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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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Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7

Player Notes
David Njoku Oct 19 9:00am ET
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) is expected to serve as his team's primary target following the trade of Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills earlier in the week. The veteran tight end will look to break out in a home matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. The Bengals have struggled against tight ends this season, allowing the 10th-most fantasy points per game to the position. Njoku has been dealing with an ankle injury for the majority of the season but he practiced fully all week and does not have an injury designation heading into the weekend. Treat Njoku as a low-end TE1 in fantasy in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Dustin Hopkins Oct 19 9:00am ET
Dustin Hopkins

Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins has made 10 of his 12 field-goal attempts and all but one of his extra points during the 2024 season. He will look to keep it going at home against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. The Bengals have been a tough matchup for kickers this season as they are allowing the 21st-most fantasy points per game to the position through six games. Hopkins has shown a big leg in his time with the Browns but the team's offense is one of the worst in the league, which makes the veteran kicker tough to trust in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Jerry Jeudy Oct 19 8:20am ET
Jerry Jeudy

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (knee) will get a chance to slide over to the WR1 chair after the team traded Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills earlier in the week. As has been the procedure for much of the season, Jeudy practiced fully all week despite being listed on the injury report with a knee injury. Listed without an injury status on the Browns' final injury report, Jeudy will face off against the Cincinnati Bengals at home in Week 7. The Bengals have been solid against wide receivers this season, allowing just the 21st-most fantasy points per game to the position through their first six games. Jeudy gets a slight bump in fantasy value moving forward but a dysfunctional Cleveland passing attack doesn't inspire much confidence. Treat him as a low-end WR3 in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Tre Tucker Oct 19 8:20am ET
Tre Tucker

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker has an easier matchup in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams, so he has a solid chance of bouncing back after getting blanked in Week 6 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He should have expanded opportunity for targets with star WR Davante Adams leaving for the Jets and Jakobi Meyers (ankle) being unlikely to play with a "doubtful" designation. The second-year pro is a speedster with intriguing upside as a deep threat and on gadget plays. The rams are middle-of-the-pack in PPR fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers. The lack of other WRs to draw coverage away from Tucker could hurt his production, though. He's a decent FLEX option in deep leagues.

From RotoBaller

Elijah Moore Oct 19 8:20am ET
Elijah Moore

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore has been a forgotten man in his team's offense for much of the season. With the recent trade that sent Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills, Moore will get his chance to slide over to the No. 2 receiver role starting in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals have been tough on receivers this season, allowing just the 21st-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. Moore settles in as a WR5 in fantasy but his performance in Week 7 is worth monitoring in case he can turn his additional opportunities without Cooper in town into added fantasy production.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Carlson Oct 19 8:10am ET
Daniel Carlson

Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson should have some opportunities to score points when his tame takes on the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7. The Rams have allowed the 13th-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing kickers, ranking around the middle of the league. It may be tough for the Raiders to get much going, though, as they'll field a depleted offense. Star WR Davante Adams has left for the Jets and new lead WR Jakobi Meyers (ankle) is unlikely to play. The Raiders have struggled offensively in both phases of the game. Carlson has a history of great accuracy, though. He's hit 87.6% of field goal attempts in his career, so he could be worth starting in very deep leagues.

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Pierre Strong Jr. Oct 19 8:00am ET
Pierre Strong Jr.

Cleveland Browns running back Pierre Strong Jr. should be in line for a larger role heading into a Week 7 home matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Jerome Ford (hamstring) will not play in Week 7, leaving the third-down role open for Strong against Cincinnati. The Browns are expected to get Nick Chubb (knee) back for the game but he could be eased into action in his first game since tearing his ACL early in the 2023 season. With the struggling Browns likely to be playing from behind for much of this game, Strong has some appeal as an RB3/flex option in PPR leagues heading into Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Zamir White Oct 19 7:50am ET
Zamir White

Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison will square off against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7. He's had two consecutive solid fantasy weeks, but the return of Zamir White (groin), who practiced in full on Friday, could cap his upside yet again. Mattison averaged 2.5 and 2.4 yards per carry in his two weeks with White absent. That level of inefficiency won't earn him a workhorse role. The Rams defense allows the eighth most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs, but in a split role, the former Viking isn't likely to be startable. He profiles as an RB4, mostly due to pass-catching upside, if White returns. If not, he'll be a fringe RB3/FLEX option in PPR.

