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.
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The Paur Report
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 2
Updating a previous report New York Jets linebacker Jermaine Johnson (Achilles) is believed to have suffered a torn Achilles on Sunday. Johnson will have an MRI to confirm the injury. This will be a huge loss for the Jets' defense. The 2022 first-round pick is an important pass rusher for the team. He finished 2023 with 7.5 sacks. He was off to a slow start in 2024 but never had a chance to fully get going this season. The injury may force the Jets into a sense of urgency with defensive end Haason Reddick who is holding out for a new contract. Either way, this will certainly impact the Jets D/ST moving forward.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was a busy man during the Packers' 16-10 win against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2. Jacobs rushed for 151 yards on 32 carries as the Packers leaned heavily on the run with Jordan Love (knee) ruled out for Week 2 and Malik Willis starting in Love's place. A fumble near the end zone in the middle of the second quarter cost Jacobs a chance to add a touchdown to his ledger. Jacobs has averaged 24 carries in his two games thus far in 2024 for a robust 4.9 yards per carry, so this new change in scenery for the 26-year-old back may have been just what the doctor ordered. The Packers will travel to Nashville to take on the Tennessee Titans, where Jacobs will be a low-end RB1 in fantasy no matter who is under center for Green Bay.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts defensive linemen DeForest Buckner (right ankle) and Laiatu Latu (hip) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers. Both players were officially ruled out by the team. Buckner finished Week 2 with one tackle. Latu had one tackle, as well as a fumble recovery. Raekwon Davis, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Isaiah Land are candidates to earn more snaps with Buckner and Latu sidelined.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman Vita Vea (knee) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions and will not return. Vea was injured after a friendly fire hit between him and Yaya Diaby. He had registered one pass defended but zero tackles at the time of his departure. Tampa Bay was already without Calijah Kancey (calf), so now Greg Gaines will earn more opportunities with Vea sidelined.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets pass-rusher Jermaine Johnson (Achilles) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans and will not return. The third-year defender had to be carted off the field. With Haason Reddick holding out for a contract extension and Johnson dealing with a serious Achilles injury, the Jets will look for Will McDonald and Takkarist McKinley to handle more opportunities on the end of the defensive line.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (chest) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys. He had 18 rushing yards and one receiving yard at the time of his departure. Hill had been efficient when called upon, but New Orleans' offense really ran through Alvin Kamara in Week 2. Nevertheless, this is tough news for fantasy managers who drafted Hill in hopes of getting running back points at the tight end position.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (ankle) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts and is officially questionable to return. He was making his NFL debut this week after missing Week 1 with a hamstring injury. At the time of his departure, he had 15 rushing yards and three receiving yards. Emanuel Wilson will serve as the primary backup to Josh Jacobs for the duration of Lloyd's absence.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (ankle) exited during the third quarter of Sunday's game against the New York Jets. He was observed walking to the locker room with one shoe removed. At the time of his departure, he had 20 rushing yards, 11 receiving yards, and 22 kick return yards. Tennessee has Tony Pollard atop its depth chart, so he'll continue to handle the bulk of the rushing workload regardless of whether Spears can return. Julius Chestnut would be next on the depth chart.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots linebackers Ja'Whaun Bentley (shoulder) and Oshane Ximines (knee) have been downgraded to out for the remainder of Week 2 versus the Seattle Seahawks. Both are impact players in New England's defense. However, neither player had registered a tackle at the time of their respective departures. Joshua Uche and Raekwon McMillan figure to earn more opportunities with two key linebackers sidelined.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) is officially inactive for Week 2, as expected. He has been designated as the Steelers' emergency third quarterback, which means he could enter the game if both Justin Fields and Kyle Allen suffer injuries and can't return. Fields is on track to make his second consecutive start, and if Pittsburgh starts 2-0, they could continue to ride the hot hand regardless of whether Wilson is healthy in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (quad) exited during the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers and is officially questionable to return. He had been quite productive prior to his departure, catching four passes for 133 yards and one touchdown. Jordan Addison (ankle) was inactive this week, so Minnesota's top receivers will be Jalen Nailor and Trent Sherfield until Jefferson can return. In the event that both Jefferson and Addison can't suit up next week, Nailor would be a solid WR3 option for fantasy purposes.