WR Strength of Schedule
Fri May 31 10:52am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Lamb could top last season
Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the receiver position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to receivers last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the receivers with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the receivers that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.
| WR SOS | ||
| 1. | Denver Broncos | 531.34 |
| 2. | Los Angeles Chargers | 536.08 |
| 3. | Miami Dolphins | 537.31 |
| 4. | Kansas City Chiefs | 549.96 |
| 5. | Las Vegas Raiders | 552.89 |
| 6. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 554.85 |
| 7. | New England Patriots | 555.93 |
| 8. | Buffalo Bills | 556.13 |
| 9. | Houston Texans | 561.75 |
| 10. | San Francisco 49ers | 565.73 |
| 11. | New Orleans Saints | 566.06 |
| 12. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 566.19 |
| 13. | Cincinnati Bengals | 566.32 |
| 14. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 570.07 |
| 15. | Baltimore Ravens | 571.77 |
| 16. | Seattle Seahawks | 573.41 |
| 17. | Minnesota Vikings | 573.91 |
| 18. | Philadelphia Eagles | 574.46 |
| 19. | Carolina Panthers | 575.49 |
| 20. | Los Angeles Rams | 575.79 |
| 21. | Washington Commanders | 575.91 |
| 22. | Detroit Lions | 576.36 |
| 23. | Atlanta Falcons | 577.76 |
| 24. | New York Jets | 577.99 |
| 25. | Tennessee Titans | 578.06 |
| 26. | Indianapolis Colts | 578.18 |
| 27. | Cleveland Browns | 583.5 |
| 28. | Arizona Cardinals | 586.09 |
| 29. | New York Giants | 586.93 |
| 30. | Chicago Bears | 601.21 |
| 31. | Dallas Cowboys | 608.4 |
| 32. | Green Bay Packers | 610.22 |
The Packers have the easiest fantasy schedule for receivers. Jayden Reed and Christian Watson could be setup for career best seasons with this schedule. These are guys you can get a little later come draft day and mid-round options that could be difference makers for fantasy owners.
CeeDee Lamb is considered the No. 1 overall fantasy receiver for many and his schedule helps make that claim even stronger. Lamb has the second most favorable schedule for receivers. Lamb was huge last year and could improve on that even more, especially since the Cowboys could struggle to run the ball with their current options.
The Bears, Giants and Cardinals also round out the top-five most favorable receiver schedules. Chicago has a great trio of receivers with D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen and rookie Rome Odunze. These guys could produce big as long as rookie Caleb Williams gets the job done at quarterback in year one. Moore has more to compete with for targets this year, but you still have to like his chances for a big season in year two with the Bears.
The Giants and Cardinals both have some question marks at receiver, but a couple rookies lead the way for both teams. Malik Nabers and Marvin Harrison could have big rookie seasons with their new teams. These guys both have a chance to lead all rookie fantasy receivers in scoring.
On the opposite side of things, the Broncos have the most challenging schedule for receivers. The Broncos have all sorts of questions at receiver outside of Courtland Sutton. This is a unit of receivers you just might want to avoid come draft day. This schedule won’t make anything easier for this group.
The Chargers are a similar team to the Broncos, having openings and questions at receiver. So once again, it might be best to let someone else put Chargers receivers on their roster. Plus, the Chargers could be a lot more run heavy with a new coach running the show. The tough schedule and new offense make taking any Chargers receiver a bit of a risk.
There are two really good offenses on the list that have tough schedules for receivers. Both the Dolphins and Chiefs have a top-five least favorable schedule for receivers. The Dolphins have one of the best receiver duos in football, so it is tough to fade them because of this schedule. Both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle should be able to produce big numbers once again in this offense.
The Chiefs are a little more concerning. This offense is a little matchup proof, but don’t have that elite receiver on their roster. Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown lead the way. Brown hasn’t been great in recent seasons and Rice is facing a suspension. These guys will carry some risk come draft day, especially after seeing this schedule.
Davante Adams is usually another star receiver that is matchup proof, but you have to wonder a little this year. He has some question marks at quarterback, which could hurt his production when you pair it with this schedule. Adams is dealing with the fifth toughest fantasy schedule for receivers.
