Guest of the League
A.W.F.F.L. Est. 2004
FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

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.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 4

Player Notes
Chris Olave Sep 29 2:00am ET
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (hamstring) is anticipated to play versus Atlanta. The wideout is listed as questionable, with his official availability not expected until near opening kick. However, barring a setback, he should be good to get on the field in Week 4. Olave was relatively quiet during the first two contests of the season. Yet, he finished the Week 3 loss to the Eagles by catching all six targets for 86 yards and a touchdown. With that in mind, Olave is one of the best receivers in the National Football League. As such, he should be featured in all fantasy lineups despite a challenging matchup with the Falcons on the horizon. Olave's likely presence could also mean fewer targets for Rashid Shaheed, although he's at least a flex option after finding the end zone in two of the Saints' three games.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Sep 29 1:40am ET
Deebo Samuel

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) is expected to play in Sunday's showdown with the Patriots. Although the wideout was expected to be out longer, it appears he is ready to roll. While there is a chance he could see fewer snaps than usual, he remains a starting fantasy option in any format. On the other hand, Jauan Jennings, coming off a three-touchdown performance in Week 3, will now go from a must-start to a borderline flex option, especially with George Kittle (hamstring) also anticipated to suit up. Kittle and Samuel's impending returns could also mean Brandon Aiyuk may continue to struggle.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Sep 29 1:30am ET
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (hamstring) is expected to play on Sunday versus the Eagles. The rookie was limited in a few practices throughout the week while missing Thursday's session altogether. Fortunately, the Bucs should have him on the field, barring a setback. Despite Irving seeing considerably fewer snaps than Rachaad White (illness), who is also anticipated to suit up, he has been more productive on the ground. Still, both men are hard to trust, although White still has a higher fantasy ceiling. With that in mind, if the workload changes moving ahead, Irving's value could shift, meaning he's worth stashing for now.

From RotoBaller

Rachaad White Sep 29 1:20am ET
Rachaad White

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (illness) is expected to play against the Eagles. He had a case of food poisoning, resulting in his name being added to the Bucs' injury report. Fortunately, it appears he's feeling better. White has struggled throughout the first three games of the year, running for 66 yards off 31 carries and adding 12 catches for 98 yards. Even worse, he hasn't found the end zone. With that said, despite the added involvement of Bucky Irving (hamstring), who is also in line to play in Week 4, White remains a flex option versus Philly.

From RotoBaller

Gabriel Davis Sep 29 1:10am ET
Gabriel Davis

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder) is expected to be on the field for Sunday's showdown against the Houston Texans. It doesn't appear the shoulder injury will be enough to keep him out of the lineup for Week 4. However, the 25-year-old has only eight catches for 123 yards throughout the first three games of the 2024-25 campaign. But, he has at least logged more snaps than any of the other Jags' wideouts, so he has that going for him. Still, Davis is hard to trust from a fantasy standpoint, although he remains a flex option, especially with Evan Engram (hamstring) sidelined again.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Sep 29 1:10am ET
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) is expected to play in Sunday's matchup versus the Rams. He's missed the last two games because of a heel injury. Fortunately, it appears the issue is behind him. While Allen had just four receptions in the Week 1 win over the Titans, he was targeted 11 times. As such, he's a starting fantasy wideout in any format, with his presence likely resulting in fewer targets for Rome Odunze, who had a six-catch, 112-yard, one-touchdown outing in Week 3 against the Colts.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Sep 29 1:00am ET
Diontae Johnson

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (groin) is expected to suit up for Sunday's clash with the Cincinnati Bengals. The wideout currently carries a questionable designation heading into this one because of a groin injury. Fortunately, it appears the Panthers will have him on the field as the team searches for their second win of the season. Johnson was quiet through the first two contests of the 2024-25 campaign. However, with Andy Dalton under center for the Week 3 win over the Raiders, Johnson erupted by amassing eight catches (14 targets) for 122 yards and a touchdown. Keep him starting in all fantasy setups

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Sep 29 12:50am ET
Alvin Kamara

