Guest of the League
Dimes Best Ball SFlx 42
FFL: Week 6 | NFL: Week 6

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

Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 6

Player Notes
Isaac Guerendo Oct 11 1:30am CT
Isaac Guerendo

San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo filled in nicely for starter Jordan Mason in a Week 6 36-24 victory versus the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mason left the game with an apparent shoulder injury in the second quarter and came back in for one carry just after the half, never to return. Guerendo did most of the replacement work, finishing with 10 carries for 99 yards. He was not targeted in the passing game. Though Guerendo looked competent overall, it's worth noting that the bulk of his yardage came on a fourth-quarter 76-yard run that salted the game away for San Francisco. He may have scored on the play but appeared to pull up at the last second to allow the 49ers to work more clock. Guerendo will be a top waiver target heading into Week 7 against Kansas City if Mason is sidelined, but it's worth noting that fourth-year back Patrick Taylor Jr. was involved as well, with five carries and a target of his own in Mason's absence.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Oct 11 1:10am CT
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy led the team to a 36-24 victory on Thursday night in Seattle. The 24-year-old completed 18 of 28 attempts for 255 yards, three touchdowns, and no turnovers. He added four rushing attempts for 19 yards. Purdy looked much better this week on the road than he did at home against Arizona in Week 5, especially in avoiding the pass rush. He was not sacked, avoiding the batted balls and mid-throw arm obstructions that have caused some of his recent turnovers. Purdy is now 4-0 against the Seahawks in his career, including playoffs. He'll have plenty of time to rest up before a Week 7 marquee matchup at home against the Chiefs.

From RotoBaller

Haason Reddick Oct 10 10:30pm CT
Haason Reddick

CAA has parted ways with New York Jets pass-rusher Haason Reddick as he continues his season-long contract holdout, according to sources. After the Jets acquired Reddick from the Philadelphia Eagles in the offseason, he has not shown up to the team's facilities at all during training camp or through the first five weeks of the regular season as he seeks a new long-term contract. He continues to collect millions of dollars in fines with no end in sight for his holdout. At this point, the best-case scenario for the Jets and the 30-year-old All-Pro defensive end would be a trade before the deadline in early November. Obviously, Reddick isn't an option at all in IDP fantasy formats, but that could change if he's traded at some point. Despite Reddick's lengthy holdout, the Jets' defensive unit remains a strong fantasy option. They currently rank as the No. 11 fantasy defense in overall points.

From RotoBaller

Robert Woods Oct 10 10:20pm CT
Robert Woods

Houston Texans wide receiver Robert Woods (foot) missed practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Unless Woods is able to return to practice on Friday, he'll likely be ruled out for the Week 6 tilt against the New England Patriots. The 32-year-old veteran was also questionable last week with his foot injury but he ended up suiting up in the Week 5 win over the Buffalo Bills. However, he was not targeted at all in the 23-20 victory and played just 24 percent of the offensive snaps. Woods actually has more of a shot to make noise on offense with Nico Collins (hamstring) set to miss at least the next four games while on Injured Reserve, but it won't help if he's unable to play this weekend. If Woods ends up being inactive on Sunday, Xavier Hutchinson figures to serve as the WR3 for the Texans behind Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell. Avoid Woods even if he's active.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Oct 10 10:10pm CT
Nick Chubb

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (knee) was listed as limited for the second straight day this week on Thursday. D'Onta Foreman (ankle) was also limited after picking up a DNP on Wednesday, giving him a shot to play in Week 6 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Backs Nyheim Hines (knee) and Pierre Strong Jr. (hamstring) were also limited for a second straight day. Chubb returned to practice for the first time last week after suffering a gruesome knee injury in Week 2 of 2023. He was also limited all of last week but didn't make his 2024 debut in the Week 5 loss to the Washington Commanders. The 28-year-old could come off the Physically Unable to Perform list and be active this Sunday, but fantasy managers would be foolish to throw him into their starting lineups right away. Whenever Chubb is activated, the Browns are expected to mix him in slowly alongside Jerome Ford and Foreman.