We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy receivers. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the receivers with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.
| WR PLAYOFF SOS | ||
| 1. | Los Angeles Rams | 501.93 |
| 2. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 515.53 |
| 3. | Kansas City Chiefs | 519.43 |
| 4. | New York Giants | 521.63 |
| 5. | Miami Dolphins | 532.77 |
| 6. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 534.53 |
| 7. | Houston Texans | 538 |
| 8. | Buffalo Bills | 540.87 |
| 9. | Las Vegas Raiders | 541.9 |
| 10. | Carolina Panthers | 549.33 |
| 11. | Cincinnati Bengals | 552.17 |
| 12. | Detroit Lions | 553.73 |
| 13. | Arizona Cardinals | 555.27 |
| 14. | Cleveland Browns | 555.4 |
| 15. | Minnesota Vikings | 560.93 |
| 16. | New England Patriots | 573.03 |
| 17. | Los Angeles Chargers | 573.1 |
| 18. | Tennessee Titans | 575.17 |
| 19. | Baltimore Ravens | 581.27 |
| 20. | Seattle Seahawks | 585.08 |
| 21. | New York Jets | 585.5 |
| 22. | Denver Broncos | 587.2 |
| 23. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 587.8 |
| 24. | Philadelphia Eagles | 589.73 |
| 25. | Green Bay Packers | 590.85 |
| 26. | Washington Commanders | 591.57 |
| 27. | New Orleans Saints | 604.13 |
| 28. | Dallas Cowboys | 609.73 |
| 29. | Indianapolis Colts | 614 |
| 30. | San Francisco 49ers | 641.53 |
| 31. | Atlanta Falcons | 644.93 |
| 32. | Chicago Bears | 647.98 |
The Bears and Cowboys are the teams that make both the top five easiest receiver schedules for both the regular season and playoffs. Chicago has the easiest for the entire playoffs. Once again, their top trio of receivers are looking pretty good come draft day.
Lamb continues to make his case to be the first receiver selected come draft day. He could have a monster season and finish strong as well with the fifth easiest schedule for the playoffs. Lamb might be the most surefire first-round pick come draft day.
The Falcons, 49ers and Colts also have a top-five favorable playoff schedule for receivers. Atlanta receivers were looking up to begin with, getting a legit quarterback throwing them passes this year. And this schedule makes their options look even better, especially Drake London. He could have a breakout season.
San Francisco has great options at receiver in Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. They are pretty safe picks come draft day. And they get a very favorable playoff schedule that could make them even more appealing to fantasy owners. These guys both have really solid floors come draft day in this offense.
Michael Pittman keeps getting it done as the No. 1 option for the Colts. If Anthony Richardson can become that true No. 1 at quarterback for Indy, Pittman would look even better. Pittman has produced in recent year despite having some quarterback issues. His game could go to a higher level this year if Richardson breaks out. Pittman could be a league winner if everything breaks his way in 2024.
The Chiefs and Dolphins are two of the best offenses in football but also the only two teams to make the top five most unfavorable receiver schedules for both the regular season and playoffs. This is a tad concerning for both teams, Again, it is tough to bet against Hill, but maybe you drop him down your rankings just few spots behind the other elite guys because of this. You hate to use an early round pick on a receiver to see him maybe not produce what he should come playoff time.
And as mentioned with the Chiefs, their top two receivers already face a few question marks, so maybe their tough schedules make them players to let someone else draft. Both Brown and Rice could be a little erratic.
The Rams actually have the toughest playoff schedule for receivers. They are another team with two of the best receivers in football. It is tough to bet against either Puka Nacua or Cooper Kupp, but the playoff schedule is a little scary, especially for Kupp. He seems to be trending down at this stage of his career.
The Jaguars and Giants are the two other teams with a top-five unfavorable fantasy schedule for the playoffs. The Jags have Christian Kirk and Gabriel Davis as their top two receivers. Kirk is normally pretty steady but Davis can be boom or bust. Seeing his playoff schedule should bump him down a few spots in your rankings. It could be more of the same for Davis with his new team.
