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FFL: Week 1 | NFL: Week 1

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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Starts/Sits: Week 1

Player Notes
Trey Palmer Sep 8 3:50pm ET
Trey Palmer

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Trey Palmer (concussion) is active in Week 1. Palmer had managed to log several full practices throughout the week and ultimately proved that he was ready to go on game day. Palmer is listed as the Buccaneers No. 4 wide receiver. He caught 39 passes for 385 yards and three touchdowns in 2023. He should be a solid contributor to the Buccaneers' success in 2024, however, he is not worth much of a look in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Noah Brown Sep 8 3:40pm ET
Noah Brown

Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown is a healthy scratch in Week 1. The Commanders take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the team looks to enter a new era with a new regime. Brown joined the team after being cut by the Texans at the conclusion of the preseason. He had a solid season with the Texans in 2023 with 33 receptions for 567 yards and two touchdowns in ten games. The healthy scratch is not surprising since Brown had hardly any time to become integrated with the team. He is a talented player who should be able to earn playing time as the season progresses.

From RotoBaller

Nick McCloud Sep 8 3:30pm ET
Nick McCloud

New York Giants cornerback Nick McCloud (knee) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Vikings. The Giants cannot afford to lose any starters on a defense that has surrendered 28 points thus far in Week 1. The Giants will hope that the injury is not serious. The defense ended the year strongly in 2023. However, given their start against the Vikings, they can only go up in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Brenden Rice Sep 8 3:30pm ET
Brenden Rice

Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal and wide receiver Brenden Rice have officially been ruled inactive on Sunday. Vidal has been making strides to make his way onto the roster and was thought to be in the mix to get meaningful snaps along with Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins. Hassan Haskins will be the one to move into the third-string role in the backfield. In terms of Brenden Rice, he was also expected to get some snaps as the fourth wideout but will miss the season opener. Quentin Johnston, Joshua Palmer, and Ladd McConkey will see the bulk of the opportunities in the receiving corps. Vidal and Rice's statuses will be something to monitor heading into Week 2, but they're more viable as stashes in dynasty formats right now.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Sep 8 3:30pm ET
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Jonah Williams (knee) was ruled out after suffering a knee injury against the Bills on Sunday. Williams is an important piece of an uninspiring Cardinal's O-line. Williams came over to the Cardinals as a free agent during the 2024 offseason. As such, it is disappointing to see him go down in his first game with the team. James Conner and Kyler Murray managers should keep an eye on the situation to see how it could affect those players should Williams miss time. However, it is worth noting that Williams was able to walk off under his own power.

From RotoBaller

Dylan Laube Sep 8 3:20pm ET
Dylan Laube

Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube will be a healthy scratch on Sunday when the Raiders take on the Chargers. The Chargers will enter Week 1 with Zamir White, Alexander Mattison, and Ameer Abdullah as their top-three running backs. Laube had created intrigue throughout the preseason and training camp with solid play. However, the sixth-round pick out of the University of New Hampshire did not do enough to earn himself a role on game day, at least in Week 1. His next change to log regular season playing time will be in Week 2 against the Ravens

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Sep 8 3:10pm ET
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) left the game against the New York Giants with an ankle injury and the team has announced that he won't return. At this time, it's unclear how severe of an injury that it is. Addison left in the third quarter though while the team was up 21-6. In that time, he gathered four targets, three receptions, and 35 yards with his longest play going for 16 yards. He was tied with Justin Jefferson for the most targets on the team. Fantasy managers will want to stay tuned for more updates after the team runs some more tests on his ankle after the game. In the meantime, Jalen Nailor will likely see some more opportunities.

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Tyler Lockett Sep 8 3:00pm ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett is officially active on Sunday and will take on the Denver Broncos. Last season was the first time Lockett failed to hit the 1,000-yard mark since 2018 and the first time he had fewer than eight touchdowns since 2017. He'll turn 32 years old this season, so he's a bit of a risky fantasy pick. Through the offseason, Jaxon Smith-Njigba was praised for his growth while DK Metcalf is primed for a big season. The new system with an all-new coaching staff will likely play a big part in how valuable Lockett becomes as well. If the Broncos' defense is anything like last year, Seattle has a chance for a big offensive day.

