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.
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 5
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (knee) is officially active for Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after the Patriots activated him from the PUP list on Saturday. Bourne tore his ACL during the middle of last season and hasn't played since then. At the time of his injury, he had been averaging 4.6 catches, 50.8 receiving yards, and 0.5 touchdowns per game. It's unclear if Bourne can return to his 2023 form in his first game back with the Patriots' offense struggling. However, at the very least, he should inject some much-needed life into a passing game starving for talent right now. He's worth monitoring in redraft leagues but can be left on fantasy waivers for the time being.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) is officially active for the Week 5 game on Sunday versus the Washington Commanders. Njoku came into this game questionable but was expected to play and will return for the first time since injuring his ankle in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. In addition to Njoku, running back Pierre Strong Jr. (hamstring), who was also questionable to play, is active. The 28-year-old Njoku will be a big boost to a Browns offense that has underwhelmed through the first four weeks of the 2024 season. In Week 1 before getting hurt, Njoku had four catches on five targets for 44 yards. He will take back over primary tight end duties in Cleveland from Jordan Akins, who did very little in the three games that Njoku missed. Fantasy managers should consider Njoku at least in play as a low-end TE1 now that he's back.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Jeff Wilson Jr. (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots. He had recovered from a rib injury but evidently doesn't have a spot on Miami's gameday roster with Raheem Mostert returning to the fold and both De'Von Achane and Jaylen Wright playing well. Going forward, Wilson will likely be stashed on the Dolphins' roster as mere depth in the event that any other running backs miss time due to injury. Wilson can be dropped in all fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
The Houston Texans have declared RB Dameon Pierce, WR Steven Sims, RB Joe Mixon, DE Derek Barnett, OT Tytus Howard and LB Jake Hansen inactive for Week 5.
From TheHuddle
The Carolina Panthers have declared OG Andrew Raym, OT Jarrett Kingston, DL Jayden Peevy, RB Mike Boone, LB Josey Jewell and S Russ Yeast inactive for Week 5.
From TheHuddle
The Miami Dolphins have declared DB Ethan Bonner, LB Channing Tindall, C Andrew Meyer, QB Skylar Thompson, RB Jeff Wilson Jr., S Jordan Poyer and LB Mohamed Kamara inactive for Week 5.
From TheHuddle
The Cleveland Browns have declared QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, OG Javion Cohen, LB Jordan Hicks, OT Jack Conklin, CB Kahlef Hailassie, LB Khaleke Hudson and WR Jamari Thrash inactive for Week 5.
From TheHuddle
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) is officially active for Week 5 versus the Cleveland Browns. He had been listed as questionable but was expected to suit up. Robinson should have a normal workload without any injury limitations this week, but he might not be able to replicate last week's 100-yard performance now that Austin Ekeler is healthy again. Still, Robinson is a fringe top-12 fantasy running back given his volume, touchdown upside, and role within the Commanders' highly productive offense.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver K.J. Osborn (shoulder) is officially inactive for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the wrong direction after missing Friday's practice. The 27-year-old has been uninspiring this season, catching just five of 13 targets for 31 yards through four games. He has been outproduced by Demario Douglas and Ja'Lynn Polk, and now he could also lose opportunities to veteran Kendrick Bourne, who was activated from the PUP list this weekend. Between his injury, limited role, and the Patriots' struggling offense, fantasy managers should leave Osborn on waivers in all leagues.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tanner Hudson and wide receiver Trenton Irwin are both healthy scratches for the big Week 5 divisional clash on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. Hudson hasn't been active for the Bengals since the Week 1 loss to the New England Patriots, when he caught two of his three targets for 18 yards. For now, he remains well off the fantasy radar in all leagues behind Mike Gesicki, rookie Erick All Jr. and Drew Sample. Irwin is inactive for the second straight week after Tee Higgins returned to the fold for the Bengals in last week's win over the Carolina Panthers. In two games in 2024, Irwin has just two receptions on eight targets for 11 yards. The Bengals will roll forward with Ja'Marr Chase, Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, rookie Jermaine Burton and Charlie Jones at the receiver position versus Baltimore.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) will not be activated from the Reserve/Injured list prior to Week 6's game against the Seattle Seahawks, when he is eligible to return, according to multiple league sources. However, there is mild optimism because his calf and Achilles issues did not flare up after he resumed on-field work this week.
