WR Strength of Schedule
Fri May 31 10:52am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Lamb could top last season
Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the receiver position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to receivers last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the receivers with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the receivers that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.
| WR SOS | ||
| 1. | Denver Broncos | 531.34 |
| 2. | Los Angeles Chargers | 536.08 |
| 3. | Miami Dolphins | 537.31 |
| 4. | Kansas City Chiefs | 549.96 |
| 5. | Las Vegas Raiders | 552.89 |
| 6. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 554.85 |
| 7. | New England Patriots | 555.93 |
| 8. | Buffalo Bills | 556.13 |
| 9. | Houston Texans | 561.75 |
| 10. | San Francisco 49ers | 565.73 |
| 11. | New Orleans Saints | 566.06 |
| 12. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 566.19 |
| 13. | Cincinnati Bengals | 566.32 |
| 14. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 570.07 |
| 15. | Baltimore Ravens | 571.77 |
| 16. | Seattle Seahawks | 573.41 |
| 17. | Minnesota Vikings | 573.91 |
| 18. | Philadelphia Eagles | 574.46 |
| 19. | Carolina Panthers | 575.49 |
| 20. | Los Angeles Rams | 575.79 |
| 21. | Washington Commanders | 575.91 |
| 22. | Detroit Lions | 576.36 |
| 23. | Atlanta Falcons | 577.76 |
| 24. | New York Jets | 577.99 |
| 25. | Tennessee Titans | 578.06 |
| 26. | Indianapolis Colts | 578.18 |
| 27. | Cleveland Browns | 583.5 |
| 28. | Arizona Cardinals | 586.09 |
| 29. | New York Giants | 586.93 |
| 30. | Chicago Bears | 601.21 |
| 31. | Dallas Cowboys | 608.4 |
| 32. | Green Bay Packers | 610.22 |
The Packers have the easiest fantasy schedule for receivers. Jayden Reed and Christian Watson could be setup for career best seasons with this schedule. These are guys you can get a little later come draft day and mid-round options that could be difference makers for fantasy owners.
CeeDee Lamb is considered the No. 1 overall fantasy receiver for many and his schedule helps make that claim even stronger. Lamb has the second most favorable schedule for receivers. Lamb was huge last year and could improve on that even more, especially since the Cowboys could struggle to run the ball with their current options.
The Bears, Giants and Cardinals also round out the top-five most favorable receiver schedules. Chicago has a great trio of receivers with D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen and rookie Rome Odunze. These guys could produce big as long as rookie Caleb Williams gets the job done at quarterback in year one. Moore has more to compete with for targets this year, but you still have to like his chances for a big season in year two with the Bears.
The Giants and Cardinals both have some question marks at receiver, but a couple rookies lead the way for both teams. Malik Nabers and Marvin Harrison could have big rookie seasons with their new teams. These guys both have a chance to lead all rookie fantasy receivers in scoring.
On the opposite side of things, the Broncos have the most challenging schedule for receivers. The Broncos have all sorts of questions at receiver outside of Courtland Sutton. This is a unit of receivers you just might want to avoid come draft day. This schedule won’t make anything easier for this group.
The Chargers are a similar team to the Broncos, having openings and questions at receiver. So once again, it might be best to let someone else put Chargers receivers on their roster. Plus, the Chargers could be a lot more run heavy with a new coach running the show. The tough schedule and new offense make taking any Chargers receiver a bit of a risk.
There are two really good offenses on the list that have tough schedules for receivers. Both the Dolphins and Chiefs have a top-five least favorable schedule for receivers. The Dolphins have one of the best receiver duos in football, so it is tough to fade them because of this schedule. Both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle should be able to produce big numbers once again in this offense.
The Chiefs are a little more concerning. This offense is a little matchup proof, but don’t have that elite receiver on their roster. Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown lead the way. Brown hasn’t been great in recent seasons and Rice is facing a suspension. These guys will carry some risk come draft day, especially after seeing this schedule.
Davante Adams is usually another star receiver that is matchup proof, but you have to wonder a little this year. He has some question marks at quarterback, which could hurt his production when you pair it with this schedule. Adams is dealing with the fifth toughest fantasy schedule for receivers.
