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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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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 4

Player Notes
Trey McBride Sep 25 2:00pm ET
Trey McBride

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

Keenan Allen Sep 25 1:40pm ET
Keenan Allen

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

David Njoku Sep 25 1:20pm ET
David Njoku

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

Jerome Ford Sep 25 1:20pm ET
Jerome Ford

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

Myles Garrett Sep 25 1:20pm ET
Myles Garrett

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

Joe Mixon Sep 25 1:10pm ET
Joe Mixon

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

Dameon Pierce Sep 25 1:10pm ET
Dameon Pierce

In a positive development for the Houston Texans, running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) is expected to return for a Week 4 matchup against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday, according to league sources. Pierce has been sidelined the last two games with a strained hamstring, but he figures to lead the backfield if Joe Mixon (ankle), who is regarded as week-to-week, misses his second straight game. With both Mixon and Pierce out in the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Cam Akers played a team-high 43% of the offensive snaps and carried the ball nine times for 21 yards, adding an eight-yard touchdown reception. Pierce is currently rostered in only 4% of Yahoo leagues, so he's certainly an interesting waiver-wire pickup ahead of Week 4 for fantasy managers in a pinch at the RB position if Mixon is eventually ruled out.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aubrey Sep 25 11:50am ET
Brandon Aubrey

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey is the No. 1 kicker through three weeks of play. The 29-year-old has drilled all 10 of his field-goal attempts, with five of those coming from beyond 50 yards. Aubrey draws a plus matchup with the New York Giants on Thursday Night Football this week. He should be started in all formats and remains the top kicker option in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Sep 25 11:40am ET
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson is one of the top tight end options heading into Week 4 after a strong return game in Week 3 where he caught six passes for 95 yards. With how poorly the tight end position has started off this season, Ferguson is a no-brainer start in a Thursday night matchup with the New York Giants. Dallas has shown that they will lean on the passing game this season, and with Ferguson being one of the top options for quarterback Dak Prescott, he grades as a high-end TE1 ahead of the game.

From RotoBaller

Foyesade Oluokun Sep 25 11:23am ET
Foyesade Oluokun

Updating previous reports, Jacksonville Jaguars LB Foyesade Oluokun (foot) isn't a candidate for the Reserve/Injured list, according to head coach Doug Pederson.

Fantasy Spin: Oluokun is one of the best linebackers in fantasy, and it sounds like he may only miss two or three weeks. Keep him stashed and jump on him if he hits waivers.

From TheHuddle

Ezekiel Elliott Sep 25 11:10am ET
Ezekiel Elliott

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott only touched the ball four times in last week's loss to Baltimore. Elliott's usage has not been consistent enough this season to consider him a weekly starter, but this week's matchup with the New York Giants offers more upside than last week's did. Elliott will likely need a touchdown to pay off for fantasy purposes, making him a tough start in most formats. He ranks as a low-end RB3, as he should once again split the already limited rushing work with Rico Dowdle.

From RotoBaller

Rico Dowdle Sep 25 11:10am ET
Rico Dowdle

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle saw 50% of rush attempts and a 10% target share in Week 3's loss to Baltimore. Dowdle's increased usage is encouraging for the future of his fantasy viability, but firing him up into starting lineups for Week 4 may be too early. While Thursday's matchup with the Giants is not ugly on paper, expect Dallas to continue to lean on the passing game. Dowdle will need a touchdown in order to pay off for fantasy purposes, and he has yet to score one in 2024. The 26-year-old is a low-end RB3 option this week.

From RotoBaller

Brandin Cooks Sep 25 11:10am ET
Brandin Cooks

Dallas Cowboys veteran receiver Brandin Cooks projects in WR4 range ahead of Thursday night's game against the New York Giants. Cooks has seen a fairly consistent role throughout the first three weeks as Dallas' WR2 and third option in the passing game. The 31-year-old is averaging five targets per game and has an 80% snap share on the season. Being on the field leads to opportunity, and we know that Cooks will be on the field for the Cowboys on Thursday night. He isn't a sexy start and doesn't have the highest ceiling, but Cooks can be considered as a flex option this week.

