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FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

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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Player Notes
Carl Lawson Sep 26 2:30pm ET
Carl Lawson

The Dallas Cowboys are elevating defensive end Carl Lawson and cornerback Amani Oruwariye from the practice squad for Thursday night's game against the New York Giants. With cornerback Caelan Carson (shoulder) and safety Markquese Bell (ankle) listed as doubtful for the NFC East class, Dallas is bringing up two defensive reinforcements to the 53-man roster. Lawson spent the last two seasons with the New York Jets and racked up seven sacks in 23 games with the organization. Oruwariye appeared in his most recent regular season game with the Detroit Lions in 2022. In 53 career contests, he has totaled 173 tackles and nine interceptions.

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Skylar Thompson Sep 26 2:20pm ET
Skylar Thompson

On Thursday, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said the team isn't yet prepared to name the starting quarterback for the Week 4 Monday Night Football game against the Tennessee Titans. Skylar Thompson (rib) is being considered day-to-day with a rib injury, but even if he's healthy enough to play, the team could go another direction after a tough showing in Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks. Miami has Tim Boyle and Tyler Huntley on the roster as the team tries to navigate at least the next few games without Tua Tagovailoa (concussion). Whether Thompson, Boyle, or Huntley starts in Week 4, none of them should be on the fantasy radar in single-QB leagues, and wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle could be in for another quiet outing against a Tennessee defense that has surrendered the third-fewest fantasy points per game to wideouts through two weeks.

From RotoBaller

Britain Covey Sep 26 2:20pm ET
Britain Covey

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Britain Covey (shoulder) was placed on Injured Reserve this week, meaning he will have to miss at least the next four games. However, it was revealed on Thursday that he suffered a broken scapula during the Week 3 win over the New Orleans Saints, and he is expected to be out for at least six weeks. While Covery was not expected to be a significant contributor on offense, injuries to A.J. Brown (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith (concussion) would've put him as a top option in the passing game in Week 4 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If neither Brown nor Smith can suit up, tight end Dallas Goedert will likely operate as Jalen Hurts' No. 1 target, and wideouts Jahan Dotson and Johnny Wilson will see expanded roles.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Sep 26 2:00pm ET
Christian McCaffrey

After seeing a specialist in Germany, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) will likely be sidelined for at least a month and "probably closer to a couple of months." It's obvious terrible news for the 49ers and any fantasy managers that took CMC with the first overall pick in fantasy drafts this year. The 28-year-old is currently on Injured Reserve but isn't going to be ready to return for the Niners when he's eligible in Week 5 against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. When the reigning NFL rushing champion finally does return from his injury, he could also be eased back in so that he doesn't suffer any setbacks. All fantasy managers can do is be patient at this point and hope McCaffrey can regain his pre-injury form when he returns. In the meantime, Jordan Mason is going to continue to be a must-start RB1 in fantasy as San Fran's lead back.

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Dameon Pierce Sep 26 1:40pm ET
Dameon Pierce

Houston Texans running backs Joe Mixon (ankle) and Dameon Pierce (hamstring) are both sitting out of practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Mixon tweaked his ankle in the Week 2 win over the Chicago Bears and did not play in the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The 28-year-old is still considered week-to-week and is trending toward missing a second straight game this Sunday versus the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Pierce is apparently getting closer to playing after missing the last two games, and it was even reported that he was expected to return in Week 4, but his practice participation with two DNPs this week says otherwise. As of right now, it's looking unlikely that both Mixon and Pierce suit up, which would put Cam Akers in line for starting RB duties for the Texans for the second straight week.

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Tank Dell Sep 26 1:40pm ET
Tank Dell

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (chest), who was listed as day-to-day on Wednesday, is missing his second straight practice of the week on Thursday. Despite his day-to-day label, a report also surfaced on Wednesday that Dell was unlikely to play after getting banged up in the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The 24-year-old second-year pass-catcher is dealing with some sore ribs and also injured his hand/wrist last Sunday. It doesn't sound like his injuries are a long-term concern, but fantasy managers that were planning on starting him in Week 4 against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars may need to reconsider. Dell may need to practice on Friday to avoid being ruled out entirely. If Dell is limited or out in Week 4, it will mean more targets for both Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins, and possibly tight end Dalton Schultz, who has been a disappointment so far through three weeks.