We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy receivers. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the receivers with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.
| WR PLAYOFF SOS | ||
| 1. | Los Angeles Rams | 501.93 |
| 2. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 515.53 |
| 3. | Kansas City Chiefs | 519.43 |
| 4. | New York Giants | 521.63 |
| 5. | Miami Dolphins | 532.77 |
| 6. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 534.53 |
| 7. | Houston Texans | 538 |
| 8. | Buffalo Bills | 540.87 |
| 9. | Las Vegas Raiders | 541.9 |
| 10. | Carolina Panthers | 549.33 |
| 11. | Cincinnati Bengals | 552.17 |
| 12. | Detroit Lions | 553.73 |
| 13. | Arizona Cardinals | 555.27 |
| 14. | Cleveland Browns | 555.4 |
| 15. | Minnesota Vikings | 560.93 |
| 16. | New England Patriots | 573.03 |
| 17. | Los Angeles Chargers | 573.1 |
| 18. | Tennessee Titans | 575.17 |
| 19. | Baltimore Ravens | 581.27 |
| 20. | Seattle Seahawks | 585.08 |
| 21. | New York Jets | 585.5 |
| 22. | Denver Broncos | 587.2 |
| 23. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 587.8 |
| 24. | Philadelphia Eagles | 589.73 |
| 25. | Green Bay Packers | 590.85 |
| 26. | Washington Commanders | 591.57 |
| 27. | New Orleans Saints | 604.13 |
| 28. | Dallas Cowboys | 609.73 |
| 29. | Indianapolis Colts | 614 |
| 30. | San Francisco 49ers | 641.53 |
| 31. | Atlanta Falcons | 644.93 |
| 32. | Chicago Bears | 647.98 |
The Bears and Cowboys are the teams that make both the top five easiest receiver schedules for both the regular season and playoffs. Chicago has the easiest for the entire playoffs. Once again, their top trio of receivers are looking pretty good come draft day.
Lamb continues to make his case to be the first receiver selected come draft day. He could have a monster season and finish strong as well with the fifth easiest schedule for the playoffs. Lamb might be the most surefire first-round pick come draft day.
The Falcons, 49ers and Colts also have a top-five favorable playoff schedule for receivers. Atlanta receivers were looking up to begin with, getting a legit quarterback throwing them passes this year. And this schedule makes their options look even better, especially Drake London. He could have a breakout season.
San Francisco has great options at receiver in Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. They are pretty safe picks come draft day. And they get a very favorable playoff schedule that could make them even more appealing to fantasy owners. These guys both have really solid floors come draft day in this offense.
Michael Pittman keeps getting it done as the No. 1 option for the Colts. If Anthony Richardson can become that true No. 1 at quarterback for Indy, Pittman would look even better. Pittman has produced in recent year despite having some quarterback issues. His game could go to a higher level this year if Richardson breaks out. Pittman could be a league winner if everything breaks his way in 2024.
The Chiefs and Dolphins are two of the best offenses in football but also the only two teams to make the top five most unfavorable receiver schedules for both the regular season and playoffs. This is a tad concerning for both teams, Again, it is tough to bet against Hill, but maybe you drop him down your rankings just few spots behind the other elite guys because of this. You hate to use an early round pick on a receiver to see him maybe not produce what he should come playoff time.
And as mentioned with the Chiefs, their top two receivers already face a few question marks, so maybe their tough schedules make them players to let someone else draft. Both Brown and Rice could be a little erratic.
The Rams actually have the toughest playoff schedule for receivers. They are another team with two of the best receivers in football. It is tough to bet against either Puka Nacua or Cooper Kupp, but the playoff schedule is a little scary, especially for Kupp. He seems to be trending down at this stage of his career.
The Jaguars and Giants are the two other teams with a top-five unfavorable fantasy schedule for the playoffs. The Jags have Christian Kirk and Gabriel Davis as their top two receivers. Kirk is normally pretty steady but Davis can be boom or bust. Seeing his playoff schedule should bump him down a few spots in your rankings. It could be more of the same for Davis with his new team.
And the Giants are an outlier here, having an easy schedule for receivers during the regular season but the fourth toughest for the playoffs. This makes it tough come draft day. Their receivers could be good values for the regular season but disappoint when it counts. You do have to just make the playoffs, though, so we aren’t sure we shy away from Giant receivers just because of their tough playoff schedule. You still might be able to get good value with their options that help you win during the season.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
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The Paur Report
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 4
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (knee), who was listed as questionable, is officially active for the Week 4 contest on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium. Vea suffered a knee injury in Week 2 and missed last week's loss against the Denver Broncos. Getting Vea back will be a much-needed boost to Tampa's defensive line as they look to slow down Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, who has gotten off to a strong start early in his Eagles tenure. Although the Broncos didn't really impose their will on the ground last week, Vea's absence from a pass-rush perspective was felt, as they were unable to sack rookie quarterback Bo Nix at all. Vea could have his snaps limited in his return to action against the Eagles, but his presence alone is a big boost for the Bucs' D as they look to slow the Eagles down.
