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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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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 5

Player Notes
Brandon Aiyuk Oct 5 1:50am CT
Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk gets another opportunity to break out of his early-season funk when the 49ers face the Arizona Cardinals at home in Week 5. Last week, Aiyuk disappointed fantasy managers with two receptions of five targets for 48 yards. Even more disheartening was perennial fantasy non-factor Jauan Jennings continuing his hot streak to lead the 49ers in receiving on the day against New England. It isn't panic time quite yet though. Aiyuk is averaging 6.25 targets per game, compared with last year's 6.56 per-game pace and he's tied for 10th in the NFL in red zone targets to wide receivers. Arizona has been mediocre at stopping wide receivers in fantasy, allowing 27.5 half-PPR points per game to opposing wide receivers. A good matchup at home plus suitable usage so far makes Aiyuk a worthy WR2 in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Oct 5 1:50am CT
Caleb Williams

This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams offers a high-risk, high-reward choice as he faces the struggling Carolina Panthers. In Week 5, Williams will encounter the NFL's 19th-ranked pass defense, which allows an average of 209.3 yards per gamean advantageous matchup for him. He's poised to find the end zone against the Panthers, who have given up multiple touchdown passes in every game this season. After throwing for 363 yards and two touchdowns in Week 3, Williams had a quieter performance with just 157 yards in Week 4. It's reasonable to anticipate his production will land between those outings, aiming for at least 225 passing yards and a couple of scores this Sunday in Chicago. Williams emerges as a solid QB2 with significant upside in this favorable matchup as he seeks to impress fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Joey Slye Oct 5 1:20am CT
Joey Slye

New England Patriots kicker Joey Slye looks to build off last week's productive outing with a big game against the Miami Dolphins in Week 5. The veteran was the 11th-ranked kicker in terms of fantasy points last week, and this week, he benefits from an even more favorable matchup. The Dolphins have allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing kickers so far, which gives Slye a great opportunity to be added as a solid streamer off waivers. He's not a top-12 kicker every week, but he's certainly making the case for specifically Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Cam Little Oct 5 1:20am CT
Cam Little

Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little should be a solid fantasy play in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts. The rookie kicker has been pretty good to start the year and had his best fantasy performance of the season last week against the Houston Texans. As the offense continues to get better, so should Little's fantasy output. The Colts defense hasn't been great to start the year, so Little could get opportunities for numerous field goals, or even extra points if the offense plays really well. The offense could reach new heights if star tight end Evan Engram returns from injury. Little has already proven he has the leg to nail long field goals, and in a matchup where the Jaguars should certainly score points, he could get more opportunities for 50+ yard field goals. There may be more reliable fantasy kickers out there, but fantasy managers can definitely do worse than Little in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby Oct 5 1:10am CT
Tank Bigsby

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby has been slowly reintroduced into the game plan since missing Week 2, and that should continue in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts. He was limited in practice all week, but fortunately enters Sunday's game with no injury tag. While he still remains the backup to Travis Etienne Jr., the Ole Miss product has shown he deserves play time in his limited touches, putting up a combined 163 rushing yards in Week 1 and Week 4. In a matchup with the Colts who might be missing both starting quarterback Anthony Richardson and star running back Jonathan Taylor, the Jaguars may be in line for their first win of the season. That should mean more rushing opportunities for both Etienne Jr. and Bigsby. It may be hard to trust a backup, but the second-year RB could once again put up a great stat line in limited action. Bigsby has higher upside than the typical backup running back, making him an interesting flex play in deeper leagues this week.

From RotoBaller

Demario Douglas Oct 5 1:00am CT
Demario Douglas

New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas is an unreliable fantasy football option heading into Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins. While Douglas did break free for seven catches and 69 yards in Week 3, he's posted a total of five catches for 25 yards over his other three games. Not only has the second-year receiver struggled to produce when on the field, but he has had difficulty getting on the field in the first place. Douglas has logged a snap share of 60 percent or lower in three of his four games as he continues to battle for opportunities with the likes of Ja'Lynn Polk and K.J. Osborn. He'd also lose additional playing time if the Patriots activate Kendrick Bourne (knee) from the PUP list on Saturday. All in all, Douglas faces an uphill battle to produce against a Miami defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points and the second-fewest catches to wide receivers this year.

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Hunter Henry Oct 5 1:00am CT
Hunter Henry

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry has been a disappointment in fantasy football this season, contributing two catches and fewer than 20 yards in three of his four games so far. The lone outlier was an eight-catch, 109-yard showing back in Week 2, but it seems unlikely that Henry will replicate that production anytime soon. That will be particularly difficult in Week 5 given his role in a struggling Patriots offense against a Miami Dolphins defense allowing just 130 yards and zero touchdowns to opposing touchdowns this season. Henry and Jacoby Brissett may have a solid rapport, but it won't be enough to get the veteran on the fantasy radar this week.

