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 Kansas City Chiefs are cutting running back Deneric Prince on Tuesday. Despite incumbent veteran Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) missing the majority of training camp due to post-traumatic stress disorder, Prince didn't do enough in camp and the preseason to earn a spot on KC's final 53-man roster. Prince appeared to be making a strong push for a roster spot at first, working ahead of CEH in team drills early in camp, but he struggled with consistency as a rusher in the preseason outside of a 41-yard run in the second exhibition game and also had made a mistake on special teams in the exhibition opener, which cost the Chiefs a safety on a kickoff. Fullback Carson Steele looks set to make the roster as backfield depth with this move, offering the team some value as a runner and in pass protection.
From RotoBaller
The Houston Texans are releasing wide receiver Noah Brown on Tuesday. It comes as a bit of a surprise, given Brown put up 17.2 yards per catch over 33 receptions (55 targets) for the Texans last year, but the addition of Pro Bowl wideout Stefon Diggs this offseason made him much more expendable. Houston's three-receiver sets will now be concentrated around Diggs, Nico Collins, and Tank Dell to still give quarterback C.J. Stroud one of the league's top supporting casts. The 28-year-old Brown shouldn't have much of an issue finding work as a viable deep threat elsewhere in the NFL, and it likely won't be long until he lands back on his feet with another team.
From RotoBaller
The Kansas City Chiefs are waiving wide receiver Kadarius Toney on Tuesday, but he'll have a market elsewhere. The Chiefs had been looking for a trade partner for Toney, but he'll now head to waivers after they found no suitors. Toney missed the exhibition opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a back injury, and his first snap against the Detroit Lions the following week was disastrous, as he committed two penalties. The former first-round pick reeled in a 20-yard pass in Thursday's preseason finale against the Chicago Bears as a last-ditch effort to stick around, but he just wasn't been able to put it together all throughout his rocky tenure in KC. Toney still has the talent to carve out some type of role as a playmaker or gadget player elsewhere, but his path back to fantasy relevance consists of many hurdles.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Green Bay Packers have released wide receiver Samori Toure. Dynasty Analysis: Toure was one of the odd men out on a loaded Green Bay receiving corps. He lasted a couple of years on the roster but wasn't able to crack it this season. It's probably best he find a different team with a greater need at the position but his dynasty value is non-existent at the moment,
Dynasty | The Vikings have released running back Myles Gaskin. Dynasty Analysis: Gaskin was attempting to earn a depth spot with Minnesota but failed to impress throughout camp. Once a fairly productive runner in Miami, Gaskin hasn't been able to make much of an impression over the last couple of seasons. He could latch on elsewhere but this is a bad sign for his future dynasty value.
Dynasty | The Giants have released wide receiver Allen Robinson. Dynasty Analysis: Robinson ended up lasting just a few months with New York and has clearly lost a step (or more) at this point. He will now look to latch on to his fifth team in four years after stops in Chicago, Los Angeles (Rams), Pittsburgh, and now with the Giants. Robinson simply may be cooked at age 31 and his dynasty value has long since evaporated.
Dynasty | The Patriots have released quarterback Bailey Zappe. Dynasty Analysis: Remember when Zappe was outplaying Mac Jones and looked like he could be a future starter for New England? Yep, that seems like light years ago now. Zappe was brought back after final cuts last year but that likely won't be the case with the Patriots having Drake Maye and Jacoby Brissett (now unlikely to be traded with this move) on the roster. It certainly looks like Maye is going to win the job and this may seal it.
Dynasty | The Eagles have released wide receiver John Ross. Dynasty Analysis: The former Cincinnati first round pick was attempting a comeback with the Eagles but didn't quite do enough to stick. Once the NFL's fastest man, Ross has simply been a bust during his time in the NFL. He may get a chance on a practice squad or get a call up as an injury replacement but he doesn't belong on a dynasty roster.
Dynasty | The Saints have released running back James Robinson. Dynasty Analysis: Robinson simply isn't the same player he once was in Jacksonville after his torn Achilles. Now having spent time with five different teams over the past two years, it's hard to see this as anything but a possible end to a career that once very promising. Robinson can safely be released from any deep dynasty rosters.
Dynasty | The Bears have released quarterback Brett Rypien. Dynasty Analysis: Rypien actually played quite well this preseason but apparently wasn't able to overtake Tyson Bagent as the backup to Caleb Williams. He should find some quick work as a backup somewhere in the coming days based on how he's played, though he may need to settle for a practice squad spot if he can't find what he wants. Regardless, Rypien has no dynasty value at the moment.
