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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The Paur Report

Five Fantasy Takeaways: Week 12

Player Notes
Bhayshul Tuten Nov 24 9:00pm CT
Bhayshul Tuten

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten was unable to find much success in the running game during Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals. Tuten rushed the ball seven times for 17 yards in the overtime victory. It's worth noting that Tuten did carry an ankle injury into this game, so possibly that impacted his performance on the field. In Week 11, Tuten rushed for 74 yards with a touchdown in the win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The rookie back remains the backup, but should continue seeing nearly double digit carries per week. His struggles this week could make fantasy managers hesitant, but he does head into a plus matchup against the Tennessee Titans in Week 13.

From RotoBaller

KaVontae Turpin Nov 24 8:50pm CT
KaVontae Turpin

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver KaVontae Turpin (shoulder, illness) was listed as a non-participant during Monday's practice session. Turpin played his highest snap count since Week 4 during Sunday's win over the Philadelphia Eagles. It appears the 29-year-old picked up a pair of issues along the way. He'll get a few more days to get healthy before Thursday's Thanksgiving matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The absence of Turpin could mean more playing time for Jalen Tolbert, who was a healthy scratch this past weekend.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Hamilton Nov 24 8:50pm CT
Kyle Hamilton

Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (ankle) has a chance at suiting up against the Cincinnati Bengals during Thursday's Thanksgiving matchup. Hamilton was already playing through a shoulder issue, but suffered an ankle injury during Sunday's win over the New York Jets. Despite the pair of injuries, Hamilton does have a chance at playing on this short week. His absence would be a tough blow to this defense in what could already be a high-scoring affair between these two squads. Hamilton sat out during Monday's estimated practice, but has a few more chances to get ready to play.

From RotoBaller

Dillon Gabriel Nov 24 8:40pm CT
Dillon Gabriel

Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel will serve as the backup option for the upcoming Week 13 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Gabriel sat out of Sunday's game versus the Las Vegas Raiders due to a concussion. On Monday, Gabriel cleared concussion protocol, but was named the backup for at least one game. Shedeur Sanders played well in his absence and will draw at least one more start for the Browns. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said he won't name a starter past this week, so Gabriel could take over again if Sanders struggles.

From RotoBaller

Rashod Bateman Nov 24 8:30pm CT
Rashod Bateman

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (ankle) was listed as a limited participant during Monday's estimated practice. Bateman didn't practice at all last week and sat out Sunday's game against the New York Jets. Now, Bateman appears to be in danger of missing his third straight game due to this lingering ankle injury. He'll get two more chances to practice ahead of Thursday's Thanksgiving matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. If he remains out, Zay Flowers, DeAndre Hopkins, and Tylan Wallace would continue to see more chances.

From RotoBaller

Brock Wright Nov 24 8:20pm CT
Brock Wright

Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (neck) was listed as a non-participant during Monday's estimated practice. Wright played nearly 90 percent of the offensive snaps on Sunday, but appears to have picked up a neck injury along the way. His status is now uncertain heading into a short week with a matchup against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving. The Lions are already without Sam LaPorta (back), so losing Wright would really put them in a bad spot. The 26-year-old hauled in three of his four targets for 29 yards during Sunday's win over the New York Giants. Fantasy managers will need to check back for another update on his status.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Nov 24 8:10pm CT
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon did not give an update on wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.'s (appendix) status for Week 13 on Monday, according to Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic. "When he's physically and mentally healthy to play, he'll play," Gannon said. Harrison has missed the last two games after undergoing an appendectomy. In the 23-year-old's absence, Michael Wilson has suddenly turned into Ja'Marr Chase, catching 25 of his 33 targets for 303 receiving yards. Greg Dortch has also seen a big uptick in production, catching 12 of his 15 targets for 119 yards and two touchdowns. As of right now, it seems as though Harrison will be in line to miss a third straight game this Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If Harrison is out again, Wilson will be a must-start in all fantasy formats because of his major role upgrade.

