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.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Waivering: Week 18
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: The 2024 Weekly Bender Fantasy Football Awards
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Studs and Duds: Week 17
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 17
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 17
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 16
- Cowboys release veteran RB Ezekiel Elliott
- Chiefs TE Travis Kelce tops Pro Bowl fan voting
- Brock Purdy, 49ers get good news about elbow injury
- Browns undecided about QB heading into finale vs. Ravens
- Eagles undecided on Saquon Barkley's record pursuit
- Patriots releasing DE Yannick Ngakoue
- Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco (rib) out vs. Broncos, resting until playoffs
- Raheem Morris on Falcons' timeout debacle: Not as simple as it seems
- Pats' Jerod Mayo not focused on No. 1 pick: 'We need to play football'
- Jets to interview two-time head coach Ron Rivera
- NFL roundup: Commanders head to playoffs for first time since 2020
- Colts coach Shane Steichen feeling heat after playoff elimination
- Saquon Barkley ninth player with 2,000-yard rushing season
- Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa, WR Jaylen Waddle out vs. Browns
- Eagles QB Kenny Pickett (ribs) injured vs. Cowboys
- Raiders' Brock Bowers sets record for receiving yards by rookie TE
- Giants WR Malik Nabers (toe) active vs. Colts
- Raiders showing up late to New Orleans due to delayed flight
- NFL roundup: Bengals top Broncos in OT, stay in playoff hunt
- Bengals leading rusher Chase Brown (ankle sprain) exits
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: NFL Weekly Projections
- Fantasy Six Pack: 2025 NFL Mock Draft
- Fantasy Six Pack: 2025 NFL Draft Big Board
- Fantasy Life: Can Georgia Trust Gunner Stockton against Notre Dame?
- Fantasy Life: Will Saquon Barkley Go For It?
- Fantasy Life: NFL Contract Incentives and Player Milestones: Progress Ahead Of Week 18
- Fantasy Life: A Wild MNF Swings Fantasy Football Championship Matchups
- Fantasy Life: Week 18 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Bryce Young, Jalen McMillan, and More
- Fantasy Life: Bijan Robinson, Chase Brown Fantasy Football Outlook: Week 17 Sheesh Report
The Paur Report
Cleveland Browns running back Pierre Strong Jr. (concussion) is in the concussion protocol, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. The 26-year-old rushed five times for 33 yards and caught three of his five targets for 15 yards in the Week 17 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Running back Jerome Ford (ankle) was banged up in Week 17, and his status for Week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens is to be determined. Cleveland signed John Kelly to the active roster from the Chargers' practice squad, so it could be D'Onta Foreman and Kelly leading the backfield this weekend.
According to the team, the New York Jets placed safety Chuck Clark (undisclosed) on the injured reserve, which will end his 2024 season. Clark missed four games earlier this season due to an ankle injury, but it is unknown if Clark suffered a new injury or reaggravated this previous one. During the past four weeks, Chuck has tallied at least seven tackles in each contest. When on the field, the 29-year-old has been a clear starter in the New York secondary. During the final game, fantasy managers in IDP formats should expect Ashtyn Davis and Isaiah Oliver to have an increase in playing time.
From RotoBaller
According to Brooke Pryor of ESPN, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Joey Porter Jr. (knee) was a full participant during Tuesday's initial practice session. Even though Porter sat out last week during their matchup against the Chiefs, head coach Mike Tomlin noted that Porter is expected to return on Saturday. Fantasy managers in IDP formats should continue to monitor his progress throughout the week. However, seeing him log a full practice on Tuesday is a positive sign. Through his first 15 games of the season, Porter tallied 64 tackles (47 solo) with six deflections and one interception. When he returns he will slot in as the No.1 corner back on the depth chart.
