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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 [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Player Notes
Trent Taylor Oct 5 5:50pm CT
Trent Taylor

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Trent Taylor has been elevated from the practice squad ahead of the Week 5 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Taylor will join the active roster for the first time this season with fellow wideout Jacob Cowing (shoulder) unlikely to play. Taylor will serve as depth at wide receiver, but will likely be used more frequently as a punt and kick returner. He hasn't recorded a reception in an NFL game since 2022. He's unlikely to see much action in the receiving game with a majority of the 49ers wideouts healthy right now. Taylor will likely just return kicks, which means he won't have much fantasy appeal for this weekend.

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Patrick Mahomes Oct 5 5:50pm CT
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will take on the New Orleans Saints on Monday night in Week 5. Mahomes will be without his favorite receiver, Rashee Rice, for the foreseeable future as the Chiefs placed him on injured reserve due to a severe knee injury. The remaining Chiefs receiving corps will be asked to step up in his absence. The primary beneficiary figures to be Travis Kelce, who should vacuum up those middle-of-the-field targets that Rice was feasting on. Rookie Xavier Worthy, Justin Watson, Skyy Moore, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Mecole Hardman all figure to play a role in the passing attack, but their volume is to be determined. Mahomes has not been a great fantasy quarterback by any stretch of the imagination this season, as he has thrown for less than 300 yards and at least one interception in every contest. The loss of his best receiver should also decrease his production, making him an undesirable start in fantasy football most weeks. Despite his poor start and few game-changing pass catchers, Mahomes could find success against the Saints this week. The Saints have given up the ninth-most passing yards to opposing offenses this season but have also given up the fewest passing touchdowns. If Mahomes does not find a way to get it done in this matchup, fantasy managers may need to readjust their expectations for him this season.

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Isaiah Hodgins Oct 5 5:40pm CT
Isaiah Hodgins

New York Giants wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins has been elevated from the practice squad ahead of the Week 5 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Hodgins started with the Giants last season, but failed to make the 53-man roster out of training camp. Despite that, Hodgins decided to remain with the organization and go to the practice squad. He'll be elevated for the first time this season with fellow wideout Malik Nabers (concussion) ruled out. Hodgins hauled in 21 receptions for 230 yards and three touchdowns across 17 games last season. He figures to be a depth option behind Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton in this offense.

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Maxx Crosby Oct 5 5:30pm CT
Maxx Crosby

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (ankle) is expected to return to the field for the Week 5 matchup against the Denver Broncos. The star pass rusher returned to practice on Friday and appears to be in line to play this weekend. Crosby missed his first game of his career last week after playing in 86 straight games. His return to the field is a welcoming sight for this defensive unit. Crosby has 14 tackles and three sacks through three games this season.

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Tyler Badie Oct 5 5:20pm CT
Tyler Badie

Denver Broncos running back Tyler Badie (back) has been placed on the injured reserve prior to the Week 5 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Badie went down with a back injury during last week's game. It appears the injury is somewhat significant considering the team has placed him on the IR, so Badie will miss at least the next four games. The young back hasn't done a ton this season outside of his 70-yard performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin figure to split up the workload in the backfield going forward.

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Brian Robinson Jr. Oct 5 4:30pm CT
Brian Robinson Jr.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) will suit up for Sunday's game versus the Browns. He was officially labeled as questionable heading into this contest. However, with Austin Ekeler (concussion) also cleared to play, the Commanders will have their top options out of the backfield. While Robinson's presence should mean fewer touches for Ekeler, the knee injury could still jeopardize the former's volume in Week 5. As a result, both should be considered flex options against Cleveland, although Robinson's ceiling is still considerably higher.

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Marcus Mariota Oct 5 4:10pm CT
Marcus Mariota

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (chest) was removed from the injured reserve list on Saturday. The veteran signed a one-year deal with Washington during the offseason. However, he hasn't stepped on the field for the Commanders. For now, Mariota is questionable for the Week 5 meeting with the Browns. Still, Jayden Daniels is the team's starting signal-caller, so anyone behind him will only have fantasy value for insurance purposes.

