Guest of the League
Armchair Football League Est. 2019
Dynasty $125 - FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

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.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Fantasy Receiver Preview

Player Notes
Trey Sermon Jun 24 9:13pm CT
Trey Sermon

Dynasty | Multiple reports are indicating Trey Sermon is likely going to win the backup running back job in Indianapolis. Dynasty Analysis: This isn't the first we've heard of this in June. It seems Sermon may finally be turning a corner in his career and while he likely won't see the field much if the Colts have their way, it looks like he'd be a difference maker should Jonathan Taylor be injured next season. At this point, Sermon looks like a player who should be on dynasty rosters.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Aidan O'Connell Jun 24 5:13pm CT
Aidan O'Connell

Dynasty | Numerous reports are stating Aidan O'Connell is in the lead to be the Raiders starting quarterback. Dynasty Analysis: Many believed Gardner Minshew would walk in and take over but that doesn't seem to be the case. The Raiders were left in the cold in this year's NFL Draft, seeing just about every option being taken ahead of them. O'Connell had his moments but he's far from a sure thing to start. Regardless, this is a story to keep track of moving forward.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Isaiah Likely Jun 24 2:00pm CT
Isaiah Likely

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely said he's focused on learning all of the receiving positions in Year 2 of offensive coordinator Todd Monken's scheme. "It's being a chess piece, being anywhere 'Monk' needs me to be in this offense -; whether it's in the slot, in-line, in the backfield, split out wide by myself," Likely said. "The more you know, the more you can stay on the field." The Ravens already have All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews, but the team wants to get both Andrews and Likely on the field more at the same time in 2024. In eight games after Likely stepped in for the injured Andrews last year, he caught 25 passes for 372 yards and six touchdowns. With an expanded role in 2024, Likely could be a TE2 in fantasy, but his ceiling will remain limited as long as Andrews stays healthy.

From RotoBaller

Shaquille Leonard Jun 24 1:40pm CT
Shaquille Leonard

Free-agent linebacker Shaquille Leonard, who was released by the Indianapolis Colts last year in late November, intends to sign with a team and play in 2024, but he's also not ruling out retirement if the right opportunity doesn't come along. Since earning All-Pro or Pro Bowl honors in each of his first four seasons with the Colts in 58 games, Leonard only appeared in 17 games during his two most recent seasons due to injuries derailing his once-promising career. "If it happens, it happens. If it don't, it don't. I think throughout my career I've had a great career, even if I do step away from it. I'm enjoying life and just waiting on that opportunity," Leonard said. The 28-year-old played in 14 games (12 starts) last year with the Colts and Philadelphia Eagles and finished with 88 tackles (46 solo), one sack and four tackles for loss.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Nailor Jun 24 1:30pm CT
Jalen Nailor

It's clear that the Minnesota Vikings are hoping to see a jump from wide receiver Jalen Nailor in training camp this summer before making any final determinations about whether to acquire a veteran No. 3 wideout before the start of the 2024 regular season. Justin Jefferson is the obvious WR1 in Minnesota, with second-year pass-catcher Jordan Addison in the No. 2 role following an impressive rookie campaign. Nailor will be competing with Brandon Powell and Trent Sherfield for the No. 3 role. He struggled with injuries in 2023 and into this offseason, and he missed mandatory minicamp with the flu. But Nailor has proven to be a slippery target and has taken a total of 160 snaps and run routes on 72 of them in his two seasons. He's caught 12 passes for 208 yards and a touchdown but could become more interesting as a waiver-wire pickup if one of Jefferson or Addison miss time.

From RotoBaller

Will Reichard Jun 24 1:30pm CT
Will Reichard

Minnesota Vikings rookie kicker Will Reichard managed to put on a display during spring practices that confirms he has the leg to kick in the NFL for a long time. However, most of his efforts came during positional drills without a defense pressuring him and sometimes even without a snap. During the final organized team activities, Reichard nearly hit a balcony that is perched on the wall behind and above the goal posts while moving through a progression of 40-plus yard attempts. He later drilled a 60-yarder that landed in a net that sits 10 feet behind the goal post and 10 feet off the ground. Reichard's success as a rookie will depend as much on his mental makeup as it does on his leg strength, though. For now, he's just one to watch as we near training camp and the preseason.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Buggs Jun 24 1:10pm CT
Isaiah Buggs

The Kansas City Chiefs informed defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs of his release on Monday, according to a source. The move was expected after Buggs was arrested on June 16 on charges of domestic violence and burglary less than a month after he turned himself in for misdemeanor animal-cruelty charges. It remains to be seen if he'll get picked up by another team on the open market before the start of the 2024 season. The 27-year-old was originally a sixth-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2019 draft out of Alabama. Buggs played the first three years of his career in Pittsburgh before joining the Detroit Lions for the last two seasons. Detroit waived him earlier this year. In his five years in the NFL, Buggs has 89 tackles (42 solo), two sacks, four tackles for loss, 12 QB hits, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 56 games (23 starts).

