2002 Fantasy Strengths of Schedule
Updated August 10th, 2002
Footballguys Strengths of Schedule just keeps getting
better. This year, for the first time ever, they are position specific.
Instead of just passing and rushing, we have QB, RB, WR, TE, PK, and
Defense/Special Teams. One thing that has remained is the basic
philosophy. Our Strengths of Schedule are based upon how things have
changed from last season to this one. And boy have things changed in a big
way for some teams (i.e.. realignment).
Case in point: the Tennessee Titans. They traded
home-and-home games with former AFC Central rivals Pittsburgh and
Baltimore in exchange for less defensive two game series with new AFC
South foes Indianapolis and Houston. Steve McNair and company are making
out like bandits!
Now, before getting to the rankings, here's how the numbers
were found: Each team's 2001 performance was analyzed with regards to
fantasy points allowed (see scoring system below) at each position.
Specifically, each team was ranked according to their number of fantasy
points allowed compared to their opponent's average fantasy points scored.
This idea was born at FootballGuysTalk.com by
frequent poster Chris Annunziata (aka "Kid Charlemagne").
For example: If Team A averaged 20 fantasy points per
game (fppg) at QB and scored 15 against Team B, then Team B's QB defense
did well. However, if Team A averaged 10 fppg at QB and scored 15 against
Team B, then Team B's QB defense did poorly.
These ranking were used to find the 2001 actual Strengths of
Schedule.
The rankings were then modified (using opinions only) based
upon roster and/or coaching changes. These modified rankings were used to
find the 2002 predicted Strengths of Schedule.
The difference between 2002 and 2001 was then found and,
viola, the 2002 Strengths of Schedule were born.
As you look through the rankings, remember 'bigger numbers
are better'.
Rk |
Quarterback |
2002 |
2001 |
Dif |
Rk |
Running Back |
2002 |
2001 |
Dif |
1 |
Tennessee |
16.4 |
13.5 |
2.8 |
1 |
Cleveland |
17.9 |
11.2 |
6.6 |
2 |
Cincinnati |
17.2 |
14.6 |
2.6 |
2 |
Tampa Bay |
20.4 |
15.5 |
4.9 |
3 |
Minnesota |
18.3 |
15.9 |
2.4 |
3 |
Cincinnati |
18.1 |
13.3 |
4.8 |
4 |
Arizona |
16.0 |
14.1 |
1.9 |
4 |
Minnesota |
18.8 |
14.4 |
4.4 |
5 |
Indianapolis |
15.6 |
13.8 |
1.8 |
5 |
Detroit |
20.6 |
16.5 |
4.1 |
6 |
Carolina |
17.4 |
15.7 |
1.7 |
6 |
Pittsburgh |
20.2 |
17.2 |
3.0 |
7 |
Pittsburgh |
18.3 |
16.8 |
1.5 |
7 |
Tennessee |
16.4 |
14.3 |
2.2 |
8 |
Tampa Bay |
17.8 |
16.5 |
1.3 |
8 |
Green Bay |
19.6 |
18.5 |
1.1 |
9 |
Detroit |
15.0 |
13.8 |
1.2 |
9 |
Baltimore |
17.0 |
16.0 |
1.0 |
10 |
Atlanta |
17.6 |
16.5 |
1.0 |
10 |
Chicago |
20.3 |
19.4 |
0.8 |
11 |
New Orleans |
16.2 |
15.4 |
0.8 |
11 |
Denver |
16.9 |
16.3 |
0.6 |
12 |
San Diego |
17.8 |
17.0 |
0.8 |
12 |
Jacksonville |
16.1 |
15.5 |
0.6 |
13 |
Seattle |
16.2 |
15.9 |
0.3 |
13 |
Buffalo |
17.9 |
17.4 |
0.5 |
14 |
Baltimore |
17.1 |
16.9 |
0.2 |
14 |
Kansas City |
