Guest of the League
Trade Station Est. 2020
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

This Week in the TFC (7-25)

Player Notes
Jalen McMillan Jul 31 8:30am CT
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan continues to draw positive reviews out of training camp, this time coming directly from quarterback Baker Mayfield and head coach Todd Bowles. The third-round pick out of Washington saw his draft stock take a hit following a 559-yard season in 2023, but he has exceeded expectations early in his career. "He's a guy that runs so smooth," Mayfield said. "He does some things at the top of his routes -- he's so friendly to the ball -- that veterans do." Bowles, who doesn't go out of his way to sugarcoat statements, echoed these statements. "He's a good football player. Since he's come in, he's making plays since Day 1," said Bowles. "He wants to be good, he wants to learn, and the receiving group loves him." These quotes are a great sign for McMillan's potential role as a rookie, but he could still have trouble becoming a fantasy-relevant option in 2024 while competing with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin for targets. Still, he's an intriguing best-ball option and late-round flier in deeper fantasy football setups.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Whittington Jul 31 8:20am CT
Jordan Whittington

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jordan Whittington was selected in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft following a five-year career at Texas. The 23-year-old caught 42 passes for 505 yards and one touchdown while sharing a field with Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, and Ja'Tavion Sanders in 2024. It's rare for sixth-round rookies to see first-team opportunities in training camp, but Cameron DaSilva of the Rams Wire said he has been mixing in with the starters in Sean McVay's offense. "It can be hard for a rookie receiver to earn first-team snaps in training camp, especially on a team as deep as the Rams," DaSilva wrote. "But Whittington has been so impressive already that he's gotten opportunities to run with the starters. He even made a nice catch against Tre'Davious White last week during one of those reps with the first-team offense." Fellow wideout Cooper Kupp said Whittington is "pretty special" and is learning the offense quickly. While it's too early to project fantasy relevance for Whittington, this report should put him on the fantasy football radar in ultra-deep dynasty leagues.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Jul 31 1:13am CT
Caleb Williams

Dynasty | The Bears have signed wide receiver DJ Moore to a contract extension. Dynasty Analysis: It's the largest contract extension in team history and pays Moore $110 million over four years with nearly $83 million guaranteed. This contract puts him right in line with megastuds Justin Jefferson and AJ Brown in terms of receiver contracts. The Bears struck gold last year by trading the top pick in the NFL Draft to the Panthers for what ended up being Caleb Williams (this year's #1) and Moore. After a 96/1,364/8 season, Moore is now locked in long-term and remains a low-end WR1 moving forward. Meanwhile, the Bengals and Cowboys are clearly losing any leverage with Ja'Marr Chase and CeeDee Lamb, respectively.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Chase Claypool Jul 30 11:20pm CT
Chase Claypool

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Chase Claypool (toe) remained out of training camp practice on Tuesday. Claypool suffered a minor toe injury in practice on Sunday and has missed the last two days at camp as a result. The 26-year-old is considered day-to-day, so his toe injury shouldn't impact his readiness for the start of the 2024 season. However, Claypool can't really afford to miss any practice time as he tries to win one of the final roster spots this summer. The former second-round pick (49th overall) by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020 out of Notre Dame is close to being run out of the league after two straight disappointing seasons with the Chicago Bears, Steelers and Dolphins. Last year, he caught just eight of 21 targets for 77 yards and a touchdown in 12 games. The good news for him this year is that the Bills are looking for receivers to step up, but it remains to be seen if he can do so.

From RotoBaller

Ben Skowronek Jul 30 11:20pm CT
Ben Skowronek

Houston Texans wide receiver Ben Skowronek has stood out so far in the early portions of training camp as he looks to earn a roster spot despite mostly working with the second-team offense. Skowronek is a long shot to have a substantial role in his first year in Houston if he even makes the team, but the 6-foot-3, 224-pounder has so far impressed on contested catches down the field. If the 27-year-old is competing with the likes of Noah Brown, Robert Woods and John Metchie III in a crowded receiving corps behind starters Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins and Tank Dell. The former seventh-rounder in 2021 has 58 total receptions for 575 yards and just one touchdown in 45 regular-season games (12 starts) in his three years in the NFL and isn't on the fantasy radar heading into the 2024 season.