From RotoBaller

Vita Vea Jun 24 9:05am CT
Vita Vea

The Athletic's Dan Pompei thinks Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea could have a career year in 2024. The seven-year veteran is entering the prime of his career at 29 years old after losing a significant amount of weight in the offseason while working out with former teammate Ndamukong Suh. Vea has been listed at 347 points but probably weighed closer to 367 pounds. The Buccaneers have wanted him to slim down for a while. Over the last three seasons, he has missed games with toe, groin, pectoral, calf, foot and knee injuries. In addition to being quicker and more explosive, Vea could also be healthier in 2024. The 29-year-old inside pass-rusher is hoping to play increased snaps on defense now that he's lighter after recording a career-high 43 tackles (28 solo) last year while picking up 5.5 sacks, one shy of his career-high.

Stefon Diggs Jun 23 8:30pm CT
Stefon Diggs

According to Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum, wide receiver Stefon Diggs has impressed his teammates this offseason. "It's really cool to get back out there and see Stefon on the practice field and to watch him absolutely do some dirty things on some routes that I haven't seen anybody be able to do," said Keenum during his annual youth football camp. "He's a dynamic player, and he hasn't lost a step." Diggs has been one of the league's top wideouts for years, and he finished the 2023-24 campaign by amassing 1,183 yards and eight touchdowns off 107 catches. The 30-year-old will have the luxury of catching passes from C.J. Stroud, an up-and-coming signal-caller, in 2024-25. However, Diggs will have plenty of competition for targets in Houston, so he could have a tough time hitting the 1,000-yard receiving mark for a seventh-consecutive season.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Jun 23 8:20pm CT
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert isn't concerned about it potentially being his last year with the team. "I feel really good," the veteran said in an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I'm not too worried about it. I love being in Philadelphia. I'm going to give them everything I've got and let the chips fall where they may fall." Goedert also believes he'll benefit from the hiring of new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. "He's been doing a great job of just making the offense make sense," commented Goedert. "I feel like it'll play in favor of the tight end, the quick game a little bit, getting back to the pivots. I'm really excited for how he uses the tight end and how he feels like they can be a big part of the offense and help win games. Goedert, who signed a four-year, $57 million contract extension in 2001, finished last season by amassing 592 yards and three touchdowns off a career-high 59 catches. With the tight end spot historically known for its volatility, fantasy managers certainly shouldn't look beyond the 29-year-old in drafts, considering he appears enthusiastic and ready to produce in 2024-25.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Jun 23 2:53pm CT
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles TE Dallas Goedert had high praise for the offense under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and expects a bigger role in the passing game. 'I'm really excited for how he uses the tight end and how he feels like they can be a big part of the offense and help win games,' Geodert told The Philadelphia Inquirer on Saturday, June 22.

Fantasy Spin: Goedert posted 592 yards and just 42.3 yards per game in 2023, finishing as the TE12 in PPR points per game. His ceiling remains limited given the wide receiver duo in Philly, and the addition of Saquon Barkley is likely to eat into Goedert's target share. He's a low-end TE1 for fantasy.

From TheHuddle

Mac McCain Jun 23 1:00pm CT
Mac McCain

The New Orleans Saints signed free-agent cornerback Mac McCain to an undisclosed deal earlier this week, according to executive vice president/general manager Mickey Loomis. In a corresponding move, the team waived defensive end Nathan Latu. McCain became a free agent last September when he was waived by the Carolina Panthers with an undisclosed injury. The 26-year-old defensive back entered the NFL in 2021 as an undrafted free agent out of North Carolina A&T. His only two games played in the NFL came in his first year in the league in 2021 with the Philadelphia Eagles. In New Orleans, McCain will merely be competing for a roster spot in training camp and the preseason for a Saints secondary that is already pretty stacked.

From RotoBaller

JuJu Smith-Schuster Jun 23 12:40pm CT
JuJu Smith-Schuster

New England Patriots wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) said his injured knee is much healthier than last year, but to the untrained eye, The Athletic's Chad Graff writes that it didn't appear as if Smith-Schuster had the same explosiveness that he did in 2021 or 2022. If he's going to make the 53-man roster out of training camp and the preseason this year, he's going to need to outplay both Kayshon Boutte and Tyquan Thornton this summer while hoping that Jalen Reagor loses the competition for the top kick-returner job. Demario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne (knee), K.J. Osborn and rookies Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker appear to be roster locks at the position. The 27-year-old Smith-Schuster had just 260 receiving yards in 11 games in 2023 for New England and is well off the fantasy radar entering the 2024 campaign, even if he does somehow make the final roster.

