Guest of the League
Future senior open champs Est. 2023
FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

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.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Top 3 Busts

Player Notes
Zach Wilson Aug 11 3:50pm CT
Zach Wilson

Denver Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson, as expected, worked as the clear QB3 in Sunday's preseason opener at Lucas Oil Stadium against the hosting Indianapolis Colts in the team's preseason opener behind Jarrett Stidham and rookie first-rounder Bo Nix. Wilson mostly worked with the third-team offense on Sunday and finished by going 10-for-13 passing for 117 yards without a touchdown or interception. He had three carries for minus-one yard but avoided a sack. The former first-round pick of the New York Jets came to Denver for a new opportunity after flaming out in the Big Apple, but his chances of competing for the starting QB job pretty much evaporated when the Broncos took Nix 12th overall in April's draft. The 25-year-old didn't look very good in spring practices and is well off the fantasy radar in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Aug 11 3:40pm CT
Bo Nix

In relief of Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham on Sunday in the team's preseason opener at Lucas Oil Stadium against the hosting Indianapolis Colts, rookie first-round quarterback Bo Nix saw extensive action and made a statement in the QB competition. The 12th overall pick out of Oregon went 15-for-21 passing for 125 yards and a touchdown while also carrying the ball three times for 17 yards. In total, Nix led the Broncos to two touchdowns in five drives and didn't take a sack, with Stidham throwing a pick in his two series of work. Not only did the 24-year-old signal-caller look to be a good fit with head coach Sean Payton calling plays, but he looked poised running the offense and showed plenty of athleticism. Denver isn't going to name a starting QB until probably after their third preseason contest, but after Sunday's action, Nix already looks like the better option in 2024. His lone TD pass was a one-yarder to Marvin Mims Jr.

From RotoBaller

Jarrett Stidham Aug 11 3:30pm CT
Jarrett Stidham

Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham played in only two offensive series in Sunday's preseason opener at Lucas Oil Stadium against the hosting Indianapolis Colts and went 4-for-7 for 37 yards and one interception. The interception wasn't his fault, as running back Samaje Perine bobbled a catchable pass that led to the turnover. It was a limited sample size for Stidham, who opened the preseason listed as No. 1 on the QB depth chart ahead of rookie first-rounder Bo Nix, but Nix thoroughly impressed following Stidham on Sunday and may have taken one step closer to winning the QB competition in Denver. Stidham has more experience in head coach Sean Payton's offense from 2023, but Nix was the 12th overall pick in this year's NFL draft and looked much more impressive in the preseason opener. The 28-year-old Stidham will need to do more next week against the Green Bay Packers at home if he wants to hold off Nix.

From RotoBaller

Jamal Adams Aug 11 2:20pm CT
Jamal Adams

Tennessee Titans safety Jamal Adams (soreness) is expected to return to practice for joint sessions against Seattle this week. Adams, who previously dealt with a knee injury in Seattle, has been sidelined with soreness, though it's unclear if it's related to his past issue. The Seahawks released him in May after he played just ten regular-season games over the past two seasons. Adams joined the Titans in July and could start the 2024 season as their strong safety. Adams was selected sixth overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, adding significant experience to the Titans' secondary. Current Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson coached him during his time with the New York Jets. The Titans strengthened their secondary this offseason by trading for former Chiefs standout L'Jarius Sneed and signing Chidobe Awuzie from the Cowboys and Bengals. With Adams now on board, the Titans are poised to form one of the NFL's most formidable secondaries.

From RotoBaller

Trey Sermon Aug 11 1:50pm CT
Trey Sermon

The Indianapolis Colts have ruled out running back Trey Sermon (hamstring) due to a hamstring injury sustained during Sunday's preseason game against the Broncos. Sermon, who saw his first action in the game's third series while Jonathan Taylor played the first two, recorded one reception for 12 yards but had no carries. The injury likely occurred during special teams play. The backup running back role behind Taylor was expected to be highly competitive at the Colts' training camp, but Sermon appeared to have secured the position. Head coach Shane Steichen had praised Sermon's performance, particularly his pass protection and vision on runs. With Sermon sidelined, Tyler Goodson has moved ahead of 2023 draft pick Evan Hull as the next running back in line. While no Colts running back is expected to have a significant fantasy impact as long as Jonathan Taylor remains healthy, the backup role can be valuable. Zack Moss demonstrated this last season, finishing as the No. 28 running back in PPR points per game, showing the potential for substantial fantasy value in the No. 2 spot.

