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

Five Fantasy Takeaways: Week 10

Player Notes
Jordan Love Nov 11 12:10am CT
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love completed 20 of 36 passes for 176 yards and a lost fumble to go with five carries for 28 yards in a 10-7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Love and the Packers offense couldn't get anything going on Monday night. The 176 passing yards marked the lowest of the season, and Love has now posted back-to-back games with below double-digit fantasy points. The 27-year-old certainly missed the presence of his star tight end Tucker Kraft (knee), plus dynamic rookie wideout Matthew Golden (shoulder), and then top receiver Romeo Doubs also left the game early with a chest injury. The Green Bay running game was stuck in the mud all game and didn't help set up Love in favorable down-and-distance situations, but he made plenty of mistakes as well. Love will look to bounce back in Week 11 against the New York Giants.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Hurts Nov 11 12:00am CT
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 15 of 26 pass attempts for 183 yards and a touchdown to go with five carries for 27 yards and a lost fumble in a 10-7 win over the Green Bay Packers on Monday night. Hurts wasn't the most dynamic in this game as the Eagles struggled to consistently move the ball, and while he did lose a fumble on a rushing attempt on a solid opening drive, he did well to avoid mistakes otherwise. The 27-year-old didn't take a sack all night against a vaunted Packers pass rush, his first game without one since Week 8 of last season. Hurts managed the game for the most part while the Philadelphia defense dominated, but he made his best throw of the night on a 36-yard touchdown to DeVonta Smith. Hurts and the Eagles could be in for a shootout next week when they take on the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

Saquon Barkley Nov 10 11:50pm CT
Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley recorded 22 carries for 60 yards and added three receptions (three targets) for 41 yards in Monday night's 10-7 win over the Green Bay Packers. It was a struggle for Barkley and the Philadelphia offense all night, as he averaged just 2.7 yards per carry, and even his 41 receiving yards came entirely on one reception. It was a disappointing performance for the 28-year-old after having his best game of the season before the bye in Week 8 against the Giants, totaling 174 yards and two touchdowns. He did tweak his groin in that game, but was cleared from the injury report earlier this week. Barkley has already posted five games with fewer than four yards per carry this season after having just two such games all of last season. His involvement as a receiver this season has at least helped offset the lack of breakaway runs, with 27 receptions through nine games compared to 33 in 16 games last year. Barkley will look to bounce back in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Nov 10 11:30pm CT
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith caught four of his six targets for 69 yards and a touchdown in a 10-7 win over the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football. Smith was one of the few bright spots for Philadelphia in an otherwise ugly offensive performance. His 36-yard touchdown catch was the highlight play of the game, as he beat the safety over the top and then elevated to secure the contested grab. The 27-year-old has been on a tear recently, recording 31 catches for 499 yards and two touchdowns on 41 targets over his last five games, averaging 18.6 PPR points per game. Smith will look to continue his strong production in Week 11 on Sunday Night Football against the Detroit Lions.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Nov 10 11:20pm CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs recorded 21 carries for 74 yards and a touchdown while adding five catches (six targets) for 33 yards in Monday night's 10-7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. It was an ugly offensive performance for both teams, and Jacobs had another inefficient outing on the ground. The 27-year-old is averaging just 3.8 yards per carry this season, which would be the second-lowest in a season for his career. Jacobs continues to be a touchdown machine, however, scoring for the sixth consecutive game. His 11 touchdowns are second only to Colts superstar running back Jonathan Taylor. Jacobs' fantasy production continues to rely heavily on volume, and it was encouraging to see his involvement in the passing game, as his five catches matched a season high. Jacobs will remain a solid RB1 for Week 11 against the New York Giants.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Nov 10 10:00pm CT
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (chest) is questionable to return to his team's Week 10 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles due to a chest injury. Doubs recorded one catch for five yards on four targets before getting hurt. If he is unable to return, Packers wideouts Dontayvion Wicks and Christian Watson are the most likely candidates to lead the team in targets and playing time the rest of the way. Doubs has been Green Bay's most consistent wide receiver so far this season, so his absence would be a significant loss for the team. Entering Week 10, the Packers were already without wide receivers Matthew Golden (shoulder) and Jayden Reed (collarbone, foot).

