QB Strength of Schedule

Tue May 16 11:43am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Fields has favorable schedules


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. Cardinals 306.38
2. Rams 310.07
3. Steelers 311.41
4. Browns 317.33
5.. Giants 317.62
6. 49ers 318.15
7. Commanders 318.63
8. Seahawks 321.21
9. Ravens 321.91
10. Dolphins 322.79
11. Titans 323.06
12. Cowboys 323.75
13. Bengals 324.01
14. Patriots 324.76
15. Jets 324.87
16. Jaguars 324.89
17. Colts 326.57
18. Eagles 327.66
19. Bills 328.78
20. Chiefs 330.32
21. Texans 331.97
22. Lions 335.42
23. Vikings 336.23
24. Buccaneers 336.54
25. Raiders 338.15
26. Broncos 338.86
27. Falcons 340.01
28. Bears 342.46
29. Panthers 343.98
30. Saints 345.59
31. Chargers 346.54
32. Packers 350.83


The Packers have the most favorable fantasy quarterback schedule in the league this year, so that could bode well for Jordan Love as he takes over the starting duties in Green Bay. Justin Herbert and the Charges have the second easiest schedule for fantasy quarterbacks. This is great news for new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who already seems to be pass happy when calling plays. Maybe Herbert makes a run at top fantasy quarterback in the league this year. 

The Saints, Panthers and Bears round out the top five easiest schedules. Derek Carr could do well in year one in New Orleans. Rookie Bryce Young is likely to have some growing pains, but also could have some big games with this favorable schedule. And Justin Fields had his issues throwing the ball last year, but could take some more steps forward this year with some new receivers and a favorable schedule. Things are sure looking up for Fields. 

On the flipside, the Cardinals gets the toughest fantasy schedule for quarterbacks. Kyler Murray is already returning from a torn ACL and likely to miss some time. He also could move to a more balanced offense, so he has several strikes against him this year. He might be best served on a roster other than your own. 

The Rams, Steelers, Browns and Giants also get tough schedules for fantasy quarterbacks. Matthew Stafford is another quarterback with some question marks even without the tough schedule, so he is another player you might want to just avoid. Many think Deshaun Watson could get back to his old ways this year, but it might not be so easy with a tough fantasy schedule for quarterbacks. And lastly, Daniel Jones made huge strides last year, but gets a much tougher fantasy schedule this season. He could be a little more up and down despite taking big strides last year. 

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. Giants 294.86
2. Commanders 299.55
3. Rams 305.64
4. Chargers 310.39
5. Jets 310.46
6. Jaguars 313.73
7. Chiefs 314.00
8. Titans 315.40
9. Steelers 317.85
10. Cardinals 318.13
11. Browns 322.15
12. Saints 323.01
13. Eagles 323.15
14. Panthers 324.81
15. Buccaneers 324.81
16. 49ers 325.84
17. Dolphins 326.83
18. Colts 327.40
19. Patriots 327.48
20. Seahawks 329.15
21. Texans 332.49
22. Lions 336.23
23. Vikings 336.36
24. Ravens 336.60
25. Bills 339.35
26. Packers 341.80
27. Broncos 346.53
28. Bears 348.53
29. Cowboys 351.88
30. Falcons 352.74
31. Raiders 357.93
32. Bengals 364.06


The Bengals have the easiest fantasy playoff schedule for quarterbacks. This makes Joe Burrow even more intriguing this year. He could be a difference maker in the playoffs. The Raiders, Falcons, Cowboys and Bears also have good schedules. Fields is a little more intriguing, making both regular season and playoff lists for easiest schedules. And Dak Prescott is a big name on the playoff list, so he is another player to consider in those big money games. He could finish strong. 

Jones makes both lists, which is a concern. He has the toughest fantasy playoff schedule for quarterbacks. This makes taking him as your No. 1 quarterback a little more difficult come draft day. The Commanders, Rams, Chargers and Jets round out the top five for toughest fantasy playoff schedule. It is intriguing to see the Chargers on the list after having one of the easiest fantasy season regular schedules for quarterback. It is tough to bet against Herbert, though, so he might be worth the high pick despite some tougher matchups in the playoffs. 