And the Giants are an outlier here, having an easy schedule for receivers during the regular season but the fourth toughest for the playoffs. This makes it tough come draft day. Their receivers could be good values for the regular season but disappoint when it counts. You do have to just make the playoffs, though, so we aren’t sure we shy away from Giant receivers just because of their tough playoff schedule. You still might be able to get good value with their options that help you win during the season.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
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The Paur Report
Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 5
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (knee) did not practice on Wednesday, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Warren did not suit up in Week 4 due to an ankle injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Warren's status throughout the week. Warren suffered a hamstring strain before the season opener and was limited in the first week of the season. However, in Week 2, Warren returned to his regular role in splitting work with Najee Harris, totaling 61 all-purpose yards. In addition, No.3 running back Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. Najee Harris should see a heavy workload if Warren and Patterson miss Sunday's match against the Dallas Cowboys and would be a high-end RB2 simply off potential volume.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running backs Joe Mixon (ankle) and Dameon Pierce (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. Mixon suffered an ankle injury during Week 2 and has not returned to the field since. Pierce suffered a hamstring injury following Week 1 and has also remained sidelined. As a result, Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale have served as the top backs over the past two weeks. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Mixon's and Pierce's status before their Week 5 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Even though Akers has averaged just 37 yards on the ground while serving as the starter, he could be a solid flex option if Mixon and Pierce remain out this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) is expected to play this week despite not practicing on Wednesday, according to Darin Gantt of the Carolina Panthers. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring Johnson's status throughout the week, but this is a promising sign that the team is exercising caution with their No.1 pass catcher. The 28-year-old has put his slow start behind him as he has caught at least seven passes and averaged 102.5 yards over the past two weeks with Andy Dalton under center. Johnson has also found the endzone in each of these games. If Johnson is able to suit up as expected on Sunday, he should be viewed as a solid WR2 facing the Chicago Bears.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday due to an ankle injury. The 24-year-old did not show any signs of a previous injury during their Week 4 match against the Baltimore Ravens. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the injury report throughout the week. Shakir has operated as the No.1 option for Josh Allen in the Buffalo passing attack, as he has averaged 4.5 receptions with 57.5 yards per game. He caught a season-high six passes with 72 yards and a score in Week 3 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. If Shakir were to miss Sunday's game, tight end Dalton Kincaid and wideouts Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, and Mack Hollins could see an increase in targets.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III (ankle) logged a full practice on Wednesday and does not carry an injury designation ahead of Thursday's tilt against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McCloud was a limited participant on Monday and Tuesday due to an ankle injury but was able to practice in full on Wednesday, suggesting the injury was minor. Last week, McCloud caught a season-high six passes for 52 yards and ran a season-high 31 routes. Fantasy managers should view the 27-year-old as a WR3 with upside, as he has begun to have a significant role in the Atlanta passing attack. DFS players should consider using McCloud as a flex play, as he should be on the field quite often.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (hamstring) is off the injury report and will suit up on Thursday evening when the Falcons face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Robinson was limited during Monday's and Tuesday's practice sessions due to a hamstring injury, but seeing that he does not carry an injury designation into Thursday's game suggests the injury was not serious. Fantasy managers should feel confident slotting Robinson into their lineup as a high-end RB1. The 22-year-old has had a slow start to the season, averaging just 14.2 PPR points per game, but has an excellent opportunity to get back on track on Thursday as the Buccaneers have allowed the 24th-most points to opposing running backs.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers RB Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 2.
Fantasy Spin: Patterson was productive in Week 4 before the injury, so fantasy players can keep an eye on his status during the week. He will see some touches if he is cleared to play in Week 5 but can be avoided in most leagues.
From TheHuddle
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson (calf) was limited during practice Wednesday, Oct. 2.
Fantasy Spin: Wilson is believed to be making progress in his recovery, but he probably will continue to be sidelined as long as Justin Fields is playing well. He could start for the Steelers at some point this season but should be avoided for now.
From TheHuddle
Atlanta Falcons LB Troy Andersen (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 2, and has been ruled out for Week 5. RB Jase McClellan (illness) was limited during practice and is listed as questionable. WR Ray-Ray McCloud (ankle) and OT Kaleb McGary (knee) fully participated in practice and are not on the injury report.
From TheHuddle
Las Vegas Raiders WR Davante Adams sees the New York Jets as one of his preferred destinations if he traded because of his familiarity with QB Aaron Rodgers, according to sources.
Fantasy Spin: Adams was linked to the Jets during the offseason, so this could be a possibility before the trade deadline. He would still see plenty of targets if he joined the Jets and would still be a starting option in all fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Las Vegas Raiders WR Davante Adams sees the New Orleans Saints as one of his preferred destinations if he traded because of his familiarity with QB Derek Carr, according to sources.
Fantasy Spin: The Saints probably are a longshot for Adams because they do not have much salary cap space available, but fantasy players can keep an eye on the situation. He has shown a good connection in the past with Carr and could be a starting option in all leagues if he moved to the Saints.
From TheHuddle
Carolina Panthers LB Shaq Thompson (Achilles) underwent surgery Wednesday, Sept. Oct. 2, to repair his Achilles injury, according to head coach Dave Canales.