From RotoBaller

Malik Washington Nov 10 10:00pm CT
Malik Washington

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington recorded just two catches for nine yards on three targets in Week 10, but he also managed to haul in his second touchdown grab in his last three games played. Washington has emerged as the clear number two wide receiver in Miami since star wideout Tyreek Hill (knee) was lost for the season with a knee injury in Week 4. In the six games since Hill went down, Washington has recorded 22 catches for 165 yards and two touchdowns on 29 targets. The 24-year-old also plays a small role in the running game, rushing for 18 yards on four attempts over the last two weeks. Washington may not have a crazy upside, but he should provide a stable target floor heading into a highly favorable Week 11 matchup against the Washington Commanders. In deep fantasy leagues, he could be a decent flex option for managers to target off the waiver wire.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Nailor Nov 10 9:50pm CT
Jalen Nailor

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor had his best game of the season in Week 10, recording five catches for 124 yards and a touchdown on six targets in his team's 27-19 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Nailor remains stuck behind star wideouts Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison on the Vikings' wide receiver depth chart. However, Nailor seems to have some degree of chemistry with Minnesota quarterback J.J. McCarthy. In the four games McCarthy has started this season, Nailor has been targeted 18 times. The Vikings now have a very favorable matchup in Week 11 when they host the Chicago Bears. In deep fantasy leagues, Nailor could be worth adding off the waiver wire.

From RotoBaller

Olamide Zaccheaus Nov 10 9:40pm CT
Olamide Zaccheaus

Chicago Bears wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus was held in check by the New York Giants in Week 10, recording one catch for five yards on four targets. Still, the 28-year-old continues to play a consistent role in Chicago's offense. Zaccheaus has played at least 57% of the Bears' offensive snaps in six out of the team's last seven games. For the season, he's recorded 32 catches for 248 yards and a touchdown on 50 targets. Between wide receivers Rome Odunze, DJ Moore, and Luther Burden III, there's plenty of target competition for Zaccheaus in Chicago. Still, Zaccheaus has recorded at least six targets in four out of his last six games played. In deep fantasy leagues, he could be worth adding off the waiver wire.

From RotoBaller

Sterling Shepard Nov 10 9:30pm CT
Sterling Shepard

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard had a quiet game in his team's 28-23 Week 10 loss to the New England Patriots, recording three catches for 20 yards on four targets. The 32-year-old has now failed to crack 25 receiving yards in three straight contests, even with veteran Bucs wideouts Mike Evans (collarbone) and Chris Godwin (leg) sidelined. Rookie wide receiver Tez Johnson appears to have surpassed Shepard on Tampa Bay's wide receiver depth chart. Johnson has out-snapped and out-produced Shepard in two straight games. Still, Godwin may remain sidelined for Tampa Bay's Week 11 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, which keeps the door open for Shepard. He could be worth adding in deep fantasy leagues heading into Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Joe Flacco Nov 10 9:20pm CT
Joe Flacco

Since taking over as the Cincinnati Bengals' starting quarterback in Week 6, Joe Flacco has put up gaudy statistics. Across four starts, Flacco has thrown for 1,254 yards, 11 touchdowns, and two interceptions. The Bengals opened up quarterback Joe Burrow's (toe) 21-day Injured Reserve activation window on Monday, but Burrow is reportedly targeting Thanksgiving as a return date. A Thanksgiving return for Burrow would give Flacco two more starts under center in Cincinnati, starting with a trip to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers in Week 11. Flacco torched Pittsburgh back in Week 7, throwing for 342 yards and three touchdowns. In fantasy leagues where Flacco may have been dropped during Cincinnati's Week 10 bye, he could be worth adding as a low-end QB1 option in Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Nov 10 8:50pm CT
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (collarbone, foot) is currently working his way back to the field. Reed was recently spotted at practice doing some light work. The 25-year-old has been out since suffering a broken collarbone in Week 2. Despite that, Reed could be back in the near future. He still hasn't returned to practice with pads, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to play in Week 11. However, Reed could be worth stashing on the IR for fantasy managers who have a spot available. Reed might still miss a few more games, but could be a decent contributor once he's healthy. Reed might be a nice addition to fantasy rosters right around playoff time.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Austin III Nov 10 8:50pm CT
Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III hasn't posted great stats this season, but does have some good things going for him. In Week 10, Austin hauled in two of his seven targets for 14 yards in the loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Austin tied fellow wideout DK Metcalf for the team lead with seven targets during that game. The 26-year-old has seen six or more targets in three straight games. Austin hasn't posted excellent stats during those games, but is getting the ball thrown his way more often. That being said, Austin could be someone worth looking at for the upcoming Week 11 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Austin might be able to do some damage against that struggling secondary.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Nov 10 8:20pm CT
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (toe) is inching his way closer to returning to the field. Burrow had his 21-day practice window opened on Monday and will practice in limited capacity. Despite that, the Bengals have already ruled out Burrow for the upcoming Week 11 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. It sounds like Burrow is aiming to get back on the field for the Thanksgiving matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 13. It's worth noting that the Bengals sit at 3-6 with Joe Flacco likely drawing two more starts. If they lose both games, the Bengals might elect to hold out Burrow for the rest of the season. For now, it sounds like Burrow is aiming to play on Thanksgiving, but a lot could change over the next few weeks.

