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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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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 6

Player Notes
Aidan O'Connell Oct 9 2:00pm CT
Aidan O'Connell

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell will start against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6, according to ESPN's Paul Gutierrez. Veteran Gardner Minshew has struggled as the team's starter, passing for 1,014 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions in five games. The Raiders are out to a 2-3 start and are rumored to be looking to trade All-Pro wideout Davante Adams (hamstring), so things are turning south in the Sin City quickly. O'Connell is now a must-add option in two-QB or Superflex leagues, but it would be surprising if he performs well enough to become a viable starter in single-QB formats. Without Adams, the Las Vegas skill group featuring Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker, and Brock Bowers is decent, but it's a bottom-half supporting cast in the NFL. O'Connell played in 11 games last year and posted 2,218 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

From RotoBaller

Rhamondre Stevenson Oct 9 1:50pm CT
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (calf) did not practice on Wednesday due to a calf injury, according to Patriots beat reporter Taylor Kyles. The 26-year-old didn't appear to be injured following the Week 5 loss to the Miami Dolphins, but nonetheless, his status is now worth monitoring. Last week, head coach Jerod Mayo said the team would start Antonio Gibson at running back following Stevenson's four fumbles in four games, but Stevenson still led the team in touches and rushed 12 times for 89 yards and a touchdown. He should continue to be viewed as the RB1 in New England, but if he can't play on Sunday, Gibson will become an attractive RB2 option. New England faces a Houston Texans' defense that has allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs this season, but the former Washington Commanders' ball carrier could see 20-plus touches and be leaned on in rookie quarterback Drake Maye's first start. If Stevenson plays, he's a solid RB2 option.

From RotoBaller

Chris Moore Oct 9 1:40pm CT
Chris Moore

The Arizona Cardinals released wide receiver Chris Moore on Wednesday, according to NFL.com. This move comes after veteran wideout Zay Jones was reinstated from his five-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. Moore entered the NFL in 2016 with the Baltimore Ravens and has played in games for the Ravens, Houston Texans, and Tennessee Titans. He did not earn a target or catch a pass for the Cardinals this season. Overall, the 31-year-old has caught 138 passes for 1,710 yards, and eight touchdowns in 106 career games. Another franchise might be interested in signing him, but it would be a surprise if he ends up on the fantasy football radar this season.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Oct 9 1:30pm CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) is expected to practice on Wednesday after suffering a knee injury in the Week 5 loss to the Washington Commanders. The former first-round pick out of Miami worked his way back from a high-ankle sprain to return to the Cleveland lineup but exited Sunday's contest early. However, the Browns just released reserve tight end Blake Whiteheart, an indication that Njoku might be ready to play in Week 6 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Whether Njoku plays in Week 6 or not, he's likely to be somewhat limited by his two lower-body injuries, and the Eagles have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends this season. He still might be worth starting given the scarcity of the tight end position, but his floor and ceiling are low in Deshaun Watson's putrid passing offense.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Legette Oct 9 1:30pm CT
Xavier Legette

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (shoulder) exited the Week 5 game against the Chicago Bears with a shoulder injury, but he is practicing on Wednesday to begin Week 6 preparation. The rookie first-round pick out of South Carolina had the best performance of his career in Week 4, catching six of his 10 targets for 66 yards and a touchdown. Carolina's offense looked strong under quarterback Andy Dalton against the Raiders and Bengals before being held to just 10 points in the blowout loss to Chicago. If Legette can suit up on Sunday, he'll face an Atlanta Falcons defense that has surrendered the 12th-most fantasy points per game to wideouts. With Adam Thielen (hamstring) on the Injured Reserve list, Legette is a fine flex option, but he has a WR4/WR5 outlook.