From RotoBaller

Michael Wilson Nov 24 8:00pm CT
Michael Wilson

The Arizona Cardinals could tweak their offense to make wide receiver Michael Wilson the WR1, even when Marvin Harrison Jr. (appendix) returns, according to Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic. "Yeah. Throw it to the guys that are making plays for you. Absolutely," head coach Jonathan Gannon said when asked if Wilson could stay more involved when Harrison is back. In the two games that Harrison has missed due to an appendectomy, Wilson has gone off, catching 25 of 33 targets for 303 receiving yards. The sudden uptick in workload has made him a must-roster and must-start player in fantasy football as quarterback Jacoby Brissett continues to latch onto him as his top target. Wilson's target share will inevitably drop when Harrison returns, but it might not end up being all that big of a drop. Even if Harrison returns in Week 13 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wilson should at least be in play as a WR3/flex for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Nov 24 7:50pm CT
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) is eligible to come off Injured Reserve in Week 14 against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, according to Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic. "He's working hard to get healthy. That's what he's doing right now. He's in every meeting, and he's engaged. He's rehabbing a boatload of time in there," head coach Jonathan Gannon said on Monday. Murray has been sidelined since suffering a mid-foot sprain in the Week 5 loss to the Tennessee Titans. It was reported earlier this month that Murray will be the backup QB when he's ready to come off IR, as veteran Jacoby Brissett has given the Cardinals' passing offense a spark since Murray went down with an injury. Another disappointing and injury-plagued season for Murray has put his long-term future in doubt in Arizona.

From RotoBaller

George Pickens Nov 24 7:30pm CT
George Pickens

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (calf, knee) was listed as a limited participant on Monday on the team's estimated injury report, according to The Athletic's Jon Machota. According to head coach Brian Schottenheimer, Pickens is dealing with a sore shin after Sunday's comeback victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. The 24-year-old is also listed with calf and knee injuries, so fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on his status going into Thursday's matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving Day. The expectation is that Pickens will be ready to roll in Week 13, where he should once again be heavily targeted in the passing game. Pickens leads Dallas in catches (67), targets (92), receiving yards (1,054), and touchdowns (eight) in his first year with the team. If active on Thursday, Pickens is a must-start in fantasy despite the tough matchup.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Nov 24 7:20pm CT
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (ankle) remains on the team's injury report and was listed as limited on Monday on the estimated practice report, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. Worthy has been managing an ankle injury for the last several weeks, but he hasn't missed any time and should be fine to suit up on Thanksgiving on Thursday for a matchup on the road against the Dallas Cowboys. The 22-year-old second-year pass-catcher played 77% of the offensive snaps in Sunday's overtime win over the Indianapolis Colts to finish with four catches on eight targets for 59 yards. The 59 receiving yards were the most for Worthy since Sept. 28 against the Ravens, when he had a season-high 83 yards. Worthy has left a lot to be desired for his fantasy managers in 2025, and his upside has been limited ever since Rashee Rice returned from his suspension. The matchup against Dallas is a nice one in Week 13, but Worthy has become a low-ceiling WR4/flex in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Nov 24 7:10pm CT
Rashee Rice

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the Kansas City Chiefs listed wide receiver Rashee Rice (hamstring) as limited on Monday on their estimated injury report with a hamstring issue. Rice is a little banged up coming out of Sunday's overtime win against the Indianapolis Colts, making his status for Thursday's Thanksgiving Day game against the Dallas Cowboys worth monitoring. The 25-year-old was heavily involved in KC's game plan in Week 12, catching eight of his 12 targets for a season-high 141 yards, although he was unable to find paydirt. Xavier Worthy (ankle) was also listed as limited, but we expect both pass-catchers to be active in Dallas this week. As long as Rice is active in Week 13, he should be considered a must-start in fantasy lineups, especially against a porous Dallas secondary. Rice scored three touchdowns in his first two games, but he is now on a three-game touchdown drought. If active, Rice could feast on Thursday.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Nov 24 7:10pm CT
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (knee) was listed as a full participant on Monday on the team's estimated injury report, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Pacheco was listed as a full participant last Wednesday as well, before being limited on Thursday and Friday. The 26-year-old was then ruled inactive for the third straight game in Sunday's overtime win over the Indianapolis Colts. One would think that Pacheco is on his way to being active in Week 13 on Thursday against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day, but he might need another full practice to be cleared. Pacheco has missed the team's last three games and figures to have a secondary role alongside Kareem Hunt and rookie Brashard Smith if he's active in Week 13, making him a low-upside, touchdown-dependent RB3/flex for fantasy managers. Hunt had 30 carries on Sunday and went over 100 yards rushing with a TD against Indy.

