Thu May 23 11:12am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
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.
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski isn't concerned about the health of quarterback Deshaun Watson (arm). He didn't suit up for the team's preseason finale versus the Seattle Seahawks. However, Stefanski downplayed any speculation regarding Watson's "arm soreness," stating he feels "great" about the signal-caller's health. In addition, Stefanski expects Watson to participate fully in upcoming practices, although he's already comfortable with the amount of work his quarterback has put in this offseason. While the coach isn't concerned, the same can't be said for fantasy managers, considering Watson's limited time on the field in the last few seasons. But the Browns open the season in a few weeks against the Cowboys, so many questions will get answered.
From RotoBaller
The Rams released running back Boston Scott on Sunday. The 29-year-old veteran spent his entire career in Philadelphia before trying to earn a spot on the Rams' roster. In 73 games with the Eagles, he totaled 1,295 yards and 16 touchdowns off 302 carries, adding 71 receptions for 566 yards and a score. With that said, Scott is well respected around the National Football League. While that could mean he'll find work soon, he's got a long way to go before earning a spot on fantasy rosters.
From RotoBaller
The Indianapolis Colts cut wide receiver Greg Ward on Sunday. The 29-year-old spent his entire career in Philadelphia, appearing in 40 games and amassing 768 yards off 88 catches. He also had 10 touchdowns, including six during the 2020-21 campaign. Ward signed with the Colts during the offseason. However, While things didn't work out in Indy, he may find work in the near future. With that said, he's not worth adding in any fantasy format, including dynasty setups.
From RotoBaller
The Dolphins cut quarterback Mike White on Sunday. He signed a deal with Miami last offseason and served as Tua Tagovailoa's backup in 2023-24. However, with Skylar Thompson earning the job, White will now look for a new employer. The veteran signal-caller was drafted in 2018. Since then, he's appeared in 14 games for the Jets and Dolphins, throwing for 2,219 yards, nine touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, adding 19 carries for negative yardage and a score. Although White could find another team heading into Week 1, his fantasy value can't get much lower, and that's not expected to change anytime soon.
From RotoBaller
According to NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and the Cowboys have talked "a lot" over the last 10 days. Pelissero added that the wideout isn't looking to be the highest-paid receiver in the league. However, it appears Lamb may be in line to make just under what Justin Jefferson will earn on his new contract, which still is more than most. Without question, time is ticking, considering the regular season commences in a few weeks. Yet, Pelissero indicated he is "optimistic" the situation might be nearing an end, resulting in Lamb ending his holdout. With that in mind, fantasy managers will feel more comfortable drafting the 25-year-old once he signs on the dotted line. But he remains a first-round fantasy option regardless.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets rookie fifth-round running back Isaiah Davis, who is a jack of all trades in the backfield, is the leading candidate for the RB3 role to open up his first year in the NFL. Davis could also land a job as a kick returner on special teams. Breece Hall will be the team's workhorse starting running back in 2024, with rookie Braelon Allen earning the backup change-of-pace role. The 22-year-old Davis is merely a stash candidate in deep dynasty/keeper fantasy leagues this year. He was a workhorse back in his time at South Dakota State and has enough size and power to be intriguing as an early-down back if he ever sees significant playing time down the road. With Davis looking primed for the RB3 role to begin the year, it means that Israel Abanikanda will open the season as the team's RB4.
From RotoBaller
The 2024 season will be a "redshirt" year for New York Jets rookie fifth-round quarterback Jordan Travis (ankle), who is rehabbing from a devastating ankle injury that cut his college career short. The former Florida State star is expected to begin the 2024 regular season on one of the injury lists. The 24-year-old signal-caller hasn't played at all in training camp or the preseason and will merely be trying to work his way back onto the practice field during his first season in the NFL with the Jets. New York is not going to rush Travis' rehabilitation after he started camp on the Non-Football Injury list. Gang Green will open the regular season in a few weeks with Aaron Rodgers as the starter, with Tyrod Taylor serving as his primary backup.
