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
Arizona Cardinals rookie first-round wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. will play in the team's preseason opener on Saturday night against the New Orleans Saints, according to head coach Jonathan Gannon. Harrison will take his first official snaps in the NFL this weekend, but he won't be working with starting quarterback Kyler Murray, who won't play at all this preseason. Harrison, 21, has one of the highest ceilings of any rookie wideout in recent memory and will be taken as a WR1 in fantasy drafts despite having yet to play in a regular-season NFL contest. The fourth overall pick probably won't play more than an offensive series or two on Saturday with either QB Desmond Ridder or Clayton Tune. Harrison will instantly become Arizona's No. 1 receiver this year and should be targeted heavily by Murray.
From RotoBaller
To this point in trade discussions, the San Francisco 49ers have not been satisfied with the Pittsburgh Steelers' offers and would like a receiver in return for Brandon Aiyuk as art of a trade, but they are also open to players at other positions, according to league sources. The New England Patriots dropped out of the Aiyuk sweepstakes the other day, so it's believed that the Steelers and Cleveland Browns are the front-runners for his services. If Aiyuk is dealt before the start of the regular season, his fantasy appeal as a low-end WR1/high-end WR2 is going to drop as he leaves Kyle Shanahan's offense in the Bay Area. And in San Francisco, a departure of Aiyuk would mean that rookie first-rounder Ricky Pearsall would likely start in three-receiver sets immediately alongside Deebo Samuel Sr. and Jauan Jennings.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Noah Brown (shoulder) is nearing a return to the practice field. Brown has been out of practice since suffering a shoulder strain last week. It's uncertain if it's related to the same shoulder he injured during the Wild Card game in January. Regardless, Brown shouldn't be sidelined for much longer. He'll be held out of the preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday. Brown is coming off a career-high 567-yard season in 2023. Sadly for him, Brown will be stuck battling for the fourth string role behind Stefon Diggs, Tank Dell, and Nico Collins in Houston.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (leg) did not suit up for Thursday's practice session. Jeudy made a return on Sunday, but was downgraded to individual drills on Monday. Now, Jeudy is watching from the sidelines with a wrap around his leg. The fifth-year wideout is not expected to play in the preseason opener. The Browns are going to be cautious with the oft-injured receiver especially in camp. When healthy, Jeudy should be the No. 2 wideout on the roster behind Amari Cooper.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is unlikely to suit up for Saturday's preseason opener, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. This doesn't appear to be health related as Jefferson seems to be fine heading into the preseason. The Vikings simply don't want to risk an injury in an exhibition game. Sam Darnold is slated to start and should be followed by rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The absence of Jefferson won't give the quarterbacks a chance to get more in-game chemistry with their star wideout. However, the health of Jefferson is more important and there will be more preseason contests.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints WR Stanley Morgan (hip) is dealing with a hip injury, according to head coach Dennis Allen.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Kyle Trask has been named the starter for Saturday's preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. Head coach Todd Bowles mentioned that a majority of the starters including Baker Mayfield will be resting in the opener. That being said, Trask will start the game and is expected to be followed by third-string quarterback John Wolford. Last season, Trask and Mayfield were having a competition for the starting gig in Tampa Bay. That won't be the case this time around as Trask will compete with Wolford for the backup spot on the roster.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is going to get his first taste of professional football on Saturday against the Las Vegas Raiders. Sam Darnold will draw the start under center before McCarthy takes over. Head coach Kevin O'Connell said that the rookie signal-caller will get a significant amount of work during the preseason opener. Second-year quarterback Jaren Hall is expected to play after McCarthy exits the contest. The Vikings appear to be making this a legitimate competition, but McCarthy is looked upon as the quarterback of the future in Minnesota.
From RotoBaller
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From TheHuddle
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From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars OG Ezra Cleveland (heel), OT Anton Harrison (concussion), DT Arik Armstead (knee), DT Jordan Jefferson (ankle), S Andrew Wingard (knee) and S Darnell Savage (shoulder) will not play in the preseason game Saturday, Aug. 10.
From TheHuddle
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler is returning kicks at training camp during Thursday's practice. That's one way for the Commanders to get Ekeler involved besides backfield usage. The 29-year-old receiving back looked like he was running with a piano on his back after missing three games early last year due to an ankle sprain, rushing for just 3.5 yards per carry and producing only 4.6 yards per touch in 14 appearances for the Los Angeles Chargers. Even so, Ekeler still ranked sixth among qualifiers at his position in yards per catch (8.5) over 52 receptions and 10th in yards per route run (1.55) across 282 routes in 2023, so Washington is going to try and get the ball in his hands in space. He's a wild card for 2024 as an RB3/flex gamble in the double-digit rounds of fantasy drafts this summer, one that is best suited for PPR settings alongside early-down back Brian Robinson Jr.
From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
Most New York Giants starters, including quarterback Daniel Jones and rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, are not expected to play on Thursday in their preseason opener against the visiting Detroit Lions in East Rutherford. The two teams had two intense joint-practices this week. Next week, the Giants don't have any joint practices before Saturday's preseason game against the Texans in Houston. That seems like the most likely spot to get the first-team offense and defense some preseason playing time. While it's no surprise to see New York hold out Jones after the signal-caller tore his ACL last season, it says a lot about the organization's belief in Nabers that they aren't pushing him to get as many exhibition snaps as possible. Fantasy managers will have to wait at least another week before they catch their first glimpse of the LSU standout and 2024 No. 6 overall pick in professional game action.
From RotoBaller
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From TheHuddle
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Fantasy Spin: Williams has a decent chance to be ready for Week 1, but fantasy players will need to monitor his progress over the next few weeks. Williams can be a No. 4 receiver in most fantasy leagues and could be a starting option against favorable matchups.
From TheHuddle
As much as anyone on the offense, Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts has been breathing heavily during practice at training camp. Part of that is because he's getting a ton of work, more than he did under former head coach Arthur Smith, simply because the Falcons practiced more personnel groupings under Smith. Another part of it could be that he's still working himself into his best shape. Although he won't be an unrestricted free agent until the 2026 offseason, 2024 feels like it's a bit of a make-or-break season for Pitts. The 23-year-old former No. 4 overall pick and generational talent remains a buy-low fantasy asset among low-end TE1 picks in drafts this summer, with their being optimism that Atlanta's modernized offense will finally unlock him. Last year, Pitts led his position in deep targets (11), air yards (1,012), and unrealized air yards (479) in 17 games.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence will suit up and start in the team's first preseason game of the year against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday at EverBank Stadium. Head coach Doug Pederson said on Monday before the team's 11th camp practice that he intends to play the team's penciled-in starters for a "series or two" to get their feet wet as he's done in the past. Lawrence will suit up for the first time since signing his record-setting $275 million contract extension. The 24-year-old former No. 1 overall pick is coming off a fairly disappointing season from a fantasy perspective, throwing just 21 touchdowns with a pedestrian 7.1 yards per attempt in 16 appearances, but he did deal with four separate injuries at various points during the year. To begin the season, Lawrence belongs on the QB1/2 borderline after Jacksonville ran the sixth-most team pass plays per game (36.5) in 2023.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns RB D'Onta Foreman (neck) participated in practice Thursday, Aug. 8.
From TheHuddle
