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FFL: Week 2 | NFL: Week 2

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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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 2

Player Notes
Kyren Williams Sep 11 3:20pm ET
Kyren Williams

The Los Angeles Rams placed offensive linemen Joe Noteboom (ankle) and Steve Avila (knee) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday, meaning the pair of starters will not be eligible to return until after the Week 6 bye. This is a troubling development for the Rams, who also placed Paka Nacua (knee) or IR. While dealing with a banged-up offensive line against the Lions in Week 1, Kyren Williams could only produce 50 rushing yards on 18 carries. Until the Rams offensive line returns to health, there could be little running room to work with, which lowers Williams' floor and ceiling moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Sep 11 3:20pm ET
Jaylen Waddle

The Buffalo Bills defense/special teams travels to Miami to meet with the high-powered Dolphins' offense in Week 2. Wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle both had a reception of over 60 yards against the Jaguars. The Buffalo defense, introducing new faces in their secondary, struggled to slow down the Arizona offense in Week 1. The Las Vegas sportsbooks predict Thursday Night Football will be one of the highest-scoring affairs of the Week 2 slate. Starting a defense in a matchup where points will come easy isn't a smart strategy. The Bills D/ST can be left on waiver wires.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Bass Sep 11 3:10pm ET
Tyler Bass

Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass was a perfect six-for-six on kicks during his 2024 debut against the Arizona Cardinals and now enters a matchup where points should come easy. Josh Allen rarely has difficulty moving the offense against Mike McDaniel's Miami Dolphins. That will set up Bass for several kicking opportunities. Fantasy managers will be hopeful that field goals come more often than extra points, but there's a great chance that Bass won't go scoreless. Bass is a safe option for fantasy football and is ranked among the top kickers in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Sep 11 3:10pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will square off against the Buffalo Bills this Thursday night to open up the NFL's second week of action. Tagovailoa tossed just one score this past Sunday when Miami defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in what was a slow start for the Dolphins. However, his 338 passing yards were good enough to lead the league after the first week of action. Jacksonville's defense kept Tua and the Fins in check during the first half, but long completions of 63 and 80 yards to Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill in the second half were enough to flip the momentum in their favor. Leading into Week 2, running back Raheem Mostert (chest) has been ruled out, and De'Von Achane (ankle) will be a game-time decision. If Achane is deemed unfit to suit up, Jeff Wilson Jr. and Jaylen Wright will pick up the slack in the Dolphins' backfield, with Waddle and Hill projected for increased volume. Buffalo isn't the easiest matchup for Tua and Miami, but the fifth-year signal-caller is still a QB1 (QB11) in RotoBaller's Week 2 rankings.

From RotoBaller

Keon Coleman Sep 11 3:00pm ET
Keon Coleman

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman begins his second week of professional, regular season football leading the team in most statistical receiving categories. Unfortunately, his four catches and 51 yards aren't an amazing stat line. Josh Allen spreads the football around, connecting with nine different receivers in Week 1. That could be the story of the Buffalo season, especially if Dalton Kincaid doesn't command targets as expected. Coleman is the most intriguing prospect of the Bills' wide receivers but he's not ready to be in fantasy football starting lineups. The leading receiver could change every week. Like Week 1, Coleman could emerge as the top receiver or score his first touchdown. He could just as easily catch one or two passes on Thursday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

Ty Johnson Sep 11 3:00pm ET
Ty Johnson

Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson (knee) returned to full practice on Wednesday following limited sessions on Monday and Tuesday with a knee injury. The 26-year-old was banged up in the Week 1 win over the Arizona Cardinals, but he is good to go for Thursday Night against the Miami Dolphins in Week 2. Johnson saw two carries for seven yards and drew one target in the season-opener, so he's not on the fantasy football radar in traditional leagues unless James Cook or Ray Davis have to miss any time in the future.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Shakir Sep 11 3:00pm ET
Khalil Shakir

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir scored a touchdown in Week 1, but that's all he did to excite fantasy managers. Three catches (on three targets) won't cut it as a flex-worthy option every week, because the touchdowns won't stay consistent. That's the problem facing Buffalo wide receivers. Josh Allen will score a lot of fantasy points and throw the football up and down the field. The matchup against Miami is forecasted to be one of the highest-scoring games of the Week 2 slate. It's just difficult to predict who, if anyone, will command the lion's share of targets. Nine different receivers caught a pass from Allen in Week 1. If it's a winning formula, why deviate? Shakir is the safest of the Bills' wide receivers, but target distribution will likely cap his upside.

