Guest of the League
Dyno League Football Est. 2023
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

Tight End Preview

Player Notes
Breece Hall Jul 24 1:00pm CT
Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall (lower body), who was dealing with an undisclosed lower-body issue during offseason workouts, took part in 11-on-11 drills during training camp practice on Wednesday. It's a great sign for Hall after he was held out as a precaution during OTAs and minicamp earlier this offseason. The 23-year-old former second-round pick (36th overall) in 2022 out of Iowa State tore his ACL in his first year in the NFL but nearly rushed for 1,000 yards on 223 rushing attempts in his sophomore season, adding nine total touchdowns in 17 games (16 starts). With quarterback Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) returning and with an improved offensive line in front of him, the sky is the limit for Hall in 2024 as a high-end RB1 as long as he avoids any serious injuries.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Graham Jul 24 12:40pm CT
Brandon Graham

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham made it clear at training camp on Wednesday that the 2024 season will be his last year in the league. Graham signed a one-year deal in the offseason with the Eagles for what will be his 15th and final season in the NFL. The 36-year-old veteran was the 13th overall pick by Philly way back in 2010 out of Michigan. He will end up playing all 15 years of his NFL career with the Eagles, which is extremely rare these days. Graham made his only Pro Bowl in 2020 and will enter his 15th season with a total of 467 tackles (344 solo), 73 sacks, 120 tackles for loss, 146 QB hits, 21 forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries (one returned for a TD) in 195 regular-season games (105 starts). He had his first double-digit-sack season in 2022 but was only able to pick up three sacks in 17 games a year ago.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Jul 24 12:40pm CT
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (illness) is back on the practice field at training camp on Wednesday. Jackson came down with a pretty serious illness over the weekend and missed a few days of practice, but he's back with the team now and will likely be eased into workouts early in camp. While the 27-year-old two-time MVP was out, veteran Josh Johnson worked with Baltimore's first-team offense. Jackson made the Pro Bowl for the third time in his career in 2023, when he threw for a career-high 3,678 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 16 regular-season games, adding 821 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 148 rushing attempts. Staying healthy is the key for Jackson. Although new running back Derrick Henry could vulture plenty of goal-line touchdowns from Jackson in 2024, he should be a lock to be a top-five fantasy QB if he stays on the field.

From RotoBaller

Jameson Williams Jul 24 12:30pm CT
Jameson Williams

The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner writes that Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams looks like a completely different player from a year ago early in training camp. Williams looks stronger through the middle and more explosive with better body control in the air and near the sidelines. Head coach Dan Campbell already said earlier this offseason that the 23-year-old former first-rounder looks like "a man on a mission" in 2024. The former 12th overall pick was recovering from a torn ACL heading into his rookie season and missed time due to a suspension in 2023, so he's been a first-round bust to this point. Williams' big-play ability is undeniable, though, and he has a chance to solidify the WR2 role in Detroit this year behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, which would make him an interesting WR4/flex play in standard-scoring fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Jul 24 12:20pm CT
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs rookie first-round wide receiver Xavier Worthy (illness) is out of training camp practice for the third straight day on Wednesday. Worthy is under the weather and should be back with the Chiefs sooner than later, but any additional time the 21-year-old misses could hurt his chances of starting his first NFL season off strong, especially since he missed a lot of the offseason program due to a hamstring injury. The 28th overall pick in April's NFL draft has a real opportunity to become fantasy relevant in 2024, especially if fellow wideout Rashee Rice opens the year serving a suspension. Speed is Worthy's biggest asset, and if he can stay healthy, he'll be worth at least a late-round flier for wideout depth in fantasy drafts this fall in KC's offense.

