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
Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 10
The San Francisco 49ers signed free-agent S Tashaun Gipson (Jaguars) to the practice squad on Wednesday, Nov. 6.
From TheHuddle
Updating previous reports, Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott (hamstring) could require surgery on the partial avulsion of his hamstring, per The Dallas Morning News' Calvin Watkins, who says that team officials are trying to determine whether the portion of the tendon that tore off the bone will heal on its own. If Prescott, who is currently seeking additional opinions, does end up needing the surgery, he will miss the remainder of the 2024 season.
Fantasy Spin: Things remain up in the air regarding Prescott's status. A move to IR would cost him at least four games, and now the possibility of the injury being season-ending is out there. Nothing has been decided yet as he gathers more input on the injury, but things don't seem to be trending in a positive direction. If you own Prescott, you should hold him at least until the full extent of the injury (and corresponding timeline for his possible recovery) are determined.
From TheHuddle
Baltimore Ravens running backs Keaton Mitchell (knee) and Rasheen Ali (ankle) are both listed as questionable for the team's Thursday night matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Mitchell has been working through a knee injury, and if he's active, it will be for the first time this season. Ali has been dealing with an injury of his own that's kept him out of Baltimore's prior three contests. It would be fantastic if the duo could return to full health, but with teammates Derrick, Henry, and Justice Hill in clear, defined roles in the Ravens' offense, there aren't many excess touches to go around. Neither Mitchell nor Ali will be recommended fantasy options if they're active for the Week 10 outing.
From RotoBaller
Per New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll, wide receiver Darius Slayton (concussion) was tagged with a DNP Wednesday and might not travel with the team to Germany. Pat Leonard of NYDN Sports reported the news. Slayton sustained a concussion late in the Giants' 27-22 loss to the Washington commanders in Week 9. It's unfortunate news for the sixth-year wideout, who has been a valuable deep threat for New York this season. Second-year wide receiver Jalin Hyatt figures to take over some snaps if the former Auburn Tiger can't clear the league's concussion protocol, with Ihmir Smith-Marsette working in behind him. Fellow WRs Malik Nabers and Wan'Dale Robinson project to see an uptick in usage absence.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd (shoulder) was officially listed as limited for his team's first practice of the week. Boyd was knocked out of Sunday's 20-17 victory over the New England Patriots after participating in just 22 snaps, so it's excellent to see him at least get in a limited session ahead of Week 10. With an afternoon road matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers on tap, the veteran wideout will be afforded a slightly larger window to regain his health. If the long-time Cincinnati Bengal can't suit up, rookie wide receiver and kick returner Jha'Quan Jackson again projects to pick up the slack in Tennessee's WR corps.
From RotoBaller
The San Francisco 49ers signed free-agent WR Russell Gage Jr. (Ravens) to the practice squad and released WR Malik Turner from the practice squad Wednesday, Nov. 6.
From TheHuddle
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase had seven catches in the win over the Raiders. However, he totaled only 43 yards. But fantasy managers should be willing to give the wideout a pass on that performance, considering he had seven touchdowns in the six games leading up to Week 9. With an NFC North meeting with the Ravens on tap, everyone remembers Chase's 10-catch, 193-yard, two-touchdown showing when these clubs last met in Week 5. Keep him rolling in all fantasy formats, although that goes without saying.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (shoulder) was again listed as limited for the team's Wednesday practice. Levis has been a limited participant for eight straight practices, and his status for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers is unclear as he works through a shoulder injury that has kept him out of action since Week 6. He'll have two more opportunities to elevate his practice status ahead of Week 10's outing, but if he can't go, it will again be quarterback Mason Rudolph manning the helm for Tennessee. The Titans have let Rudolph air it out while he's been under center, averaging 37 pass attempts per game while working to a 1-2 record and a 4:4 TD:INT ratio.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas had only one reception in the Week 9 win over the Raiders. However, it at least resulted in a trip to the end zone. With Tee Higgins (quadriceps) unlikely to suit up on Thursday night versus the Ravens, Ja'Marr Chase should continue to get extra attention from Joe Burrow. Although Iosivas could also benefit, he's hard to trust despite the favorable matchup on the horizon.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki has been on a roll of late. After amassing seven grabs in the Week 8 loss to the Eagles, the 29-year-old had five catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's win over the Raiders. With that in mind, Gesicki has had issues staying consistent through the years, so he's hard to trust on Thursday night versus the Ravens, even if Tee Higgins (quadriceps) remains on the shelf. Still, Gesicki has a place in multi-tight end setups in a favorable matchup against a subpar Ravens defense.