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.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Second-Tier RB Targets
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Preseason News and Notes: Week 1
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: The Weekly Bender: Don't Let 'Big Fantasy' Push You Around
- Russell Wilson slated to start preseason game vs. Bills
- Panthers CB Dane Jackson (hamstring) could be sidelined 6 weeks
- Vikings coach: WR Jordan Addison (ankle) won't miss extended time
- Falcons to sign Pro Bowl S Justin Simmons to 1-year deal
- Samantha Ponder, Robert Griffin III out at ESPN
- Chargers' Jim Harbaugh wants to hire Colin Kaepernick
- Bills LB Matt Milano (torn biceps) out indefinitely
- Andy Reid: Chiefs RT Jawaan Taylor (shoulder) will be 'OK'
- Giants releasing veteran DB Jalen Mills
- Cowboys signing former Jets DE Carl Lawson
- Falcons acquire pass rusher Matthew Judon from Patriots
- Bucs owners turn down offer of more than $6.05 billion
- Broncos' Sean Payton: 'Lot of positives' from all three QBs
- Patriots trading LB Matthew Judon to Falcons
- Rams QB Matthew Stafford (hamstring) exits practice
- WR Brandon Aiyuk attends but sits out 49ers practice
- Vikings WR Jordan Addison carted off practice field
- Vikings rookie QB J.J. McCarthy (knee) out for season
- Chiefs RT Jawaan Taylor (shoulder) leaves practice on cart
- Ravens TE Mark Andrews uninjured after car accident
- Fantasy Six Pack: Dynasty Football Buy Low-Sell High | Dontayvion Wicks | Jahan Dotson
- Fantasy Six Pack: Dynasty Football Depth Chart Diving
- Fantasy Six Pack: t Draft DJ Moore at ADP | 2024 Fantasy Football Do Not Draft Wide Receivers
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Draft Slot Strategies – Pick 11
- Fantasy Six Pack: erry McLaurin is a Steal | 2024 Fantasy Football Must Draft Wide Receivers
The Paur Report
New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte turned four targets into three catches for 23 yards during Thursday's preseason loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. His longest play was a 13-yard reception. Boutte was the Patriots' most productive pass-catcher in the contest, leading the team in receptions and yards while tying for the most targets. The second-year receiver likely isn't going to be a fantasy weapon in 2024, but this performance should still be highlighted as it gives Boutte a stronger chance of making the roster and carving out a role down the stretch.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Javon Baker was targeted four times during Thursday's preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, but he finished the contest with just one catch for 12 yards. Even though the rookie's production was limited, fantasy managers should pay most attention to the fact that he tied for the team lead in targets. All four of the passes thrown his way came from rookie Drake Maye, who saw the field in the second and third quarters. Baker is worth a late-round pick in deeper fantasy leagues given that he could still carve out a meaningful role in the Patriots' offense this season.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed six of 11 passes for 47 yards during Thursday's preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He also showed off some mobility, rushing four times for 15 yards and adding a touchdown on the ground. After an uninspiring performance over a limited sample size last week, Maye earned more opportunities this week and finally showed flashes of a potential starting quarterback. It's still unclear whether he'll start over Jacoby Brissett when the regular season comes around, but this appearance was promising nonetheless. Specifically, fantasy managers can get excited about the fact that the Patriots dialed up a designed run around the goal line for the rookie.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett completed just three of seven passes for 17 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception during Thursday's preseason loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Brissett played the entire first quarter, leading three unsuccessful drives, the middle of which saw the Patriots move close to the goal line before Brissett threw a costly interception in the end zone. This uninspiring outing falls in line with less-than-glowing reports out of Patriots training camp, suggesting that the gap between Brissett and rookie Drake Maye may be shrinking. As of now, Brissett's experience probably still gives him the slight edge for QB1 in New England, but it should be noted that Maye had a very good performance Thursday against Philadelphia.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for 18 yards on six carries during Thursday's preseason loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He was not targeted in the passing game. Stevenson, of course, saw all of his reps come with the first-team offense. Even though he only played in the first quarter, he led the Patriots in touches and rushing yards. Fantasy managers can't (and shouldn't) take too much stock in Stevenson's appearance Thursday, but it does bear mentioning that his quarterback situation is still a bit murky as Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye continue to battle for the starting job. Regardless of which quarterback gets the bulk of the reps in 2024, Stevenson should be heavily involved both on the ground and in the passing attack.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Joseph Ngata caught all five of his targets for 88 yards during the team's 14-13 preseason win over the New England Patriots. The second-year receiver flashed similar skills on occasion last preseason but spent most of his time on the practice squad. There is a fight for the final few receiver spots between Ngata, veteran John Ross, and E.J. Jenkins, but Ross has seen plenty of reps with the second team in practice and has seemed to have the most buzz out of the group this preseason. If Ngata can have another strong outing next week, perhaps he can nab one of the final roster spots. If not, expect the young receiver to latch onto the Philadelphia practice squad.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley took five carries for 15 yards and caught all four of his targets for 31 yards during the team's 14-13 win over the New England Patriots. Kenneth Gainwell again got the start Thursday night with the second-team offense but was replaced much earlier this week by Shipley, who saw snaps with No. 2 quarterback Kenny Pickett. The rookie only saw one target last week, but was targeted by both quarterbacks throughout the game and was far more efficient with them than Gainwell. While Shipley may open the season as the No. 3 on the depth chart, he can easily push for passing down snaps and earn more playing time as the season rolls on unless Gainwell can step it up compared to last year. Neither will retain any fantasy relevance in redraft leagues unless Saquon Barkley misses time.