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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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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 5

Player Notes
Anthony Richardson Oct 4 12:40pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (abdomen, oblique) is in pads and practicing for the third time this week on Friday. However, The Athletic's James Boyd reports that veteran Joe Flacco is taking most, if not all, of the first-team repetitions in practice as Richardson stands behind Flacco to watch him throw. Richardson was relieved by Flacco in the Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. The 22-year-old's injury isn't believed to be serious, but perhaps they let Flacco make the Week 5 start against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday. Either way, Richardson has fallen to low-end QB1/high-end QB2 territory after a disappointing start to his sophomore season in which he leads the league with six interceptions thrown. Check back for Richardson's final Week 5 status going into Sunday's game. The Colts will also be without star running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) this week.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Oct 4 12:40pm CT
Nick Chubb

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (knee) has officially been ruled out for the Week 5 contest versus the Washington Commanders as he continues to work his way back from a devastating left-knee injury he suffered in Week 2 of 2023. Chubb returned to practice for the first time this year on Wednesday and is being eased back into action. There really isn't a firm timetable for when the 28-year-old might make his 2024 debut, and the Browns could use the full 21-day window to make sure Chubb is fully up to speed before working him back into the backfield on game days. Fantasy managers should have Chubb stashed in all formats, but there's no guarantee he'll return for a Week 6 tilt against the Philadelphia Eagles. In the meantime, Jerome Ford will continue to operate as Cleveland's lead back, with D'Onta Foreman being sprinkled in as a change-of-pace option.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Oct 4 12:30pm CT
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (thigh) finds himself in the flex conversation once again in Week 5. Lockett has earned at least seven targets in three of four games this season and that volume will keep him fantasy relevant. Unfortunately, Lockett has only cleared 61 yards in one game. He also has yet to score a touchdown after scoring at an incredibly high clip earlier in his career. However, Lockett is still a trusted safety valve for quarterback Geno Smith and will see his fair share of targets even with the emergence of second-year wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Lockett enters a matchup with a New York Giants team that has lost several playmakers in the defensive backfield in recent years. The Seahawks should have no trouble moving up and down the field against this team which could give Lockett his first chance to score this season.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Oct 4 12:30pm CT
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (toe) continues to stay off the fantasy radar. After a big Week 3 in which Fant caught six passes for 60 yards, he was back to his usual two catches per game in Week 4. Fant is far from his days in Denver when he was a high-end fantasy starter. He is far more necessary to the Seahawks offense than he is to fantasy teams. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb focuses more on his talented group of wide receivers than Fant, and rightfully so. If you have an extra roster spot than Fant may be worth a stash, but you should not even think about starting him until he proves any kind of fantasy worth.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Oct 4 12:30pm CT
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith is a solid play at quarterback in Week 5. He is coming off a game in which he threw for 395 yards and a touchdown. A late interception dampened the day, but the output was huge. Smith has thrown for exactly one touchdown in all four games this season. This Seahawks offense feels like it is on the cusp of an explosion which could come in Week 5. Smith should have a chance to finally break through with a multiple-touchdown game. He should also push for 250 or more passing yards. Smith has been serviceable all year which is evidenced by his current standing as the QB9 in fantasy. If you need a bye-week fill-in for Jalen Hurts or Jared Goff, or you have an underperforming starter such as Patrick Mahomes, then Smith is a fine option to deploy.

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T.J. Hockenson Oct 4 12:30pm CT
T.J. Hockenson

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) was limited in his return to practice on Friday, but he has been ruled out for Week 5 against the New York Jets and will not come off the Physically Unable to Perform list just yet. The Vikings opened Hockenson's 21-day practice window on Friday, but he'll have to wait until at least Week 7 against the Detroit Lions -- the Vikings have their bye in Week 6 -- before potentially making his 2024 debut. We'll have a better idea in a few weeks of whether the 27-year-old will be able to return in Week 7 by his practice participation. Hockenson deserves to be stashed in all fantasy formats and should have TE1 utility when he's back in a Vikings offense that has looked great under quarterback Sam Darnold so far in 2024. Until Hockenson returns, fantasy managers can continue to ignore Johnny Mundt.

