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FFL: Week 1 | NFL: Week 1

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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Starts/Sits: Week 1

Player Notes
Antonio Gibson Sep 8 6:00pm ET
Antonio Gibson

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson rushed seven times for 18 yards during Sunday's Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He did not command a target in the passing game. Unsurprisingly, Gibson played behind Rhamondre Stevenson and was far less efficient than the workhorse back. What's peculiar, though, is that Gibson didn't get any looks in the passing game; he averaged three catches per game over his final two seasons with the Washington Commanders. Gibson's next chance to make an impact will come in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks. For now, he can be benched in most 12-team fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Keion White Sep 8 5:50pm ET
Keion White

The New England Patriots defense forced two fumbles, tallied three sacks, and allowed just 10 points during Sunday's Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Keion White led the way defensively with 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble. New England performed better than expected as they were massive underdogs and managed to defeat the Bengals on the road. This result should provide some optimism for Patriots fans and fantasy managers heading into the team's Week 2 clash against the Seattle Seahawks. They'll be worth starting in most leagues next week.

From RotoBaller

Rhamondre Stevenson Sep 8 5:50pm ET
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson rushed 25 times for 120 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Stevenson also got involved in the passing game, catching all three of his targets for an additional six yards through the air. The Patriots' offense ran through Stevenson on Sunday, and it seems to have been a recipe for success as they pulled off the upset win. He has continued to prove himself as a talented runner, receiver, and blocker, giving him plenty of fantasy value over the rest of the season. He ranks as a very strong RB2 option heading into next week's home opener against the Seattle Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Sep 8 5:50pm ET
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) isn't believed to have suffered a significant injury, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport. The wideout injured his left ankle during training camp. However, he tweaked his right ankle in the Week 1 win over the New York Giants. Of course, fantasy managers will know more when the team gets back to Minnesota, where Addison is anticipated to get another evaluation. If he can't go for the Week 2 matchup with the 49ers, Josh Oliver would likely slide into the No. 2 spot behind Justin Jefferson, giving him a small upside for fantasy managers in deeper formats.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Sep 8 5:40pm ET
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle hauled in all five of his targets for 108 yards in Sunday's 20-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. On the Dolphins' first play of the second quarter, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa hit Waddle short right for a 12-yard gain, but he exited the game afterward and was checked for a concussion. Fortunately for the fourth-year wideout, he was cleared to return to play and finished the game with the second-most yards and third-most receptions on the team. His big play of the day came in the third quarter when Tua found Waddle on a deep crosser that flipped the field for a 63-yard gain. He would also snag another grab that went for 20 yards. Despite the offense's slow start, both superstar wideouts were able to eclipse 100 yards in an encouraging first performance. The Alabama product will look to keep rolling in Week 2 on a short week when he and the Fins square up against their division rival Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Sep 8 5:30pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill caught seven of 12 targets for 130 yards and a touchdown in the Fins' 20-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cheetah got himself into trouble before the game even started, as it was reported police temporarily detained him in a traffic incident just one block away from Hard Rock Stadium. While it was nothing, the Dolphins' offense began the game a bit flat as most of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's passes were short completions that relied on their recipients' yards-after-catch ability. Hill entered the half with an un-Tyreek-like five receptions for 29 yards, but the veteran wideout could only be contained for so long. On Miami's third possession of the second half, Tua hit his No. 1 target on a deep crosser that turned into an electric 80-yard score. He would then add a 21-yard catch on the team's final drive before Jason Sanders drilled a field goal attempt with time expiring to give the Dolphins the win. Hill will be on a short week of rest ahead of a juicy matchup against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Mostert Sep 8 5:20pm ET
Raheem Mostert

