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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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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 4

Player Notes
Dalvin Cook Sep 24 3:40pm ET
Dalvin Cook

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said on 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday that he doesn't expect veteran running back Dalvin Cook to play in Week 4 on Thursday Night Football against the division-rival New York Giants. Cook will have to wait another week to make his Cowboys debut in 2024. The team will continue to roll with Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott and Deuce Vaughn in their backfield on a short week. Dowdle, Zeke and Vaughn have combined to average a weak 3.5 yards on 49 rushing attempts through the first three games in 2024. If that continues, the 29-year-old Cook will surely get his opportunity, but there's no guarantee he'll be much better after averaging 3.2 yards per carry on 67 rushing attempts last year with the Jets. For now, Cook will bide his time on the practice squad and can be left to the waiver wire in most fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Odell Beckham Jr. Sep 24 3:30pm ET
Odell Beckham Jr.

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said he's seen some good progress from wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (undisclosed) and feels optimistic about Beckham when his practice window opens up, which would come after Week 4. Beckham has been dealing with an undisclosed injury that kept him out for all of training camp in the summer, and he opened the regular season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, so Week 5 against the division-rival New England Patriots would be the earliest he could make his Dolphins debut. The fact that OBJ has yet to even practice with the team once all year, though, suggests it will still be a while before he's ready for game action. The 31-year-old veteran looked washed up last year in Baltimore and is well off the fantasy radar in 12-team leagues in 2024, especially with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) on Injured Reserve and out indefinitely.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Huntley Sep 24 3:30pm ET
Tyler Huntley

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said it's "a possibility, for sure" that quarterback Tyler Huntley would be the team's starting quarterback on Monday night against the Tennessee Titans in Week 4 with Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) on Injured Reserve and Skylar Thompson (ribs) day-to-day after getting injured in the Week 3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Miami signed Huntley off the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad last week as QB insurance. The 26-year-old has had very little time to learn a new playbook, but he might give the Dolphins more upside with both his legs and arm than either of Thompson or Tim Boyle, who both struggled on Sunday in Seattle. For fantasy managers desperate at the QB position in two-QB superflex leagues, Huntley is worth a flier. Still, a move to Huntley isn't going to suddenly make receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle studs again in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Sep 24 3:20pm ET
Mike Evans

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers want to get wide receiver Mike Evans more involved after their Week 3 loss to the visiting Denver Broncos. "We've got to get him involved more," head coach Todd Bowles said on Monday. Evans has only 15 targets through the first three games of the 2024 season, which is a 38 percent drop from his target share a year ago. The 31-year-old pass-catcher has had at least 100 targets every year of his 10-year career in Tampa, but right now he's on pace to finish with 85 targets. The five-time Pro Bowler has also had 10 straight seasons of 1,000 receiving yards, so the pace is going to need to be picked up if he wants to make it 11 straight in 2024. Sunday's game against Denver was a bit different since the Broncos had lockdown cornerback Patrick Surtain on Evans, and he caught two of three targets for 17 yards. Expect Evans to get the squeaky-wheel treatment in Week 4 against the Eagles.

From RotoBaller

Kendall Fuller Sep 24 3:00pm ET
Kendall Fuller

Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Terron Armstead (concussion) and cornerback Kendall Fuller (concussion) are both in the NFL's concussion protocol after both players exited the Week 3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks early. In just a few weeks, the Dolphins have been crippled by injuries, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion), running back Raheem Mostert (chest), and now a Pro Bowl left tackle in Armstead and starting corner in Fuller. The explosive trio of Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De'Von Achane was limited to just a combined 124 total yards in Week 3, and backup quarterback Skylar Thompson (rib) left the game early with a rib injury. Miami's offense is arguably the best in the league when healthy, but for now, fantasy managers can likely target its offense with opposing fantasy defenses.

From RotoBaller

Britain Covey Sep 24 2:50pm ET
Britain Covey

The Philadelphia Eagles placed wide receiver/return specialist Britain Covey (shoulder) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The team also signed tight end Jack Stoll to the active roster and wide receiver John Ross to the practice squad. Covey suffered a shoulder injury during the Week 3 win over the New Orleans Saints, so his brief stint in an elevated role has been cut short. With A.J. Brown (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith (head) dinged up heading into a Week 4 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team's receiver room is thinning out quickly. Brown could return in Week 4, but like Smith, his status is unclear early in the week. If both star receivers can't suit up on Sunday, Jahan Dotson and Johnny Wilson will see more opportunities, but tight end Dallas Goedert, who just posted 170 receiving yards, will likely be quarterback Jalen Hurts' No. 1 target.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Sep 24 2:40pm ET
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints center Erik McCoy (groin) suffered a groin injury during the Week 3 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, and he is expected to miss six to eight weeks after he undergoes surgery. The good news is that his injury is not viewed as season-ending, but this development is obviously not ideal for the Saints offense that looked dominant in Week 1 and Week 2. McCoy, a 2019 second-round pick out of Texas, was named to his first Pro Bowl last season. His absence could create issues on the interior for quarterback Derek Carr and running back Alvin Kamara.

