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FFL: Week 5 | NFL: Week 5

QB Strength of Schedule

Thu May 23 11:12am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Prescott setup for big success


Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the quarterback position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the quarterbacks with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the quarterbacks that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.

  QB SOS  
1. Miami Dolphins 313.6
2. Cincinnati Bengals 314.77
3. Los Angeles Chargers 317.32
4. Denver Broncos 317.38
5. Pittsburgh Steelers 320.33
6. Houston Texans 320.74
7. Buffalo Bills 321.01
8. Philadelphia Eagles 323.71
9. Kansas City Chiefs 325.08
10. Washington Commanders 325.12
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 326.4
12. Jacksonville Jaguars 328.45
13. New York Jets 329.06
14. New England Patriots 329.64
15. Cleveland Browns 330.31
16. Los Angeles Rams 330.72
17. Arizona Cardinals 331.54
18. Indianapolis Colts 331.69
19. Seattle Seahawks 332
20. Atlanta Falcons 332.73
21. Baltimore Ravens 333.05
22. San Francisco 49ers 333.05
23. Detroit Lions 334.13
24. Las Vegas Raiders 334.38
25. New York Giants 334.72
26. New Orleans Saints 336.27
27. Minnesota Vikings 337.2
28. Dallas Cowboys 339.64
29. Chicago Bears 340.70
30. Tennessee Titans 343.69
31. Carolina Panthers 345.54
32. Green Bay Packers 349.53


The Packers have the easiest fantasy schedule for quarterbacks. Jordan Love already had a breakout season last year and could take his game to an even higher level this season. Love is shaping up to be a really intriguing QB1 this season. He is a player on the rise and seems setup for even more success this year.

A couple second-year quarterbacks have really favorable schedules, Will Levis and Bryce Young. Both seem like good No. 2 fantasy quarterbacks to take a chance. Their teams did well in upgrading the talent around them this offseason and a favorable schedule bodes well for them to take some steps forward this year.

Caleb Williams was the No.1 overall pick and the Bears gave him plenty of firepower to work with in year one. Williams has a lot of good going for him this year and could be the C.J. Stroud of this year’s rookie class. And having a favorable fantasy schedule helps Williams even more.

A couple veterans with favorable schedules are Dak Prescott and Derek Carr. Prescott is the one that stands out the most. The Cowboys are lacking top options at the running back spot, so it would not surprise if the Cowboys are really pass-heavy offensively. Prescott could really rack up the numbers this year.

There are some big-name quarterbacks on the opposite side of things, having very tough fantasy schedules. Tua Tagovalioa has the toughest schedule of all. He struggled a little down the stretch last year and now has the most unfavorable schedule for any fantasy quarterback. This is a little concerning.

Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert and whoever is starting in Pittsburgh, likely Russell Wilson, are other veteran quarterbacks that have a top-five unfavorable schedule for fantasy quarterbacks. Burrow is not a huge concern for us because we think they will still have success throwing the ball and he has a ton of talent around him at receiver. Herbert is a concern. The Chargers lost their top two receivers and could be a lot more run-heavy with a new coach in place. Herbert has some red flags for him this coming year, making him a bit of a risky pick for fantasy teams. Wilson is another veteran with a tough schedule. He also has Justin Fields pushing him to play, so Wilson is going to be a boom or bust fantasy pick.

We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy quarterbacks. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the quarterbacks with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.

  QB PLAYOFF SOS  
1. Jacksonville Jaguars 292.02
2. Houston Texans 299.33
3. New York Giants 301.93
4. Miami Dolphins 307.48
5. Los Angeles Rams 308.45
6. Detroit Lions 312.4
7. Arizona Cardinals 313.15
8. Kansas City Chiefs 313.45
9. Buffalo Bills 313.6
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 317.53
11. Cincinnati Bengals 318.03
12. Baltimore Ravens 318.25
13. Green Bay Packers 322.48
14. Indianapolis Colts 322.83
15. Pittsburgh Steelers 328.78
16. Philadelphia Eagles 331.23
17. Cleveland Browns 331.95
18. Minnesota Vikings 334.68
19. Atlanta Falcons 336.18
20. Carolina Panthers 338.62
21. Seattle Seahawks 338.65
22. Las Vegas Raiders 341.18
23. Los Angeles Chargers 341.22
24. New York Jets 344.3
25. New Orleans Saints 346.68
26. Chicago Bears 347.07
27. Tennessee Titans 348.42
28. New England Patriots 355.23
29. Denver Broncos 355.35
30. Dallas Cowboys 359.62
31. Washington Commanders 359.92
32. San Francisco 49ers 363.47