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Chad Ryland Oct 5 4:00pm CT
Chad Ryland

The Arizona Cardinals elevated kicker Chad Ryland to the active roster for Sunday's game against the 49ers. The 24-year-old had a rough season in 2023, making only 64% of his field goal attempts. While that type of production won't land him on most fantasy rosters, Saturday's move could mean Matt Prater, who is questionable, (knee) won't be healthy enough to get on the field versus the Niners.

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Joe Flacco Oct 5 3:50pm CT
Joe Flacco

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco came off the bench to help the Colts in Week 4, completing 16 of his 26 passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns in the team's win. Now, reports suggest that Flacco will get the start again in Week 5, with Anthony Richardson (hip) marked as doubtful. Flacco gets a favorable matchup against Jacksonville, a team that has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing QBs this season and the second most passing yards. Although Flacco doesn't provide the same ceiling as some other potential streaming options, he provides a very safe floor going up against Jacksonville's defense. He is the QB23 in our staff rankings this week.

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Mecole Hardman Oct 5 3:50pm CT
Mecole Hardman

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. (knee) is questionable for Monday's matchup with the Saints. The veteran didn't practice on Friday. However, he was a full-participant on Saturday, so there's a good chance he'll suit up. With that said, despite the absences of Rashee Rice (knee) and Marquise Brown (shoulder), Hardman likely won't get more involved, considering he's primarily used on special teams. As a result, it will likely be business as usual versus New Orleans, with Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy expected to see the most attention from Patrick Mahomes.

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Kareem Hunt Oct 5 3:40pm CT
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (shoulder) doesn't carry an injury designation heading into Monday's matchup with the Saints. He was limited at practice on Thursday and Friday. However, he logged a full session on Saturday. The veteran looked good in his first game back with the Chiefs, amassing 69 yards off 14 carries, adding two catches for 16 yards in the Week 4 win over the Chargers. With Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) doubtful, Hunt should get most of the work out of the backfield in Week 5, so he's worth a start in any fantasy format. The same can't be said for Samaje Perine, who had a touchdown versus Los Angeles, and Carson Steele.

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Clyde Edwards-Helaire Oct 5 3:30pm CT
Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) is doubtful for Monday's matchup with the Saints. The 25-year-old has practiced somewhat throughout the week, so he's moving in the right direction. However, fantasy managers must wait a little longer to see him back on the field. With Kareem Hunt (shoulder) off the injury report, he'll absorb most of the carries out of the backfield in Week 5, so he should be considered a starting fantasy option. While Samaje Perine found the end zone in the Week 4 win over the Chargers, he's hard to trust despite the potential for more work.

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Trey Sermon Oct 5 3:30pm CT
Trey Sermon

Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon hasn't seen much action this season, but that is set to change in Week 5. With starting running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) confirmed out, Sermon is set to be the starter for Indianapolis in Sunday's matchup against the Jaguars. He also draws a favorable matchup, with the Jaguars allowing the seventh most fantasy points to the position. It's unclear how much of a split there will be between Sermon and RBs Tyler Goodson and Evan Hull, which might hinder Sermon's production in the matchup. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues needing a replacement for Taylor can look to Sermon, but managers with more depth might want to wait to see how the backfield plays out this week. He is the RB20 in our half-PPR rankings.

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Taysom Hill Oct 5 3:20pm CT
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (ribs) won't play on Monday night. He hasn't practiced all week due to fractured ribs and was listed as doubtful, so fantasy managers had a feeling things were heading in this direction. The 34-year-old has only two catches this season. However, he has two rushing touchdowns, meaning fantasy managers in multi-tight end setups may need to find a replacement. While Juwan Johnson could see more snaps, he's hard to trust from a fantasy standpoint.