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Gardner Minshew II Sep 26 1:30pm ET
Gardner Minshew II

ESPN's Dan Graziano thinks the next quarterback to be benched in the NFL could be Las Vegas Raiders QB Gardner Minshew II. When Minshew won the training camp battle at the position over Aidan O'Connell, it felt like you couldn't rule out the possibility of the two signal-callers flip-flopping back and forth all year. Head coach Antonio Pierce is sticking with Minshew after the embarrassing loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 4, but Pierce certainly wasn't happy after that loss. Minshew is 24th in QBR (44.1) through the first three weeks of the season. It hasn't all been Minshew's fault, but the Raiders could make the move to O'Connell sooner than later just to shake things up. Minshew's Week 2 upset over the Baltimore Ravens likely bought him at least another week. Some with the Raiders thought O'Connell had a slight edge coming out of offseason workouts over Minshew.

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Allen Robinson Sep 26 1:20pm ET
Allen Robinson

The Detroit Lions signed veteran wide receiver Allen Robinson II to their active roster on Thursday. Robinson joins Tim Patrick in being elevated from the practice squad to the active roster this week to give the team more insurance at the receiver position behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Kalif Raymond and Isaiah Williams (abdomen). In the Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals, Patrick was on the field more than Robinson and caught his only target for an eight-yard gain. Robinson, meanwhile, only played one offensive snap and wasn't targeted. The 31-year-old is strictly receiver depth in Detroit right now and should remain on the waiver wire in all fantasy formats. Last year in 17 starts for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Robinson managed 34 receptions on 49 targets for only 280 yards and no touchdowns.

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Trevor Lawrence Sep 26 1:20pm ET
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has completed just 52.8% of his passes for 560 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in the first three weeks in 2024, all losses. Lawrence's completion percentage ranks 31st in the NFL behind Panthers QB Bryce Young (55.4%) and just ahead of Colts QB Anthony Richardson (49.3%). Head coach Doug Pederson said Lawrence could be pressing a bit too much to try and make big plays for a struggling offense, but he remains confident his QB can turn it around. Lawrence doesn't think he's pressing but instead said he has gotten "undisciplined with my eyes" and his "feet have gotten sloppy." The 24-year-old former first overall pick has also looked rushed at times. He'll enter a Week 4 divisional matchup looking to get the Jags their first win, and he'll be an obvious QB2 with his fantasy stock falling after a rough start to the year.

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Bucky Irving Sep 26 1:10pm ET
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (hamstring) isn't practicing on Thursday but said he will be ready to play on Sunday in Week 4 against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles. Irving was listed as a limited participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, so a downgrade to a DNP isn't exactly ideal. How much the 22-year-old does in practice on Friday will ultimately decide whether he's listed as questionable on the final Week 4 injury report. Irving has been the more elusive and more efficient backfield option for the Bucs so far through three weeks over Rachaad White, but Irving's injury could complicate things this weekend. In the Week 3 loss to the Denver Broncos, Irving had nine carries for a team-high 70 yards and also caught three passes for 14 yards. He's a worth bench stash in fantasy for now, even if you don't have White rostered.

From RotoBaller

Dan Campbell Sep 26 1:10pm ET
Dan Campbell

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that center Frank Ragnow (pectoral) will not play on Monday night in Week 4 versus the visiting Seattle Seahawks. The team has a lot more football left to play this year and want their Pro Bowl center for the long haul. It's pretty much a no-brainer move, too, with the Lions bye coming in Week 5. The 28-year-old center suffered a partially torn pectoral muscle in the Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals and may not be ready to go when the team returns to action in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys, either. Not having Ragnow this Monday night will be a big blow to the Lions offense as they go up against what has been an underrated Seattle defense. Michael Niese is expected to take over for Ragnow as the team's starting center in Week 4.

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C.J. Stroud Sep 26 12:10pm ET
C.J. Stroud

The schedule has opened up for Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, who will face the floundering Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 4. Last year's Offensive Rookie of the Year ranks a middling 15th among fantasy quarterbacks after back-to-back muted offensive days against Chicago and Minnesota, but the Jags offer a possible reprieve. Jacksonville ranks 30th among NFL defenses in yards allowed, 25th in completions allowed, 22nd in pressures, and 32nd in yards after the catch. Even with the Houston running game possibly limited by injuries, Stroud is a QB1 option who can be started with confidence against a struggling defense at home.

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Trevor Lawrence Sep 26 12:00pm ET
Trevor Lawrence

Through three weeks, the Jacksonville Jaguars have been arguably the biggest underachievers in the NFL, which is great news for fantasy managers who own the Houston Texans' defense/special teams. Aside from the seemingly good matchup, the Texans have been able to disrupt quarterbacks, ranking fourth in the NFL in sacks, sixth in pressure percentage and tied for seventh in interceptions. Jacksonville and struggling quarterback Trevor Lawrence have not cracked 17 points and are coming off a total dud on Monday Night Football against Buffalo. Given the circumstances of this matchup Houston playing at home, fairly healthy, and the Jags in turmoil the Texans are a startable option in Week 4.

