QB Strength of Schedule
Thu May 23 11:12am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
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.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pickem Picks: Week 3
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 3
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 3
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 3
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender DFS Pickem Plays: Week 3
- Dolphins’ Skylar Thompson suffers chest injury, Tim Boyle in at QB
- Eagles WR DeVonta Smith (concussion) leveled by fierce hit
- Chargers QB Justin Herbert (ankle) questionable to return against Steelers
- All-Pro OL Lane Johnson of Eagles, Erik McCoy of Saints out with injuries
- Chargers' Joey Bosa (hip) leaves game against Steelers
- Chargers QB Justin Herbert (ankle) active vs. Steelers
- Mercury Morris, RB from 1972 undefeated team, dies at 77
- 49ers star TE George Kittle (hamstring) ruled out vs. Rams
- Texans RB Joe Mixon (ankle) out vs. Vikings
- Jets RT Morgan Moses out 2-4 weeks
- Jaguars coach: TE Evan Engram 'probably' out vs. Bills
- Raiders DE Malcolm Koonce (knee) out for season
- Steelers RT Troy Fautanu (knee) out Sunday, likely longer
- Bengals WR Tee Higgins (hamstring) set to make season debut
- 49ers star TE George Kittle (hamstring) could sit out vs. Rams
- Bucs All-Pro S Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot) out for 2nd straight game
- Giants' Brian Burns (groin) questionable to face Browns
- Packers QB Jordan Love questionable, 'working through' medicals
- Texans RBs Joe Mixon doubtful, Dameon Pierce out vs. Vikings
- Vikings' Justin Jefferson cleared, Jordan Addison out vs. Texans
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Start-Sit Week 3 | Finally Time To Bench Sam LaPorta?
- Fantasy Life: Best Bets for Falcons vs. Chiefs: Sunday Night Football Week 3
- Fantasy Life: Be Like Water (Again)
- Fantasy Life: Last-Minute Waiver Options and Top DFS Plays for Week 3
- Fantasy Life: What to Watch For in College Football Week 4
- Fantasy Life: In Fantasy Football, There Are Plenty of Chances
The Paur Report
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 3
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton came out of nowhere with a breakout performance in Week 3. Otton was barely involved through the first two games before becoming the reception leader during Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. Otton hauled in seven of his eight targets for 47 yards in the loss. Quarterback Baker Mayfield was pressured all game long and needed to make quick short throws. The third-year tight end didn't have a ton of yardage, but this is a positive sign. It remains to be seen if this was a fluke or if Otton can be a viable option in this offense.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson (chest) won't return to the Week 3 meeting with the Seahawks. With Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) sidelined, Thompson has been under center for the Dolphins. Unfortunately, the Fins' issues continue, with the signal-caller taking a hit that sent him to the locker room. Thompson will finish Week 3 by throwing for 107 yards off 13-for-19 passing, with veteran Tim Boyle taking over in relief. The Dolphins won't play again until Monday night in Week 4, so Thompson has more time to recover, assuming the injury isn't severe. If he misses time, the Dolphins may need to sign someone, with veteran Ryan Tannehill likely to draw interest from the organization.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) won't return to Sunday's meeting with the Raiders. The veteran was playing well. However, he injured his hamstring after securing a touchdown pass. He'll finish Week 3 by amassing three catches for 40 yards and a score. Xavier Legette, Diontae Johnson, and Tommy Tremble will likely see more looks from Andy Dalton for the remainder of the contest.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin is off to a fantastic start to the 2024 season. The veteran wideout moved back to the slot this season and it has paid off for the Bucs. On Sunday, Godwin hauled in six of his nine targets for 53 yards and a touchdown in the loss to the Denver Broncos. This was a bad day for the Bucs offense as quarterback Baker Mayfield only threw for 163 yards. However, Godwin was able to make the most of it as he has been impressive through three games. He remains on the WR2 radar for next week's matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson (undisclosed) exited Sunday's meeting with the Seahawks. It's unknown what's ailing the signal-caller. But he took a tough shot in the second half. Starting for Tua Tagovailoa (concussion), Thompson should be considered questionable to return. If he doesn't make it back to the field, he'll finish with Week 3 by throwing for 107 yards off 13-for-19 passing. Tim Boyle, recently elevated from the practice squad, is in under center, possibly for the remainder of the contest.