From RotoBaller

Gabriel Davis Sep 24 2:40pm ET
Gabriel Davis

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder) is considered day-to-day with a shoulder injury, according to head coach Doug Pederson. The former Buffalo Bill has seen 16 targets through his first three games with the Jaguars and has racked up 123 yards on eight receptions. His shoulder injury was not evident on Monday Night in the loss to Buffalo, but it doesn't sound as if the ailment is considered long-term. Either way, based on what we've seen thus far, he has limited upside as a part of a struggling offense led by Trevor Lawrence. Davis can continue to be stashed in deep leagues, but he's likely not worth rostering in traditional 10 or 12-team setups. Like when he was in Buffalo, he's mostly a touchdown-or-bust flex option in deep formats.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Sep 24 2:40pm ET
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) has missed each of the last two games after suffering a hamstring injury during pregame warmups in Week 2. He was initially deemed week-to-week by head coach Doug Pederson, and with a short week coming up following the Monday Night Football loss to the Buffalo Bills, his status remains unclear. Backup tight end Brenton Strange caught two passes for 12 yards and a touchdown in Week 3. Jacksonville is looking to get into the win column on Sunday, but that will be a tough task on the road against the Houston Texans. Houston has allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends thus far, so Strange is likely not worth starting if Engram is out. If Engram can play, he'll have a high-end TE2 or low-end TE1 outlook. Fantasy managers should monitor Engram's practice participation when the Jaguars release the first injury report of the week on Wednesday.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Sep 24 2:20pm ET
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Trent Brown (knee) will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn patellar tendon in his right knee, according to NFL.com. The 10-year NFL veteran left the Monday night game against the Washington Commanders early after suffering the injury, and he will not be able to make it back this season. This is a significant blow for the Bengals, who are sitting in a 0-3 hole after Week 3. With quarterback Joe Burrow's recent injury history, losing a key piece of the team's pass protection is far from ideal. Amarius Mims, who was the No. 18 overall pick out of Georgia in the 2024 NFL Draft, will take over starting duties at right tackle.

From RotoBaller

Greg Joseph Sep 24 2:10pm ET
Greg Joseph

New York Giants kicker Greg Joseph will remain the starter in Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football, according to head coach Brian Daboll. Stellar kicker Graham Gano (hamstring) is sidelined with a hamstring injury, so Joseph will get another shot. The veteran missed his lone field goal try against the Cleveland Browns in Week 3, but he connected on all three of his extra-point attempts. Joseph has been good at times throughout his career, but he's not anywhere near the fantasy football radar this week.

From RotoBaller

Skylar Thompson Sep 24 2:00pm ET
Skylar Thompson

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said variables are vague with the quarterback decision for Week 4 on Monday night against the Tennessee Titans as Skylar Thompsons' (ribs) health continues to be assessed over the coming 48 hours. "There's a lot of stuff on the table," McDaniel said. Thompson's status for Week 4 is firmly up in the air after he injured his ribs in the Week 3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is on Injured Reserve and nobody knows when/if he'll play again, so if Thompson doesn't get cleared, the Dolphins will have to decide between Tim Boyle and Tyler Huntley to start on Monday night. Thompson went 13-for-19 for 107 yards against Seattle on Sunday before getting hurt. No matter who is under center for Miami in Week 4, it's going to be more bad news for running back De'Von Achane and receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Sep 24 1:50pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) will meet with outside neurologists this week, according to head coach Mike McDaniel. "The plan hasn't changed. It's been executed. That's where it stands. I don't know reports, who sources are, but people should talk to me. I've got the real information," McDaniel said. After suffering another scary concussion in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills, Tagovailoa has been placed on Injured Reserve and is without a timetable to return as he focuses on his health first and foremost. The 26-year-old signal-caller reportedly has no plans to retire, but that could change after he meets with neurologists this week. Backup Skylar Thompson (ribs) got the start in the Week 3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and was hurt, so the Dolphins could be forced to start Tim Boyle or Tyler Huntley in Week 4 on Monday night versus the Tennessee Titans.

