QB Strength of Schedule
Thu May 23 11:12am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Prescott setup for big success
Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the quarterback position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the quarterbacks with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the quarterbacks that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.
| QB SOS | ||
| 1. | Miami Dolphins | 313.6 |
| 2. | Cincinnati Bengals | 314.77 |
| 3. | Los Angeles Chargers | 317.32 |
| 4. | Denver Broncos | 317.38 |
| 5. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 320.33 |
| 6. | Houston Texans | 320.74 |
| 7. | Buffalo Bills | 321.01 |
| 8. | Philadelphia Eagles | 323.71 |
| 9. | Kansas City Chiefs | 325.08 |
| 10. | Washington Commanders | 325.12 |
| 11. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 326.4 |
| 12. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 328.45 |
| 13. | New York Jets | 329.06 |
| 14. | New England Patriots | 329.64 |
| 15. | Cleveland Browns | 330.31 |
| 16. | Los Angeles Rams | 330.72 |
| 17. | Arizona Cardinals | 331.54 |
| 18. | Indianapolis Colts | 331.69 |
| 19. | Seattle Seahawks | 332 |
| 20. | Atlanta Falcons | 332.73 |
| 21. | Baltimore Ravens | 333.05 |
| 22. | San Francisco 49ers | 333.05 |
| 23. | Detroit Lions | 334.13 |
| 24. | Las Vegas Raiders | 334.38 |
| 25. | New York Giants | 334.72 |
| 26. | New Orleans Saints | 336.27 |
| 27. | Minnesota Vikings | 337.2 |
| 28. | Dallas Cowboys | 339.64 |
| 29. | Chicago Bears | 340.70 |
| 30. | Tennessee Titans | 343.69 |
| 31. | Carolina Panthers | 345.54 |
| 32. | Green Bay Packers | 349.53 |
The Packers have the easiest fantasy schedule for quarterbacks. Jordan Love already had a breakout season last year and could take his game to an even higher level this season. Love is shaping up to be a really intriguing QB1 this season. He is a player on the rise and seems setup for even more success this year.
A couple second-year quarterbacks have really favorable schedules, Will Levis and Bryce Young. Both seem like good No. 2 fantasy quarterbacks to take a chance. Their teams did well in upgrading the talent around them this offseason and a favorable schedule bodes well for them to take some steps forward this year.
Caleb Williams was the No.1 overall pick and the Bears gave him plenty of firepower to work with in year one. Williams has a lot of good going for him this year and could be the C.J. Stroud of this year’s rookie class. And having a favorable fantasy schedule helps Williams even more.
A couple veterans with favorable schedules are Dak Prescott and Derek Carr. Prescott is the one that stands out the most. The Cowboys are lacking top options at the running back spot, so it would not surprise if the Cowboys are really pass-heavy offensively. Prescott could really rack up the numbers this year.
There are some big-name quarterbacks on the opposite side of things, having very tough fantasy schedules. Tua Tagovalioa has the toughest schedule of all. He struggled a little down the stretch last year and now has the most unfavorable schedule for any fantasy quarterback. This is a little concerning.
Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert and whoever is starting in Pittsburgh, likely Russell Wilson, are other veteran quarterbacks that have a top-five unfavorable schedule for fantasy quarterbacks. Burrow is not a huge concern for us because we think they will still have success throwing the ball and he has a ton of talent around him at receiver. Herbert is a concern. The Chargers lost their top two receivers and could be a lot more run-heavy with a new coach in place. Herbert has some red flags for him this coming year, making him a bit of a risky pick for fantasy teams. Wilson is another veteran with a tough schedule. He also has Justin Fields pushing him to play, so Wilson is going to be a boom or bust fantasy pick.
We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy quarterbacks. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the quarterbacks with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.
