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
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (illness), who is listed as questionable to play in the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday due to an illness and because of lengthy contract standoff with the team that has yet to be resolved, was seen warming up on the field before the game against the New England Patriots. Chase's availability all week has been up in the air, but the 24-year-old was feeling better on Saturday night and appears to be on the right side of questionable with inactives coming out shortly. Especially with Tee Higgins (hamstring) doubtful to play, the Bengals' receiving corps would be extra thin if Chase chose to sit out as well. Chase was limited in two practices this week before practicing in full on Friday. He could have his reps limited in Week 1 if he's active, but fantasy managers need to keep the All-Pro pass-catcher in their starting lineups if he's good to go.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys running backs Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle are expected to operate on a "pretty even split" of touches out of the backfield on Sunday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. It sounds like both players will have significant roles as the Cowboys open their season against the Cleveland Browns. Elliott is a veteran with more starting experience and he's coming off a solid campaign with the New England Patriots in which he tallied 955 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns. Meanwhile, Dowdle offers youth and is ready to take on an expanded role after totaling 505 yards and four touchdowns in 2023. Unfortunately, if each player is only expected to see around 10-15 touches, it could be difficult for them to have a lot of fantasy value, especially against a solid Browns defensive front. Both should be viewed as RB3/flex options this week.
From RotoBaller
The New England Patriots reportedly hope to sit rookie first-round quarterback Drake Maye behind veteran Jacoby Brissett until their offensive line improves. Brissett barely won the starting gig over Maye in training camp and is starting in the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Patriots were impressed with Maye's command and knowledge of the offense this summer, but they want to put him in the best position to succeed when they throw him in there, and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says it will probably be several weeks at least. The 22-year-old third overall selection will be starting games in his rookie year in 2024, but that may not happen right away. When it does happen, the Pats' QB of the future will have more upside than Brissett, but he won't have much to work with on offense and won't be much more than a low-end QB2 option in superflex fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill was detained Sunday, Sept. 8, for a minor traffic violation but is expected to play in Week 1, according to agent Drew Rosenhaus.
Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players can monitor the situation to see if the incident affects his availability down the road, but he is on track to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He remains one of the top receivers in the NFL and is a must-start option in all leagues.
From TheHuddle
Minnesota Vikings tight end Johnny Mundt is penciled in as the backup tight end heading into the Week 1 matchup against the New York Giants. The 29-year-old will likely be the second string option for a few weeks while T.J. Hockenson (knee) recovers from injury. Josh Oliver is listed as the starter, but the two of them could split up the role. However, neither of them are likely to see a significant role with wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison being the primary options on offense. Mundt has finished with less than 20 receptions in each of his last two seasons. He can be ignored in fantasy formats for Week 1, but could be an option if Oliver goes down.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill was reportedly detained by police while heading to the stadium. The stop was for a driving violation, so it doesn't sound too serious. Hill's agent Drew Rosenhaus says that Hill will play today during the Week 1 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned about this as it seems like a minor issue. Stay tuned for more updates, but Hill should be a locked in WR1 for Week 1 as long as he plays.
From RotoBaller
ESPN reporter Adam Schefter is reporting Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill was detained by police today entering the stadium for a driving violation. Hill is still expected to play in today's game but keep an eye on the inactives to be sure.
ESPN reporter Adam Schefter is reporting Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill was detained by police today entering the stadium for a driving violation. Hill is still expected to play in today's game.
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson (calf) is expected to receive a lot of treatment prior to Week 1's game versus the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Sept. 8, and then will test his injured calf during pregame warmups before a final decision is made on his status.
