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
Travis Etienne Nov 22 2:50pm CT
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (shoulder) was cleared from Friday's final injury report and will be active in Week 12 against the Arizona Cardinals. Etienne was a limited participant in practice this week due to a shoulder injury. The 26-year-old has been a borderline RB1 over the previous three weeks, scoring three touchdowns and getting over 16 carries a game during that stretch. Etienne is RotoBaller's 13th-ranked running back in Week 12 against a middle-of-the-pack Cardinals run defense. The Cardinals gave up 95 rushing yards and surrendered two rushing touchdowns last week to the San Francisco 49ers. Etienne will also have to split carries with rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten, who had a career high of 15 carries last week. To this point, Etienne has been able to fend off Tuten and be the RB1 in the Jaguars' backfield and will be a reliable high-end RB2 against a non-threatening Cardinals run defense.

From RotoBaller

Bhayshul Tuten Nov 22 2:20pm CT
Bhayshul Tuten

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten (ankle) was listed as limited in practice every day this week, but was cleared from the injury report and will play in Week 12 against the Arizona Cardinals. Tuten finally had his breakout game of the season in Week 11 against the Chargers, handling 15 carries for 74 yards and a touchdown in the win. He injured his ankle during the game, which forced him to exit early, but it doesn't seem to be an issue. The rookie fourth-rounder played a season high 42.9% of the snaps and out-carried fellow running back Travis Etienne Jr. 15 to 12 before leaving. The dynamic rookie's role should continue to expand in the coming weeks as he has looked great in his opportunities. Etienne followed a similar pattern to Tuten this week in practice as he was limited with a shoulder injury, but heads into Sunday without an injury designation. Etienne should still serve as the RB1, but Tuten has earned more work, and it could wind up being close to a 50-50 split on Sunday in Arizona. Tuten ranks as RotoBaller's RB30 in PPR formats for Week 12.

From RotoBaller

George Pickens Nov 22 2:10pm CT
George Pickens

Despite being benched for the opening series after missing curfew, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens recorded nine catches for 144 yards and a touchdown on 11 targets in Week 11 against the Las Vegas Raiders. The 24-year-old is having a breakout season, as he's hauled in 58 receptions for 908 yards and seven scores on 83 targets across his first 10 games of 2025. Pickens and the Cowboys have a difficult matchup in Week 12 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Through 11 weeks, the Eagles are tied with the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs for the fewest passing touchdowns allowed (nine) in the NFL. Philadelphia held Pickens to just three catches for 30 yards on four targets in his first matchup against them this season in Week 1. However, Pickens has been surging of late and has earned at least nine targets in four out of his last five games played. Despite the tough matchup, he profiles as a high-end fantasy WR2 in Week 12 against the Eagles.

From RotoBaller

Chad Ryland Nov 22 2:00pm CT
Chad Ryland

Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland has had back-to-back games under five fantasy points for the first time this season. The 26-year-old went one for two with making an extra point attempt during Week 11's matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, making a field goal within the 30 and missing his first field goal on the year from 50-plus yards out. Ryland and the Cardinals will face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 12, and they have allowed the 10th most passing yards this season. The Cardinals should be able to move the ball through the air to get Ryland into field goal range quite consistently. Fantasy managers can insert Ryland into lineups as a viable streaming option in Week 12.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Nov 22 2:00pm CT
CeeDee Lamb

Across seven games in 2025, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has recorded 40 catches for 557 yards and two touchdowns on 61 targets. Even with fellow Dallas wideout George Pickens in the midst of a breakout season, Lamb has earned double-digit targets in four out of the six games where he has played all four quarters. In Week 12, Lamb gets a difficult matchup when the Cowboys host the Philadelphia Eagles. For the season, the Eagles are tied with the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs for the fewest passing touchdowns allowed (nine). Philadelphia has also played some of its best defense of late, holding the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions to a combined 16 points over the last two weeks. Still, in his first matchup of the season against the Eagles in Week 1, Lamb recorded seven catches for 110 yards on 13 targets and could have had an even bigger game if not for a couple of uncharacteristic drops. He remains a clear must-start fantasy wide receiver in Week 12 against his division rival.

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Trevor Lawrence Nov 22 2:00pm CT
Trevor Lawrence

The Jacksonville Jaguars have limited quarterback Trevor Lawrence's pass volume over the past two weeks. Lawrence attempted 23 passes in Jacksonville's Week 10 loss to the Texans, then 22 in last week's win over the Chargers. He's thrown a touchdown and an interception in both games, while making an impact on the ground, scoring his fifth rushing touchdown of the season against the Chargers. From Weeks 1 through 9, the Jaguars leaned slightly more pass-heavy, ranking ninth in pass rate over expectation (+4%). In the past two weeks, they've dropped to 23rd with a -4.2% pass rate over expectation, per Fantasy Points Data Suite. The Jaguars have started to rely more on their dynamic running back duo of Travis Etienne Jr. and rookie Bhayshul Tuten, which may limit Lawrence's fantasy upside. However, he draws a matchup in Week 12 against an Arizona Cardinals defense that just allowed 41 points to Brock Purdy and the 49ers last week. Lawrence ranks as RotoBaller's QB16 for Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Javonte Williams Nov 22 1:50pm CT
Javonte Williams

