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.
Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 5
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown was quiet through the first three contests of the 2024-25 campaign. However, he finally got it together in the Week 4 win over the Panthers, amassing 80 yards off 15 carries and adding two touchdowns. Naturally, expectations are higher than usual for Brown entering the AFC North clash with the Baltimore Ravens. Still, Zack Moss remains atop the depth chart, and he'll likely continue to see more snaps and rushing opportunities. With that in mind, Brown is still in the flex conversation, although he's a risky option.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler speculates that the Cleveland Browns could receive a lot of interest from other teams in wide receiver Amari Cooper as the trade deadline nearly in early November. The Browns aren't believed to be shopping Cooper right now, but he's attractive from a salary standpoint after the Browns reworked his contract. Fowler also lists Carolina Panthers receiver Diontae Johnson as a name to watch at the deadline if the Panthers continue to lose. The Tennessee Titans' DeAndre Hopkins may be another name to keep an eye on. Outside of his seven-catch, 86-yard, two-touchdown performance in Week 3 against the New York Giants, Cooper has left fantasy managers wanting more in 2024 in what has been an ugly looking Browns offense. Perhaps a change of scenery is best for Cooper moving forward. In his other three games, he has a combined nine catches for 62 yards.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas has three touchdowns this season, one fewer than the four he had through 16 games as a rookie. While Tee Higgins made his 2024-25 debut after missing the Bengals' first two contests, Iosivas still played more snaps in the Week 4 win over the Carolina Panthers. Granted, the 24-year-old had just one reception in that one. However, Iosivas is still second on the team in red zone targets, keeping him a flex option for Week 5 versus the Baltimore Ravens. Fantasy managers should be mindful that his presence in any lineup has its risks, although the upside remains.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss has played well this season. While Chase Brown finally got involved in the Week 4 win over the Panthers after not doing much all year, scoring twice, Moss also found the end zone. The 26-year-old also played more snaps than Brown and remains the top runner out of the backfield. With a touchdown in three of the Bengals' four games this season, Moss remains a starting fantasy option in any format. However, his pass-catching prowess gives him even more value in PPR formats.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins made his 2024-25 debut versus the Commanders by catching three passes for 39 yards. Fantasy managers were still expecting more despite the wideout missing the first two games because of a hamstring injury. However, he played better in the Week 4 win over the Panthers, amassing six grabs (10 targets) for 60 yards. Cincinnati will meet Baltimore in Week 5 for an AFC North showdown. While Higgins remains a risky option for managers, his upside makes him worthy of a start in any format.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase had a rough start to the 2024-25 campaign. The former LSU Tiger had only 10 grabs through the first two weeks. Even worse, he didn't find the end zone. Yet, with Tee Higgins suiting up for the Week 3 clash with the Commanders after sitting out the Bengals' first two contests because of a hamstring injury, Chase finally got some breathing room, finishing with six catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns. While he wasn't as productive in Sunday's win over the Panthers, he still found the end zone for the third time this year. With that in mind, Chase is one of the NFL's top wideouts, so there's no way to justify keeping him out of any fantasy lineup for Week 5 versus the Ravens.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist) appeared on the injury report throughout the week. However, he's logged full practice sessions and doesn't carry a designation heading into Sunday's AFC North clash with the Ravens. The 2020 No. 1 overall pick has looked good this season, throwing seven touchdowns, one pick, and 978 yards off an efficient 95-for-134 passing (70.9%). With the Bengals coming off their first win of the 2024-25 campaign, Burrow will look to lead his team to another victory in Week 5. He last met the Ravens in November of last season. Unfortunately, the signal-caller would suffer a wrist injury that put him on the shelf for the remainder of the year. Without question, Burrow will have that on his mind on Sunday, which could give him even more motivation to produce. Regardless, he has played too well this season, so he should be featured in all fantasy lineups versus Baltimore.