From RotoBaller

Nick Herbig Sep 24 1:40pm ET
Nick Herbig

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that linebacker Alex Highsmith (groin), cornerback Cory Trice (hamstring) and tight end MyCole Pruitt (knee) will all be out for the Week 4 contest against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium this Sunday. A groin injury forced Highsmith from the Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers early. The 27-year-old isn't expected to need surgery on his groin, but he could very well miss multiple weeks due to his injury. Fantasy managers in IDP leagues will obviously need to move Highsmith to their benches and go with a backup option at defensive line in Week 4 and possibly beyond. With Highsmith out this weekend, Nick Herbig will have a bigger pass-rushing role for a strong Steelers defense opposite All-Pro T.J. Watt. Through three games, Highsmith has 11 tackles (six solo), a sack and one pass breakup.

From RotoBaller

Najee Harris Sep 24 1:30pm ET
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (arm) was in a sling on Monday, but head coach Mike Tomlin said it's not a concern. "Naj will be ready to rock and roll," Tomlin said. Harris will probably be on this week's injury report and could be limited in some practices, but it sounds like the Steelers fully expect him to suit up this Sunday for a Week 4 tilt against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Backfield mate Jaylen Warren (knee) needed an MRI exam on his knee after the Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers and is looking iffy to play early this week, so Harris could be in line for a bigger workload against Indy. Harris injured his right arm against LA but never left the game and finished with 23 total touches. Even if Warren is given the green light to play on Sunday, the 26-year-old Harris should be in line for heavy volume.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Sep 24 1:30pm ET
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers beat writer Teresa Varley writes that running back Jaylen Warren's (knee) status appears to be in question for the Week 4 contest on the road at Lucas Oil Stadium this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. Warren apparently injured his knee in the Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers and had an MRI exam on Monday. It's unclear what Warren's MRI results were, but there appears to be a very real chance that he won't play this weekend, which could lead to an even bigger workload in the backfield for Najee Harris. We should have a better idea of the 25-year-old Warren's status for Week 4 once the team resumes practicing on Wednesday, but Warren is expected to be limited to start the week. He hasn't been a viable RB3/flex play through the first three weeks in 2024, seeing 14 carries for 54 yards and catching all five of his targets for 28 yards.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Sep 24 1:20pm ET
Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters on Tuesday that the team is in the same place with quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) health-wise heading into a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, and the veteran signal-caller will likely be limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. "As we walk into the building tomorrow, I want Justin Fields singularly focused on starting for us," Tomlin said. Wilson was named the starter under center at the start of training camp but aggravated a calf issue before the season-opener, and Fields has taken over and led Pittsburgh to a surprising 3-0 start. While Fields hasn't been amazing, he's done enough to hold off the recovering Wilson. The 25-year-old has completed 73.3% of his passes for 518 yards, two TDs and one pick while carrying the ball 28 times for 90 yards and another TD. Fields will be a high-end QB2 in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Adam Thielen Sep 24 1:10pm ET
Adam Thielen

The Carolina Panthers are placing wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday due to the right-hamstring injury he suffered in the Week 3 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, according to a source. There is no timetable on Thielen, but he's expected back sooner than later. Thielen will now be required to miss at least four games, so the earliest he could return would be in Week 8 versus the Denver Broncos. It's a tough blow for fantasy managers that held onto Thielen after a rough first two weeks. The 34-year-old veteran had three catches for 40 yards and his first touchdown of the year in Week 3, though, with quarterback Andy Dalton taking over for the struggling Bryce Young. Thielen isn't a must-stash by any means while he's out, and while he's sidelined, Diontae Johnson, rookie Xavier Legette and Jonathan Mingo will all see a boost in targets.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Sep 24 1:10pm ET
Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said on Monday that the team isn't concerned about wide receiver Justin Jefferson's hand injury or his availability for the Week 4 contest this Sunday against the division-rival Green Bay Packer at Lambeau Field. Jefferson jammed one of the fingers on his right hand in the Week 3 win over the Houston Texans, but it didn't slow him down one bit, as the 25-year-old All-Pro wideout caught six passes for 81 yards and a touchdown on the day on his six targets. X-rays after the game showed no fractures in his finger, so he'll be good to go this weekend, although he might be listed on the team's injury report. Jefferson was one of the first receivers off the board in the first round of fantasy drafts for a reason and he already leads the league with three touchdowns through three weeks while catching 14 of his 21 targets for a healthy 273 yards.

From RotoBaller

Noah Brown Sep 24 9:50am ET
Noah Brown

Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown caught three passes for 29 yards on three targets in the team's win over Cincinnati on Monday night. The former Cowboys wide receiver was involved mostly in the short passing game for Jayden Daniels. Terry McLaurin was by far the most productive Washington wide receiver in this game but Brown did have a role to play on the outside. With Luke McCaffrey as the slot receiver, Brown could become more involved as the outside receiver opposite McLaurin. But Daniels looks to run often and there aren't a ton of opportunities for receivers to make big plays in this offense. It's best to leave Brown on the fantasy waiver wire.

From RotoBaller