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will meet the Ravens for the second time this season. The signal-caller is coming off a strong showing, throwing for 251 yards off 27-for-39 passing in Week 9 versus the Raiders. He also tossed five touchdowns, the same number he had in the narrow overtime loss to Baltimore in Week 5. Granted, it will be difficult to duplicate such a performance, even against a shaky Ravens defense. However, the upside is there for Burrow, giving him a favorable outlook for Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown had a stellar showing in the Week 9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. He ran the ball 27 times, amassing 120 yards and adding 31 yards off five catches, one of which resulted in a touchdown. With Zack Moss (neck) done for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign, Brown should see more action moving forward. Keep him starting in Week 10 versus an unreliable Ravens defense.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running backs Tony Pollard (foot) and Tyjae Spears (hamstring) were both listed as limited participants in Tennessee's first practice ahead of Week 10. Pollard has dealt with a foot issue for some time but was productive again in last Sunday's 20-17 victory over the New England Patriots and has yet to miss any time this season. On the other hand, Spears is hoping to return from a three-game absence after battling a hamstring injury for the last few contests. Word came out earlier this week that the Titans are looking to reduce the veteran's workload. If Spears is again inactive, backfield mate Julius Chestnut could be on tap for an increased share of the backfield touches this coming Sunday when Tennessee squares off against the Los Angeles Chargers on the road at SoFi Stadium.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (finger) was listed as a limited participant in the team's first practice of the week. Conner left Arizona's 29-9 win against Chicago on Sunday, but the finger issue is new for the 29-year-old. That he was limited is good news, but fantasy managers should keep an eye on his status over the next few days. It might behoove Conner owners to tentatively scoop up rookie running back Trey Benson or second-year back Emari Demercado in anticipation of the veteran missing time. Both athletes split snaps pretty evenly in Conner's stead in Week 9's victory. The Cardinals get a tough matchup against a stout New York Jets front seven on Sunday in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Updating previous reports, Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott (hamstring) has been diagnosed with a hamstring tendon that is partially torn off the bone, according to NFL Network's Jane Slater. Prescott is looking for additional opinions on the injury, but he can be sidelined for more than four weeks.
Fantasy Spin: Prescott is expected to be placed on the Reserve/Injured list at some point but could be a question mark to return before the end of the season. Cooper Rush likely will be the starter while Prescott is sidelined but can be avoided in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers WR Chris Conley (hamstring), DT Kevin Givens (groin), CB Charvarius Ward (non-injury) and OT Trent Williams (non-injury) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 6. DE Nick Bosa (hip), OG Jon Feliciano (knee), DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee), PK Jake Moody (ankle) and P Mitch Wishnowsky (back) were limited during practice. CB Renardo Green (ankle) and LB Dee Winters (concussion) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (quadriceps) was limited in Wednesday's practice coming off scoring the game-winning touchdown in the Week 9 overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday. Hunt was also listed on last week's injury report with a quad injury but managed to play on Monday and went over 100 yards rushing while scoring the walk-off touchdown to send the Chiefs to 8-0. As long as the 29-year-old doesn't suffer a setback later this week, he should be all systems go for a Week 10 divisional matchup against the Denver Broncos, where Hunt should be viewed as a solid RB2 play in fantasy lineups. Isiah Pacheco is recovering nicely from a broken leg suffered in Week 2 and is nearing a return to practice, but until he returns, Hunt will be KC's clear backfield leader.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) was limited during practice Wednesday, Nov. 6.
Fantasy Spin: The 49ers are optimistic about McCaffrey's availability for Week 10, but fantasy players will know more later in the week. It is not known if he will be able to handle his normal workload but should still see enough touches to be a starting option in leagues.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receivers Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and Sterling Shepard (hamstring, hip) were both out for the first practice of the week on Wednesday as the team prepares for a Week 10 battle against the San Francisco 49ers. McMillan injured his hamstring last Friday and didn't play in the Monday night overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, allowing Shepard and Trey Palmer to serve as the top wideouts with Mike Evans (hamstring) out and Chris Godwin (ankle) out for the season. Shepard had four catches for 48 yards on Monday, but now he's in danger of missing Week 10 against the Niners as well. It's worth noting the Bucs' bye comes in Week 11. Tight end Cade Otton has been the clear beneficiary in the passing game, while Trey Palmer, Rakim Jarrett and Ryan Miller could be the starters at receiver if McMillan and Shepard can't play this Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 6.
Fantasy Spin: Smith-Schuster has been sidelined for the last few weeks because of the injury and may not be available for the Week 10 game if he does not practice this week. He will see limited targets when he returns and can be avoided in most leagues.
From TheHuddle