From RotoBaller

Drew Lock Aug 11 1:40pm CT
Drew Lock

Due to a sore hip, New York Giants backup quarterback Drew Lock will miss practice this week. Lock was injured late in the first quarter after being hit and going to the ground. Although he remained in for one more play, he eventually had to leave the field in pain. Head coach Brian Daboll has announced that Lock is expected to miss at least three practices and will be unavailable for the Giants' second preseason game against the Houston Texans on Saturday. Before the injury, Lock struggled, completing just 4-of-10 passes for 17 yards and an interception. With Lock sidelined, the Giants will rely on Daniel Jones and Tommy Devito as their only healthy quarterbacks. Lock signed a one-year deal this offseason with $5 million guaranteed and was expected to compete with Jones for the starting role. Given his injury and poor performance before it, Lock is unlikely to challenge Jones significantly for the starting job. No matter who starts, the Giants' quarterback situation offers limited fantasy value, apart from supporting Malik Nabers.

From RotoBaller

Braelon Allen Aug 11 1:20pm CT
Braelon Allen

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh expressed his enthusiasm for the running back room, noting its significant improvement since his first year with the team. He described rookie Braelon Allen as a "very heavy runner," mentioning that it's "painful" for other players to try to tackle him. Allen, starting in place of the sidelined Breece Hall, rushed for 54 yards on six carries in his preseason debut. He also demonstrated his pass-blocking skills and looked promising as a receiver, though his only catch was nullified by an ineligible man downfield. Despite playing only one half, Allen did more to boost his stock than any other player on the roster. Entering the game as the leading candidate for the RB2 role, the Wisconsin product solidified his position as the top contender for that spot this summer. He looks like the ideal handcuff to roster if you select Hall in the first round of fantasy drafts.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Aug 11 1:00pm CT
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said that quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) will get the "vast majority of the reps" against the Minnesota Vikings in joint practices this week, but he won't play in the second preseason contest game next Saturday against the Vikings despite being cleared for full contact. Watson hasn't had any setbacks in his recovery from right-shoulder surgery last year, but the Browns are being careful with the 28-year-old, and it now looks like he won't get any preseason reps until perhaps the final game. The former 12th overall pick by the Houston Texans in 2017 out of Clemson is a three-time Pro Bowler but has played in only 12 games total since joining Cleveland in 2021 due to a suspension and injuries. Draft him as a QB2 with upside as he looks for a bounce-back campaign in 2024.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Aug 11 12:50pm CT
CeeDee Lamb

The Dallas Cowboys consider themselves further long on a new deal with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb than with quarterback Dak Prescott. Multiple sources believe a Lamb extension will get done, possibly soon. The team has been talking to Lamb's agent, Tory Dandy, and Lamb's stance is clear: His numbers and the market speak clearly. The Cowboys know it will have to be $30-plus million annually. Meanwhile, Dallas' conversations with Prescott's agent, Todd France, are ongoing. Although a deal isn't considered close, the Cowboys think they are in a better place than they were this offseason. Owner Jerry Jones made news late this week by saying the team is in no rush to extend Lamb, but the reality is the Cowboys need the 25-year-old pass-catcher on the field sooner than later so that he's in midseason form for the start of the 2024 regular season.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Aug 11 12:40pm CT
Aaron Jones

Based on conversations ESPN's Dan Graziano had with Minnesota Vikings officials, he expects the team to try to get running back Aaron Jones 15 to 18 touches per game and use Ty Chandler as a 1B to Jones' 1A. It's possible some weeks will call for Jones to see upwards of 20 touches, but the Vikings have watched him closely for years and think he has always been at his best when he has had a complementary back such as Jamaal Williams or AJ Dillon. With that said, Jones will offer a more explosive element in the running game than Alexander Mattison did last year, and Minnesota believes the 29-year-old still has plenty left in the tank to be their lead back in 2024. But he's right around the age where RBs start to break down, so the Vikes will be careful with his workload, which makes him more of a low-end RB2 target in his first year in Minnesota.

From RotoBaller

Nate Wiggins Aug 11 12:30pm CT
Nate Wiggins

The Baltimore Ravens are confident that rookie first-round cornerback Nate Wiggins (shoulder) avoided a significant injury when he left the preseason opener on Friday against the Philadelphia Eagles with a shoulder injury. Wiggins could miss some practice time at training camp, but the Ravens are optimistic he'll be ready for the Week 1 season opener on Thursday Night Football against the defending Super Bowl-champion Kansas City Chiefs. The Clemson product looked really good in his NFL debut on Friday night against the Eagles and figures to be a big part of Baltimore's secondary in his first year if he can stay healthy. The 20-year-old was the 30th overall selection back in April and figures to start immediately across from Marlon Humphrey.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Aug 11 12:20pm CT
Malik Nabers

New York Giants rookie first-round wide receiver Malik Nabers (ankle) limped off the practice field at training camp early on Sunday, but the belief is that it's just a minor left-ankle sprain. It appeared that Nabers was stepped on near the end of team drills in practice. It's something to watch for the 21-year-old, but it shouldn't keep him out of action at camp for too long, if at all entering next week. He played just 12 offensive snaps in the team's preseason opener on Thursday night against the Detroit Lions and wasn't targeted at all by quarterback Drew Lock. The sixth overall pick in this year's NFL draft may very well lead the G-Men in targets in his first year in the NFL, which will make him a WR2/3 target for fantasy managers in upcoming drafts. Any missed time by Nabers in camp will open up more opportunities for receivers Jalin Hyatt, Wan'Dale Robinson, Isaiah Hodgins, Darius Slayton and Isaiah McKenzie.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Aug 11 12:20pm CT
Daniel Jones