From RotoBaller

Rashaad Penny Jul 30 9:13pm CT
Rashaad Penny

Dynasty | Panthers running back Rashaad Penny has retired. Dynasty Analysis: The oft-injured Penny lasts only six years in the league after once being a first round draft pick of Seattle back in 2018. It was likely clear he wasn't going to make the final roster in Carolina and after a largely disappointing one-year stint in Philadelphia last season, Penny likely saw the writing on the wall in terms of his future. He had an amazing one month run back in 2021 but will largely be remembered more for his inability to avoid the injury bug more than anything else. Penny can be effectively dropped from rosters.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

James Washington Jul 30 9:13pm CT
James Washington

Dynasty | The Falcons have signed former Pittsburgh receiver James Washington. Dynasty Analysis: Washington fizzled out in Pittsburgh and didn't fare much better in Dallas, New Orleans or Indianapolis the past few years. Washington has only played in two games since 2021 so expectations should be tempered dramatically. Still, he's a player to keep on a watch list should injuries start to pile up with the Falcons.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Roman Wilson Jul 30 9:13pm CT
Roman Wilson

Dynasty | Steelers rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson was carted off the field with an ankle injury. Dynasty Analysis: Any time you see "carted off," it merits quick attention. However, it seems Wilson has avoided a major injury and is considered week-to-week. One would imagine he has a high ankle sprain, which could be tricky to navigate. His absence will likely allow Calvin Austin to further the gap in between the two. Wilson remains a solid mid-round rookie pick and Austin should be rostered as well.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

J.J. McCarthy Jul 30 9:10pm CT
J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy has taken a back seat to Sam Darnold during the opening days of training camp. Head coach Kevin O'Connell said today that McCarthy will eventually get some consistent first-team reps in camp, but that Sam Darnold had earned the right to get the bulk of them to this point. O'Connell also said he will use that time both to evaluate McCarthy and also see if Darnold can "elevate" a different set of receivers other than Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. The 21-year-old first-round pick is getting more comfortable during camp, but the Vikings have stressed that patience will be key in the development of McCarthy, their 2024 first-round pick. Sam Darnold is currently the favorite to open Week 1 as Minnesota's starting quarterback, but with the playmakers at the skill positions for the Vikings, McCarthy will be an attractive streaming quarterback if he gets the opportunity to start this season.

From RotoBaller

Emari Demercado Jul 30 9:00pm CT
Emari Demercado

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado has firmly placed himself as a player in the training camp battle to be the team's RB2. Demercado has been subbing in for James Conner during first-team work with Michael Carter taking second-team work and 2024 third-round pick Trey Benson spelling Carter. Demercado was a regular contributor last season for the Cardinals thanks to his pass-blocking work but he also started two games for the team in Weeks 7-8. Demercado's skillset is valuable and looks to be in line for a roster spot for the Cardinals, but it's only a matter of time before Benson moves up the depth chart considering the draft capital the team spent on him this past April. Demercado shouldn't be drafted in fantasy for this upcoming season but could find some waiver wire buzz if injuries strike the Cardinals' backfield.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Jul 30 8:50pm CT
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) returned to practice on Tuesday in a limited fashion, but the Steelers are going to take things slowly with him. Head coach Mike Tomlin did state that Wilson played some 7-on-7, but "not a lot" of 11-on-11 work. While Wilson is progressing well from his calf injury, it's expected he'll increase his activity soon in preparation for the team's first preseason game on Aug. 9 against the visiting Houston Texans. Embroiled in a fierce quarterback battle with Justin Fields, the 35-year-old Wilson is looking to prove that he still has some productive years as an NFL quarterback. If Wilson is the Week 1 starter for the Steelers, he's a low-end quarterback for single-QB formats and a low-end QB2 in superflex.

From RotoBaller

Jawhar Jordan Jul 30 8:40pm CT
Jawhar Jordan

With the Hall of Fame game days away, backup running backs Dameon Pierce and Jawhar Jordan are expected to see a bulk of the carries in Thursday's game against the Chicago Bears. With Joe Mixon (hamstring) nursing an injury, it's likely Mixon's work would have been minimal at best even when healthy, but Pierce, last season's Week 1 starter, has been getting some good buzz in camp with his efforts thus far. Jordan, the team's sixth-round pick, is expected to compete with Pierce as the primary backup to Mixon. Pierce disappointed last season as the starting running back for the Texans and lost his job to Devin Singletary. As long as Mixon is healthy, the backup running back in Houston probably wouldn't be anything but a contingency-based handcuff for fantasy this season.

From RotoBaller

Roman Wilson Jul 30 8:30pm CT
Roman Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson was carted off from practice on Tuesday with an ankle injury. Wilson, Pittsburgh's third-round pick, left practice after having his ankle rolled up on while running a jet-sweep during drills. Jeremy Fowler did report that Wilson would be "Ok", but could "miss some time" and labeled the injury week-to-week. In a wide-open Steelers passing game where the opportunity for targets after George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth is up for grabs, Wilson missing any time is detrimental to him getting reps within the offense. This setback puts Wilson behind fellow wide receivers Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson in the pecking order for work in camp.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Jul 30 8:20pm CT
D.J. Moore

On Tuesday evening, wide receiver DJ Moore and the Chicago Bears agreed to a four-year deal worth $110 million, with $86 million guaranteed, per Adam Schefter. With two years remaining on his previous deal, Moore now joins the ranks of other big-name wide receivers who have signed lucrative extensions this offseason, like Justin Jefferson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and a host of others. Moore spent the first five seasons of his career in Carolina, but it was after being traded to the Bears last offseason that Moore became a true WR1. For the Bears in 2023, Moore set career-highs in receptions (96), receiving yards (1,364), and total touchdowns (nine) en route to his top-10 fantasy season at wide receiver. This extension secures Moore's future in Chicago with rookie signal-caller Caleb Williams, and for fantasy, places Moore as a rock-solid WR2 in drafts.

