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FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

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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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 4

Player Notes
Will Levis Sep 30 10:20pm CT
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph went nine of 17 for 85 yards in a 31-12 win at Miami on Monday night. Rudolph entered the game after Will Levis injured his shoulder while diving for a first down in the opening quarter. Levis came out of the medical tent and appeared to be healthy enough to re-enter the game, but head coach Brian Callahan opted to go with the veteran Rudolph the rest of the way, which featured a very run-heavy game plan. With the Dolphins not being able to do much of anything on offense, the Titans didn't ask much of Rudolph, but the former Steeler was mistake-free and was able to lead the Titans to multiple scoring drives. It's possible that there may be a quarterback controversy in Nashville based on the decision from the Titans' head coach, but neither player will be a great fantasy option in Week 6 vs. the Colts.

From RotoBaller

Mark Andrews Sep 30 9:00pm CT
Mark Andrews

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews is off to a rough start to his 2024 season. The veteran tight end dropped his lone target of the game during the Week 4 win over the Buffalo Bills. That is now back-to-back games that Andrews has delivered duds to fantasy managers. Ravens' head coach John Harbaugh continues showing faith in Andrews and says that he'll still have some big games catching the ball. It's completely justifiably for fantasy managers to sit Andrews until he starts getting involved on offense. Andrews is heading into a Week 5 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals and has zero receptions on two targets over the last two games. Fantasy managers are better off looking elsewhere for help ahead of Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Jalen McMillan Sep 30 8:50pm CT
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receivers Mike Evans (knee, calf), Jalen McMillan (hamstring), and Trey Palmer (concussion) all sat out of Monday's practice session. It's worth noting that Monday's practice is an estimation since the team didn't hold an official practice. The biggest concern here is Evans who played through a knee issue last week. It didn't seem to bother him on the field as he secured eight receptions for 94 yards in the win. This is likely more about getting the veteran wideout some rest ahead of the Thursday night matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. McMillan sat out on Sunday, which moved Palmer into a bigger role, but he was forced to exit early due to a concussion. If both players sit out on Thursday, Sterling Shepard and tight end Cade Otton figure to have bigger roles on offense.

From RotoBaller

Ray-Ray McCloud Sep 30 8:40pm CT
Ray-Ray McCloud

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III (ankle) was limited during Monday's practice session. It's worth noting that Monday's practice was an estimation and the team didn't have an official practice. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned over the status of McCloud right now. The Falcons have a quick turn around with a matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday. The next two days will give a better idea surrounding the availability of McCloud. He's coming off a 6-catch game for 52 yards in Week 4, so it appears like McCloud's value is on the rise.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Sep 30 8:30pm CT
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) is currently considered as day-to-day, according to head coach Doug Pederson. The team was hopeful that Engram would return to the field in Week 4, but that didn't happen. He didn't practice at all last week, so maybe this week will be better. Engram hasn't played since Week 1 as he continues to recover from a lingering hamstring injury. The fact that he's now day-to-day should mean that Engram is trending in the right direction. Brenton Strange has been filling in as the starting tight end over the last three weeks. He has eight receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown over the last three games. He figures to continue starting and will be a low-end streaming option until Engram is able to play again.

From RotoBaller

Bijan Robinson Sep 30 8:30pm CT
Bijan Robinson

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (ankle) was a limited participant during Monday's practice. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried about this. Robinson was on the injury report with a shoulder issue last week and still suited up in Week 4. The Falcons have a quick turn around with a Thursday night matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week. The next two days will go a long way to deciding whether or not Robinson will play. If he sits, Tyler Allgeier will gain plenty of value and be a popular waiver wire addition.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Sep 30 8:20pm CT
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) was forced to exit early during Sunday's Week 4 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Rice was carted off the field after quarterback Patrick Mahomes accidentally dove into Rice's knee while attempting to make a tackle. It didn't look good on the field and the first thought was that Rice had torn his ACL. After further testing, there remains uncertainty over the extent of the injury. Rice has met with the team doctors and had a second opinion on his knee. It sounds like more testing is going to happen before the team knows the full extent of the injury and how long Rice is going to be sidelined. Fantasy managers who have Rice rostered should prepare for him to miss some time. Fellow wide receiver Xavier Worthy and tight end Travis Kelce figure to be the primary focus on offense now.

