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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
DeMarvin Leal Oct 7 1:50pm CT
DeMarvin Leal

The Pittsburgh Steelers allowed 20 points while logging two sacks, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, and a blocked field goal in a Week 5 Loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Led by T.J. Watt, the Steelers' defense was on fire to begin the contest, forcing two turnovers and holding Dallas to just six points in the first half. Pittsburgh managed some big plays late, such as an interception by cornerback Joey Porter Jr. that eventually led to a go-ahead touchdown, but the defense struggled to put pressure on quarterback Dak Prescott in the second half. Edge rushers Nick Herbig (hamstring) and DeMarvin Leal (neck) were both injured in the contest, leaving Pittsburgh depleted at outside linebacker with Alex Highsmith (groin) inactive. The Steelers DST will hope to get healthy in a spot to bounce back against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Oct 7 1:40pm CT
Devon Achane

According to Adam Beasley of Pro Football Network, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters Monday that running back De'Von Achane (concussion) is in the NFL's concussion protocol. The 22-year-old exited Sunday's contest against the New England Patriots early after taking an end around and colliding head-on with a Pats' defender. Achane had racked up 18 yards on his three carries before his exit and seemed to be in store for a big game. In his stead, running backs Raheem Mostert and rookie Jaylen Wright handled the majority of the backfield touches, with the veteran amassing six more carries but six fewer yards than the latter. That duo would likely lead the backfield again if Achane missed time. Fortunately, Miami is heading into their Week 6 bye, which will afford the second-year back an extended recovery period. He is probably able to clear protocol ahead of an enticing Week 7 road matchup against a sieve-like Indianapolis Colts defense, but this will be a situation for fantasy managers to monitor.

From RotoBaller

Chris Boswell Oct 7 1:20pm CT
Chris Boswell

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell connected on his lone field goal attempt and was successful on both of his extra-point tries in a 20-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Boswell drilled a 41-yarder on Pittsburgh's first possession of the game but was not called upon again until the third quarter when the team finally found the end zone. Although he continues to kick extremely accurately to begin the season, the Steelers' offensive woes give some cause for concern moving forward. Boswell should be able to bounce back next week against the Las Vegas Raiders, who are surrendering over 26 points per contest.

From RotoBaller

Pat Freiermuth Oct 7 1:10pm CT
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth came down with all three of his targets for 22 yards and a score in a Week 5 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Freiermuth was quiet for much of the contest but was called upon when it mattered most. The 25-year-old was on the receiving end of a six-yard shovel-pass-touchdown from quarterback Justin Fields that put the Steelers up 17-13 with less than five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, Freiermuth was credited with a lost fumble on the last play of the game, on which he lateralled the ball in a desperate attempt to score as time expired. Freiermuth has had a sizeable role in the offense all season and has proven to be a threat near the goal line over the past two weeks. He'll continue to project as a low-end TE1 heading into a Week 6 bout with the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Oct 7 1:00pm CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) played 25 offensive snaps in the Week 5 loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday in his first game since suffering a high-ankle sprain in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. However, Njoku suffered a knee injury against Washington, and head coach Kevin Stefanski said he will get an MRI exam on Monday to determine the extent of his new injury. The 28-year-old had just one reception for 14 yards on three targets in his return, while Jordan Akins caught all three of his targets for 22 yards and his first touchdown of the year. Njoku's status for a Week 6 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles is now up in the air until we know more about his knee injury. Even if his knee injury isn't serious and he's able to play this weekend, Njoku's stock has fallen to a low-end TE1/high-end TE2 in what has become an ugly Browns offense.

From RotoBaller

George Pickens Oct 7 1:00pm CT
George Pickens

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens recorded three receptions for 26 yards on seven targets in a 20-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. It was an oddly quiet night for Pickens, who was out-snapped by fellow wideouts Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III. When asked about the situation, head coach Mike Tomlin labeled it "snap management" and stated that there was no underlying reason for Pickens' minimal role. With Pickens on the sideline, it was made apparent that the Steelers are lacking explosive pass-catchers, making his limited utilization all the more confusing. He did manage to contribute on a pivotal possession late in the fourth quarter, gaining 21 yards on a short pass from Justin Fields that set up a go-ahead touchdown. The 23-year-old should be more involved in a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Oct 7 12:50pm CT
Davante Adams

The Las Vegas Raiders' preference as an organization is to trade wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) "sooner rather than later," according to multiple sources. However, the Raiders aren't just going to do any deal just for the sake of trading Adams, and their preference has been not to take on any of the money remaining on his contract. Trade talks involving Adams are expected to heat up this week, with the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints being the most likely destinations for the 31-year-old. Adams has missed the last two games with the Raiders due to a hamstring issue, but he's expected to be ready to play in Week 6 if he's traded by then. In three games this year, he has caught 18 passes for 209 yards and one touchdown. Moving out of Vegas and their ugly quarterback situation should be a plus for Adams' rest-of-season fantasy outlook. Stay tuned on this high-profile situation.

