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.

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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 12

Player Notes
Will Reichard Nov 21 2:20pm CT
Will Reichard

Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard should be regarded as a No. 2 kicker option in Week 12, which should keep him off the starting radar in most formats. The former Alabama standout has put together an excellent second season in Minnesota by making 19 of 21 field goal attempts and all 19 extra points, but the Vikings' offense has sputtered in the past two weeks. Starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy is completing just more than half of his passes and has thrown five interceptions in the past three games, which has naturally limited the offense. While tied to a struggling offense facing a road game against one of the NFL's better defenses, Reichard can be stashed in Week 12 with more favorable matchups on the horizon.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Nov 21 2:20pm CT
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (ankle) is officially questionable to play in Week 12 against the Indianapolis Colts as he battles an ankle injury. However, Pete Sweeney of The Kansas City Star reports that "all indications this week were that (Worthy) is trending in the right direction." Worthy was able to practice in full on Friday after starting the week as a non-participant in practice. Across eight games this season, the 22-year-old has recorded 27 receptions for 281 yards and one touchdown on 45 targets. It's been a particular struggle of late for Worthy, as he's recorded at least five catches or 50 receiving yards just once in his last five games. If active against Indianapolis, Worthy profiles as a low-end fantasy WR3 in Week 12.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Hockenson Nov 21 2:20pm CT
T.J. Hockenson

Fantasy managers should not put much stock into tight end T.J. Hockenson when the Minnesota Vikings take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 12. The veteran has yet to reach 50 yards receiving in a game this season and is averaging just more than two catches per outing during the past month. Minnesota has struggled in back-to-back weeks with quarterback J.J. McCarthy, though Hockenson's fantasy output had diminished relative to prior years even before McCarthy returned from injury. In 10 games this season, Hockenson has finished within the top 10 fantasy tight ends only once, and managers should consider starting him only in formats that play more than one tight end.

From RotoBaller

Quentin Johnston Nov 21 2:20pm CT
Quentin Johnston

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston looked like the team's top receiver to begin the year, but he's cooled off considerably in recent weeks and heads into the team's bye in Week 12 after putting up a donut on just three targets in the Week 11 blowout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. It was the second time in the last four games that he finished with no catches. The 24-year-old former first-rounder out of TCU does have six touchdown grabs in 10 games in 2025, but half of those came in the first two weeks of the season. Since Oct. 5, Johnston hasn't gone over 53 receiving yards in a game and has scored only twice. With a banged-up offensive line in L.A., Johnston's rest-of-season outlook could be rough. The Bolts have a plus matchup coming out of the bye against the Raiders in Week 13, but after that, they have the Eagles, Texans, Chiefs, and Broncos -- all difficult matchups.

From RotoBaller

Kareem Hunt Nov 21 2:10pm CT
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt will face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12. Hunt handled 13 carries for 59 yards and a touchdown, along with one catch for three yards. His 59 rushing yards were a season-high, and his 13 carries tied his season-high. With Isiah Pacheco out in Week 11, Hunt was the only back to get any rushing work. Rookie Brashard Smith was relatively uninvolved in the contest, only catching two passes for eight yards. With Pacheco ruled out again for Week 12, Hunt should dominate touches against Indianapolis. The Colts defense has been an average matchup for fantasy running backs this season, but the scoring potential makes Hunt an interesting play. The Colts offense is the highest-scoring in the league, and this game has a nearly 50-point projected total, meaning that Hunt could visit the end zone once or twice. Hunt should be viewed as a viable RB2 with upside in Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Kendrick Bourne Nov 21 2:10pm CT
Kendrick Bourne

San Francisco 49ers veteran wide receiver Kendrick Bourne enjoyed a mid-season spike that saw him put up exactly 142 receiving yards in back-to-back games in Weeks 5 and 6. Since then, the 49ers' offense has gotten healthier, and Bourne is no longer a viable fantasy option. In Weeks 7 through 10, Bourne was still listed as a starter, but with All-Pro tight end George Kittle playing in all those games following a five-week absence, Bourne averaged only two receptions for 28 yards. In Week 11, Ricky Pearsall returned after a six-week absence of his own, and Bourne was limited to 13 offensive snaps and kept off the stat sheet. While his chemistry with Mac Jones made him a surprising fantasy producer just as bye weeks struck, it is apparent that Bourne is no longer a reliable piece of San Francisco's offense and can be dropped by any fantasy managers who have not yet done so.

From RotoBaller

Brashard Smith Nov 21 2:10pm CT
Brashard Smith

Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith will face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12. Smith had zero carries and two catches for eight yards in last week's loss to the Denver Broncos. Even with Isiah Pacheco missing the game, Smith did not have a single opportunity in the run game. The same should be expected this week with Pacheco ruled out again for the Colts matchup. Veteran back Kareem Hunt is the most trusted back on the roster and should be leaned on in a crucial AFC matchup. The Chiefs are currently sitting at 5-5 and third in their division, so they need to start stacking wins if they want to make the playoffs. Given the lack of involvement on the ground and sparse usage through the air, Smith should not be trusted in fantasy lineups this week.

