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FFL: Week 6 | NFL: Week 6

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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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 6

Player Notes
Byron Murphy II Oct 8 5:50pm CT
Byron Murphy II

The Seattle Seahawks D/ST has had trouble containing opposing teams in recent weeks as the injuries mount. The Seahawks project to be without key defensive starters Byron Murphy II and Uchenna Nwosu in Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers. Additionally, Riq Woolen and Derick Hall appear to be in jeopardy of missing this game as well. This group came out hot to start the season. They did not allow more than 20 points in any of their first three games. However, they have allowed 29 and 42 points in each of the last two games. A lot of that can be attributed to injuries, but the Seahawks have also faced stiffer competition over the last two weeks. With a solid 49ers offense coming to town in Week 6, you should look elsewhere for your D/ST. This unit should have better days ahead, but they will need to get some of their personnel back from injury first.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Oct 8 5:50pm CT
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III enters Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers after only recording five carries in Week 5 against the New York Giants. Although the Seahawks were in a close game, they decided to more or less abandon the run early. It is unlikely that this inexperienced coaching staff will make that mistake again. The 49ers have been middle-of-the-road against opposing running backs in fantasy in 2024. They are allowing 110.8 rushing yards per game to opposing teams. This is not the same defense that it used to be, and Walker should receive a huge workload with a chance at RB1 numbers once again. If the Seahawks defense can keep this game close, Walker should have no problem providing points to your fantasy team. Fire him up as a high-end RB2 and low-end RB1 in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Oct 8 5:50pm CT
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (hand) will check in as a WR2 in Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers. He is currently listed on the injury report with a hand injury but should be good to go in Week 6 as he has been nursing the injury for a couple of weeks now. Metcalf has been excellent in 2024 and currently sits as the WR11 in fantasy. The 49ers are the 10th-best defense against wide receivers in fantasy, but Metcalf's big play ability gives him major upside. The 49ers as a whole have not been the same juggernaut as they have been in recent years. They will visit Seattle with a 2-3 record. This game feels like it could be a close one. Metcalf is coming off two straight games with a lost fumble. Fantasy managers can only wonder if it has something to do with his injury. However, if he can clean up the turnovers, he should have a nice game. He has recorded 28 receptions for 421 yards in five games this season. He should be in your lineup once again in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Oct 8 5:50pm CT
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett is a great bye week fill-in in Week 6. He has had a great fantasy floor in 2024, scoring at least 9.6 fantasy points in four of five games. He has also earned at least six targets in four of five games. This game should be a close one but there is no doubt that the Seahawks will need to put the ball in the air if they want to best the division-rival 49ers. With players such as Tyreek Hill, Aaron Jones, and Kyren Williams on bye, you could do a lot worse than Lockett in your flex position. Lockett has also been mysteriously lacking touchdowns this season. If that trend starts to turn around, then Lockett could become an every-week starter in fantasy. He deserves to have a place in lineups in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Oct 8 5:50pm CT
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks Wide Receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been wildly inconsistent in 2024. Smith Njigba has earned at least seven targets in three of five games this season. He has at least 51 yards or a touchdown in those three games. However, he has two games with three or fewer receptions and 39 or fewer yards. Smith-Njigba has been heavily involved in the Seahawks' game plans overall. His snap share has been in the high 80% and he is running a lot of routes. However, he still does not seem to have the same rapport or trust that veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett has with quarterback Geno Smith. Still, Smith Njigba continues to flash his talent and should continue to build momentum as the season progresses. The San Francisco 49ers present a moderate challenge for Smith-Njigba in Week 6. They may choose to focus more on the Seahawks' top two wide receivers in DK Metcalf and Lockett. Hopefully, Smith Njigba can have a solid day in Week 6. He enters Week 6 as the WR26 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Oct 8 5:50pm CT
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith is a solid streaming option in Week 6 when the Seahawks host the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers are 14th against opposing quarterbacks in fantasy in 2024. Smith has been very consistent in 2024 and has thrown for 1,466 yards and five touchdowns. He is coming off back-to-back games with at least 21.6 fantasy points and has a good chance to clear that number again in Week 6. With the Seahawks passing offense clicking in recent weeks, they should be able to put pressure on a 49ers defense that has not been as good as in years past. While this is not a huge bye week for fantasy-relevant quarterbacks, Metcalf could still fill in for any fantasy managers nursing injuries or underperformance at the position.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Oct 8 5:50pm CT
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (toe) continues to have a poor fantasy season. It does not look like things will get better in Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers. In Fant's defense, the tight end position has been disappointing in fantasy in 2024. However, Fant has been especially bad. He has only cleared 5.4 fantasy points in one game this season. The 49ers are No. 10 against opposing tight ends in fantasy and should have no problem shutting down Fant with their talented linebackers and safeties. Despite the state of the position this season, it is best to look elsewhere. Fant is simply a secondary player in an offense loaded with high-end talent.

