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WR Strength of Schedule

Fri May 31 10:52am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

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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Player Notes
Brian Robinson Jr. Oct 5 4:30pm CT
Brian Robinson Jr.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) will suit up for Sunday's game versus the Browns. He was officially labeled as questionable heading into this contest. However, with Austin Ekeler (concussion) also cleared to play, the Commanders will have their top options out of the backfield. While Robinson's presence should mean fewer touches for Ekeler, the knee injury could still jeopardize the former's volume in Week 5. As a result, both should be considered flex options against Cleveland, although Robinson's ceiling is still considerably higher.

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Marcus Mariota Oct 5 4:10pm CT
Marcus Mariota

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (chest) was removed from the injured reserve list on Saturday. The veteran signed a one-year deal with Washington during the offseason. However, he hasn't stepped on the field for the Commanders. For now, Mariota is questionable for the Week 5 meeting with the Browns. Still, Jayden Daniels is the team's starting signal-caller, so anyone behind him will only have fantasy value for insurance purposes.

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Chad Ryland Oct 5 4:00pm CT
Chad Ryland

The Arizona Cardinals elevated kicker Chad Ryland to the active roster for Sunday's game against the 49ers. The 24-year-old had a rough season in 2023, making only 64% of his field goal attempts. While that type of production won't land him on most fantasy rosters, Saturday's move could mean Matt Prater, who is questionable, (knee) won't be healthy enough to get on the field versus the Niners.

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Joe Flacco Oct 5 3:50pm CT
Joe Flacco

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco came off the bench to help the Colts in Week 4, completing 16 of his 26 passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns in the team's win. Now, reports suggest that Flacco will get the start again in Week 5, with Anthony Richardson (hip) marked as doubtful. Flacco gets a favorable matchup against Jacksonville, a team that has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing QBs this season and the second most passing yards. Although Flacco doesn't provide the same ceiling as some other potential streaming options, he provides a very safe floor going up against Jacksonville's defense. He is the QB23 in our staff rankings this week.

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Mecole Hardman Oct 5 3:50pm CT
Mecole Hardman

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. (knee) is questionable for Monday's matchup with the Saints. The veteran didn't practice on Friday. However, he was a full-participant on Saturday, so there's a good chance he'll suit up. With that said, despite the absences of Rashee Rice (knee) and Marquise Brown (shoulder), Hardman likely won't get more involved, considering he's primarily used on special teams. As a result, it will likely be business as usual versus New Orleans, with Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy expected to see the most attention from Patrick Mahomes.

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Kareem Hunt Oct 5 3:40pm CT
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (shoulder) doesn't carry an injury designation heading into Monday's matchup with the Saints. He was limited at practice on Thursday and Friday. However, he logged a full session on Saturday. The veteran looked good in his first game back with the Chiefs, amassing 69 yards off 14 carries, adding two catches for 16 yards in the Week 4 win over the Chargers. With Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) doubtful, Hunt should get most of the work out of the backfield in Week 5, so he's worth a start in any fantasy format. The same can't be said for Samaje Perine, who had a touchdown versus Los Angeles, and Carson Steele.

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Clyde Edwards-Helaire Oct 5 3:30pm CT
Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) is doubtful for Monday's matchup with the Saints. The 25-year-old has practiced somewhat throughout the week, so he's moving in the right direction. However, fantasy managers must wait a little longer to see him back on the field. With Kareem Hunt (shoulder) off the injury report, he'll absorb most of the carries out of the backfield in Week 5, so he should be considered a starting fantasy option. While Samaje Perine found the end zone in the Week 4 win over the Chargers, he's hard to trust despite the potential for more work.

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Trey Sermon Oct 5 3:30pm CT
Trey Sermon

Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon hasn't seen much action this season, but that is set to change in Week 5. With starting running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) confirmed out, Sermon is set to be the starter for Indianapolis in Sunday's matchup against the Jaguars. He also draws a favorable matchup, with the Jaguars allowing the seventh most fantasy points to the position. It's unclear how much of a split there will be between Sermon and RBs Tyler Goodson and Evan Hull, which might hinder Sermon's production in the matchup. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues needing a replacement for Taylor can look to Sermon, but managers with more depth might want to wait to see how the backfield plays out this week. He is the RB20 in our half-PPR rankings.

