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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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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 4

Player Notes
DeVonta Smith Sep 27 3:20pm CT
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (concussion) will not play this Sunday due to a concussion. The 25-year-old took a hard helmet-to-helmet hit during last weekend's game and will need at least another week to recover from his injury. However, fantasy managers could expect the Alabama product to potentially return in his next game in Week 6 as the Eagles are off next weekend. This weekend, Jahan Dotson and Johnny Wilson should continue to see an increased role in this offense, while No.1 wideout A.J. Brown (hamstring) remains questionable for Sunday's game. Smith has performed very well in the revamped Kellen Moore passing attack this season, averaging 17.0 PPR points per game.

From RotoBaller

Jameson Williams Sep 27 3:20pm CT
Jameson Williams

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams is coming off a lackluster Week 3 performance at Arizona and should continue to be behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, and David Montgomery in the offensive pecking order as far as touches. What Williams brings, however, is the ability to turn one touch into a big play. His deep-ball threat is there in every game but Seattle has two good corners on the outside in Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen. This projects as a tough matchup for Williams as the running back duo figures to be heavily involved and St. Brown should see a majority of the wide receiver targets. So Williams will be reliant on the big play in this matchup making him a somewhat risky option. The upside is certainly there but there is also a low floor.

From RotoBaller

David Montgomery Sep 27 3:10pm CT
David Montgomery

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery should continue his featured rushing role in the team's backfield in a Week 4 matchup against Seattle on Monday night. Star center Frank Ragnow (pectoral) has already been ruled out, but the Lions' talented offense line should still be able to create holes for the powerful back. Jahmyr Gibbs will be involved in the game plan as well but Montgomery is coming off a game of 23 carries with 105 yards and a touchdown against the Cardinals in Week 3. He also caught three passes in that game. Montgomery has a rushing touchdown in each of the first three games for the Lions and is a good bet to find the end zone again on Monday. He should be locked and loaded as a starting fantasy running back.

From RotoBaller

Bijan Robinson Sep 27 3:10pm CT
Bijan Robinson

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (shoulder) logged a full practice on Friday and does not carry an injury designation heading into Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. Robinson popped up on Thursday's injury report as a limited participant but returned in full on Friday, suggesting this was a very minor injury. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable locking in Robinson as their RB1 this weekend. The Texas standout scored his first touchdown of the campaign last weekend as he ran for 31 yards with a score and added 21 yards off two catches. Robinson remains one of the top running backs in fantasy due to the elite volume he will see both as a runner and a pass-catcher on a weekly basis.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Sep 27 3:10pm CT
Amon-Ra St. Brown

After a quiet Week 1, Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has started to make some noise again the past two weeks. He saw 18 targets and caught 11 passes for 119 yards in Week 2 against Tampa Bay. In Week 3 at Arizona, St. Brown hauled in seven of his eight targets for 75 yards and a touchdown. He faces a tough matchup against a talented Seahawks secondary on Monday night. But expect St. Brown to move around the formation and be a target for Jared Goff in the middle of the field. He is starting to pick up steam of late and looks like a good play in Week 4. He is a PPR monster because of his heavy involvement. Against a high-powered Seattle offense, this matchup could be high-scoring so there figure to be plenty of opportunities for St. Brown.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Sep 27 3:10pm CT
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game. The standout wide receiver returned to practice in a limited capacity on Friday after not participating earlier in the week. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to any updates regarding Brown's status ahead of Sunday's game against Tampa Bay. Brown was sidelined over the past two games due to a hamstring injury and would be a welcomed addition to the offense, as DeVonta Smith (concussion) will not suit up this weekend. If Brown is able to play, fantasy managers should view him as a WR1 with upside. If the 27-year-old misses his third-straight game, Jahan Dotson and Johnny Wilson should serve as the starting wideouts on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Bradley Chubb Sep 27 3:00pm CT
Bradley Chubb

There is currently no timetable for Miami Dolphins pass-rusher Bradley Chubb (knee), who is eligible to come off the Physically Unable to Perform list next week. "Chubb is in all of our meetings - gives me the feel we will see him at some point this year," defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said. The fact that Chubb doesn't have a clear timetable yet leads us to believe that he probably won't be officially activated off the PUP list next week. The 28-year-old former Denver Broncos pass-rusher is recovering from a torn ACL in his knee that he suffered in Week 17 of 2023. The Dolphins are holding out hope that he will be able to return to their defense later this season, but it also sounds as though he has plenty of work to do. Chubb probably isn't going to be on the IDP radar this year as he eases his way back onto the field for the Dolphins.