From RotoBaller
The Denver Broncos defense/special teams was an afterthought in fantasy entering the 2024 season, but through four weeks, they have proven to be one of the stingier units and are now a must-start heading into their Week 5 contest this Sunday against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders will be without both receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) and running back Zamir White (groin). Denver's D ranks sixth in fantasy points through four weeks with 16 sacks, five takeaways and two safeties. Meanwhile, the Raiders have been a top-10 matchup for opposing defenses and are tied for third with six giveaways. The Broncos defense also ranks third in points allowed per game (13.8), second in total yards allowed per game (256.5), third in passing yards allowed per game (146), and 12th in rushing yards allowed per game (110.5). Raiders QB Gardner Minshew II has been sacked 13 times this year, tied for sixth-most in the NFL.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos tight end Greg Dulcich hasn't been anywhere near the fantasy radar so far in 2024, and that doesn't figure to change in Week 5 as the team takes on the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. Dulcich enters this weekend outside of the top-50 tight ends in half-PPR scoring, having caught five of his 12 targets for 28 yards and no touchdowns through four weeks. All of his production came in the first two weeks of the season against the Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers. In the last two games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets, the team's two wins, Dulcich has no catches on just one target. Denver's low-scoring offense has not had nearly enough passing volume with rookie quarterback Bo Nix to support more than one fantasy relevant pass-catcher. The 24-year-old Dulcich belongs on the waiver wire in most leagues.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz has a good opportunity for a bounce-back performance in the Week 5 divisional tilt at home in the thin air of Denver against the Las Vegas Raiders, a team that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to kickers per game so far in 2024. Lutz is coming off his worst performance of the year, missing his first kick of the season. He made just one field goal and one extra point in the 10-9, Week 4 upset over the New York Jets in rainy and wet conditions last weekend. Denver's offense has been among the worst in the NFL so far this year, but Lutz surprisingly ranks as the No. 10 kicker heading into Week 5, thanks to 10 successful field goals and four extra points. The floor will continue to be low for Lutz with quarterback Bo Nix running the show, but Denver's offense should be able to move the ball better this weekend against a Raiders defense that could be without All-Pro pass-rusher Maxx Crosby (ankle). Lutz is in the streaming conversation at kicker.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds (foot) is rostered in only 2% of Yahoo leagues and shouldn't be anywhere near starting fantasy lineups for the team's Week 5 matchup at home against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. Reynolds surprisingly entered the Week 4 tilt against the New York Jets leading the team in receiving yards after three weeks, but he proceeded to put up a donut last Sunday with no catches on only two targets in the 10-9 upset win. Conditions should be more favorable against a softer Raiders defense this weekend, but Reynolds belongs on the waiver wire in most fantasy leagues as the WR2 in one of the weakest offenses in the NFL. At best, he's a volatile WR4/flex for those desperate in deeper formats. Reynolds has 11 catches on 17 targets for 174 yards and no touchdowns through four games, placing him outside the top-50 wideouts in half-PPR scoring.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) is expected to be a game-time decision for Week 5 versus the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. He was limited this week and is officially listed as questionable to play on Sunday. Fowler notes that Richardson can't necessarily worsen his current injury, so his Week 5 status primarily hinges on pain tolerance and functionality. The 22-year-old has been an underwhelming fantasy option over the last three weeks, but he'd have a real chance to turn things around this weekend against a Jaguars defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. If healthy, he'd rank as a low-end QB1. Otherwise, Joe Flacco would earn the start.
