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.
Indianapolis Colts kicker Matt Gay (hernia) is "good to go," head coach Shane Steichen said on Wednesday. It's unclear what Gay's practice status is to begin the week, but apparently he will be ready to make his 2024 debut this Sunday at Lambeau Field in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers. Gay recently had surgery to fix a sports hernia and was unable to suit up in the Week 1 loss to the division-rival Houston Texans. With Gay out last weekend, rookie Spencer Shrader made his NFL debut and made all three of his extra-point attempts. The 25-year-old didn't attempt a single field goal. The 30-year-old Gay will be Indy's primary kicker in 2024 when healthy after making 80.5% of his 41 field-goal attempts in 17 games for the Colts a year ago. It's nice that Gay only had to miss one game, but fantasy managers should have better options at the position in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said in his opening statement on Wednesday that wide receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) will be the only player on the team that won't practice. However, Reid said it's still possible for Brown to be in uniform for his Chiefs debut in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals. "He won't be out there today," Reid said. Hollywood suffered a sternoclavicular injury to his shoulder in the preseason opener in August and missed the season-opening win over the Baltimore Ravens last Thursday. The former Arizona Cardinals receiver is trending in the right direction and could play this Sunday if he can get back on the practice field on Thursday or Friday, but right now, consider him to be on the wrong side of questionable. With Brown out in Week 1, both Rashee Rice and rookie first-rounder Xavier Worthy feasted as quarterback Patrick Mahomes' primary weapons.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, released a statement on his client's behalf on Wednesday denying recent allegations of more sexual misconduct against him. "Deshaun strongly denies the allegations in the Jane Doe lawsuit filed Monday. We have asked him not to comment further while this matter works its way through the courts, but are comfortable he will ultimately be vindicated," Hardin wrote in the statement. "We will be ready to defend this case in court at the appropriate time, but don't intend to conduct our defense in the media. We would ask that people be patient while the legal process runs its course." In the meantime, the NFL doesn't plan to put Watson on the commissioner's exempt list, so he will be active as a QB2 in fantasy in Week 2 versus the Jacksonville Jaguars after a poor showing in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) will be limited in practice on Wednesday, according to head coach Shane Steichen. Downs suffered a high-ankle sprain back on Aug. 7 and missed the team's Week 1 loss to the division-rival Houston Texans last weekend. However, the 23-year-old continues to make strong progress and said late last week that he felt he was close to making a return. If he can make more progress in practice on Thursday and Friday, there's a chance he could suit up in Week 2 this Sunday at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers. When healthy, Downs could be the team's No. 2 wideout behind Michael Pittman Jr., which is bad news for those that just plucked Alec Pierce off the waiver wire after he went for over 100 yards and a touchdown in Week 1. Downs is worth scooping up off the waiver wire if he's available.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) will miss Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to an ankle injury. Njoku suffered the ankle injury in Week 1 and is considered week-to-week. The 28-year-old limped off the field after being rolled up on by an opposing defender in Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys and was feared to have a high ankle sprain. He has a history of foot and ankle issues, which is concerning for his future production. However, there aren't many good options for fantasy at tight end, so he's a must-start when he plays. Fellow Browns tight end Jordan Akins is the only other TE on the depth chart, but he logged just three receptions in 2023, so Njoku managers should look elsewhere for a replacement this week.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (ankle) will be a game-time decision for Thursday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills. The second-year speedster is dealing with an ankle injury and did not practice on Monday or Tuesday. Veteran running back Raheem Mostert (chest) has already been ruled out. Fantasy managers should pay close attention up until Thursday, as we may not know if Achane will play or not until the team releases its official inactive report 90 minutes before kickoff on Thursday. If Achane is active, he's a risky starter, but the upside outweighs the risk. If he's out, Jeff Wilson Jr. and Jaylen Wright are both intriguing RB3 or flex options. Check your waiver wire now for Wilson Jr. or Wright. Wilson Jr. is likely the "safer" option, but Wright has more upside moving forward.