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.
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon had an excellent debut with his news team, piling up 159 rushing yards and a touchdown while catching all three of his targets for an additional 19 yards in Houston's 29-27 victory at Indianapolis. Mixon had both volume and efficiency within the Texans' offense, an outstanding sign for fantasy managers through one week. The 28-year-old back was the overwhelming first option out of the Houston backfield, drawing a whopping 30 carries to just three for backup Dameon Pierce. The former Bengal also tied for fourth on the team in targets with tight end Dalton Schultz, indicating that he will be involved in the passing game and his rushing workload. Mixon should continue to be a lineup regular as Houston looks to go 2-0 with a home game against the Chicago Bears in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (abdomen) looked good in Sunday's win over the Denver Broncos. He ran the ball 20 times, amassing 103 yards and a touchdown, adding two grabs for six yards. Unfortunately, Walker exited the game due to abdominal pain, so fantasy managers are obviously concerned. With that said, there should be an update on his condition soon. But barring a significant issue, he's a must-start when Seattle meets New England in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Bryce Hall (ankle) was injured in Sunday's win over the Commanders. Things didn't look good, with the 26-year-old suffering an ankle injury and exiting the field on the cart. Hall, who signed with the Bucs in the offseason, spent three seasons with the Jets, totaling 122 tackles, two picks, and 21 passes defensed in 34 games. However, there's a chance the injury will keep him on the shelf for a while, which isn't good news for the Bucs defense. As always, more information is likely on the horizon.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens caught six of seven targets for 85 yards and lost 10 yards on his lone rush attempt in an 18-10 victory against the Atlanta Falcons. There was no doubt that Pickens would operate as Pittsburgh's WR1 entering the season, but fantasy managers should be glad to see him succeed in this role immediately. The 23-year-old earned a 30% team target share with Justin Fields under center and was responsible for most of the Steelers' offensive highlights. He should be viewed as a solid fantasy WR2 going forward with the potential to become more should Pittsburgh correct its red zone woes. A matchup against the Denver Broncos is on tap for Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth turned four targets into four catches for 27 yards in a Week 1 win against the Atlanta Falcons. His statistical output won't jump off the page but Freiermuth trailed only George Pickens in targets, receptions, and receiving yards for the Steelers on Sunday. With MyCole Pruitt and Darnell Washington also combining for three targets, it's clear that tight ends will play a prominent role in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's system this season. With no wide receiver outside of Pickens earning more than two opportunities this week, Freiermuth could very well be the second option in the Steelers' passing attack moving forward. Fantasy managers can consider starting the 25-year-old in an enticing matchup against the Denver Broncos next week.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell drilled six field goals in Week 1, leading the team to an 18-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Boswell nailed a 57-yarder in the first quarter and remained hot throughout the contest, converting on field goal attempts of 56, 51, 44, 40, and 25 yards. The 10th-year pro was responsible for all of Pittsburgh's points on Sunday as the team struggled mightily near the red zone. Given how strong the Steelers looked defensively, Pittsburgh may have great field position often enough to make Boswell a fantasy option in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (knee) exited Sunday's matchup with the Cleveland Browns and was deemed questionable to return. If Ferguson doesn't make it back in Week 1, he'll finish the day by catching three balls for 15 yards. With that said, there should be an update on his left knee soon, although further testing is likely on the horizon. Dallas has been up big for most of this game and haven't really need to go to the air often. If Ferguson needs to miss time beyond Week 1, Luke Schoonmaker would likely step in as the team's TE1.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields completed 17 of 23 pass attempts for 156 yards and added 57 rushing yards on 14 carries in an 18-10 win against the Atlanta Falcons. The Steelers were conservative in their play calling on Sunday, but Fields delivered when asked to push the ball downfield. He completed passes of 33 and 40 yards to receiver George Pickens, who was clearly his favorite target. His statistics were underwhelming from a fantasy perspective this week but Fields will continue to offer high upside as a fantasy QB1 option any time he starts. Fantasy managers should monitor the status of Russell Wilson (calf) in the coming days ahead of a Week 2 matchup against the Denver Broncos.