From TheHuddle
Carolina Panthers LB Josey Jewell (groin, hamstring), LB Shaq Thompson (Achilles), LB Jadeveon Clowney (non-injury), CB Troy Hill (non-injury) and DE A'Shawn Robinson (non-injury) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 2. LB Charles Harris (shoulder), OG Robert Hunt (hip), OG Damien Lewis (elbow), S Nick Scott (shoulder), DT Shy Tuttle (foot), CB Lonnie Johnson (hip) and C Andrew Raym (head) were limited during practice.
From TheHuddle
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (knee) will be listed as a limited participant at Wednesday's practice with a knee injury, but head coach Robert Saleh is not concerned about his availability for Sunday's contest against the Minnesota Vikings in London. Rodgers reportedly missed the team's stretching period, which will cause him to be labeled as limited, but his injury is considered minor. The four-time NFL MVP was sacked five times in the ugly Week 4 loss to the Denver Broncos and said he is dealing with a little bit of swelling in his knee. Even if Rodgers was fully healthy, he would not be worth starting in single-quarterback fantasy football leagues against Minnesota, who leads the NFL in sacks (17) through four weeks. Rodgers is the QB18 on the season and is averaging just 14.3 fantasy points per game.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots center David Andrews (shoulder) will undergo surgery to repair his injured shoulder and is likely to miss the rest of the 2024 season, according to head coach Jerod Mayo. This is a significant loss for the struggling Patriots offense, as Andrews has played in 124 games dating back to 2015 with New England. The Patriots already have a young and banged-up offensive line, and potential run-blocking and protection issues will only exacerbate the lack of high-end skill players on the roster. Andrew's absence could also give New England more reason to refrain from starting rookie quarterback Drake Maye this year.
From RotoBaller
The Minnesota Vikings are opening tight end T.J. Hockenson's (knee) practice window this week, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Last year's PPR TE1 in fantasy points per game is working his way back from a late-season ACL tear and began the 2024 regular season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. He has missed the required four games to be able to return and is now set to get back on the practice field. While this is a promising development for fantasy managers who are stashing him, it would be somewhat of a surprise if he's active for the game against the New York Jets on Sunday. The organization has 21 days from his return to practice to move him to the active roster, and he'll likely need a ramp-up period. That said, given the lack of production at the tight end spot this season, Hockenson is arguably a must-start as soon as he's ready to play. Minnesota's offense led by Sam Darnold is far exceeding expectations so far, so Hockenson could finish as a high-end TE1 in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders RB Austin Ekeler (concussion) is trending in the right direction to play in Week 5, head coach Dan Quinn said on Wednesday, Oct. 2.
Fantasy Spin: Ekeler was on pace to have a big game in Week 3 before his early exit, as he scored a touchdown and had two catches and 57 yards from scrimmage. He's on the flex radar entering Week 5.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot) has not played since Week 1 against the Washington Commanders, and he has already been ruled out of the Week 5 Thursday Night Football contest against the Atlanta Falcons with a foot injury. Winfield was able to get a limited practice session in on Wednesday, but he evidently is not ready to suit up. There is optimism that he will be able to return in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints given the mini-bye ahead after a Thursday night game, but for now, the Pro Bowler remains sidelined, and Christian Izien will continue to see extended playing time.
From RotoBaller
Earlier this week, Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams let the organization know that he would prefer to be traded. The team is out to a 2-2 start and Adams is reportedly working through a hamstring issue, but it appears his time in the Sin City could be coming to an end. Many have speculated that he could be eyeing a reunion with Aaron Rodgers with the New York Jets, but according to sources, the New Orleans Saints are also a preferred destination. The six-time Pro Bowler notably wanted to be traded from the Green Bay Packers to the Raiders in 2022 to play with his former college teammate Derek Carr, so he might have the chance to rejoin Carr with New Orleans. If he is eventually traded to New Orleans, wideouts Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed would likely take significant hits to their rest-of-season fantasy football outlooks. Needless to say, this is a situation worth keeping a close eye on.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and Trey Palmer (concussion) have been ruled out of the Thursday Night Football contest against the Atlanta Falcons, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. McMillan suffered a hamstring injury in last Friday's practice and did not play in Week 4, while Palmer suffered a concussion in the win over the Philadelphia Eagles. With both wideouts banged up, veteran receiver Sterling Shepard caught three passes for 51 yards. He has since been signed to the active roster following last week's practice-squad elevation, so he should occupy the WR3 role behind Chris Godwin and Mike Evans in Thursday's NFC South clash. Shepard is not a great option for traditional leagues, but he can be utilized as a desperation flex play in deeper setups.
From RotoBaller
