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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- 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
- Browns rule out starting OTs, TE David Njoku
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- Saints rookie fined $4,600 for hit on Eagles WR DeVonta Smith
- Cardinals TE Trey McBride ruled out vs. Commanders
- Cowboys' Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence headed for MRIs
- Giants WR Malik Nabers sustains concussion in loss
- Texans RBs Joe Mixon (ankle), Dameon Pierce (hamstring) sit out practice
- Raiders star WR Davante Adams (hamstring) limited at practice
- 49ers LB Curtis Robinson carted off at practice with leg injury
- Atlanta to be awarded Super Bowl LXII
- Chargers sign veteran S Tony Jefferson to active roster
- Doctor expects 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey to miss ‘couple months’
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The Paur Report
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin broke out of a two-game slump last weekend on Monday evening and should be viewed as a WR2 with upside this weekend as he faces the Arizona Cardinals. Through the first two weeks, McLaurin caught eight passes for 39 yards but flipped the script last weekend as he hit the century mark on four catches with the eventual game-winning score. Even though he was not as productive over the first two weeks, he still saw 23.7% of the team's air yards, his best mark since the 2021 campaign. Given that Jayden Daniels is continuing to develop as a passer, fantasy managers should expect McLaurin's production to only improve as the season progresses. Facing a Cardinals defense that has allowed the 14th most points to opposing wideouts, McLaurin possesses a safe floor and a high ceiling, especially if this game opens up as the current 50-point total suggests.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown logged a season-high 32 snaps in Week 3 and has quickly ascended the Washington depth chart. Brown signed with Washington late in August and did not suit up for the season opener. In Week 2, Brown caught three passes for an impressive 56 yards on just 20 snaps. He followed that up with an increase in his snap count to 32 (second-most at the position) as he caught another three passes, this time for just 29 yards. Fantasy managers should continue to view Brown as a stash candidate in deeper formats as he has flashed big-play ability throughout his NFL career. This weekend, he has a favorable matchup and could be considered as a flex option in DFS contests, given his affordable price.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz remains a solid TE1 heading into Week 4. Ertz has seen his reception count increase weekly this season, as he finished Week 3 with a new ' high of five. He has seen at least four targets every week and averaged 42.7 receiving yards. While the Commanders have lacked a proven No.2 wideout, the veteran tight end has filled that void, at least temporarily. Fantasy managers should expect Ertz to continue to serve as a reliable option in the middle of the field for Jayden Daniels. This week, he has a favorable matchup against a weak Arizona defense, making him a safe floor play with solid upside in all formats.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. will have an excellent opportunity to bounce back from his worst outing of the season this weekend as he stands as the lone running back on the Washington depth chart. Austin Ekeler (concussion) was ruled out earlier this week, and this should open the door for Robinson to see the vast majority of running back snaps this weekend. Robinson has seen a slight majority of attempts over Ekeler on the ground but has typically ceded passing duties to the former Charger. On Sunday, fantasy managers should feel comfortable starting the Alabama product in all formats this weekend, as he should have a stable three-down role. Even though he ran for just 33 yards last week, Robinson tallied 133 yards the week prior and should be viewed as a high-end RB2 against an Arizona defense that has allowed the 24th-most points to opposing running backs.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots, according to Tom Pelissero. The star wideout suffered a calf strain in Week 2 and was originally expected to miss multiple weeks, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. However, Samuel now has a chance to miss only one game and return to action this weekend. Through the first two weeks of the season, Samuel averaged 18.4 PPR points and tallied 164 receiving yards. If Samuel is able to suit up he should be locked into all lineups as a high-end WR2. If Samuel misses his second straight game, Jauan Jennings should slot in as the No.2 wideout behind Brandon Aiyuk.
From RotoBaller
The Tennessee Titans defense will face the Miami Dolphins in Week 4. This unit was in a great spot last week against a familiar foe in quarterback Malik Willis, who was cut by the Titans right before the season started. However, what transpired was a massive let down at home with the Titans surrendering 30 points to their former QB. This is a defense that has been good at limiting yardage totals but has really struggled to force turnovers (currently last in the NFL). Miami has not named a starting quarterback as of right now, but it seems likely that it will be Tyler Huntley, who was a more than serviceable backup for the Ravens. Still, this game projects to be very low scoring and with the Titans D/ST getting another shot at a backup quarterback, they should produce startable fantasy numbers in Week 4.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns offensive linemen Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee) and Jack Conklin (hamstring) have both been ruled for Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders according to Mary Kay Cabot. This will be a tough blow for the Cleveland offense, as they will be without two of their starting lineman. Even though the Raiders will be without star pass rusher Maxx Crosby (ankle), they will have a much easier time getting to Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. Fantasy managers looking to stream a potential defense should consider Las Vegas, as they should be in a position to record a high number of sacks, as Watson has already been sacked 16 times this season.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins heads into a primetime matchup vs. the Miami Dolphins in Week 4. The veteran enjoyed a breakout performance in Week 4 with over 70 yards and a score, finally looking back to full strength after dealing with a knee injury for over a month. One week is a tiny sample size, but Hopkins took back over as the lead receiver for the Titans vs. Green Bay and may continue that against Miami. Quarterback Will Levis continues to struggle with a bad offensive line and poor decision making, which hurts Hopkins' value, but it's worth noting that the duo torched Miami last season for 124 yards and a touchdown. Hopkins is back in flex territory as of now, but keep expectations tempered.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The 25-year-old was able to log a limited practice every day this week and could return to action after missing the previous two weeks. Love was diagnosed with a knee injury following their Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil. Over the past two weeks, Malik Willis has led Green Bay to two straight victories and will get another start if Love is unable to suit up. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to any updates regarding Love, as he should be started in all formats if he is a 'full-go.'