From RotoBaller

Sean McVay Oct 19 7:50am ET
Sean McVay

The Las Vegas Raiders will play against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7, and they will face a tough test against a good NFL offense. Rams head coach Sean McVay is an elite offensive mind, and his team has turned the ball over just six times in five games, one of the lower rates in the league. If wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) is able to return, it will be even tougher. Los Angeles is around the middle of the league in offensive yards gained per game, but Kupp's return would be a huge boost for the offense. The Raiders defense has allowed 27.2 points per game to opposing offenses, fifth-worst in the league. The Raiders D/ST shouldn't be started in fantasy this week.

From RotoBaller

Brock Bowers Oct 19 7:30am ET
Brock Bowers

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers could reclaim his spot as the overall TE1 in fantasy scoring in a matchup with the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7. The Rams have allowed the second-most PPR fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, and they should have trouble slowing down one of the NFL's finest at his position. The rookie leads all tight ends in targets (46), receptions (37), and receiving yards (384). He's also scored one touchdown. He'll likely have an expanded role for the rest of the season after former Raiders WR Davante Adams' departure to the New York Jets. He's a stud and must be started in any leagues that have tight end slots on their rosters.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Oct 19 7:20am ET
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will look for his first 200-yard passing game of the season when he squares off against the Cincinnati Bengals at home in Week 7. The Watson-led Cleveland offense has struggled greatly this season, ranking 30th in the league in points per game and last with just 240.2 yards per game. The Bengals have been generous to opposing quarterbacks so far, allowing the sixth-most fantasy points per game to the position. That being said, Amari Cooper is now a member of the Buffalo Bills and Watson's play has not inspired confidence in fantasy regardless of how friendly the matchup is. Treat him as a low-end QB2 heading into Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Zamir White Oct 19 7:20am ET
Zamir White

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White will face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7, and it's unlikely he'll have much success. He's averaging just 3.1 yards per carry this season and appears to be set to lose volume to fellow RB Alexander Mattison. White doesn't have much pass-catching upside, hasn't scored a touchdown this season, and has lost two fumbles. His highest scoring outing totaled just 6.8 PPR fantasy points in a game where he had four targets. He's had just seven targets all year. The Rams defense has been one of the league's worst, but Las Vegas' offense won't have Davante Adams, who was traded, or Jakobi Meyers (ankle), who is doubtful to play. White should not be started except in the deepest of fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Aidan O'Connell Oct 19 7:10am ET
Aidan O'Connell

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell will face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7. While they have a much softer defense than the Pittsburgh Steelers he played against in Week 6, he will be missing two important offensive weapons. Wide receiver Davante Adams is now with the New York Jets, and his now-top receiver, Jakobi Meyers (ankle), is doubtful to play. The second-year passer will now have to work with rookie tight end Brock Bowers and sophomore WR Tre Tucker as his top pass-catching options. Bowers has played admirably, but it could be yet another low-volume offensive performance for the black and silver on Sunday. O'Connell profiles as a fringe starter in 2QB fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Oct 19 5:10am ET
Drake Maye

The Jacksonville Jaguars defense/special teams unit has a chance for decent fantasy production in Week 7 against the New England Patriots. Third-overall pick Drake Maye will get his second consecutive start after throwing three touchdowns and two interceptions last week against the Houston Texans. Maye is a young QB with a big arm, so he will take chances, meaning a potential for multiple turnovers. However, the Jaguars defense is one of the worst in football, so in general, it is hard to trust them in fantasy. They did get their first interception of the season last week against Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears, but it is hard to imagine a ceiling beyond that. Even Deshaun Watson didn't turn the ball over against them. In about as good a matchup as they will get this season, the Jaguars D/ST is a decent play in Week 7.