From RotoBaller

Dameon Pierce Oct 10 10:10pm CT
Dameon Pierce

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) was upgraded to full practice participation on Thursday after being limited to start the week on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Joe Mixon (ankle) was limited after missing Wednesday's session. It appears that Houston could be getting both Pierce and Mixon back in Week 6 against the New England Patriots. Pierce hasn't played since the season-opening win over the division-rival Indianapolis Colts, but his fantasy outlook this weekend will all depend on whether Mixon returns as well as the lead back. The 24-year-old will only be worth a look as an RB3/flex option against the Patriots if he's active and Mixon is not. With both Pierce and Mixon out since Week 2, Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale have been splitting backfield work the last three weeks.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Oct 10 10:00pm CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle, knee) returned to practice on Thursday and was limited after sitting out of Wednesday's session. Njoku returned from an ankle sprain in the Week 5 loss to the Washington Commanders for the first time since the season opener and caught just one of his three targets for a 14-yard gain. The 28-year-old picked up a knee injury in his return to action, but his return to practice on Thursday suggests he'll have a shot to play in a second straight game in Week 6 against the Philadelphia Eagles. However, a banged-up Njoku potentially playing limited snaps in what has been an ugly Browns offense shouldn't really excite fantasy managers all that much. In the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys before Njoku injured his ankle, he caught four of his five targets for 44 yards and no touchdowns. At best, Njoku will be a low-end TE1 in fantasy if he's active this Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Mason Oct 10 9:50pm CT
Jordan Mason

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (shoulder) suffered a left-shoulder injury in the first half of the Thursday night contest against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks and was deemed questionable to return. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Mason was good to go coming out of the half, and Mason got the first touch of the third quarter before going into the blue medical tent and being sidelined again. He was seen on the sidelines with helmet on but hasn't gone back into the contest. If Mason doesn't return to the game, he will finish his night with nine carries for 73 yards (8.1 yards per carry) while catching one of two targets for a nine-yard pickup. Rookie Isaac Guerendo has picked up most of the slack in the backfield with Mason out, with receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and Patrick Taylor Jr. also pitching in. With Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) still on Injured Reserve, Guerendo would become a priority pickup in fantasy next week if Mason's injury causes him to miss time.

From RotoBaller

Tommy Tremble Oct 10 9:10pm CT
Tommy Tremble

Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (concussion) did not suit up for Thursday's practice session. Tremble has missed both practices this week after suffering a concussion during last week's loss to the Chicago Bears. Rookie tight end J'Tavion Sanders took over after Tremble's exit and hauled in three passes. Sanders could be asked to start this weekend if Tremble isn't cleared to play. He won't be a reliable streaming option though considering Tremble was barely targeted when healthy.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Mason Oct 10 9:00pm CT
Jordan Mason

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (shoulder) has returned to action for Thursday's Week 6 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Mason was forced to exit during the first half after suffering a shoulder injury on a carry during the second quarter. He left the game with trainers and was held out for the rest of the half. Luckily, Mason is back now as he received the first carry of the second half. Fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief as it appears Mason only suffered a minor shoulder injury.

From RotoBaller

Trey Palmer Oct 10 8:50pm CT
Trey Palmer

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Trey Palmer (concussion) missed his second straight day of practice on Thursday. Palmer sat out of last week's game as well due to a concussion. It appears the young wideout is still in concussion protocol ahead of the Week 6 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. It's worth noting that fellow wideouts Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and Kameron Johnson (ankle) are also on the injury report. That being said, Sterling Shepard could be looking at a bigger role on Sunday. He hauled in three receptions for 51 yards during the Week 3 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Oct 10 8:50pm CT
Diontae Johnson

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. This is now back-to-back practice sessions that Johnson has been limited due to a lingering ankle issue. It's worth noting that Johnson played through the ankle injury last week. He finished with three receptions for 23 yards, which was his worst performance since Week 2. It seems likely that Johnson can play through the issue, but his fantasy value could take a hit until he's back to full health. He should be on the WR3 radar for this Week 6 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, assuming he's still banged up. If he sits, Jonathan Mingo and Xavier Leggette figure to have bigger roles in the passing game.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Mason Oct 10 8:30pm CT
Jordan Mason

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (shoulder) is considered questionable to return during Thursday's game against the Seattle Seahawks. Mason appears to have suffered a shoulder injury during the second quarter of this Week 6 contest. He headed to the locker room with the trainers, so Mason is currently uncertain to return. He had eight carries for 65 yards before exiting the game. It wouldn't be shocking to see the 49ers hold him out until at least after halftime. That being said, Isaac Guerendo is the next man up and figures to see a majority of the snaps in the backfield.