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones will likely play in the team's second preseason contest against the Houston Texans next Saturday, according to head coach Brian Daboll. Jones is on the mend this offseason after suffering a season-ending torn ACL in 2023. The 27-year-old former first-rounder was medically cleared for all activities to start training camp at the end of July, but the Giants chose to keep him out of the preseason opener this past Thursday night against the Detroit Lions. It's unlikely that Jones will play very much against the Texas, but it will give us a chance to see how he's moving around as he returns from a serious knee injury. Jones got an upgrade in the receiving corps with first-round wideout Malik Nabers this year, but he's in a prove-it season in New York and should be treated as a low-end QB2 in fantasy in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Marquise Brown Aug 11 12:10pm CT
Marquise Brown

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder), who suffered a dislocation of his sternoclavicular shoulder join in Saturday's preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, was discharged from a Jacksonville-area hospital on Sunday morning and has been cleared to return to Kansas City. Tyreek Hill suffered the same injury back in 2019 with KC and ended up missing four weeks in the regular season. So fantasy managers should expect Hollywood to miss some time and be questionable for the regular-season opener in Week 1 to kick off the season against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football. It puts a damper on Brown's fantasy value to open his first year with the Chiefs. Any time missed by Brown will be an opportunity for rookie Xavier Worthy, Justin Watson, Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney to see more snaps. Rashee Rice could also open the year serving a suspension.

From RotoBaller

Braelon Allen Aug 11 10:38am CT
Braelon Allen

Dynasty | Jets rookie running back Braelon Allen rushed for 54 yards on six carries in the Jets preseason opener. Dynasty Analysis: If there were any questions about who the backup is to Breece Hall, those were likely answered today. Allen has reportedly had a solid camp both rushing and receiving and has quickly climbed the depth chart. This performance all but makes him the handcuff to Breece Hall, barring a late surge from someone else late in camp. Allen remains a solid late round rookie pick with upside.

Cole Kmet Aug 11 10:30am CT
Cole Kmet

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet saw limited time in his first preseason game of the season and caught one of two targets for 26 yards in the team's 33-6 win over the Bills. Kmet had his first game action with quarterback Caleb Williams and dropped a pass that could have made his day even more productive. While the Notre Dame alum likely won't see the same volume he did a year ago, the offensive additions should improve the unit and give Kmet more opportunities near the end zone. His next chance to get reps in the preseason comes Saturday at home against the Bengals.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Aug 11 10:20am CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs recorded a rush attempt and a reception in the Packers' preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns. Jacobs and the starters only lasted three plays. The Packers offense scored on the third play from scrimmage on a 65-yard touchdown pass from Jordan Love to Dontayvion Wicks. Jacobs was on the field for all three plays. His lone rush attempt went for seven yards and his reception went for a loss of two yards. Jacobs ran a short route on the touchdown pass as an outlet for Love. As expected, it appears that Jacobs will be heavily involved in the offense. However, it remains to be seen if he will share time in the backfield with either MarShawn Lloyd or AJ Dillon. The answer to that question may not come until the regular season gets underway in September. Jacobs has a Yahoo! ADP of 34 and is a borderline RB1 heading into fantasy football drafts.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Aug 11 10:10am CT
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore played in his first game after signing a $110 million extension in Saturday's 33-6 preseason win against the Bills. Moore saw his first action with quarterback Caleb Williams and caught two of three targets for 27 yards, despite only playing the first two drives. Although many high-profile players like Moore often sit out preseason games, developing game chemistry with Williams is crucial for their success this season. Moore's next chance to suit up comes on Saturday at home against the Bengals.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Aug 11 10:00am CT
Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams played the first two drives in the team's 33-6 preseason win over the Bills. He completed four of seven passes for 95 yards and rushed once for 13 yards. Although his playing time was limited, Williams showcased his ability to throw accurately on the run and improvise effectively outside of the pocket. He targeted tight end Cole Kmet twice, resulting in one catch and one drop. Additionally, Williams connected with running back D'Andre Swift for a big gain and receiver D.J. Moore for his other two completions. His next opportunity to get more reps is Saturday at home against the Bengals.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Aug 11 10:00am CT
D'Andre Swift

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift made his team debut on Saturday in their 33-6 preseason win over the Bills. Despite limited playing time, Swift rushed once for three yards and caught his only target for a 42-yard gain from quarterback Caleb Williams. After signing a $24 million contract to join Chicago from Philadelphia, Swift appears set for a featured role on an improving Bears offense. If his dynamic play in the first game is any indicator, Swift could see more receiving volume than usual. His next chance to get playing time comes on Saturday at home against the Bengals.

From RotoBaller