14.9 |
14.4 |
0.5 |
15 |
Houston |
16.6 |
NA |
NA |
15 |
Atlanta |
18.4 |
17.9 |
0.4 |
16 |
Cleveland |
19.1 |
19.1 |
0.0 |
16 |
Houston |
13.0 |
NA |
NA |
17 |
Dallas |
16.9 |
17.0 |
-0.1 |
17 |
Carolina |
18.9 |
18.9 |
0.0 |
18 |
San Francisco |
17.0 |
17.2 |
-0.2 |
18 |
Washington |
14.5 |
14.9 |
-0.4 |
19 |
Green Bay |
15.8 |
16.0 |
-0.3 |
19 |
NY Jets |
17.3 |
17.7 |
-0.5 |
20 |
Chicago |
15.9 |
16.1 |
-0.3 |
20 |
San Diego |
17.2 |
17.8 |
-0.6 |
21 |
NY Giants |
14.4 |
15.0 |
-0.6 |
21 |
Miami |
18.6 |
19.4 |
-0.8 |
22 |
St Louis |
16.3 |
16.9 |
-0.7 |
22 |
New Orleans |
17.9 |
18.8 |
-1.0 |
23 |
Philadelphia |
15.4 |
16.4 |
-0.9 |
23 |
Dallas |
14.3 |
15.3 |
-1.0 |
24 |
Jacksonville |
15.9 |
16.8 |
-1.0 |
24 |
New England |
17.1 |
18.8 |
-1.7 |
25 |
NY Jets |
16.3 |
17.4 |
-1.1 |
25 |
Oakland |
12.5 |
14.8 |
-2.3 |
26 |
Kansas City |
16.7 |
17.9 |
-1.2 |
26 |
Seattle |
12.9 |
15.2 |
-2.3 |
27 |
Buffalo |
15.1 |
16.5 |
-1.4 |
27 |
Indianapolis |
13.8 |
16.3 |
-2.5 |
28 |
Miami |
16.8 |
18.3 |
-1.5 |
28 |
Arizona |
12.0 |
14.8 |
-2.8 |
29 |
Denver |
17.2 |
18.7 |
-1.5 |
29 |
NY Giants |
14.9 |
18.4 |
-3.4 |
30 |
Washington |
16.4 |
18.2 |
-1.8 |
30 |
Philadelphia |
12.3 |
15.9 |
-3.6 |
31 |
New England |
15.1 |
17.1 |
-2.0 |
31 |
San Francisco |
13.8 |
18.8 |
-5.0 |
32 |
Oakland |
16.8 |
19.7 |
-2.9 |
32 |
St Louis |
12.8 |
18.2 |
-5.4 |
At the top of the rankings, we see better days
ahead for Steve McNair, Jon Kitna/Gus Frerotte, Daunte Culpepper,
Jake Plummer, and Peyton Manning (another point against Dungification).
Rounding out the QB rankings, we see tougher times for the likes
of Shane Matthews/Danny Wuerffel/Sage Rosenfels/Patrick Ramsey,
Tom Brady (sophomore slump is a distinct possibility, and Rich
Gannon (with a shiney new contract). How interesting is it to
see Washington stuck here at the bottom? Steve Spurrier's initial
NFL campaign may see more busted visors than aerial TDs. Imagine
an ineffective Matthews being yanked. Foresee an equally ineffective
Sage Rosenfels giving way to Danny Wuerffel. It's musical chairs
in D.C. Taking a quick look at the Texans, 16.6 is a fairly average
number. David Carr could have a couple of decent games.
|
Let's start at the bottom. Let me be the first
(OK, the 4,641st) to say, "Don't worry about Marshall Faulk".
He doesn't understand the concept of Strength of Schedule. Faulk
can do anything against anybody. On the other hand, Garrison Hearst/Kevan
Barlow (lots of musical chairs are possible here), Tiki Barber/Ron
Dayne (combined with that pitiful offensive line and both should
be a tad flat), and Duce Staley (although with zero real competition,
he could still improve) are very much human. At the top of the
RB pile, things look almost rosy for Corey Dillon and Michael
Pittman/Mike Alstott. Finally, welcome the 2002 NFL rookie of
the year in William Green. A quick take on the Texans: 13.0 is
a very low number. There will be very little success on the ground
for any RB in Houston.