From RotoBaller

Luther Burden III Nov 10 8:10pm CT
Luther Burden III

Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III hasn't seen a ton of success during the first half of his rookie season. In Week 10, Burden hauled in all three of his targets for 51 yards in the win over the New York Giants. That outing was actually one of Burden's better games this season. Afterwards, head coach Ben Johnson hinted that Burden is going to see more targets going forward. He continued by saying Burden is getting more comfortable with both the coaching staff and his teammates each week. The Bears do have a lot of mouths to feed on offense, so it's not shocking to see Burden having a limited role. It seems like the Bears plan to get Burden more involved, but fantasy managers should wait and see what happens. The 21-year-old is certainly worth stashing, but isn't anything more than a flex option for Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Sam LaPorta Nov 10 7:50pm CT
Sam LaPorta

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta had a modest outing in his team's Week 10 win over the Washington Commanders, recording five catches for 53 yards on five targets. The 24-year-old has now hauled in 40 receptions for 489 yards and three scores on 49 targets across nine games this season. Other than failing to score a touchdown, LaPorta's showing in Week 10 should be considered another step in the right direction from a fantasy perspective. After failing to earn five targets or five receptions in three out of the first four weeks of 2025, LaPorta has now hit both those marks in four out of his last five games played. As long as he can stay healthy, LaPorta should remain a consistent feature in the Lions' passing game. He faces a tough matchup in Week 11 when Detroit travels to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Nov 10 7:40pm CT
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown saw his fewest targets (eight) in a game since Week 4 in his team's 44-22 Week 10 win over the Washington Commanders. However, St. Brown remained productive, recording five catches for 58 yards and a touchdown. The 26-year-old has now hauled in 64 receptions for 693 yards and eight touchdowns on 82 targets across nine games so far this season. Even with fellow Lions wideout Jameson Williams getting more involved in the offense in recent weeks, St. Brown is the clear top option in the passing game for Detroit quarterback Jared Goff. The Lions have a difficult road matchup in Week 11 against the Philadelphia Eagles, but St. Brown still profiles as a must-start fantasy wide receiver.

From RotoBaller

David Montgomery Nov 10 7:30pm CT
David Montgomery

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery recorded 15 carries for 71 yards and punched in a successful two-point conversion try in his team's 44-22 Week 10 win over the Washington Commanders. The 28-year-old has now rushed for 466 yards and five touchdowns on 104 attempts across nine games so far this season. With 14 catches for 106 yards and zero receiving touchdowns, Montgomery has seen minimal usage in the Lions' passing game. He also has a limited ceiling in terms of total touches as long as fellow Detroit running back Jahmyr Gibbs remains healthy. As a result, Montgomery is almost entirely dependent on touchdown scoring for fantasy production, even when he has an efficient rushing day like he did in Week 10. Montgomery may be tough for fantasy managers to trust in a tough Week 11 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

From RotoBaller

Keaton Mitchell Nov 10 6:50pm CT
Keaton Mitchell

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh acknowledged on Monday that the team needs to get running back Keaton Mitchell "more involved," according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. Harbaugh said it was in the game plan in the Week 10 win over the Minnesota Vikings, but "they just didn't get to it." Harbaugh also mentioned that it's "tough to take plays away" from Derrick Henry. Mitchell played only 7% of the offensive snaps on Sunday compared to the 67% that Henry played and the 27% that Justice Hill was featured on. The 23-year-old Mitchell has had four carries apiece in each of the last three games, and he managed 31 rushing yards in the Week 10 victory. He only has two catches for 12 yards in his five games played in 2025. Mitchell had a 22-yard pickup on Sunday, and the third-year back has game-breaking abilities, but as long as Henry remains healthy, it's hard to see him getting enough weekly touches to give him standalone fantasy value.

From RotoBaller

Treylon Burks Nov 10 6:40pm CT
Treylon Burks

Washington Commanders wide receiver Treylon Burks (finger) will not travel with the team to Madrid on Monday night and has been ruled out for the Week 11 contest in Spain on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, according to the team. Burks' frustrating career continues, as he was in line for a bigger workload in Washington's passing attack with Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) ruled out for another game this weekend. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the former first-rounder of the Tennessee Titans underwent surgery on his finger on Monday. It's not believed to be a long-term issue, but the 25-year-old will miss Week 11. The Commanders have their bye in Week 12, so it's possible Burks will be ready to play in Week 13 versus the Denver Broncos. McLaurin, Burks, and Luke McCaffrey (collarbone) will be out in Madrid, leaving Deebo Samuel Sr., Chris Moore, and rookie Jaylin Lane as the team's top pass-catchers. Robbie Chosen will also have a bigger role.

From RotoBaller