From RotoBaller

Dak Prescott Sep 25 11:00am ET
Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott recovered from weak fantasy production in the first two games of the season with a 379-yard, two-touchdown performance that also included a rushing touchdown in Week 3's loss. He finished the week as the QB2 in fantasy. Prescott has a similar ceiling heading into Thursday night's divisional clash with the New York Giants. New York's secondary is susceptible to big plays, creating an opportunity for Prescott to stack up fantasy points. He grades as a QB1 option ahead of Thursday Night Football and should be started in all formats.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Mingo Sep 25 10:40am ET
Jonathan Mingo

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jonathan Mingo is expected to step in as the team's third wide receiver in three-receiver sets according to Alex Zietlow of the Charlotte Observer. With Adam Thielen (hamstring) on IR, the opportunity is there for Mingo to step into more of an expanded role and see the field more often. So far this season, the LSU product has six catches for 59 yards. He is still expected to operate behind receivers Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette but with Andy Dalton at quarterback, the Panthers offense all of a sudden looks able to facilitate some fantasy wide receivers. Mingo is an interesting name to watch on the waiver wire to see how he fares in his new role.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Legette Sep 25 10:30am ET
Xavier Legette

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette could see more opportunities with Adam Thielen (hamstring) placed on IR according to Alex Zietlow of the Charlotte Observer. The rookie out of South Carolina has six catches for 77 yards in three games this season. With Thielen out now, Legette could emerge as a secondary target for new quarterback Andy Dalton behind Diontae Johnson. Dalton was much more effective in leading the Panthers' offense in Week 3 and looks like an upgrade over Bryce Young. Legette could benefit from that and the increased snap share he is likely to see with Thielen sidelined. Legette is looking like a sneaky waiver-wire addition ahead of what could be a breakout Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Sep 25 10:20am ET
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) is listed as questionable for Week 4 but has a very good chance to play according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Rapoport says the Packers should have Love back and although it is not for sure, it is "as close as it has been". Love practiced all of last week in pads before being ruled out. Malik Willis led the team to a win over the Titans in Week 3 in Love's absence. In Week 4, a Love return would give him a matchup against a very tough Vikings defense at home. It would likely boost the entire Green Bay offense, including their deep receiving corps. All signs point to Love getting back on the field this week and beating his initial timetable for his MCL injury.

From RotoBaller

Kwon Alexander Sep 25 9:30am ET
Kwon Alexander

Free Agent linebacker Kwon Alexander is set to sign with the Denver Broncos on their practice squad, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. Alexander is a former Pro Bowler who the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted in the fourth round of the 2015 draft. The talented and versatile linebacker has also played for the 49ers, Saints, Jets, and Steelers before signing with the Broncos. The Denver defense has allowed 15.3 points per game so far this season in three games and is coming off a dominant performance in a 26-7 victory at Tampa Bay in Week 3. Alexander should eventually add depth to the linebacking corps and could find some playing time after beginning on the practice squad.

From RotoBaller

Kwon Alexander Sep 25 9:13am ET
Kwon Alexander

Free-agent LB Kwon Alexander (Steelers) signed an undisclosed deal with the Denver Broncos Wednesday, Sept. 25.

From TheHuddle

Wan'Dale Robinson Sep 25 7:20am ET
Wan'Dale Robinson

New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson heads into Week 4 after a solid performance in the 21-15 win over the Browns, where he caught seven passes for 61 yards. Robinson has been utilized primarily as a short-area target, averaging 11.57 fantasy points per game in 2024. He has 123 total receiving yards and one touchdown, with 15 receptions and 24 targets. Facing the Dallas Cowboys in Week 4, Robinson must contend with a defense ranked 15th against wide receivers, allowing 594 passing yards this season. His quickness could help exploit Dallas' weaker slot coverage, but the Cowboys have held opposing WRs to just 25.90 fantasy points per game. Robinson's target share offers a stable floor but remains a low-upside flex option in this divisional matchup.

From RotoBaller