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (ankle) is inactive for Week 2 against the Denver Broncos. Wilson had been listed as questionable after logging a limited practice on Friday. The rookie didn't up last week either, so he's still looking to make his NFL debut. With Wilson sidelined, Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek should earn more opportunities behind George Pickens, Van Jefferson, and Calvin Austin III.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver David Bell (hip) won't return to Sunday's matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The wideout had three catches for 27 yards. Unfortunately, he suffered a hip injury on his last catch of the day. With David Njoku (ankle) ruled out ahead of Week 2 and Pierre Strong Jr. (hamstring) exiting Sunday's contest, the Browns continue to deal with injuries on the offensive side of the ball. Fantasy managers should expect more work for Elijah Moore, Jerry Jeudy, Jerome Ford, and D'Onta Foreman for the rest of the game.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back Pierre Strong Jr. (hamstring) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and will not return. At the time of his departure, he had 10 rushing yards, 25 kick return yards, and -5 receiving yards. Despite some speculation that Strong may operate as the Browns' primary backup running back this week, he was ultimately out-produced by both Jerome Ford and D'Onta Foreman before he exited the contest. Strong will remain off the fantasy radar even if he's healthy enough to play in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) is officially inactive for Sunday's AFC showdown with the Chiefs. There is no surprise here, considering the wideout missed Week 1 and was doubtful heading into Week 2. Fortunately, Joe Burrow has Ja'Marr Chase as his primary pass-catcher. There's also room for Andrei Iosivas, Trenton Irwin, and Mike Gesicki to enter the flex conversation in 12-team fantasy leagues and up.
From RotoBaller
According to NFL insider Jay Glazer, Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) is on the "doubtful side" for Sunday's game against the Texans. The veteran wideout was classified as a game-time decision. However, it appears the Bears will be without Allen, who caught just 4 of 11 targets for 29 yards in Week 1. With Rome Odunze (knee) also in danger of missing the Week 2 festivities, DJ Moore and Cole Kmet could see more attention from Caleb Williams. There's also potential for Velus Jones Jr. and DeAndre Carter to get more involved. Yet, Jones or Carter shouldn't be viewed as anything more than a desperation addition to any fantasy lineup.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (shoulder) is questionable to return to Sunday's matchup with the Cleveland Browns. The 23-year-old took a hard shot while returning a kick, with many assuming he suffered a concussion. However, it appears a shoulder injury is jeopardizing his availability for the remainder of Week 2. Bigsby had 12 carries for 73 yards in Week 1 versus the Dolphins. Yet, he has been quiet on Sunday. At any rate, fantasy managers could see D'Ernest Johnson backing up Travis Etienne Jr. for the remainder of the contest.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (groin) returned to Sunday's meeting with the Detroit Lions. He exited the contest briefly due to a groin issue and was listed as questionable to return. However, while it's good to see White back on the field, fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised to see him receive a reduced workload, with Bucky Irving potentially in line to see more work for the remainder of Week 2. There's also a good chance White appears on the injury report ahead of Tampa's Week 3 clash with the Denver Broncos, meaning fantasy managers should plan in advance.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley (foot) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Titans. The veteran suffered a foot injury. But his day is likely over, considering he was transported to the locker room on a cart. He finished last season by totaling 151 tackles, one of the highest marks of his career. Unfortunately, the situation doesn't look promising regarding Mosley's availability moving ahead. Nonetheless, IDP managers will likely get an update soon.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (head) cleared concussion protocol and returned to Sunday's NFC East battle with the Commanders. The rookie wideout took a shot to the head, resulting in a trip to the blue medical tent for an evaluation. Fortunately, fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief. He popped up on the injury report earlier in the week due to a knee injury. However, he was cleared to suit up after practicing in full on Friday. Without question, the Giants can't afford an injury, considering kicker Graham Gano (groin) left the contest with a groin injury.
From RotoBaller