From RotoBaller
ESPN New York's Rich Cimini writes that New York Jets rookie fourth-round running back Braelon Allen has easily been the most impressive rookie in training camp and is locked in as the RB2 behind starter Breece Hall heading into his first NFL season. The 235-pound bruising back will spell Hall and contribute as a short-yardage back in 2024. The 20-year-old was never really utilized much as a pass-catcher in college at Wisconsin, but he's also impressed with his hands this summer with the Jets. Allen relies more on his size and power as a RB instead of speed and agility. His stock is definitely on the rise in dynasty/keeper leagues, but because Hall is expected to be utilized so much (if healthy), it's hard to imagine Allen having any standalone fantasy value unless Hall misses time with an injury. In single-year leagues, Allen is merely a deep-league handcuff option, at best.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons rookie sixth-round wide receiver Casey Washington is already looking like a real value pick for the Falcons, as he's made some of the team's best catches in training camp and is in contention for Atlanta's fourth wide receiver role after the loss of Rondale Moore to a season-ending injury. Washington is competing with the likes of Chris Blair and KhaDarel Hodge for the No. 4 role behind Drake London, Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud III. The Falcons' offense is much more attractive to fantasy managers now that head coach Arthur Smith is gone and quarterback Kirk Cousins is leading the show. The 23-year-old had 49 catches for 670 yards and four touchdowns in his final season at Illinois last year. For now with just a depth role in Atlanta, Washington is one to watch in dynasty/keeper leagues.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase took part in practice on Sunday despite not having secured a new long-term contract extension from the team. It is the first time that Chase has practiced with the team at training camp this summer. The 2024 regular season starts for Cincy two weeks from this Sunday -- on Sept. 8 against the New England Patriots -- so Chase is running out of time to get up to speed in the offense. It remains to be seen if Chase and the Bengals will be able to work something out on an extension before the regular season kicks off in early September, but either way, the 24-year-old should be viewed as a top-five fantasy pass-catcher with quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist) back and fully healthy. Chase has been a Pro Bowler in each of his three years in the NFL and has gone over 1,000 yards receiving all three years.
From RotoBaller
ESPN New York's Jordan Raanan writes that New York Giants first-round rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers might be even better than advertised. Nabers has dominated throughout training camp and looks destined to be the team's No. 1 receiver to kick off the regular season. He dealt with an ankle sprain in camp, but he was back in less than a week after the injury and had four catches on six targets for 54 yards in one half of a preseason game against the Houston Texans. "Sky's the limit," fellow receiver Wan'Dale Robinson said. Raanan thinks a monster rookie season seems plausible given the way he's thrived this summer. The 21-year-old eighth overall pick has already shown chemistry with quarterback Daniel Jones and could have immediate WR2 fantasy value in his first year in the NFL if both he and Jones can stay healthy.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans rookie sixth-round wide receiver Jha'Quan Jackson has become a strong candidate for a 53-man roster spot out of training camp, according to ESPN's Turron Davenport. Jackson's explosive playmaking ability is helping him in an intense competition for a backup slot role, and his return potential on special teams hasn't helped his cause, either. Calvin Ridley and DeAndre Hopkins are the team's top two pass-catchers, with Tyler Body set to start out of the slot. If Jackson wins the backup slot role over Kyle Philips, he could become interesting in deeper fantasy leagues in 2024 if Boyd misses time with an injury. The 24-year-old from Tulane is undersized at 5-foot-9 and 188 pounds, but he could factor in as a deep threat occasionally for a new-look Titans offense that is expected to air the ball out much more. For now, Jackson is merely a player to monitor in dynasty/keeper formats.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Dee Eskridge performed well in the Seahawks' preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday. Eskridge finished with three receptions for 19 yards and returned a punt 79 yards for a touchdown. Eskridge is buried on the wide receiver depth chart. His best chance at a roster spot may be as a returner. The former second-round pick has battled injuries and poor play throughout his career. However, his speed and skills as a returner may be an asset to the team.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks second-year running back Kenny McIntosh may have wrapped up the No. 3 running back spot on Saturday. McIntosh drew the start against the Cleveland Browns and finished with one reception for nine yards and one rushing attempt for 56 yards and a touchdown. The Seahawks must have felt like they saw enough from McIntosh because they turned the reins over to undrafted rookie George Holani following McIntosh's touchdown run. McIntosh was a seventh-round pick in 2023. He spent most of the year on injured reserve. McIntosh has been highly efficient this preseason. He has recorded 142 rushing yards and a touchdown on 17 attempts. He should provide the Seahawks with solid depth behind Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet.