From RotoBaller

Jerry Jeudy Nov 21 2:10pm CT
Jerry Jeudy

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy had his best game of the season in the Week 11 loss to the New York Jets, catching six of his 12 targets for 78 yards and his first touchdown of the season. Fantasy managers who had picked Jeudy up off the waiver wire were hoping he'd continue that momentum into Week 12 versus the Baltimore Ravens, but it didn't happen. The 26-year-old caught three of seven targets for just 21 yards in the loss. The good news is that he led the team with seven targets, but the bad news is that rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel left the game with a concussion and did not return. Gabriel will not play this Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, leaving fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders to make his first NFL start. Sanders completed just 25% of his passes in relief of Gabriel last Sunday and is a serious dice roll this weekend. It will be very difficult to trust Jeudy in a starting lineup spot in fantasy in Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Elic Ayomanor Nov 21 2:00pm CT
Elic Ayomanor

Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (hamstring) has been ruled out of Sunday's Week 12 matchup with the Seahawks. In a season that has produced little offensive firepower, Ayomanor leads the Titans in targets (59), receiving yards (334), and receiving touchdowns (2). His 28 receptions through ten games trail only tight end Chig Okonkwo (32). With veteran Calvin Ridley (leg) placed on season-ending Injured Reserve on Tuesday, Okonkwo and fellow rookie Chimere Dike figure to be the focal points of the Titans' passing offense. While the Seahawks' defense has been smothering for most of the year, the one spot they have shown susceptibility to is the tight end position, making Okonkwo the only Titan worthy of fantasy consideration this week.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Nov 21 1:50pm CT
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (knee) has been ruled out of Sunday's matchup with the Colts, making this his third straight missed game after spraining his MCL in a Week 8 win over the Commanders. Pacheco had been listed as a full participant in Wednesday's practice, giving fantasy managers hope that he could return this week. He unfortunately followed that up with limited participation on Thursday and has been ruled out on Friday. In his absence, veteran running back Kareem Hunt has averaged 12 carries for 54 yards, while scoring a touchdown in both games to bring his streak up to three straight. The 8-2 Colts have been below-average against fantasy running backs, keeping Hunt in play as a TD-dependent flex option. Rookie Brashard Smith will remain limited in the RB2 role behind Hunt.

From RotoBaller

Drake London Nov 21 1:40pm CT
Drake London

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (knee) has been ruled out of Sunday's divisional matchup with the Saints. London left the team's Week 11 loss to the Panthers with what was later revealed to be a PCL sprain. With second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) placed on Injured Reserve earlier this week, the Falcons travel to New Orleans short-handed on offense. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney and tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. will presumably be tasked with absorbing some of London's 9.6 targets per game. While Mooney has topped 35 yards only once since returning from a hamstring injury in Week 7, he has displayed chemistry with quarterback Kirk Cousins in the past, topping 100 yards twice in 2024 and recording all of his career-high five receiving touchdowns with Cousins under center. Given the nature of his injury, fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised if London misses multiple games.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Nov 21 1:40pm CT
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12. Mahomes completed 29 of 45 pass attempts (64%) for 276 yards and a touchdown in the team's loss to the Broncos in Week 11. The veteran QB struggled against the stout Denver defense, taking three sacks and throwing an interception last week. Mahomes and the Chiefs have now lost back-to-back games for the second time this season and will look to bounce back against Indianapolis. The Colts defense has been an average matchup for opposing quarterbacks, but their offense is the main reason to be intrigued. The Indianapolis offense is the highest scoring offense in the league, with the most yards and points scored this season. This Chiefs-Colts matchup is tied for the third-highest total of the week, meaning Vegas is predicting a shootout. Mahomes should be able to keep pace with the Colts, leading to a potential ceiling performance. Mahomes is ranked QB4 in our RotoBaller rankings, making him a must-start QB1 once again.

From RotoBaller

Kayshon Boutte Nov 21 1:20pm CT
Kayshon Boutte

New England wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) has responded well to a week of practice, and he is expected to return to action when the Patriots face the Bengals in Week 12. Boutte missed the last two games after exiting the Patriots' Week 9 win over the Falcons with a hamstring injury. In his absence, veteran receiver Mack Hollins has stepped in as the team's most prolific deep threat, catching 10 of his 15 targets for 170 yards in wins over the Buccaneers and Jets. With Boutte back in action, the expectation is that Hollins will return to a role closer to the line of scrimmage and Boutte will continue to see work downfield. Boutte's 17.7-yard average depth of target ranks fifth among qualified wide receivers, and he is one of only three receivers with an ADoT above 13 yards and a reception percentage above 70%, illustrating his chemistry with Drake Maye and value within this offense. Against a subpar Bengals defense, he should be right back in play as a high upside flex play.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Nov 21 1:10pm CT
Aaron Rodgers