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Oct 7 12:40pm CT
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said that quarterback Will Levis (shoulder) likely won't practice on Monday, but he expects the young signal-caller to return to his practice routine later in the week. Levis is "improving" and is better than he was after last Monday's win over the Miami Dolphins. The 25-year-old suffered a right AC-joint sprain in his throwing shoulder in Week 4. He was relieved by Mason Rudolph, who stayed in for the remainder of the game and led the team to an easy win over Miami. It sounds like Levis should have a chance to play in Week 6 against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts coming out of the bye week, but nothing is official as of right now. The Titans said last week that Levis remains their starting QB as long as he's healthy, but he could be on a short leash moving forward after leading the league with six interceptions through his first four games.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Oct 7 12:30pm CT
Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields completed 15 of 27 pass attempts for 131 yards and two touchdowns while adding 27 rushing yards on six attempts in a 20-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The Steelers' offense struggled in this one, but Fields was able to execute with some success in the second half. He found tight end Connor Heyward for a 16-yard score early in the third quarter and later hit Pat Freiermuth on a six-yard shovel pass for a touchdown that gave the team a 17-13 lead with less than five minutes to go in the fourth. Like his performance in Week 4, Fields' efforts to mount a comeback salvaged his fantasy output even though the Steelers came up short. Assuming he remains the starter, the 25-year-old will be a low-end QB1 or high-end QB2 for fantasy purposes in Week 6 when he takes on the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Zack Moss Oct 7 12:30pm CT
Zack Moss

Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss (ankle) is believed to be OK after injuring his right ankle late in the Week 5 overtime loss to the division-rival Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, according to sources. Moss got twisted in an awkward way and had to leave the game late, but it looks like he dodged a bullet. The 26-year-old could very well be on the injury report this week, but he appears to have a good shot at playing in Week 6 versus the New York Giants on the road. In the 41-38 loss, Moss had a season-low-tying nine carries for only 24 yards while catching three of his four targets for 28 yards. Moss has found the end zone three times (two rushing, one receiving) in his first five games with the Bengals in 2024, but backfield mate Chase Brown has gotten more involved in recent weeks as the Bengals offense has come alive a bit. If active, he'll be an RB3/flex in fantasy in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Najee Harris Oct 7 12:30pm CT
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris handled 14 carries for 42 yards and hauled in both his targets for 35 yards in a Week 5 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Although the numbers don't necessarily reflect it, Harris was the focal point of Pittsburgh's offense on Sunday night. He managed to lead the team in receiving yards despite seeing just two opportunities in the passing game. His biggest play of the contest came on a screen pass from quarterback Justin Fields that resulted in a 20-yard gain. With Jaylen Warren (knee) inactive the past two weeks, Harris has seen the vast majority of touches in the Steelers' backfield but has been underwhelming from a fantasy perspective. The fourth-year pro will hope to turn things around against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Oct 7 12:20pm CT
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hip) left the Week 5 win over the New York Jets in London in the first half with a right-hip injury and is undergoing an MRI exam on Monday to determine the extent of his injury. Jones was ruled out pretty quickly after he departed Sunday's game. For what it's worthy, head coach Kevin O'Connell said after the game he thought Jones' injury would be a short-term one. And with the Vikings having a bye in Week 6, there's a good chance Minnesota will have Jones back for a Week 7 tilt with the division-rival Detroit Lions. Before getting hurt, the 29-year-old played 16 offensive snaps and had seven carries for 29 yards while adding a 24-yard catch. We'll keep a close eye on Jones' status coming out of the bye week, but if he's forced to miss additional time coming out of next week's bye, Ty Chandler figures to be in line for lead-back duties for the Vikings in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Oct 7 12:10pm CT
Rashee Rice