From RotoBaller
In his final dress rehearsal on Saturday, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba showed why he was a first-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. Smith-Njigba finished with two receptions for 32 yards on the Seahawks' masterful opening drive against the Cleveland Browns. Smith-Njigba showed off his hands and body control on a contested catch up the right sideline for 25 yards. During his rookie season, Smith-Njigba recorded 63 receptions for 628 yards and four touchdowns. He is poised to take a second-year leap in this offense. What is most encouraging is that the Seahawks primarily deployed three wide receiver sets during their opening drive. This would allow Smith-Njigba to share the field with long-time stalwarts DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. With new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb coming over from the University of Washington and introducing more creativity, Smith-Njigba may be worth a shot at his current draft price of WR39.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants quarterback Tommy Devito could be released when rosters trim down on Tuesday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. DeVito was sacked eight times during the Giants' preseason finale and completed just over 50 percent of his pass attempts, which is not a great result for someone fighting to keep their job. Rapoport notes that DeVito previously expressed confidence in being signed by another team if the Giants cut him, but that's not necessarily a given following Saturday's performance. Of course, New York will keep Daniel Jones and Drew Lock on their roster, so DeVito's stint in the Big Apple hangs in the balance. If the Giants opt to roster just two quarterbacks, DeVito will be looking for a new job.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith went 4/5 for 62 yards and a touchdown on the Seahawks' opening drive against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday. The drive included highlight reel throws of 25 yards to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and a 21-yard touchdown to DK Metcalf. After throwing an incomplete pass to Metcalf on the opening play, Smith went 4/4 over the next four plays to drive Seattle 62 yards for the touchdown. Fantasy managers can hope to see this type of efficiency and effectiveness when the regular season kicks off in a couple of weeks. If Smith plays like this, he will be a streaming option throughout the season. Additionally, this type of play would help support the pass catchers in Seattle.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf beat his defender one-on-one for a 21-yard touchdown reception on Saturday. Metcalf finished his only drive with the lone reception on two targets. The Seahawks' offense looked sharp, and quarterback Geno Smith was accurate and on time. The Seahawks' wide receivers were primarily deployed in three wide receiver sets. This should present a chance for more creativity and create space for Metcalf in the passing game. Metcalf is a redzone and endzone machine. Fantasy managers can draft Metcalf confidently knowing that he will be a featured part of this offense.
From RotoBaller
The Jacksonville Jaguars released wide receiver Denzel Mims on Sunday morning, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Mims has bounced around several NFL teams throughout his young career. Originally a Jets second-round pick, the Baylor product has also been rostered by the Lions, Steelers, and Jaguars. However, he hasn't appeared in a regular-season game since 2022 with New York. He played in 10 games that year, catching just 11 passes for 186 yards. He's still searching for his first NFL touchdown.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers backup quarterback Easton Stick has very little job security as the preseason wraps up, according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic. While Popper projects that Stick will make the team's initial 53-man roster, he notes that the Chargers could look to upgrade the backup quarterback role by signing someone who is cut by another team when rosters trim down on Tuesday. Los Angeles previously signed Luis Perez to compete with Stick, and while Perez likely didn't do enough to win a roster spot, all signs point to the Chargers seeking an upgrade over Stick. Of course, this news has minimal fantasy football implications as Justin Herbert is the Chargers' starting quarterback and has an incredibly firm hold on his job. He ranks as a fringe top-12 fantasy quarterback heading into the 2024 campaign.
From RotoBaller