From RotoBaller

D'Onta Foreman Oct 9 1:20pm CT
D'Onta Foreman

Cleveland Browns running back D'Onta Foreman (ankle) is not practicing on Wednesday due to an ankle injury. The veteran rushed for a season-high 44 yards and caught one pass for 16 yards in the Week 5 loss to the Washington Commanders. He evidently got dinged up. While Foreman is not high on the fantasy football radar, his injury status is notable because Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb (knee) has a chance to return in Week 6 against the Philadelphia Eagles for the first time since his brutal knee injury a season ago. Whenever Chubb returns, Foreman could be phased out of the offense, but he might keep a small role while Chubb ramps up to a significant workload. Either way, the Browns' offense and offensive line have struggled mightily to begin the season, so Foreman offers very little upside.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Oct 9 1:10pm CT
Nick Chubb

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (knee) returned to practice last week for the first time since suffering a serious knee injury in last year's Week 2 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The four-time Pro Bowler missed all of training camp and began the regular season on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list. He was eligible to return in Week 5, but he did not. On the prospect of activating Chubb to the active roster to face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6, head coach Kevin Stefanski was non-committal, but he did not rule it out. "Anything is possible," Stefanski said. "But I don't want to get too far beyond today." This is clearly a situation worth monitoring, as it sounds like there is at least an outside chance Chubb could suit up on Sunday. Even if Chubb makes his 2024 debut in Week 6, expectations should be tempered. The team will likely ease him into action and split backfield work between Chubb, Jerome Ford, and D'Onta Foreman (ankle), so unless you're in a tough spot at running back, he can be left on the bench until we see what he looks like.

From RotoBaller

Joe Mixon Oct 9 1:00pm CT
Joe Mixon

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) is not practicing to begin the week on Wednesday. On Monday, head coach DeMeco Ryans said the team still does not know exactly when Mixon will be able to return after he sprained his ankle in the Week 2 win over the Chicago Bears. And now that Mixon has picked up another DNP to begin the week, his status for the Week 6 game against the New England Patriots is firmly up in the air. The good news is the 28-year-old has made some progress, but he still needs to get back on the practice field to have any shot at playing this Sunday. Dameon Pierce (hamstring) hasn't played since the season opener, leaving Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale as Houston's primary backfield options each of the last three weeks. Fantasy managers won't have a clearer picture on the Texans' backfield until later this week.

From RotoBaller

James Cook Oct 9 12:50pm CT
James Cook

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that running back James Cook (foot, toe) will not take part in practice on Wednesday after getting injured in the Week 5 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday. The good news for Cook's fantasy managers is that while he is certainly banged up, he's considered day-to-day. Still, the 25-year-old's status is now up in the air for Week 6's Monday night showdown with the division-rival New York Jets, and if Cooks ends up being questionable to play in that contest, it will make for some tough fantasy decisions this week. Those in need of a RB or that have Cook rostered may want to consider picking up rookie Ray Davis if he's available on the waiver wire. In addition to Davis, Ty Johnson would see a larger role in Buffalo's backfield if Cook's injuries keep him out in Week 6. Check back for status updates on Cook throughout the week.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Shakir Oct 9 12:50pm CT
Khalil Shakir

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that wide receivers Khalil Shakir (ankle) and Curtis Samuel (foot, toe) will not practice on Wednesday. Samuel's injuries were suffered in the Week 5 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday, while Shakir was inactive for that game after being hurt the week prior. Shakir is the bigger name to follow for fantasy purposes. The 24-year-old didn't practice at all last week before being inactive, and another DNP to kick off the week isn't a great sign for his availability in Week 6, especially with a matchup against the division-rival New York Jets upcoming on Monday night. Buffalo's offense struggled without quarterback Josh Allen's top target available. Allen spread the ball around to rookie Keon Coleman, Mack Hollins, Samuel and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Shakir's fantasy outlook remains very cloud this week, and if he does end up playing, he's eyeing a tough matchup against Jets corner Sauce Gardner.

From RotoBaller

Devin Singletary Oct 9 12:40pm CT
Devin Singletary

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll said that running back Devin Singletary (groin) is trending in the right direction, and he will practice on Wednesday, likely in a limited capacity. Singletary suffered a groin injury in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys and then was inactive for last week's win over the Seattle Seahawks. With Singletary sidelined in Week 5, rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. filled in and turned some heads with 18 carries for 129 rushing yards in the surprising upset in Seattle. Tracy's performance likely earned him some more run in the G-Men's backfield, even when Singletary is able to return, which could come this Sunday night against the visiting Cincinnati Bengals. In his first year in the Big Apple, Singletary has averaged a career-low 3.9 yards per carry while going for 221 yards and two rushing TDs on 56 attempts. He'll be in play as an RB3/flex if he plays in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Kayvon Thibodeaux Oct 9 12:40pm CT
Kayvon Thibodeaux