From RotoBaller

Troy Franklin Sep 8 2:50pm ET
Troy Franklin

Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin (coach's decision) has been officially designated as inactive for the team's season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. The rookie wide receiver is healthy but hasn't climbed up the depth chart enough to be a part of the main receiving corps. Word from the coaching staff was that they were happy with Franklin's growth so far, but it'll take a bit longer to see him on the field getting snaps. He's more valuable right now as a rookie stash in dynasty formats rather than redraft. His progress will be something to monitor as the season goes on and any injuries occur.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Sep 8 2:40pm ET
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle left the field for a brief moment to be evaluated for a concussion. He was quickly cleared, however, and joined the team back on the field. The Dolphins offense wasn't able to gain momentum in the game just yet, as Waddle and Tyreek Hill have combined for 64 yards and no scores. The good news is that the former sixth-overall pick is healthy though. Waddle was a good fantasy start heading into this matchup against a Jacksonville Jaguars defense that showed plenty of weaknesses last season. The second half will be as important as ever for fantasy managers who started Waddle with high hopes.

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Kyler Murray Sep 8 2:30pm ET
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Jonah Williams (knee) suffered an apparent knee injury and is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Kelvin Beachum has replaced Williams at right tackle for the time being, but this will be something to monitor as it could affect Kyler Murray's protection. Williams has been an everyday starter for the Bengals through the first four years of his career and transitioned into the starter for the Cardinals. Updates will likely be on the way after Williams is checked out in the locker room.

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Jordan Love Sep 8 2:10pm ET
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) is expected to be sidelined for 3-to-6 weeks after getting injured in Friday's loss to the Eagles in Brazil. But according to NFL's Tom Pelissero, the Packers believe the signal-caller could be back on "the sooner end." Of course, with Green Bay and Love agreeing to a lucrative contract extension this offseason, the team won't take chances. There was talk that the club had reached out to veteran Ryan Tannehill to fill the void under center. However, that doesn't appear to be the case, with Pelissero adding the Packers "are focused on preparing Malik Willis and Sean Clifford." With that said, Love's absence isn't good news for the receiving corps, so fantasy managers are certainly hoping he'll be back sooner rather than later.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Sep 8 1:50pm ET
Kyler Murray

Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson (forearm) is questionable to return to Sunday's contest versus the Cardinals. He has a forearm injury, although there hasn't been much else revealed about his condition. The 28-year-old received a three-year, $31 million contract extension this offseason. Unfortunately, the Bills may be without him for the rest of the contest. The Bills defense has struggled early in Week 1 against Kyler Murray and the Arizona offense, so the team can't afford to lose anyone on that side of the ball.

From RotoBaller

Ryan Tannehill Sep 8 1:00pm ET
Ryan Tannehill

The Green Bay Packers have reached out to free-agent quarterback Ryan Tannehill, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Tannehill has expressed interest in signing with an NFL team, but only if it's the right situation. Specifically, he's looking to play for a contender with strong offensive-line play and talented weapons. Green Bay represents a fit, not just because it meets those specifications, but also because the Packers recently learned that Jordan Love (knee) will miss several weeks with an MCL sprain. Without Love, the Packers' current quarterback room consists of Malik Willis and Sean Clifford. Tannehill could be an upgrade over those two players, though even if he does sign, he might require a little extra time to ramp up to an NFL-caliber quality of play.

From RotoBaller

Dalvin Cook Sep 8 12:50pm ET
Dalvin Cook

Dallas Cowboys running back Dalvin Cook was not elevated from the practice squad ahead of Sunday's game versus the Cleveland Browns. As a result, he won't play in Week 1. This backfield belongs to some combination of Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle, and with Cook off the roster, Deuce Vaughn will operate as the No. 3 running back. Elliott and Dowdle are the only Cowboys backs on the fantasy roster; they are both RB3/FLEX options.