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris handled 20 carries for 70 yards and hauled in one of his two targets for nine yards in a Week 1 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Harris operated in a workhorse role on Sunday but should expect to lose some touches to Jaylen Warren, who had just returned from a hamstring injury, as the season progresses. Nonetheless, the 26-year-old Harris looked solid, especially on a powerful run that picked up 20 yards in the fourth quarter. However, Pittsburgh's offense will need to find a way to get the ball in the end zone for Harris to become a worthwhile fantasy option, making it difficult to trust him as anything more than a flex play heading into a Week 2 bout with the Denver Broncos.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions have declared OT Colby Sorsdal, CB Ifeatu Melifonwu, DL D.J. Reader, DB Loren Strickland, DL James Houston, OT Giovanni Manu and LB Trevor Nowaske inactive for Week 1.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer was ejected from Sunday's matchup with the Raiders. Both teams were involved in a scuffle during the fourth quarter. However, Palmer and Jack Jones were the players who got the boot. Palmer finished the game by catching two of his four targets for 15 yards. While he'll likely be disciplined, his availability for Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers isn't expected to be a concern for many fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara looked good in Sunday's decisive win over the Panthers. The veteran ran the ball 15 times, accumulating 83 yards and a touchdown. He also got involved on the receiving end, catching all five targets for 27 yards. Kamara and the Saints had contract discussions over the last few months. However, a deal didn't get done, meaning further talks will likely wait until after the 2024-25 campaign. Despite not getting a new deal, Kamara remains focused on his play. "I'm not worried about it," said Kamara when asked about the unsuccessful negotiations. "I'm here to play. I'm gonna play. I'm gonna perform." It appears the 29-year-old is more focused than ever, which is great news for fantasy managers. Keep him starting in all formats when the Saints meet the Cowboys in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) exited Sunday's matchup with the Dallas Cowboys. He's questionable to return. However, considering he needed assistance to the locker room, fantasy managers shouldn't be shocked if he doesn't make it back for the remainder of Week 1. If that's the case, he'll finish with four catches for 44 yards. Hopefully, it isn't anything serious. But Njoku may appear on the injury report ahead of the Week 2 meeting with the Jaguars.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins WR Braxton Berrios and TE Durham Smythe were each held without a catch in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Berrios was targeted twice, while Smythe had three targets.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku (ankle) suffered an ankle injury during the Week 1 game and is considered questionable to return.
Fantasy Spin: Njoku is one of the better tight ends in the NFL, so fantasy players should keep an eye out for an update on his status. He is a weekly starting option when healthy, but fantasy players will need a backup plan if he misses time.
From TheHuddle
Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold completed 19-of-24 passes for 208 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in Week 1 against the New York Giants.
From TheHuddle
Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones rushed 14 times for a game-high 94 yards and a touchdown in his team debut in Week 1 against the New York Giants. Jones also converted his two targets into two receptions for 15 yards.
From TheHuddle
Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill finished with seven receptions for 130 yards and an 80-yard touchdown in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, bouncing back after being detained due to a minor traffic violation prior to the opener.
Fantasy Spin: Hill got off to a slow start, and fantasy managers were wringing their hands until Cheetah shook free for an 80-yard touchdown with 2:08 to go in the third quarter. The long scoring reception obviously turned a terrible start and day into another strong fantasy line. He'll look to keep it going in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills on a short week Thursday. Hill had seven grabs for 82 yards and a TD on 13 targets at home against Buffalo Jan. 7, 2024 in the most recent meeting.
From TheHuddle
Miami Dolphins TE Jonnu Smith posted a lone 7-yard reception on his two targets in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars in his team debut.
From TheHuddle
New England Patriots wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk hauled in his lone target for a gain of six yards during Sunday's Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Fans and fantasy managers alike were curious to see where Polk would rank in the pecking order, and now we have our answer. At best, he's the No. 3 receiver behind Demario Douglas and K.J. Osborn. It's worth noting that Tyquan Thornton saw more volume than him, too. Polk is avoidable in redraft leagues and nothing more than a bench stash in deeper dynasty formats.
From RotoBaller