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
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 17
Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (hip) has officially been ruled out in Week 17 versus the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, while outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (knee, elbow) is active despite being listed as questionable. The Panthers defense will also be without linebacker Josey Jewell (concussion, quadriceps), who was ruled out on Friday. Defensive end A'Shawn Robinson (knee, illness) and outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum (knee, shoulder), who were both listed as questionable, are active. Horn, 25, was considered doubtful to play this weekend, so his absence from the lineup on Sunday shouldn't be a surprise after getting hurt in last week's overtime win over the Arizona Cardinals. With Horn out against Tampa, look for Caleb Farley to serve as Carolina's No. 2 corner.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette (hip, wrist) is officially active on Sunday as the team takes on the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 17. Legette did not play in last Sunday night's loss to the Dallas Cowboys, but he made good progress during the week in practice and will return to the field this weekend. The 23-year-old will be a poor flex option for fantasy managers with everything on the line in Week 17 in Carolina's low-volume passing attack. Veteran Adam Thielen should continue to command most of quarterback Bryce Young's targets, and he'll be fighting for snaps alongside fellow rookie Jalen Coker and David Moore. The 32nd overall pick in this year's draft does have four touchdowns in his first NFL season, but he hasn't scored since Nov. 3 and has gone over 60 receiving yards just once in his 14 games played.
From RotoBaller
With Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf, knee) out for the final two games of the season, Raheem Blackshear will make the start in the backfield in Week 17 on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. ESPN's David Newton also suspects that Mike Boone, who was added to the 53-man active roster from the practice squad, will get a fair share of carries also. The Panthers are expected to give both Blackshear and Boone some touches as they play out the string in 2024. Neither back will be all that attractive for fantasy managers trying to win a championship in the final couple of weeks, but Blackshear should be the preferred flex dart throw in DFS contests in a plus matchup. The 26-year-old excelled as a pass-catcher out of the backfield in college and should have slightly more upside in PPR leagues, but he's averaged just 3.4 yards a carry on 40 rushing attempts in his three NFL seasons.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox (toe) is officially active for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after logging a full practice on Friday. The 31-year-old has appeared in 15 games this season, catching just 12 passes for 147 yards and one touchdown. He remains off the fantasy radar given his reduced role in a tight end room that also features Drew Ogletree and Kylen Granson.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (toe) is officially active for the Week 17 clash against the visiting Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Nabers missed a couple days of practice this week and was listed as questionable on the final injury report, but he was ultimately expected to play. The first-rounder out of LSU has dealt with a handful of nagging injuries in his first year in the NFL but has only missed two games due to a concussion. He will suit up on Sunday in a pretty good matchup, and even though quarterback Drew Lock is one of the worst starters in the league, Nabers needs to remain locked into all fantasy starting lineups. He has had double-digit targets in each of the last four games and has been a top-15 pass-catcher all year long. Nabers is second in the NFL in targets (154), behind only Ja'Marr Chase, who played on Saturday.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts linebacker E.J. Speed (knee) and left guard Quenton Nelson (ankle) are active for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Both players had been listed as questionable. Speed has been one of the top IDP contributors this season, registering 129 tackles and one interception. Meanwhile, Nelson has long been an anchor within the Colts' offensive line, and he's only missed a few snaps in 2024. This Sunday, he'll be tasked with protecting quarterback Joe Flacco after Anthony Richardson (back, foot) was ruled out.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receivers Jalen Tolbert (finger) and Jalen Brooks (knee) are both active on Sunday to face the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17 after coming into the contest listed as questionable. Tolbert suffered a finger injury in last week's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday night and was limited in practice all week. The 25-year-old will not only play against Philly, but he should have an expanded role in the passing attack with top wideout CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) shut down for the final two games of the 2024 season. Despite the expected increase in volume, Tolbert should still be considered a low-upside WR4/flex option for fantasy managers in deeper leagues against an Eagles secondary that has been stingy against receivers in 2024. Brooks should also have a bigger role for Dallas, but he's even riskier for fantasy purposes.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans WR Tyler Boyd (foot) is officially active for the Week 17 game.
Fantasy Spin: Boyd should see a few targets during the game but has not been a big factor in the passing game this season. Fantasy players should have better options available and can avoid Boyd.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest) is active for Week 17's game versus the Las Vegas Raiders.
Fantasy Spin: Valdes-Scantling had been listed as questionable on the injury report after participating in all three of the Saints' practice sessions during the week on a limited basis. However, he is not a recommended fantasy option in any format as long as Spencer Rattler is the team's starting quarterback.