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Sep 30 7:30pm CT
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (shoulder) suffered a right-shoulder injury in the first quarter of Monday night's game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium and is questionable to return. Levis was injured after scrambling and landing on his shoulder and was seen on the sidelines being looked at before being replaced by backup Mason Rudolph. Before leaving, Levis went 3-for-4 for 25 yards and a bad interception. Rudolph proceeded to lead the Titans on two field-goal drives to take the lead in the game after replacing Levis under center. The 25-year-old Levis appeared to be trying to re-enter the game, but head coach Brian Callahan is going to stick with Rudolph for now. If Rudolph leads Tennessee to a win and plays well, the Titans could stick with him through their bye in Week 5 given how poorly Levis has played early in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jeff Wilson Sep 30 6:40pm CT
Jeff Wilson

Miami Dolphins running back Jeff Wilson Jr. (knee) suffered a knee injury during pre-game warmups on Monday night and is questionable to play against the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium. Raheem Mostert (chest) was already ruled out for this game for the third straight week, so if Wilson doesn't play, rookie Jaylen Wright could see a healthy amount of touches as the change-of-pace back behind starter De'Von Achane. Among Miami's four running backs, the 28-year-old Wilson is the least intriguing fantasy option, especially after this injury. In the first four games of 2024, Wilson has only eight carries for 40 yards and has caught two passes for 12 yards. Wright rushed only twice for 17 yards in last week's loss to the Seattle Seahawks and doesn't have as much upside now in single-year formats with the Dolphins down to quarterback Tyler Huntley. However, his explosive abilities and intriguing upside still make him worth stashing in deeper fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Sep 30 6:20pm CT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (ribs), linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) and fullback Kyle Juszczyk (shoulder) are all considered day-to-day as of Monday after their victory over the New England Patriots in Week 4 on Sunday. Kittle injured his hamstring and was unable to play in the Week 3 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Rams before suiting up against the Pats. The 30-year-old caught all four of his targets for 45 yards, including a touchdown for his second straight game. However, he also injured his ribs in the first half and was questionable to return before rejoining the team after halftime. Kittle had a full workload on Sunday and should be able to play in Week 5 versus the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. We'll keep an eye on his practice later this week, but plan on starting Kittle in fantasy lineups against a shaky Arizona defense, especially if receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) misses another contest.

From RotoBaller

Trey McBride Sep 30 6:10pm CT
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said on Monday that tight end Trey McBride (concussion) remains in the league's concussion protocol but that it's looking good after McBride sat out of the Week 4 blowout loss to the Washington Commanders. McBride suffered a concussion in the Week 3 loss to the Detroit Lions and was not cleared for Sunday's game. We'll have a better idea whether the 24-year-old has a shot to return in Week 5 versus the division-rival San Francisco 49ers once the Cardinals resume practicing on Wednesday. If McBride returns to practice and is cleared to face the Niners, he'll be a must-start TE1 in fantasy after catching 14 of his 21 targets for 122 yards in the first three games of the season. With McBride sidelined this past weekend, Elijah Higgins caught just two of three targets for 12 yards for the Cardinals in a game that featured plenty of good game script.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Beathard Sep 30 6:00pm CT
C.J. Beathard

The New York Giants worked out veteran free-agent quarterback C.J. Beathard (groin) on Monday. Beathard is on the free-agent market after being released by the Jacksonville Jaguars in August with an injury settlement after he lost the competition for the backup job to Mac Jones. The 30-year-old injured his groin in Jacksonville's second preseason game, but he figures to be healthy now as he looks to land a backup job with another club. The Giants currently have Daniel Jones as their starter under center, with Drew Lock backing him up and Tommy Devito as the QB3. None of New York's QBs are currently injured, so the G-Men are likely just doing their due diligence to potentially add more depth at the position heading into a Week 5 tilt on the road at Lumen Field against the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Shakir Sep 30 5:50pm CT
Khalil Shakir

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said on Monday that wide receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) is day-to-day after tweaking his ankle in the blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night in Week 4. Shakir had his ankle examined on Sunday night but went back in the game, and he came out of that contest with ankle soreness heading into a Week 5 tilt this weekend against the Houston Texans on the road. It doesn't sound like the 24-year-old's injury is very serious, but we'll keep an eye on his practice statuses later this week. Shakir is blossoming into quarterback Josh Allen's go-to target in the passing game in 2024, so losing him for any amount of time would be a big blow to this offense. Shakir checks in as the WR18 in half-PPR scoring through the first four weeks with 18 catches on 19 targets for 230 yards and two touchdowns. Rookie Keon Coleman, Mack Hollins and Curtis Samuel would see increased roles if Shakir is out or limited at all in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Sep 30 5:40pm CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Monday that tight end David Njoku (ankle) is expected to practice again this week, and the team will determine later this week if he'll be able to return in Week 5 to face the Washington Commanders. Njoku injured his ankle in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and hasn't played since. However, the fact that the 28-year-old is returning to practice is a good sign as he tries to get back on the field. If he is able to avoid any setbacks at practice later this week and play on Sunday, Njoku will be a low-end TE1, at best, in his return to a Browns offense that has been lackluster under quarterback Deshaun Watson. In the last three games with Njoku sidelined, Jordan Akins hasn't been fantasy relevant with a combined six receptions on 10 targets for 49 yards and no touchdowns. Check back later this week on Njoku's practice statuses.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Sep 30 5:30pm CT
Nick Chubb

