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FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

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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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 4

Player Notes
Jalen McMillan Sep 27 7:20pm ET
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Jalen McMillan (hamstring) suffered a hamstring injury in practice on Friday and is now doubtful to be able to play in Week 4 on Sunday against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles. McMillan was officially listed as limited in Friday's practice. Mike Evans (knee) and Chris Godwin (neck) were also on this week's injury report, but the two wideouts have since been cleared to play this weekend. With McMillan now unlikely to face Philly, Trey Palmer will step in as the team's WR3 for at least one week in a very nice matchup. The second-year wideout has only seen three targets through the first three weeks, catching one of them for a 19-yard gain, so he'll only be a deep WR4/flex sleeper worth considering in much deeper fantasy leagues this week. McMillan has exactly one catch in each of his first three NFL games, going for 59 yards and one touchdown.

From RotoBaller

Dustin Hopkins Sep 27 7:20pm ET
Dustin Hopkins

Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins has been accurate thus far in 2024, hitting four of his five field goals and all four of his extra points through three games. He will look to keep it going in a road matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. The Raiders have been generous to opposing kickers this season, allowing the third-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. Hopkins has shown a big leg, hitting two kicks from 50+ yards and 10 from that distance since 2023, but the Cleveland offense has generally underwhelmed due to poor play from Deshaun Watson and multiple injuries across the offensive line. That makes Hopkins tough to trust as a starting kicker in fantasy heading into Week 4 against the Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Sep 27 7:10pm ET
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receivers Mike Evans (knee) and Chris Godwin (neck) were both on the injury report this week but were officially cleared to play in Week 4 against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Evans was limited on Wednesday and Thursday before being held out of Friday's practice for rest purposes, while Godwin was limited all week. The Bucs were apparently resting their top two wideouts this week as they deal with minor injuries. Both of them will be available this weekend and should be considered must-starts in fantasy lineups against an Eagles defense that has allowed the fourth-most half-PPR fantasy points to the position through the season's first three weeks. Evans, in particular, could get the squeaky wheel treatment on Sunday after catching just two passes for 17 yards in the Week 3 loss to the Denver Broncos. Godwin has found the end zone in each of the team's first three games.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Akins Sep 27 7:10pm ET
Jordan Akins

Cleveland Browns tight end Jordan Akins will get another turn as the team's starter with David Njoku (ankle) ruled out for a Week 4 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Akins drew seven targets in Week 3, but he turned those looks into just four catches for 29 yards in the loss to the New York Giants. He will go against a Raiders defense allowing the 13th-most fantasy points per game to tight ends in 2024. Akins holds some value as an option in two tight-end leagues but he is not a starting option outside of that format. Great him as a high-end TE3 heading into the weekend.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Sep 27 7:00pm ET
Davante Adams

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (Achilles, foot, thigh) has been cleared to play in Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders and wasn't listed on the final injury report on Friday. It's clear that Garrett isn't 100 percent healthy and may not be at all the rest of the year, but he's going to play through his injuries for now. The All-Pro pass-rusher didn't practice on Wednesday, was limited on Thursday and was a full-go on Friday. The 28-year-old reportedly could eventually need surgery on his foot, but he'll be trying to put that off until the offseason. With a potential limited snap count, Garrett will be a more volatile IDP fantasy option. As long as he's on the field, though, he's worth starting in those fantasy formats, especially against a lackluster Raiders offense that will be missing their top receiver in Davante Adams (hamstring) in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Amari Cooper Sep 27 7:00pm ET
Amari Cooper

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper shook off a slow start to the season to catch two touchdowns in a Week 3 loss to the New York Giants. Cooper will look to do more damage in a road matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. The Raiders have been generous to fantasy wideouts in 2024, allowing the 10th-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. Cooper has been pretty boom/bust in this current iteration of the Cleveland offense but the matchup is good and he remains the No. 1 option in the passing attack for the Browns. Treat Cooper as a low-end WR2 heading into Week 4 against Las Vegas.

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Jerry Jeudy Sep 27 7:00pm ET
Jerry Jeudy

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy was quiet in a Week 3 loss, catching just four passes for 27 yards. He will look to bounce back in a road matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. The Raiders represent a plus matchup for Jeudy as they are allowing the 10th-most fantasy points per game to wideouts through three games. That being said, the Cleveland passing attack has looked rough at times this season and Amari Cooper reminded everyone why he's the top receiver in town with seven catches for 86 yards and two touchdowns last week. Jeudy can be treated as a low-end flex option heading into Week 4.