From RotoBaller
The Carolina Panthers promoted LB Marquis Haynes from their practice squad to the active roster Friday, Oct. 4. In another move, CB Justin Hardee was released from the practice squad.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson is still searching for his first game of the season with double-digit fantasy points. The veteran has been an upside-based, big-play threat so far, playing at least 85 percent of snaps in all four weeks but failing to catch more than two passes in any of his last three games. Robinson has been utilized as an option deeper downfield, which naturally leads to more contested passes and fewer receptions. Still, every game, he's one big gain away from having WR3/FLEX relevance, especially in his increased role with Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) still sidelined. This week, he's facing a Green Bay Packers defense that has allowed the eighth-most touchdowns and ninth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Fantasy managers can evaluate him as a low-end WR4 for the time being.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson has streaming appeal as a fringe top-12 player at the position heading into Week 5 versus the Green Bay Packers. Parkinson has delivered modest production through four games so far, catching 12 passes for 113 yards. His usage has been impressive as he played 100 percent of snaps in Week 3 and commanded a season-high seven targets in Week 4. This week, Parkinson has a favorable matchup against the Packers, who have allowed the most touchdowns and the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this year. With Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puca Nakua (knee) still sidelined, there are extra targets available for Parkinson. He's a matchup-based fringe TE1 this week.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater (left knee) returned to practice in a limited capacity on Friday. This was an improvement after he missed two consecutive practices, but it still leaves some uncertainty about his availability. The Cardinals are officially listing him as questionable for Week 5 versus the San Francisco 49ers. Prater has remained quite effective in his age-40 season, converting all 10 of his extra points attempts and all six of his field goal attempts. Fantasy managers can continue to start Prater in leagues with 12 teams or fewer.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Cam Akers is trending toward drawing his third consecutive start in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills. Akers has seized an increased role in the Houston backfield with both Joe Mixon (ankle) and Dameon Pierce (sidelined). Mixon has already been ruled out for this week's contest, and while the Texans are leaving the door open for Pierce, he missed two of three practices this week and faces an uphill battle to play. Therefore, it's looking like Akers will draw the start for the third week in a row. He has posted limited results on reduced opportunities during that span, registering just 74 rushing yards, eight receiving yards, and one touchdown. On a promising note, Akers could fare better this week against a porous Bills run defense. Buffalo has allowed the second-most fantasy points and the second-most receptions to opposing running backs this year, positioning Akers in the low-end RB2 tier for Sunday's clash.
From RotoBaller
The New Orleans Saints defense has held opposing offenses to 20 points or fewer through the first four weeks of the season. The team is averaging two takeaways and 2.5 sacks per game as well. In Week 5, the Saints hit the road to face the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night. The Chiefs are usually a threat to put up points but injuries have ravaged Kansas City's offense, leaving them short of personnel. Additionally, quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been shaky so far, tossing about five interceptions against his six touchdown passes. The Chief's o-line has done well at limiting pressure on Mahomes, at least, and will make it hard for Carl Granderson and the rest of the Saints' front line to add to their sack total. The Saints are viable in deeper leagues and not a bad bet based on their performance through the first four weeks of 2024.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr started the season by posting more than 20 fantasy points in back-to-back games. However, in Weeks 3 and 4 the signal-caller couldn't crack double digits. Carr went 28-for-36 last week, setting new highs in completions and pass attempts in the young season, but he failed to reach 250 passing yards for the fourth straight game. In Week 5, the Saints head to Kansas City to play the Chiefs on Monday night. The Chiefs permitted Justin Herbert to throw for just 179 yards in Week 4 and they have given up just 13.5 fantasy points per game over their last three. Carr faces the additional challenge of playing behind an offensive line missing three starters that is facing an aggressive defensive front led by lineman Chris Jones. Unless you are managing a two-QB league team dealing with bye week complications, then Carr should be left on the wire in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
The New Orleans Saints' tendency to run 12 personnel concentrates their passing attack on wide receivers Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave. Shaheed owns a 25.5% target share as a result and, leaving out the egg he laid in Week 3, he is averaging 18.3 PPR points per game in 2024. In Week 5, the Saints head to Kansas City to face the Chiefs on Monday night. The Chiefs have done well to limit opposing wide receivers' production in 2024, holding them collectively to 113 yards per game. Still, Shaheed has shown several times over that his ability to break a big play and the Saints will likely need to look to him again to have a shot at getting past Kansas City. There may be additional work for him as the other main weapons in the Saints' offense, Olave (hamstring) and Alvin Kamara (hip/ribs) both popped up on the team's injury report this week. Shaheed's long touchdown potential keeps him in the WR3 range for Week 5 and he can have a slight boost in value in leagues that award points for return yards.
From RotoBaller