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (chest) will not play on Thursday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills, according to head coach Mike McDaniel. The 32-year-old missed practice on Monday and Tuesday with a chest injury. Mostert did not have a promising start to the season in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, rushing six times for nine yards and catching two passes for 10 yards. De'Von Achane (ankle) was also held out on Monday and Tuesday due to an ankle injury, so the injury concerns in this backfield are already coming to life. McDaniel said Achane's status could be up in the air. If Achane plays, he's a must-start option in all leagues. That said, either or both Jeff Wilson Jr. and rookie Jaylen Wright could see work behind him in Mostert's absence, making them low-end flex plays. If Achane can't suit up, both of Miami's backup running backs are flex dice rolls in leagues of 12 teams or more. Wright was a healthy inactive in Week 1, but he could get involved with injuries already piling up.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said this week that Tutu Atwell is ready to get more opportunities with Puka Nacua (knee) sidelined. McVay noted that with Cooper Kupp and Demarcus Robinson as the outside receivers, Atwell, Tyler Johnson, and rookie Jordan Whittington all have similar skill sets that can complement Kupp and Robinson. While Johnson was the standout in Week 1 against the Lions once Nacua exited, McVay's thoughts hint that it could be Atwell who comes through in Week 2 against the Cardinals. It would be speculative to add Atwell because of these comments but it is a situation that is worth monitoring and could fluctuate each week while Nacua misses time. Right now Johnson is the popular waiver-wire add but maybe Atwell will be next week.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Jeff Wilson, Jr., was active in Week 1 as the Dolphins' third running back ahead of rookie Jaylen Wright and rushed five times for 26 yards in the team's win over Jacksonville. Wilson ended up being the team's leading rusher in the game. De'Von Achane (ankle) and Raheem Mostert (chest) have each missed practice time this week ahead of Thursday night's Week 2 matchup with Buffalo. It should be noted that Tuesday's practice was a walkthrough for the Dolphins so even though both were listed as DNP, it doesn't necessarily mean they won't play. If both Achane and Mostert miss the game, Wilson could be the featured runner, but there is also the possibility that Miami chooses to feature their rookie in Wright. There is a lot of uncertainty in the Miami backfield this week, but Wilson figures to see an increased workload should one or two of the running backs ahead of his on the depth chart miss the game.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins rookie running back Jaylen Wright was inactive in Week 1 but could make his debut in Week 2 with De'Von Achane (ankle) and Raheem Mostert (chest) banged up ahead of the Week 2 matchup with the Bills on Thursday night. Wright, the talented rookie back out of Tennessee, is likely to make his NFL debut if Achane or Mostert can't suit up. If both are out, Wright could be a fantasy sleeper as most managers might assume Jeff Wilson, Jr., would be the featured back. Wilson is a solid runner, but Wright profiles as a more versatile back who could factor heavily into the game plan without Achane and Mostert available. This all depends on the health of the top two running backs for Miami. Both were listed as DNPs on Tuesday, but it should be noted that the practice was a walkthrough for Miami which doesn't reveal much more about their availability on Thursday. Wright is worth a speculative add for managers who haven't stashed him already for his long-term upside.
From RotoBaller
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles) feels like a long shot to play in Week 2. McCaffrey was a surprise inactive in Week 1 and backup Jordan Mason filled in admirably in the team's runaway win over the Jets on Monday night. Mason could be in line for another big week with McCaffrey likely out based on this report. McCaffrey is dealing with a calf issue as well as Achilles tendinitis and the 49ers may be playing it safe early in the season with their star running back. Mason rushed 28 times for 147 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 and added a catch for five yards so he is clearly capable of filling in for McCaffrey. Fantasy managers of McCaffrey will hope he returns in a full capacity in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has expressed a desire for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels to prioritize passing over rushing after his Week 1 performance. Quinn stated, "We'd love to see him remain a passer first." The news is a little worrisome for fantasy as Daniels' rushing helped propel him to a top-three finish at the quarterback position in Week 1. Despite an impressive debut with 88 rushing yards and two touchdownsmarking the most rushing yards by a rookie quarterback in a Week 1 debut and the most carries by a Commanders quarterbackDaniels showed vulnerabilities in his passing game. The team's leading receivers were running backs Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson, while wideouts contributed only 55 yards, with top receiver Terry McLaurin managing just two catches for 17 yards. Additionally, Daniels' high rushing volume raises concerns about his durability and the need for improved sliding technique to avoid big hits. Washington will look to adjust their game plan for Week 2 against the New York Giants to reduce Daniels' reliance on running.