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Dalton Schultz Sep 26 12:00pm ET
Dalton Schultz

The frustrating tight-end landscape this season certainly has extended to Dalton Schultz of the Houston Texans. The 28-year-old ranks a woeful 34th among fantasy tight ends through three weeks, nowhere near the production expected for a player drafted to be a possible starter. However, things could be looking up for the Stanford man, who faces his best matchup of the season with the Jacksonville Jaguars coming to Houston in Week 4. The Texans have played back-to-back tough offensive games against Chicago and Minnesota, but the Jags have allowed an NFL-worst 497 yards after the catch. Schultz is a low-end TE1, high-end TE2 play who could benefit if Houston has a big passing day.

From RotoBaller

Stefon Diggs Sep 26 12:00pm ET
Stefon Diggs

Since being traded to the Houston Texans, wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been the second option to fellow wide receiver Nico Collins. Even so, the 30-year-old still has seen an average of eight targets per game and clocks in as the 10th overall receiver in PPR formats through three weeks. With a favorable matchup against Jacksonville in Week 4, the Maryland product continues to be a steady flex option. The Jaguars have allowed nearly 500 yards after the catch in just three games, which ranks dead last in the NFL. If Houston's passing offense can keep the trend going, Diggs figures to be part of the action.

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Nico Collins Sep 26 12:00pm ET
Nico Collins

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins should continue to be among the NFL's elite when his team plays host to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. The fourth-year pro leads the league with 338 receiving yards in just three weeks, 50 more yards than any other pass catcher in football. So far, the low point of Collins' season was four catches for 86 yards on 10 targets, four of which were in the red zone. Next up is Jacksonville, which has allowed more yards after the catch than any team in the NFL. The Michigan product is entering his prime, plays on a capable offense, and has an enticing matchup, making him a clear WR1 in Week 4.

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Chuba Hubbard Sep 26 10:50am ET
Chuba Hubbard

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard had his best game of the year in Week 3 with Andy Dalton under center. In the team's win over the Raiders, Hubbard carried 21 times for 114 yards and caught five passes for 55 yards with a receiving touchdown. With a favorable game script for the first time this season, Hubbard turned in a dominant fantasy day. The versatile running back popped up on the injury report as a limited practice participant on Wednesday but it was listed as non-football related/rest. Without knowing the flow of the game this week, it is tough to predict 26 touches for Hubbard but he is dominating touches in the Panthers' backfield at the moment and fantasy managers will want to ride his hot hand in the Week 4 matchup against the Bengals. Hubbard looks like a really solid RB2 this week with a lot of upside in this matchup.

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Andy Dalton Sep 26 10:40am ET
Andy Dalton

Coming off an excellent performance against the Raiders, Carolina Panthers Andy Dalton looks like a good play in Week 4 against Cincinnati. Dalton's former team, the Bengals, just gave up a big quarterback performance to Jayden Daniels of the Commanders. Dalton was 26-of-37 passing for 319 yards and three touchdowns in his Week 3 start after taking over for Bryce Young. He will be without one of his top weapons in Adam Thielen (hamstring) who was placed on IR. Still, Diontae Johnson, Xavier Legette, and Jonathan Mingo should be able to pick up the slack in a favorable matchup. The Red Rifle popped up on the Panthers' first injury report of the week with an ankle issue but was listed as a full participant on Wednesday. Dalton looks like a potential starting fantasy quarterback this week depending on roster construction at the position. He finished as the QB6 in Week 3 and a similar performance this week is not out of the question.

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Zach Cunningham Sep 26 1:13am ET
Zach Cunningham

The Denver Broncos signed free-agent LB Zach Cunningham (Raiders) to the practice squad on Wednesday, Sept. 25.

From TheHuddle

Dalton Schultz Sep 26 12:40am ET
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (ankle) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, according to the team's PR department. It's worth noting that the lingering ankle issue impacted Schultz's practice status last week, too, but that didn't stop him from playing a season-high 96 percent of snaps on Sunday afternoon. He now has a modest seven catches, 48 yards, and zero touchdowns through three games this season. His reduced productivity could be the result of an offense that has become even more crowded following the offseason addition of Stefon Diggs. For now, Schultz is a mid-to-low fantasy TE2.

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