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert rushed six times for nine yards in the Dolphins' 20-17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He added two receptions for ten yards on three targets. Oof. Miami couldn't get anything going on the ground as Jeff Wilson Jr. led all rushers with 26 yards and a long gain of 14. It's a bit of a letdown for Mostert as his committee-mate De'Von Achane out-touched him 17-to-8 and out-gained him 100-to-19 while plunging in a one-yard score. It's too early to tell whether this distribution of touches is a trend or an anomaly in Miami's backfield. Still, it's an intriguing development after head coach Mike McDaniel endorsed the tenth-year vet as the team's lead back during the off-season. Mostert and the Fins will be on short rest this week as they're slated to square off against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football. Expect a lot of action as this matchup presents a robust 51.5 combined point total.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Sep 8 5:20pm ET
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle George Fant (knee) won't return to Sunday's game against the Broncos. The situation certainly didn't look good, as the veteran couldn't put weight on his leg. He also needed assistance to the locker room. Fant, who signed with the team in March, was brought in to bolster an offensive line that isn't loaded with talent. With that said, there will likely be an update soon. However, any injury to the offensive line isn't good news for Geno Smith and company.

From RotoBaller

Andrei Iosivas Sep 8 5:10pm ET
Andrei Iosivas

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas had three catches for 26 yards in Sunday's loss to New England. With Tee Higgins (hamstring) out, and Ja'Marr Chase (illness, hold-in) cleared to suit up at the last minute, Iosivas couldn't take advantage. In all fairness, it wasn't a good day for the entire team, so the wideout can't take all the blame for the underwhelming performance. At any rate, Higgins and Chase aren't a lock to be available in Week 2 versus the Kansas City Chiefs. If they don't play, Iosivas remains in the flex conversation, even if his fantasy ceiling isn't as high as it was entering the opener.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Sep 8 5:00pm ET
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane rushed 10 times for 25 yards and one touchdown in their 20-17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He also hauled in all seven of his targets for 75 yards. The Dolphins run game couldn't get much going against a tough Jags' front seven that allowed a long gain of just 14 on the ground to backup Jeff Wilson Jr. However, it was a busy game for Achane, as he led all Miami rushers in carries and was second on the team behind Tyreek Hill with his seven targets. It's an encouraging outing for the second-year speedster, as he out-carried and out-targeted his running mate Raheem Mostert by four and out-gained him 100-19 in total yardage. The Texas A&M product's highlight of the day came on Miami's first drive when Tua Tagovailoa hit him on a swing pass to the right side of the field. Achane followed his blocks perfectly, bobbing, weaving, and breaking tackles en route to a 39-yard gain. It will be a short week of rest for him and the Dolphins, as they are slated to take on the Buffalo Bills this coming Thursday on Thursday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Sep 8 5:00pm ET
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (right ankle) will be re-evaluated when the team returns home, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert. Head coach Kevin O'Connell noted that Addison injured his left ankle in training camp, but this new injury is to his right ankle. Addison departed Week 1 after catching three passes for 35 yards. Jalen Nailor will likely operate as the Vikings' No. 2 receiver if Addison misses time, but the bulk of his targets might instead get dispersed to Justin Jefferson, Johnny Mundt, and Josh Oliver.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Marr Chase Sep 8 4:40pm ET
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (illness, hold-in) was cleared to suit up shortly before the meeting with the Patriots. Unfortunately, it didn't matter, with Cincinnati dropping Week 1 to New England. Tee Higgins (hamstring) wasn't available. However, while there was a chance of a limited workload for Chase, fantasy managers were still happy to see the green light. Overall, it wasn't a bad game for the wideout, amassing a game-high six grabs for 62 yards. Still, fantasy managers were expecting more from the former LSU Tiger. At any rate, Chase's availability for Week 2 isn't guaranteed if he doesn't get the new contract he desires. Yet, if he's on the field against the Chiefs, he's still a must-start, considering he'll get it together at some point.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Sep 8 4:40pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 23-of-37 passes for 336 yards and one touchdown in the team's 20-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. He added one scramble for a gain of 11 yards. It was tough sledding on the ground for Miami throughout this one, and their offense looked a bit sluggish in the early going. Most of Tagovailoa's passes were short in the beginning portion of the game, but that changed significantly around the mid-point of the third quarter. The Dolphins' signal caller hit a streaking Jaylen Waddle deep down-field, and the speedy wideout turned up the sideline for a huge 63-yard gain. Then, on Miami's next drive -- on the first play --, Tua hit Tyreek Hill on a deep crosser that he turned up the left sideline for an 80-yard score. Overall, it was a fine opening performance for the Dolphins' offense. The fifth-year veteran will have a quick turnaround in Week 2 when he squares up against Josh Allen and their division-rival Buffalo Bills.