From RotoBaller

Justin Watson Jul 24 12:20pm CT
Justin Watson

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justin Watson (foot) left training camp practice early on Wednesday with a foot injury, according to multiple reporters on the scene. The 28-year-old wideout is entering his third year with the Chiefs. He finished third on the team in 2023 with 460 yards on 27 receptions while scoring three touchdowns, and he should once again be a key offensive piece for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, especially with second-year pass-catcher Rashee Rice facing a potential lengthy suspension. With rookie first-round wideout Xavier Worthy (illness) missing his third straight practice on Wednesday, the Chiefs are a little short-handed at the position early in camp. While Watson has been reliable when on the field for KC, he can be left to the waiver wire to begin the year in most fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Jul 24 12:10pm CT
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel acknowledged that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's participation level at training camp will be "very fluid," and he's unlikely to fully participate in all practices as contract discussions between the two sides continue. The Dolphins and Tagovailoa have been in talks on a long-term contract extension worth north of $50 million per season. The 26-year-old former first-rounder out of Alabama was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2023 in his fourth year in the NFL, when he threw for a league-high 4,624 yards while tossing a career-high 29 touchdown passes and 14 interceptions in 17 regular-season starts. Tagovailoa deserves a raise after last year's performance, but in terms of fantasy, despite leading the league in passing yards, he barely finished as a top-10 QB. He's extremely accurate and has one of the best one-two punches in the league at receiver, but his lack of rushing prowess makes him merely a low-end QB1/high-end QB2.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Jul 24 12:10pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard told reporters on Wednesday that second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder) will be a full-go in training camp this summer. "I'm not expecting any limitations right now," Ballard said. This was the expectation all along after Richardson needed season-ending right-shoulder surgery just four games into his first NFL season in 2023. As long as the 22-year-old former first-rounder doesn't have a setback with his shoulder this summer and in the preseason, he'll enter the 2024 regular season as Indy's unquestioned starter under center with an extremely high fantasy ceiling, mainly because of his elite rushing abilities with the football in his hands. Even though he only has four games of experience in the NFL, Richardson is going to be expensive in fantasy drafts once the top tier of names at the position come off the board.

From RotoBaller

Michael Pittman Jr. Jul 24 9:20am CT
Michael Pittman Jr.

After a slow start to his NFL career as a rookie, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. has been productive, especially considering his quarterback situation. The USC product has averaged 98.7 receptions, 1,053 receiving yards, and 4.7 touchdowns over the last three seasons despite playing with six quarterbacks over that stretch. Heading into Year 5, Pittman Jr. is looking to enter the next tier at the position. "I need to get to that next level and reach that next tier, Pittman said. "And I think that starts with probably more touchdowns." Having a healthy Anthony Richardson all season could help, but a healthy Richardson and Jonathan Taylor could mean the team will be among the most run-heavy offenses in the NFL. Additionally, Pittman is likely to face the strongest target competition of his career alongside wideouts Josh Downs, Adonai Mitchell, and Alec Pierce. The 26-year-old should remain the clear No. 1 option for the Colts, but he'll need to be extra efficient and strong in the red zone to post WR1 numbers in 2024 fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Jul 24 9:00am CT
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins was franchise-tagged this offseason, and he requested a trade early in the process ahead of free agency. He ultimately decided to sign the franchise tag and stay put in 2024, but he knows this could be his last season with Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and the organization. "This could be the last ride for me and the guys," Higgins said. "You never know. Instead of holding out and waiting and just watching from afar, I'd rather be in the mix with the guys and grind it out with them. That's how I've always been." The former second-round pick out of Clemson has been productive since entering the league in 2020, but he has battled injuries often and struggled to deliver a truly elite season while sharing targets with Chase. While his ceiling is likely capped in the WR2 range, a healthy Burrow could make him a draft steal at his ADP around the WR30 spot heading into his fifth NFL season. If he enters free agency next year, expect him to be highly sought after given the booming wide receiver market in today's NFL.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Jul 24 8:40am CT
Daniel Jones

According to New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen, quarterback Daniel Jones (knee) has been cleared for contact ahead of training camp. The former No. 6 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft will participate in 11-on-11 drills this week, something he did not do in the spring. "He will play every snap the (first-team offense) is in," Daboll said. Jones suffered a torn ACL in early November of last year, so he's made a quick recovery and looks to be well on track to start in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. Although Jones has been a below-average signal-caller for most of his career, he could be a value in Superflex drafts assuming his rushing upside is not completely zapped following the major injury. If Malik Nabers lives up to the hype and one of Wan'Dale Robinson or Jalin Hyatt can step up alongside the rookie and Darius Slayton, New York could surpass offensive expectations in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Randy Gregory Jul 24 8:40am CT
Randy Gregory

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers placed edge defender Randy Gregory on the reserve/did not report list after he did not report to training camp this week. The veteran signed with Tampa Bay this offseason after spending time with the Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers in 2023, but there is now uncertainty surrounding him. Overall, the 2015 second-round pick has accumulated 106 tackles (78 solo), 22 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one interception, three pass deflections, and 11.5 run stuffs in 60 career games with the 49ers, Broncos, and Cowboys. He's been somewhat productive, but he has been difficult to count on throughout his career.