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D'Onta Foreman Sep 27 6:50pm ET
D'Onta Foreman

Cleveland Browns running back D'Onta Foreman has been tough to predict through three games. The veteran saw just one snap in Week 1 then led the Cleveland backfield with 14 carries in Week 2. In Week 3 he was back to being an afterthought with just two carries in a loss to the New York Giants. Foreman will look for a larger share of the workload in a road matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. The Raiders have been a great matchup for running backs this season, allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to the position through three games. The unpredictable nature of Foreman's workload on a weekly basis leaves him as a low-end flex option who has a very high risk of busting. He's best left on fantasy benches in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Jerome Ford Sep 27 6:50pm ET
Jerome Ford

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (knee) has been cleared to play in Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday after putting in a full practice on Friday. Ford was held out of practice on Wednesday, creating some uncertainty about his status this week, but he returned to a limited session the following day. Fellow RB Pierre Strong Jr. (hamstring) missed practice all week and will be held out again this weekend. The Browns have involved D'Onta Foreman some, but Ford remains the team's lead back for as long as Nick Chubb (knee) remains out. The 25-year-old Ford has 39 total touches for 203 yards and one touchdown through three games in 2024 and will enter the Week 4 contest in Vegas as an RB3/flex play for fantasy managers against a banged-up Raiders defense. The Raiders defense has been extremely vulnerable on the ground early on, so Ford has considerable upside in this matchup this week.

From RotoBaller

Sam Darnold Sep 27 6:40pm ET
Sam Darnold

The Green Bay Packers' defense and special teams unit will draw a tough assignment as they head home to face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4. The Packers were able to tee off on Will Levis and the Tennessee Titans to the tune of eight sacks, two interceptions, a fumble recovery, and a touchdown in Week 3 as the top-scoring fantasy defense on the week. With the Vikings heading to town riding the hot hand of Sam Darnold, plus Justin Jefferson, former Packer Aaron Jones, and the return of Jordan Addison, the Vikings will be a tall order to stop on all fronts. Look for the Packers to have some success but ultimately, be a middling option on the week for fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Sep 27 6:40pm ET
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hip, ribs) is officially listed as questionable to play in Week 4 against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. Kamara started out the week with a DNP on Wednesday before he was limited in practice on both Thursday and Friday. The fact that the 29-year-old got in two straight days of practice puts him on the right side of questionable leading into Sunday's divisional clash, but fantasy managers will still want to check the Sunday morning inactives list to be sure. If Kamara is out or limited at all, it will mean more work for backup Jamaal Williams. Kamara, who has been a big part of the Saints' offense through three weeks, could see even more work through the air if he suits up and receiver Chris Olave (hamstring). Tight end Taysom Hill is another option for backfield work if Kamara is inactive this week. If active, Kamara needs to be started in all fantasy lineups as a clear-cut RB1.

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Deshaun Watson Sep 27 6:40pm ET
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson struggled in a home loss to the New York Giants in Week 3, throwing two touchdown passes but getting sacked eight times on 37 pass attempts. He will look to get back on track in a road game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. The Raiders have been relatively generous to opposing quarterbacks so far this season, allowing the 11th-most fantasy points per game to the position. That being said, Watson hasn't done much to inspire confidence in him in fantasy this season, throwing just three touchdowns and two interceptions through three games. Still looking for his first 200-yard passing game this season, Watson should be on benches in fantasy as a low-end QB2 heading into Week 4's matchup.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Sep 27 6:30pm ET
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams (toe) is listed as questionable for the Week 4 contest against the visiting New England Patriots on Sunday, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Williams was also under the weather this week. He did not practice on Wednesday, was a full-go on Thursday and missed another practice on Friday, leading to his questionable tag. Williams' toe became sore on Thursday and was bothering him again on Friday. The 36-year-old's status heading into Sunday's contest is worth watching, mainly for quarterback Brock Purdy against an underrated Patriots defense. Purdy's blind-side protection would be a big downgrade if Williams, an 11-time Pro Bowler, is unable to suit up this Sunday. Williams held out for the entirety of training camp and the preseason before striking a long-term extension with the Niners just before Week 1 of the regular season.

