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
Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Josh Downs (toe) and Michael Pittman Jr. (back) did not practice on Wednesday, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Downs was held out of practice early last week with this injury but was able to suit up for Sunday's game. The injury did not seem too serious as the 23-year-old caught seven of his nine targets for 66 yards and a score. Pittman was originally expected to hit the injured reserve last week but was also able to suit up last weekend. As a result, fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status throughout the week, but this could be a precautionary measure. Since making his season debut in Week 3, Downs has emerged as the top wideout in this passing attack, as he has averaged 15.7 PPR points in this span, while Pittman has held a solid 13.0 average mark.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (concussion) logged a full practice on Wednesday. This is a great sign for the 23-year-old, who suffered a concussion during Week 5. The Dolphins had the week off in Week 6, which gave the sophomore running back more time to progress. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week as he has to complete all stages of the concussion protocol in order to return to action. If Achane can suit up, he should be locked into all fantasy lineups despite his slump over his past three games, where he has averaged just 5.8 PPR points per game. During the first two weeks of the campaign, Achane eclipsed over 20.0 PPR points and remains a high-upside running back given his rushing and receiving ability.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints WR Chris Olave (concussion) has been ruled out for the Week 7 game, according to head coach Dennis Allen.
Washington Commanders TE Zach Ertz (non-injury) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 16.
Fantasy Spin: Ertz is coming off a season-high 68 yards in the last game and has been targeted at least five times in three of the last four games. He should see a similar workload this week but may only be a No. 2 fantasy tight end in most leagues.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (ribs) is considered doubtful for Thursday's game, according to Nick Underhill of the New Orleans Football Network. The tight end logged limited practice sessions on Monday and Tuesday after missing the previous two games and is now in danger of missing tomorrow's game. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the 34-year-old's status on Wednesday's injury report, as it may provide more clarity on his potential to suit up. If he cannot play, rookie Spencer Rattler will face a difficult challenge against a tough Denver defense without his top wideouts and potentially starting tight end. As a result, Bub Means could be worth a look as a flex option, as he saw eight targets in relief last weekend.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts running backs Jonathan Taylor (ankle) and Trey Sermon (knee) did not practice on Wednesday, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Taylor has been sidelined over the past two games with an ankle sprain. Sermon suffered this knee injury in last week's victory over the Tennessee Titans. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status during the week as they have two more opportunities to return to practice. In Taylor's absence, Sermon has taken the lead in the Indianapolis backfield and averaged a modest 33.5 yards per game with six total receptions for 25 receiving yards. If Taylor is able to play, he should be locked into all starting lineups. If not, Sermon remains a low-end flex option.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers S Damontae Kazee (ankle), LB Nick Herbig (hamstring), C Zach Frazier (ankle), OG Isaac Seumalo (non-injury), RB Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle), LB T.J. Watt (non-injury), DE Cameron Heyward (non-injury) and DT Larry Ogunjobi (non-injury) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 16. LB Alex Highsmith (groin) was limited during practice, while TE MyCole Pruitt (knee) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions CB Carlton Davis (quadriceps), C Frank Ragnow (non-injury), OT Dan Skipper (ribs) and OG Kevin Zeitler (non-injury) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 16. S Brian Branch (knee) was limited during practice, while OG Christian Mahogany (illness) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (knee) is set to undergo meniscus surgery on his knee, according to Nick Underhill. As a result, fantasy managers should not expect him on the field anytime soon. Shaheed may also be placed on the injured reserve if he is expected to miss at least four games. Shaheed was enjoying a nice breakout campaign as he scored at least 15.0 PPR points in four out of the six games he has played in. The Saints will now be without their top two wideouts on Thursday evening, with Chris Olave (concussion) already ruled out. As a result, Bub Means, Mason Tipton, and Cedrick Wilson Jr. will likely lead the New Orleans air attack for now.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers WR DJ Chark Jr. (hip) had his 21-day practice window opened Wednesday, Oct. 16.
From TheHuddle
Carolina Panthers LB Claudin Cherelus (hamstring), CB Troy Hill (rest), RB Chuba Hubbard (rest), LB Josey Jewell (hamstring, groin), WR Diontae Johnson (ankle), OT Taylor Moton (elbow), LB Jon Rhattigan (knee, illness) and DT A'Shawn Robinson (knee) did not practice on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Also, RB Jonathon Brooks (knee), LB Jadeveon Clowney (shoulder), WR David Moore (knee), DE LaBryan Ray (ankle, knee), C Andrew Raym (concussion), S Nick Scott (hamstring) and TE Tommy Tremble (concussion) were limited and CB Dane Jackson (hamstring), DT Jaden Crumedy (ankle) and S Sam Franklin (foot) practiced in full.