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters that quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) is questionable for Sunday's game in Chicago against the Bears in Week 12 after being limited in Friday's practice, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. "We'll see where the weekend leads us," Tomlin said. Rodgers suffered a small fracture in his left (non-throwing) wrist in Sunday's win over the Cincinnati Bengals and is now up in the air to start this weekend. The 41-year-old said it's "a safety thing" rather than a pain-management issue as to whether he actually suits up. The good news for fantasy managers deciding whether to use the future Hall of Famer as a QB2 this weekend is the fact that Pittsburgh and Chicago kick off in the early window on Sunday. If Rodgers is inactive in Chicago, Mason Rudolph will make his first start in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Nov 21 12:50pm CT
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (knee) is practicing again on Friday, according to The Kansas City Star's Pete Sweeney. Pacheco, who has missed the team's last two games due to a right-knee injury, was a full practice participant on Wednesday before being downgraded to limited on Thursday. The 26-year-old has been wearing a bulky brace on his knee this week. Pacheco being back at practice on Friday suggests that his downgrade to limited on Thursday was more maintenance-related than an actual setback. KC's backfield will become even messier if Pacheco returns this weekend against the Colts, although veteran Kareem Hunt will likely maintain his role as the Chiefs' preferred goal-line option. Between sharing touches with Hunt and rookie Brashard Smith and not seeing goal-line looks, Pacheco has become a low-upside RB3/flex for fantasy managers. He comes into Week 12 with 329 rushing yards and only one touchdown on 79 rushing attempts.

From RotoBaller

Rhamondre Stevenson Nov 21 12:40pm CT
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) is expected to be cleared to make his return for this Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12, according to Chad Graff of The Athletic. Despite only being limited in practice this week, Stevenson appears ready to return for the first time since picking up a toe injury in the Week 8 win over the Cleveland Browns. The 27-year-old was operating as the Patriots' RB1 before his injury and had 83 rushing attempts for 279 yards (3.4 yards per carry) and three touchdowns in eight games. Rookie TreVeyon Henderson saw 47 rushing attempts for 264 yards and four touchdowns in the three games that Stevenson missed, adding 10 catches for 66 yards and another TD. Henderson's breakout likely earned him a larger role when Stevenson returns, so fantasy managers will want to temper expectations if Stevenson is active in Cincy.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Nov 21 12:40pm CT
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (ankle) is on the practice field on Friday, according to Pete Sweeney of The Kansas City Star. Worthy did not practice on Wednesday due to an ankle injury, but he returned to a limited practice on Thursday. The 22-year-old might need a full practice on Friday to avoid a questionable tag going into the weekend, but either way, the second-year speedster appears to be on the right side of questionable to play this Sunday versus the visiting Indianapolis Colts. Worthy has not missed any time this year due to his ankle injury, but he did miss Weeks 2 and 3 due to a dislocated shoulder. He currently has 27 catches for 281 yards and only one touchdown on 45 targets in 2025, and he has become a less reliable fantasy wideout since the return of Rashee Rice.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Nov 21 12:30pm CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) returned to practice on Friday, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. It's unclear what Njoku's participation level was, but it at least gives him a chance to play in Week 12 against the Las Vegas Raiders after he missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday. The 29-year-old could very well be listed as questionable on the final injury report, though, and his status remains up in the air for the weekend. Njoku has already seen a drop in fantasy value this season with rookie Harold Fannin Jr. stealing lots of valuable targets from him, so he's even harder to trust going into Sunday's game, given his uncertain status. Through 11 weeks in the 2025 season, Njoku has 30 receptions for 288 yards and three touchdowns on his 45 targets. All of Cleveland's pass-catchers will be a bit more volatile in Week 12 with rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders making his first career start.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Nov 21 12:20pm CT
Jayden Reed

The Green Bay Packers opened the 21-day practice window on wide receiver Jayden Reed (collarbone, foot) on Friday, according to Bill Huber of SI.com. Reed is practicing for the first time since breaking his collarbone in Week 2. The 25-year-old also had surgery to fix a Jones fracture in his foot. He is making progress and nearing a return, but he won't play this Sunday against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings and is unlikely to be back for the Thanksgiving Day game next Thursday against the division-rival Detroit Lions. That means the most realistic date for Reed to return would be on Sunday, Dec. 7, when the team takes on the division-rival Chicago Bears in Week 14. Reed has demonstrated a nose for the end zone early in his career, scoring 18 times in 35 regular-season games, but he'll probably be a volatile commodity in the fantasy playoffs in a crowded WR room in Green Bay when he finally returns.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Nov 21 12:10pm CT
Joe Burrow

The Cincinnati Bengals have not made a final decision on whether quarterback Joe Burrow (toe) will play on Sunday against the New England Patriots, according to head coach Zac Taylor. Burrow was limited in practice on Friday and will officially be listed as questionable for Week 12. Both Burrow and Joe Flacco (shoulder) got reps in practice on Friday. "He's done everything he can," Taylor said about Burrow. The 28-year-old Burrow is still on Injured Reserve, so we should have an answer by Saturday as to whether the Bengals plan to start him this weekend. Flacco continues to deal with an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder, but if Cincy decides to hold Burrow out for another week, Flacco should be available to make one more start this weekend. There's no question that Burrow gives the Bengals offense more upside, but there could be a rust factor since he has not played since Week 2, and Cincy will also be without top wideout Ja'Marr Higgins (suspension) against New England.

From RotoBaller