From RotoBaller

Jacoby Brissett Oct 5 12:50am CT
Jacoby Brissett

New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett remains off the fantasy radar as he heads into a Week 5 clash with the Miami Dolphins. Brissett has been uninspiring through the first four weeks of the NFL season, tallying just 536 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two turnovers. The veteran remains off the fantasy radar heading into a difficult matchup against the Dolphins, who have allowed the fourth-fewest passing touchdowns, fourth-fewest interceptions, and second-fewest completions to opposing quarterbacks this season. It's impressive that Miami's defense has fared this well despite being blown out the last three weeks, but that's likely a result of opponents gashing the Dolphins on the ground. Accordingly, we can expect a solid showing from Antonio Gibson and perhaps Rhamondre Stevenson, but Brissett remains a fantasy non-factor.

From RotoBaller

Christian Kirk Oct 5 12:50am CT
Christian Kirk

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk will look to continue his upward fantasy trajectory in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts. After a rough first two weeks, Kirk has turned things around, and now serves as a reliable starting fantasy receiver, especially in PPR leagues. The former Arizona Cardinal isn't much of a threat in the red-zone or on deep bombs, but he is good at getting open quickly and serves as a great security blanket for Trevor Lawrence. It makes a lot of sense that the offense has looked better since Kirk started producing again. The Colts serve as a great matchup for the Jaguars passing offense, boosting Kirk's value this week. Evan Engram potentially is returning from injury which should cut into the receiver's target share, but not enough to take him out of fantasy starting lineups anytime soon. Kirk serves as a great WR2/flex play with an extra boost in PPR leagues in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Antonio Gibson Oct 5 12:50am CT
Antonio Gibson

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson is expected to start at running back in Week 5 after head coach Jerod Mayo announced that Rhamondre Stevenson had lost the starting job. Stevenson has fumbled four times through four games this season while Gibson has demonstrated impressive burst and productivity with 219 scrimmage yards over his last three contests. The increased role comes at an opportune time for Gibson; this weekend, the Patriots face the Miami Dolphins, who have allowed the most fantasy points and the most touchdowns to opposing running backs this year. While we can still expect some growing pains from Gibson as he adjusts to an increased role within a poor offense, he has a real chance to rank as a low-end fantasy RB2 this week. He's particularly appealing as someone who can leave an impact on the ground and through the air.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Oct 5 12:40am CT
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has a great opportunity to reach even greater heights in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts. BTJ had six catches for 86 yards and a touchdown last week against the Houston Texans, and the Colts should be an easier matchup for the rookie. The Jaguars offense looked horrible to start the year but has slowly looked better as the year has progressed. Trevor Lawrence looked better last week, and was able to get both Christian Kirk and BTJ involved a lot in the passing game. Despite the team's early struggles, the first-round pick has exceeded expectations of fantasy managers so far and has not started slowly like many rookie receivers do. Evan Engram may return from injury this week providing more competition for targets, but that should more affect BTJ's red-zone usage, which hasn't been much as is. BTJ should continue to show off his speed and route-running against the Colts, making him a great flex play with WR2 upside.

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Jordan Mason Oct 5 12:20am CT
Jordan Mason

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason will look to keep it rolling when the team hosts the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. The former undrafted Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket was fantastic last week, taking 24 carries for 123 yards rushing and a touchdown. He also caught two of three targets for 37 yards receiving. Mason's production this year has been a godsend for fantasy managers who scooped him up early. Through four weeks, Mason is the overall RB5 in half-PPR points per game. His matchup in Week 5 is favorable. Arizona has allowed the fifth-most points to opposing running backs this year at 17.9 points per game. Perhaps Mason cedes some action to rookie Isaac Guerendo in this one with near 100-degree temperatures predicted in Santa Clara, which would easily be a Levi's Stadium record. Nevertheless, Mason is as good a play at RB as there is this week. He's a top-shelf RB1 against a porous Arizona run defense.

