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FFL: Week 7 | NFL: Week 7

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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Player Notes
Dontayvion Wicks Oct 20 6:00pm ET
Dontayvion Wicks

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks was a solid contributor to the Packers' 24-22 win over the Houston Texans in Week 7. Wicks (shoulder) was a game-time decision for the Packers after leaving in Week 6 with a shoulder injury. After three limited practices during the week, Wicks was good to go for Week 7 as he caught 3-of-6 targets for 48 yards and a 30-yard touchdown on a beautiful throw by Jordan Love. Wicks was second on the Packers in targets (6) and his touchdown was one of three touchdown scores on the day for Love. With the many pass-catchers on the Packers, it can be hard to find consistent footing each week, but the Packers continue to involve Wicks in the offense despite some issues with drops this season. The Packers will head south to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars in Week 8, where for fantasy, Wicks should be a low-end flex play with upside in that contest.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Oct 20 6:00pm ET
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (ribs) won't return to Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. He'll finish the day by throwing for six yards off 2-for-2 passing, adding 50 yards off three carries. There wasn't much information surrounding his condition after he exited. However, the signal-caller returned to the sidelines in the second half with a smile. Considering the Commanders built a decisive lead, it's unknown if Daniels could have returned. With that in mind, his condition will be monitored closely for the Week 8 meeting with the Chicago Bears. If he can't suit up for that one, Marcus Mariota will presumably be under center.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Oct 20 5:50pm ET
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (knee) exited Sunday's matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. He was carted to the locker room, so things didn't look promising. However, head coach Mike Macdonald downplayed the condition, stating the wideout "banged his knee a little bit," adding, "it doesn't look too bad." Metcalf will likely need more tests to determine the severity of the injury. He might also miss some practices heading into the Week 8 clash with the Buffalo Bills. If Metcalf can't go for that one, it will likely mean more attention for Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

From RotoBaller

Aidan O'Connell Oct 20 5:40pm ET
Aidan O'Connell

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (thumb) exited Sunday's matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. The signal-caller didn't last long in Week 7 and will finish the contest by throwing for 52 yards off 6-for-10 passing. Unfortunately, there is concern that O'Connell suffered a broken thumb, which would presumably put him on the shelf for a while. But fantasy managers will need to wait for the results of impending tests on Monday. If the worst is confirmed, Gardner Minshew II will likely be back under center, although his track record this season won't make him a viable fantasy asset in any format.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Oct 20 5:40pm ET
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs was excellent in his second-consecutive game for the Packers as the team edged the Houston Texans 24-22 in Week 7. Doubs led the Packers with 10 targets, eight receptions, and 94 receiving yards as he was a key component of Jordan Love's passing attack. While Dontayvion Wicks, Tucker Kraft, and Josh Jacobs scored the touchdowns through the air for the Packers, Doubs was very efficient and was the only consistent target-earning for quarterback Jordan Love and the Packers on the afternoon. With so many quality pass-catchers for Love in this excellent Packers' passing attack, Doubs has an emphasis for the Packers following a one-game suspension a couple of weeks ago. With this emphasis on Doubs being a focal point of the offense, consider Doubs a low-end WR3 for the Packers' Week 8 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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Sam Darnold Oct 20 5:30pm ET
Sam Darnold

