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.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pickem Picks: Week 4
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 4
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 4
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 4
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender DFS Pickem Plays: Week 4
- Broncos RB Tyler Badie injures back, out for rest of Jets game
- Packers WR Christian Watson (ankle) ruled out for rest of Vikings game
- Colts QB Anthony Richardson injures hip, out vs. Steelers
- No surgery for Cowboys’ DeMarcus Lawrence (Lisfranc)
- Texans RB Joe Mixon (ankle) to miss game vs. Jaguars
- Packers QB Jordan Love active, CB Jaire Alexander out vs. Vikings
- Eagles RT Lane Johnson (concussion) out vs. Bucs
- Jaguars put standout LB Foyesade Oluokun (foot) on IR
- Chargers QB Justin Herbert (ankle) expected to start vs. Chiefs
- Packers QB Jordan Love to start against Vikings
- Browns place OT Trent Brown (knee) on IR, ending his season
- Dolphins QB Tyler Huntley to start Monday vs. Titans
- Chargers QB Justin Herbert (ankle) questionable vs. Chiefs
- Titans put CB Chidobe Awuzie (groin) on IR
- Eagles WR DeVonta Smith out, A.J. Brown questionable vs. Bucs
- Packers 'encouraged' QB Jordan Love on field, Sunday start uncertain
- Raiders WR Davante Adams, DE Maxx Crosby ruled out for Week 4
- Bills LB Terrel Bernard, CB Taron Johnson out vs. Ravens
- Cowboys LB Micah Parsons has high ankle sprain; DE could miss weeks
- Giants rookie WR Malik Nabers in concussion protocol
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Start-Sit Week 4 | The Week To Bench Patrick Mahomes?
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Football Rankings
- Fantasy Life: Tough Week 4 Start/Sit Decisions
- Fantasy Life: Best Bets for Bills vs. Ravens: Sunday Night Football Week 4
- Fantasy Life: Avoiding Bad-Team Bias in Betting
- Fantasy Life: Don't Rush Into Roster Decisions
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Expert Roundtable: Who Can You Trust In Week 4?
The Paur Report
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 4
New England Patriots center David Andrews (shoulder) exited during the first quarter of Week 4 versus the San Francisco 49ers. He was taken to the locker room and is officially questionable to return. The Patriots already have one of the weakest, most inexperienced offensive lines in football, so losing Andrews, a 10-year veteran, is far from ideal. His injury is bad news for New England's playmakers, including quarterback Jacoby Brissett and running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson. Nick Leverett, who played just two offensive snaps through the first three weeks, will now take over at center for the duration of Andrews' absence.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz hauled in three passes for 34 yards on five targets in his team's 24-20 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Frustratingly, Schultz was close to scoring the game-winning touchdown, but was brought down at the two-yard line before the Texans eventually scored. The former Dallas Cowboy has been the odd man out next to a talented receiving corps, sitting in fourth place on the team in targets. The tight end will look for better when Houston plays host to Buffalo in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles TE Dallas Goedert caught seven passes for 62 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4. He was targeted eight times during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Goedert was the main option in the passing game since A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith were unavailable and had a solid performance. He will still see a decent amount of targets when the receivers return to the lineup and can be a No. 1 tight end most weeks.
From TheHuddle
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (neck) exited during the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. He was ruled out for the remainder of the contest. At the time of his departure, he had registered two tackles and one pass defended. Hendrickson is a key piece of the Bengals' defense, so losing him for any amount of time is bad news. In all likelihood, the Bengals' coaching staff will provide an update on his status in the aftermath of Sunday's game. In the event that he misses additional time, Joseph Ossai would be in line to earn more snaps.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara rushed 19 times for 77 yards and a touchdown in Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons, while adding seven receptions for 42 yards on nine targets.
Fantasy Spin: The 29-year-old has totaled 110 or more total scrimmage yards in each of his first four games, while totaling six scores (five rushing, one receiving). He has returned to RB1 fantasy status in all leagues this season. He'll look to keep up the good work in Week 5 at Kansas City on Monday night.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints TE Taysom Hill (abdomen) had six runs for 24 yards and two touchdowns in Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons before leaving with an abdominal injury. He was not targeted in the pass game. Hill was unable to return after departing early.
Fantasy Spin: Hill was on his way to a pretty decent fantasy stat line due to the touchdowns. The extent of his injury is not certain. When more details become available, we'll pass along to try and help determine his status for Week 5 in Kansas City on Monday.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints RB Jamaal Williams rushed three times for 11 yards while adding two receptions for eight yards on two targets in Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons
From TheHuddle
Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley rushed for 84 yards on 10 carries against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4. He also caught two passes for 32 yards during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Barkley did not receive a lot of touches this week because the team was trailing for most of the game but was still productive in his limited work. He will continue to be a big part of the offense for the Eagles and is a must-start option in all fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr completed 28-of-36 passes for 239 yards, no touchdowns and one interception in Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons, while adding five rushing yards on three attempts.