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Joe Burrow Oct 4 11:50pm CT
Joe Burrow

The Baltimore Ravens defense/special teams has produced quite the mixed bag of results through the first four games of the season. In Week 4, against the Buffalo Bills, they collected three sacks and a fumble while holding the Bills to 10 points and 236 total yards. They looked like the dominant Ravens defense again which was a night and day difference compared to the unit that showed up against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3. Now, they take on Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals who have historically given them some fits. Burrow actually has 12 touchdowns, four interceptions, and 1,879 yards through the air against the Ravens in his career despite having a 3-4 record. With that being said, the Ravens would be a mid-level start in this contest.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Oct 4 11:40pm CT
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy draws the Arizona Cardinals at home in Week 5. Last week, also at home, Purdy completed 15 of 27 passes for 288 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and 11 yards rushing versus New England. He's currently ranked as the season-long QB14 overall in Yahoo default scoring, slightly below consensus expectations coming into the season. The matchup this week against Arizona is a good one. The Cardinals represent the fifth-best opportunity for opposing fantasy quarterbacks, at 19.1 points against per game. The former Iowa State Cyclone will have all three of his relevant wideouts healthy and available, though tight end George Kittle (ribs) is questionable. The minor back issue that popped up last week appears to have cleared as Purdy didn't appear in this week's injury report. Usually, you can find Purdy surfing the line between QB1 and QB2 but in Week 5 with bye weeks starting and a good matchup, he's nested firmly in the QB1 conversation.

From RotoBaller

Justin Tucker Oct 4 11:10pm CT
Justin Tucker

Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker has taken quite the tumble down the fantasy ladder through the first four weeks. The historically accurate, Texas product has only posted one week in K1 territory so far and has finished K17 or worse in the other three weeks. It's not due to his offense being unable to move the ball as they've scored 20 or more points in each game. He's only making 62.5% of his field goal attempts and has missed both of his 50-yard attempts. The Cincinnati Bengals are only allowing nine fantasy points per game to opposing kickers while Tucker only averages seven. There are better options out there until Tucker gets back on track.

From RotoBaller

Justice Hill Oct 4 11:00pm CT
Justice Hill

Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill put together his best game of the season against the Buffalo Bills and finished as the RB10 in half-PPR leagues. He's currently the RB31 which puts him above the likes of Najee Harris, Chase Brown, Rico Dowdle, and Javonte Williams. The impressive part is Hill has only seen 14 carries compared to the aforementioned group getting no less than 29 so far. Hill has the eighth-most targets, seventh-most receptions, and third-most receiving yards out of all running backs right now. He'll remain in the pass-catching role out of the backfield, and he should still see a good bit of work in the team's first AFC North matchup of the season against the Bengals who are giving up the 12th-most fantasy points to opposing backfields.

From RotoBaller

Greg Joseph Oct 4 10:50pm CT
Greg Joseph

New York Giants kicker Greg Joseph will enter Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks riding some momentum after making all five of his field goal attempts in last week's loss to the Dallas Cowboys, including a long of 52 yards. Through two games this season, Joseph is 2-for-2 on PATs and has yet to miss a field goal. However, he faces a tough Seattle defense that ranks eighth against kickers, allowing just six field goals through four games. With the Giants' offense struggling to convert drives into touchdowns, Joseph may be called upon for multiple field goal attempts again, making him a solid streaming option for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slayton Oct 4 10:40pm CT
Darius Slayton

New York Giants receiver Darius Slayton could see an uptick in targets in Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks with Malik Nabers sidelined due to a concussion. Slayton has recorded 10 receptions for 122 yards this season, averaging 12.2 yards per catch, but he's still seeking his first touchdown despite four red zone targets. Facing a tough Seahawks defense ranked 9th in the NFL against the pass, allowing only 772 passing yards and four passing touchdowns through four games, Slayton will need to make the most of any extra volume. Currently averaging 5.55 fantasy points per game, he could be a deeper flex option if the Giants lean on him in the passing attack.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Oct 4 10:30pm CT
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. could see a significant workload in Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks if Devin Singletary is sidelined. Tracy has yet to score a touchdown this season and has been limited to 41 receiving yards on four catches and just 29 rushing yards on 12 carries (2.42 YPC). However, Seattle's defense ranks 19th in the NFL against running backs, allowing 420 rushing yards and four touchdowns in four games, which could open up opportunities for the rookie. While Tracy's 2.75 fantasy points per game leave much to be desired, the increased volume could lead to a breakout performance if he starts.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Oct 4 10:20pm CT
Daniel Jones

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones will face a tough matchup in Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks. Jones has thrown for 881 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions over the first four games, but he's yet to hit a 300-yard passing game and has struggled to make an impact on the ground with just 70 rushing yards and no rushing touchdowns. His adjusted completion percentage of 77.3% is solid, but Seattle's defense ranks 9th in the NFL, allowing only 772 passing yards and four passing touchdowns through four games. With just 15.26 fantasy points per game (19th among QBs), Jones will need to outperform against a defense with his top receiver, Malik Nabers.

From RotoBaller