Guest of the League
Heisman Winner Est. 2022
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

Late Round TFC Picks

Player Notes
Marquise Brown Aug 13 2:20pm CT
Marquise Brown

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) is expected to miss four to six weeks with the sternoclavicular injury he suffered in Saturday's preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Opening night for the Chiefs is three weeks from this Thursday night, with KC opening up at home versus the Baltimore Ravens and then facing the Cincinnati Bengals. This timeline likely means Brown won't be available for the regular-season opener in September, dropping his stock in fantasy drafts quite a bit this summer. Although star slot receiver Rashee Rice remains at risk of being suspended at some point this season, his appeal certainly increases with this development. Rookie first-rounder Xavier Worthy is now set to be quarterback Patrick Mahomes' primary deep threat to begin the year, with Justin Watson, Skyy Moore, and Mecole Hardman being in line for an uptick in snaps.

From RotoBaller

Samaje Perine Aug 13 2:20pm CT
Samaje Perine

ESPN's Mike Clay believes that Denver Broncos running back Samaje Perine could become available before the regular season begins. Perine is currently a part of a crowded backfield in Denver alongside starter Javonte Williams and change-of-pace backs Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime. With an expiring contract and no obvious future with the Broncos, Perine is a potential cap casualty for this summer ahead of roster cuts in late August. The veteran power back did quietly make a big impact a year ago, however, turning in the second-most yards per touch (6.7) over 103 touches and most yards per route run (2.04) across 223 routes among qualifiers at his position, so he could be a valuable asset to another team needing backfield reinforcements.

From RotoBaller

MarShawn Lloyd Aug 13 2:00pm CT
MarShawn Lloyd

Green Bay Packers rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) went down in the team's preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns after just a lone carry this weekend, and there isn't a whole lot of clarity regarding a timeline for his hamstring injury. When asked about Lloyd's short-term health on Tuesday, head coach Matt LaFleur responded, "He will not be practicing." When asked about a long-term outlook on Lloyd, LaFleur reiterated, "He will not be practicing." The lack of transparency does dump some cold water on Lloyd's case as a late-round sleeper in fantasy drafts this summer. While there is optimism the third-round pick will be ready to go in time for the regular season, his absence means he's missing out on valuable reps in training camp and exhibition play, while also giving veteran AJ Dillon a chance to take a hold of the RB2 job behind workhorse starter Josh Jacobs.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Herbert Aug 13 2:00pm CT
Khalil Herbert

ESPN's Mike Clay believes that Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert could become available before the regular season begins. Herbert is currently a part of a logjam in Chicago's backfield alongside starter D'Andre Swift and change-of-pace back Roschon Johnson. With an expiring contract and without a clear future with the Bears, Herbert is a trade candidate this offseason or at the deadline later in the year. The 26-year-old former Virginia Tech standout and sixth-round pick demonstrated a decent level of explosiveness over 152 touches in 2023, producing 4.9 yards per touch across 12 appearances. Even in the case of an injury to Swift, Herbert would likely be a part of a timeshare with Johnson as well as pass-catching specialist Travis Homer.

From RotoBaller

Haason Reddick Aug 13 1:40pm CT
Haason Reddick

One day after linebacker Haason Reddick's wish to be traded became public, the New York Jets remain in lockstep regarding the matter. "I'm not gonna elaborate any more than (general manager) Joe (Douglas) did," head coach Robert Saleh said at training camp on Tuesday. "It is what it is. I'm going to focus on the guys who are here." Reddick is an unrestricted free agent in 2025 and is looking for a new deal with New York. The two-time Pro Bowler and former first-round pick is entering his age-30 season in 2024, but he remains an integral member of the Jets' vaunted defense. In 17 appearances last season, Reddick generated 11.5 sacks, 56 quarterback pressures, and 14 tackles for loss.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Aug 13 1:30pm CT
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa told reporters on Tuesday at training camp that he hopes to play in Saturday's preseason game versus the visiting Washington Commanders at Hard Rock Stadium. After seeing no action in Friday's preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons, Tagovailoa wants to get some exhibition reps this weekend. If he's active on Saturday against Washington, he's unlikely to play more than a drive or two. The former No. 5 overall pick and first-time Pro Bowler in 2023 led the NFL with 4,624 passing yards a season ago, throwing a career-high 29 touchdowns in 17 appearances for the Dolphins. With little to no rushing upside but featuring a top-tier supporting cast in Miami, Tagovailoa is a low-end QB1 pick in fantasy drafts.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aiyuk Aug 13 1:20pm CT
Brandon Aiyuk

The Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers have a trade framework in place for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk if the Niners sign off on the deal. At the moment, San Francisco is waiting to hear back on a long-term contract offer out to Aiyuk that he hasn't yet accepted. On the other hand, Pittsburgh is reportedly in a good place on a contract for Aiyuk. This saga continues to drag and take various twists and turns, considering it sounded like a trade was close to being finalized last week involving either the Cleveland Browns or New England Patriots. If Aiyuk ends up staying put in San Fran after all, he'll remain a borderline WR1/2 fantasy option in a high-powered offense. While the 26-year-old star wideout would certainly see more opportunities as the Steelers' clear-cut alpha target in the event of a trade, Aiyuk would likely sacrifice efficiency in a run-first attack with uncertainty at quarterback.

From RotoBaller

Martavis Bryant Aug 13 1:13pm CT
Martavis Bryant

Dynasty | The Commanders have signed free agent Martavis Bryant. Dynasty Analysis: The Commanders are giving Marty B a shot after a long and winding journey back to the NFL. Bryant had a promising start to his NFL career but that was derailed quickly by a whole host of suspensions. Bryant will attempt to latch on as a depth piece and possible red zone threat but it's highly unlikely he carves out any real dynasty value. He should stay on waiver wires for the time being as we wait and see if he can crack the final roster.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Chase Claypool Aug 13 1:13pm CT
Chase Claypool

Dynasty | The Bills have placed wide receiver Chase Claypool on IR. Dynasty Analysis: The Bills haven't decided if they'll choose to keep him on IR for the year with a toe injury or designate him to return. It's also possible they simply cut ties with him since he's been unable to practice since arriving. It's an unfortunate turn of events for Claypool, who was again hoping to re-ignite his career. At this point, he's tough to have on a dynasty roster as his immediate future is cloudy.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Devin Singletary Aug 13 1:13pm CT
Devin Singletary

Dynasty | Giants running back Tyrone Tracy was carted off the field at practice with a non-contact leg injury. Dynasty Analysis: That's not good. Tracy was apparently hurt during a kickoff and was carted off the field with an air cast on his leg. This has the initial look of a season-ending injury but we'll withhold any true evaluation until we see the extent of the injury. Should it prove serious, the values of both Devin Singletary and Eric Gray will get a bit of a boost. Stay tuned.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Taysom Hill Aug 13 1:00pm CT
Taysom Hill

The expectation is that New Orleans Saints super utility man Taysom Hill could play up to five positions this year -- fullback, running back, quarterback, tight end and wide receiver. It doesn't mean he'll play all those positions, but the Saints are keeping their options open. They want to get him traditional tailback/fullback work and they know he can line up out wide as a pass-catcher. The Saints value the unpredictability his versatility lends, and an offensive scheme change shouldn't alter that much. The 33-year-old is tight end-eligible in most fantasy formats, which makes him especially interesting, but mostly for his rushing prowess when the Saints line him up in the backfield. 2024 will likely be more of the same: Hill's boom performances will be extremely hard to predict given the unpredictable nature of his usage, making him more of a TE2 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Nate Peterman Aug 13 12:51pm CT
Nate Peterman

The Las Vegas Raiders signed free-agent quarterback Nathan Peterman to an undisclosed deal on Tuesday. Peterman rejoins the Raiders after recently being cut in training camp by the New Orleans Saints. The 30-year-old former fifth-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2017 spent two years with the Raiders from 2020-21 and went 3-for-5 for 25 yards in just two games played in that span. He has gone 85-for-160 for 712 yards, four touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 15 games (five starts) in his six seasons in the NFL. In Vegas, he'll be competing for the No. 3 role with Anthony Brown Jr. as Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell battle for the starting gig under center to kick off the 2024 regular season in early September.

Alvin Kamara Aug 13 12:50pm CT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamar's contract impasse hasn't affected his preparation for the 2024 season, and the Saints believe he can regain his peak performance. Kamara is still looking for his first 1,000-yard rushing season. "He's really embraced the change in the offense," head coach Dennis Allen said. "Fits his running style." The 29-year-old has two years left on his current deal and includes $22.4 million in non-guaranteed salary in 2025, which is untenable for both sides. Kamara, who was a Pro Bowler in each of his first five seasons in the NFL, averaged a career-low 3.9 yards per carry in a stale Saints offense last year, but he made up for it in fantasy with 75 receptions for 466 yards in 13 games. There could be more efficiency in a new offense, but Kamara is also at the age when RBs typically start to show signs of decline. He's best targeted as an RB2 in PPR leagues.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Aug 13 12:40pm CT
Derek Carr