From RotoBaller

Bailey Zappe Jun 23 12:40pm CT
Bailey Zappe

Toward the end of organized team activities this offseason, New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye overtook Bailey Zappe as the team's No. 2 QB behind veteran Jacoby Brissett. Nothing about that comes off as surprising, but with sixth-rounder Joe Milton III also in the fold in New England, is seems that Zappe's days with the team could be close to over. To earn the No. 3 job this year, Zappe would have to drastically outplay Milton, which didn't happen during spring workouts. The Patriots also have Nathan Rourke competing for a roster spot this summer. The most likely scenario at this point is that the 25-year-old Zappe is traded away to a team with more of a need for quarterback depth once training camp and the preseason begin.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby Jun 23 12:20pm CT
Tank Bigsby

SI.com's John Shipley writes that Jacksonville Jaguars second-year running back Tank Bigsby had some issues with drops during offseason workouts and didn't have the standout offseason program that he had last year. The Jaguars have done nothing but insinuate that Bigsby will have a bigger role in the backfield in 2024 as they look to give lead back Travis Etienne Jr. more of a break, but nothing is guaranteed as training camp approaches. It's not like Bigsby really impressed in his rookie year, either, as he carried the ball only 50 times for 132 yards (2.6 yards per carry) and two touchdowns, adding only one reception for a six-yard gain in 17 games played. Still, Bigsby should have more of a role in his second year in the NFL, although it remains to be seen if it will be enough to give him standalone fantasy value in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Malik Cunningham Jun 23 12:20pm CT
Malik Cunningham

Baltimore Ravens quarterback turned wide receiver Malik Cunningham hasn't looked out of place as he makes the position transition in offseason workouts, although he still probably faces an uphill battle to make the final roster out of training camp. Cunningham made a few plays in just about every practice this offseason and has shown good awareness and quickness. The amount of one-on-one attention he's gotten from head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Todd Monken indicates that they see potential in Cunningham at his new position. The 25-year-old won't be a fantasy consideration entering the 2024 season, but the fact that Baltimore's receiving depth isn't all that great gives him a fleeting chance to make an impact this year.

From RotoBaller

Shaquille Leonard Jun 23 10:33am CT
Shaquille Leonard

Free-agent LB Shaquille Leonard (Eagles) has continued doing offseason training in the hopes of making an NFL roster this year. He ended the 2023 season with the Philadelphia Eagles but has only played in 17 games over the last two years due to various injuries.

From TheHuddle

Russell Wilson Jun 23 8:53am CT
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson was 'clearly the better quarterback' during minicamps and organized team activities, in the opinion of Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. He took the overwhelming majority of meaningful reps, including on the final day of mandatory minicamp, when most other veterans took off. In addition, DeFabo wrote that QB Justin Fields 'doesn't often shine in seven-on-seven situations.'

Fantasy Spin: Barring an injury during training camp, it appears as though Wilson will be Pittsburgh's No. 1 quarterback to begin the 2024 season. He's an upgrade over last year's starter (Kenny Pickett) but should only be viewed as a starting option in deeper two-quarterback fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Breece Hall Jun 22 7:10pm CT
Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall is eager to show what he can do this season. As such, he wants to play up to the level of San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. "It's on me," Hall said in an interview with the New York Post. "To me, he sets the standard. I've gotten better this offseason. I'm a lot leaner, I feel a lot healthier. My knee feels a lot better. I just feel like I'm back to my old self." The 23-year-old was solid as a rookie before going down seven games into the season because of a knee injury. He finished last season by running for nearly 1,000 yards and totaling nine touchdowns. With that said, Hall will get a chance to showcase his talent immediately, with the Jets meeting the 49ers in Week 1 for Monday Night Football. If the 2022 No. 36 overall pick stays healthy, he may be on tap to have his best season yet.

From RotoBaller

Jacoby Brissett Jun 22 10:33am CT
Jacoby Brissett

New England Patriots QB Drake Maye still has a chance to win the starting quarterback job during training camp, even though veteran QB Jacoby Brissett took all of the reps with the first-team offense at the Patriots' mandatory minicamp and was referred to as the starter by offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt.

Fantasy Spin: Maye finished minicamp as the No. 2 quarterback on the depth chart but would need to clearly outplay Brissett by a wide margin in training camp to earn the starting nod for Week 1's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. For as long Brissett is in a starting role, he should be viewed as a low-end QB2 for fantasy purposes because of the lack of offensive weapons on New England's offense. Maye will likely take over as starter before the end of the 2024 regular season and could be viewed as a QB2 option in most fantasy leagues once this happens.

From TheHuddle