| QB PLAYOFF SOS | ||
| 1. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 292.02 |
| 2. | Houston Texans | 299.33 |
| 3. | New York Giants | 301.93 |
| 4. | Miami Dolphins | 307.48 |
| 5. | Los Angeles Rams | 308.45 |
| 6. | Detroit Lions | 312.4 |
| 7. | Arizona Cardinals | 313.15 |
| 8. | Kansas City Chiefs | 313.45 |
| 9. | Buffalo Bills | 313.6 |
| 10. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 317.53 |
| 11. | Cincinnati Bengals | 318.03 |
| 12. | Baltimore Ravens | 318.25 |
| 13. | Green Bay Packers | 322.48 |
| 14. | Indianapolis Colts | 322.83 |
| 15. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 328.78 |
| 16. | Philadelphia Eagles | 331.23 |
| 17. | Cleveland Browns | 331.95 |
| 18. | Minnesota Vikings | 334.68 |
| 19. | Atlanta Falcons | 336.18 |
| 20. | Carolina Panthers | 338.62 |
| 21. | Seattle Seahawks | 338.65 |
| 22. | Las Vegas Raiders | 341.18 |
| 23. | Los Angeles Chargers | 341.22 |
| 24. | New York Jets | 344.3 |
| 25. | New Orleans Saints | 346.68 |
| 26. | Chicago Bears | 347.07 |
| 27. | Tennessee Titans | 348.42 |
| 28. | New England Patriots | 355.23 |
| 29. | Denver Broncos | 355.35 |
| 30. | Dallas Cowboys | 359.62 |
| 31. | Washington Commanders | 359.92 |
| 32. | San Francisco 49ers | 363.47 |
There is just a team that makes both the top-five favorable quarterback schedule for the regular season and playoffs. That team is the Cowboys. So Dak Prescott has the third easiest playoff schedule in addition to having the fifth easiest regular season schedule. Prescott was a player looking pretty good even before seeing these schedules, so you might want to bump him up a few spots in your rankings after seeing this. Prescott could be a league winner in 2024.
The 49ers actually have the easiest fantasy quarterback schedule for the playoffs. So Brock Purdy could have a great run during the fantasy playoffs. He always has a high weekly ceiling, so things are looking great for him this postseason.
Now some rookie quarterbacks round out the team of having top-five fantasy quarterback playoff schedules. Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix and Drake Maye are all likely starting for their teams later in the season, so they should help fantasy teams during the playoffs. They all have some question marks surrounding them but could be worth the gamble, especially if you have a dependable starter already on your roster. These rookies could make some noise late in the season.
On the opposite side of things, the Dolphins are the only team to have both a top-five unfavorable fantasy quarterback schedule for the regular season and playoffs. We already had a few concerns for Tagovalioa even before these schedules were released. And now seeing he has very challenging schedules for both the regular season and playoffs make him a player you might want to avoid come draft day.
Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars have the toughest schedule for the playoffs. Lawrence has not lived up to expectations to date. He could have his best season to date this year, but his schedule during the playoffs is concerning. Lawrence could struggle when it matters most.
C.J. Stroud is the biggest name of any quarterback with a top-five unfavorable playoff schedule. We aren’t too concerned about this because some players can rise above the challenge. Stroud is one of those players. Things will be tougher for him in year two, but he will also progress and get better. Plus, he has Stefon Diggs added to the mix, which should improve that passing game even more.
Daniel Jones is another quarterback with a challenging playoff schedule. He is another fringe draft pick to begin with, so seeing him possibly have struggles down the stretch causes more trepidation when it comes to possibly drafting him. He might be another player to just steer clear of come draft day.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pickem Picks: Week 4
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 4
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 4
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 4
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender DFS Pickem Plays: Week 4
- No surgery for Cowboys’ DeMarcus Lawrence (Lisfranc)
- Texans RB Joe Mixon (ankle) to miss game vs. Jaguars
- Packers QB Jordan Love active, CB Jaire Alexander out vs. Vikings
- Eagles RT Lane Johnson (concussion) out vs. Bucs
- Jaguars put standout LB Foyesade Oluokun (foot) on IR
- Chargers QB Justin Herbert (ankle) expected to start vs. Chiefs
- Packers QB Jordan Love to start against Vikings
- Browns place OT Trent Brown (knee) on IR, ending his season
- Dolphins QB Tyler Huntley to start Monday vs. Titans
- Chargers QB Justin Herbert (ankle) questionable vs. Chiefs
- Titans put CB Chidobe Awuzie (groin) on IR
- Eagles WR DeVonta Smith out, A.J. Brown questionable vs. Bucs
- Packers 'encouraged' QB Jordan Love on field, Sunday start uncertain
- Raiders WR Davante Adams, DE Maxx Crosby ruled out for Week 4
- Bills LB Terrel Bernard, CB Taron Johnson out vs. Ravens
- Cowboys LB Micah Parsons has high ankle sprain; DE could miss weeks
- Giants rookie WR Malik Nabers in concussion protocol
- Browns rule out starting OTs, TE David Njoku
- Week 4 NFL Capsules
- Saints rookie fined $4,600 for hit on Eagles WR DeVonta Smith
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Start-Sit Week 4 | The Week To Bench Patrick Mahomes?
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Football Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings Standard
- Fantasy Life: Tough Week 4 Start/Sit Decisions
- Fantasy Life: Best Bets for Bills vs. Ravens: Sunday Night Football Week 4
- Fantasy Life: Avoiding Bad-Team Bias in Betting
- Fantasy Life: Don't Rush Into Roster Decisions
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Expert Roundtable: Who Can You Trust In Week 4?
