We’re in thick of fantasy draft season, which means we need all the strategy and information we can get. While the draft doesn’t determine the final outcome, it can certainly put you on the right path for a championship. One of the most important decisions you will make is selecting your starting quarterback. We know who’s good and bad, but often matchups help to split hairs between them. With that being said, here are the five toughest quarterback strength of schedules.
The data used to determine strength of schedules comes from FantasyPros, the players’ ranks are my rankings here on FlurrySports, and their ADP is from 10-team PPR leagues, according to Fantasy Football Calculator.
For the full strength of schedule graphs, along with 19 other pages of fantasy goodness, get our Fantasy Football Draft Kit HERE.
5 Easiest QB Strength of Schedules
1– Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
Rank: #14 | ADP: 13.03
The wonder boy down in Kansas City has already wowed us with this ridiculous preseason bomb to Tyreek Hill. But what many are failing to remember are the rest of his first half drives this week. Mahomes certainly has a ton of Brett Favre in him, meaning he trusts his arm more than anything else, so even if there’s a defender nearby, he’s going to sling it. This results in some incredible plays, and some disappointing turnovers. With his decision-making still not there, trusting the first-year starter with the toughest quarterback schedule in the league is risky. However, he’s only a must avoid in custom leagues where interceptions are worth more. I expect this offense to pass a ton with how porous the defense is.
2– Aaron Rodgers, Packers
Rank: #1 | ADP: 4.03
Well, this is awkward. Yes, Aaron Rodgers has an incredibly tough schedule on paper. Also yes, he is the most talented quarterback in the league, and he is ranked accordingly. You don’t have to be nervous with him as your QB1, but I wouldn’t draft him at his current ADP. You can wait and get a player who will finish in the same neighborhood as Mr. Rodgers four (or more) rounds later.
3– Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
Rank: #12 | ADP: 12.03
Again, are you strategically planning against taking Ben Roethlisberger? No, but there’s options that should interest you more out there. This is especially true considering his famous home/road split. Unlike Rodgers, I would feel nervous with Big Ben as the lone quarterback on my team. If I draft him, I would take a second quarterback. In my draft kit, there are a number of great Quarterback by Committee examples that you could implement.
4– Derek Carr, Raiders
Rank: #21 | ADP: 14.03
Derek Carr may be one of Gruden’s “Grinders,” but he is also on an offense expected to be run-heavy and has a difficult schedule. Just looking at his division, the Chargers are scary, the Broncos should play better, and the game in Kansas City is always a tough one. Much like Mahomes, his defense could give up a lot of points, putting pressure on this offense to score, which is a plus. Carr is one of those lower-ranked guys for me that I feel has a ton of upside, however, I’ll bet the under in most cases for this Raiders team. I would only draft Carr if he’s a backup on my team.
5– Matthew Stafford, Lions
Rank: #9 | ADP: 10.09
The Vikings and Bears certainly raise the toughness of his schedule, but what’s not taken into account is that the Packers will likely put a defensive group on the field that you need to respect. This creates six tough divisional games before we even talk about non-division. However, this is still a pass-happy team with weapons for Stafford. He’s a fringe top-10 quarterback, but I’ll keep him in there because of his consistency.
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