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FFL: Week 5 | NFL: Week 5

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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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 5

Player Notes
Jordan Love Oct 6 7:50pm CT
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love had a solid game as the Packers bested the Rams 24-19 in Week 5. On the road against a game Rams defense, Love was 15-of-26 passing for 224 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Both touchdowns went to tight end Tucker Kraft in the third quarter; the first being on a 66-yard catch and run and the second coming on a more conventional seven-yard catch on a developed screen pass. Love also added 10 yards rushing in the win. With the Arizona Cardinals coming to Lambeau Field in Week 6, Love should be considered a near-universal start in fantasy football with the Packers' offense having the potential for a ton of fantasy scoring.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Oct 6 7:50pm CT
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was fantastic in a 37-34 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. The rookie receiver finished with 122 yards on five receptions and an 85 yard touchdown reception. BTJ continues to show off his big-play ability, showing why he is such a high upside fantasy asset. Against the poor Colts secondary, BTJ was the primary receiving option for Trevor Lawrence, leading the team in targets with eight. While Christian Kirk has also been great the past few games, the rookie out of LSU has been the standout player for Jacksonville's offense. Just five games into his career, BTJ has shown he is capable of being the focal point of the offense. Despite being a first-round pick, he has somehow managed to exceed expectations so far. In Week 6, BTJ and the Jaguars face off with the Chicago Bears, who have a much better passing defense than the Colts.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Oct 6 7:40pm CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was solid, yet unspectacular in the Packers' 24-19 win over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5. Jacobs paced the team with 19 carries for 73 yards including a first-quarter rushing score from two yards out to kick off the scoring for the Packers. In addition to Jacobs' rushing prowess, he also added a 21-yard catch on his only target for a final total of 94 yards from scrimmage. Week 5's performance was Jacobs' best game of the season in terms of fantasy and now that he got his first touchdown of the season, Jacobs will head back home in Week 6 to host the Cardinals as a low-end RB1 for fantasy purposes.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Oct 6 7:40pm CT
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. struggled on the ground but produced well in the passing game in a 37-34 win against the Indianapolis Colts. Etienne Jr. finished with just 17 yards on six carries, but also added 43 yards on six receptions. In PPR leagues, fantasy managers were relatively happy with this performance, but beyond that, the Clemson product didn't have the best day fantasy-wise despite the team putting up 37 points. The 25-year-old back seems in danger of losing his starting job to backup Tank Bigsby, who put up 101 yards on 13 carries, giving him five more yards per carry. Etienne Jr.'s production in the passing game gives him a solid floor, but his ceiling just isn't there without much more volume. The Jaguars face the Chicago Bears in Week 6 in London, where Etienne Jr. will try to be more efficient on the ground for the sake of his starting job.

From RotoBaller

Tucker Kraft Oct 6 7:30pm CT
Tucker Kraft

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft was the star of the Packers' passing attack in Green Bay's 24-19 victory on the road against the Rams. Kraft caught both of Jordan Love's touchdown passes on the day for four receptions and 88 yards on five targets. 66 of those yards came from a long 66-yard touchdown in the beginning of the third quarter where he stiff-armed a defender on the sideline and then used a blocker to blow by the other en route to the score. Kraft scored his second touchdown later in the quarter on a seven-pass snag. Averaging 21.1 fantasy points in his last two games, Kraft is now a TE1 lock in your fantasy football lineups and the good times keep rolling as the Packers return home to host the Cardinals in a solid matchup.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Oct 6 7:20pm CT
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith logged his second consecutive 20-point fantasy outing in Week 5 against the New York Giants. Smith finished 28/40 for 284 yards and continued his trend of throwing one touchdown pass per game. Smith also recorded 72 rushing yards to boost his overall fantasy output. Smith has now scored at least 17.88 fantasy points in every game this season. He continues to be a solid streaming option and could end up being a regular starter given how poor many quarterbacks have played this season. Smith enters a Week 6 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers on the heels of four straight games with at least 284 passing yards. The game projects to be a potential high-scoring affair in which Smith should continue his trend of throwing around 300 yards. Hopefully Smith can finally break into a multiple touchdown game as well.