From TheHuddle
New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams (hip) is officially active for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Buffalo Bills. He had been listed as questionable after logging a limited practice on Friday. The veteran receiver has been dominant lately, catching 39 passes for 441 yards and five touchdowns over his last four games. He is the overall WR1 in half-PPR leagues during that span, ranking a couple points ahead of Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase. Adams should continue to be treated as a high-end WR1 option against the Bills on Sunday. He's especially intriguing given speculation that Aaron Rodgers may target Adams for his 500th career passing touchdown.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest) is officially active for Sunday's contest against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders in Week 17. Valdes-Scantling was listed as questionable on the final injury report on Friday, but he will suit up and could lead the team in targets in a plus matchup with Chris Olave (concussion) staying on Injured Reserve for another week. With MVS active, rookie Mason Tipton will be a healthy scratch. The 30-year-old Valdes-Scantling was not active in the loss to the Green Bay Packers last Monday night. He had a stretch from Weeks 10-13 where he caught seven passes for 232 yards and four touchdowns on 10 targets, but that was never really sustainable for fantasy managers, especially after quarterback Derek Carr broke his hand and gave way to rookie Spencer Rattler. MVS is a boom/bust, desperation flex play in Week 17 in fantasy lineups.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein (left knee) and cornerback Sauce Gardner (hamstring) are both active for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Buffalo Bills. Both players had been listed as questionable. Zuerlein returned from injured reserve this week and is set to handle kicking duties for the first time in more than two months. He'll look to improve upon a season stat line that includes a woeful 9-for-15 success rate on field goals. Meanwhile, Gardner's presence will be key as the Jets look to slow down the Bills' dominant offense. He has 46 tackles, one sack, and just one interception through 14 contests this season.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Jordan Mims is a healthy scratch for the Week 17 contest against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday in New Orleans, even with Alvin Kamara (groin) missing another game. Mims, for lack of better options in the Saints' depleted offense, led the team with five receptions on eight targets for only 16 yards in the Monday night loss to the Green Bay Packers. He added four carries for only 16 yards. The 25-year-old has been used sparingly in his second year in the NFL, carrying the ball only 18 times for 58 yards (3.2 yards per tote) while catching nine of 15 targets for 58 yards in his 10 games played. With Mims inactive, the Saints will roll with second-year back Kendre Miller as their starter in the backfield, with veteran Jamaal Williams backing him up.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets edge rusher Haason Reddick (neck) and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (hamstring) are active for Week 17 against the Buffalo Bills. Both players had been listed as questionable. Reddick has been highly disappointing in his first season with the Jets, registering just nine tackles and half a sack through eight games since returning from his holdout. Williams, on the other hand, has been much more productive, anchoring the Jets' defensive line with 35 tackles and six sacks through 14 contests. All in all, the Jets will benefit from having a healthy group of defensive reinforcements available against Buffalo this weekend.
From RotoBaller
The New Orleans Saints have declared DT John Ridgeway, RB Alvin Kamara, LB Anfernee Orji, RB Jordan Mims, QB Derek Carr, DT Khristian Boyd and WR Mason Tipton inactive for Week 17.
From TheHuddle
The New York Giants have declared C John Michael Schmitz, DT Cory Durden, QB Tim Boyle, CB Greg Stroman, WR Dee Williams and LB Micah McFadden inactive for Week 17.
From TheHuddle
The Carolina Panthers have declared QB Jack Plummer, OG Taylor Moton, CB Jaycee Horn, WR Deven Thompkins, S Jordan Fuller and LB Josey Jewell inactive for Week 17.
From TheHuddle
New York Jets WR Davante Adams (hip) is officially active for the Week 17 game.
Fantasy Spin: Adams did not do much during practice this week but should see plenty of targets against the Buffalo Bills. He is the main option in the passing game for the Jets and should be a starting option in all leagues.
From TheHuddle
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd (foot) is active for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He had been listed as questionable and faced an uphill battle to play after missing three consecutive practices, but in the end, he'll be able to suit up. Calvin Ridley and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine will continue to operate as the Titans' top two receivers, with Boyd set to be the No. 3 receiver. This week, he'll be catching passes from Mason Rudolph. Boyd and Rudolph connected for just two completions and 20 yards last Sunday. The 30-year-old receiver should be left on waivers in most fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel (rib) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the New York Jets. He had been listed as questionable after being limited in practice. The veteran pass-catcher has merely filled a depth role for Buffalo this season, consistently operating behind Khalil Shakir, Amari Cooper, Keon Coleman, and Mack Hollins. Those four receivers will remain Josh Allen's top targets on Sunday afternoon, with Shakir the most intriguing fantasy option of the bunch.
From RotoBaller