From RotoBaller

Mack Hollins Sep 11 3:00pm ET
Mack Hollins

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Mack Hollins caught two passes for 25 yards and a touchdown in Week 1. As was the case throughout his career, Hollins appears now and then with a double-digit fantasy football game. And just like his previous stops, Hollins is a part-time player who does the little things well. Interestingly, however, the Bills utilized Hollins far more than Curtis Samuel. The latter played 17 (27%) of the Bills' snaps in Week 1 and appeared to be the direct backup to Khalil Shakir. Hollins will be on the field for most three-receiver sets. That doesn't mean he needs to be on fantasy football rosters. He'll continue to be a low-target receiver who catches a touchdown or long pass from time to time. Keep Hollins on waiver wires ahead of the team's matchup with Miami on Thursday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

James Cook Sep 11 2:50pm ET
James Cook

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook may not get the red zone opportunities that fantasy managers love, but he'll get plenty of touches elsewhere on the field. Although on the field for just over 60% of Buffalo's snaps in Week 1, James Cook dominated backfield touches. He carried the ball 19 times and caught three passes. Rookie Ray Davis got four touches while veteran Ty Johnson (knee) received two. The latter has been limited in practice. With offensive coordinator Joe Brady's reliance on the running game since he took the helm, Cook is in line for another 15-20 touch game. Consider Cook a low-end RB1 against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Sep 11 2:50pm ET
Dalton Kincaid

Tight end Dalton Kincaid, considered to be the top receiving option in the Buffalo Bills' passing game, caught one pass for 11 yards in his season debut. Josh Allen connected with nine different receivers in Week 1, leaving Kincaid's fantasy managers clamoring for more. There are encouraging numbers for the second-year tight end. Allen only threw 23 times in the win over Arizona. He averaged 34 attempts per game in 2023. Kincaid was on the field for over 80% of the snaps and ran a route on over 80% of passing plays. The volume will eventually come. Don't panic with Kincaid just yet. There should be plenty of passing and points in Miami, one of the highest over/under lines of the Week 2 slate.

From RotoBaller

Malik Washington Sep 11 2:50pm ET
Malik Washington

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington (quad) is officially ruled out of the Thursday Night Football contest against the Buffalo Bills in Week 2. Washington didn't play last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to a quad injury, so he will have to wait at least one more week to make his NFL debut. It's unfortunate that Washington hasn't been able to play, especially while Odell Beckham Jr. is on the PUP list, requiring him to miss at least the first four games of the regular season. Washington was a sixth-round pick by Miami in the 2024 NFL Draft following a 1,400-yard season at Virginia in 2023. Braxton Berrios will continue to operate as Miami's WR3, but he has limited upside behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Sep 11 2:40pm ET
Josh Allen

There's no concern about the matchup for Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (hand) in Week 2. The two-time Pro Bowler has passed for over 300 yards and scored multiple touchdowns in each of his last five matchups against the Miami Dolphins. The 45 rushing yards he's averaged in those contests is the cherry on top. Although he only threw for 232 yards in his season debut, Allen's four touchdowns confirm that the Buffalo scoring offense runs through the quarterback. Allen is dealing with an injury to his non-throwing hand, but he's been a full participant in practice this week. Allen belongs in starting lineups in every fantasy league.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Sep 11 2:40pm ET
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (ankle) is officially listed as questionable to face the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football in Week 2. The second-year pro missed practice on Tuesday and Wednesday due to an ankle injury. Fantasy managers were hoping his lack of participation was for extra caution, but he's considered a game-time decision. 32-year-old running back Raheem Mostert (chest) has been ruled out with a chest injury, so rookie Jaylen Wright is likely to be active on Thursday. If Achane is active, he's a must-start option despite the risk of a potentially decreased role. Miami will only play him if the team believes he is healthy enough to go, and he's a threat to score a touchdown on any play. If he's out, Wright and Jeff Wilson Jr. are intriguing flex options with wide ranges of outcomes. Both would have upside, but it's tough to know how Mike McDaniel would distribute touches.