From RotoBaller

Matt Gay Sep 8 12:40pm ET
Matt Gay

Indianapolis Colts kicker Matt Gay (hernia) is officially inactive for Week 1 of the regular season on Sunday against the division-rival Houston Texans. Gay recently underwent surgery for a sports hernia and wasn't able to practice this week, although the Colts listed him as questionable on the Week 1 final injury report on Friday. The 30-year-old veteran booter was trending toward not playing all week, though, and the final indication that he wouldn't play this weekend was when the Colts elevated rookie kicker Spencer Shrader to the active 53-man roster on Saturday. It's unclear if Gay will be ready to kick in Week 2 at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers, but fantasy managers need to look for another option in Week 1. We'd suggest ignoring Shrader in his NFL debut and look for other more reliable kicking options to replace Gay.

From RotoBaller

Antonio Gibson Sep 8 12:30pm ET
Antonio Gibson

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (hip) is officially active and will make his Patriots debut in Week 1 of the regular season on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Gibson drew a questionable tag on Friday's final injury report, but it was reported on Saturday that he was fully expected to play this weekend. While Gibson, the former Washington Commanders RB, is worth a bench stash in deeper fantasy leagues in his first year in New England, he doesn't exactly come with a lot of fantasy upside as the backup to starter Rhamondre Stevenson in what is expected to be one of the weakest offenses in the NFL in 2024. The 26-year-old will provide a change of pace for Stevenson but should probably be left on fantasy benches in Week 1 wherever he is rostered.

From RotoBaller

Javon Baker Sep 8 12:30pm ET
Javon Baker

New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Javon Baker will have to wait to make his NFL debut, as he's listed as a healthy scratch for Week 1 on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. To begin his first year in the league, the 22-year-old fourth-round selection is behind Demario Douglas, Ja'Lynn Polk, K.J. Osborn, Tyquan Thornton and Kashon Boutte on the receiver depth chart in New England. Things won't get any easier for Baker once Kendrick Bourne (knee) eventually comes off the Physically Unable to Perform list at some point after Week 4. Especially in a Patriots offense that is expected to be one of the weakest units in the league this year, Baker's prospects for becoming fantasy relevant in single-year leagues are remote. For now, he's merely a bench stash in dynasty/keeper formats in what could be more of a redshirt year.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Sep 8 12:20pm ET
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) is officially inactive for Week 1 on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. There were conflicting reports throughout the week on whether Wilson would make his Steelers debut this weekend after he was given a questionable tag on Friday's final injury report. Head coach Mike Tomlin seemed to think Wilson was fine earlier in the week, but team trainers have taken a more cautious approach to the veteran signal-caller after he dealt with an injury to the same calf during training camp. It's unclear if Wilson will start in Week 2 on the road against his former team, the Denver Broncos in Week 2, but the Steelers could have some QB controversy on their hands early on if Justin Fields performs well in the Week 1 opener against Atlanta. Kyle Allen will serve as Fields' backup on Sunday with Wilson out.

From RotoBaller

John Metchie III Sep 8 12:20pm ET
John Metchie III

Houston Texans running back Cam Akers and wide receiver John Metchie III are healthy scratches for Week 1 of the regular season against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The Texans are rolling with starter Joe Mixon and backups Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale as their three RBs to open the year against the Colts. The 25-year-old Akers saw plenty of action in the preseason, but for now he'll just be RB depth in Houston and remains well off the fantasy radar. Metchie has plenty of talent but has been hurt by injuries so far in his NFL career, and the Texans now have a crowded receiver room that features Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Robert Woods and others. The 24-year-old is also battling for a position with Xavier Hutchinson and Steven Sims. Obviously, Akers and Metchie both belong on the waiver wire in your league.

From RotoBaller