Fantasy Spin: After a red-hot start to the season, posting at least three total touchdowns (five passing, one rushing) in the first two games, Carr has regressed to the mean. He has just one touchdown pass, two picks and just 381 passing yards across the past two games. After putting up QB1-type numbers in the first couple of weeks, Carr is back in QB2 fantasy territory. He'll look to get back on track in Week 5 at Kansas City on Monday Night Football.
From TheHuddle
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) exited during the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is officially questionable to return. At the time of his departure, Taylor had registered 88 rushing yards, 20 receiving yards, and one touchdown. The Colts enjoyed a balanced offensive attack even after Joe Flacco came off the bench to replace Anthony Richardson (hip) on Sunday afternoon. The Colts are leaving the door open for Taylor to return in Week 4, but in the event that he remains sidelined, fantasy managers should expect some sort of injury update from the coaching staff after the game. Trey Sermon will handle the bulk of touches out of the backfield until Taylor can return.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers linebacker Josey Jewell (hamstring, groin) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He is officially listed as doubtful to return. At the time of his departure, he had registered seven tackles, so his absence is tough news for Carolina's defensive core. To add insult to injury, the Panthers are also currently without Shaq Thompson (leg), who was carted to the locker room in Week 4. With both Jewell and Thompson currently sidelined, depth linebackers Claudin Cherelus and Trevin Wallace will likely earn more defensive snaps.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints S Tyrann Mathieu (groin) suffered a groin injury during the Week 4 game and is considered questionable to return.
From TheHuddle
Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson (leg) was carted to the locker room during the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The team has not yet announced any sort of update or designation pertaining to the veteran's injury. At the time of his departure, he had recorded five tackles. Claudin Cherelus and Trevin Wallace are candidates to earn more snaps for the duration of Thompson's absence.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars pass-rusher Josh Hines-Allen (head) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Houston Texans. He was quickly evaluated and ultimately diagnosed with a concussion. As a result, he has been ruled out for the remainder of the contest. At the time of his departure, he had registered three tackles, including two quarterback hits. We will likely get an update on his status in the aftermath of the game, but Hines-Allen should be considered a longshot to play in Week 5 versus the Indianapolis Colts given the typical recovery time for a concussion in the NFL. Rookie Myles Cole could see more snaps until Hines-Allen is able to return to the mix.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars pass-rusher Josh Hines-Allen (head) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Houston Texans and is being evaluated for a concussion. At the time of his departure, he had registered three tackles, including two quarterback hits. Hines-Allen is merely being evaluated right now, but if he were to officially enter concussion protocol, he'd be a longshot to suit up in Week 5 versus the Indianapolis Colts. Rookie Myles Cole could see more snaps until Hines-Allen is able to return.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (cramps) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is officially questionable to return. At the time of his departure, Carter had registered one tackle and one pass defended. The Eagles are leaving the door open for Carter to return today, but in the event that he remains sidelined, we should get more info on his status after the game ends. Thomas Booker IV is expected to earn more snaps until Carter can return.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints linebacker Willie Gay Jr. (hand) has been downgraded to out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. He exited in the first quarter and was never able to get back into the contest, finishing Week 4 with two total tackles. We should know more about Gay's status and the severity of his injury in the aftermath of Sunday's contest. Anfernee Orji will earn more snaps for the remainder of Week 4.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (ankle) has been downgraded to out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. He exited in the first quarter after a play in which quarterback Jordan Love was interception while throwing to Watson. The young receiver injured his ankle on the interception and corresponding tackle attempt. That was Watson's only target of the contest, so he finished Week 4 with zero catches for zero yards. It's a frustrating end to the weekend for Watson, whose value finally seemed to be trending up with Love back from his injury. Now, we'll wait for more information on Watson before assessing how much time he might miss. In his absence, Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks should earn more targets behind Jayden Reed.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He had been listed as questionable, but the expectation heading into the weekend was that Herbert would be able to play. Indeed, he is confirmed as the starter for a Week 4 divisional clash between the Chargers and Chiefs. Through parts of three games this year, Herbert has completed 67.2 percent of his passes for 399 yards, four touchdowns, one interception, and one lost fumble. The former first-round pick has a solid touchdown-to-interception ratio, but fantasy managers would love to see more yards and scoring from him in general. He ranks as a low-end QB2 against a solid Chiefs defense.
From RotoBaller
The Las Vegas Raiders have declared LB Kana'i Mauga, OT Thayer Munford, WR Davante Adams, CB Decamerion Richardson, LB Divine Deablo and DE Maxx Crosby inactive for Week 4.
From TheHuddle