From RotoBaller
According to the team, the New Orleans Saints have placed rookie linebacker Jaylan Ford (fibula) on the injured reserve. In a corresponding move, the Saints promoted Josh Ball to the active roster. Ford suffered a fractured fibula during Sunday's loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Throughout his rookie campaign, the former fifth-round selection only saw time on special teams. He tallied four tackles, with two of them being solo. Fantasy managers in IDP formats should expect Demario Davis and Pete Werner to continue to see most of the linebacker snaps during the final game of the regular season, with Willie Gay operating as the No.3 option on the depth chart.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Dallas Cowboys have cut running back Ezekiel Elliott. Dynasty Analysis: Once thought of as the lead back this season, Elliott just didn't show he had enough left in the tank to produce for the Cowboys and was eventually replaced by Rico Dowdle. On the year, he posted just 226 rushing yards and three touchdowns on a career low 3.1 yards per carry. Elliott is just 870 yards short of 10,000 for his career (a feat only 32 running backs have ever achieved), but it's fair to wonder if he has enough left in the tank to get there. He may have a line on joining a contender, but he's someone to let go of in dynasty leagues at this point.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (hip) was a limited participant in practice to open the week on Tuesday. It appears that Skowronek is headed in the right direction following his absence from last Wednesday's game due to a hip issue. There appears to be a good chance that Skowronek can get back on the field for Saturday's regular season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals. Skowronek has mainly been playing on special teams, but did see his role as a receiver increase when George Pickens was sidelined. However, Skowronek is too far back on the depth chart to have viable fantasy value heading into Week 18.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb (knee) had his 21-day practice window opened on Tuesday. Holcomb last played in Week 9 of the 2023 season when he suffered an extremely serious knee injury. There was speculation that Holcomb's career could be over, but now he appears to be headed in the right direction. A limited practice on Tuesday gives hope that Holcomb might be able to suit up for Saturday's regular season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals. If active, Holcomb would likely be on a snap count, but getting him on the field at all would be a great feel-good story.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens running back Rasheen Ali (hip) was a limited participant during Tuesday's practice session. Ali appears to be still dealing with a hip issue that forced him out of action early during Wednesday's Week 17 contest. Normally, his status doesn't mean much, but fellow back Justice Hill (concussion, illness) missed Tuesday's practice and is in danger of sitting this weekend. If Hill sits, Ali would be the primary backup to Derrick Henry in the backfield. It probably wouldn't result in anything noteworthy, but an increased snap count could give Ali a chance to prove himself.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar (forearm) was a full participant during Tuesday's practice session. Kolar was designated to return from the injured reserve on Monday after missing the last four games due to a fractured forearm. The fact Kolar was able to get through a full session on Tuesday is good news ahead of Saturday's game against the Cleveland Browns. The organization is hopeful that Kolar will be available for the regular season finale. There probably won't be much fantasy value from him given he's the third string back, but Kolar is solid depth at the tight end spot.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns defensive back Denzel Ward (shoulder) didn't suit up for Tuesday's walkthrough. This news comes after Ward was forced to exit early during Sunday's loss to the Miami Dolphins. Ward injured his shoulder in the first half and didn't return to the game. As a result, Ward has begun the week on the sideline, but has plenty of time to get ready before Saturday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. The loss of Ward would be a significant hit to this secondary. He has 48 tackles, 19 passes defended, and two interceptions this season. The Browns have no incentive to win, so we'll see if they let their All-Pro corner suit up for the regular season finale.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (concussion, illness) was listed as a non-participant in the first Week 18 practice on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Rasheen Ali (hip) was listed as limited. Hill suffered a concussion in Week 16 and was unable to play in last week's blowout win over the Houston Texans on Christmas Day on Wednesday. Head coach John Harbaugh said on Monday that the team was expecting the 27-year-old to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Saturday against the division-rival Cleveland Browns, but it appears that Hill hasn't quite passed the league's concussion protocol. Derrick Henry is Baltimore's clear lead back, but with Hill still not practicing, the rest of the team's backfield is up in the air heading into the matchup against the Browns. Hill will need to practice on either Wednesday or Thursday to have a shot at playing on Saturday. If he's out again, Keaton Mitchell should be the RB2.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (abdominal) was a full practice participant on Tuesday in the team's first practice of the week as they prepare to face the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday in the Week 18 regular-season finale. Head coach Mike Tomlin said on Monday that he expected Fields to play this weekend after he missed the last two games due to an abdominal injury. Fields should be active on Saturday as Pittsburgh looks to win and hope for a Baltimore Ravens loss in order to win the AFC North division. Even if the 25-year-old Fields is active in Week 18, he'll merely be the backup to starter Russell Wilson under center and won't belong in any starting fantasy lineups. Since Wilson took over as the starting QB in Week 7, Fields has attempted just one pass and has seven rushing attempts for 58 yards on the ground.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Michael Woods II (knee) is on the Week 18 injury report and was listed as limited in the first practice of the week on Tuesday. Woods apparently picked up a minor knee injury in the Week 17 loss to the Miami Dolphins in which he played 68 of the team's 79 offensive snaps on his way to just one reception for three yards on four targets. The 24-year-old should be able to suit up in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens this Saturday and will have an elevated role again with Cedric Tillman (concussion) closing out the year on Injured Reserve. Despite what should be an expanded role in a good matchup, it's impossible to recommend Woods in any kind of fantasy format with the Browns expected to play both quarterbacks Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Bailey Zappe in a meaningless game for the team. Woods has only seven catches in five games in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (calf) was listed as a limited participant in the first practice of Week 18 on Tuesday. Thompson-Robinson is dealing with a minor calf injury, but it shouldn't prevent him from being active in the regular-season finale this Saturday against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. Jameis Winston (shoulder) was also limited, but he is expected to serve as the emergency third QB for the third straight week as Cleveland plays out the string in a disappointing season. DTR has not looked good while starting the last two games for the Browns, going 44-for-81 for 327 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions while also losing a fumble. In a game that means nothing to the Browns, they are expected to play both Thompson-Robinson and Bailey Zappe against Baltimore. Neither QB will be recommended in DFS lineups on Saturday.
