Unveiling the Fantasy Strength of Schedule: Your 2023 Draft Guide

Alright, fantasy football enthusiasts! It's that time of the year again when we dust off our draft boards, polish our cheat sheets, and get ready to dominate our leagues. But wait, before you dive in, let's talk about the fantasy strength of schedule, a crucial factor that can make or break your season. So, grab a coffee, get comfy, and let's dive in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and fantasy strength of schedule.

What's the Deal with Fantasy Strength of Schedule?

In simple terms, the fantasy strength of schedule is a metric that measures the overall difficulty of the teams your players will face throughout the season. It's not just about wins and losses; it's about the matchups that can boost your players' fantasy points or bring them down.

Think of it like this: Would you rather have a running back facing the Indianapolis Colts' porous run defense every week, or the Los Angeles Rams' stifling front seven? The answer is clear, right? That's what the fantasy strength of schedule is all about.

How to Calculate Fantasy Strength of Schedule

Calculating the fantasy strength of schedule involves a bit of math and some fantasy know-how. Here's a simplified version:

1. 1. First, you need to know the projected fantasy points per game (PPG) for each position for every team in the league. You can find these projections in various fantasy football guides or online resources.
2. 2. Then, for each of your players, calculate the average fantasy points allowed (FPA) by their opponents at that position. This is done by adding up the projected PPG for each of your player's opponents and dividing by the number of games.
3. 3. Finally, compare your player's FPA to the league average. If it's lower, your player has an easy fantasy strength of schedule. If it's higher, it's a tough fantasy strength of schedule.

Why Should You Care About Fantasy Strength of Schedule?

You might be thinking, "That sounds like a lot of work. Why should I bother?" Well, here are a few reasons:

- Value Picks: The fantasy strength of schedule can help you identify value picks. A player with a tough schedule might be undervalued, presenting an opportunity for you to snag a steal. - Draft Strategy: It can influence your draft strategy. If you're in a league where you can stream defenses or D/STs, knowing which teams have the easiest or toughest schedules can be a game-changer. - Trades and Waivers: It can help you make informed decisions about trades and waiver wire pickups. A player with an easy upcoming schedule might be worth stashing on your bench.

2023 Fantasy Strength of Schedule: Early Predictions

Alright, let's talk about some early predictions for the 2023 fantasy strength of schedule. Remember, these are based on current projections and can change significantly as the season approaches.

Easy Strength of Schedule

1. 1. Quarterbacks: Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills), Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs), and Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) all have relatively easy schedules. This could mean big things for their fantasy owners.
2. 2. Running Backs: Dalvin Cook (Minnesota Vikings), Saquon Barkley (New York Giants), and Javonte Williams (Denver Broncos) have some of the easiest schedules in the league. If you're looking to draft a RB early, these guys might be your targets.
3. 3. Wide Receivers: Stefon Diggs (Buffalo Bills), Tyreek Hill (Miami Dolphins), and Davante Adams (Las Vegas Raiders) have favorable schedules. Keep an eye on these guys in your drafts.

Tough Strength of Schedule

1. 1. Quarterbacks: Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings), Ryan Tannehill (Tennessee Titans), and Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars) have some of the toughest schedules. You might want to think twice before drafting these guys as your QB1.
2. 2. Running Backs: Najee Harris (Pittsburgh Steelers), Aaron Jones (Green Bay Packers), and Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints) have tough schedules. If you're drafting one of these guys, make sure they're supported by a strong offensive line.
3. 3. Wide Receivers: A.J. Brown (Philadelphia Eagles), Mike Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), and D.K. Metcalf (Seattle Seahawks) have tough schedules. These guys might be better value picks in the later rounds.

Final Thoughts

The fantasy strength of schedule is a powerful tool that can help you make informed decisions in your fantasy football drafts. But remember, it's just one piece of the puzzle. You should also consider a player's talent, their team's offensive scheme, and their overall health.

So, there you have it, folks! Your comprehensive guide to the fantasy strength of schedule. Now go out there and dominate your drafts!