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans was held in check during Sunday's Week 3 matchup against the Denver Broncos. The veteran wideout was unable to do much as he hauled in two of his three targets for 17 yards in the loss. This was expected to be a tough matchup for Evans against star defensive back Patrick Surtain. It doesn't help that quarterback Baker Mayfield was sacked seven times during this game. Evans looks to get back on the WR1 radar against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White was unable to find his rhythm during Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. This is now back-to-back duds for White who opened up the season with a bang. On Sunday, White rushed six times for 17 yards while hauling in five of his six targets for an additional 18 yards through the air. The Broncos defense did a great job of containing White throughout this contest. Fantasy managers in high PPR leagues got a decent performance from White because of all the receptions. He should continue to be an important piece of the offense which keeps him as a RB2 for next week's matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (undisclosed) returned to Sunday's game against the Cardinals. There wasn't much information about the injury when it happened, although it didn't look good, considering LaPorta was taken to the locker room on a cart. Surprisingly, he's back in. With that in mind, there will still be more information on LaPorta's injury. There's also a chance he appears on the injury report for the Week 4 game versus the Seahawks. If he can't go for that one, Brock Wright would presumably take over as the team's starting tight end.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving put together a solid game on the ground during Sunday's contest against the Denver Broncos. The Bucs didn't have many bright spots in this game, but Irving was one of them. The rookie back rushed nine times for 70 yards while hauling in all three of his targets for 14 yards through the air. Fellow back Rachaad White continues to struggle on the ground, which could mean Irving starts taking a bigger chunk of the workload. Irving has earned more playing time, so we'll see if he gets it during next week's matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Fantasy managers should check the waiver wire and scoop up Irving where available.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was unable to keep his hot streak going against the Denver Broncos in Week 3. To be fair, the Bucs offensive line has been horrible and let Mayfield get sacked seven times in this game. Despite that, Mayfield completed 25-of-33 passing attempts for 163 yards with a touchdown and one interception in the loss. It's tough to blame this loss on Mayfield when he wasn't given much time to throw. This was expected to happen at some point, but hopefully Mayfield can get back on track next week. He should be in the QB2 discuss for next week's matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Raiders. The Panthers offense was efficient in the first half, with Andy Dalton throwing for three touchdown passes. Thielen was the recipient of one of them. Although he injured his hamstring while coming down for the 31-yard score. If he doesn't return for the remainder of Week 3, he'll finish with three receptions for 40 yards and a touchdown. At any rate, Xavier Legette, Diontae Johnson, and Tommy Tremble could benefit for the rest of the game.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed was a solid contributor in the Packers' 30-14 win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 3. Reed led the Packers in targets (6) and receptions (4) for 50 receiving yards as Reed was the most consistent receiving option for starting quarterback Malik Willis on the afternoon. Not only was Reed a factor in the receiving game, but he also added 19 yards rushing on two carries. With Reed contributing in multiple ways across the Packers' offense, Reed as become the most consistent fantasy option. Reed's fantasy value in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings is connected to the availability of Jordan Love (knee), who was ruled inactive prior to Week 3's kickoff. Reed would be a low-end WR3 for fantasy managers if Love returns to start for the Packers. If Willis remains the quarterback for Green Bay in Week 4, Reed would be a flex option.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (undisclosed) was carted to the locker room in Sunday's matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. Details are limited at this time. However, his day is likely over. If that's the case, he'll finish with two catches for 36 yards. LaPorta struggled in the two games entering Week 3, amassing six catches for 68 yards. There will likely be an update soon. In the meantime, Brock Wright could be in line for more attention from Jared Goff.