|
Rk |
Wide Receiver |
2002 |
2001 |
Dif |
Rk |
Tight End |
2002 |
2001 |
Dif |
1 |
Atlanta |
19.4 |
15.1 |
4.3 |
1 |
Detroit |
18.9 |
14.6 |
4.2 |
2 |
Carolina |
19.1 |
15.0 |
4.1 |
2 |
Chicago |
18.9 |
15.0 |
3.9 |
3 |
Indianapolis |
16.0 |
12.8 |
3.2 |
3 |
Carolina |
19.6 |
16.6 |
3.0 |
4 |
Tampa Bay |
18.6 |
15.5 |
3.1 |
4 |
Dallas |
14.6 |
11.7 |
2.8 |
5 |
Cincinnati |
18.0 |
15.1 |
2.9 |
5 |
Tampa Bay |
21.3 |
19.4 |
2.0 |
6 |
Arizona |
16.3 |
13.9 |
2.3 |
6 |
San Diego |
13.8 |
11.9 |
1.9 |
7 |
San Francisco |
16.5 |
14.5 |
2.0 |
7 |
Green Bay |
19.2 |
17.4 |
1.8 |
8 |
Tennessee |
16.9 |
14.9 |
2.0 |
8 |
New Orleans |
16.9 |
15.2 |
1.8 |
9 |
Pittsburgh |
18.6 |
16.8 |
1.8 |
9 |
Miami |
18.7 |
17.0 |
1.7 |
10 |
Minnesota |
16.6 |
14.8 |
1.7 |
10 |
Indianapolis |
17.3 |
16.4 |
0.9 |
11 |
Cleveland |
19.6 |
18.1 |
1.6 |
11 |
Tennessee |
17.4 |
16.5 |
0.9 |
12 |
Seattle |
17.1 |
15.7 |
1.4 |
12 |
Minnesota |
19.2 |
18.3 |
0.9 |
13 |
New Orleans |
17.4 |
16.3 |
1.1 |
13 |
Atlanta |
19.1 |
18.3 |
0.8 |
14 |
Baltimore |
18.8 |
18.2 |
0.6 |
14 |
Cleveland |
21.9 |
21.3 |
0.6 |
15 |
San Diego |
17.4 |
17.2 |
0.3 |
15 |
Denver |
14.3 |
13.8 |
0.4 |
16 |
Houston |
15.7 |
NA |
NA |
16 |
Kansas City |
14.0 |
13.7 |
0.3 |
17 |
Green Bay |
15.8 |
16.5 |
-0.7 |
17 |
Oakland |
15.1 |
15.0 |
0.0 |
18 |
Buffalo |
14.9 |
15.6 |
-0.7 |
18 |
Baltimore |
17.6 |
17.6 |
0.0 |
19 |
St Louis |
16.9 |
17.7 |
-0.8 |
19 |
Houston |
16.3 |
NA |
NA |
20 |
Detroit |
14.0 |
14.8 |
-0.8 |
20 |
NY Jets |
16.8 |
16.9 |
-0.1 |
21 |
NY Giants |
13.6 |
14.5 |
-0.9 |
21 |
Philadelphia |
13.3 |
13.5 |
-0.2 |
22 |
Chicago |
15.5 |
16.8 |
-1.3 |
22 |
Pittsburgh |
18.9 |
19.3 |
-0.4 |
23 |
Washington |
16.3 |
17.7 |
-1.4 |
23 |
NY Giants |
13.4 |
13.9 |
-0.5 |
24 |
Miami |
15.9 |
17.6 |
-1.7 |
24 |
Buffalo |
17.5 |
18.3 |
-0.8 |
25 |
Jacksonville |
16.3 |
18.1 |
-1.8 |
25 |
Cincinnati |
20.3 |
21.0 |
-0.8 |
26 |
New England |
14.1 |
16.4 |
-2.3 |
26 |
New England |
16.5 |
18.0 |
-1.5 |
27 |
NY Jets |
14.3 |
16.6 |
-2.3 |
27 |
Seattle |
12.6 |
14.1 |
-1.5 |
28 |
Dallas |
16.7 |
19.2 |
-2.5 |
28 |
Jacksonville |
15.9 |
17.4 |
-1.5 |
29 |
Kansas City |
16.2 |
18.9 |
-2.7 |
29 |
Washington |
15.1 |
17.3 |
-2.2 |
30 |
Denver |
15.3 |
18.1 |
-2.8 |
30 |
Arizona |
11.1 |
14.4 |
-3.3 |
31 |
Philadelphia |
15.1 |
17.9 |
-2.9 |
31 |
St Louis |
10.6 |
17.0 |
-6.3 |
32 |
Oakland |
16.4 |
19.7 |
-3.3 |
32 |
San Francisco |
12.9 |
20.5 |
-7.6 |
Wow, things look wide open for Willie Jackson
and possibly even Brian Finneran to post decent stats. Don't be
surprised by better numbers from Muhsin Muhammad, Marvin Harrison
(is that possible?), and Keyshawn Johnson (like he wouldn't improve
upon one TD). Be a little wary of James Thrash, Rod Smith, Tim
Brown, and Jerry Rice as the going will be tougher for each. Looking
in on Houston finds a slightly below average number of 15.7. With
their current collection of WRs, does it really matter?