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold threw for 259 yards, one touchdown, and one pick off 22-for-27 passing in Sunday's narrow loss to the Lions. He added four carries for 39 yards. The signal-caller was coming off a horrid performance in the Week 5 overseas loss to the New York Jets. While he played better on Sunday, it still wasn't enough, resulting in the Vikings first loss of the 2024-25 campaign. Minnesota won't have much time to sulk, as the team will meet the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night. Granted, Darnold was more productive earlier in the year. Still, he's worth starting in most fantasy setups.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Oct 20 5:30pm ET
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle caught 1-of-2 targets in Sunday's 16-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The numbers are all season-low marks for the fourth-year wideout, and the first time in his young career he registered fewer than four targets. No Dolphins pass-catcher recorded more than three targets or two receptions in the contest aside from tight end Jonnu Smith, who led the team with seven catches and 96 yards on seven targets. It's a significant disappointment for Waddle's managers in an excellent matchup. It's anticipated that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will practice ahead of the team's Week 8 outing and might make his return when the Dolphins host the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday. If not, it could be another week of Tim Boyle calling signals with Tyler Huntley (shoulder) forced from Sunday's loss in the second half.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Oct 20 5:20pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill caught 1-of-2 targets for eight yards in the team's 16-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He added five rushing yards on his only attempt. Ouch. It's an enormous letdown in a promising matchup for Hill, with Miami coming off a bye in Week 6. The 30-year-old had quarterback troubles again on Sunday when Tyler Huntley (shoulder) left the game and was ruled out in the second half. Tim Boyle entered in relief, but the Dolphins went with a run-heavy game script, attempting just 26 passes to 40 rushes. The ground game was working in their defense, but Hill and wideout Jaylen Waddle combined for just four targets, two catches, and 19 yards. With QB Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) set to practice ahead of Week 8, the team could see its arrow pointing up in anticipation of a home matchup against the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Oct 20 5:20pm ET
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was solidly effective for the Packers as he capped off his afternoon in Week 7 with a touchdown reception in the Packers' 24-22 victory. Jacobs averaged over 6.0 yards per carry, totaling 72 rushing yards on just 12 carries. Jacobs also caught 5-of-5 targets for 16 yards, including an eight-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Jordan Love in the third quarter. That touchdown grab was the first of his career and ended his streak of 211 receptions without a receiving touchdown; the longest in NFL history. While the passing game was on display for the Packers for much of the game, Jacobs was plenty involved and had a quality day for fantasy purposes. He'll look to continue that momentum as the Packers head south to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 8, where Jacobs should be considered a low-end RB1 for that matchup.

From RotoBaller

Jonnu Smith Oct 20 5:10pm ET
Jonnu Smith

Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith reeled in all seven of his targets for 96 yards and a touchdown in their 16-10 Week 7 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. It was a career day for the 29-year-old veteran, who set a new personal best with his seven receptions. His marks in the matchup were all team-highs, too, as no other Miami pass-catcher recorded more than three targets. It was an excellent performance from Smith, with the 96 yards being his most since he posted 100 in Week 9 last season as a member of the Atlanta Falcons. With quarterback Tua Tagovailoa potentially returning in Week 8, the Dolphins' offensive outlook could be on the rise. However, that is nowhere near a guarantee. Miami will now turn their attention to next Sunday when they'll host the visiting Arizona Cardinals.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Oct 20 5:10pm ET
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love tossed three touchdown scores for most of the Packers' scoring on the afternoon as the Packers' edged the Texans 24-22 in Week 7. Love had an up-and-down game with 24-of-33 passing for 220 yards with three touchdown passes and two interceptions. A touchdown pass to Tucker Kraft kicked off the scoring on a beautiful diving play. Minutes later, Love found Dontayvion Wicks for a 30-yard touchdown with a perfect touch pass over the top. The final touchdown pass was Josh Jacobs' first receiving touchdown of his career; an eight-yard dump-off. Love was very good for fantasy production on the afternoon as he continued his streak of multiple-touchdown games in all five games Love has played this season. The Packers head south to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars, where Love will be a locked-in QB1 for that pristine matchup in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Schultz Oct 20 5:00pm ET
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz started his day with a first-quarter catch for 28 yards, but that accounted for all of his receiving production in a 24-22 loss at Green Bay. The 28-year-old tight end actually led the team in receiving, but only because Houston threw for a paltry 86 passing yards against the Packers. Schultz was targeted just twice in the game, his lowest total of the 2024 season thus far. The veteran will look for a better day in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts.

From RotoBaller

Aidan O'Connell Oct 20 5:00pm ET
Aidan O'Connell

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (thumb) exited during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams and was taken to the locker room for further evaluation. He is officially listed as questionable to return, but head coach Antonio Pierce told the CBS broadcast that "it doesn't look like he'll be back." O'Connell suffered the injury while grazing his hand on a defender during a pass attempt. Gardner Minshew II has entered the game in his place. At the time of his departure, O'Connell had completed six of 10 passes for 52 yards, zero touchdowns, and zero turnovers. It's been a tumultuous start to the year for the Las Vegas quarterback room. Minshew opened the year as the starter, was benched for O'Connell due to poor performance, and is now back in the lineup due to his teammate's injury. Based on Pierce's comments, it sounds like Minshew will stay in the game as Las Vegas' quarterback for the rest of Week 7.