From RotoBaller

Devin Singletary Oct 6 7:10pm CT
Devin Singletary

The Seattle Seahawks defense/special teams scored a long fumble-recovery touchdown on a goal-line stand in the first quarter in Week 5. However, the unit was unable to stop the Giants the rest of the way and ended up allowing 29 points. To add insult to injury, the Seahawks had a chance to tie the game on a last-second field goal that was blocked and ultimately returned for a touchdown icing any chance for a comeback. The Seahawks D/ST allowed 420 yards which was the most they have allowed all season. Given that the Giants were without wide receiver Malik Nabers and running back Devin Singletary, it is not encouraging to see the Seahawks D/ST perform so poorly in this game. They will look to bounce back in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Oct 6 7:10pm CT
Deshaun Watson

According to Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, quarterback Deshaun Watson will remain the team's starter. The signal-caller has struggled this season, most recently throwing for 125 yards and one touchdown off 15-for-28 passing in the Week 5 loss to the Commanders. Jameis Winston took over near the end of the contest, leading many to believe he will take over under center moving ahead. However, that's not the case. With that in mind, the Browns offensive line has allowed 26 sacks this season, more than any team in the league. But no matter what the cause of Watson's struggles is, he isn't an ideal fantasy option for Week 6 against the Eagles.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Oct 6 7:10pm CT
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence had a great fantasy outing in a 37-34 win against the Indianapolis Colts. Lawrence finished with 371 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and an interception. The former top pick had by far his best fantasy outing of the season, with his previous high in passing yards coming in Week 2 with 220 yards. Lawrence led a balanced Jaguars offensive attack, taking advantage of the poor Colts defense. He was able to spread the ball around to nine different receivers on his 28 completions. He also had some big plays in the passing game, including an 85 yard touchdown to Brian Thomas Jr. and a 61 yard passing play to Christian Kirk. Lawrence and the Jaguars offense will look to continue this upward trajectory in Week 6 against the Chicago Bears, who have been one of the top defenses in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks so far this season.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Oct 6 7:00pm CT
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf fumbled again in Week 5. Metcalf's total statistical output was modest by his standards. After surpassing 100 receiving yards in three straight games, Metcalf finished with four catches for 55 yards and no touchdowns. The Seahawks offense as a whole was held in check by a scrappy Giants defense. If it weren't for the fumble, Metcalf would have had a semi-productive outing. However, he ended up falling well short of his WR1 expectations. Fantasy managers should be unconcerned with Metcalf's performance. While it is disappointing that he has fumbled in two straight games, it is unlikely to be a regular occurrence. Metcalf will look to bounce back in Week 6 in a huge divisional game against the San Francisco 49ers.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Oct 6 7:00pm CT
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba scored his first touchdown of the season on Sunday. He found himself wide open in the back of the end zone for an important score that put the Seahawks within striking distance of the New York Giants. However, if it weren't for the score, Smith-Njigba likely would have had another disappointing fantasy outing. He only finished with four receptions for 31 yards and the touchdown. Smith-Njigba continues to be a perplexing player in fantasy. He has not been consistent by any means. Still, he has scored double-digit fantasy points in three of five games. When Smith-Njigba earns at least six targets he has been a usable fantasy asset. Fantasy managers can only hope that Smith-Njigba's volume becomes consistent as the season wears on.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Oct 6 7:00pm CT
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett has become a consistent flex option this season. He has not risen to the ranks of WR2, but he has scored at least 9.6 fantasy points in four of five games this season. Lockett has been an important safety valve for quarterback Geno Smith in 2024. He has earned at least six targets in every game but one in 2024. Lockett has yet to find the end zone this season, but his consistent target, reception, and yardage floor have made him a solid asset for fantasy football. As bye weeks continue to arrive and injuries mount around the league, Lockett will be a solid fill-in for players you may have missing from your lineup.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Oct 6 7:00pm CT
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III is not known for his receiving prowess. However, he ended up leading the Seahawks in targets with eight in Week 5. Walker would finish the game with seven receptions for 57 yards on top of a lackluster rushing line of five carries for 19 yards. Walker was set up to succeed in this game, but the Seahawks offense was largely ineffective. The Seahawks puzzlingly abandoned the run as well. They only had 11 total rushing attempts. This should only be a bump in the road for Walker. However, it does signal that he could be prone to poor games if the Seahawks find themselves in negative game scripts. Still, it was encouraging to see the receiving work that Walker received in this game. Backup running back Zach Charbonnet is generally the receiving running back. Walker has a chance to bounce back on the ground in Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

