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: Training Camp Preview: NFC North
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Training Camp Preview: NFC West
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Training Camp Preview: NFC South
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Training Camp Preview: NFC East
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: The Weekly Bender: Follow the Coaching Movement
- Chiefs arrive to camp early for extra work with Patrick Mahomes
- Browns QB Deshaun Watson back to throwing daily
- Texans sign former Lions WR Quintez Cephus
- G Quinn Meinerz lands 4-year extension with Broncos
- Training camp questions: Houston Texans
- Bears WR Rome Odunze signs 4-year, $22.7M deal
- United Airlines apologizes for treatment of Terrell Davis
- WR Brandon Aiyuk requests trade from 49ers
- Gambling charges dropped for Pats WR Kayshon Boutte
- Browns agree to 3-year, $15.9M extension with K Dustin Hopkins
- No deal? Bears No. 1 pick Caleb Williams unsigned on eve of training camp
- Bengals WR Tee Higgins does not receive extension by deadline
- Terrell Davis says he was unjustly removed from flight
- Commanders adding ex-Panthers GM to front office
- Detroit adding Calvin Johnson to Pride of the Lions
- Vikings WR Jordan Addison arrested on suspicion of DUI
- Bengals WR Tee Higgins won't sign extension by deadline
- Former NFL WR Jacoby Jones dies at 40
- Monte Kiffin, architect of ‘Tampa 2’ Super Bowl-winning defense, dies at 84
- Roger Goodell: NFL to fight Sunday Ticket ruling; open to private equity ownership
- Fantasy Six Pack: Dynasty Football Buy Low-Sell High: De’Von Achane | Christian Watson
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Draft Tips: Rule Your Draft
- Fantasy Six Pack: ou Should Not Draft Sam LaPorta in the 2nd Round | 2024 Fantasy Football TE Busts
- Fantasy Six Pack: Best Ball Football Underrated Wide Receivers
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Running Back Depth Charts
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Depth Charts
- Fantasy Six Pack: ou Should Draft Taysom Hill in the 13th Round | 2024 Fantasy Football TE Sleepers
The Paur Report
The Miami Dolphins placed linebackers Bradley Chubb (knee), Cameron Goode (knee) and Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) and offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn (quadriceps) on the Physically Unable to Perform list on Thursday, meaning they won't be ready to take part in the start of training camp next week. Chubb tore the ACL in his right knee in Week 17 in 2023 and will not be ready for the start of the 2024 regular season as a result. The former fifth overall pick of the Denver Broncos in 2018 out of North Carolina State had 11 sacks, a career-high 73 tackles (45 solo) and a league-high six forced fumbles in 16 starts in his first year in Miami in 2023 before his injury. Phillips needed surgery to fix a right Achilles tear in November but is hoping to be ready for the regular-season opener. Miami's pass rush won't be the same until both Chubb and Phillips are back on the field together.
From RotoBaller
The Miami Dolphins placed running back Salvon Ahmed (foot) on the Non-Football Injury list on Thursday. Ahmed served in a backup role in Miami's backfield last year before suffering a season-ending foot injury in November. The 25-year-old now won't be ready to take part in practices for the start of training camp next week. When healthy, he's in line to be the team's RB4 behind Raheem Mostert, De'Von Achane and rookie Jaylen Wright, so Ahmed isn't going to be a fantasy option in the vast majority of leagues. In mostly a pass-catching role in 2023, he caught a career-high 16 passes for 88 yards and one touchdown while adding 22 rushing attempts for 61 yards and another score in eight regular-season games for the Dolphins.