Across 10 games this season, Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams has recorded 809 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 161 carries. The 25-year-old has dominated backfield touches in Dallas all year long and should continue to do so even after the Cowboys signed running back Malik Davis to the active roster on Saturday. Dallas has a difficult matchup in Week 12 against the Philadelphia Eagles, who have not allowed an opposing offense to score 10 points since Week 8. Still, Philadelphia's biggest strength is against the pass, as they rank 18th in yards per carry allowed (4.3) and 21st in rushing touchdowns allowed (11) among NFL defenses. In his first matchup of the season against the Eagles in Week 1, Williams recorded 64 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 17 touches. He profiles as a must-start fantasy running back in Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Pitts Nov 22 1:50pm CT
Kyle Pitts

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. had a quiet Week 11 with three targetsand two catches for 38 yards, but could be in line for more work in Week 12 against the Saints. Averagingover six targets, four catches, and 43 yards per game in 2025, the 25-year-old could see a couple more looks with teammate Drake London (knee) ruled out. In Week 8, when London was also absent due to injury, the 6-foot-6 tight end garnered a team-leading nine targets, catching all nine for 59 yards. Kirk Cousins was under center for that game, and will be again in Week 12 with Michael Penix Jr. (knee) out for the rest ofthe season. Pitts was veryvolatilelast season with Cousins as the signal caller, recording one catch or fewer in five contests. The Saints rank near the middle in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends, so it's not an overly tough matchup, but there is some uncertainty with how this offense will look with Cousins at quarterback, so the fifth-year pro projects as a low-end TE1 this week.

From RotoBaller

Kalel Mullings Nov 22 1:30pm CT
Kalel Mullings

Tennessee Titans rookie running back Kalel Mullings (ankle) is expected to be activated off of Injured Reserve for the team's Week 12 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. A sixth-round draft pick out of Michigan, Mullings has been sidelined by an ankle injury since Week 3. He'll join a crowded backfield mix in Tennessee that also includes Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. Pollard and Spears have basically been splitting snaps 50/50 in recent weeks, making the Titans' running back depth chart a difficult one for fantasy managers to sort out. Mullings is unlikely to play a fantasy-relevant role himself, but he could steal a few touches away from both Pollard and Spears, diminishing what has already been underwhelming fantasy production from the two veterans.

From RotoBaller

Sean Tucker Nov 22 1:20pm CT
Sean Tucker

The Athletic's Dianna Russini writes that viewers should expect to see a "heavy dose" of Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker in his team's Week 12 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football. The 24-year-old had a breakout game in Week 11, recording 140 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns against the Buffalo Bills. With Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder, toe) out for at least one more week, Tucker and Rachaad White will handle the backfield work for Tampa Bay in Week 12. Based on Tucker's recent performance and Russini's reporting, it appears that White may be fading into more of a complementary role. Tucker profiles as a high-end RB3/flex option for fantasy managers in a tough matchup against the Rams.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Nov 22 1:20pm CT
Tyler Lockett

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyler Lockett has carved out a meaningful role in the offense after signing with the team on October 27. Lockett began the season with the Tennessee Titans and didn't make an impact with just 10 catches (21 targets) for 70 yards in seven games. The 33-year-old has shown he still has something left in the tank in Las Vegas, totaling more receiving yards (77) in three games with the team. The fantasy upside is still very limited as the third option behind Brock Bowers and Tre Tucker for a Raiders passing attack led by Geno Smith, who has struggled mightily this season. Lockett has some appeal in Week 12 against the Browns in deeper formats, but is best left on the waiver wire in 12-team leagues.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Restrepo Nov 22 1:10pm CT
Xavier Restrepo

Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Xavier Restrepo will be active for Sunday's matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, according to Paul Kuharsky of PaulKuharsky.com. Restrepo will make his NFL debut after being on the practice squad for the first 11 weeks of the season. He will get his first opportunity as a result of Calvin Ridley (leg) being out for the season and rookie Elic Ayomanor (hamstring) being ruled out for Week 12. The undrafted free agent out of the University of Miami will look to make an impact as he takes the field with his college quarterback, Cameron Ward. Restrepo had a monster final season at Miami with Ward, leading the ACC with 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns and being named a first-team All-American. It remains to be seen how much playing time the rookie will see on Sunday, but he is an intriguing stash candidate in deeper formats and dynasty leagues.

