Greetings! In the first installment, we took an early look-see at the strength of schedule and RB’s. For this installment, let’s take a look at QB’s.
As far as QB’s go, there are only a couple of players that stand out when looking at the early schedule.
Derek Carr ended his season in week 16 last year, after suffering a broken right leg. It was a tough injury, especially for the sake of the Raiders ruined playoffs hopes. However, Carr is expected to be fine for the start of training camp. Carr finished 2016 by completing 63.7 percent of his passes for 3,937 yards, 28 touchdowns and six interceptions, and he added 70 rushing yards. He was the No. 11 Fantasy quarterback in standard leagues. But remember, his numbers were cut short by his injury. He already has a dynamic receiving corps with Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree, and the Raiders passing offense could even improve with the likes of Marshawn Lynch commanding more defensive attention. With that being said, note how Carr starts the 2017 season;
He’ll be staring off going to TEN (3rd worst passing D)
Followed by a home game vs. NYJ (6th worst passing D, but they could be historically bad this year)
Finally, is a game @ WAS (13th worst passing D)
Not bad to get off on the right foot (pun intended)
Here is another story with the element of injury. Many people are hopeful that Andrew Luck will be ready for training camp after off-season shoulder surgery. If he is ready to go by week 1, then you may be looking at one of the best Fantasy passers you can draft. In 38 games since 2014, Luck has posted 20-plus fantasy points 76.3 percent of the time. Only Tom Brady comes close in comparison. A week defense and a meager running game keep Luck as a top fantasy prospect for the 2017 season - if his offensive line can better protect him. The Colts already got a bit of Luck in this starting schedule;
IND starts off in LA against the Rams (9th worst against QB’s)
Followed by a home game vs. ARI (27th worst against QB’s)
But, followed by another home game vs. CLE (the worst against QB’s last year)
Yet another injury story. Last year was rough for Russell Wilson. Poor line play, no Lynch, and more than one injury hobbled his performance. Yet, Doug Baldwin, Jimmy Graham and Tyler Lockett still make for a quality receiving corps. There is hope the line will be improved this year. This would be a boost to the running game, and Wilson could see his numbers improve as well. He was a top-five quarterback the previous two years prior to 2016, and he could easily get back to that level again. The Seahawks traditionally start seasons slow however. So, how will the Hawks, and Wilson do with this starting schedule;
@ GB (10th worst vs. QB’s)
SF (12th worst vs. QB’s)
@ TEN (3rd worst vs. QB’s)
IND (7th worst vs. QB’s)
@ LAR (9th worst vs. QB’s)
Again, the Seahawks tend to have a conservative offensive. They want - run heavy. And it has traditionally performed much better at the end of seasons. But, if there was ever an opportunity to come out going strong. This seems to be it.