There is just a team that makes both the top-five favorable quarterback schedule for the regular season and playoffs. That team is the Cowboys. So Dak Prescott has the third easiest playoff schedule in addition to having the fifth easiest regular season schedule. Prescott was a player looking pretty good even before seeing these schedules, so you might want to bump him up a few spots in your rankings after seeing this. Prescott could be a league winner in 2024.

The 49ers actually have the easiest fantasy quarterback schedule for the playoffs. So Brock Purdy could have a great run during the fantasy playoffs. He always has a high weekly ceiling, so things are looking great for him this postseason.

Now some rookie quarterbacks round out the team of having top-five fantasy quarterback playoff schedules. Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix and Drake Maye are all likely starting for their teams later in the season, so they should help fantasy teams during the playoffs. They all have some question marks surrounding them but could be worth the gamble, especially if you have a dependable starter already on your roster. These rookies could make some noise late in the season.

On the opposite side of things, the Dolphins are the only team to have both a top-five unfavorable fantasy quarterback schedule for the regular season and playoffs. We already had a few concerns for Tagovalioa even before these schedules were released. And now seeing he has very challenging schedules for both the regular season and playoffs make him a player you might want to avoid come draft day.

Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars have the toughest schedule for the playoffs. Lawrence has not lived up to expectations to date. He could have his best season to date this year, but his schedule during the playoffs is concerning. Lawrence could struggle when it matters most.

C.J. Stroud is the biggest name of any quarterback with a top-five unfavorable playoff schedule. We aren’t too concerned about this because some players can rise above the challenge. Stroud is one of those players. Things will be tougher for him in year two, but he will also progress and get better. Plus, he has Stefon Diggs added to the mix, which should improve that passing game even more.

Daniel Jones is another quarterback with a challenging playoff schedule. He is another fringe draft pick to begin with, so seeing him possibly have struggles down the stretch causes more trepidation when it comes to possibly drafting him. He might be another player to just steer clear of come draft day.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 5

Player Notes
Demarcus Robinson Oct 5 8:50am CT
Demarcus Robinson

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

Colby Parkinson Oct 5 8:40am CT
Colby Parkinson

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

Matt Prater Oct 5 8:20am CT
Matt Prater

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

Cam Akers Oct 5 8:20am CT
Cam Akers

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

Carl Granderson Oct 5 6:30am CT
Carl Granderson

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

Derek Carr Oct 5 5:50am CT
Derek Carr

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

Rashid Shaheed Oct 5 5:50am CT
Rashid Shaheed

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

Tua Tagovailoa Oct 5 5:10am CT
Tua Tagovailoa

The New England Patriots' defense should garner significant fantasy appeal heading into Week 5 versus the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins have limped to the finish line in each of their last three games, losing to the Bills, Seahawks, and Titans all by at least 19 points. The absence of Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) has been a major factor as the Dolphins are averaging just 8.3 points over the last three weeks. While the Patriots might be a tier down from even the Titans, New England's defense has legitimate top-five upside as it prepares to face an offense led by Tyler Huntley. Miami quarterbacks have three fumbles over the last two weeks and have struggled to produce points and yardage, giving the Patriots a great opportunity to capitalize. Their defense is a top-12 unit in fantasy football for this week.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Oct 5 5:10am CT
Anthony Richardson

The Jacksonville Jaguars defense/special teams unit could be an interesting waiver wire add in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts. With Jonathan Taylor already ruled out and Anthony Richardson potentially also out, that leaves an offense led by Joe Flacco and Trey Sermon in the backfield. While Flacco played solid in relief last week, he could be prone to turnovers, especially with a lackluster run game behind him. If the Jaguars defense can make the Colts offense one-dimensional, they could be primed for a big day. The defense hasn't been great so far this season, but a banged-up division rival seems like a prime matchup for an improved performance. Even if Richardson does suit up, the Jaguars are a decent play, as the young QB has been turnover prone during his short career. Fantasy managers can do better, but the Jaguars D/ST is a solid option in Week 5 that is very likely available on the waiver wire.

