Using Strength of Schedule - The Backup Quarterback

Many of you use an early draft pick on a top QB (let's call them 'Stellar QBs') such as one of the following:

• Daunte Culpepper
• Donovan McNabb
• Peyton Manning
• Rich Gannon
• Aaron Brooks
• Brett Favre
• Steve McNair
• Trent Green
• Kurt Warner
• Jeff Garcia

When you have a Stellar QB, you should generally expect to start him every week (except during his bye week) and likely will not spend another draft pick on this position until the 10th round or later. QBs that will generally be available in round ten or later includes the following:

• David Carr
• Drew Brees
• Jay Fiedler
• Jeff Blake
• Joey Harrington
• Jon Kitna
• Kelly Holcomb
• Kordell Stewart
• Mark Brunell
• Patrick Ramsey

The problem is what QB to select for use during your Stellar QB's bye week. The table below show the five or six QBs with the most favorable opponent for each Stellar QB.

• A brief explanation of the table:
  • Schedule values were found here.
  • The possible backups are ranked in order starting with the easiest SOS

    For example, in week six, Kordell Stewart's opponent is expected to allow 23.2 fantasy points to QBs, David Carr's opponent is expected to allow 20.5 fantasy points to QBs, and so on.

If you are able to secure a what you consider to be a Stellar QB, this table will help you target quality backups. If you grab a couple of them in your draft, you should be secure for the season.