The Paur Report
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 4
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (hip) is questionable to return to Sunday's meeting with the Steelers. The signal-caller took a shot and briefly exited the contest. However, after returning for a few plays, it was obvious something was wrong. If Richardson doesn't return, he will finish Week 4 with 71 yards off 3-for-4 passing, adding three carries for 26 yards. Joe Flacco is in and will likely remain under center while Richardson is out of the contest.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (undisclosed) exited Sunday's meeting with the Steelers. The signal-caller took a shot and exited the contest for a few plays before returning. However, he left the game again and headed to the locker room. With Richardson coming off a season-ending shoulder injury from 2023-24, this is concerning for fantasy managers. But there should be an update on his condition soon, although he will finish with 71 yards off 3-for-4 passing, adding three touches for 26 yards if he doesn't return. Joe Flacco will presumably remain under center while Richardson is out of the contest.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos wide receiver Devaughn Vele (coach's decision) is a healthy scratch for Week 4 versus the New York Jets. The rookie impressed with eight receptions back in Week 1 but hasn't played since then due to a combination of injury and being a healthy scratch. Going forward, it seems as though he'll need to earn his way onto the gameday roster through competition in practice. Until then, he can be left on waivers in all redraft and most dynasty leagues.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers defensive backs Jaire Alexander (groin, quadriceps), Carrington Valentine (ankle) and Kitan Oladapo are all inactive for the big Week 4 divisional clash at Lambeau Field on Sunday versus the undefeated Minnesota Vikings. The biggest name here is Alexander, who came into this contest listed as questionable with multiple injuries that kept him out of practice on Friday. His absence is a big blow to the Packers as they look to try and slow down All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson and the returning Jordan Addison (ankle). With Alexander out, the Packers called up Kamal Hadden and Robert Rochell from the practice squad on Saturday. The Packers defense/special teams unit should be considered a borderline starting fantasy option in 12-team leagues this weekend against a Vikings team looking to start 4-0.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (groin) is officially active against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4 on Sunday. Johnson popped up on the Week 4 injury report on Thursday but will play, as expected. Johnson got off to a slow start with his new team in 2024 with just five catches for 34 yards with quarterback Bryce Young running the offense. In the Week 3 win over the Las Vegas Raiders with veteran QB Andy Dalton taking over, Johnson was a new man, catching eight of 14 targets for 122 yards and his first score of the year. Johnson has WR1 upside against a lackluster Bengals defense this weekend as the Panthers look to win two straight. Not only did Dalton get Johnson involved last week, to put it lightly, but fellow wideout Adam Thielen (hamstring) is on Injured Reserve, so Johnson should eat once again. Anyone that has Johnson rostered should have him in their starting lineups on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) is officially active for the Week 4 tilt against the visiting Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at Soldier Field. With Allen back for the first time since the season-opening win over the Tennessee Titans, Velus Jone Jr. will be a healthy scratch for Chicago. Allen was sidelined the last two games with a heel injury that dates back to late last year in his final season with the Los Angeles Chargers. The 32-year-old veteran's return is good news for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and bad news for rookie receiver Rome Odunze, who went off with Allen sidelined in the Week 3 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Allen did see a healthy 11 targets in the season opener from Williams, but he caught just four of those passes for 29 yards and no scores. In a game in which Allen's snaps could be limited in his return, he figures to be a shaky WR4/flex option for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder) is officially active for Week 4 versus the Houston Texans. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's divisional contest. Davis has appeared in all three games this season, catching eight passes for 123 yards and zero touchdowns. At the moment, he's merely a bench stash in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Jalen McMillan (hamstring) is officially out for Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles after he was listed as doubtful on the final injury report on Friday. McMillan tweaked his hamstring during practice on Friday and will miss the first game of his career after going for three receptions on six targets for 59 yards and one touchdown in his first three games. He has averaged 19.7 yards receiving per game and has effectively become the No. 3 behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. But for Sunday's game at Raymond James Stadium, expect Trey Palmer to take over McMillan's duties against Philly. It's unclear if McMillan will be able to return on a short week in Week 5 versus the Atlanta Falcons next Thursday. For now, McMillan is merely a deep-league stash for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is still several weeks away from playing, barring an injury to Jacoby Brissett, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. While Maye did see the field in garbage time against the New York Jets last week, the No. 3 overall pick has not yet been ramped up to NFL speed and continues to see roughly 30 percent of snaps in practice. The Patriots evidently aren't ready to make a change at quarterback yet, which means the starting job still belongs to Brissett. The veteran has completed 61 percent of his passes for 368 yards and one touchdown so far. Despite the low offensive numbers, Patriots fans and fantasy managers in deep leagues have to be excited that he hasn't turned over the football through three weeks. On a less positive note, he's taken nine sacks between a porous offensive line.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams tight end Davis Allen (back) is officially active for the Week 4 game on Sunday against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Allen was listed as questionable for this weekend's game but will suit up as the team looks for their second straight victory on the road in a hostile environment. Even with both receivers Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) missing another game, Allen is off the fantasy radar as he works behind starting tight end Colby Parkinson. Parkinson himself has been disappointing in recent weeks with both Kupp and Nacua injured, and the Rams offense could struggle on the road against a tough Bears defense in Week 4. Through three games in 2024, Allen has only been targeted once, in the Week 1 loss to the Detroit Lions, and he was unable to haul in the pass. Not much will be expected of him against Chicago.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (knee), who was listed as questionable, is officially active for the Week 4 contest on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium. Vea suffered a knee injury in Week 2 and missed last week's loss against the Denver Broncos. Getting Vea back will be a much-needed boost to Tampa's defensive line as they look to slow down Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, who has gotten off to a strong start early in his Eagles tenure. Although the Broncos didn't really impose their will on the ground last week, Vea's absence from a pass-rush perspective was felt, as they were unable to sack rookie quarterback Bo Nix at all. Vea could have his snaps limited in his return to action against the Eagles, but his presence alone is a big boost for the Bucs' D as they look to slow the Eagles down.