|
As the Lions have not come up with a late FA signing,
it appears Mikhael Ricks could be a deep sleeper candidate at
TE. Granted, it's a long shot, but stranger things have happened
as Ricks is a former WR. You might consider taking a shot with
the Bears' tight end (too bad they don't really have one). If
Wesley Walls can stay healthy, he'll have another good year. Tony
McGee and Ken Dilger looked poised for success with their respective
new teams. Freddie Jones doesn't appear to be so fortunate. Ernie
Conwell will struggle to match his 2001 numbers. Finally, let
someone else go after Eric Johnson.
|
Rk |
Place Kicker |
2002 |
2001 |
Dif |
Rk |
Defense/Spec Team |
2002 |
2001 |
Dif |
1 |
Tennessee |
18.4 |
13.1 |
5.3 |
1 |
Detroit |
19.1 |
13.3 |
5.8 |
2 |
Cincinnati |
20.1 |
15.1 |
5.0 |
2 |
Minnesota |
19.8 |
14.8 |
4.9 |
3 |
Cleveland |
18.0 |
14.9 |
3.1 |
3 |
Tampa Bay |
19.7 |
15.2 |
4.5 |
4 |
Indianapolis |
17.6 |
15.0 |
2.7 |
4 |
Cleveland |
18.7 |
14.6 |
4.1 |
5 |
Detroit |
15.9 |
13.5 |
2.3 |
5 |
Carolina |
19.7 |
15.7 |
3.9 |
6 |
Jacksonville |
17.5 |
15.2 |
2.3 |
6 |
Cincinnati |
19.0 |
15.6 |
3.4 |
7 |
Pittsburgh |
20.5 |
18.5 |
2.0 |
7 |
Atlanta |
18.5 |
15.4 |
3.1 |
8 |
Tampa Bay |
15.8 |
14.4 |
1.4 |
8 |
New Orleans |
19.4 |
16.5 |
2.9 |
9 |
Dallas |
15.9 |
14.5 |
1.4 |
9 |
Indianapolis |
19.2 |
16.6 |
2.6 |
10 |
Minnesota |
14.9 |
13.9 |
1.1 |
10 |
NY Jets |
17.6 |
15.4 |
2.2 |
11 |
Atlanta |
17.9 |
17.0 |
0.9 |
11 |
Baltimore |
17.6 |
15.5 |
2.1 |
12 |
Chicago |
16.7 |
15.9 |
0.8 |
12 |
Pittsburgh |
20.7 |
19.1 |
1.6 |
13 |
Carolina |
15.4 |
15.0 |
0.4 |
13 |
Miami |
16.8 |
15.3 |
1.5 |
14 |
NY Jets |
18.3 |
18.1 |
0.2 |
14 |
Tennessee |
18.9 |
18.0 |
0.9 |
15 |
Baltimore |
16.6 |
16.6 |
0.0 |
15 |
Jacksonville |
16.1 |
15.2 |
0.8 |
16 |
Houston |
18.3 |
NA |
NA |
16 |
Buffalo |
17.2 |
16.6 |
0.6 |
17 |
Kansas City |
17.0 |
17.2 |
-0.2 |
17 |
Philadelphia |
15.7 |
15.7 |
0.0 |
18 |
Washington |
15.8 |
16.5 |
-0.7 |
18 |
Houston |
15.9 |
NA |
NA |
19 |
Arizona |
14.4 |
15.2 |
-0.9 |
19 |
Green Bay |
19.6 |
19.9 |
-0.3 |
20 |
Green Bay |
16.5 |
17.5 |
-1.0 |
20 |
Dallas |
15.8 |
16.3 |
-0.5 |
21 |
Miami |
19.1 |
20.2 |
-1.1 |
21 |
Chicago |
18.1 |
19.0 |
-0.9 |
22 |
NY Giants |
15.8 |
17.2 |
-1.5 |
22 |
NY Giants |
16.0 |
17.2 |
-1.2 |
23 |
Denver |
17.2 |
18.7 |
-1.5 |
23 |
Kansas City |
12.6 |
13.9 |
-1.4 |
24 |
San Francisco |
14.8 |
16.8 |
-2.0 |
24 |
Washington |
15.0 |
16.7 |
-1.7 |
25 |
Oakland |
16.4 |
18.5 |
-2.1 |
25 |
Denver |
12.2 |
14.6 |
-2.5 |
26 |
San Diego |
16.8 |
18.8 |
-2.1 |
26 |
Oakland |
11.5 |
14.8 |
-3.3 |
27 |
Buffalo |
15.4 |
17.5 |
-2.1 |
27 |
New England |
14.6 |
19.0 |
-4.4 |
28 |
Philadelphia |
15.1 |
17.4 |
-2.3 |
28 |
