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
The New York Jets defense will take on the Houston Texans at home in Week 9's Thursday night game. The Texans have underperformed on offense this season and will be without both of their top two receivers as Nico Collins (hamstring) and Stefon Diggs (knee) won't play. The Jets have also underperformed at times on defense this season but they are still worth considering as a top-12 fantasy defense heading into Thursday night.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Panthers will start quarterback Bryce Young this week. Dynasty Analysis: Hope springs eternal in Charlotte as Young at least showed a tiny glimpse of potential last week when he didn't completely faceplant in a spot start for Andy Dalton. He'll take on a suddenly reeling Saints team with the Panthers hoping upon hope he can build upon last week's game and start looking like the player they thought they drafted. Young's performance this week will be big as the trade deadline is coming and he could be on the block. At this point, his dynasty value is steal near zero.
Dynasty | Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks could make his NFL debut this week. Dynasty Analysis: Brooks is coming back from a torn ACL suffered while he was at Texas and the Panthers have been taking it slowly with him. However, it seems they'll finally have what they hope is their future workhorse at running back in the fold as early as this week. Chuba Hubbard has been stellar this season, so don't expect Brooks to come in and suddenly make him irrelevant. Still, this is exciting as dynasty managers who drafted Brooks have been waiting patiently.
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd (shoulder) did not participate in Wednesday's practice. The 29-year-old's status suddenly appears to be in doubt ahead of Week 9 versus the New England Patriots. Both Boyd and Calvin Ridley were non-participants during practice, leaving Nick Westbrook-Ikhine as the Titans' top healthy receiver. There's still plenty of time for both Boyd and Ridley to get healthy, but if they don't, Westbrook-Ikhine would step up as Tennessee's No. 1 receiver at home.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (personal) has been sidelined with a non-football-related issue for over a month, but head coach Antonio Pierce said that the 23-year-old is "getting close" to making his return. Mayer played a depth role through three games at the start of the season, catching just four passes for 21 yards and zero touchdowns. He remains buried behind rookie Brock Bowers and should be avoided in all fantasy leagues, even if he returns as soon as he's eligible in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (hamstring) was a limited participant during practice on Wednesday. The 23-year-old has missed two consecutive games, but it looks like he's getting closer to returning for Week 9 against the New England Patriots. Through five games as the backup to Tony Pollard, Spears registered 114 rushing yards, 76 receiving yards, and one touchdown. He's a solid bench stash but can't be trusted in fantasy lineups.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (hip) was limited during practice on Wednesday. While it's always noteworthy when someone appears on the injury report, McConkey is trending in the right direction. After all, he was able to get on the field Wednesday and still has four days to get even healthier before the Chargers face the Cleveland Browns. The rookie, who totaled 111 yards and two touchdowns last Sunday, is a low-end fantasy WR3 for Week 9.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (oblique) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. The veteran joins DK Metcalf (knee) and Laviska Shenault Jr. (knee) as Seattle's wide receivers on the initial Week 9 injury report. Given that Lockett was able to get on the field in some capacity, it seems like he's trending toward playing on Sunday versus the Los Angeles Rams. Assuming he suits up, he'll rank as a low-end fantasy WR3.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark (groin) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice. The veteran wide receiver was designated to return from injured reserve earlier this month and appears to be getting closer to making his return. Chark hasn't played yet this year, but he was solid in Carolina last season, contributing 35 catches for 525 yards and five touchdowns. However, with players like Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Josh Palmer making a strong impression, fantasy managers shouldn't expect Chark to carve out a significant role on offense upon his activation.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (ankle) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. The second-year pass-catcher has been sidelined for two consecutive games but is making impressive strides ahead of his potential return to the field in Week 9 against the Cleveland Browns. The 23-year-old has made solid offensive contributions this year but isn't a very dependable redraft option in a receiver room that also features Ladd McConkey and Josh Palmer.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin caught a touchdown, his second of the season, in a loss to the New England Patriots in Week 8. Conklin will look to keep it going against the Houston Texans in Week 9's Thursday night game. The Texans have been tough on tight ends this season, allowing just the 30th-most fantasy points per game to the position. Conklin has turned in a few nice games for fantasy this season but this is not the week to trust him in starting lineups. Treat him as a low-end TE2 this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley (shoulder) and running back Tony Pollard (foot) were both listed as non-participants on the team's Wednesday practice report. It's an interesting development, as neither player looked hampered by an injury in Tennessee's 52-14 blowout loss to the Detroit Lions. Pollard (82%) and Ridley (79%) were both on the field for their typical allotment of snaps on Sunday, so maybe we can chalk it up as a veteran's day of rest. Still, the DNP designation is slightly concerning. With the Titans hosting the New England Patriots in Week 9, the duo's practice participation over the next two days will be telling of their Sunday status. Considering Pollard has been solid all season, and Ridley is coming off his breakout game in Week 8 -- fantasy managers will want to monitor their progress ahead of Week 9.