From RotoBaller

Jahmyr Gibbs Sep 27 3:00pm CT
Jahmyr Gibbs

Jahmyr Gibbs has been featured in the Lions' backfield so far this season alongside David Montgomery and that should continue to be the case in Week 4. The versatile running back had a season-high 16 carries against the Cardinals in Week 3 and scored a touchdown on a lateral play after a catch by Amon-Ra St. Brown. He had 20 total touches in Week 2 and 15 touches in Week 1, so expect him to continue to be a focal point of the Lions offense and remain involved in the passing game. As always, Montgomery will be involved as well. But expect the Lions to pound the ball on the ground despite having center Frank Ragnow (pectoral) already ruled out for Monday's game. The absence of Ragnow could hurt the rushing attack but the Lions have a well-balanced offensive line and Gibbs can always fall back on his pass-catching chops out of the backfield. Gibbs should continue to be started with confidence.

From RotoBaller

Jared Goff Sep 27 2:50pm CT
Jared Goff

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff faces a stiff test with the Seattle Seahawks defense on Monday night. The Seahawks come in with the No. 2 overall defense and No. 1 pass defense in the NFL through three weeks. At the same time, Goff represents the best quarterback the Seahawks will have faced after matching up with Denver's rookie Bo Nix, New England's Jacoby Brissett, and Miami's Skylar Thompson and Tim Boyle. Seattle boasts a strong secondary and Goff has yet to break out through three weeks of this season. Expect a run-heavy focus for the Lions' offense on Monday night with Goff attempting to get the ball to Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams whenever possible against Seattle's tough corners in Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen. Goff profiles as a mid-range QB2 in this matchup with better options available.

From RotoBaller

Nico Collins Sep 27 2:40pm CT
Nico Collins

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) popped up on the Week 4 injury report on Thursday and was limited in practice the last two days, but he says he's good to go on Sunday against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. It's good news for Houston's offense with fellow wideout Tank Dell (chest) unlikely to play after missing practice all week. Mid-week additions to the injury report usually aren't a good sign, but the fact that Collins practice on Thursday and Friday give him a good shot to play in Week 4 and see his typical amount of snaps. And with Dell unlikely to play, both Collins and Stefon Diggs have higher ceilings and floors against a Jaguars defense that was torched by the Buffalo Bills in Week 3. Collins, who leads the league through three weeks with 112.7 yards per game, should be locked in as a high-end WR1 this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Sep 27 2:30pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (groin) missed practice all week and has officially been ruled out for the Week 4 game against the Indianapolis Colts. Highsmith injured his groin in the Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers and will miss at least one game. The good news is the 27-year-old is not expected to need surgery, but he could still very well miss multiple games moving forward. Fantasy managers in IDP leagues obviously need to bench Highsmith this week and keep him stashed on the bench until further notice. The impressive Nick Herbig should step into a starting spot in the middle of Pittsburgh's defense on Sunday against the Colts. Even with Highsmith out of action this weekend, the swarming Steelers defense/special teams unit should still be considered a top-five fantasy play against struggling Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Sep 27 2:30pm CT
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) was listed as limited for a third straight practice this week on Friday. "Any time he's out there, it's encouraging," head coach Matt LaFleur said. Fantasy managers need to check back soon for Love's official designation heading into Sunday's divisional clash against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. LaFleur won't say one way or another if he knows what Love's availability will be on Sunday. Love is trending toward being a game-time decision, but the good news is fantasy managers will know early on Sunday whether he's available or if the Packers will roll with backup Malik Willis for a third straight game. Love is attempting to return from an MCL sprain suffered in the season-opener. The 25-year-old was close to playing in the Week 3 win over the Titans, for what it's worth. Love will be a more volatile QB1 option with potentially limited mobility if he's active.

