How does the strength of schedule impact fantasy football numbers? It is easy to calculate strength of schedule for teams as you simply look at the opponent’s win/loss record from last season. In fantasy football it is a little bit different as you look at the points given up by opponents by position. For example, the Philadelphia Eagles allowed more than 27 points per game to wide receivers a year ago. Wide receivers facing the Philadelphia Eagles this season should figure to do well again. Conversely, the Seattle Seahawks allowed just over 13 points per game to wide receivers last season. Let’s look at some strength of schedule notes for quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and tight ends for 2015.
Quarterbacks
Whoever plays quarterback for Tampa Bay this season, whether it is Mike Glennon, Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota, will be facing the easiest schedule for a quarterback in 2015. The Bucs play opponents who allowed an average of 17 points per game to quarterbacks a year ago. The other easiest schedules for quarterbacks to face goes to Tony Romo of the Cowboys, Eli Manning of the Giants, Cam Newton of the Panthers, Matt Ryan of the Falcons and whoever plays quarterback for the Redskins. On the other side of the coin, Ben Roethlisberger of the Steelers faces the most difficult schedule for a quarterback in 2015. Also facing a tough schedule is Andy Dalton of the Bengals, Joe Flacco of the Ravens and Carson Palmer of the Cardinals.
Running Backs
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers definitely have a favorable schedule for fantasy football in 2015 as their running backs face the easiest schedule this season. That would mean a good year for Doug Martin if he was any good. The same can be said about Jonathan Stewart of the Panthers as running backs for Carolina face the second easiest schedule. Also in the top 5 of easiest defenses to go against in 2015 are the Texans which is good news for Arian Foster, the Titans and running back Bishop Sankey and whoever runs the ball for the Falcons.
Wide Receivers
The Bucs also have the easiest schedule for their receivers to face. That should mean good news for Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson. Other wide receivers that should benefit from easy schedules are Dez Bryant of the Cowboys, Brandin Cooks of the Saints and Odell Beckham Jr. of the Giants. On the other end, the Steelers face the toughest defenses for wide receivers so that could mean a drop in numbers for Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant.
Tight Ends
The St. Louis Rams have a favorable schedule for their tight end so Jared Cook could have a big year getting passes from Nick Foles. The Browns also have a favorable schedule for whoever catches passes at tight end in 2015. The Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers also have good schedules for their tight ends so Charles Clay and Andrew Quarless could have good seasons.