From RotoBaller
As expected, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) will return for a Week 4 divisional showdown on Sunday at Lambeau Field against the undefeated Minnesota Vikings after spraining his left knee in the Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil. Love has been limited in practices the last two weeks and has been given the green light to return after missing two games. The Packers could have some packages for backup QB Malik Willis after he led the club to two wins with Love out, and fantasy managers shouldn't expect Love to be moving as well in his first game back as he wears a brace on his knee. Expect an aggressive Vikings defense to bring plenty of blitzes to test Love's mobility in and out of the pocket. Love's return surely makes Green Bay's receiving weapons intriguing again in fantasy, while Love will be a more volatile QB1 option for managers in his first game back.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) and wide receiver Roman Wilson (coach's decision) are both inactive for Week 4 versus the Indianapolis Colts. Russell Wilson has yet to make his Steelers debut, and he'll operate as the team's emergency third quarterback for the fourth consecutive week. Justin Fields will start at quarterback for Pittsburgh while Kyle Allen backs him up once again. As for Roman Wilson, the rookie has missed two games due to injury and two games as a healthy scratch so far. He has yet to make his NFL debut, instead remaining buried on the depth chart behind George Pickens, Calvin Austin, Van Jefferson, and Scotty Miller.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running backs Rachaad White (illness) and Bucky Irving (hamstring) are both officially active on Sunday for a Week 4 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium. White was a late addition to the injury report this week and was listed as questionable on Saturday due to an illness, but he will play. Through the first three weeks of the season, White has underwhelmed as Tampa's lead back, averaging just 2.1 yards per carry on 31 rushing attempts for 66 yards and no touchdowns, adding 12 catches for 98 yards. Meanwhile, the rookie Irving has averaged 6.2 yards per tote on 25 carries for 154 yards while catching five passes for 28 yards. Irving has looked more spry and has obviously been more productive, potentially leading to a more even split this weekend in Tampa. Both backs should be considered RB3/flex plays against the Eagles as the Bucs look to bounce back after a lackluster showing against Denver in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tanner Hudson (knee) is officially inactive for Week 4 versus the Carolina Panthers. He had been listed as questionable but will ultimately miss his third consecutive contest. Hudson hasn't played since Week 1 when he caught two passes for 18 yards and lost a fumble. Mike Gesicki, Drew Sample, and Erick All have looked solid at the tight end position this year, so even when Hudson is healthy, he might not have much of a role on offense. He should be avoided in all fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley (toe) is officially inactive for Week 4 versus the Denver Broncos. He had been listed as doubtful, so his absence Sunday is not much of a surprise. The 32-year-old will miss his second consecutive contest. Through the first two weeks of the year, he registered 12 tackles. Jamien Sherwood and Quincy Williams will be tasked with anchoring the Jets' linebacking core against Denver on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch (illness) is listed as doubtful for the Week 4 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Branch was on the injury report earlier this week with a concussion after taking a shot to the helmet in Week 3. However, he was removed on Saturday, but Branch was added again now due to an illness. The loss of Branch would be a significant hit to this defensive unit. He has 22 tackles, two tackles for loss, and one interception through three games. Loren Strickland would be the next man up, assuming Branch is unable to play.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) has been ruled out for the Week 4 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. It sounds like Mixon is feeling better, but the team decided to take the cautious approach here. Mixon tested out his hamstring and feels good, so hopefully he'll be able to return next week. In the meantime, Cam Akers figures to be tasked with making another start in the backfield. Akers rushed for 21 yards last week on nine attempts, but salvaged his fantasy value with a touchdown through the air. He'll be worth a look as a low-end flex option for Week 4.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (hamstring) and running back Alvin Kamara (hips, ribs) are both active ahead of the Week 4 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. As expected, both players will suit up and will resume their roles as focal points on this offense. Kamara has been nearly unstoppable through the first three games and remains an elite RB1 for Week 4. Olave has 12 receptions for 178 yards and one touchdown through the first three weeks. He's coming off back-to-back 80-yard performances and needs to be in fantasy leagues in Week 4.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns RB Nick Chubb (knee), who is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform list, will have his practice window opened Wednesday, Oct. 2, according to multiple sources.