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Taysom Hill Oct 5 3:20pm CT
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New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (ribs) won't play on Monday night. He hasn't practiced all week due to fractured ribs and was listed as doubtful, so fantasy managers had a feeling things were heading in this direction. The 34-year-old has only two catches this season. However, he has two rushing touchdowns, meaning fantasy managers in multi-tight end setups may need to find a replacement. While Juwan Johnson could see more snaps, he's hard to trust from a fantasy standpoint.

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Josh Downs Oct 5 3:10pm CT
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs had his best game of the season in Week 4, grabbing eight catches for 82 yards and a touchdown in the team's win. Since returning from injury, Downs immediately went back into a starting role in the offense, offering a deep-threat ability with his speed. Downs is in for a favorable Week 5 matchup against the Jaguars, a team allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to the position and the second-most receiving yards this season. Jacksonville's defense has also been below-average against slot receivers, allowing the 11th most points to the position. The starting QB for Indy in Week 5 has yet to be confirmed, but Downs' value would see a slight uptick if QB Joe Flacco is named the starter for Sunday. With the favorable matchup and his big-play ability, fantasy managers can view Downs as a solid WR3 option. He is the WR34 in our half-PPR rankings.

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Alvin Kamara Oct 5 3:10pm CT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hip, ribs) practiced in full on Saturday and doesn't carry an injury designation heading into Monday night's meeting with the Chiefs. Kamara is battling multiple ailments. However, the 29-year-old will likely continue to play through the pain barring any setbacks. He looked great in the Saints' first four contests, amassing 362 yards and five touchdowns off 80 carries, adding 17 catches for 174 yards and a touchdown. He's a must-start despite a challenging matchup with a Chiefs defense that has allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2024-25. His presence versus Kansas City will mean fewer snaps for Jamaal Williams, who would have been in line for more work.

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Chris Boswell Oct 5 3:00pm CT
Chris Boswell

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell is tied for second in the NFL in field goals made so far this season and will look to stay involved against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5. The Cowboys, dealing with numerous injuries to key defensive starters, have allowed 26 points per contest through the first four weeks. This should be a competitive affair in which the Steelers can effectively move the ball. Although Boswell has not been nearly as prolific for fantasy purposes since his six-for-six showing in Week 1, he remains a reliable option with a handful of opportunities every week. The 33-year-old can be deployed in starting lineups by fantasy managers without an elite-level option.

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Michael Pittman Jr. Oct 5 3:00pm CT
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. had his best performance of the season in Week 4, grabbing six targets for 113 yards. He now gears up for a favorable matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5. The Jaguars have allowed the fifth most points to the position this season and the second-most receiving yards. No. 1 WR options have succeeded against Jacksonville this season, most recently in Week 4 when WR Nico Collins grabbed 12 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown. While there is still uncertainty at the QB position for Indy with Anthony Richardson (hip) doubtful, Pittman makes for a strong start regardless of the starting QB. Fantasy managers can prioritize him as a WR2 in Week 5. He is the WR27 in our half-PPR rankings.

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Pat Freiermuth Oct 5 2:40pm CT
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Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth found the end zone in Week 4 and hopes to be similarly productive in a Week 5 bout with the Dallas Cowboys. Freiermuth is enjoying a prominent role in new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's system as the only tight end in the NFL with at least four receptions in all four weeks this season. Although the Cowboys have been stout against opposing tight ends in 2024, Freiermuth's consistent utilization gives him a floor that many players at the position cannot provide for fantasy purposes. He is essential to Pittsburgh's success as a preferred weapon in the passing game second only to receiver George Pickens. Freiermuth may have trouble repeating his success of last week on Sunday night, but fantasy managers can rely on him as a low-end TE1 nonetheless.

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George Pickens Oct 5 2:30pm CT
George Pickens

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens had his best showing of the campaign in Week 4 and will look to carry positive momentum into a primetime showdown against the Dallas Cowboys. Through the first four weeks of the season, Pickens has earned over 28% of the team's targets with quarterback Justin Fields at the helm. Fields has been steady as a passer in 2024 and consistently displays trust in Pickens as his go-to receiver. Dallas' defense has been solid against opposing wideouts but did allow rookie sensation Malik Nabers to post 12 receptions for 115 yards last week. The Cowboys are a bit banged up defensively, with linebacker Micah Parsons (ankle) out and defensive back Trevon Diggs (ankle) questionable for Sunday night's contest. Although Diggs is expected to suit up, Pickens could benefit from any limitations faced by the former All-Pro corner. Pickens is yet to find the end zone this season but continues to offer fantasy managers plenty of upside due to his ability to make plays down the field. The 23-year-old should be locked into lineups as a WR2 this week.