Dynasty | The Commanders have released wide receiver Martavis Bryant. Dynasty Analysis: Bryant was hoping to ignite a comeback story with the Commanders after missing the last few years after a multitude of suspensions. It clearly was not meant to be as he would have to really impress for a team to trust him moving forward. Bryant may get another chance somewhere but at this point, that seems a bit unlikely. He has no dynasty value at this point.
Dynasty | The Texans have released wide receiver Noah Brown. Dynasty Analysis: Brown had a dynasty cup of coffee last year when he posted 325 receiving yards and a touchdown in the span of two weeks. Unfortunately, the rest of his season yielded just 242 yards and one other score. Brown has shown some flashes and should land on his feet somewhere. This move makes it unlikely the Texans move on from John Metchie via trade as well. Brown can stay on a deep dynasty roster until we see where he may end up.
Dynasty | The Bills have released wide receiver Andy Isabella. Dynasty Analysis: Isabella has been a deep dynasty league roster staple for years but has never really put it all together. He may end up latching on somewhere else but the fact he couldn't make it on to a roster this thin at receiver is a bad sign for his career.
Dynasty | The Panthers have released wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. Dynasty Analysis: Wow. Marshall had a good camp by all accounts but the Panthers have clearly soured on their 2021 second round pick. He has clear talent but has simply never really put it all together so far in his career. He was a popular trade candidate going into cutdowns so it seems logical he'll land on his feet quickly. A fresh start was needed here, so Marshall can stay on a dynasty roster at the moment.
Dynasty | The Chargers have released running back Isaiah Spiller. Dynasty Analysis: Spiller was once a highly touted dynasty prospect but fell hard in the NFL Draft and was never able to make much of an impression with the Chargers. He may have a hard time finding work out there since there isn't a lot of great tape on him out there. At this point, Spiller can be dropped in even the deepest of leagues.
The Los Angeles Chargers released running back Isaiah Spiller on Tuesday, according to a source. Spiller, who was a former fourth-round pick in 2022 out of Texas A&M, lost out on the competition as backfield depth behind Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins to the likes of rookie Kimani Vidal, Jaret Patterson and Elijah Dotson. The 23-year-old should be able to latch on with another team before the start of the 2024 regular season, though, as backfield depth. In his two seasons with the Bolts, Spiller underperformed to the tune of a weak 2.5 yards per carry while gaining 137 rushing yards and no touchdowns on 55 carries. He also caught all nine of his targets in the passing game for 47 yards but wasn't able to find the end zone. Last year, Spiller had 37 carries for 96 rushing yards, adding 34 receiving yards on his six receptions.
From RotoBaller
The Chiefs have released WR Kadarius Toney. The talented receiver has not lived up to expectations but likely will get another chance with a new team.
The Arizona Cardinals released quarterback Desmond Ridder (concussion) on Tuesday, according to a source. Ridder, who was put in the league's concussion protocol after the preseason finale against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, had been in a competition with Clayton Tune for the backup job behind Kyler Murray this summer. That job will obviously fall to Tune now to begin the 2024 regular season. The Cardinals acquired Ridder in an offseason trade in March with the Atlanta Falcons after the 24-year-old failed to deliver in two seasons in Atlanta. The former second-rounder in 2022 out of Cincinnati struggled with turnovers in his 19 games (17 starts) while also completing 64% of his 503 pass attempts for 3,544 yards, 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. If Ridder doesn't join Arizona's practice squad, he'll look for backup work elsewhere.
From RotoBaller
The Jacksonville Jaguars announced on Tuesday that they have released quarterback C.J. Beathard (groin) with an injury settlement. Beathard was injured in the team's second preseason game and was released after losing the backup competition to former New England Patriots QB Mac Jones. Jones will now begin the 2024 regular season as the primary backup to starter Trevor Lawrence. The 30-year-old Beathard will now look for work as a veteran backup somewhere else, as long as he's healthy. Originally a third-round selection of the San Francisco 49ers in 2017 out of Iowa, Beathard is in his sixth NFL season. He spent the last three seasons in Jacksonville, going 49-for-66 (74.2 completion percentage) with 417 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception in only 13 games played (one start).
From RotoBaller
The Carolina Panthers released wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. on Tuesday, according to a source. The former second-rounder had a strong training camp this summer and should be a good waiver option for other NFL teams looking to build extra receiving depth heading into the start of the 2024 regular season in just under two weeks. Marshall finds himself on the open market after catching 64 passes for 767 yards and only one touchdown on 110 targets in his three seasons in Carolina over 36 games played (16 starts). The 24-year-old pass-catcher became the odd-man out in the receiving corps after the Panthers added Diontae Johnson via trade and rookie Xavier Legette in the first round of April's NFL draft. Marshall played in only nine games in 2023 in a terrible Panthers offense and finished with only 19 receptions for 139 yards and no scores.
From RotoBaller