From RotoBaller

Jake Moody Oct 8 5:40pm CT
Jake Moody

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said he's not sure how long kicker Jake Moody's right high-ankle sprain will take to heal but that it would be "about a month." Moody injured his right ankle in the Week 5 loss to the division-rival Arizona Cardinals on Sunday and could be a candidate to land on Injured Reserve, which would keep him sidelined for at least four games. In the meantime, the Niners signed veteran kicker Matthew Wright to handle the kicking, and he could be a decent streaming candidate in a strong 49ers offense. Fantasy managers using Moody through the first five weeks will obviously need to pivot moving forward. It's a tough blow for fantasy managers, as Moody was the No. 2 kicker in fantasy points through the first five weeks. If Moody were to go on IR, he wouldn't be eligible to return until Week 12 against the Seattle Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Adam Butler Oct 8 5:40pm CT
Adam Butler

Las Vegas Raiders star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (foot) is out indefinitely after having surgery to fix a Jones fracture in his foot that he suffered in the Week 5 loss to the division-rival Denver Broncos, according to sources. It's a huge blow in the middle of the Raiders' defense after they signed him to a big-money deal in free agency in the offseason. Wilkins will head to Injured Reserve and miss at least the next four games, and likely more. The 28-year-old former 13th overall pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2019 out of Clemson had 17 tackles (11 solo), two sacks and six QB hits in his five games with the Raiders this year before getting hurt. A Raiders defense that had already been vulnerable on the ground will now be a much better matchup for opposing running backs. Expect Adam Butler and John Jenkins to see more action at D tackle with Wilkins out for the foreseeable future in Vegas.

From RotoBaller

Talanoa Hufanga Oct 8 5:30pm CT
Talanoa Hufanga

San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga (wrist) suffered torn wrist ligaments in the Week 5 loss to the division-rival Arizona Cardinals on Sunday and is expected to miss a month, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Hufanga obviously has been unable to practice this week ahead of the Thursday night divisional clash against the Seattle Seahawks to kick off Week 6 action. The 24-year-old will now be a candidate to land on Injured Reserve, which would require him to miss at least four games. Hufanga suffered a torn ACL in Week 11 of last year and he wasn't able to make his 2024 debut until Week 3. He also missed Week 4 due to injury and is now going to miss more time. It's a blow to what hasn't been as dominant of a 49ers defense so far this year, but they should still be considered a top-10 fantasy unit this week on the road against Seattle.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Oct 8 5:20pm CT
Rashee Rice

After having surgery to fix his right LCL on Tuesday, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) is expected to be out for four months, according to multiple sources. It was a best-case scenario for Rice, who will miss the rest of the 2024 season, but the good news is he's expected to make a full recovery. In addition to his knee, Rice also had a hamstring tendon repaired on Tuesday. Barring any setbacks for the 24-year-old during his rehab, he should be ready to go for the start of the 2025 season next fall. With receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) already out for the year and running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) on Injured Reserve, the Chiefs have lost their best playmakers outside of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce. Fantasy managers in single-year leagues can obviously drop Rice at this time and look for a replacement.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Oct 8 5:20pm CT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (ribs) was listed as a limited participant in practice for the second straight day this week on Tuesday. Kittle missed the Week 3 contest with a hamstring injury but returned in Week 4, only to suffer an injury to his ribs. He played through his rib injury in the Week 5 loss to the division-rival Arizona Cardinals and caught a season-high eight passes (12 targets) for 64 yards and a touchdown. Kittle will most likely be removed from the final Week 6 injury report on Wednesday and be fine to play on Thursday night against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks, where he'll be a must-start TE1 in fantasy. Despite missing Week 3 due to injury, Kittle has managed to find paydirt in each of the last three games that he's played in, going for 19 catches and 185 yards on 24 targets.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Oct 8 5:10pm CT
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) is expected to miss multiple games with a left-oblique injury that he suffered in the Monday night loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 5, according to sources. The Saints have two games in the next nine days, so it's likely that Carr misses Week 6 against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Thursday night game next week against the Denver Broncos in Week 7. Carr said he wasn't feeling good at all after Monday's game, prompting him to undergo an MRI exam on Tuesday. After a hot start the first two weeks, the 33-year-old has come back down to Earth in three straight losses and will now miss time. Jake Haener came in to replace Carr on Monday, but rookie Spencer Rattler will also be under consideration to start this Sunday against Tampa. Either way, fantasy managers will need to downgrade the rest of the Saints' offense.