Chicago Bears WR Keenan Allen (heel) is officially active for the Week 4 game.
Fantasy Spin: Allen will return to the lineup after a two-week absence and should have a good role in the passing game against the Los Angeles Rams. He can be a starting option in most fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
The Los Angeles Rams have declared WR Cooper Kupp, QB Stetson Bennett, DL Desjuan Johnson, DE Brennan Jackson, OT Geron Christian and RB Cody Schrader inactive for Week 4.
From TheHuddle
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson is not active for Week 4's game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Fantasy Spin: Wilson will only be available in this afternoon's game if a third quarterback is needed. QB Justin Fields will receive his fourth start of the season but should only be a starting option in deeper two-quarterback fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara (hip, ribs) is officially active for the Week 4 game.
Fantasy Spin: Kamara should continue to be a significant part of the Saints offense this week and is a must-start option in all fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
As expected, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) will return for a Week 4 divisional showdown on Sunday at Lambeau Field against the undefeated Minnesota Vikings after spraining his left knee in the Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil. Love has been limited in practices the last two weeks and has been given the green light to return after missing two games. The Packers could have some packages for backup QB Malik Willis after he led the club to two wins with Love out, and fantasy managers shouldn't expect Love to be moving as well in his first game back as he wears a brace on his knee. Expect an aggressive Vikings defense to bring plenty of blitzes to test Love's mobility in and out of the pocket. Love's return surely makes Green Bay's receiving weapons intriguing again in fantasy, while Love will be a more volatile QB1 option for managers in his first game back.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) and wide receiver Roman Wilson (coach's decision) are both inactive for Week 4 versus the Indianapolis Colts. Russell Wilson has yet to make his Steelers debut, and he'll operate as the team's emergency third quarterback for the fourth consecutive week. Justin Fields will start at quarterback for Pittsburgh while Kyle Allen backs him up once again. As for Roman Wilson, the rookie has missed two games due to injury and two games as a healthy scratch so far. He has yet to make his NFL debut, instead remaining buried on the depth chart behind George Pickens, Calvin Austin, Van Jefferson, and Scotty Miller.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running backs Rachaad White (illness) and Bucky Irving (hamstring) are both officially active on Sunday for a Week 4 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium. White was a late addition to the injury report this week and was listed as questionable on Saturday due to an illness, but he will play. Through the first three weeks of the season, White has underwhelmed as Tampa's lead back, averaging just 2.1 yards per carry on 31 rushing attempts for 66 yards and no touchdowns, adding 12 catches for 98 yards. Meanwhile, the rookie Irving has averaged 6.2 yards per tote on 25 carries for 154 yards while catching five passes for 28 yards. Irving has looked more spry and has obviously been more productive, potentially leading to a more even split this weekend in Tampa. Both backs should be considered RB3/flex plays against the Eagles as the Bucs look to bounce back after a lackluster showing against Denver in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
The Jacksonville Jaguars have declared OG Cole Van Lanen, S Darnell Savage, OT Javon Foster, LB Myles Cole, LB Devin Lloyd, DT Jordan Jefferson and TE Evan Engram inactive for Week 4.
From TheHuddle
The Minnesota Vikings have declared CB Dwight McGlothern, DB Fabian Moreau, WR Trishton Jackson, QB Brett Rypien, OT Walter Rouse, LB Ivan Pace Jr. and DT Levi Drake Rodriguez inactive for Week 4.
From TheHuddle