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, Sleepers: Week 12

Player Notes
Chase McLaughlin Nov 22 9:10pm CT
Chase McLaughlin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin nailed both of his short field goal attempts and two extra points in a Week 11 loss to the Buffalo Bills. McLaughlin has been money again for the Bucs in his third season with the team, making 20 of 24 attempts and 20 of 21 extra points. The 29-year-old has arguably been the best kicker in the league from deep range, making all eight attempts from 50 yards or more and owning the second-longest kick of the season at 65 yards back in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles. McLaughlin ranks as the No. 6 overall kicker in fantasy points scored this season and is a strong option in a dome on Sunday Night Football against the Los Angeles Rams. He is RotoBaller's 11th-ranked kicker for Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Cam Little Nov 22 8:40pm CT
Cam Little

Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little didn't attempt a field goal for the first time this season in last week's 35-6 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, but nailed all five extra points. Little has been a solid kicker option this season for fantasy managers, making 16 of 20 attempts and 24 of 25 extra points, ranking as the No. 15 kicker in total fantasy points. His 80% field goal percentage is just below the league average of 84.5%. The 22-year-old has one of the strongest legs in the league, as displayed by his 70-yard kick in the preseason, and he made history in Week 9 against the Raiders with the longest kick of all time at 68 yards. Little is RotoBaller's seventh-ranked kicker for Week 12 against the Arizona Cardinals.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aubrey Nov 22 8:30pm CT
Brandon Aubrey

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey has only attempted three field goals in the past three games, which has limited his scoring for fantasy, but he is still one of the few must-start kicker options every week. Aubrey ranks as the No. 4 overall kicker in points scored this season, making 18 of 19 attempts and 32 of 33 extra points. The 30-year-old made the third-longest kick of the season at 64 yards back in Week 4 and is one of only six kickers in the league to make a kick of 60 yards or more. Aubrey is a must-start option in Week 12 against the Philadelphia Eagles, who he had 11 fantasy points against back in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Nov 22 8:20pm CT
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (toe) is trending toward playing on Thanksgiving night against the Baltimore Ravens, per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. Burrow and the Bengals reportedly met every day this week regarding his health and then decided on Friday to wait another week to give Joe Flacco enough practice reps with the starters. The 28-year-old pushed to play and didn't have any setbacks in practice this week, but the team's quick turnaround on Thursday night in Week 13 was a key part of the decision to hold him out. Burrow has been sidelined since Week 2 after undergoing surgery to repair his Grade 3 turf toe and looks set to return for a big divisional matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving night. Flacco will have one more run as the Bengals starter and will rank as a high-end QB2 in a potential shootout against the Patriots on Sunday.

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Brandin Cooks Nov 22 7:13pm CT
Brandin Cooks

New Orleans Saints WR Brandin Cooks was officially waived Saturday, Nov. 22.

From TheHuddle

Matthew Golden Nov 22 7:10pm CT
Matthew Golden

Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden (shoulder, wrist) is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Golden was able to return in Week 11 after missing the previous week due to a shoulder injury, but he had his lowest snap share of the season (34.5%) and caught just one of three targets for 24 yards. The rookie first-rounder hasn't been a priority for head coach Matt LaFleur to get involved, even with the team dealing with multiple significant injuries to pass catchers in Tucker Kraft (knee) and Jayden Reed (collarbone, foot). It's still unclear if Golden will be able to suit up in Week 12, but he'd be a risky start in 12-team leagues because of the lack of consistent usage.

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Xavier Worthy Nov 22 7:00pm CT
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's showdown against the Indianapolis Colts, but is trending in the right direction. Worthy opened the practice week as a DNP on Wednesday, but was upgraded to a full participant on Friday, an encouraging sign for his chances to suit up. It's been an underwhelming second season for the 2024 first-round pick, recording 27 catches for 281 yards and a touchdown on 45 targets in eight games. The 22-year-old unfortunately suffered a dislocated shoulder in the first game of the season, which caused him to miss two games and has likely impacted his performance to an extent. And he's recently been dealing with an ankle injury. Worthy has had back-to-back games with only three catches for a combined 47 yards, but will look to break out in Week 12 against a Colts defense that will likely play a heavy amount of man coverage with Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward (concussion) back from injured reserve. Worthy ranks as RotoBaller's WR34 in PPR leagues.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Nov 22 6:40pm CT
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (glute) popped up on the injury report on Friday, but head coach Mike Macdonald described it as precautionary and said that he is "fine to play" Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. Walker had one of his best games of the season in Week 11 against the Rams, handling 16 carries for 67 yards and a touchdown to go along with three receptions (three targets) for 44 yards. That marked his most receiving yards in a game this season, and the three targets were his most since Week 1. The 25-year-old also found the end zone for the first time since Week 3 when he scored twice with Zach Charbonnet inactive due to injury. Otherwise, Walker has been vultured time after time down near the goal line this season, but things have shifted more in Walker's favor recently. Macdonald said earlier in the week that Walker will see his opportunities increase moving forward, and he gets a great matchup in Week 12 against a Titans defense that has allowed the fifth most PPR points per game to opposing running backs.