From RotoBaller

Andy Dalton Oct 5 5:10am CT
Andy Dalton

The Chicago Bears' defense and special teams aim to maintain their strong performance against the Carolina Panthers this week. While some may be hesitant to back the Bears due to the Panthers averaging 30 points per game with former Bear Andy Dalton at quarterback, the Bears represent the most formidable challenge Dalton has faced. Dalton boasts a 66.2% completion rate in his two starts and averages 269.5 passing yards per game. This improved play has contributed to wide receiver Diontae Johnson achieving back-to-back games with over seven catches, 80 receiving yards, and a touchdown for the first time in his career. The Bears have yet to allow more than 21 points in a game and are tied for third in the NFL with eight takeaways. Expect the Bears to slightly disrupt Dalton's resurgence and force him into a turnover or two.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Oct 5 3:00am CT
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings will try to continue his unlikely run as a fantasy difference-maker when the team squares off against the Arizona Cardinals at home on Sunday. Against New England last week, Jennings paced all 49ers receivers with three receptions on six targets for 88 yards. It was one thing for Jennings to have a career day in Week 3 with Deebo Samuel Sr. and George Kittle absent, but it was quite the surprise to follow it up with a fantasy-useful performance with everyone healthy. Arizona's pass defense is tied for 14th in half-PPR points allowed to opposing wide receivers, which makes for a decent opportunity for San Francisco's receivers. However, Jennings is still a dubious bet to continue producing like he has, given the talent of Samuel Sr., Kittle, and Brandon Aiyuk demanding targets. Jennings is a consensus WR4 and a risky FLEX play in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Oct 5 2:30am CT
Deebo Samuel

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. will line up against the Arizona Cardinals at home on Sunday. Last week versus New England, Samuel Sr. caught three of five targets for 58 yards plus two carries for 14 yards rushing after spending some time on the injury report. His day, disappointing as it was, was somewhat saved by a single 53-yard reception. Arizona, coming into the game tied for 14th in half-PPR fantasy points allowed to wide receivers, represents a decent opportunity for Samuel Sr. Also worth noting is that the Cardinals' defense has been sixth-worst against the run and Samuel Sr. usually gets at least a couple of carries. He's averaging 13 half-PPR points in fantasy so far. Start a healthy Samuel Sr. as a back-end WR1 in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Oct 5 2:10am CT
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze is set for a bounce back this Sunday against a vulnerable Carolina Panthers secondary. In Week 5, Odunze will go up against the 19th-ranked pass defense in the league, allowing an average of 209.3 yards per gamean encouraging matchup for him. He has a chance to score this week, as the Panthers have surrendered multiple touchdown passes in every game this season. Last week, Caleb Williams missed Odunze on a potential deep touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams, but both players are improving with each game. While Odunze's long-term potential is clear, his current 14.9% target rateranking 78th among wide receiversmakes him less appealing as a fantasy starter. He won't be a reliable option until the Bears' offense finds its rhythm or Odunze surpasses Allen in targets. However, with a favorable matchup against the Panthers, he could see the end zone, positioning him as a WR4 with significant risks and potential rewards.

From RotoBaller

Cole Kmet Oct 5 2:10am CT
Cole Kmet

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet is a borderline starter this week, thanks to a favorable matchup against the struggling Carolina Panthers secondary. In Week 5, Kmet will face the 19th-ranked pass defense in the NFL, which allows an average of 209.3 yards per game, presenting a solid opportunity for him. However, with all three starting wide receivers now healthy, Kmet's usage has reverted to more typical levels following his breakout in Week 3. He has been held to under 35 receiving yards in three of his four games this season. Kmet appeared on the Bears' first practice report for Week 5 as limited due to a knee injury. Still, he participated fully in practice the following day, likely clearing him for Sunday's matchup against the Panthers. He has a chance to score this week, as the Panthers have allowed multiple touchdown passes in every game this season.