New York Giants standout pass-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux (wrist) suffered a fractured scaphoid bone in his wrist in the Week 5 win over the Seattle Seahawks and had surgery on Wednesday, according to a source. Head coach Brian Daboll described Thibodeaux as "week-to-week." After having surgery, it seems unlikely that Thibodeaux will be able to suit up for Sunday night's game against the visiting Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6. The 23-year-old has been making a big impact for New York's defense so far in 2024, so any time missed will surely be a downgrade for their unit, especially against a Bengals offense that finally appears to be clicking after getting off to a slow start this year. Thibodeaux, the fifth overall pick in 2022 out of Oregon, has 12 tackles (eight solo), two sacks, three tackles for loss and seven QB hits so far through five games.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Oct 9 12:30pm CT
Malik Nabers

New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (concussion) is "doing better," according to head coach Brian Daboll. Nabers will be working on the side with trainers at practice on Wednesday and is considered day-to-day. The impressive 21-year-old pass-catcher from LSU suffered a concussion in the Thursday night loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night in Week 4 and sat out of the Week 5 win over the Seattle Seahawks. It sounds like he's making progress with his head injury, but he still has boxes to check in the league's concussion protocol and isn't a lock to play yet in Week 6 against the Cincinnati Bengals. If Nabers is questionable to play, it will make for some tough decisions in fantasy with New York's game being on Sunday night this week. Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton will have higher fantasy ceilings as flex options again this weekend if Nabers misses his second straight game.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Oct 9 12:20pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) would practice on Wednesday. Richardson injured his oblique in the Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers but then was inactive for last week's loss to the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. However, the 22-year-old second-year signal-caller was limited all of last week in practice, so if he takes a step forward this week, he'll have a legitimate chance to return to action in Week 6 versus the division-rival Tennessee Titans. Steichen said earlier this week that Richardson will reclaim his gig as the team's starting QB once he gets past his oblique injury, sending veteran Joe Flacco back to the bench. If Richardson gets more done in practice this week and returns on Sunday against the Titans, he'll be on the QB1/2 borderline for fantasy managers after a rough start in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Taylor Oct 9 12:10pm CT
Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) will not practice on Wednesday after he missed the Week 5 loss to the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars with a minor high-ankle sprain. Although Taylor's ankle sprain isn't considered too serious, he's no lock to play in Week 6 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans this Sunday, and a DNP to begin the week isn't a great sign. If the 25-year-old doesn't make much progress in practice this week and is unable to play this weekend, Trey Sermon will once again serve as Indy's lead back, with Tyler Goodson backing him up. In the loss to Jacksonville on Sunday, Sermon played 59% of the offensive snaps and had 10 carries for 38 yards and his second touchdown of the year, adding six catches on six targets for an additional 25 yards. At worst, Sermon will be a plug-and-play RB3/flex option again for fantasy managers if Taylor misses another game.

From RotoBaller

Jabrill Peppers Oct 9 11:53am CT
Jabrill Peppers

New England Patriots S Jabrill Peppers was placed on the commissioner's exempt list on Wednesday, Oct. 9.

From TheHuddle

Trevor Siemian Oct 9 11:53am CT
Trevor Siemian

Free-agent QB Trevor Siemian (Jets) was signed to the Tennessee Titans' practice squad on Wednesday, Oct. 9. Also, OT Leroy Watson was promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.

From TheHuddle

Foyesade Oluokun Oct 9 11:43am CT
Foyesade Oluokun

Jacksonville Jaguars LB Foyesade Oluokun (foot) is expected back in Week 7 or 8, head coach Doug Pederson said on Wednesday, Oct. 9.

From TheHuddle

Deshaun Watson Oct 9 11:23am CT
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson being benched isn't under consideration right now, head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Wednesday, Oct. 9.

Fantasy Spin: Watson has been the definition of a dumpster fire and the Browns insist on continuing to try and justify his contract when everyone can clearly see it's a disaster. That's apparently more important to Cleveland than actually having a chance to win. Watson remains an afterthought for fantasy purposes and his existence destroys any value Browns pass-catchers could've had.

From TheHuddle

Chris Moore Oct 9 11:13am CT
Chris Moore

Arizona Cardinals WR Chris Moore is being released, per source on Wednesday, Oct. 9.

From TheHuddle