From RotoBaller
According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (thigh) was listed as a non-participant on Tuesday's estimated injury report. Last weekend, the 29-year-old logged 49 defensive snaps and tallied four tackles and two sacks but did not show any signs of an injury. Fantasy managers in IDP formats should continue to monitor his status throughout the week in case he is unable to return to practice. Since Week 12, Garrett has tallied 22 total tackles (17 solo) with seven sacks, one deflection, and one forced fumble. If Garrett cannot suit up on Saturday, James Houston and Cameron Thomas should see an uptick in opportunities against the Baltimore Ravens.
From RotoBaller
According to Jay Morrison of BengalsTalk.com, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist/knee) was a limited participant during Tuesday's walkthrough practice session. Burrow has been dealing with both of these injuries throughout the season but has yet to miss any time due to them. Last weekend, Burrow led the Bengals to a victory over the Denver Broncos to keep them alive in the AFC playoff picture. In this game, Burrow threw for 412 yards and three scores. The former No.1 overall selection has thrown at least three passing scores in eight straight games. During this span, he has tallied 28 total scores while averaging 331.0 passing yards per game. Fantasy managers should continue to view Burrow as a high-end QB1 in all formats on Saturday when he faces the Pittsburgh Steelers.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku (knee) did not practice Tuesday, Dec. 31.
Fantasy Spin: Njoku was inactive last week and isn't starting out this week on a high note. Managers will want to monitor his status over the next few days while having a pivot option ready.
From TheHuddle
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor (concussion) practiced in full on Tuesday. Agholor has been sidelined over the past two weeks with a concussion. Even though he has not officially passed the league's concussion protocol, seeing him return to full participation early in the week puts him in a great position to return on Saturday to face the Cleveland Browns. Before his injury, Agholor has been deployed as the No.3 wide receiver in the Baltimore offense. Over his past seven contests, the wideout found the back of the end zone twice but only saw an average of 1.7 targets per game over this stretch. If he can return this weekend, Tylan Wallace would likely see a drop in snaps.
From RotoBaller
According to Scott Petrak of The Chronicle-Telegram, Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (ankle) was held out of the team's walkthrough on Tuesday. The 25-year-old left Sunday's game early with an ankle injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status closely leading up to Saturday's game. Before exiting early, Ford tallied 22 yards on six attempts. During Weeks 15 and 16, Ford performed very well as the lead back, tallying 88.0 yards per game with a strong 21.3 PPR points per game. During this stretch, he averaged an impressive 9.8 YPC. In addition, No.2 running back Pierre Strong (concussion) was also unable to practice. If both running backs cannot suit up this weekend, D'Onta Foreman will likely lead the backfield against the Baltimore Ravens.
From RotoBaller
According to Jay Morrison of BengalsTalk.com, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (ankle/knee) opened the week as a limited participant during Tuesday's practice. Higgins was limited in practice leading up to Week 17, but this injury did not seem to limit his play. In this game, he caught 11 passes for 131 yards and three touchdowns during their overtime victory over the Denver Broncos. Since Week 11, Higgins has been one of the most valuable wide receivers from a fantasy perspective, averaging a stellar 22.3 PPR points per game. During this six-game stretch, the Clemson product has found the end zone seven times and averaged 86.2 yards per game. Fantasy managers should monitor his status throughout the week but should expect him to be a full-go for Saturday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
From RotoBaller