From RotoBaller

Spencer Rattler Oct 8 5:10pm CT
Spencer Rattler

New Orleans Saints rookie fifth-round quarterback Spencer Rattler is a strong candidate to get the start in Week 6 against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday with Derek Carr (oblique) injured, according to sources. Carr is expected to miss multiple games, and with the Saints having a quick turnaround in Week 7 on Thursday night against the Denver Broncos, it seems likely Carr will miss at least the next two games. The 24-year-old Rattler hasn't seen action in a regular-season NFL game yet behind Carr and Jake Haener. The South Carolina product has plenty of arm strength but will likely struggle with the speed of the game and with decision-making if he's thrown into the fire in a divisional matchup this weekend. Fantasy managers in single-QB leagues can ignore the Saints' QB situation with Carr injured. In superflex leagues, Rattler is worth a flier for those that own Carr.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Oct 8 3:00pm CT
Drake Maye

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye will make his first career start in Week 6 at home against the Houston Texans. The Patriots had been committed to starting Jacoby Brissett. However, they decided to make a change following the team's 15-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins last week. Maye briefly played in Week 3 against the New York Jets, completing four of his eight pass attempts for 22 yards and two rushing attempts for 12 on one drive, totaling 2.1 fantasy points. Hopefully, the change at quarterback can jumpstart a struggling New England offense. Yet, fantasy players shouldn't have high expectations for Maye or the offense this week or anytime soon. The rookie quarterback is only worth adding in standard-size superflex leagues. Meanwhile, Rhamondre Stevenson is the only Patriot that fantasy players can start with confidence until the offense shows signs of consistent production.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Oct 8 2:50pm CT
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) will miss the rest of the 2024 NFL season after undergoing successful surgery on Tuesday. The second-year wide receiver suffered the injury early in the Week 4 win over the Los Angeles Chargers after taking a hit to the knee from Patrick Mahomes trying to make a tackle following an interception. While the star wide receiver will miss the rest of the season, he is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for the start of next year. Rice suffered no damage to his ACL or meniscus, which many thought could have been torn last week. The Chiefs will likely add a wide receiver before the NFL trade deadline in a few weeks. However, Travis Kelce and JuJu Smith-Schuster will see more targets and fantasy value with Rice done for the year.

From RotoBaller

Ty Chandler Oct 8 1:40pm CT
Ty Chandler

Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler is out of action this week on a bye, but after Aaron Jones (hip) suffered a hip injury in the Week 5 win over the New York Jets, Chandler could be in line to start in Week 7 against the Detroit Lions. There will be plenty of updates on Jones' status next week, but fantasy managers needing help at running back should consider stashing Chandler in case the former Green Bay Packer is sidelined for longer than expected. The team is labeling Jones as "week-to-week," so he's not a lock to return immediately. Chandler was limited to just 39 yards on 16 touches in relief of Jones on Sunday, but he would enter the game as the clear RB1 against Detroit if Jones can't go. His upside would likely be limited against a strong Detroit front, but his potential usage would put him in RB2 territory, which is valuable for fantasy managers who have D'Andre Swift or Rico Dowdle on a bye next week.

From RotoBaller

Teagan Quitoriano Oct 8 1:30pm CT
Teagan Quitoriano

The Houston Texans are signing tight end Teagan Quitoriano to the active roster from the Chicago Bears practice squad, according to Texans reporter Aaron Wilson. The 24-year-old was a fifth-round pick by the Texans in 2022 out of Oregon State and caught nine passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns in 16 career games with the organization. Quitoriano was waived by Houston on September 4 with an injury settlement, but after Brevin Jordan (knee) suffered a torn ACL, the position group lacked depth. Quitoriano is not on the fantasy football radar in Houston's crowded skill position group. Even if was elevated to the TE1 role in a potential Dalton Schultz absence, he'd likely have little upside and virtually no fantasy floor.

From RotoBaller

Denzel Mims Oct 8 1:20pm CT
Denzel Mims

Free-agent wide receiver Denzel Mims is working out for the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday, according to team reporter Todd Archer. The team is lacking wideout depth after Brandin Cooks (knee) landed on Injured Reserve with a knee injury, so the former second-round pick is aiming to join the roster or practice squad. Mims was selected by the New York Jets in 2020 and has spent time with four NFL organizations. He has totaled 42 receptions on 92 targets for 676 yards and no touchdowns in 30 career games (all with the Jets). He did not play in a game last season. Even if Mims signs with Dallas, it would be surprising if he earns a meaningful enough role to be anywhere near the fantasy football radar. For now, expect CeeDee Lamb, Jake Ferguson, and Jalen Tolbert to operate as Dak Prescott's No. 1, 2, and 3 options in the passing attack.

From RotoBaller

Blake Whiteheart Oct 8 1:10pm CT
Blake Whiteheart

The Cleveland Browns released tight end Blake Whiteheart on Tuesday, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Whiteheart went undrafted out of Wake Forest in 2023 and spent time with the Arizona Cardinals last season before signing with Cleveland's practice squad this summer. He has been active recently in the absence of David Njoku and caught three of his four targets for 13 yards and a touchdown in four games this season. Njoku suffered a knee injury in his return to action in Week 5, so Whiteheart's release could be an indication that his injury is not considered serious. Whiteheart was not on the fantasy football radar before his release and, it would be surprising if he enters it any time soon.

From RotoBaller