Fantasy Spin: It remains uncertain when McCaffrey will be activated from injured reserve or when he can begin practicing again. Fantasy owners should keep tabs on this situation to see when he'll be ready to return. RB Jordan Mason will continue to be the starting back for the 49ers and is a weekly starting option in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
The Washington Commanders have declared QB Sam Hartman, QB Jeff Driskel, S Dominique Hampton, WR Noah Brown, S Tyler Owens, OT Chris Paul and DE Clelin Ferrell inactive for Week 5.
From TheHuddle
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hip) has been downgraded to out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings in London. He suffered the injury during the first half and was unable to re-enter the contest. The television broadcast showed a camera angle of Jones limping on the sideline while expressing discomfort and frustration when he tried to run. He finished Sunday's contest with seven rushing yards for 29 yards on the ground, as well as a 24-yard reception. If there's any good news here, it's that the Vikings conveniently have a Week 6 bye, meaning Jones will have a full 14 days to recover before his next game. In the interim, Ty Chandler will lead the Minnesota backfield. Chandler figures to operate as a mid-range fantasy RB2 in the Vikings' productive offense.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones (hip) suffered a hip injury during the Week 5 game and is considered questionable to return.
Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players will need to keep an eye on the situation to see if Jones will be able to return in the second half. Ty Chandler will be the main back while Jones is sidelined and can be at least a flex option in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Indianapolis Colts QB Joe Flacco is expected to start Week 5's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to a source.
Fantasy Spin: QB Anthony Richardson (hip, oblique) was downgraded from questionable to doubtful Saturday, Oct. 5, despite being able to take part in all three of the team's practice sessions during the week on a limited basis. Although Flacco was solid in a relief performance against the Steelers in Week 4, going 16-for-26 with 168 passing yards and two touchdowns, he shouldn't be started outside of two-quarterback fantasy leagues or as a bye-week replacement.
From TheHuddle
Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson wasn't able to do much damage against the Minnesota Vikings last week. The 25-year-old rushed eight times for 27 yards as the primary backup to Josh Jacobs. This was a disappointing outing for Wilson after a 50-yard performance in Week 3. The assumption is that Wilson should continue to remain involved during the upcoming Week 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. However, Wilson will have a limited ceiling as the backup to Jacobs, so fantasy managers should be able to find a more viable option elsewhere.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hip) is questionable to return for Sunday's Week 5 matchup against the New York Jets. The veteran back suffered a hip injury during the second quarter of their matchup in London. The assumption is that Jones will be held out until halftime to be further evaluated. In the meantime, Ty Chandler figures to take over as the primary back with Myles Gaskin getting mixed in as well. Jones rushed seven times for 29 yards with one reception for 24 yards before exiting the contest.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange figures to draw another start ahead of the Week 5 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Fellow tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) is likely to miss his fourth game in a row on Sunday. Strange has eight receptions on 14 targets for 96 yards over the last three games. He has been seeing nearly 70 percent of the snap count since the absence of Engram. The 23-year-old should see a handful of targets which could give him some TE2 appeal for Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens DE Yannick Ngakoue was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster for Week 5's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
From TheHuddle
Indianapolis Colts running back Tyler Goodson is expected to see more involvement during Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts are going to be without Jonathan Taylor (ankle) for at least one game. Head coach Shane Steichen said that the team plans to use a committee approach at running back. Trey Sermon figures to lead the charge with Goodson and Evan Hull being mixed in behind him. Goodson hasn't seen much of the field this season, but could serve as change-of-pace option or receiving back for Week 5. The Colts could use a run-heavy approach with quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) considered doubtful. Goodson should find a way to get involved, but remains a desperation option in deep leagues.
From RotoBaller