From RotoBaller

Jason Myers Oct 4 12:30pm CT
Jason Myers

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers had a tough day in Week 4 against the Detroit Lions. Myers missed a long field of 62 yards at the end of the first half and only kicked three extra points to make up for it. It is not every day that kickers attempt career long field goals at the end of the half, so Myers' dud is unlikely to be a trend. Myers should continue his accurate kicking spree in Week 5. Additionally, the Seahawks D/ST should be in plenty of scoring positions all day. Do not be surprised if Myers delivers two to three field goals and two to three extra points. That should be enough for another double-digit fantasy day.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Oct 4 12:30pm CT
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been a two-faced player in 2024. He has two games with 12 or more targets with 13.1 fantasy points in each of those games. He also has two games with three or less targets with 6.9 or less fantasy points in each of those games. His inconsistency makes him difficult to trust but his talent is intriguing. The Seahawks have made it clear that they would like Smith-Njigba to touch the ball far more than he did in 2023. However, whether or not it is by design, the team has not been able to consistently scheme plays for Smith-Njigba. He has a chance to shine against a middle-of-the-road New York Giants defense in Week 5. He should be a flex-play with upside but do not be surprised if he delivers another dud performance.

From RotoBaller

Zach Charbonnet Oct 4 12:30pm CT
Zach Charbonnet

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet finds himself in a secondary role to Kenneth Walker III (oblique) once again. Upon Walker's return from injury in Week 5, Charbonnet was out-touched 16 to seven. With their actions, the Seahawks have made it clear that they heavily prefer Walker over Charbonnet. Charbonnet did see a 42% snap share to Walker's 59%. However, the Seahawks clearly would like Walker to have the ball in his hands over Charbonnet. What is more, five of Charbonnet's touches in Week 4 were receptions on a day in which quarterback Geno Smith threw the ball 56 times. That type of volume will not be available to Charbonnet in every game. He is worth a roster spot, but he is merely a hand cuff for Walker until proven otherwise.

From RotoBaller

Brian Robinson Jr. Oct 4 12:20pm CT
Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said that running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) is "trending in the right direction" to play in Week 5 against the Cleveland Browns despite not practicing on Wednesday or Thursday. Robinson returned to practice on Friday, although his status for Sunday's contest could come down to a game-time decision. Fantasy managers should expect him to be listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report. With Austin Ekeler (concussion) returning to action in Week 5 after sitting out the Week 4 win over the Arizona Cardinals, B-Rob won't have nearly as much upside as he did heading into last week's game with Ekeler ruled out. If the 25-year-old were to be ruled out, Jeremy McNichols, who had two rushing touchdowns last week, would split backfield touches with Ekeler. If B-Rob is active, he'll be an RB2 for fantasy managers against Cleveland.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Oct 4 12:20pm CT
Malik Nabers

The Seattle Seahawks defense/special teams is headed into a matchup against the New York Giants in Week 5. The Giants will be playing without star rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (concussion) who has meant everything to this offense. Running back Devin Singletary (groin) may not play in this game either, however, he did manage to return to practice on Friday. Without either of those players, the Giants are left with very little playmakers on offense and a shaky offensive line. The revamped Seahawks defensive front should have a field day getting to quarterback Daniel Jones in this game. As such, they should have plenty of sacks and could force several turnovers as a result of the pressure. While this squad was annihilated by the Detroit Lions in Week 4, they should absolutely be in your lineup in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Oct 4 12:20pm CT
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) is coming off a huge three-touchdown performance against the Detroit Lions in Week 4. What is even more impressive is that Walker had not played in two weeks and immediately regained his starting job as a workhorse running back. This coaching regime loves Walker, and his stronghold over his workload will continue as long as he is healthy. The Giants are No. 14 against opposing running backs in fantasy. As such, Walker should feast in a game that the Seahawks should win handily. Fire Walker up as an RB1 in Week 5.

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Jonathan Taylor Oct 4 12:20pm CT
Jonathan Taylor

The Indianapolis Colts officially ruled out running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) for the Week 5 game this weekend against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Things were trending this way after Taylor suffered what was described as a minor right high-ankle sprain in the Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 25-year-old isn't going on Injured Reserve but he's out for this week and could be up in the air to face the division-rival Tennessee Titans in Week 6. It's a big blow for Indy's offense, which could also be without quarterback Anthony Richardson (abdomen, oblique) against Jacksonville. With Taylor out, Trey Sermon is expected to be the Colts' primary back in Week 5, giving him RB2/3 plug-and-play fantasy appeal off the waiver wire if you have Taylor or are desperate for some RB help this week. In addition to Sermon having a bigger role, Tyler Goodson will also see more work as the backup.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Oct 4 12:20pm CT
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (hand) has been nothing short of excellent in 2024. Metcalf has 24 receptions for 366 yards and two touchdowns this season. He has dominated three weeks in a row with over 100 receiving yards. The New York Giants are the No. 14 team against opposing wide receivers but there is no one on their defense who should scare you away from Metcalf at home. It is noteworthy that Metcalf is nursing a hand injury. He was able to practice fully on Wednesday but was downgraded to limited on Thursday. Metcalf's practice participation will need to be closely monitored as we head into the weekend. However, if Metcalf plays then he will be a no-brainer starter in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Oct 4 12:10pm CT
Diontae Johnson