San Diego |
13.7 |
18.1 |
-4.4 |
29 |
New England |
15.3 |
17.7 |
-2.5 |
29 |
Seattle |
12.4 |
17.0 |
-4.6 |
30 |
New Orleans |
14.4 |
16.9 |
-2.5 |
30 |
St Louis |
12.8 |
18.1 |
-5.3 |
31 |
St Louis |
13.9 |
16.7 |
-2.8 |
31 |
Arizona |
11.7 |
18.5 |
-6.8 |
32 |
Seattle |
13.4 |
17.7 |
-4.2 |
32 |
San Francisco |
12.3 |
19.4 |
-7.2 |
It's a widely held opinion that accurately ranking
PKs is one of the most difficult tasks in fantasy football. No
argument here. If you're one that prefers to take a PK late in
your draft, consider the rookie Travis Dorsch from Cincinnati,
Cleveland's Phil Dawson, or the vastly underrated Joe Nedney in
Tennessee. Don't gamble on Rian Lindell from Seattle. Side note:
Jeff Wilkins = scoring, but there might be quite as much of it
this season.
|
The 49ers took giant steps forward in 2001, but
look for them to take some baby steps back this year. Arizona
was horrid last year. Expect more of the same. The Rams won't
be as dominant this go around. Let's take a gander at the top.
How on earth can a sane human recommend the Lions defense/special
teams? Let's remember that a #1 ranking doesn't mean Detroit's
the #1 Def/ST. They merely have the easiest schedule compared
to their 2001 campaign. By the same token, the Vikings will be
a better option this year than last. Will Tampa Bay really improve
without Tony Dungy? Could be as they weren't exactly stellar last
year. Look for strides from Cleveland, Carolina, and Cincinnati.
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Key: 'Rk' is each team's rank. '2002' is
each team's average opponent's rank in each position. '2001' is each
team's average opponents' rank in each position. NA is not available as
Houston did not play in 2001. 'Dif' is the difference between the
'2002' and '2001'. Note: Positive 'Dif' values are good while negative
'Dif' values are bad.
Scoring system: Offensive
scoring TD passing = 4 points TD rushing/receiving = 6
points Passing yards = 1 point per 20 yards Rushing/receiving yards
= 1 point per 10 yards INT = (-1) point Two-point conversion (by any
method) = 2 points FG = 3 points PAT = 1 point
Defensive scoring TD Return = 6 points INT = 2
points Fumble recovery = 2 points Sack = 1 point Safety = 2
points
Defensive points allowed: 0 = 12 points 1 to 6
= 9 points 7 to 12 = 6 points 13 to 18 = 3 points 19 to 24 = 0
points 25 to 30 = (-3) points 31 to 36 = (-6) points 37 or more =
(-9) points
Defensive yards allowed: 1 to 149 = 12
points 150 to 199 = 9 points 200 to 249 = 6 points 250 to 299 = 3
points 300 to 349 = 0 points 350 to 399 = (-3) points 400 to 449
= (-6) points 450 or more = (-9) points Mail comments to: Clayton
Gray
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