From RotoBaller

Cairo Santos Oct 5 2:10am CT
Cairo Santos

Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos is a solid fantasy option for Week 5 against the Carolina Panthers. Although he has struggled in the past two weeks, managing only one field goal in each game, he did convert all three of his extra point attempts and his lone field goal in the Bears' 24-18 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4, totaling six points. As one of the top streaming kickers and a viable bye-week replacement, Santos has a favorable matchup this week. The Panthers allow a league-high 32.3 points per game and an average of 2.3 field goals per contest. With this in mind, the veteran kicker presents an appealing lineup option for fantasy managers in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Oct 5 2:00am CT
D'Andre Swift

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift is a solid RB3 for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers, presenting a promising opportunity. Last week, he had his best performance of the season against the Rams, totaling 16 carries for 93 yards, one touchdown, and seven receptions for 72 yards. Before Week 4, Swift had struggled, not exceeding 30 rushing yards or 24 receiving yards in any game. He led all Bears players in carries, rushing yards, targets, receptions, and receiving yards while scoring a touchdown. Although it's concerning that Roschon Johnson handled the goal-line work, Swift's overall snap distribution keeps him relevant. He demonstrated his potential in a favorable matchup, and the Panthers have allowed the second-most rushing yards and touchdowns to running backs. In Week 5, Swift will look to capitalize on this advantageous matchup against Carolina's 29th-ranked run defense, which concedes an average of 148.8 yards per game.

From RotoBaller

Roschon Johnson Oct 5 2:00am CT
Roschon Johnson

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson is set to build on his increased usage in Week 5 against the Carolina Panthers. He aims to capitalize on a favorable matchup against a Panthers defense ranked 29th in the league, allowing an average of 148.8 rushing yards per game. While Johnson maintained a consistent snap rate of 37% in Week 4 and he only had seven touches for 26 rushing yards, he didn't see a significant uptick in his offensive role. Meanwhile, D'Andre Swift regained the lead in red zone snaps, which bodes well for his fantasy prospects. However, Johnson has shown himself to be an effective runner between the tackles, particularly in short-yardage situations. Given the Panthers' struggles against the run, Johnson could be a worthwhile option as a high-end RB4 for those hoping for a touchdown opportunity.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Oct 5 2:00am CT
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore is a strong WR2 option this week against the struggling Carolina Panthers secondary. Moore is tied for seventh in the NFL for red zone targets, helping to maintain his fantasy value. Although he had a modest performance last week, he salvaged it with a touchdown. In last year's matchup against the Panthers, Moore led the Bears with five receptions for 58 yards, playing alongside Tyson Bagent in place of the injured Justin Fields. With Moore and Caleb Williams developing chemistry, the veteran wideout could have a standout game against Carolina on Sunday. He aims to exploit a shaky Panthers defense in Week 5 and would love to prove them wrong for trading him, especially in what is expected to be a high-scoring affair.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Oct 5 2:00am CT
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) aims to bounce back this Sunday in Chicago against a notably weak Carolina Panthers secondary. After missing some time due to a heel injury, Allen returned last week but saw limited action, with just three targets and seven air yards. The Bears' offense has struggled to succeed in the passing game, making target competition a mess. In Week 5, however, Allen will go up against the 19th-ranked pass defense in the NFL, allowing an average of 209.3 yards per gamean advantageous matchup. He has a solid opportunity to find the end zone, as the Panthers have given up multiple touchdown passes in every game this season. Although the Bears' overall lack of passing volume has hindered Allen's production, a healthier status combined with a favorable matchup could lead to a more productive fantasy outing. He's currently a WR3, but if the Bears are forced to throw, he can exceed that expectation.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aiyuk Oct 5 1:50am CT
Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk gets another opportunity to break out of his early-season funk when the 49ers face the Arizona Cardinals at home in Week 5. Last week, Aiyuk disappointed fantasy managers with two receptions of five targets for 48 yards. Even more disheartening was perennial fantasy non-factor Jauan Jennings continuing his hot streak to lead the 49ers in receiving on the day against New England. It isn't panic time quite yet though. Aiyuk is averaging 6.25 targets per game, compared with last year's 6.56 per-game pace and he's tied for 10th in the NFL in red zone targets to wide receivers. Arizona has been mediocre at stopping wide receivers in fantasy, allowing 27.5 half-PPR points per game to opposing wide receivers. A good matchup at home plus suitable usage so far makes Aiyuk a worthy WR2 in Week 5.

From RotoBaller