From RotoBaller
Veteran wide receiver Randall Cobb is hanging up his cleats and will join the SEC Network as a college football studio analyst this year. Although Cobb hasn't officially retired, it's unlikely we'll see him again on an NFL field after he caught just five of 17 targets for 39 yards and one touchdown in 11 games (one start) in 2023 for the New York Jets. The 33-year-old was a healthy scratch for most of the second half last season. Ten of Cobb's 13 years in the NFL came with the Green Bay Packers, who selected him in the second round (64th overall) in the 2011 NFL draft out of Kentucky. If this is indeed the end of the road for the 33-year-old pass-catcher, he'll finish his career in the NFL with 630 catches on 912 targets for 7,624 yards and 54 touchdowns in 166 regular-season games (88 starts) with the Packers, Jets, Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2023, said he thinks there are "a ton of things" he can do better in his second year in the NFL, starting with "owning the offense more" than he did a year ago. Stroud also hopes to improve his footwork in Year 2 and focused on his desire for the team to put more "on my plate" in terms of directing the offense. "I want to definitely attack down the field more this year and press guys back, but also take what the defense gives me," Stroud said. "If it's a boring play, stick with the boring stuff and just be efficient with that. Those are all things I can get better at." Fantasy managers shouldn't consider the 22-year-old to be a high-end QB1 just yet, but he's no doubt going to be a popular midrange QB1 target after the phenomenal rookie season he had.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson is signing his four-year rookie deal on Thursday, according to a source. The two-time All-ACC RB from Florida State with 4.3-second speed never fumbled during his collegiate career and is expected to play a prominent role for the Cardinals' offense in 2024 alongside lead back James Conner. The 21-year-old 66th overall pick tore multiple ligaments in his knee while at Oregon in 2020 but scored 24 total touchdowns in 2022 and 2023 with the Seminoles. There are questions about his durability, but Benson's combination of power and speed give him plenty of upside at the next level in the long-term. In single-year fantasy leagues, Benson will be worth a late-round flier as a handcuff for managers that take the plunge on the oft-injured Conner.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers placed rookie linebacker Junior Colson (illness) on the Non-Football Illness list on Wednesday. The specifics of Colson's illness/injury remain unclear, but it means that he won't be able to take part in on-field workouts for the start of training camp next week. The 21-year-old third-round pick back in April out of Michigan can be activated at any time during camp and could still be ready in plenty of time for the 2024 regular-season opener in September. Still, it's bad news for a young player trying to get up to speed going into his first NFL season. When healthy, Colson was expected to compete for the starting job at middle linebacker for the Bolts with both Eric Kendricks and Kenneth Murray having moved on in the offseason.
Updating a previous report, free-agent Randall Cobb is not officially retired from the NFL and is still open to playing if an opportunity arises, according to sources Thursday, July 18.
From TheHuddle
Former Green Bay Packers and New York Jets WR Randall Cobb has retired from the NFL and accepted a position with the SEC Network as a studio analyst.
From TheHuddle
Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith is entering a 'make-or-break' season, in the opinion of The Athletic's Michael-Shawn Dugar, who notes Smith has a cap hit of $38.5 million in 2025 and will need to prove to the new coaching staff that he's worth having his contract reworked.
Fantasy Spin: Smith wasn't nearly as productive last year as he was in 2022, and he enters 2024 on the low end of QB2 territory despite a talented top-three receivers. Given that the Seahawks traded for QB Sam Howell, who started for the Washington Commanders last season, you can imagine Smith could be on a relatively short leash.
From TheHuddle
Buffalo Bills right tackle Spencer Brown (shoulder) said at a youth football camp that he's co-hosting with tight end Dalton Kincaid that he'll be a full-go when training camp starts next week after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery. Despite having offseason shoulder surgery, Brown managed to start in all 17 regular-season games in 2023 in his third year in the NFL for the first time in his career. He was originally a third-round selection (93rd overall) in the 2021 draft out of Northern Iowa and has started all but three of the 44 games he's appeared in over his three NFL campaigns. The 26-year-old could be eased into training camp practices this summer, but barring a setback with his surgically-repaired shoulder, he should be ready for Week 1 of the regular season as Buffalo's starting right tackle.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks recently received high praise from his teammate. During a sit-down with Bleacher Report, Packers quarterback Jordan Love said he believes Wicks is going to have a monster year. The second-year wideout totaled 39 receptions, 581 yards, and four touchdowns during his rookie season. Wicks has shown flashes of big-play ability, but the lack of a true No. 1 receiver does put more stress on Wicks and his teammates. The fact Love is saying these things about Wicks should mean that the young wideout will have an increased role next season. Fantasy managers should monitor this situation heading into camp. Wicks might be a sneaky late round option as fantasy draft season approaches.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans tight end Teagan Quitoriano (groin, oblique) has made a full recovery from his groin and oblique surgeries and is expected to be active for training camp next week, according to a league source. Quitoriano wasn't placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list, so that just confirms it. He could be eased into practices this summer, but barring a setback, he should be ready to go for the start of the 2024 regular season this fall. The 24-year-old was limited to seven games (five starts) in 2023 in his sophomore campaign due to injuries and was held to just two receptions for 33 yards. While he did have flashes in his rookie season, Quitoriano is a blocking-first tight end for the Texans and shouldn't be on the fantasy radar at all going into the 2024 campaign. In 17 career NFL games, he's been targeted just 16 times.