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing acknowledged the need to get rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. more involved after his quiet NFL debut. Harrison Jr. caught just one pass for four yards and was targeted only three times in Week 1. Petzing emphasized that making Harrison Jr. a central part of the offense is a priority moving forward. He noted, "I think the Bills did some things to take him away, and I could've called plays to involve him more early, but it was a good start. We have some work to do." Petzing took responsibility for not utilizing Harrison Jr. more and clarified that it's his job, not quarterback Kyler Murray's, to ensure the rookie gets ample opportunities. Fantasy owners should confidently start Harrison Jr. in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Rams, as plans are to feature him more prominently.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals right tackle Jonah Williams (knee) is expected to miss some time due to a knee injury. The team is still assessing the full extent of the injury and determining a timeline for his return. Williams, who signed a two-year, $30 million contract with the Cardinals this offseason, was a left tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals before transitioning to right tackle in 2023. With Paris Johnson stable on the left side, Williams' injury leaves a gap on the right side of the line. Veteran swing tackle Kelvin Beachum, who previously started 48 games at right tackle for the Cardinals from 2020-22, filled in on Sunday. However, Beachum struggled, allowing two sacks and two additional hurries on quarterback Kyler Murray. This change will likely negatively impact the effectiveness of Murray and the rest of the Arizona offense.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (calf, Achilles) is in danger of missing two straight games. The superstar back was declared inactive a few hours before the season opener against the New York Jets on Monday. There was some controversy about backup running back Jordan Mason knowing he was going to start on Friday, but the team insisted that McCaffrey was a game-time decision. Now, it sounds like McCaffrey could sit out against the Minnesota Vikings this weekend. It's a short week and Minnesota does play on a turf, so it wouldn't be shocking to see the 49ers play it safe. They didn't seem to miss a beat with Mason running all over the Jets defense. The 49ers are likely going to draw this out all week, but fantasy managers who have McCaffrey rostered should get a backup plan ready for in case he does miss Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent WR Michael Thomas (Saints), CB J.C. Jackson (Patriots) and DE Al-Quadin Muhammad (Cowboys) were reinstated from suspension on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
From TheHuddle
Indianapolis Colts defensive back JuJu Brents (knee) has been placed on the injured reserve on Tuesday. It appears the young corner has suffered a season-ending knee injury. The organization isn't sure of the specifics of the injury, but it sounds like Brents is done for the season. This is a tough blow for the former second-round pick that only played in nine games last season due to injury. The Colts could be in a tough spot here without a ton of viable options in the secondary. It's likely that Samuel Womack or Dallis Flowers gets an extended look, but the loss of Brents is certainly a downgrade for this defensive unit.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills defensive end Dawuane Smoot (toe) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 2 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. It's a short week and it doesn't sound like Smoot is going to have enough time to get ready to play. He also sat out of the season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. The hope is that Smoot can rest during Thursday's game and be able to suit up for the Week 3 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The former third-round pick is expected to be a rotational player on this defense. He has been a rotational player throughout most of his career, but he did record 36 tackles and six sacks in 16 games (10 starts) with the Jaguars in 2021. His absence is unlikely to have much of an impact on this defense.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back La'Mical Perine has been released by the organization on Tuesday. Perine joined the Packers a few weeks ago after getting cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers at the end of August. Perine was on the Packers practice squad, but they needed to move him in order to make room for tight end Johnny Lumpkin. Through three seasons, Perine has 340 rushing yards and two touchdowns between the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs. The 26-year-old will look to catch on elsewhere as a depth option.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Bryce Hall (ankle) has been placed on the injured reserve on Tuesday. This knocks him out for at least the next four games, but he's likely done for the rest of the season. The former fifth-round pick suffered a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula during the Week 1 win over the Washington Commanders. Hall signed with the Bucs this past offseason after playing the last four seasons with the New York Jets. He was expected to be a depth option in the secondary, but now his season is most likely over. In a corresponding move, the Bucs have signed defensive back Keegan Isaac who figures to take over Hall's role on defense.
From RotoBaller