From RotoBaller

Arik Armstead Jul 30 6:40pm CT
Arik Armstead

The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed former Bears defensive end Rasheem Green. The 27-year-old has not had a prolific NFL career but has recorded 19 sacks throughout six seasons. He has also remained healthy, which is essential as a depth piece in the NFL. Green projects to be a backup in Jacksonville just as he was in Chicago last season when he recorded two sacks and 15 total tackles. With Arik Armstead on the active/PUP list, the Jaguars may have felt like they needed to make a move.

From RotoBaller

Rashod Bateman Jul 30 6:30pm CT
Rashod Bateman

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (undisclosed) did not practice on Tuesday with soreness. The Ravens have not disclosed where Bateman is experiencing soreness or the extent of his injury. Bateman enters 2024 with an excellent opportunity to cement himself as the No. 2 wide receiver behind Zay Flowers. Injuries have prevented Bateman from fulfilling his full potential throughout his three NFL seasons. He did manage to stay on the field for 16 games in 2023 and recorded 367 receiving yards and one touchdown. Those numbers will not help anyone in fantasy, so it will take a legitimate breakout for Bateman to provide any value. However, Bateman's presence on the field will certainly take attention away from Flowers and tight end Mark Andrews. It is disheartening to see such a talented player deal with yet another injury, but hopefully, Bateman will be back on the field soon.

From RotoBaller

John Cominsky Jul 30 6:30pm CT
John Cominsky

Detroit Lions defensive end John Cominsky (knee) tore his MCL in training camp on Tuesday. Cominsky is a rotational piece for the Lions, but he has recorded six sacks over the last two seasons in Detroit. The Lions struggled defensively in 2023 and had difficulty rushing the passer. They will enter 2024 with a strong starting defensive line of Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, DJ Reader (if healthy), and Marcus Davenport. If the Lions want to reach and ultimately win the Super Bowl, they will need their depth pieces to step up behind that core.

From RotoBaller

Miles Sanders Jul 30 6:20pm CT
Miles Sanders

Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders kept his balance on a hard hit at training camp and finished out his run. Sanders proceeded to point to the media members and said, "All y'all been talking on me, I got something for you!". Sanders is coming off a season in which he, indeed, did not have anything for us. Quarterback Bryce Young added that Sanders has a game mentality in training camp. After a breakout campaign with the Eagles in 2022, Sanders finished 2023 with 432 rushing yards and one touchdown. To make matters worse, Sanders signed a four-year $25 million contract with the Panthers ahead of the 2023 season. By season's end, he had ceded his job to Chuba Hubbard. The Panthers drafted Jonathon Brooks (knee) in the second round of April's draft. Unless Sanders can play much better in 2023, this backfield projects to belong to Brooks by season's end. Even so, keep an eye on Sanders through the camp to see if extra motivation can squeeze some production out of him, especially with Brooks on the active/Non-Football injury list as he is recovering from a torn ACL suffered in college.

From RotoBaller

Zamir White Jul 30 5:50pm CT
Zamir White

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White seems to be in the driver's seat for the starting running back job. This is no surprise given that White finished the final four games of 2023, averaging 99.25 yards per game on 4.7 yards per carry in relief of an injured Josh Jacobs. With Jacobs now in Green Bay, White can step into a significantly voluminous role. Still, the Raiders added Alexander Mattison in free agency and Dylan Laube in the draft while retaining Ameer Abdullah. It would seem that none of those players have done enough to threaten White's job. The Raiders have indicated they want to win games with a stifling defense and a downhill rushing attack. This is not projected to be a high-powered offense, but volume is king. Given the volume that Jacobs used to receive, White could end up returning value on his ADP of RB24. There is, of course, a world where White's small sample size does not indicate his potential for full-season production. Proceed with caution, but the lack of risk is built into White's ADP.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Firkser Jul 30 5:40pm CT
Anthony Firkser

The New York Jets have signed former Detroit Lions tight end Anthony Firkser. Firkser joins a Jets tight end room led by Tyler Conklin. Firkser only appeared in two games for the Lions in 2023 and did not record a statistic. This appears to be a depth add for the Jets as they prepare for the season's long haul with eyes set on the Super Bowl. Time will tell if Firkser manages to make the final roster. This move is of little consequence for fantasy football.

From RotoBaller