From RotoBaller
The Houston Texans placed fullback Andrew Beck (calf), cornerback D'Angelo Ross (undisclosed) and linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips (shoulder) on the Physically Unable to Perform list on Wednesday, meaning they will not be ready to take part in the start of training camp next week. Beck strained his calf earlier this offseason and now won't be able to take part in practices to kick off the summer, but it doesn't necessarily mean he won't be ready for Week 1 of the regular season this fall. With Beck sidelined for the start of camp, Troy Hairston will get more repetitions as the club's fullback. The 28-year-old Beck played in 15 games (12 starts) in his first year with the Texans in 2023 and had 11 receptions for 55 yards and two touchdowns while adding five rushing attempts for three yards and another TD. He is not on the fantasy radar.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins was recently in the running for the league's top wide receivers. This is a well deserved mention after Collins put together a breakout campaign last season. He hauled in 80 receptions for nearly 1,300 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in 15 games. This performance earned him a three-year, $72 million extension this offseason. Collins is now one of the highest-paid players at his position. Recently, NFL executives, coaches, and personnel members were surveyed to determine the best wideouts in the league. Collins fell short but was an honorable mention. It's pretty impressive to see Collins up there after one outstanding campaign. It'll be interesting to see if Collins can replicate it with Stefon Diggs competing with him for targets next season.
From RotoBaller
The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed linebacker Tyler Matakevich to a one-year deal. The veteran linebacker is a former seventh-round pick of the Steelers. He spent his first four seasons of his career with Pittsburgh. After that, Matakevich headed to the Buffalo Bills for the next four seasons. He recorded 23 tackles during his first season in Buffalo, but never surpassed that total over the next three seasons. Matakevich has been mainly playing on special teams lately. This is a depth signing as Matakevich will likely end up as a third or fourth string linebacker.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (shoulder) is expected to be ready for the beginning of training camp. Collins has been sidelined throughout the spring while he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery. He's coming off a season where he recorded 80 receptions, 1,297 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns in 15 games. It was a breakout campaign that earned him a three-year, $72 million extension in the offseason. The hope is that Collins can build off his 2023 campaign after undergoing successful surgery. However, Collins could lose targets with Stefon Diggs coming to town. Collins will be stuck fighting for targets with Diggs and Tank Dell (ankle) who is making his way back from injury. Despite that, Collins should still be able to hold WR2 value heading into fantasy drafts.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (pac) has been placed on the physically unable to perform list to begin training camp. Both Kraft and center Zach Tom were placed on the PUP list after suffering torn pectoral muscles. Luckily, head coach Matt LaFleur said he doesn't expect either player to miss much of camp. Kraft will compete with Luke Musgrove for snaps as the starting tight end. The loss of snaps gives Musgrove a sight edge, but it doesn't sound like Kraft will be gone for too long. Musgrove is the favorite to be the starter, but Kraft could be a reliable second option.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers OT Donovan Jennings (undisclosed), TE Tucker Kraft (undisclosed), WR Alex McGough (undisclosed) and OT Zach Tom (undisclosed) were placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list Wednesday, July 17. The team also placed S Kitan Oladapo (undisclosed) on the Active/Non-Football Injury list.
From TheHuddle
Free-agent LB Tyler Matakevich (Bills) signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers Wednesday, July 17. Financial terms were not disclosed. The team also released S Jalen Elliott.
From TheHuddle
Houston Texans WR Noah Brown (shoulder) is expected to be on the field at some point during training camp. He underwent shoulder surgery during the offseason.
From TheHuddle