From RotoBaller

Michael Carter Nov 22 1:00pm CT
Michael Carter

Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter saw a spike in targets during Week 11, with a season high of seven targets in Sunday's loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He finished with six yards on two rushing attempts while catching five of seven targets for 22 yards in Week 11. The 26-year-old will remain the change of pace back with teammate Bam Knight (ankle) suiting up in Week 12 despite battling an ankle injury all week. Carter is RotoBaller's 43rd-ranked running back in PPR Leagues heading into a tough Week 12 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars have allowed the fewest rushing yards and the fourth fewest rushing touchdowns this season. In a limited role, Carter will need to see a heavy workload in the passing attack to stay fantasy-relevant for fantasy managers. Carter is a desperation flex option in deeper PPR Leagues in Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Tre Tucker Nov 22 1:00pm CT
Tre Tucker

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker scored his first touchdown since Week 3 in last week's loss to the Dallas Cowboys, finishing with four catches for 47 yards on eight targets. Tucker has served as the No. 2 option in the Raiders' passing game following the team's trading Jakobi Meyers to the Jaguars at the deadline. The Raiders offense still flows through superstar tight end Brock Bowers, along with rookie Ashton Jeanty, but Tucker has made plays in his limited opportunities. The 24-year-old has a tough matchup against a stout Cleveland Browns defense in Week 12. Tucker projects as a risky start as a WR3/flex option in 12-team leagues.

From RotoBaller

Brock Bowers Nov 22 12:50pm CT
Brock Bowers

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers is a set-and-forget type of player, even in a tougher matchup against the Cleveland Browns in Week 12. Bowers has been dominant when healthy this season. He returned from a three-game absence in Week 9 against the Jaguars and put up the second-most fantasy points (43.3) in a game this season. The superstar tight end followed it up with a dud performance on Thursday night in Week 10, but bounced back with a solid performance last week against the Cowboys, catching seven of 12 targets for 72 yards. With that performance, Bowers has the most receptions (151) by a tight end in their first two seasons in NFL history, and still has seven games remaining. The Raiders have moved him all around the field in an effort to get him advantageous looks, and he should be in all lineups in Week 12 against the Browns.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Nov 22 12:50pm CT
Noah Fant

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Noah Fant has enjoyed an uptick in production of late. He scored a touchdown in two of his previous four appearances. The 28-year-old is also coming off his second five-catch game of the season. With that said, Mike Gesicki (pectoral) was activated from the Injured Reserve list and is set to make his return for Sunday's matchup with the Patriots. With Ja'Marr Chase sidelined for that one in order to serve a one-game suspension, there will be additional targets up for grabs behind Tee Higgins. Although Gesicki is reportedly in line for a more prominent role in Week 12, it appears Fant has a good thing going with Joe Flacco, meaning the duo may continue to connect. While Gesicki's presence significantly lowers Fants' ceiling, it's hard to imagine he'll go away completely, giving him some upside for desperate, deep-league fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Zonovan Knight Nov 22 12:40pm CT
Zonovan Knight

Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight (ankle) was a full participant in Friday's practice and will play in their Week 12 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Knight had been battling an ankle injury all week, but will lead the Cardinals' backfield with teammate Emari Demercado (ankle) being ruled out for Sunday with an ankle injury. Trey Benson (knee) was also ruled out, despite having his 21-day practice window opened earlier this week. Heading into Week 12, Knight is RotoBaller's 31st-ranked running back in PPR Leagues against a stout Jaguars run defense. The Jaguars have allowed the fewest rushing yards and the fourth fewest rushing touchdowns this season. Knight is a touchdown-dependent flex option in a tough matchup against the Jaguars.

From RotoBaller

Mike Gesicki Nov 22 12:40pm CT
Mike Gesicki

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (pectoral) practiced in full all week and was activated from the Injured Reserve list heading into Sunday's meeting with the New England Patriots. The 30-year-old wasn't having a productive season before going down with an injury, catching only eight passes (16 targets) for 61 yards while failing to find the end zone. With that said, Ja'Marr Chase won't be available versus the Pats in order to serve a one-game suspension, meaning Gesicki's return comes at a perfect time. The veteran is reportedly in line for "a big role." Still, fantasy managers have heard this about other players countless times over the years, so he shouldn't be viewed as anything more than a risky, high-upside streaming option, considering his production can go in either direction in the matchup with a tough Patriots defense. It's also somewhat important to remember that Noah Fant has scored in two of his last four appearances.

From RotoBaller

Malik Davis Nov 22 12:30pm CT
Malik Davis

The Dallas Cowboys signed running back Malik Davis to the active roster ahead of their Week 12 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Nick Harris of the Star-Telegram. Davis has been active for the Cowboys' past four games as rookie Jaydon Blue has fallen out of favor as the team's No. 2 running back. The 26-year-old Davis has handled seven carries for 26 yards while playing just 8.4% of the snaps behind starter Javonte Williams. He can be left on the waiver wire in most redraft leagues.

From RotoBaller

Ashton Jeanty Nov 22 12:20pm CT
Ashton Jeanty

Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty has consistently been bottled up on the ground this season. That in part led to the Raiders abandoning the run in their Week 11 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, as Jeanty has just six carries for seven yards, but stayed involved as a receiver with six receptions (eight targets) for 27 yards. The sixth overall pick in this past year's draft has averaged over four yards per carry in just two of 10 games this season. The poor play of the Raiders' offensive line has derailed any hope of a massive fantasy ceiling for Jeanty, and now he draws a matchup on Sunday against a Cleveland Browns defense that is allowing just 3.9 yards per carry (fourth best) and the fourth fewest PPR points per game to opposing running backs. Jeanty will rank as a volume-based RB2 for Week 12.

From RotoBaller