From RotoBaller

Puka Nacua Sep 11 2:30pm ET
Puka Nacua

The Los Angeles Rams officially placed wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday. The team announced early in the week that he would go on IR, but it is now official, and he must sit out at least the next four games. It's an unfortunate development for Nacua and his fantasy managers who took him in the first or second round of preseason fantasy drafts following a 105-catch, 1,486-yard, six-touchdown season as a rookie. He will be first eligible to return following Los Angeles' Week 6 bye leading up to the matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7. While he's out, Cooper Kupp, who saw 21 targets in Week 1, should continue to dominate targets. However, wideouts Demarcus Robinson and Tyler Johnson and tight end Colby Parkinson will see increased opportunities. In deep leagues, Tutu Atwell might be worth stashing.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Sep 11 2:20pm ET
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (soreness) was not at Monday's practice while dealing with general soreness. However, he is back on the practice field on Wednesday, which should ease any concerns that fantasy managers had early in the week. Jackson had a strong Week 1 performance against the Kansas City Chiefs, throwing for 273 yards and a touchdown and rushing 16 times for 122 yards. The two-time MVP remains a must-start fantasy option in all matchups, as he can pay off in fantasy football despite down weeks as a passer. Baltimore hosts the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2, and he has overall QB1 upside.

From RotoBaller

Maurice Hurst Sep 11 2:10pm ET
Maurice Hurst

The Cleveland Browns placed safety Juan Thornhill (calf), linebacker Tony Fields II (ankle), defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (ankle), and linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (hip) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday. All four players will now have to miss at least the next four games, meaning they are ineligible to return until at least Week 6 ahead of the matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. Thornhill is the biggest loss for the Cleveland defense that gave up 33 points in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The team signed three defenders from its practice squad and signed two more players to the practice squad in corresponding moves. This is obviously not an ideal development, but Cleveland could still play strong defense with a healthy Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Sep 11 2:00pm ET
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze (knee) is not practicing on Wednesday and will be "day-to-day," according to head coach Matt Eberflus. Reports earlier this week had Odunze labeled as week-to-week due to an MCL sprain that he suffered in his NFL debut in the Week 1 win over the Tennessee Titans. This new report is much more optimistic, but fantasy managers should still consider the 22-year-old very questionable for the Week 2 game in Houston against the Texans. And with Keenan Allen (heel) also banged up, Chicago's deep receiving corps could suddenly be thin this weekend. Odunze played 77% of the offensive snaps in his first regular-season NFL game last Sunday but caught just one pass for an 11-yard gain. As long as both DJ Moore and Allen remain healthy, Odunze figures to be an inconsistent fantasy option on a weekly basis despite all of his upside.

From RotoBaller

Noah Brown Sep 11 1:40pm ET
Noah Brown

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said that they are "definitely trending in the right direction" to have wide receiver Noah Brown read to make his team debut in Week 2 in a divisional matchup versus the New York Giants this Sunday. Brown hasn't had enough time to learn the playbook after joining the Commanders recently, but it appears as though he could be active this weekend after being a healthy scratch in the Week 1 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 28-year-old could immediately compete for a role as the WR3 behind Terry McLaurin and Olamide Zaccheaus, which would be bad news for rookie Luke McCaffrey and Dyami Brown in the receiving pecking order. If Brown is active, don't expect him to play many offensive snaps in his first game. He can remain on the waiver wire in most fantasy leagues for now.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Sep 11 1:30pm ET
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said that wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) is making strides in his recovery but deferred to the injury report that will come out later on Wednesday after practice. Higgins tweaked his hamstring in practice last Thursday and was ruled out of the season-opening upset loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday. It sounds like Higgins might be limited in practice on Wednesday, which still puts him up in the air to play in Week 2 versus the defending Super Bowl-champion Kansas City Chiefs. If the 25-year-old makes his season debut this weekend, he could also be on a pitch count, making him a shaky WR3/flex play. With Higgins out in Week 1, Andrei Iosivas played 100% of the offensive snaps but hauled in only three passes for 26 yards on six targets, which tied for the team lead with Ja'Marr Chase.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slayton Sep 11 1:30pm ET
Darius Slayton

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll said on Wednesday that wide receiver Darius Slayton (concussion) is still in the league's concussion protocol and won't practice. Slayton suffered a concussion in the season-opening blowout loss to the Minnesota Vikings and had only three catches on four targets for 26 yards. Right now, he's on the wrong side of questionable as the team prepares for a Week 2 divisional matchup against the Washington Commanders. Even if Slayton returns to practice later this week and clears the NFL's concussion protocols by Sunday, fantasy managers should look to leave him out of their lineups in deeper leagues. He's currently rostered in only 2% of Yahoo leagues. If Slayton misses this weekend's contest, expect Jalin Hyatt to have the best shot at picking up more snaps in a bad offense behind rookie Malik Nabers and Wan'Dale Robinson.

From RotoBaller