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hip, rib) "is planning to play" in Week 4 versus Atlanta. The 29-year-old didn't practice on Wednesday before logging limited sessions on Thursday and Friday. However, it appears he'll be good to go on Sunday. Kamara has had an excellent 2024-25 campaign thus far, totaling five touchdowns. As such, he's a must-start in all fantasy formats despite a challenging matchup on the horizon.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Sep 28 11:50pm ET
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce reeled in one of his two targets for 44 yards in the team's win over the Chicago Bears in Week 3. Pierce has surprisingly led the way for the Colts' receiver room, racking up 225 yards through the first three weeks. Pierce has been the most successful recipient of deep passes from QB Anthony Richardson and has caught a number of touchdowns in the process. It's unlikely he will retain this success in Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers defense. The Steelers have allowed the fifth-least passing yards and the fourth-least fantasy points to opposing WRs. Given his low target share and reliability on big plays for fantasy production, Pierce is not a strong start this week in most lineups. He is the WR63 in our staff's half-PPR Week 4 rankings.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Sep 28 10:40pm ET
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) has reported that he plans to play this Sunday when the team hosts the visiting Los Angeles Rams. This is excellent news for Caleb Williams and Chicago's offense. However, fantasy managers may want to demonstrate caution starting the veteran wideout upon his return. Los Angeles has been one of the easier matchups thus far for opposing passing attacks -- allowing the sixth-most yards (746) and second-most scores (7) through the air. Despite this, it is difficult to predict his role in the offense. During his last action in the team's 24-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans, Allen led the team in targets with 11 but was out-caught and out-gained by DJ Moore. Moore again led the team in receiving (yards, targets, and receptions) during Week 2 but took a back seat to rookie sensation Rome Odunze in Week 3 when he broke out with 112 yards and a score on six receptions -- tying for the team lead in targets with Cole Kmet (11). It may be best to take a wait-and-see approach with this trio for now, but if Williams attempts 50 passes a game, all three wideouts could have valuable outings.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Sep 28 10:30pm ET
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson completed ten of his 20 passes for 167 yards, two interceptions, and no touchdowns in the team's Week 3 win over the Bears. He also added 24 rushing yards on the ground. After an excellent fantasy performance in Week 1, Richardson has struggled to keep up the momentum over the last two games. His high rate of turnovers, low-volume passing, and diminishing rushing over the most recent stretch have hindered his fantasy output. This week may be no different as the Colts gear up to host the Steelers, one of the best defensive units in the league. The Steelers' defense has allowed the least fantasy points to opposing QBs this season, with an average of 8.1 points per game. They are also in the top five in passing yards, rushing yards, and total points allowed. Given his recent form, and likely one of the hardest matchups he'll face all season, managers in 1QB formats should consider keeping Richardson on the bench this week. He is currently the QB16 in our staff's Week 4 rankings.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Sep 28 10:20pm ET
Davante Adams

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) is now considered week to week after picking up an injury in the waning minutes of the team's Thursday practice, Adam Schefter reports. Well, that escalated quickly. The Raiders wasted no time ruling Adams out of their home tilt against the visiting Cleveland Browns this Sunday, but it now appears this injury could sideline him longer. Head coach Antonio Pierce contemplated a quarterback change this week and ultimately ruled against it, but he'll now be without his star wideout for at least one week. Hamstring injuries can linger, so fantasy managers will want to monitor the 31-year-old's status over the coming days. Teammate Jakobi Meyers will likely benefit the most from his absence, and rookie tight end Brock Bowers projects to be heavily involved. Meyers presents as a WR3 with upside ahead of the matchup against Cleveland, while Bowers -- who leads all tight ends in receptions (18) -- is in a smash spot. Second-year wide receiver Tre Tucker and former undrafted free agent DJ Turner will also be in line for an uptick in snaps.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Taylor Sep 28 10:00pm ET
Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts running back continued his hot start to the season in Week 3, running the ball 23 times for 110 yards and two touchdowns in the team's win. Taylor now gears up for a Week 4 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers have made for a tougher matchup to RBs this season, allowing the third least rushing yards per game at 71.3. On top of that, they've also allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs this season. Despite the tougher matchup, Taylor's volume makes him a worthwhile start in Week 4. Taylor has seen a 90.5% opportunity share, the fourth highest of all RBs, and 51 carries, the ninth most amongst RBs. While he will face a lower ceiling than in weeks past against Pittsburgh's defense, fantasy managers can confidently start Taylor given his high-end usage. He is currently the RB6 in our staff's half-PPR weekly rankings.

From RotoBaller

Devin White Sep 28 9:50pm ET
Devin White

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Devin White (personal) has been ruled out again by the team for their Week 4 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. White, who spent the first five seasons of his career in Tampa Bay after being selected fifth overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, was acquired by the Eagles this offseason. However, he has yet to appear in a game thus far in the 2024 season. The 26-year-old spent most of training camp as Philadelphia's starting middle linebacker but was eventually beaten out by Nakobe Dean for the job. He would miss Philly's season-opener with an ankle injury before being a healthy scratch against Atlanta and New Orleans. It'd be a surprise to see the former first-round pick not appear this season after a productive stint during his time as a Buccaneer, though it's difficult to project precisely when or if he'll return to the field.