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Josh Downs Oct 5 3:10pm CT
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs had his best game of the season in Week 4, grabbing eight catches for 82 yards and a touchdown in the team's win. Since returning from injury, Downs immediately went back into a starting role in the offense, offering a deep-threat ability with his speed. Downs is in for a favorable Week 5 matchup against the Jaguars, a team allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to the position and the second-most receiving yards this season. Jacksonville's defense has also been below-average against slot receivers, allowing the 11th most points to the position. The starting QB for Indy in Week 5 has yet to be confirmed, but Downs' value would see a slight uptick if QB Joe Flacco is named the starter for Sunday. With the favorable matchup and his big-play ability, fantasy managers can view Downs as a solid WR3 option. He is the WR34 in our half-PPR rankings.

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Alvin Kamara Oct 5 3:10pm CT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hip, ribs) practiced in full on Saturday and doesn't carry an injury designation heading into Monday night's meeting with the Chiefs. Kamara is battling multiple ailments. However, the 29-year-old will likely continue to play through the pain barring any setbacks. He looked great in the Saints' first four contests, amassing 362 yards and five touchdowns off 80 carries, adding 17 catches for 174 yards and a touchdown. He's a must-start despite a challenging matchup with a Chiefs defense that has allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2024-25. His presence versus Kansas City will mean fewer snaps for Jamaal Williams, who would have been in line for more work.

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Chris Boswell Oct 5 3:00pm CT
Chris Boswell

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell is tied for second in the NFL in field goals made so far this season and will look to stay involved against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5. The Cowboys, dealing with numerous injuries to key defensive starters, have allowed 26 points per contest through the first four weeks. This should be a competitive affair in which the Steelers can effectively move the ball. Although Boswell has not been nearly as prolific for fantasy purposes since his six-for-six showing in Week 1, he remains a reliable option with a handful of opportunities every week. The 33-year-old can be deployed in starting lineups by fantasy managers without an elite-level option.

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Michael Pittman Jr. Oct 5 3:00pm CT
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. had his best performance of the season in Week 4, grabbing six targets for 113 yards. He now gears up for a favorable matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5. The Jaguars have allowed the fifth most points to the position this season and the second-most receiving yards. No. 1 WR options have succeeded against Jacksonville this season, most recently in Week 4 when WR Nico Collins grabbed 12 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown. While there is still uncertainty at the QB position for Indy with Anthony Richardson (hip) doubtful, Pittman makes for a strong start regardless of the starting QB. Fantasy managers can prioritize him as a WR2 in Week 5. He is the WR27 in our half-PPR rankings.

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Pat Freiermuth Oct 5 2:40pm CT
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth found the end zone in Week 4 and hopes to be similarly productive in a Week 5 bout with the Dallas Cowboys. Freiermuth is enjoying a prominent role in new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's system as the only tight end in the NFL with at least four receptions in all four weeks this season. Although the Cowboys have been stout against opposing tight ends in 2024, Freiermuth's consistent utilization gives him a floor that many players at the position cannot provide for fantasy purposes. He is essential to Pittsburgh's success as a preferred weapon in the passing game second only to receiver George Pickens. Freiermuth may have trouble repeating his success of last week on Sunday night, but fantasy managers can rely on him as a low-end TE1 nonetheless.

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George Pickens Oct 5 2:30pm CT
George Pickens

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens had his best showing of the campaign in Week 4 and will look to carry positive momentum into a primetime showdown against the Dallas Cowboys. Through the first four weeks of the season, Pickens has earned over 28% of the team's targets with quarterback Justin Fields at the helm. Fields has been steady as a passer in 2024 and consistently displays trust in Pickens as his go-to receiver. Dallas' defense has been solid against opposing wideouts but did allow rookie sensation Malik Nabers to post 12 receptions for 115 yards last week. The Cowboys are a bit banged up defensively, with linebacker Micah Parsons (ankle) out and defensive back Trevon Diggs (ankle) questionable for Sunday night's contest. Although Diggs is expected to suit up, Pickens could benefit from any limitations faced by the former All-Pro corner. Pickens is yet to find the end zone this season but continues to offer fantasy managers plenty of upside due to his ability to make plays down the field. The 23-year-old should be locked into lineups as a WR2 this week.

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