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George Kittle Oct 19 3:30am ET
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle enters a Week 7 home matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs in the midst of one the hottest streaks of his career. Last week in a win versus Seattle he hauled in five of six targets for 58 yards and two touchdowns. He is now on a four-game touchdown streak and tied for the most receiving touchdowns in the league at any position, with five. Kansas City's pass defense in fantasy has been mediocre but has taken an interesting route to get there. The Chiefs have been the ninth-toughest on wide receivers, but have been taken to task by opposing tight ends. They have given up 14.3 TE points per game, good for league-worst, while the second-easiest team -- the Rams -- are averaging 11.3 in Yahoo default scoring, by far the biggest margin between any two consecutively-ranked teams in the NFL. Kittle will certainly be fired up to take on the Chiefs given San Francisco's loss in Super Bowl LVIII and is a no-doubt fantasy TE1.

From RotoBaller

Cam Little Oct 19 3:20am ET
Cam Little

Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little is worth considering in starting lineups in Week 7 against the New England Patriots. The rookie kicker only had one field goal and one extra point last week in London against the Chicago Bears, but should have a busier week in London against a worse Patriots defense. Since missing a field goal in Week 2, Little has hit every attempt, so efficiency is not a worry. His longest field goal on the year is 53 yards, so he has a decent leg. Little's fantasy inconsistency has come down to the Jaguars offense not playing that well this season. However, with some of their weapons returning from injury and the offense steadily playing better, a much better matchup for the Jaguars offense should mean more points than the 16 they scored last week. Fantasy managers should be fine starting Little in their fantasy lineups in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Oct 19 3:00am ET
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram is a must-start in Week 7 against the New England Patriots in London. With no injury designation this week, Engram's hamstring injury seems to be behind him. The veteran tight end made a splash on his return with 10 catches for 102 yards on 10 targets. Despite returning from injury, Engram was the top target for Trevor Lawrence on the day. While the plethora of receiver options may make it hard for that trend to continue, Engram easily profiles as a TE1 given this week's solid matchup with the Patriots. The Bears have one of the best defenses in the league so far this season, so the Patriots should serve as an easier matchup for the Jaguars offense. Even if Lawrence spreads the ball around more than last week, Engram should put up mid to high-tier TE1 numbers in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Christian Kirk Oct 19 2:40am ET
Christian Kirk

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk makes for a decent flex play in London against the New England Patriots in Week 7. The veteran receiver was overshadowed by Evan Engram and Gabe Davis last week but has the potential to return to previous form in a good matchup. Engram dominated the targets and could continue to do so, but Kirk going forward should be more involved than his three catches for 39 yards on six targets from last week against the Chicago Bears. He combined for 22 targets in Week 3 and Week 4, so he has shown capable of earning plenty of targets to be a good fantasy option. As long as Trevor Lawrence spreads the ball around more than last week, expect Kirk to return to form as a solid flex option against a much weaker Patriots secondary in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Oct 19 2:30am ET
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has great upside once again in Week 7 against the New England Patriots in London. There is a chance BTJ is shadowed by talented young corner Christian Gonzalez, but given the rookie receiver out of LSU has the potential for a long touchdown on any given play, there is no way that means fantasy managers should bench him. BTJ has been stellar to start his rookie campaign but was held quiet by the terrific Bears secondary last week. As long as Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars offense continue to improve on a rough start to the season, BTJ has a chance for a big day, even with top target tight end Evan Engram (10 receptions for 102 yards last week) now back from injury. Start BTJ with confidence as a WR2 with WR1 upside in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

D'Ernest Johnson Oct 19 2:10am ET
D'Ernest Johnson

Jacksonville Jaguars running back D'Ernest Johnson could get more touches than usual with Travis Etienne Jr. questionable for Week 7's London matchup with the New England Patriots. Johnson has been third string behind Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby, but after Etienne Jr. went down with injury last week, Johnson had increased opportunities, garnering six carries for 28 yards and two receptions for 16 yards. The former Cleveland Brown isn't an exciting option but should get some chances against a weak Patriots run defense that got gashed by Joe Mixon last week. There is a possibiliTy Johnson gets only a couple of touches and Bigsby gets most of them, or Etienne Jr. does play and it's a dreaded three-way split, but it's also possible Johnson gets double-digit touches, and some goal-line carries. He is risky, but Johnson serves as an interesting flex play in deeper leagues in Week 7.

From RotoBaller