Fantasy Spin: Chubb is not expected to play in Week 5's game versus the Washington Commanders but this news is a good sign that he will likely be able to return to action by midseason. He should continue to remain stashed in all fantasy formats.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (hamstring) is currently listed as questionable ahead of the Week 4 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The star wideout was a late addition to the injury report after suffering a hamstring injury during Friday's practice. Despite that, the Saints are confident that Olave will suit up for this game. He plans to test out his hamstring during pre-game warmups before the team makes a final decision. Rashid Shaheed would be more involved if Olave sits out, but it sounds like Olave is trending in the right direction. There is always risk of re-injury, especially with a hamstring issue, but fantasy managers need to play Olave if he's active.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki was able to stay involved during last week's loss to the Washington Commanders. Gesicki hauled in four of his five targets for 47 yards in the loss. The veteran tight end has seen four or more targets in every game this season. He's not going to see a huge volume of work considering the Bengals have plenty of weapons at wide receiver. However, Gesicki should remain involved enough that he holds TE2 value against the Carolina Panthers in Week 4.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams (illness, toe) is "likely" to play in Week 4 versus the New England Patriots, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Williams will still undergo pregame testing to ensure he's good to go, but it sounds like he's trending in the right direction. San Francisco would benefit from having Williams on the field in a huge way. He's widely regarded as the NFL's best offensive lineman, setting up numerous opportunities for Brock Purdy, Jordan Mason, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel Sr., Brandon Aiyuk, and others to make plays. A healthy Williams truly does bump Purdy and Mason up a spot or two in the weekly fantasy football rankings.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers WR DJ Chark Jr. (hip), who is currently on the Reserve/Injured list, is expected to resume practicing during the upcoming week, according to multiple sources.
From TheHuddle
Dallas Cowboys defensive ends Micah Parsons (ankle) and DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) are expected to miss multiple games after suffering injuries during Thursday's win over the New York Giants. The Cowboys have already ruled out Parsons for Week 5 versus the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a high-ankle sprain. The superstar pass rusher could be sidelined as long as Week 8. Lawrence is expected to miss four games due to a foot sprain. The loss of both players is going to be a significant hit to this defensive unit. Chauncey Golston and Marshawn Kneeland are expected to fill in, but they aren't going to be able to give the same production as Parsons or Lawrence.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson is coming off his best performance of the season during last week's win over the Tennessee Titans. Wilson rushed 12 times for 50 yards while hauling in two passes for an additional 25 yards with a touchdown as well. It's nice to see Wilson getting more involved after seeing only nine carries through the first two games of the season. Possibly, the Packers will trust him with a bigger role going forward. However, Josh Jacobs will remain the clear lead back in this offense, which is going to limit Wilson's upside. Wilson is worth rostering in deep and dynasty formats but probably not worth starting against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans RB Joe Mixon (ankle) is considered a game-time decision for Week 4's contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to a source. He will test out the injury during pregame warmups to determine if he will be able to play.
Fantasy Spin: Mixon had been listed as questionable on the injury report after logging just one limited practice session during the week. RB Dameon Pierce (hamstring) has already been ruled out, so if Mixon is also held out of action today, RB Cam Akers would be in line for a heavy workload versus the Jaguars. In this scenario, Akers would be a decent flex option with upside in most fantasy formats. Keep checking back for updates on Mixon's status.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) recently returned from seeing a specialist in Germany. It sounds like the plan is for McCaffrey to continue working on the ground, but he won't be back on the field anytime soon. The earliest McCaffrey can resume practicing with the team will be Week 6. Right now the plan is for McCaffrey to possibly return by early November. That isn't great news for fantasy managers, but at least the superstar back will only miss a handful of more games. In the meantime, Jordan Mason figures to continue being the lead back. Mason should be considered a RB1 in fantasy formats until McCaffrey returns.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara (hip, ribs) is expected to play in Week 4's game against the Atlanta Falcons, according to a source.
Fantasy Spin: Kamara had been listed as questionable on the injury report after participating in two of the team's three practice sessions during the week on a limited basis. When healthy, he should be viewed as a must-start option in all fantasy formats.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (knee) is expected to get back on the practice field this week. Chubb began the year on the PUP list while recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last season. Once Chubb begins practicing, he will get three weeks to get ready before the team must activate him. That being said, Chubb likely isn't going to get back into game action until closer to mid-season. It's uncertain how the team will manage his workload once Chubb is fully back in action. The star back figures to reclaim his role as the lead back in Cleveland, which means Jerome Ford will probably take a backseat here soon.
From RotoBaller