From RotoBaller

Mike Tomlin Sep 8 4:40pm ET
Mike Tomlin

Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston (leg) suffered a "serious injury" during Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons, head coach Mike Tomlin told the media. Johnston was in serious pain after being hit during a punt attempt in Week 1. It's a crushing blow for the Steelers, who were optimistic that they had solved their punting woes ahead of the 2024 campaign. Instead, it looks like Johnston will miss extended time, leaving Pittsburgh searching for yet another player to plug in at punter.

From RotoBaller

Chase Brown Sep 8 4:30pm ET
Chase Brown

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown struggled in Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots. He was a popular option in fantasy drafts heading into the 2023-24 campaign, often getting selected over Zack Moss. However, Chase didn't get anything going in Week 1, finishing with only 11 yards off three carries, adding three catches for 12 yards. With that said, Moss, who ended the day by amassing 44 yards and a touchdown off nine touches, appears to be the preferred option out of the backfield for Cincinnati. As a result, Brown isn't the safest fantasy option in Week 2 against the Chiefs, although there's still a chance he could get more involved than he was in the opener.

From RotoBaller

Zack Moss Sep 8 4:20pm ET
Zack Moss

Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss led his team in rushing on Sunday. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough, with the Bengals dropping Week 1 to the Patriots. Tee Higgins (hamstring) didn't suit up, and Ja'Marr Chase (illness, hold-in) wasn't cleared until shortly before kickoff. As a result, Joe Burrow struggled. Despite the Bengals needing to play catch-up for most of the contest, Moss still had a decent fantasy showing, running for 44 yards off nine carries. He also found the end zone and brought in two passes for 17 yards. For the Bengals to get anything out of the backfield moving ahead, the team must get it together on the receiving end. For now, Moss remains a must-start in most fantasy setups in the Week 2 battle with the Chiefs. However, things may change if Higgins isn't cleared to play and Chase remains a limited participant at practice during the week.

From RotoBaller

Jeff Okudah Sep 8 4:10pm ET
Jeff Okudah

Houston Texans cornerback Jeff Okudah (hip) has been ruled out of the Texans' game against the Indianapolis Colts. The former No. 3 overall pick signed with the Texans this offseason after four underwhelming seasons in Detroit and Atlanta. Okudah does project to be an important depth piece for the Texans as a rotational corner. If his injury is serious, his absence would negatively impact the Texans' defense.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Sep 8 4:10pm ET
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow couldn't lead his team to a win over the Patriots on Sunday. Tee Higgins (hamstring) wasn't available, and Ja'Marr Chase (illness, hold-in) was cleared shortly before opening kick. As a result, the signal-caller struggled, throwing for only 164 yards off 21-for-29 passing. He added four carries for 15 yards. Without question, Burrow will need Higgins and Chase on the field for the Bengals Week 2 meeting with the Kansas City Chiefs. If Higgins remains out and Chase doesn't get a new contract, fantasy managers may want to strongly consider keeping Burrow out of the starting lineup.

From RotoBaller

Marshon Lattimore Sep 8 4:00pm ET
Marshon Lattimore

New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) is questionable to return against the Panthers. Lattimore is an extremely important piece of a solid defense and any length of absence would be a big loss for the Saints. The Saints' defense has started off 2024 strong as they are currently holding the Carolina Panthers to 10 points midway through the fourth quarter. They will need Lattimore in the lineup to continue that success as the season wears on. Lattimore is also going to be important to the success of the Saints D/ST which projects to be a solid streaming option in fantasy throughout the season.

From RotoBaller

Trey Palmer Sep 8 3:50pm ET
Trey Palmer

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Trey Palmer (concussion) is active in Week 1. Palmer had managed to log several full practices throughout the week and ultimately proved that he was ready to go on game day. Palmer is listed as the Buccaneers No. 4 wide receiver. He caught 39 passes for 385 yards and three touchdowns in 2023. He should be a solid contributor to the Buccaneers' success in 2024, however, he is not worth much of a look in fantasy.

From RotoBaller