In fantasy football drafting, something to consider is the ease of schedule for your fantasy quarterback. Here are five quarterbacks who appear to have softer schedules than some others for the first four weeks of the season.
Sam Bradford, Philadelphia Eagles
For those who want to kick the tires on Bradford, who surely will be available in later draft rounds, take solace in the fact that he could get off to a quick start in 2015.
Bradford and company first face off in Atlanta in Week 1. The Falcons generously allowed the second-highest passing yards to quarterbacks in 2014 to the tune of 285.5 average per game.
Next up for Bradford is hosting the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2 and traveling to play the New York Jets in Week 3.
Last year, Dallas’ defense allowed the 10th most passing yards to opposing quarterbacks and managed the fifth-fewest sacks. As for the Jets, they’ve taken some hits to their defense with Sheldon Richardson’s career in question, and they surrendered the fifth-most fantasy points to the quarterback position last year. Though, the additions of Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie should help.
Finally in Week 4, the Eagles travel to face the Washington Redskins. In 2014, the Redskins allowed the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks at an average of 20.53 per week.
Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
Romo was a decent tier-two fantasy quarterback to own last season and the trend should continue this year. For those who want to draft Romo and hope he creates magic with stud receiver Dez Bryant, he at least has some easier opponents during the beginning of the season.
The Cowboys host the New York Giants in Week 1. Their suspect defense allowed opposing quarterbacks the seventh-most fantasy points last season. Romo totaled 554 yards and seven touchdowns against the Giants over both of their matchups last year.
In Week 2, the Cowboys travel to Philadelphia to play the Eagles, whose defense allowed the most passing yards to quarterbacks last year. The last time Romo was in Philly, he shredded the team for 265 yards and three touchdowns.
Week 3 brings a home matchup to Romo against the Atlanta Falcons where he should be on course to score big against their second-worst ranked pass defense. Things also remain easy for Romo in Week 4 against the Saints. Even with some enhancements to their defense this year, keep in mind the Saints managed only 12 interceptions in 2014. Romo threw only one pick during the last five weeks of the 2014 season. That’s a sweet matchup.
Josh McCown, Cleveland Browns
McCown definitely doesn’t make an ideal choice as your lead fantasy quarterback, however if forced to use him as a backup, or in a two quarterback league, he does have an easier schedule early this season.
Week 1 has the Browns traveling to play the Jets whose defense last year managed only six interceptions and allowed the third most passing touchdowns. Next up for McCown is the Tennessee Titans who surrendered the ninth most fantasy points during the last two weeks of the season in 2014.
In Week 3 the Browns host the Raiders who allowed the fifth-most touchdowns to be passed against them last year. And, in Week 4, the Browns play in San Diego. The Chargers registered a scary one interception to their quarterback competition during the last four weeks of the season in 2014.
Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
One of the more underrated fantasy quarterbacks some weeks is Flacco who can really shine when given an ideal matchup. For those who take their chances and draft a quarterback in really late rounds, Flacco could reward early in the season.
First up for Flacco and the Ravens are the Denver Broncos coming to town. The Broncos allowed the fifth-most passing touchdowns last year and Flacco is coming off of scoring four touchdowns in his divisional playoff loss against the New England Patriots.
In Week 2 the Ravens travel to Oakland whose defense only registered nine total interceptions all last season. Flacco could certainly have his way with their sketchy secondary. For Week 3, the Ravens host the Bengals whose defense went haywire towards the latter part of the 2014 season allowing 628 yards through the air and four touchdowns in two weeks.
Finally in Week 4, the Ravens play their AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers. Last year, Flacco torched Pittsburgh in their final two meetings for a total of 562 yards and four touchdowns. Matchups against the two teams usually present an opportunity for the Ravens to score big offensive points.
Flacco isn’t ideal to start all of the time, but some of these early season opportunities may be appealing.
Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
Ryan and the Falcons face in the first three weeks of the season some of the NFC East’s generous defenses.
Week 1 brings a home matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles who let opposing quarterbacks romp them for 649 passing yards during the final two weeks of the 2014 season. Ryan armed with Julio Jones should destroy in fantasy points Week 1.
In Week 2, the Falcons travel to play the New York Giants where Ryan should have no problem rewarding his fantasy owners against the defense who allowed the seventh most fantasy points last year.
Week 3 has the Falcons in Dallas who allowed the 10th most passing yards and offered the fourth fewest quarterback sacks. This is a great combination for Ryan to pile up the fantasy points this week.
Ryan could be challenged a bit more by the Houston Texans defense in Week 4. However, over the course of the 2014 season, the Texans allowed the 15th most yards through the air. While we might worry a little about defensive end J.J. Watt, the Texans ranked 19th overall in quarterback sacks last year.
For those who draft Ryan, he should be considered a must start nearly every week of the year.