From RotoBaller

Malik Washington Sep 28 9:40pm ET
Malik Washington

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington (quadriceps) is officially listed as questionable for the team's Week 4 home matchup against the Tennessee Titans on Monday Night Football. The rookie wideout has yet to make his NFL debut after suffering a quad injury earlier this month. However, after a week of limited practice, he may have a chance to do so this weekend. The sixth-round pick flashed his explosiveness during the preseason. He would be a nice boost to a Dolphins squad with just three receivers without injury designations on their active roster. If Washington can suit up, he could see a decent snap share rotating behind Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Braxton Berrios. Berrios would stand to cede most of the snaps. However, the 23-year-old is not a recommended option in an offense that has struggled over the past few weeks sans Tua Tagovailoa (concussion). Tyler Huntley will get the start on Monday, and the team projects to deploy a run-focused game plan.

From RotoBaller

Michael Pittman Jr. Sep 28 9:40pm ET
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. caught four of his targets for 36 yards in the team's Week 3 win against the Chicago Bears. Pittman has yet to live up to his ADP this season, with the Colts' struggles through the air being the main culprit. He now gears up for a Week 4 matchup when the Colts host the Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the best defensive units in the league thus far. On top of that, Pittman will likely see a ton of coverage from Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr., who has allowed an average of just 28 receiving yards to the WRs he's faced through the first three weeks. Pittman has slowly been climbing down the ranks after his first three performances of the season, and Sunday's matchup might be where fantasy managers look to finally put him on the bench. Pittman doesn't come into this matchup with an incredibly safe floor and carries huge bust potential, given the matchup. He is currently the WR38 in our staff's half-PPR rankings for Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Myles Garrett Sep 28 9:17pm ET
Myles Garrett

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (Achilles, foot, thigh) has been cleared to play in Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders and wasn't listed on the final injury report on Friday. It's clear that Garrett isn't 100 percent healthy and may not be at all the rest of the year, but he's going to play through his injuries for now. The All-Pro pass-rusher didn't practice on Wednesday, was limited on Thursday and was a full-go on Friday. The 28-year-old reportedly could eventually need surgery on his foot, but he'll be trying to put that off until the offseason. With a potential limited snap count, Garrett will be a more volatile IDP fantasy option. As long as he's on the field, though, he's worth starting in those fantasy formats, especially against a lackluster Raiders offense that will be missing their top receiver in Davante Adams (hamstring) in Week 4.

J.J. Taylor Sep 28 7:00pm ET
J.J. Taylor

Houston Texans running back J.J. Taylor has been elevated from the practice squad ahead of the Week 4 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. This is noteworthy because it probably means lead back Joe Mixon (ankle) is probably trending in the wrong direction ahead of Sunday's game. Taylor was elevated last week as well with Mixon on the sideline. He rushed the ball once for three yards on hauled in both his targets for two yards through the air. He should serve as the emergency back behind Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale, assuming Mixon is out. Fantasy managers who have Mixon rostered should go ahead and prepare a backup plan for Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Sterling Shepard Sep 28 6:50pm ET
Sterling Shepard

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard has been elevated from the practice squad ahead of the Week 4 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. The veteran wideout is back on the active roster for the second straight week. Shepard only played four snaps during last week's loss to the Denver Broncos. Possibly, Shepard sees more involvement this week with Jalen McMillan (hamstring) listed as doubtful for Sunday's game. However, fellow wideout Trey Palmer should all be in the mix for snaps as the third wideout, assuming McMillan sits. Shepard is looking more like a depth option than anything else, so he can be avoided in fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Pharaoh Brown Sep 28 6:40pm ET
Pharaoh Brown

Seattle Seahawks tight end Pharaoh Brown (foot) won't carry an injury designation into Monday's game against the Detroit Lions. Brown has been limited in practice all week due to a foot injury that cost him the first two games of the season. Brown figures to serve as the primary backup tight end to Noah Fant. He finished with one reception on two targets for nine yards during his season debut in Week 3. The Seahawks have a handful of viable options on offense, so Brown falls pretty far down on the pecking order. The 30-year-old can be avoided for fantasy purposes right now.

From RotoBaller