From RotoBaller

TreVeyon Henderson Nov 24 7:08pm CT
TreVeyon Henderson

Dynasty | Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson had 66 rushing yards, three catches, and 15 receiving yards in a win against the Bengals. Dynasty Analysis: He didn't score and that was disappointing. However, the real story here is the fact he had 18 carries and Rhamondre Stevenson only had six upon his return. In short, Henderson looks to have taken over the Patriots backfield and that's huge news for the stretch run. With Drake Maye and New England playing so well (10-2), it's fair to say Henderson could be a league winner this year. If you bought low, congratulations. If you didn't, it's too late.

Jahmyr Gibbs Nov 24 7:07pm CT
Jahmyr Gibbs

Dynasty | Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs had 219 rushing yards, 11 catches, 45 receiving yards, and three total touchdowns in a win over the Giants. Dynasty Analysis: There are few running backs in the league who rip off runs of 15 yards on a weekly basis. Gibbs AVERAGED as much this week as his 14.6 yards per carry average, well, carried him to one of the biggest fantasy football performances in recent memory. A one-man wrecking crew of a runner, Gibbs remains a top dynasty asset and at least gained some ground on Jonathan Taylor to be this year's MVP.

Wan'Dale Robinson Nov 24 7:07pm CT
Wan'Dale Robinson

Dynasty | Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson had nine catches for 156 yards and a touchdown in a loss to the Lions. Dynasty Analysis: The Giants have been bad this year (2-10) but Robinson continues to have a breakout year after the unfortunate season-ending injury to Malik Nabers. Now with 66 catches for 794 yards and three touchdowns, he has a legitimate chance to post more than 1,200 yards and get close to his career high of 93 catches from last season. Making the most of his contract year, his ADP and ranking continue to rise as it looks like he's poised to cash in this off-season. He's a sneaky good buy at the moment.

Patrick Mahomes Nov 24 6:53pm CT
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs TE Noah Gray (concussion) and OG Trey Smith (ankle) did not participate in practice Monday, Nov. 24. LB Leo Chenal (knee), WR Rashee Rice (hamstring) and WR Xavier Worthy (ankle) were limited during practice. DE George Karlaftis (thumb), QB Patrick Mahomes (thumb), RB Isiah Pacheco (knee), CB Christian Roland-Wallace (back) and OT Jawaan Taylor (knee) fully participated in practice. The Chiefs only held a walkthrough Monday, so the report is an estimation.

From TheHuddle

Patrick Mahomes Nov 24 6:43pm CT
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes (groin) fully participated in practice Monday, Nov. 24. The Chiefs only held a walkthrough Monday, so this is an estimation.

Fantasy Spin: Mahomes seems to be dealing with a minor injury and should be available for the Week 13 game. He recorded his second 300-yard game of the season last week but has only one touchdown and three interceptions in his last three games. He can be considered a low-end No. 1 quarterback in most leagues.

From TheHuddle

Jadeveon Clowney Nov 24 6:23pm CT
Jadeveon Clowney

Dallas Cowboys OT Tyler Guyton (ankle), DT Osa Odighizuwa (elbow), WR George Pickens (calf, knee) and WR KaVontae Turpin (illness, shoulder) did not participate in practice Monday, Nov. 24. DE Jadeveon Clowney (neck), DE Dante Fowler (shoulder), S Malik Hooker (thigh, toe) and S Donovan Wilson (neck) were limited during practice. CB DaRon Bland (wrist), DE James Houston (knee, wrist), FB Hunter Luepke (hip), OG Tyler Smith (knee) and DT Solomon Thomas (calf) fully participated in practice. The Cowboys only held a walkthrough Monday, so the report is an estimation.

From TheHuddle

Joe Flacco Nov 24 5:53pm CT
Joe Flacco

Cincinnati Bengals RB Tahj Brooks (concussion), DE Trey Hendrickson (hip, pelvis), WR Tee Higgins (concussion) and CB Marco Wilson (hamstring) did not participate in practice Monday, Nov. 24. QB Joe Flacco (finger, shoulder) and DE Cameron Sample (oblique) were limited during practice. S Daijahn Anthony (hamstring), QB Joe Burrow (toe) and RB Samaje Perine (ankle) fully participated in practice. The Bengals did not hold a practice Monday, so this is an estimation.

From TheHuddle