The New Orleans Saints' goal for offensive Klint Kubiak this year is to play faster and simplify things. A big concern, at least on paper, is an inexperienced offensive line. Offensive tackles Trevor Penning and Taliese Fuaga and left guard Nick Saldiveri have a combined six NFL starts. Quarterback Derek Carr will be asked to make fewer adjustments at the line of scrimmage in order to let him read the defense out and deliver the football accurately. "It's going to be a positive for him," head coach Dennis Allen said. "I'm hoping the ball gets out quicker. Our ability to run the football and play-action off of that is going to help us in terms of offensive line, from a protection standpoint." The 33-year-old played through injuries in 2023 in his first year in New Orleans and didn't show the type of upside he had with the Raiders. A bounce-back could be coming in this new offense, but fantasy managers should treat him as a low-upside, low-end QB2 until further notice.

From RotoBaller

Chase Young Aug 13 12:30pm CT
Chase Young

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that New Orleans Saints edge rusher Chase Young's (neck) enormous skill set has impressed the team in training camp after he signed a one-year, $13 million deal in free agency. Young has been kept on a pitch count coming off offseason neck surgery, but he'll soon be full-go. He was considered a top-10 edge rusher after his rookie year in 2020, but injury problems and a lack of focus in Washington set him back. "He's disruptive -- he's big, he's physical, he's fast, he's motivated," head coach Dennis Allen said. The former second overall pick in 2020 out of Ohio State matched his career-high of 7.5 sacks in 16 combined games with Washington and the San Francisco 49ers last year and could help the Saints' defensive line become a formidable pass-rushing unit in 2024 if he can stay on the field.

From RotoBaller

Trey Lance Aug 13 12:20pm CT
Trey Lance

Dallas Cowboys former first-round quarterback Trey Lance has displayed a mixed bag in training camp and so far in the preseason, and ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that he's currently in the QB3 developmental phase in Dallas. The Cowboys feel good about Cooper Rush as a QB2, and if they needed to try to win a game without Dak Prescott right now, Rush would be in there, not Lance. The 24-year-old went 25-for-41 for 188 yards in the preseason opener on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, adding 44 rushing yards on six carries. Rush made the start and played just one offensive series. Lance still has plenty of rushing ability and a strong arm, but there still accuracy issues. He's going to need to put forth some better performances in the preseason to make the Cowboys consider moving him up to QB2.

From RotoBaller

Trevon Diggs Aug 13 12:20pm CT
Trevon Diggs

The Dallas Cowboys have no reservations about cornerback Trevon Diggs (knee) being ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener. Diggs is tracking positively after his torn left ACL in September, and the Cowboys will work him into individual drills soon enough at training camp. The 25-year-old defensive back has already been activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list. Dallas is going to make sure not to put too much on Digg's plate too soon this summer, but barring a setback with his knee, he should be in the starting lineup on defense to kick off the regular season, which will be a huge boost to Dallas' high-end fantasy defense. The two-time Pro Bowler is one of the best ball hawks in the NFL when healthy, as evidenced by his 18 interceptions in 47 career games in his first four seasons.

From RotoBaller

J.J. McCarthy Aug 13 12:10pm CT
J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota Vikings rookie first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) missed training camp practice on Monday with knee soreness, and tests revealed a meniscus issue that will require surgery. As with most meniscus surgeries, there will be a determination made during the procedure to either trip or repair. A trim would mean out for only a few weeks, but a full repair would mean many months on the sidelines. Regardless of which outcome it is for the 21-year-old 12th overall pick in this year's draft, he will not be opening his rookie campaign as Minnesota's starting QB. Instead, that designation will fall to former first-rounder Sam Darnold, who opened training camp listed as the QB1 on the unofficial depth chart. The Vikings hope McCarthy is their future franchise signal-caller, but they were already slow-playing his development, and this injury will push back his timetable.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Aug 13 11:10am CT
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

New York Giants rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (leg) was carted off the practice field on Tuesday following a kickoff drill, team beat reporter Pat Leonard reported on X. Leonard wrote that the injury looked bad, and Tracy had an air cast put on his leg. This is an unfortunate development for the 2024 fifth-round pick, as he has been making waves in training camp thus far. There will surely be further updates on his status, but if he has to miss time, it could clear an easier path for Eric Gray to occupy the RB2 role behind veteran Devin Singletary. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for updates.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Aug 13 10:23am CT
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

ESPN reporter Jordan Raanan is reporting rookie RB Tyrone Tracy just went down untouched on a kickoff return. The cart is out and they are putting his leg in an air cast.