From RotoBaller

JuJu Smith-Schuster Oct 20 5:00pm ET
JuJu Smith-Schuster

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) exited during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers and is officially questionable to return. He had not been targeted prior to his departure. Smith-Schuster entered Week 7 with a hamstring injury, so while the Chiefs initially cleared him to play, it appears he re-aggravated the issue early during Sunday's contest. As the game continues, the Chiefs' passing attack will funnel through a combination of Travis Kelce, Xavier Worthy, and Mecole Hardman, among others.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Oct 20 4:50pm ET
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (rib) exited during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers and is officially questionable to return. Marcus Mariota has entered in his place. Daniels has been the Rookie of the Year frontrunner and an MVP candidate so far, leading the Commanders to a remarkable 4-2 start. At the time of his departure on Sunday, he had completed each of his two pass attempts for six yards through the air while also adding 50 rushing yards. Mariota is still a capable NFL quarterback, but he represents a clear downgrade from this year's No. 2 overall pick. Look for Washington to place a little more emphasis on the rushing attack until Daniels can return to the lineup.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Oct 20 4:50pm ET
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane handled 15 carries in the team's 16-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, churning out 77 yards. He added two receptions and eight yards on three targets. Achane ran well Sunday against a porous Colts D as the Dolphins deployed a run-heavy game plan, totaling just 26 pass attempts to their 40 rushing. It's another disappointing outing for the second-year back, as Miami has averaged just nine points a game on offense since Week 2. While his day wasn't very useful regarding fantasy production, he out-carried backfield mate Raheem Mostert by four and out-gained him by 27, while the veteran did not record a target in the passing game. The Fins will square off against the Arizona Cardinals at home in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Oct 20 4:50pm ET
C.J. Stroud

The Green Bay Packers defense and special teams unit were in a slugfest with the Houston Texans in Week 7, eventually outlasting the Texans 24-22 by a game-winning field goal. The Packers tallied four sacks on Texans' quarterback C.J. Stroud and held him to just 86 yards passing on the afternoon. Stroud could not get much offense generated on the afternoon, as the Packers held Stefon Diggs to just 23 yards on five receptions and Tank Dell without a catch. The Packers still gave up 22 points as Joe Mixon put up 115 yards rushing and two touchdowns. It wasn't pretty, but the Packers found a way to get it done, even if the fantasy output by Green Bay wasn't exactly fruitful with zero interceptions and zero fumble recoveries. Green Bay heads south to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars, where they will be a locked-in starting D/ST for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Geno Stone Oct 20 4:50pm ET
Geno Stone

Cincinnati Bengals safety Geno Stone (left leg) exited late in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the contest. He finished Week 7 with seven tackles, bringing his season total to 37. He also intercepted his first pass of the 2024 campaign. If Stone is forced to miss extended time, Tycen Anderson would presumably earn more snaps at free safety.

From RotoBaller

Tim Boyle Oct 20 4:40pm ET
Tim Boyle

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tim Boyle completed 8-of-13 passes for 74 yards in Sunday's 16-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He gained four yards on the ground on his only attempt. Boyle entered the game in the second half after starting QB Tyler Huntley (shoulder) picked up an injury and was deemed out for the remainder of Week 7. It was another disastrous day for the Dolphins' offense, who have yet to find their footing since Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) went down with a brain injury. Of the team's 12 possessions in the contest, just two went for ten or more plays, and it's the fourth time in the last five matchups that they've failed to score more than ten points. With Tagovailoa potentially returning to action in Week 8, Miami's fortune may swiftly change.

From RotoBaller

Baylon Spector Oct 20 4:40pm ET
Baylon Spector

Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard (ankle) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans and was subsequently ruled out. He finished Week 7 with eight tackles, bringing his season total to 32. He also registered two tackles for loss and one fumble recovery. Baylon Spector entered the game in Bernard's place and will presumably earn more opportunities if the 25-year-old misses additional time.

From RotoBaller