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Tyrion Davis-Price took four carries for 28 yards and caught his lone target for no gain during the team's 14-13 win over the New England Patriots. The former San Francisco 49er did well with his touches but did not see playing time until late in the game and seems to be far behind Kenneth Gainwell and Will Shipley on the depth chart. The Eagles are looking to find their No. 4 back, and rookie Kendall Minton has been staving off Davis-Price for that final spot. The loser will likely land on the practice squad heading into the regular season. It will be interesting to see who gets in the game first during the Eagles' final preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings next Saturday.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy underwent surgery for a torn meniscus and is out for the season. Dynasty Analysis: There was hope his injury was a partial tear that could be trimmed but that wasn't the case and a full repair was needed. It's not catastrophic as McCarthy wasn't the presumed starter but his chance of starting later in the year are now gone. Sam Darnold will have a golden opportunity moving forward as the starter, though Minnesota could also kick the tires on some veteran options. McCarthy will likely fall a couple of spots in rookie drafts as a result.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee completed 15 of 19 passes for 140 yards and lost a total of four yards on four carries during the team's 14-13 win over the New England Patriots. Kenny Pickett was again the starter in this game but had another uninspiring performance while being sacked three times. The starters were rested again this week in favor of the second string, but McKee maximized his minutes this week as he pushes to make the roster as the emergency quarterback. For what it's worth, the 24-year-old was given reps with the second-team offense this past week and has been pushing Pickett for the No. 2 spot, but it is still seen as the No. 3 on the depth chart heading into the regular season.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) was seen in the blue medical tent early Thursday during practice due to knee soreness. According to Nick Harris of the team's site, it is "not expected to be a major concern moving forward." With star wideout CeeDee Lamb missing time due to a contract holdout, the Cowboys' offense has been leaning on Cooks early and often in practice. While this does not appear to be a long-term issue, it is worth mentioning that Jalen Tolbert is the third wide receiver on Dallas' depth chart, and it's quite the falloff after that. If the eleventh-year wideout's knee does not improve quickly, expect the Cowboys to seek veteran help at the position. Cooks is Yahoo!'s WR59 in ADP and could be a nice value in an offense that should funnel targets to him, Lamb, and Jake Ferguson.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett completed 11 of 13 passes for 67 yards and added two carries for six yards during the team's second preseason game against the New England Patriots. The former first-round pick started the game with a quick three-and-out but led the offense down the field for a field goal on the second drive. Pickett was sacked three times on his second-to-last drive and was taken out at the start of the second half for Tanner McKee. The 26-year-old is averaging 6.2 yards per completion through two starts and has done little to impress, although he has played with no starting receiver thus far. McKee had a solid night and was getting more second-team reps this past week in practice, but there is little doubt that Pickett will head into the regular season as the No. 2 behind Jalen Hurts. Pickett will play against the Minnesota Vikings next Saturday, but may not get the start if the starters see action for the first time this preseason.
From RotoBaller
Updating a previous report, Philadelphia Eagles WR John Ross (concussion) suffered a concussion during the preseason game against the New England Patriots Thursday, Aug. 15.
From TheHuddle
Despite participating fully in one-on-one drills, Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (undisclosed) reportedly took just one snap during team drills at Thursday's practice. On one rep in particular, Njoku caught a touchdown but got up slowly and was seen walking gingerly away from the end zone. No clarity has been given on what or how severe the injury is, though Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski noted the veteran tight end is "sore." Fortunately, Cleveland's starters are not slated to suit up this weekend when the Browns face off against the Minnesota Vikings. Therefore, Njoku will have nine days to work back to health before a potential appearance during their preseason finale with the Seahawks on Aug. 24.
From RotoBaller
The Atlanta Falcons placed kick returner/wide receiver Jakeem Grant Sr. (hamstring) on injured reserve Thursday. Atlanta signed Grant to a one-year contract last Saturday, and he was expected to compete for a role as a return specialist. He injured his hamstring this week at practice, and it's unclear how much time he will miss. However, Grant could play again this year if he is able to reach an injury settlement with the team. The 2016 sixth-round pick was set to experience his first action this season since 2021 after suffering back-to-back season-ending injuries the previous two preseasons (Achilles, knee). With him and Rondale Moore on IR, Atlanta is expected to seek more depth behind Avery Williams to compete for kick returner duties.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chris Evans (knee) will miss the entirety of the 2024 season after suffering a torn patellar tendon at Thursday's practice. Evans was the fourth running back on Cincinnati's preseason depth chart. While he only received three touches last season, it had been reported that the fourth-year pro was having a solid camp. Evans figured to play a more significant role in the Bengals' offense with the departure of Joe Mixon this offseason, but he will shortly begin his long road to recovery. This will be the first time since 2017 that Mixon isn't projected to lead the Cincinnati backfield in touches. At this point, Zack Moss and Chase Brown figure to form some sort of committee, with third-string Trayveon Williams sprinkling in when necessary. The point-scoring capabilities of the Bengals' offense makes this backfield one to monitor.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills LB Dorian Williams is expected to start at outside linebacker while LB Matt Milano (biceps) is sidelined.
From TheHuddle
Philadelphia Eagles WR John Ross (head) left the preseason game early Thursday, Aug. 15, and is being evaluated for a concussion.
From TheHuddle
Dallas Cowboys WR Brandin Cooks (knee) left practice early Thursday, Aug. 15, because of knee soreness.
From TheHuddle
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Chase Claypool (toe) has been released by the organization. This news doesn't come as a huge surprise after Claypool was placed on season-ending Injured Reserve earlier this week due to a toe injury. The 26-year-old put together two solid seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers to begin his career. Since then, Claypool has struggled to find much success and is fighting to stick on a 53-man roster. The former second-round pick will look to catch on elsewhere once he gets healthy next year. He's completely off the fantasy radar in 2024.
From RotoBaller