There remains hopes that Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) could return this season and be sidelined six to eight weeks, according to league sources, but nothing will be determined until early this week once he has a procedure on his injured knee. Once the Chiefs have more clarity on Rice, they can move into action in terms of looking for a trade to help improve their receiving depth in the meantime. A trade makes even more sense with Marquise Brown (shoulder) lost for the year. KC explored signing DeAndre Hopkins in the 2023 offseason before he signed with the Tennessee Titans. Now that he's in the last year of his contract, the Titans could entertain offers for him. The Chiefs aren't expected to trade for Las Vegas Raiders receiver Davante Adams for a number of reasons, but they could reach out to the Jets if they land him to see if they'd be interested in moving one of their other wideouts.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Oct 7 12:10pm CT
Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (head) explained that he was a little beat up in the Week 5 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday. Allen was shaken up on a play in the second half, and backup Mitchell Trubisky came into the game briefly. "Big shot to the chest. Rolled my ankle. They flagged me for hitting my head, but felt good enough to go back in," Allen said. The 28-year-old was quickly cleared for a concussion on the sideline and returned to the contest to finish just 9-for-30 passing for a season-low 131 yards and one touchdown. It's notable that he was without his top receiver in Khalil Shakir (ankle) in this one. Don't be surprised if Allen is on the Week 6 injury report, but he should be good to go for what will be another tough matchup against the division-rival New York Jets and their stout defense. Allen remains a must-start QB1 in fantasy, and the good news is he's yet to throw a pick in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Oct 7 11:36am CT
Diontae Johnson

Dynasty | Panthers receiver Diontae Johnson had three catches for 23 yards, adding six rushing yards in a loss against Chicago. Dynasty Analysis: This was a major buzzkill after Johnson had posted two monster games with Andy Dalton at the helm. Chicago took control of the game rather early and made life miserable for Dalton and the offense most of the day. Johnson should be much better moving forward, but this could open up a quick window to buy in dynasty leagues if you believe he's truly turning the corner.

Caleb Williams Oct 7 11:35am CT
Caleb Williams

Dynasty | Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams completed 20-of-29 passes for 304 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, adding 34 rushing yards in a win against Carolina. Dynasty Analysis: Here we go. After Jayden Daniels had really outshined Williams over the first month of the season, we finally saw what the Bears could have in Williams today. Sure, it was against Carolina. However, Williams was poised, controlled and accurate all day today. While we need to see him string together a few solid performances before anointing him as the next big thing, this was a huge step in the right direction today. Williams remains a solid hold in dynasty leagues.

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Oct 7 11:35am CT
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

ynasty | Giants running back Tyrone Tracy had 129 rushing yards, one catch and one receiving yard in a win against Seattle. Dynasty Analysis: With Devin Singletary inactive, Tracy stepped up in a huge way. After posting just 29 rushing yards over the first month, Tracy finally showed what dynasty managers hoped to see after a solid off-season - a player who simply looks like a possible starter in fantasy and reality. While Singletary's job isn't in jeopardy, this performance is likely going to create a bit of a timeshare in New York moving forward. The chance to acquire Tracy on the cheap in dynasty leagues is now long gone.

Tucker Kraft Oct 7 11:35am CT
Tucker Kraft

Dynasty | Packers tight end Tucker Kraft had four catches for 88 yards and two touchdowns in a win against the Rams. Dynasty Analysis: Jordan Love is beginning to develop a reputation of spreading the ball around and Kraft was the beneficiary today as he made the most of his five targets. While this was by far his best game of the season, it also can't be ignored as it seems he's becoming a bigger part of the offense each and every week. He'll be a TE1/2 moving forward, though his floor remains pretty low.

Jake Ferguson Oct 7 10:30am CT
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson strung together another solid fantasy day on Sunday night in the win over Pittsburgh. The third-year tight end corralled six of seven targets for 70 yards serving as quarterback Dak Prescott's security blanket. Both Brevyn Spann-Ford (three targets) and Luke Schoonmaker (two targets) mixed into the offense, but Ferguson's usage remained strong. The 25-year-old has not scored a touchdown yet this season but remains a no-brainer start at a shallow tight end position. He should be played in all lineups as a TE1 heading into next week's matchup with the Detroit Lions.

From RotoBaller

Jabrill Peppers Oct 7 10:23am CT
Jabrill Peppers

New England Patriots S Jabrill Peppers was arrested Saturday, Oct. 5, on assault and cocaine possession charges. Peppers will be charged with assault and battery; assault and battery with a dangerous weapon; strangulation; and possession of a Class 'B' substance believed to be cocaine, police said.

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