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
Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7
Tennessee Titans tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo hauled in four passes for 50 yards on four targets in a 34-10 loss at Buffalo in Week 7. This marked the young tight end's best game of the season, having failed to top 16 receiving yards up to this point. His 26-yard reception in the first quarter set up Tennessee's only touchdown drive of the game, and he displayed solid chemistry with new starting quarterback Mason Rudolph on the afternoon. With how unreliable this Titans passing attack continues to be, Okonkwo is still not a great option moving forward, but there may be ample opportunity next week in Detroit with the Titans likely playing catch-up.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jordan Whittington was able to suit up on Sunday despite a shoulder injury throughout the week, but he didn't appear in the box score in this game. Whittington didn't receive any targets even though the Rams had a depleted receiver corps. Tyler Johnson and Tutu Atwell led the receivers while Demarcus Robinson received a target too. With Cooper Kupp (ankle) expected to return for their Thursday night matchup in Week 8, Whittington's value seems to be on the decline in shallower fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers continues to show he's their best offensive weapon. In his Week 7 game against the Los Angeles Rams, Bowers caught 10 passes on 14 targets for 93 yards. He's easily their best pass-catcher and chain-mover. He's also an absolute stud in PPR fantasy formats and currently ranks as the TE1 overall. His target volume could remain high even when lead receiver Jakobi Meyers (ankle) returns, and should be better than it was in the early season with Davante Adams was still a part of the team. Las Vegas will square off with the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8, but matchups should be ignored when deciding to start or sit Bowers. He must be started.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson reminded the fantasy world that he's still great in the Week 7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Carlson booted two kicks of 27 yards, two of 38 yards, and one of 47 yards, all without missing an attempt. He didn't have any opportunities for extra points. It was an uncharacteristic game for the seventh-year pro in that he had just ten field goal attempts through his first six games. While he's a great player at his position, the opportunities for days like this could remain few and far between. The Rams defense has been one of the league's worst. Next, the Raiders will face one of the league's best defenses when they take on the Kansas City Chiefs. Carlson is unlikely to get much volume and is mostly an option in very deep leagues.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II was substituted in when lead quarterback Aidan O'Connell (thumb) was forced out for the rest of the game due to an injury when the Raiders played the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7. The former Jacksonville Jaguar finished the game, but it was a dreadful outing. H completed 15 of 34 passes for 154 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions. He also carried the ball once for two yards and lost a fumble. Las Vegas lost 15-20, so it's safe to say the giveaways were the difference. O'Connell seems to be set to miss time, so Minshew could start against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8. He's difficult to trust against KC's elite defense, even in 2QB leagues.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (groin) was able to return to play in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams. He was only given three carries, which he took for 13 yards, and one catch, which he gained 14 yards on. It's likely that he was used minimally due to the injury he was recovering from. It's hard to draw conclusions based on a game like this. Even star players will sometimes see little to no work in their first game back from an injury absence. That said, he hasn't played well this season, and is best left on the bench in Week 8, when the Raiders face the Kansas City Chiefs and their elite run defense.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker hauled in three passes on eight targets for 37 yards and rushed one time for 11 yards in the team's loss to the Los Angeles Rams In week 7. He was mostly held in check despite being the top receiver option available for the team. All of Las Vegas' offense has been underperforming for most of the season save for tight end Brock Bowers. Moving forward, the second-year pro isn't an intriguing start option given the state of the offense. With wide receiver Davante Adams now on the Jets, Tucker is the WR2 for the team when Jakobi Meyers (ankle) returns to the lineup. The Raiders face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8. Tucker an appetizing start for that matchup.
