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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Player Notes
Jalen Hurts Sep 22 7:00pm CT
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 29 of 38 passes for 311 yards and one interception, adding eight carries for 25 yards and a lost fumble during the team's 15-12 win over the New Orleans Saints. Again, the turnovers happened fairly early for Philadelphia, but the 26-year-old was able to rally the offense in the second half and instead of losing in the final minutes like last week, the Eagles pulled out a win. Saquon Barkley had two touchdowns Sunday, and with A.J. Brown (hamstring) out and DeVonta Smith (concussion) leaving the game after a nasty collision, the passing attack ran through tight end Dallas Goedert, who tallies 170 yards receiving. This was not the best fantasy finish for Hurts by any means, but he will remain a QB1 heading into next week when the Eagles take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Sep 22 7:00pm CT
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf caught another long touchdown pass in Sunday's win over the Miami Dolphins. Metcalf got behind the defense and was wide open for a 71-yard score. Metcalf would finish the day with four receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown. He has now caught a long touchdown pass in two straight games. Although the Seahawks' passing offense was out of sync for much of Week 3, Metcalf was still able to capitalize on his opportunities. Metcalf now has over 100 receiving yards and a touchdown in two straight games. The Seahawks are clearly committed to Metcalf as a bona fide No. 1 wide receiver which bodes well for his fantasy outlook as a high-end WR2 or low-end WR1 moving forward. He will look to continue this momentum in Week 4 against a vulnerable Detroit Lions secondary.

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Saquon Barkley Sep 22 7:00pm CT
Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley took 17 carries for 147 yards and two touchdowns, adding four receptions for nine yards during the team's 15-12 win over the New Orleans Saints. After a costly drop that cost the Eagles a shot at sealing the win last week, the 27-year-old got involved heavily in the second half, taking a carry 65 yards in the fourth quarter for a touchdown to give Philadelphia its first lead of the day. The Eagles' defense then gave the lead back with only two minutes to go in the game. The final drive consisted of a huge play by tight end Dallas Goedert and a four-yard score for Barkley, taking the lead. The poorly timed drop last week against Atlanta is the only negative you can point to when looking at the former Giants performance through three weeks. Even in a stiff matchup with the Buccaneers' run defense next week, lock in Barkley as a top-three fantasy option in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Sep 22 7:00pm CT
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane rushed 11 times for 30 yards in the team's 24-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks Sunday. He added 28 yards and three receptions on five targets. It was the 22-year-old's first outing this season without a touchdown and the fewest touches and total yardage for him in the young season. The Dolphins offense was stuck in neutral for most of the game, with neither Skylar Thompson (chest) nor Tim Boyle able to get any traction going against Seattle. Still, Achane saw the lion's share of the work out of the backfield, out-touching Jaylen Wright and Jeff Wilson Jr. 14-to-5. The former Aggie is one of the most dynamic backs in the NFL, but this offense does not have the same juice sans Tua Tagovailoa (concussion). Miami will look to score its first touchdown in six quarters when they take on the Tennessee Titans at home in Week 4 on Monday night.

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Quentin Johnston Sep 22 6:58pm CT
Quentin Johnston

Dynasty | Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston had two catches for 44 yards and a touchdown in a loss against the Steelers. Dynasty Analysis: Johnston now has three touchdowns in two games after having just two in his rookie season last year. While much of the off-season talk revolved around Ladd McConkey, it's been Johnston who has established himself as the better fantasy scoring threat through two weeks. He remains a bit of a dangerous start at the moment, but his start is a huge step forward for a player who many felt was already a bust.

J.K. Dobbins Sep 22 6:57pm CT
J.K. Dobbins

Dynasty | Chargers running back JK Dobbins had 44 rushing yards, three catches and ten receiving yards in a loss against the Steelers. Dynasty Analysis: While the scoring total for Dobbins today is disappointing, there is a big development hidden in the box score as Dobbins handled 18 touches while Gus Edwards had just three. At this point, it seems this is no longer a committee with the Chargers as Dobbins has simply taken over the backfield. This is a big development as Dobbins continues to be one of the biggest risers in terms of dynasty rankings over the first month of the season. In short, he finally looks healthy.

Stefon Diggs Sep 22 6:57pm CT
Stefon Diggs

Dynasty | Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs caught ten passes for 94 yards in Houston's loss against the Vikings. Dynasty Analysis: This was a big day for Diggs, who led the Texans with 12 targets. While Nico Collins still had ten, the narrative that Collins is clearly the WR1 for the team may have been a little premature. With 20 catches through three games, Diggs will be a recommended play moving forward, despite a receiving room that seems pretty stacked.

Rome Odunze Sep 22 6:57pm CT
Rome Odunze

Dynasty | Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze had a career-high six catches for 112 yards and a touchdown in a loss against the Colts. Dynasty Analysis: With Keenan Allen out this week, Odunze tied Cole Kmet for the team lead in targets with 11. He certainly made the most of them as he had his best day in the NFL by far. While Allen should be back soon, it's clear Odunze has the talent of a top-ten pick and has earned himself a pretty good target share moving forward. With an unpredictable rookie at the helm, this corps is going to be tough to count on moving forward, but Odunze looks like a solid dynasty hold right now.

Malik Willis Sep 22 6:57pm CT
Malik Willis

Dynasty | Packers quarterback Malik Willis completed 13-of-19 passes for 202 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions, while adding a team-high 73 rushing yards and a touchdown in a win against Tennessee. Dynasty Analysis: You have to wonder if the Titans brass was second guessing themselves as their former developmental quarterback was carving them up via a flawless game plan. Willis has some limitations but he has also proved he's more than capable of playing at a high level, at least in a short-term burst. Jordan Love should be back next week, but it seems clear the Packers may have found something in Willis. He should be rostered in any dynasty league that has more than 20 or so players on a roster.