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley faces the Miami Dolphins in Week 4. Ridley put up a near-dud last week with only one-catch for nine yards after torching the Jets lockdown secondary a week prior. Through three weeks it's fairly evident that he will be a boom/bust player given the inconsistencies of quarterback Will Levis, along with the emergence of DeAndre Hopkins last week. While Ridley was looking like the clear-cut top option in this passing attack, he took a clear back seat to Hopkins in Week 3 so that is definitely something to monitor. The way to beat Miami is on the ground so it's likely this upcoming game won't feature a ton of passing volume, making Ridley a risky WR3.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (chest) was ruled out for Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The sophomore wideout suffered a chest injury in last week's game against the Minnesota Vikings and was not able to log a practice throughout the week. Dell will now set his sights on returning in Week 5 when the Texans face the Buffalo Bills. The 24-year-old has had a modest start to the season but did post a season-best 62 yards in last week's game but has yet to find the end zone. Fantasy managers should expect Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs to see the majority of targets this weekend, with Robert Woods and Xavier Hutchinson rotating as the No.3 option.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears faces the Miami Dolphins this coming Monday night in Week 4. The sophomore running back put up his highest yard total of the season last week with 61, and was on the field quite a bit when the Titans were playing catch up vs. Green Bay. He's still been a clear RB2 behind Pollard in terms of opportunities, but with how poor Miami is at defending the run and Spears ramping up in the passing game, he could be a sneaky good option for a flex spot, albeit in deeper leagues.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game with an ankle injury. Mixon suffered the injury in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears and was held out of action last weekend. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to any updates regarding the 28-year-old's status over the weekend. The Texans will already enter this game shorthanded with wideout Tank Dell (chest) and No.2 running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) already ruled out. If Mixon misses his second-straight game, fantasy managers should expect Cam Akers to lead the backfield again in a favorable matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have allowed the 29th most points to running backs this season.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (shoulder) does not carry an injury designation and is set to play on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. Chase opened the week on Wednesday as a limited participant with a shoulder injury but logged a full practice on Thursday and Friday. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable locking the LSU standout in their lineup as a high-end WR1 for the remainder of the season. After starting the season slowly through the first two weeks, Chase broke out in a big way on Monday night as he caught six passes for 118 yards and two scores against the Washington Commanders.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis faces the Miami Dolphins in a Week 4 Monday Night Football road showdown. Levis has been on the front page of every NFL meme account due to his not-top ten plays through the first three games of the year. The young quarterback has seen pressure at one of the highest rates in the NFL which has made moving the ball downfield very difficult for this Titans' offense. On the road against a formidable defense with the lowest over/under on the Week is not a good spot for Levis to bounce back. While he did throw for a career high 327 yards last year in an almost identical spot last season, Levis cannot be trusted in any formats as the QB28 through three weeks.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (hamstring) reportedly suffered a hamstring injury during Friday's practice, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Schefter further noted that the 24-year-old wideout is considered "day-to-day" for the time being. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the injury report later this afternoon, as it should provide clarity on Olave's status for Sunday's game. Olave has posted back-to-back games of at least 80+ yards and scored his first touchdown of the 2024 season last week against the Philadelphia Eagles. If Olave is able to suit up this weekend, he should be viewed as a high-end WR2.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard heads to Miami to face the Dolphins in a Week 4 primetime matchup. After two strong weeks to start the season Pollard took a major step back last week with only 4.4 points in half-PPR scoring. The positives were that he still drew four targets, and managed to out-rush his backfield mate Tyjae Spears for the third consecutive week. With Levis' struggles at the helm of this offense, the Titans may opt to lean on their dynamic RB duo more often, and this coming week against a porous rush defense that just let James Cook go hog-wild, Pollard remains a strong play.
From RotoBaller
With Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (ankle) returning to practice on Friday and the Lions playing on Monday night against the Seahawks in Week 4, it makes for a risky proposition to start LaPorta on fantasy teams. The Iowa product has not had a large role in the Lions' offense so far and coming off the injury he could remain a secondary target for Jared Goff against Seattle. LaPorta's season-high in targets was five in Week 1 against the Rams. It is worth monitoring Saturday's practice to make sure he is a participant. If he is, that is a good sign he will be able to suit up after getting in a Friday practice. It is tough to move off of LaPorta and onto another tight end with all the injuries at the position so far this season. It is understandable for fantasy managers to want to pencil in LaPorta for Monday night if he practices on Saturday. But he has yet to show the same target share as last season.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (concussion) will not play this Sunday due to a concussion. The 25-year-old took a hard helmet-to-helmet hit during last weekend's game and will need at least another week to recover from his injury. However, fantasy managers could expect the Alabama product to potentially return in his next game in Week 6 as the Eagles are off next weekend. This weekend, Jahan Dotson and Johnny Wilson should continue to see an increased role in this offense, while No.1 wideout A.J. Brown (hamstring) remains questionable for Sunday's game. Smith has performed very well in the revamped Kellen Moore passing attack this season, averaging 17.0 PPR points per game.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams is coming off a lackluster Week 3 performance at Arizona and should continue to be behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, and David Montgomery in the offensive pecking order as far as touches. What Williams brings, however, is the ability to turn one touch into a big play. His deep-ball threat is there in every game but Seattle has two good corners on the outside in Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen. This projects as a tough matchup for Williams as the running back duo figures to be heavily involved and St. Brown should see a majority of the wide receiver targets. So Williams will be reliant on the big play in this matchup making him a somewhat risky option. The upside is certainly there but there is also a low floor.
From RotoBaller