Jason Myers Oct 6 7:00pm CT
Jason Myers

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers had a game-tying kick blocked and returned for a touchdown in Week 5 against the New York Giants. Despite the "missed" kick, Myers still ended up with nine fantasy points for another respectful outing as a kicker. Myers has only missed two field goals on the season, and one could say that neither was his fault. The first miss was a 62-yard career-long attempt at the end of the first half in Week 4. Myers should continue his excellent season in both fantasy and real-life production against a reeling San Francisco 49ers team in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Joe Flacco Oct 6 6:55pm CT
Joe Flacco

Dynasty | Colts quarterback Joe Flacco completed 33-of-44 passes for 359 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a loss to the Jaguars. Dynasty Analysis: It was just another day at the office for Flacco, who has made a habit of coming out of the bullpen and putting up huge games. Flacco made Deshaun Watson look pretty bad last year and his performance today didn't exactly make Anthony Richardson's early season struggles look any better. Still, it was against the Jaguars and they aren't exactly employing the Legion of Boom. Flacco will be under consideration to play again as long as Richardson sits out.

Alec Pierce Oct 6 6:55pm CT
Alec Pierce

Dynasty | Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce had three catches for 134 yards and a touchdown in a loss against the Jaguars. Dynasty Analysis: Pierce could have easily had two scores, but was ruled down inside the five yard line on a deep catch from Joe Flacco. Pierce has turned into a bit of a one-trick pony with the deep ball being his most effective weapon, but he certainly made the most of it today. With Joe Flacco at the helm, Pierce looks to have more fantasy appeal. We'll see what happens moving forward but Pierce looks like he's at least solidified his spot on dynasty rosters this season.

Josh Downs Oct 6 6:54pm CT
Josh Downs

Dynasty | Colts wide receiver Josh Downs had nine catches for 69 receiving yards in a loss against Jacksonville. Dynasty Analysis: Downs was solid again this week and had 12 total targets to lead the Colts. While Michael Pittman is the clear WR1 in the offense, Downs has started to finally fulfill his potential. With Joe Flacco at the helm, it seems all the Colts pass catchers simply have more value. We'll see what happens with this group when Anthony Richardson comes back but this is very positive for Downs after being very up and down throughout his career.

Jayden Daniels Oct 6 6:54pm CT
Jayden Daniels

Dynasty | Commanders rookie Jayden Daniels completed 14-of-25 passes for 238 yards with one touchdown and one interception, while adding 82 rushing yards in a blowout win against Cleveland. Dynasty Analysis: Daniels is the real deal and may be the closest thing we've seen to Lamar Jackson since, well, Lamar Jackson. While this wasn't his best game, it may also represent a fantasy floor that's insanely high on a weekly basis. Daniels makes every routine play but also has a flair for the dramatic and looks like a true long-term QB1. If you took the plunge on Daniels this off-season, congratulations.

D.J. Moore Oct 6 6:53pm CT
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears WR DJ Moore ended up with five receptions for a game-high 105 yards and two touchdowns on eight targets in Week 5 against the Carolina Panthers, his former team.

Fantasy Spin: Ouch. The Panthers traded Moore and several draft picks, including the 2024 No. 1 overall for QB Caleb Williams, and that combination was lethal against Carolina. After going without a score in the first three games, Moore has three touchdowns in the past two games. He is back as a solid WR3 or flex fantasy option in leagues of 12 or more teams in Week 6 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

From TheHuddle

James Cook Oct 6 6:40pm CT
James Cook

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook rushed the football 20 times for 82 yards and a touchdown in the team's last-second loss to the Houston Texans. The Bills leaned on Cook as the passing offense struggled. Josh Allen completed just nine of his 30 passes. Cook's five-yard touchdown plunge midway through the third quarter was the Bills' first touchdown of the game. Cook added two receptions for 17 yards, finishing just one yard short of 100 total yards. The 25-year-old has established himself as one of Buffalo's most important players on the offensive side of the ball and will be an RB1 when the Bills face the Jets in Week 6.

From RotoBaller