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.
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The Paur Report
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 3
Dynasty | The Panthers are receiving trade calls on quarterback Bryce Young. Dynasty Analysis: "In demand," might be a bit strong as teams are likely contacting Carolina to see if they pick up a former #1 pick for mere pennies on the dollar. At this point, the Panthers have been unwilling to entertain offers but that could change if Andy Dalton plays well and proves their early season offensive problems were legitimately all on Young. If Dalton struggles, Young could get another chance down the road. Today will be a big day for his future for sure. In the end, he remains a pretty weak hold in a dynasty league.
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) was already listed as doubtful for their Week 3 contest against the Miami Dolphins, but he's officially been deemed inactive. Zach Charbonnet will step in as the starting running back with Kenny McIntosh coming in as the backup. Charbonnet was the only member of the backfield to receive touches in their Week 2 win over the New England Patriots, and he registered 38 yards on 14 carries with five catches for 31 yards. Seattle will likely rely on the passing game once again. Walker's next chance to play will be Week 4 on the road against the Detroit Lions.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Britain Covey (shoulder) has been ruled out for the remainder of Week 3 versus the New Orleans Saints. He had an 11-yard reception and a fair catch prior to his departure. The speedy 27-year-old had merely been filling a depth receiver and special teams role for Philadelphia, so his departure doesn't have major fantasy implications.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions have declared WR Isaiah Williams, LB Alex Anzalone, DL James Houston, CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr., OT Giovanni Manu, CB Ifeatu Melifonwu and OT Colby Sorsdal inactive for Week 3.
From TheHuddle
The Baltimore Ravens have declared DE Adisa Isaac, S Beau Brade, CB T.J. Tampa, C Nick Samac, DL Brent Urban, WR Devontez Walker and OT Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu inactive for Week 3.
From TheHuddle
The San Francisco 49ers have declared QB Joshua Dobbs, OG Ben Bartch, WR Deebo Samuel, LB Tatum Bethune, CB Darrell Luter Jr. and TE George Kittle inactive for Week 3.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Joey Bosa (hip) has officially been downgraded from questionable to out during their matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He originally left in the first half with a hip issue and was tagged with a questionable status at the time. Bosa didn't register any tackles in this contest after accruing nine total tackles and 2.0 sacks through their first two games. Tuli Tuipulotu is next on the depth chart and has already posted four total tackles and two tackles for loss. He'll see more opportunities while Bud Dupree will likely get involved as well.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert (chest) has been declared inactive for the Week 3 game.
Fantasy Spin: De'Von Achane has taken over as the main running back for the Dolphins and will see most of the snaps at the position in Week 3. He should be a starting option in all fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Updating a previous report, Los Angeles Chargers DE Joey Bosa (hip) will not return to the Week 3 game because of his hip injury.
From TheHuddle
The Seattle Seahawks have declared LB Jerome Baker, OT Mike Jerrell, DT Myles Adams, C Olu Oluwatimi, LB Uchenna Nwosu and RB Kenneth Walker III inactive for Week 3.
From TheHuddle
The Miami Dolphins have declared DB Ethan Bonner, LB Channing Tindall, C Andrew Meyer, RB Raheem Mostert, WR Malik Washington, QB Tyler Huntley and LB Mohamed Kamara inactive for Week 3.
From TheHuddle
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (groin) left the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday with a groin injury, and the team has said he's doubtful to return. He registered one solo tackle before leaving in the second quarter. Nick Herbig will be the next man up while Payton Wilson may see some extra snaps to give the others a break at times. Highsmith has been a consistent piece to this defense after posting four solo tackles and a sack in Week 2, and six combined tackles in Week 1. This game has been more of a defensive struggle than a shootout, so Herbig should be able to register a solid game in relief of Highsmith. His status after this game will be something to monitor.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Britain Covey (shoulder) has exited Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints with a knee issue in the second quarter. He registered one catch for 11 yards on his only target before leaving the game, but the team has officially said that he's questionable to return in this one. With A.J. Brown (hamstring) already out, the passing game will have to rely on DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and then a combination of Jahan Dotson and Parris Campbell. His status will be one to monitor because his absence would be another big hit for this receiver corps moving forward, and it would be quite the hit to Jalen Hurts' fantasy value as well.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (eye) exited Sunday's contest against the Chargers. He is questionable to return. The wideout has been quiet through the first two games of the 2024-25 campaign, amassing three catches (five targets) for 15 yards. While anyone on the Steelers offense is hard to trust, Jefferson's potential absence could allow Calvin Austin III to get more involved. At any rate, if Jefferson is ruled out, he'll finish Week 3 without a catch (or a target).
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans CB Chidobe Awuzie (groin) suffered a groin injury during the Week 3 game and is considered questionable to return.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa (hip) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 29-year-old had a sack in each of the Chargers' first two games of the 2024-25 campaign. However, considering he's had issues staying healthy over the years, the team could hold him out for the remainder of Week 3. If that's the case, Tuli Tuipulotu and Bud Dupree might see more snaps.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (lung) didn't suit up for Sunday's meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was uncertain to play entering the contest after being hospitalized following the Week 2 meeting with the Cowboys with a chest injury. Fox's Jay Glazer shed more light on the issue, with the NFL insider reporting the 34-year-old has a bruised lung. Considering the delicate nature of this type of injury, it may take Hill a little longer to heal. With that in mind, fantasy managers will await an update ahead of the Saints' Week 4 game versus the Atlanta Falcons. In the meantime, Juwan Johnson could see a few more targets behind Foster Moreau. However, Johnson has limited value in multi-tight end setups.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers DE Joey Bosa (hip) suffered a hip injury during the Week 3 game and is considered questionable to return.
From TheHuddle
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) is officially inactive in Week 3 for the team's contest on the road against the Tennessee Titans. Love suffered a sprained left MCL in his knee in the Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil and will now miss his second straight game as a result. The good news is that Love practiced all week and was questionable to play on Sunday against the Titans, so he stands to have a good chance to make his return in a big divisional clash next weekend at Lambeau Field versus the Minnesota Vikings. With Love out again on Sunday, backup Malik Willis will make his second straight start against his former team, the Titans. Expect another run-heavy game plan from Green Bay, making Josh Jacobs a must-start in fantasy against the 0-2 Titans. Willis should be considered a low-end QB2 for those in superflex leagues.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (coach's decision) is a healthy scratch for Week 3 versus the Los Angeles Chargers. The rookie had previously battled an ankle injury but was removed from the injury report on Friday. It seemed as though he was going to make his NFL debut this Sunday, but in the end, he's inactive despite being healthy. His debut will have to wait at least one more week. The Steelers enter their clash against the Steelers with just four wide receivers, of which George Pickens is the only one possessing fantasy relevance.
From RotoBaller