From RotoBaller

Brayden Narveson Sep 27 6:30pm ET
Brayden Narveson

Green Bay Packers kicker Brayden Narveson has been excellent for the Packers and looks to keep his good fortune going as Green Bay hosts the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4. Narveson has booted home three field goals in every game this season and has been a top-10 fantasy kicker in each week as well. With Jordan Love (knee) possibly returning in Week 4, Narveson's outlook also gets a bump up as the Packers' offense should have more opportunities to score or get into the opponent's end of the field. With Narveson kicking well and averaging double-digit fantasy points per game this season, he's perfectly capable of being a solid contributor at kicker in fantasy lineups for Week 4's game in Green Bay against the Vikings.

From RotoBaller

Dameon Pierce Sep 27 6:30pm ET
Dameon Pierce

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) missed practice all week and has officially been ruled out for the Week 4 contest on Sunday against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. The Texans were saying earlier this week that Pierce was making progress from his hamstring injury and was close to returning, but that won't happen this week. The 24-year-old will miss his third straight game after being injured in the Week 1 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Joe Mixon (ankle) is questionable and is danger of missing a second straight game as well, so Houston could be forced to use Cam Akers as their lead back once again. If Mixon is inactive on Sunday, Akers can be plugged in as an RB3/flex for fantasy managers looking for help at the position. Pierce's next chance to return will be in a Week 5 meeting against the Buffalo Bills.

From RotoBaller

Tucker Kraft Sep 27 6:20pm ET
Tucker Kraft

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (shoulder) has turned in two consecutive full practices and is off of the injury report for Week 4 as the Packers head home to host the Minnesota Vikings. Kraft has been a minimal producer for fantasy purposes this season, with just four receptions this season, but Kraft is playing the majority of snaps and routes over fellow tight end Luke Musgrave in the Packers offense. With the tight end position in fantasy being the wasteland that it is, Kraft's outlook looks a lot better if Jordan Love (knee) returns as the starting quarterback even in a tougher matchup against the Vikings. Consider Kraft a low-end streamer at tight end this week against the Vikings this week.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Sep 27 6:10pm ET
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed should be plenty involved in Week 4 as the Packers head home to face the Minnesota Vikings. Reed has been the top fantasy option amongst the Packers' pass-catchers, even with Malik Willis at quarterback. Averaging 30 rushing yards per game this season in addition to his receiving workload, Reed has been a versatile option for fantasy managers as he's stuck in lineups with Willis starting. The Packers may get Jordan Love (knee) back under center, which would universally help the entire offensive ecosystem with ceiling and floor for fantasy purposes. Trust Reed as a low-end WR2 this week even in a tough matchup against the Vikings.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Sep 27 6:10pm ET
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (hamstring) is good to go and was removed from the final injury report for Week 4 against the New England Patriots on Sunday, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. The writing was on the wall for Kittle to return after a one-game absence in the Week 3 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Rams when he returned to practice on Wednesday. The fact that the 30-year-old isn't even on the final injury report means he should be available for a full complement of snaps this weekend. Fantasy managers everywhere need to return him to a starting lineup spot, especially with receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) potentially missing a second straight game with a calf strain. Kittle had a healthy 11 receptions on 13 targets for 116 yards and a touchdown in the first two weeks of the season. His return will surely boost quarterback Brock Purdy's prospects as a QB1 in fantasy this week.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Sep 27 6:00pm ET
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs will face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4 and getting Jordan Love (knee) back at quarterback will be a huge coup for the Packers' pass-catchers, including Doubs. After a Week 3 where Doubs caught just one ball for 18 yards on two targets, Doubs has been a bit lost in the shuffle since Malik Willis has been quarterback over the past two weeks. A feather in his cap though is that Doubs routinely runs the highest percentage of routes per dropback amongst Packers wide receivers, so you know he's going to be on the field more than any other receiver. Consider Doubs a low-end flex option, even if Love returns under center for the Packers at home against the Vikings.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Sep 27 5:50pm ET
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson will need some big plays to hit his fantasy ceiling in a tough matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Watson had his best production of the season, but it still wasn't enough to really warrant fantasy consideration as he caught two balls for 67 yards in Week 3 against the Tennessee Titans after being left without a target in Week 2. Watson's snaps are also of concern, as they've steadily decreased from Week 1 to Week 3 as he's been rotated with some of the other receivers for the Packers. A Jordan Love (knee) return from injury will help Watson's outlook immensely, but for Week 4 against the Vikings, Watson is merely a flex option that you're hoping catches a long touchdown.

From RotoBaller