From RotoBaller
The New York Jets defense struggled in Week 7, allowing 37 points and notching just one sack in a 37-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Jets were shredded by Russell Wilson in his first start of the season as they allowed the Steelers to rack up 409 yards of total offense in the blowout loss on Sunday night. Their lone sack came from Will McDonald IV, who notched his eighth sack of the season. The Jets will look to bounce back in Week 8 against the New England Patriots.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard caught all four of his targets for 58 yards in a 37-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7. Lazard finished third on the team in receiving yards in the lopsided loss, despite drawing only the four targets. Aaron Rodgers keyed in on his top two receivers in the contest, sending nine targets apiece toward Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams. The addition of Adams last week in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders is expected to hurt Lazard the most, although he scratched out a decent game on Sunday night. Expect Adams to be more of a thorn in Lazard's side as the former gets more comfortable with his new team. Treat Lazard as a low-end flex option heading into Week 8 against the New England Patriots.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin caught all four of his targets for seven yards and a touchdown in a 37-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7. Conklin did not rack up the yardage in this one but he salvaged his night with a one-yard touchdown grab in the second quarter of the contest on Sunday night. The veteran tight end has been a decent option as a fantasy tight end this season, catching 23 passes for 198 yards and one touchdown through seven games. He will be a TE2 in fantasy in Week 8 when the Jets take on the New England Patriots.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein missed his lone field-goal attempt but added an extra point in a 37-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7. Zuerlein has struggled of late as he has missed three field goals over the past two games and has made just eight of 13 through seven games this season. The Jets tried out other kickers last week in practice and could consider pursuing another option at the position again this week. Zuerlein will hope to remain the team's kicker heading into a Week 8 matchup against the New England Patriots.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets running back Braelon Allen carried the ball two times for four yards and added a two-yard catch in a 37-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7. Allen has seen his workload decrease dramatically since Todd Downing took over play-calling duties from Nathaniel Hackett two weeks ago. Since the reshuffling on the coaching staff, Allen has just five carries for 12 yards. Allen remains a quality handcuff option in fantasy leagues but he should not be in starting lineups moving forward. The Jets will take on the New England Patriots in Week 8.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson caught six of his nine targets for 61 yards in a 37-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7. Wilson and Davante Adams wound up both drawing nine targets in their first game together since the Jets acquired the latter in the trade from the Las Vegas Raiders last week. For fantasy managers with Wilson on their rosters, it was encouraging to see as there were some concerns the addition of Adams would cut into Wilson's production. Wilson now has 46 catches for 460 yards and three touchdowns through seven games this season. He will take on the New England Patriots in Week 8 in a rematch from Week 3 when he caught five passes for 33 yards and a touchdown.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams caught three of his nine targets for 30 yards in a 37-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7. Making his debut with the Jets after they acquired him from the Las Vegas Raiders last week, Adams tied for the team lead in targets but was unable to get on the same page as Aaron Rodgers for much of the night. Adams should produce more in the coming weeks as he has more time to acclimate with his new team. Treat him as a WR2 heading into a Week 8 matchup against the New England Patriots.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 24 of his 39 passes for 276 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in a 37-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7. Rodgers has uncharacteristically struggled to take care of the ball of late, throwing six interceptions over his past three games. The veteran quarterback threw his lone touchdown to Tyler Conklin in the lopsided loss to Pittsburgh on Sunday night. Rodgers has now thrown for 1,663 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions through seven games this season. Settled in as a QB2 in fantasy moving forward, Rodgers will take on the New England Patriots on the road in Week 8. He threw for 281 yards and two touchdowns back when these two teams met in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets running back Breece Hall carried the ball 12 times for 38 yards and a touchdown while adding six catches for 103 yards in a 37-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7. For the second consecutive week, Hall dominated the backfield touches as Braelon Allen saw just two carries in the lopsided loss to the Steelers. Hall showed his skills in the passing game on Sunday night as he wound up leading the Jets in receiving. The veteran running back is putting together a solid season, rushing for 348 yards and adding 32 catches for 307 yards and four all-purpose touchdowns through seven games. Hall will be an RB1 in fantasy when the Jets take on the New England Patriots in Week 8. He ran for 54 yards and a touchdown back when these two teams met in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers CB Donte Jackson (shoulder) suffered a shoulder injury during the team's Week 7 win over the New York Jets and did not return.
From TheHuddle
New York Jets WR Davante Adams caught three of his nine targets for 30 yards in Week 7 versus the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Fantasy Spin: It was impossible to know what to expect in Adams' first game. On one hand, he was being reunited with good buddy Aaron Rodgers. On the other hand, he was less than a week removed from being traded to New York, had not played in nearly a month, was lined up opposite stud corner Joey Porter Jr. a lot and had to compete with Garrett Wilson for targets. Better days are likely ahead for Adams as a Jet, but it may take a bit of time for him to truly adapt to his new surroundings. Keep starting him in fantasy.
From TheHuddle
Pittsburgh Steelers DL Montravius Adams (knee) suffered a knee injury against the New York Jets on Sunday, Oct. 20, and did not return.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle was the focal point of a struggling 49ers offense during a 28-18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday at Levi's Stadium. Kittle grabbed six of seven targets for 92 yards -- the receptions and yards being game-highs. San Francisco had little choice but to lean on Kittle after falling to a 14-3 deficit, and seeing Deebo Samuel Sr. (illness) and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) head to the locker room. Kittle has now exceeded projections in five consecutive games, maintaining a stranglehold on the overall TE1 position in fantasy. If Aiyuk has suffered a serious injury as feared, fantasy managers can expect a similar target share for Kittle moving forward. Kittle will be a top play again on Sunday night when the 49ers host the Dallas Cowboys.
From RotoBaller
