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.
Carolina Panthers DE Jadeveon Clowney (non-injury), DE A'Shawn Robinson (knee), CB Lonnie Johnson (hip), OG Damien Lewis (elbow) and DT Shy Tuttle (foot) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Sept. 25. S Nick Scott (quadriceps) was limited during practice.
From TheHuddle
Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen (hand) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Sept. 25. The Bills did not hold a practice Wednesday, so this is an estimation.
Fantasy Spin: Allen has been one of the best players in the NFL during the early part of the season with nine total touchdowns in three games. He is a must-start option in all fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Buffalo Bills LB Terrel Bernard (pectoral), OT Tylan Grable (groin) and CB Taron Johnson (forearm) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Sept. 25. CB Kaiir Elam (neck) was limited during practice, while TE Quintin Morris (shoulder) and QB Mitchell Trubisky (knee) fully participated in practice. The Bills did not hold a practice Wednesday, so the practice report is an estimation.
From TheHuddle
Carolina Panthers QB Andy Dalton (ankle) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Sept. 25.
Fantasy Spin: Dalton took over the starting job last week and finished with 319 yards and three touchdowns. He probably will not post numbers like that this week but could still be a possible option in two-quarterback leagues.
From TheHuddle
Dallas Cowboys S Markquese Bell (ankle) and CB Caelen Carson (shoulder) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Sept. 25, and are listed as doubtful for Week 4. CB C.J. Goodwin (non-injury) did not practice but is not on the injury report. CB Trevon Diggs (foot), DE DeMarcus Lawrence (shoulder), DT Mazi Smith (back) and TE John Stephens (hamstring) fully participated in practice and are not on the injury report.
From TheHuddle
The Denver Broncos signed veteran linebackers Kwon Alexander and Zach Cunningham on Wednesday, according to NFL insider Ari Meirov. These moves come after Alex Singleton (knee) was diagnosed with a torn ACL, meaning the will miss the rest of the 2024 season. Alexander has spent time with five organizations, but he played for the Pittsburgh Steelers last season and collected 41 total tackles, one sack, and one interception in nine games. Cunningham, a former second-round pick by the Houston Texans in 2017, spent last year with the Philadelphia Eagles and posted 85 total tackles and a fumble recovery in 13 games. Both will be given opportunities to earn legitimate roles following Singleton's unfortunate injury.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receivers A.J. Brown (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith (concussion) were not spotted at the start of practice on Wednesday as the star duo deals with a hamstring injury and concussion, respectively. Brown has missed each of the last two games, while Smith took a nasty hit to the head in the Week 3 win over the New Orleans Saints and is at risk of missing Week 4. Wideout Britain Covey (shoulder) was placed on Injured Reserve this week, meaning he must sit out at least four games. Needless to say, the Philadelphia wide receiver room is beginning to get thin. Former Washington Commander Jahan Dotson and rookie Johnny Wilson appear to be next up on the depth chart, but neither is guaranteed to produce strong fantasy showings against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. That said, Brown nor Smith are officially ruled out to this point, so fantasy managers should continue to monitor their practice participation later in the week. Even if both players are out, quarterback Jalen Hurts can still post a solid fantasy outing with rushing production, but his floor and ceiling are likely reduced.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) is set to practice on Wednesday after missing each of the last two games with an ankle injury. Addison's ankle was banged up in the preseason, but he returned in Week 1 and caught three passes for 35 yards before being sidelined again. Head coach Kevin O'Connell said Addison would likely be limited on Wednesday, but the team is optimistic he'll be able to suit up against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. The Packers have been a neutral matchup for wide receivers this year, so Addison will be firmly on the fantasy football radar if he plays. Quarterback Sam Darnold is off to a monster start in 2024 and has thrown for 657 yards, eight touchdowns, and just two interceptions. Jalen Nailor has hauled in three touchdowns in three games, but he'd likely take the biggest hit when Addison returns to action.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton (knee) has been diagnosed with a torn ACL, meaning his 2024 campaign has come to an end after just three games. Since joining the Broncos in 2022, the 30-year-old has racked up 371 total tackles, two sacks, and one interception in 37 games. He's been one of the leaders of the defense, so this is a crushing blow for a rebuilding team led by Sean Payton. In his absence, fourth-year pro Justin Strnad figured to get more snaps in the middle of the Broncos' stop unit.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets offensive tackle Morgan Moses (knee) suffered an MCL sprain in the Week 3 win over the New England Patriots. The veteran is expected to miss time, but he is not currently viewed as a candidate to be placed on Injured Reserve, according to head coach Robert Saleh. The injury to Aaron Rodgers' right tackle is far from ideal, but the good news is the ailment should not keep Moses out long-term. On another positive note, the Jets drafted former Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, so the rookie could provide solid play in relief of Moses on the opposite side of future Hall of Fame left tackle Tyron Smith. New York's offense looks to be getting on track, but injury concerns are present for its aging quarterback and offensive line.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants cornerbacks Adoree' Jackson (calf) and Dru Phillips (calf) have both officially been ruled out of the Week 4 game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football. The pair of defensive backs did not practice all week with calf injuries and didn't have enough time to be ready for the NFC East clash. This is a troublesome development heading into a matchup with Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and the explosive Cowboys' passing offense. On the bright side, New York will get cornerback Nick McCloud back, who missed last week's contest against Cleveland with a back injury.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (thumb) is officially questionable to play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football. The veteran wideout suffered a thumb injury in the Week 3 win over the Cleveland Browns and turned in limited practices on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Although not having Slayton in the lineup could hurt the New York offense a bit, he's not on the fantasy football radar even if he suits up. Slayton led the Giants in receiving in each of the last four seasons, but first-round rookie Malik Nabers has emerged as a target hog, and Wan'Dale Robinson is operating in the No. 2 WR role. However, Jalin Hyatt could be utilized as a punt play in DFS lineups if Slayton is ruled out on Thursday.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants CB Adoree' Jackson (calf) and CB Andru Phillips (calf) did not practice on Wednesday, Sept. 25, and have been ruled out for Week 4. Also, WR Darius Slayton (thumb) was limited and is questionable, DL Dexter Lawrence (foot), CB Nick McCloud (knee) and LB Micah McFadden (back) were limited but carry no designation, and OL Jermaine Eluemunor (thumb) and C John Michael Schmitz (neck) practiced in full and have no designation.