As expected, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) was removed from the final Week 5 injury report on Friday after he put in a second straight limited practice. Johnson was given a DNP in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, but the Panthers all along expected him to play this Sunday against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The 28-year-old needs to be locked into all starting fantasy lineups despite the tough matchup against Chicago's defense on the road. In two games since quarterback Andy Dalton took over for Bryce Young under center, Johnson has caught 15 of his 27 targets for 205 yards and two touchdowns. High volume should be expected yet again with Adam Thielen (hamstring) still on Injured Reserve.

From RotoBaller

Miles Sanders Oct 4 12:10pm CT
Miles Sanders

Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (illness) missed some practice time this week while being under the weather, but he was removed from the final Week 5 injury report on Friday and will suit up on Sunday at Soldier Field to face the Chicago Bears. The 27-year-old was able to practice in full on Friday after missing the sessions on Wednesday and Thursday. Especially against a stout defense on the road, fantasy managers should have better flex options at the RB position than Sanders in Week 5. Through the first four weeks as the backup to starter Chuba Hubbard, Sanders has 25 carries for 91 yards (3.6 yards per carry) and has found the end zone once, adding eight catches for 32 yards. His fantasy stock is going to plummet even further once rookie RB Jonathon Brooks (knee) comes off the Non-Football Injury list soon to make his NFL debut.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Oct 4 12:00pm CT
Justin Fields

The Dallas Cowboys' defense has had a very up-and-down season through the first month. They looked like the unit we were all used to a season ago in Week 1 against Cleveland, but quickly fell off a cliff for Weeks 2 and 3. Week 4 against the Giants was no tough test, and now Dallas will face a conservative Pittsburgh Steelers offense in Week 5. Quarterback Justin Fields has been on a hot streak, accounting for six touchdowns and one turnover in the past three games. There are better streaming options available this week. Dallas is a fringe startable unit, but check free agency first for a better option against a weaker offensive unit.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Oct 4 11:50am CT
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson has been one of the few consistent tight end options this season. With Brandin Cooks (knee) ruled out for Sunday night's game in Pittsburgh, Ferguson should figure to see a consistent target share again. Ferguson has seen 21.6% of passes come his way when in the lineup this season, accounting for the second-highest percentage of targets on the team behind only CeeDee Lamb. The 25-year-old should be thrown into lineups this weekend in all formats despite going up against a tough Pittsburgh secondary. Dallas has leaned on the passing game and should continue to do so in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aubrey Oct 4 11:50am CT
Brandon Aubrey

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey has been the top option at his position this season. The Cowboys play in Pittsburgh on Sunday night in what could be a lower-scoring game. Despite the tough matchup, Aubrey should remain in all lineups. The number one kicker in fantasy cannot be cut from rosters, forcing him into lineups in a tough matchup. Downgrade expectations for Aubrey this week, although he still remains a top-three option at the position.

From RotoBaller

Noah Brown Oct 4 11:50am CT
Noah Brown

Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (groin) was ruled out for Sunday's game, according to JP Finlay of 1067 The Fan. Brown participated in Wednesday's practice in a limited fashion but was unable to practice on Thursday, which suggests the injury was more severe than previously expected. The 28-year-old has begun to emerge as the No.2 wideout opposite of Terry McLaurin, as he has caught three passes in every game and saw a season-high four targets last week. Through this stretch, Brown has averaged 37 yards each game. Fantasy managers should expect Terry McLaurin, tight end Zach Ertz, and running back Austin Ekeler to see a slight uptick in targets with Brown sitting out. Third-round pick Luke McCaffrey could also see an increase in playing time along with Olamide Zaccheaus and Dyami Brown and are worth a look as a flex option in 14+ team leagues.

From RotoBaller