From RotoBaller

Tetairoa McMillan Nov 22 6:30pm CT
Tetairoa McMillan

Tetairoa McMillan delivered his best performance of the season in the Panthers' 30-27 triumph over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 11. The rookie WR totaled 130 receiving yards on eight receptions and caught two touchdown passes. He finished with 33 PPR fantasy points. In one game, McMillan doubled his TD total for the season. It was the first time this season that McMillan surpassed 30 PPR Fantasy Points, and he placed as the overall fantasy WR2. In Week 12, Carolina will go against the San Francisco 49ers, who rank 28th in the league in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to WRs in 2025. Last week, the 49ers gave up 452 yards, the most of all teams. With a plus matchup lining up for McMillan, he remains a must-start in all formats this week.

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Xavier Legette Nov 22 6:30pm CT
Xavier Legette

Last week, Xavier Legette delivered his best fantasy outing since Week 7. The second-year WR caught four passes for 83 yards and a touchdown. He finished with 18.3 PPR fantasy points. It was only the second time in 2025 that Legette registered more than 15 PPR points. However, he also injured his hip during the fourth quarter. He was a full participant in all practices for Week 12 and is not on the injury report for Monday's game against the 49ers. The Niners have surrendered 36.6 Fantasy Points Per Game to opposing WRs this season, which ranks 28th of all teams. Legette has been targeted more than five times just twice since Week 7. Inconsistent volume throughout the year, despite a favorable matchup, makes Legette an unreliable option in deeper fantasy leagues for Week 12.

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Jalen Coker Nov 22 6:30pm CT
Jalen Coker

Jalen Coker caught all four of his targets for 52 total yards and finished with 11.2 PPR points in Week 11. It was the first time this season that Coker registered double-digit PPR fantasy points. Carolina is facing the San Francisco 49ers in Week 12. They rank 28th in Fantasy Points Per Game Allowed to WRs this year. Although Coker has a great fantasy matchup, he simply doesn't produce enough to take advantage of the draw. He is behind Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette on the depth chart and has yet to be targeted more than four times in a single game. Coker has not caught a TD pass or reached 55 receiving yards in five games played this year.

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Josh Jacobs Nov 22 6:30pm CT
Josh Jacobs

The Green Bay Packers plan to work out running back Josh Jacobs (knee) during pre-game warmups before deciding if he will suit up against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, per Adam Schefter of ESPN. Jacobs practiced in a limited capacity on Thursday and Friday after missing Wednesday's practice, and his status is considered truly up in the air. The 27-year-old's knee is structurally sound, but it is supposedly still tender from last week. Jacobs is pushing to play; however, the Packers will also have a quick turnaround in Week 13 against the Lions on Thanksgiving. His pre-game warmup will be an important one to monitor on Sunday morning for fantasy managers with Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson, who would be a must-start if Jacobs can't go.

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Ja'Tavion Sanders Nov 22 6:30pm CT
Ja'Tavion Sanders

Ja'Tavion Sanders logged another mediocre fantasy performance in Week 11. The Carolina TE had four receptions for 22 yards and totaled 6.2 PPR points. Week 12 brings a solid fantasy matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, who rank 25th in Fantasy Points Per Game Allowed to TEs this year. However, Sanders just doesn't produce enough to take advantage of the matchup. He should not be rostered in most fantasy leagues, even as a backup. In 24 games played over the first two seasons of his NFL career, Sanders has caught one TD pass. That sort of TD total just isn't acceptable for a fantasy TE.