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (quad) and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (ankle) were both listed as limited participants for the team's first practice of the week. White logged just two snaps in the team's 27-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8, and the quad ailment could be the reason why. It's the second injury that's hampered his playing time this month after he suffered a groin injury that held him out of Weeks 5 and 6. Meyers, on the other hand, returned in Week 8 from an ankle injury that kept him out of Weeks 6 and 7, and this may be just a day of rest for the veteran. The 27-year-old played 81% of snaps in the loss to the Chiefs, catching 6-of-7 targets for 52 yards and a touchdown. He's worth monitoring ahead of the Raiders' Week 9 road tilt against the Cincinnati Bengals, while White will likely continue backing up backfield mate Alexander Mattison if he plays.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson has notched three 100-yard receiving games over his past four contests. He will look to keep it going against the Houston Texans in Week 9's Thursday night game. Wilson has yet to feel a target squeeze with Davante Adams in town as he has 17 in the two games since the Jets added the latter in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders. The Texans have been vulnerable against receivers this season as they are allowing the eighth-most fantasy points per game to the position in 2024. Wilson sets up as a high-end WR2 heading into Week 9.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams has yet to post a big game since his new team traded for him two weeks ago, catching seven passes for 84 yards in two games. He will look to make a bigger impact on his team's offense heading into Week 9's Thursday night game against the Houston Texans. Houston represents a plus matchup for Adams as they are allowing the eight-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. Treat Adams as a low-end WR2 heading into Week 9.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith leads the NFL with 2,197 passing yards and 274.6 passing yards per game.
Fantasy Spin: Smith has thrown for more than 280 yards in five of his eight games, but he has thrown just eight touchdowns compared to seven interceptions. The steady yardage totals give Smith a decent floor, but he will need to find the end zone more often to be more than a QB2.
From TheHuddle
New York Jets running back Breece Hall ran for 80 scoreless yards on 18 carries in a Week 8 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He will look for more in Week 9's Thursday night game against the Houston Texans. Houston has been tough on opposing running backs this season as they are allowing just the 29th-most fantasy points per game to the position. Despite the tough matchup, Hall remains busy enough in the passing game to make him mostly matchup-proof from a fantasy perspective, so he can still be treated as a mid-range RB1 heading into Week 9.
From RotoBaller
On Wednesday, Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (hamstring) practiced in a limited capacity. It's the second straight limited practice for the 25-year-old, dating back to last week after he was tagged with a DNP in five consecutive sessions. Ford hasn't appeared in a game since the team's 20-16 loss to the Eagles, when he participated on just four snaps before sustaining a hamstring injury. However, it appears he's turned a corner in his recovery. The former fifth-round pick will have two more chances to up his practice level before Cleveland hosts the Los Angeles Chargers in their third-straight home matchup. Even if he suits up, the third-year running back is nothing more than a handcuff with Nick Chubb back in the fold. If Ford is out again, running backs D'Onta Foreman and Pierre Strong Jr. will continue to work as a change-of-pace option behind Chubb.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (hamstring, knee) has thrown for two touchdowns in three of his past four games. He will look for his first three-touchdown game of the season in Week 9's Thursday night game against the Houston Texans. Rodgers has been dealing with an assortment of injuries of late, including to his hamstring and knee but he practiced fully on Tuesday and Wednesday and is good to go for Thursday. The Texans are allowing the 10th-most fantasy points per game but Rodgers has yet to post a ceiling game in a disappointing Jets offense this season. Treat him as a low-end QB2 for Week 9.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (groin) was officially listed as limited on Wednesday's practice report. The groin injury is new for the sixth-year tight end, as he presumably sustained it sometime between Sunday and today (Wednesday), though exactly when it occurred is unclear. Fant played his typical snap percentage in the team's 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. That he could practice in a limited capacity is good news for his chances of suiting up on Sunday when Seattle hosts the visiting Los Angeles Rams. The 26-year-old's injury doesn't seem serious; still, it's worth mentioning that fellow TEs AJ Barner and Pharaoh Brown have picked up more snaps in recent weeks. If he can't go, the aforementioned duo figures to split work, with a slight advantage to Barner. If Fant can play, he still won't be a recommended fantasy option.
From RotoBaller