From RotoBaller

Michael Mayer Sep 27 2:20pm CT
Michael Mayer

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (personal) has been ruled out for the Week 4 contest on Sunday against the visiting Cleveland Browns. Mayer didn't practice due to a personal matter on Thursday and now will not be with the team at all this weekend. Top receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) has also been ruled out, so Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker now figure to be quarterback Gardner Minshew II's top targets in the passing game, as well as rookie tight end Brock Bowers. Harrison Bryant should have a bigger role behind Bowers with Mayer out, but he remains off the fantasy radar. Tucker is worth consideration as a WR4/flex play in deeper fantasy leagues with Adams officially out. It's unclear how long Mayer will be away from the team. The 23-year-old former second-rounder has taken a clear back seat to Bowers and has four catches for 21 yards through three games in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Sep 27 2:20pm CT
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) was limited in practice all week and will draw yet another questionable tag for the Week 4 meeting against the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Steelers are 3-0 with Justin Fields leading the offense with his arm and legs, so the Steelers have no reason to rush Wilson back from a calf injury that he initially injured in training camp. Even when the 35-year-old veteran signal-caller is considered past his calf injury, he's likely to remain the backup in Pittsburgh as long is Fields is playing well and not turning the ball over. Fields is going to make his fourth straight start against the Colts, with Wilson most likely being inactive again. Wilson has no business being rostered in single-QB leagues at this point.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Sep 27 2:10pm CT
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) has been cleared to play in Week 4 against the division-rival Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Lambeau Field. Addison injured his ankle in the Week 1 win over the New York Giants and missed the last two games as a result. With no injury designation heading into the weekend, the 22-year-old shouldn't be in danger of seeing a limited snap count and should return to being the WR2 for quarterback Sam Darnold behind All-Pro pass-catcher Justin Jefferson. Addison only had three catches on four targets for 35 yards in Week 1, but he managed 911 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 games in his rookie season in 2023. The Packers have been middle of the pack in terms of fantasy points allowed to receivers through three weeks. Addison is once again in play as a WR3/flex, while his return hurts Jalen Nailor the most.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Sep 27 2:10pm CT
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (knee) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. This comes as little surprise given the fact that Warren hasn't practiced all week due to a knee injury. He underwent an MRI last week, but the team hasn't given much information surrounding the injury. Najee Harris remains a lead back in Pittsburgh and figures to see an increased workload with Warren unavailable. Also, veteran Cordarrelle Patterson will likely end up being the primary backup to Harris this weekend. Patterson probably won't see enough time on the field to warrant using in any fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Sep 27 2:10pm CT
Deshaun Watson

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (ankle) will not play in the Week 4 game this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium, according to head coach Antonio Pierce. In addition to Crosby missing the first game of his six-year NFL career, top receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) will also be out for the Raiders as they look to bounce back from a Week 3 loss to the Carolina Panthers. The Raiders pass rush is really hurting with Malcolm Koonce (knee) already on Injured Reserve. With the 27-year-old Crosby also sidelined this weekend, the Raiders will be hoping that Tyree Wilson can step up to generate some pressure on struggling quarterback Deshaun Watson. Crosby will obviously need to be benched in IDP formats, and fantasy managers should stay away from the Raiders defense/special teams unit as well.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Sep 27 2:00pm CT
Davante Adams

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) has been ruled out for the upcoming Week 4 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Yikes, Adams was added to the injury report on Thursday as a limited participant due to a hamstring issue. It appears that injury was fairly serious as the team has already ruled him out for this weekend. That is going to leave a massive void to be filled, which is going to be tough given the Raiders lack of viable options. Wideout Jakobi Meyers figures to remain heavily involved and is on the WR3 radar. Also, tight end Brock Bowers has been used all over the place and is a strong TE1 without Adams on the field.

From RotoBaller

Greg Joseph Sep 27 2:00pm CT
Greg Joseph

The Dallas Cowboys defense had a nice bounce-back outing on Thursday evening as they did not allow a touchdown en route to defeating the New York Giants. This was a nice step in the right direction for one of the top defenses in football last season, as they served up 72 points over the past two weeks. On Thursday, they contained the New York offense when they approached the red zone as kicker Greg Joseph put all 15 points on the board himself. The Cowboys tallied one interception late in the game, courtesy of Amani Oruwariye, and one sack, thanks to edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence. However, the Cowboys could be without Micah Parsons (ankle), who suffered an ankle injury last night and had to be carted off. Nonetheless, fantasy managers should continue to view Dallas as a high-end defense heading into Week 5 when they face the Pittsburgh Steelers.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aubrey Sep 27 1:50pm CT
Brandon Aubrey

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey went 2-for-3 on field goal attempts and a perfect 2-for-2 on extra point attempts on Thursday evening. Aubrey made his first field goal of the evening from 60 yards out in the third quarter and later made his second from 40 yards out. His lone miss was from 51 yards that came with just 30 seconds left in the game. The Notre Dame product now enters Week 5 with a stellar 92.3% on attempts with an impressive 6-for-7 from 50+ yards out. Aubrey's longest field goal of the campaign came last week from 65 yards out, which set a new franchise record. The 29-year-old remains the top kicker in fantasy due to his incredible length strength and should always remain locked into all starting lineups.

From RotoBaller