From RotoBaller

Jerod Mayo Jul 24 8:30am CT
Jerod Mayo

New England Patriots edge rusher Matthew Judon is expected to participate in training camp that starts on Wednesday as he remains in contract talks with the organization. The 31-year-old is reportedly close to reaching a new deal with the Patriots, and it's a good sign to see he will not hold out or "hold in." The four-time Pro Bowler played in just four games last season before suffering a torn bicep, but he delivered four sacks in limited action. Overall, Judon has racked up 66.5 sacks in 114 career games, including 32 sacks in 38 games with New England. With the Patriots headed toward a full rebuild under new head coach Jerod Mayo, Judon's presence in the locker room as a leader could be significant.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Jul 24 8:20am CT
Tyreek Hill

Last season, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill looked to be on pace to be the first player in NFL history to post 2,000 receiving yards in a single season. However, his Week 14 injury against the Tennessee Titans limited him in that game and caused him to miss the Week 15 contest against the New York Jets. He ultimately finished the campaign with 1,799 yards. He was vocal about wanting to reach the 2,000-yard mark in 2023, but heading into 2024, he said chasing that individual goal would be "selfish." "That'd be great. Grand scenario, that'd be great," Hill said of reaching 2,000 this season. "But I feel like at the same time I have to understand that the position that I'm in and me being one of the leaders and just singling out an individual goal like that -- because I had time to go look at it and talk about it with my family; and that's very selfish of me." With Hill potentially entering the last few seasons of his career, a second Super Bowl is likely at the top of his goal list. All that said, the eight-time Pro Bowler should remain one of the most productive pass-catchers in the NFL and a high-end WR1 in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Allen Jul 24 8:20am CT
Jonathan Allen

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton (foot) passed his physical this week and is being activated from the non-football injury list. The No. 36 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft underwent surgery in May to fix a Jones Fracture in his left foot, just four months after undergoing the same surgery on his right foot. The Illinois alum could be brought along slowly in his rookie season, especially since Washington has Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen operating in the interior of Dan Quinn's defense.

From RotoBaller

Jakobi Meyers Jul 24 12:13am CT
Jakobi Meyers

Dynasty | Raiders wide receiver Michael Gallup has retired. Dynasty Analysis: Wait. What!?! Gallup signed a one-year deal with the Raiders and was expected to be a key player but dropped this bomb the day before the Raiders' first training camp practice. Gallup had his ups and downs with Dallas but the move to Las Vegas looked like one that could rejuvenate his career. He's still just 28 and could change his mind but at this point, it looks like he's out and the values of players like Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker may have just gone up in the process. You can give it a day or two but it seems Gallup can be dropped in dynasty leagues.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

CeeDee Lamb Jul 24 12:13am CT
CeeDee Lamb

Dynasty | Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb won't report to minicamp. Dynasty Analysis: As expected. Lamb is in search of a contract that will make him one of the highest paid wide receivers in the league and has dug in his heels. Dallas is stuck at this point as they're going to have to find a way to get him an extension without sacrificing their future too much. Such is life in the NFL after rookie contracts expire. Lamb is in line to be the top receiver in fantasy this next season and he's fully expected to be in uniform on opening day one way or another.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Brandon Aiyuk Jul 24 12:13am CT
Brandon Aiyuk

Dynasty | 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk will report to minicamp. Dynasty Analysis: It seems Aiyuk not only wants more money but values what he has as well. Not reporting to camp would have resulted in fines and Aiyuk isn't interested in paying them. The situation is still in flux and something is going to need to give. However, it looks like Aiyuk will be a distraction in person rather than on social media for the time being. He remains a hold in dynasty leagues.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Drake Maye Jul 23 11:10pm CT
Drake Maye

New England Patriots veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett is the team's unquestioned QB1 entering training camp this summer, but the Patriots are rolling with an open competition at the position, which will begin on Wednesday morning. Asked if he could envision third overall pick Drake Maye winning the job under center before Week 1 comes, head coach Jerod Mayo said it's "absolutely" a possibility. But right now, Brissett is easily the most "pro-ready" QB on New England's roster. Maye has high-end upside in the long-term, but he's seen as more of a project and could certainly benefit from sitting and learning behind Brissett for a while. Mayo said there's no plan to give the 21-year-old a redshirt season in 2024. We wouldn't be surprised if the North Carolina alum is starting by the end of the year, but Maye is a much better dynasty/keeper target this year than a redraft one in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Jul 23 11:00pm CT
Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers expressed uncertainty on his player future beyond the 2024 season while on Pardon My Take on Tuesday. When asked how many more years he will play in the NFL, Rodgers said, "I don't know. This one, for sure. I'd like to do -- I wanted to do two good ones and give us a chance to retire a Jet. Win two Super Bowls." The 40-year-old's willingness to play beyond the 2024 season will likely come down to how this season goes and how well he plays while coming off a torn left Achilles in Week 1 of 2023. The odds of Rodgers having another MVP-like season at this point in his career are unlikely, but if anything can do it, it would be him. He'll have plenty of weapons around him on offense as he attempts a successful return from a serious injury, but fantasy managers need to temper their expectations and treat him as more of a low-end QB2.

From RotoBaller