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson led the Packers In receiving yards and was a contributing factor toward their 30-14 victory against the Tennessee Titans in Week 3. Watson was targeted just twice in the win but made both receptions count for 67 receiving yards. Considering Watson went untargeted last week from backup quarterback Malik Willis, getting Watson involved from the get-go in Week 3 was vital toward establishing the passing game on the afternoon. Watson's fantasy value in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings is tied to the availability of Jordan Love (knee), who didn't suit up in Week 3. Watson would be considered a boom-or-bust flex option for fantasy managers if Love returns to start for the Packers. If Willis remains the quarterback for Green Bay in Week 4, Watson would be a volatile flex option.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren handled three carries for five yards and lost four yards on his lone reception of a 20-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Warren, who struggled to get much going in the first half and recorded his final touch on the Steelers' first drive of the third quarter, was pulled from the contest when head coach Mike Tomlin noticed he was not "running smoothly". He will be evaluated, but no further details have yet been provided on his status. The 25-year-old battled through a hamstring ailment this offseason and looked healthy in Week 2. On Sunday, he was replaced by Cordarrelle Patterson, who has found success with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in the past and will be worth a look in deeper fantasy formats if Warren is forced to miss time. More information regarding Warren's health will come ahead of a Week 4 bout with the Indianapolis Colts.
From RotoBaller
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense held the Los Angeles Chargers to 10 points while recording five sacks and a forced fumble in an impressive Week 3 win. Despite losing star linebacker Alex Highsmith (groin) late in the first half, Pittsburgh's defense stepped up at home to shut down the Chargers, who had been incredibly proficient on offense through the first two weeks of the season. To no surprise, T.J. Watt was a key contributor with a sack and two quarterback hits, but it was veteran Cameron Heyward and second-year linebacker Nick Herbig who stole the show with big plays in critical situations. The Steelers DST will remain a must-start fantasy asset on the road against the Indianapolis Colts next week.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs was a non-factor in Green Bay's 30-14 victory against the Tennessee Titans in Week 3. Doubs earned just two targets from Packers starting quarterback Malik Willis and corralled one of the targets for 18 yards as Doubs' only contribution toward the win. With just 19 pass attempts available for the pass catchers on the afternoon, targets were at a premium with a run-heavy approach to the game plan. Doubs' fantasy value heading into Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings is tied to the availability of Jordan Love (knee), who was unable to suit up in Week 3. Doubs would be a viable flex option for fantasy managers if Love returns to start for the Packers. If Willis remains the quarterback for Green Bay in Week 4, Doubs would be a recommended sit.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell converted on two of his three field goal attempts and both of his extra-point tries in a 20-10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Boswell, whose career-long field goal is 59 yards, had his first miss of the season come on a 62-yard attempt at the end of the first half. The 33-year-old reached an impressive benchmark on Sunday, becoming the second player in Steelers team history to reach 1,000 career points. Boswell is one of the most reliable kickers in the NFL, but high-end fantasy production will likely come on an inconsistent basis. He'll be a viable streaming option next week against the Indianapolis Colts.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (foot) will undergo an MRI. The 28-year-old has battled a foot injury, although he's been playing through it. Despite that, he's been a reliable defender for the Browns this season, totaling two sacks in the team's first two contests. But the results of the MRI will determine if Garrett can continue to play. If the veteran doesn't receive good news after the MRI, he may not be available for IDP managers for a while. With the Browns sitting on one win through the first three games of the 2024-25 campaign, being without Garrett obviously wouldn't be ideal.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth caught four of his five targets for 33 yards in a home win against the Los Angeles Chargers. For a third consecutive week to start the season, Freiermuth finished with four receptions but less than 40 yards. Although he clearly has a prominent role in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's system, it hasn't yet amounted to much in the way of fantasy production. Nonetheless, a tight end with this level of usage cannot be ignored. Fantasy managers can continue to view Freiermuth as a middling option with a high floor in PPR formats against the Indianapolis Colts next week.
From RotoBaller