Fantasy Spin: Wilson had been listed as questionable on the injury report after being a limited participant in Pittsburgh's final two practice sessions during the week. He said he would be able to play against Atlanta but the Steelers may decide to err against the side of caution and start QB Justin Fields instead. If Wilson is unable to play, Fields could be viewed as a QB2 option with QB1 upside because of his mobility.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson will open the season as the third wideout in this offense. He's set to start behind Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua during the season opener against the Detroit Lions. The 29-year-old beat out Tutu Atwell for the third wideout spot in camp, but he probably won't have a significant role. Both Kupp and Nacua figure to see the bulk of the targets. Last season, Robinson finished with 26 receptions for 371 yards and four touchdowns. There is still some big-play potential here, which makes Robinson a possible WR4 in deeper leagues.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins Pro Bowl defensive back Jalen Ramsey (hamstring) will try to play through his hamstring injury in Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He may be limited in the number of snaps he takes to help reduce the risk of re-aggravating the injury, though, and it's yet to be seen how many. Ramsey missed time last year after suffering a meniscus tear; the Dolphins handed him a three-year, $72.3 million deal. It's safe to assume he can still play at a high level. Ramsey will turn 30 this year, so his best days are likely behind him. However, defensive cornerstone Jaelan Phillips is returning from an Achilles tear, and there are many new pieces and a new defensive coordinator, so there are better D/STs to start this week over the Dolphins.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney will step into the WR2 role for this offense to open the season. The 26-year-old reportedly looked good in camp and continued to make plays when called upon. Drake London opens the season as the primary passing option, but Mooney shouldn't be far behind him on the depth chart. It's worth noting that tight end Kyle Pitts and running back Bijan Robinson should also be involved in the receiving game. Mooney has spent the last four seasons with the Chicago Bears. His best season came in 2021 when he recorded 81 receptions for 1,055 yards and four touchdowns. He's worth stashing in most fantasy formats and should be on the WR4 radar heading into the opener.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (ankle) has been cleared to suit up for Sunday's Week 1 matchup against the New York Giants. Nailor was able to log in a full practice to close out the week after being limited earlier in the week. He's expected to be the third wideout on this roster behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Sadly, there probably won't be a ton of targets left for Nailor with those two likely seeing the bulk of them. Nailor should be considered a desperation play in deep leagues heading into Week 1. The third-year wideout is unlikely to have a huge role while Jefferson and Addison are healthy.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent QB Ryan Tannehill (Titans) received interest from several NFL teams during the offseason, according to multiple sources. However, he would only be interested in returning to the league to play for a playoff contender with the need for a quarterback, a strong offensive line and multiple offensive weapons, if the money was right.
From TheHuddle
Buffalo Bills DE Dawuane Smoot (toe) has been downgraded from questionable to out for Week 1's game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
From TheHuddle
The Green Bay Packers are going to be without starting quarterback Jordan Love (knee) for a few weeks. Love suffered a Grade 1/2 MCL sprain, which could force him to miss three or four games. Malik Willis came into the game in the final seconds after Love went down during Friday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite that, the Packers haven't committed to Willis being the starting quarterback in Week 2. Willis has only been with the team for a few weeks, so he might not be quite ready for this type of role yet. Sean Clifford is currently on the practice squad and has been with the team since 2023. Those are two are their primary options unless they want to go outside of the organization. Free-agent quarterback Ryan Tannehill has been a rumored name, but wants to join a contending team and be paid well. Regardless of who starts, none of these players are going to be viable fantasy options in most formats.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) appears to have avoided a season-ending injury. Love went down in the final moments of Friday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He needed to be helped off the field and further evaluation revealed an MCL sprain. The Packers only expect Love to miss a few weeks, which could be three or four games. Fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief that it wasn't an ACL tear that would force Love to miss the entire season. The assumption is that Malik Willis will start for a few weeks, but free-agent quarterback Ryan Tannehill has also been rumored to be an option. Whoever starts is going to be a downgrade over Love under center.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Trenton Irwin could be in line for a heavier workload during Sunday's Week 1 matchup against the New England Patriots. Fellow wideout Ja'Marr Chase (illness) is trending in the right direction, but is still uncertain for the season opener. If he sits, Tee Higgins and Andrei Iosivas would move up the depth chart. Also, Irwin could be in line to be the third starter considering he was competing for the WR3 role in camp. His value hinges on the status of Chase, which might not be known until closer to game time. Irwin could be a desperation play in deep leagues if Chase does end up sitting out.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins CB Jalen Ramsey (hamstring) will attempt to play in Week 1's game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to multiple sources. He had been listed as questionable on the injury report after logging just one limited practice session during the week. Ramsey will not be at 100 percent and is hoping to be able to play on a pitch count.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Calijah Kancey (calf) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 1 matchup against the Washington Commanders. Kancey was a late addition to the injury report on Friday due to a calf injury. It looks like the Bucs are going to play it safe and hold him out of the season opener. The first-round pick from last year recorded four sacks and 10 tackles for loss last season. He was mostly a part-time player, but Kancey has a chance to be a real difference maker on defense. Kancey figures to start on the Bucs defense this season, but Mike Greene is likely to get the opening week start.
From RotoBaller