Malik Nabers Sep 22 6:56pm CT
Malik Nabers

Dynasty | Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers had eight catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns in a surprise win against Cleveland. Dynasty Analysis: One thing is clear this season - Nabers is here to stay. After a 10/127/1 game last week, Nabers was even better this week with his 8/78/2 line. Regardless, he has the looks not only of a future WR1, but a current one as well. While his potential may be slowed by Daniel Jones, he's proven to be more than worthy of his draft capital and his ranking is going to go up as soon as this week. In short, Nabers is a top-10 dynasty receiver already.

Bryce Young Sep 22 6:56pm CT
Bryce Young

Dynasty | The Panthers are receiving trade calls on quarterback Bryce Young. Dynasty Analysis: "In demand," might be a bit strong as teams are likely contacting Carolina to see if they pick up a former #1 pick for mere pennies on the dollar. At this point, the Panthers have been unwilling to entertain offers but that could change if Andy Dalton plays well and proves their early season offensive problems were legitimately all on Young. If Dalton struggles, Young could get another chance down the road. Today will be a big day for his future for sure. In the end, he remains a pretty weak hold in a dynasty league.

Bucky Irving Sep 22 6:56pm CT
Bucky Irving

Dynasty | Bucs running back Bucky Irving had 70 rushing yards, three catches, and 14 receiving yards in a loss against Denver. Dynasty Analysis: Simply put, Irving has looked better than Rachaad White through three weeks. He also out-carried him 9-6 and had 12 total touches compared to 11 for White today. Neither back is seeing the volume to be a recommended play at the moment, but Irving is starting to look like a rookie bargain at the moment.

Malcolm Rodriguez Sep 22 6:50pm CT
Malcolm Rodriguez

Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes (knee) didn't return to Sunday's win over the Arizona Cardinals. He suffered a knee injury due to a chop block and needed to be carted to the locker room. Barnes totaled nine tackles entering Week 3. But if the injury keeps him on the shelf, Malcolm Rodriguez would be in line to see more work.

From RotoBaller

Jason Myers Sep 22 6:50pm CT
Jason Myers

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers missed his first kick of 2024 on Sunday. Myers went 1/2 on field goals and 3/3 on extra points. He finished with seven fantasy points. The Seahawks offense has been in scoring positions all season affording Myers plenty of chances to score. He will look to continue his solid season in Week 4 against the Detroit Lions.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Sep 22 6:50pm CT
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith threw for 289 yards and one touchdown in Week 3. However, Smith threw two unfortunate interceptions. Smith's interceptions were not entirely his fault. Nonetheless, they resulted in negative points for fantasy. Smith ended the day with 13.36 fantasy points. Smith has thrown one touchdown in each game this season. He will need to have a larger statistical output to be more of a factor in fantasy moving forward. Even so, he has generally been a high-end QB2 in each week this season.

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Jaxon Smith-Njigba Sep 22 6:50pm CT
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had another quiet outing on Sunday. Smith-Njigba led the Seahawks in targets with seven. However, he only turned those targets into three receptions for 39 yards. After a huge breakout in Week 2, fantasy managers were hoping for an encore. The fact that Smith-Njigba led the team in targets indicates that the Seahawks are still very committed to getting him the ball. As long as that trend continues, Smith-Njigba should be fine in fantasy.

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Zach Charbonnet Sep 22 6:50pm CT
Zach Charbonnet

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet had a big day filling in for Kenneth Walker III (oblique) on Sunday. Charbonnet rushed for 91 yards and two touchdowns and caught three passes for 16 yards. Most importantly, Charbonnet ran for 5.1 yards per carry after two wildly inefficient outings in Weeks 1 and 2. Charbonnet has been excellent for fantasy in the absence of Walker. Walker is hoping to return in Week 4, but Charbonnet has demonstrated that he can be a solid complement. It will be worth monitoring to see how this backfield breaks down moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Courtland Sutton Sep 22 6:43pm CT
Courtland Sutton

Denver Broncos WR Courtland Sutton finished with seven receptions for a game-high 68 yards and a game-best 11 targets in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Fantasy Spin: The stat line still wasn't huge for fantasy managers, but it was Sutton's best production of the season. It's tough with a rookie QB, and Bo Nix has started slow out of the gates, with no touchdown passes in three games. Sutton is still worth a look in fantasy leagues of 12 or more teams, but consider him more of a WR4 or flex option.

From TheHuddle

Josh Reynolds Sep 22 6:43pm CT
Josh Reynolds

Denver Broncos WR Josh Reynolds ended up with two catches for 36 yards on his two targets in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Fantasy Spin: Reynolds was the most productive Denver wideout for the first two games, especially in Week 2, but Courtland Sutton was back on top in Week 3. With erratic play at the quarterback position, starting any Denver receiver is a risky proposition at the moment. Until Nix, or someone else, steps up under center, Reynolds' fantasy ceiling is rather limited. The Broncos travel to meet the New York Jets in Week 4.

From TheHuddle

Trey McBride Sep 22 6:40pm CT
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (head) finished Sunday's loss to the Lions by amassing three catches for 25 yards. He was targeted six times on the day. However, the 24-year-old had another underwhelming performance for fantasy managers. Unfortunately, McBride took a hit in the contest and is being evaluated for a concussion. Of course, this type of injury is a concern for fantasy managers, especially since it could keep him off the field for the Week 4 meeting with the Commanders. If McBride isn't available, Elijah Higgins and Tip Reiman will do their best to fill the void in the lineup.

From RotoBaller