browns have been thin at running back, and as of Tuesday, Pierre Strong Jr. is listed as "week to week" with a hamstring injury. Jerome Ford and D'Onta Foreman have been handling the majority of the carries. Freeman must establish a significant role before fantasy managers consider adding him to their rosters. He could have an opportunity to contribute as soon as this Sunday against the Giants.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Nailor Sep 18 1:00am ET
Jalen Nailor

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell praised wide receiver Jalen Nailor, highlighting his speed and versatility: "I just was really, really happy just how fast he played. Even on routes he wasn't targeted, you could see the separation and his ability to win against man coverage." In the Vikings' 23-17 victory over the 49ers, Nailor caught three of four targets for 54 yards and a touchdown, finishing second in receiving yards behind Justin Jefferson (quadriceps). His 10-yard touchdown grab in the third quarter marked his second touchdown in as many weeks. With Jordan Addison sidelined due to an ankle injury, Nailor played 93% of offensive snaps, becoming a key contributor. Despite flying under the radar, he's only minimally rostered in leagues but could be a valuable speculative add if Jefferson or Addison miss time. In a potential high-scoring Week 3 matchup against the Texans, Nailor could step in as the No. 2 wideout for Sam Darnold.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Sep 18 12:13am ET
Justin Fields

Dynasty | The Steelers are prepping for this week's game with Justin Fields as their starting quarterback. Dynasty Analysis: Russell Wilson is nearing a return but it's hard to see him taking over Fields as long as the Steelers keep winning. While Fields has been far from dominant as a passer, he's kept the team moving, followed a game script and, most importantly, avoided mistakes. When you consider Fields is also making plays with his legs that Wilson presumably could not, this looks like a done deal at the moment. Fields is no more than a QB2 at the moment and the dynasty candle for Wilson is simply starting to burn out.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

MarShawn Lloyd Sep 18 12:13am ET
MarShawn Lloyd

Dynasty | The Packers have placed running back MarShawn Lloyd on injured reserve. Dynasty Analysis: The Packers tried to get Lloyd through his preseason hip and hamstring injuries after they lost AJ Dillon for the season, but Lloyd hurt his ankle this week and it's clear the team had to just throw in the towel for the moment as he'll now be out for at least a month. The Packers signed Chris Brooks off their practice squad this week and he should also be monitored in a backfield that's suddenly very thin behind Josh Jacobs.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Irv Smith Jr. Sep 18 12:13am ET
Irv Smith Jr.

Dynasty | The Texans have signed tight end Irv Smith Jr to their practice squad. Dynasty Analysis: Smith was once a very highly thought of prospect but failed to do much in Minnesota or Cincinnati when given opportunities. After being cut by the Chiefs this off-season, Smith will attempt to impress the coaches enough to get another shot. Still, the Texans have one of the deepest tight end rooms in the league and expecting Smith to do much would be a little foolish. He should remain on the waiver wire for the moment.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Robbie Chosen Sep 18 12:13am ET
Robbie Chosen

Dynasty | The Dolphins have released wide receiver Robbie Chosen. Dynasty Analysis: The Dolphins are finally moving on from Chosen, who signed on back in 2023 and has bounced back and forth from the practice squad to the active roster. Chosen somehow had a 95/1,096/3 season in Carolina back in 2020 but has around 300 catches and 4,000 yards in his other nine plus seasons in the league combined. In short, Chosen was a one-hit wonder who has failed to live up to expectations in stops with the Cardinals and Dolphins after leaving the Panthers. He belongs on the dynasty waiver wire.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

C.J. Mosley Sep 17 10:43pm ET
C.J. Mosley

New York Jets LB C.J. Mosley (toe) did not practice and told ESPN's Rich Cimini on Tuesday, Sept. 17, that he believes his chances of playing Thursday against the New England Patriots are '50-50.' 'I'm still pretty sore. No breaks or cracks. It's not the foot, but a crazy location, just kind of like the tip of my big toe. So it's just hard to push off right now. So it's just really getting the swelling down and pain management,' Mosley said.

From TheHuddle

Irv Smith Jr. Sep 17 10:30pm ET
Irv Smith Jr.

The Houston Texans signed free-agent tight end Irv Smith and former starting center Scott Quessenberry to their practice squad on Tuesday following successful tryouts, according to league sources. Smith, a former second-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings out of Alabama, will give Houston more depth at the TE position behind Dalton Schultz, Brevin Jordan and rookie Cade Stover. He has 109 career receptions for 973 yards and 10 touchdowns in his career with the Vikings, Bengals and Chiefs, but injuries have really held him back from reaching his true ceiling. Texans center Juice Scruggs (groin), who missed the Week 2 win over the Bears on Sunday night, is on track to return this week against the Vikings, but Quessenberry will give the team more depth at the position. Quessenberry started for Houston two seasons ago when Justin Britt stepped away for personal reasons.

From RotoBaller

Marte Mapu Sep 17 9:30pm ET
Marte Mapu

New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers (shoulder) remained as a limited participant during Tuesday's practice session. This is now back-to-back days that Peppers has been limited in practice. This is not a great sign heading into Thursday's Week 3 matchup against the New York Jets. The former first-round pick has been a solid contributor early in the season. Peppers has recorded six tackles in both of the first two games of the season. The absence of Peppers would certainly be a hit to this defensive unit. Marte Mapu would likely be asked to start if Peppers is unable to go on Thursday.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Sep 17 7:13pm ET
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson (calf) isn't expected to fully participate in practice on Wednesday, Sept. 18, head coach Mike Tomlin said.

From TheHuddle

Jabrill Peppers Sep 17 6:53pm ET
Jabrill Peppers

New England Patriots LB Ja'Whaun Bentley (shoulder), OT Vederian Lowe (knee), OG Sidy Sow (ankle) and LB Oshane Ximines (knee) did not practice Tuesday, Sept. 17. C David Andrews (hip), LB Anfernee Jennings (knee), CB Marcus Jones (knee), OT Michael Onwenu (wrist), S Jabrill Peppers (shoulder), OG Layden Robinson (shoulder) and DE Deatrich Wise Jr. (shoulder) were limited at practice. The Patriots held a walkthrough Tuesday so participation levels are estimations.

From TheHuddle