From TheHuddle
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson handled first-team reps in the open portion of Wednesday's practice, according to team beat writer Mike DeFabo. The veteran has been dealing with a calf injury this season but was a full participant in practice all of last week and looks to be trending toward starting against the New York Jets in Week 7. The Steelers have a 4-2 record but have passed for just 166.8 yards per game under Justin Fields. Wilson struggled mightily in his time with the Denver Broncos, but he finished as a top-15 fantasy quarterback in 2022 and 2023. He's unlikely to be a significant factor in single-QB leagues, but he's a must-add option in superflex and two-QB formats.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Robert Woods (foot) is not practicing on Wednesday. The 32-year-old missed the Week 6 game against the New England Patriots with a foot injury, and his early-week absence suggests he could miss at least another contest. With Nico Collins (hamstring) on Injured Reserve, Woods could see an enhanced role if he gets back to action before Collins' earliest activation date (Week 10). In Week 6, wideouts Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell accounted for 16 of the team's 18 targets to wide receivers, so whether Woods plays or not, no other Texans' receiver is on the fantasy football radar against the Green Bay Packers in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson got first-team reps in practice on Wednesday, Oct. 16.
Fantasy Spin: This was expected, as head coach Mike Tomlin said the veteran signal-caller would at some point this week. The Steelers haven't made it official who will start yet, but all signs are pointing to Wilson. Wilson is a QB2 if he suits up, but a shaky one, as it's his first game of the season and he's playing behind a lackluster offensive line.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (foot) saw workhorse usage last season and was a high-end fantasy RB1 in PPR leagues, but his injury and the emergence of rookie Bucky Irving and second-year undrafted free-agent Sean Tucker have brought uncertainty to his role. Irving is averaging 5.7 yards per carry to White's 3.7, and Tucker posted nearly 200 total yards and two touchdowns in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints. Buccaneers reporter Greg Auman said he believes White will likely still be the first RB on the depth chart when he recovers from his foot injury, but Irving and Tucker have raised the bar in the backfield, and Tampa Bay could start to rotate all three backs. If the team uses a three-man committee, it will limit the floors and upsides of all three backs and cause headaches for fantasy managers. The usage of the Tampa Bay backs should be closely monitored moving forward.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (hamstring) is not practicing on Wednesday to begin Week 7 preparation. The third-year back out of Cincinnati left the Week 6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles with a hamstring injury, so he could be at real risk of missing Week 7. Meanwhile, Nick Chubb (knee), who is coming off a major knee injury from Week 2 of last season, could make his 2024 debut on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Cleveland backfield could be tricky to analyze this week, as Ford's status is in doubt, and Chubb could be on a pitch count if he plays. Backups D'Onta Foreman and Pierre Strong Jr. are likely to be involved in the rotation if Ford is inactive. The Bengals are a neutral matchup for running backs and Cleveland arguably has the worst offense in the NFL, so upside might be hard to come by for any Browns' RB this week.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) will practice on Wednesday following his absence from the Week 6 contest against the Baltimore Ravens due to a foot injury. The third-year back out of Alabama scored between 10.2 and 18.8 half-PPR fantasy points in all five of his contests this year, so fantasy managers would obviously like to have him back ahead of a juicy matchup with the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers have surrendered the most fantasy points per game to RBs through Week 6. It's a good idea to monitor Robinson's practice participation moving forward, as he's close to a must-start option if he can play on Sunday. Austin Ekeler will have RB1 upside if Robinson can't play, but he's a flex consideration even if he does.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (foot) is not practicing on Wednesday ahead of the Week 7 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. The fourth-year pro missed last week's contest with a football injury, and his status for Sunday's contest appears to be in doubt. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, but if he cannot go, Antonio Gibson will draw another start. In Week 6 against the Houston Texans, Gibson only produced 19 rushing yards on 13 attempts and 24 receiving yards on three receptions (four targets). However, the Jaguars present a much friendlier matchup for running backs, so Gibson could bounce back if he's in the RB1 role once again.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) is practicing for the first time this season following the team opening his practice window earlier this week. The Texas product has missed the first six games of his rookie season following an ACL tear in November of last year, but he is trending toward making his NFL debut soon. Brooks was selected as the first running back off the board in Round 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft after his final collegiate season which saw him post over 1,400 yards from scrimmage in just 10 games. He should be expected to be involved in Carolina's offense when he is activated to the gameday roster, but there is speculation that he could have to wait until Week 8 or 9 to play in his first game at the NFL level. Fantasy managers with Brooks stashed should monitor his status, but it would be surprising if he plays against the Commanders in Week 7. For now, Chuba Hubbard remains a strong starting option in fantasy lineups.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent PK Brandon McManus (Commanders) signed a one-year deal with the Green Bay Packers on Wednesday, Oct. 16. The financial terms of the contract weren't disclosed. Also, PK Brayden Narveson was released.
From TheHuddle