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Evan Engram Oct 5 2:20pm CT
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) is not expected to play on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. Engram has been sidelined since Week 1 but returned to practice this week, participating in a limited capacity each day. He suffered the hamstring injury during pregame warmups in Week 2 and could miss a fourth consecutive game as a result. Unless something changes unexpectedly, the Jaguars will attempt to secure their first win of the season without this crucial target. In Engram's absence, Brenton Strange has stepped up as the clear starter, recording eight receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown on 14 targets. However, his target share has declined over the past two weeks. While Strange can be considered a risky streaming option, he may still provide value in a pinch this week.

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Najee Harris Oct 5 2:10pm CT
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris was underwhelming for fantasy purposes last week but will hope to capitalize on an enticing matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5. The Steelers will once again be without Jaylen Warren (knee), and with Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) also sidelined, Harris is poised to amass a large volume of touches. Dallas's defense has struggled to stop the run this season and has surrendered the third-most fantasy points to running backs through the first four weeks. In addition to his utilization on the ground, Harris has been extremely involved in the passing game over the past two weeks, recording eight receptions on 11 targets. Pittsburgh lacks proven depth in the backfield, and although Aaron Shampklin is likely to mix in, Harris should operate in a workhorse role on Sunday night. He can remain in fantasy lineups as a solid RB2.

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Romeo Doubs Oct 5 2:10pm CT
Romeo Doubs

The Green Bay Packers have placed wide receiver Romeo Doubs on the reserve/suspended list for one game due to conduct detrimental to the team. Reports indicate that Doubs missed practice this week out of frustration with his role in the offense. Although he participated in practice on Wednesday, he did not attend on Thursday. Concerned for his well-being, team representatives visited him at home. Doubs currently ranks second on the team in receiving yards and receptions, trailing only Jayden Reed in those categories. He has recorded 12 catches for 169 yards this season but has yet to score a touchdown. With fellow receiver Christian Watson also expected to miss tomorrow's game against the Rams, the Packers will rely on Reed and Dontayvion Wicks to step up in a more significant capacity for Sunday's matchup in Los Angeles.

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Trey McBride Oct 5 2:00pm CT
Trey McBride

The Arizona Cardinals have downgraded tight end Trey McBride (ribs) to questionable for Sunday's game due to a rib injury. McBride had cleared concussion protocol earlier this week after missing Week 4 against the Commanders, but he has now appeared on the injury report with this new issue. This season, McBride has recorded 14 receptions on 21 targets for a total of 122 yards. In his last outing against San Francisco in Week 15 of 2023, he caught 10 passes for 102 yards. Backup tight end Elijah Higgins saw an increase in playing time last week, managing two receptions for 12 yards against Washington. However, it's difficult to project his future role, especially since the Cardinals had effectively lost that game by halftime. More updates on McBride's injury are expected before Sunday's 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff against the 49ers.

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Jacoby Brissett Oct 5 1:40pm CT
Jacoby Brissett

The San Francisco 49ers defense/special teams unit hosts the Arizona Cardinals in a Week 5 divisional matchup on Sunday. The Niners rank as the fourth-most productive D/ST in football so far, propelled by a big performance against New England last week. San Francisco sacked quarterback Jacoby Brissett six times, recovered two fumbles, and intercepted one pass which was taken to the house by linebacker Fred Warner. Arizona's offense has been decent so far, ranking 13th in both yards per game and points per game. They're relatively healthy, though tight end Trey McBride (ribs) was tagged as questionable on Saturday after clearing concussion protocol, and starting right tackle Kelvin Beachum (hamstring) is also questionable. On the other side, the 49ers are a bit beat up on defense with tackle Javon Hargrave (triceps) still on Injured Reserve and Warner (ankle) questionable. A few backups are also unavailable, which could make things more difficult in Santa Clara's predicted 99-degree weather. The 49ers D/ST is RotoBaller's seventh-ranked option in Week 5, with a bit of a boost if Warner plays.

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