From RotoBaller

Tommy Tremble Nov 22 6:30pm CT
Tommy Tremble

Tommy Tremble had little involvement in the passing game in Week 11, but he made a game-changing impact on one singular play. During overtime, Tremble had his only reception for 54 yards. The catch set up the game-winning field goal against the Falcons. Outside of the one big play, Tremble was mainly utilized as a blocker. For the third straight week, Tremble logged the most snaps of any Carolina TE, at 58%. In Week 12, the Panthers will face the San Francisco 49ers, who rank 25th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to TEs this season (15.39). Although this is a favorable matchup for TEs, Tremble has not shown he can take advantage of it. Tremble has been targeted more than twice by Carolina QBs this season. He is off the fantasy radar in most leagues, regardless of scoring format.

From RotoBaller

Bryce Young Nov 22 6:20pm CT
Bryce Young

Bryce Young is coming off the best performance of his NFL career. In Week 11, Young finished with three passing touchdowns, no interceptions, and set a new Panthers single-game franchise record with 448 passing yards. He was also the fantasy QB2 for the week and earned a season-high 31.8 fantasy points. Carolina faces the San Francisco 49ers in Week 12. The Niners' defense continues to be riddled with injuries. San Francisco ranks 24th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to QBs and has surrendered the second-most passing yards (2,817) in the league this season. Last week, Arizona QB Jacoby Brissett completed 47 passes for 452 yards and two TDs against the Niners. Fantasy players looking for a streaming option in deeper leagues should consider Young. He may produce quality fantasy totals for Week 12 even if he doesn't quite approach last week's numbers.

From RotoBaller

Rico Dowdle Nov 22 6:20pm CT
Rico Dowdle

In Week 11, Rico Dowdle totaled 100 scrimmage yards, with 45 on the ground and 55 in the air. He finished with 15 PPR points. Carolina's opponent for Week 12 is the San Francisco 49ers, who rank 18th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to RBs this season. San Francisco's injury-riddled defense ranks 21st in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to RBs over the past four weeks. Dowdle remains a must-start in all formats, especially as he provides a solid fantasy floor in any matchup. The 6-5 Panthers might stick close to San Francisco, so Dowdle should get enough work as a runner.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Nov 22 6:20pm CT
Aaron Rodgers

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) is officially listed as questionable for Week 12 against the Chicago Bears. The 41-year-old suffered a small fracture in his left wrist during Pittsburgh's Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, and his status for Week 12 against the Bears was in serious doubt at the beginning of the week. Rodgers opened the week with a DNP on Wednesday, but was upgraded to a limited participant on both Thursday and Friday, which will give him a shot to suit up on Sunday. The former Green Bay Packer has been solid overall in his first season in Pittsburgh, completing 66.4% of his passes for 1,969 yards, 19 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. If Rodgers can play Sunday, it would mark his 30th career game against the Bears. He'd profile as a QB2 with how banged up the Bears are defensively. If he can't go, Mason Rudolph would be in line to make his first start of the season.

From RotoBaller

Chuba Hubbard Nov 22 6:20pm CT
Chuba Hubbard

Last week, Chuba Hubbard played on 19% of the snaps, logged 21 rushing yards on four carries, and caught one pass for seven yards as he continued to operate as a backup RB. Since his return from a calf injury in Week 7, Hubbard has registered 117 rushing yards and is averaging 5.0 PPR Fantasy Points Per Game. The fifth-year RB should only be rostered as a handcuff for Rico Dowdle. He will only be a fantasy asset if Dowdle misses time. At this point of the season, if you roster Hubbard and not Dowdle, you can simply cut the Panthers' backup RB.

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Jakobi Meyers Nov 22 6:00pm CT
Jakobi Meyers

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jakobi Meyers should once again have an increased role in the passing game this weekend. Fellow wideout Brian Thomas Jr. (ankle) has been ruled out for the third straight week. Last week, Meyers hauled in five of his six targets for 64 yards in the win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The assumption is that his role will continue to grow as he keeps learning the playbook. Meyers should be able to at least give fantasy managers WR3 value for this upcoming matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.

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Jaylen Warren Nov 22 6:00pm CT
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears. Warren was on the injury report with an ankle injury this week, but managed to avoid an injury designation after practicing in full on Friday. Warren should resume his role as the lead back heading into this Week 12 contest. Kenneth Gainwell has been more involved recently, but fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried. Warren continues to be productive and should be a fine RB2 for this upcoming Week 12 matchup.

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