From TheHuddle
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said that tight end Trey McBride (concussion) remains in the league's concussion protocol on Wednesday, which means he won't be practicing with the rest of the team. McBride suffered a concussion in the Week 3 loss to the Detroit Lions and is now firmly up in the air to suit up in Week 4 against the Washington Commanders. The 24-year-old will need to clear the league's protocol and also be given the green light by an independent neurologist before Sunday's game, so fantasy managers that have been rolling with McBride as their TE1 need to have a backup plan in place this week. If he cannot gain clearance to play this weekend, Tip Reiman and Elijah Higgins would most likely split tight end duties for the Cardinals, with neither player being a particularly enticing TE streamer in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) is returning to practice on Wednesday and will be a limited participant, according to head coach Matt Eberflus. Allen injured his heel in the season-opening win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 1 and hasn't played since. However, with his return to the practice field in the first practice of the week, the 32-year-old veteran is lining up for a return to action in Week 4 to face the Los Angeles Rams. Allen could be limited in his playing time if he returns this weekend, though, and his heel injury may be something he has to manage the rest of the season. Allen's return will inevitably mean fewer targets for rookie Rome Odunze and tight end Cole Kmet, who both went off in the Week 3 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Allen caught just four of 11 targets for 29 yards in his Bears debut in Week 1.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) remains out of the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Njoku suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and has missed the last two games as a result. With a DNP to open the week, he's off on the wrong foot in terms of returning to play in Week 4 versus the Las Vegas Raiders. Njoku will need to get on the practice field later this week to at least give himself a chance to return. As things stand right now, fantasy managers should be planning to go in another direction for their starting TE spot. In the last two contests with Njoku sidelined, Jordan Akins has been Cleveland's top pass-catching TE but has produced just five receptions on eight targets for 39 receiving yards. If Njoku misses his third straight game, Akins will be a TE2 sleeper play, at best.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running backs Jerome Ford (knee) and Pierre Strong Jr. (hamstring) are both expected to miss the first practice of the week on Wednesday. It's unclear right now if Ford's knee injury is serious enough to potentially keep him from playing in Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders or if they're just giving him a day of rest. The 25-year-old had 10 carries for 37 yards and also caught three passes for 33 yards in the Week 3 loss to the New York Giants. We'll have a better idea of Ford's status for Sunday's contest on Thursday, but this is definitely a situation to watch going forward. If Ford is indeed in danger of missing the Week 4 game, D'Onta Foreman would become a popular waiver-wire pickup for fantasy managers hurting at the position early in the year. In the Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Foreman had 14 carries for 42 yards.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (Achilles, foot, thigh) is expected to miss the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Garrett has been playing through multiple injuries of late and was seen walking off the field gingerly during the team's Week 3 loss to the New York Giants. The good news is that the All-Pro pass-rusher and reigning Defensive Player of the Year had clean results on his MRI exam on Monday and will attempt to play through his injuries for now. The Browns are considering the 28-year-old to be day-to-day for now. Garrett probably isn't going to practice much while working through these injuries, but we'd expect him to suit up in Week 4 in a juicy matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Garrett is a must-start in IDP fantasy lineups as long as he's active, but his injuries certainly give him more of a bust factor.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears WR Keenan Allen (heel) is expected to return to practice on Wednesday, Sept. 25, head coach Matt Eberflus said.
Fantasy Spin: Allen is now on track to return in Week 4 after missing the last two games. However, even if he does suit up, Allen is tough to trust in lineups this week.
From TheHuddle
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) is still regarded as week-to-week due to an ankle injury that kept him out of the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, according to sources. It's no lock that Mixon is able to return to action in Week 4 versus the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. We'll have a better idea of Mixon's status for this Sunday's game later in the week. Dameon Pierce (hamstring) hasn't played the last two weeks, but he's trending in the right direction and is expected to return in Week 4. So if Mixon misses a second straight game, both Pierce and Cam Akers figure to split Houston's backfield against the 0-3 Jaguars. Fantasy managers that used Mixon in their starting lineups the first two weeks of the season need to plan as though he'll miss another game this weekend. This is your cue to check the waiver wire and add Pierce if you're in dire straights at the RB position.
From RotoBaller