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Monday that running back Nick Chubb (knee) will return to practice on Wednesday. Stefanski also said he expects running back/kick returner Nyheim Hines (knee) to practice this week after tearing his ACL in July of last year. Chubb tore multiple ligaments in his left knee in Week 2 of last year and also is on the Physically Unable to Perform list, but the Browns will open both Chubb's and Hines' 21-day practice window this week. Cleveland is likely to bring both Chubb and Hines along slowly, so nobody stashing Chubb in fantasy leagues should expect him to be available to suit up in Week 5 versus the Washington Commanders. When the 28-year-old Chubb officially returns, fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised if he's eased back into the backfield alongside Jerome Ford and D'Onta Foreman, either. Chubb could spend the rest of the 2024 just trying to get his feet under him after a gruesome injury early last year.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Mostert Sep 30 5:20pm CT
Raheem Mostert

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (chest) is officially inactive for Monday night's contest against the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium. Mostert will miss his third straight game after suffering a chest injury in the Week 1 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 32-year-old veteran came into the Week 4 contest listed as questionable after three limited practices. As long as he doesn't suffer a setback in next week's practice sessions, Mostert will have a much better shot to return for a Week 5 matchup against the division-rival New England Patriots. De'Von Achane is Miami's clear lead back, especially with Mostert out again, but his fantasy upside took a big hit when quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) landed on Injured Reserve. Behind Achane, expect the Dolphins to continue sprinkling in Jeff Wilson Jr. and rookie Jaylen Wright.

From RotoBaller

Skylar Thompson Sep 30 5:20pm CT
Skylar Thompson

Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson (ribs) is officially inactive for Monday night's contest at Hard Rock Stadium against the visiting Tennessee Titans and will serve as the team's emergency third QB behind starter Tyler Huntley and backup Tim Boyle. There was some uncertainty as to who would start under center for Miami on Monday night after Thompson injured his ribs in the Week 3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Boyle replaced Thompson in that game, but the Dolphins have decided to pivot to the recently signed Huntley, who will be making the 10th start of his career since entering the league in 2020. Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is on Injured Reserve and is out indefinitely. If Huntley handles himself well and gives the team a chance to win on Monday against the Titans, he could be in play to make a second straight start in Week 5 against the division-rival Patriots, regardless of Thompson's health.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Sep 30 5:10pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (abdomen, oblique) is considered day-to-day with oblique and abdominal strains that he suffered in the Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday and has a shot to play in Week 5 against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars, according to sources. Richardson underwent tests on Monday and it appears he dodged a bullet. We'll have a better idea of the 22-year-old's status once the Colts resume practicing on Wednesday. The former fourth overall pick in 2023 has been a disappointment through four weeks, completing just 50.6% of his passes for 654 yards, three touchdowns and a league-high six interceptions. He's added 21 carries for 141 yards and a score on the ground. Richardson will have a chance to rebound against the winless Jags if he's cleared to play. If he cannot play, veteran Joe Flacco, who took over for Richardson on Sunday, would get the starting nod.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Sep 30 5:10pm CT
Davante Adams

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said that the status of wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (ankle) for the Week 5 game against the division-rival Denver Broncos will depend on practice this week. Tight end Michael Mayer, who also missed the Week 4 win over the Cleveland Browns, is still dealing with a personal issue. Adams was considered week-to-week last week after he was injured in the loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 3, and he did not suit up on Sunday against Cleveland. We'll keep a close eye on the 31-year-old's practice status later this week. If he's back on the practice field and is cleared to play this weekend, he'll draw a tough matchup against Broncos stud cornerback Patrick Surtain. If Adams misses a second straight game, Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker will once again operate as Vegas' top two pass-catchers.

From RotoBaller

Tank Dell Sep 30 5:00pm CT
Tank Dell

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (chest) is expected to play in Week 5 versus the Buffalo Bills, barring a setback this week, according to a source. Head coach DeMeco Ryans said on Monday that Dell will be "day-to-day" this week. "We'll see this week with a week of practice," Ryans said. Dell suffered a chest injury late in the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and was held out of the Week 4 win over the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars, mostly as a precaution. The 24-year-old second-year wideout also suffered a hand/wrist injury, but it's believed to be minor. We'll have a better idea of Dell's status later this week after a few practices, but fantasy managers should be getting him back this Sunday. Dell had a season-best 62 receiving yards before getting hurt in Week 3, but he has been the clear No. 3 so far behind both Nico Collins and newcomer Stefon Diggs in 2024. In Weeks 1 and 2, he had four catches for 37 yards.

From RotoBaller