From RotoBaller

Rachaad White Oct 10 8:20pm CT
Rachaad White

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (foot) was absent during Thursday's practice session. This is a downgrade for White who was limited to open the week. This is obviously not a good sign heading into Sunday's Week 6 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. However, Friday's practice will go a long way to deciding whether or not White will play this weekend. If he sits, Bucky Irving will be asked to carry the workload in the backfield. He'd move into RB2 territory if White is unable to play this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Oct 10 7:40pm CT
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (shoulder) continues to work his way through a shoulder injury and was limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Etienne was also limited in all three practices last week before suiting up in the Week 5 win over the division-rival Indianapolis Colts, but he played a season-low 38% of the offensive snaps and saw backfield mate Tank Bigsby once again outproduce him after aggravating his shoulder and missing some time. Head coach Doug Pederson said Etienne is still the team's featured back, but given his injury and Bigsby's performances in recent weeks, it seems likely that Etienne will continue to lose valuable touches to Bigsby moving forward. He should be active this Sunday in London against a tough Chicago Bears defense, where he should be considered a low-end RB2 with limited upside.

From RotoBaller

Gabriel Davis Oct 10 7:40pm CT
Gabriel Davis

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (knee) was limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Davis should be just fine to play this Sunday in Week 6 in London against the Chicago Bears, but he won't be recommended in starting fantasy lineups, especially if tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) returns for the first time since Week 1. He played the most snaps among the team's wideouts in the Week 5 win over the division-rival Indianapolis Colts, but it led to only three receptions (four targets) for 38 yards. The former Buffalo Bills wideout has yet to find the end zone in his first year in Jacksonville in 2024 and is outside the top 50 at the position in total fantasy points through the first five weeks. The Bears defense has also allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts this year. Davis belong on benches or the waiver wire in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Oct 10 7:30pm CT
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) was listed as limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Engram hasn't played since the season-opening loss to the Miami Dolphins after injuring his hamstring during pre-game warmups before Week 2, but head coach Doug Pederson said earlier this week that he's optimistic that the 30-year-old will be able to return this Sunday to face the Chicago Bears in London. For what it's worth, Engram was also limited all of last week before being held out of the Week 5 win over the division-rival Indianapolis Colts. Jacksonville could ease Engram back into the fold if he's active in London, making him a shaky low-end TE1 for fantasy managers if he plays. Backup Brenton Strange has two touchdowns in four games without Engram and would once again be a TE2 streamer if Engram is held out for a fifth straight game.

From RotoBaller

Ricky Pearsall Oct 10 7:20pm CT
Ricky Pearsall

San Francisco 49ers rookie first-round wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (chest) will resume practicing next week. Pearsall might have had his practice window opened this week if not for a quick turnaround with a Thursday night tilt in Week 6 against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. The 24-year-old will instead return to practice next week, and the 49ers will have 21 days to activate him from the Non-Football Injury list. Pearsall missed a good chunk of time in training camp with a hamstring injury and then was shot in the chest during a robbery attempt right before the start of the regular season. It's great news that Pearsall is nearing a return to practice, but we'd expect the Niners to use the full 21-day window to get him up to speed. And when Pearsall does, he'll be battling for snaps behind Deebo Samuel Sr., Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings. Pearsall is a dynasty/keeper stash, at best.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Oct 10 7:10pm CT
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) is targeting an early November return from Injured Reserve. McCaffrey was technically eligible to come off IR to play on Thursday night in Week 6 against the Seattle Seahawks, but that was never going to happen. The fact that CMC has yet to practice means he still has a ways to go before he can even think about making his 2024 debut. Fantasy managers obviously can do nothing but hope McCaffrey returns sooner than later and keep him stashed in an IR spot. In the meantime, Jordan Mason, who has been one of the league's leading rushers through five weeks, will continue to serve as San Fran's lead back. Mason is the RB5 in half-PPR scoring heading into Thursday night's game against Seattle and should be deployed in all fantasy starting lineups against a beat-up defense.

From RotoBaller

Tucker Kraft Oct 10 7:00pm CT
Tucker Kraft

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (groin) popped up on the Week 6 injury report on Thursday after putting in a limited practice. Mid-week additions to the injury report usually are never good, so fantasy managers sticking with Kraft after his big Week 5 performance will want to monitor his status heading into the Week 6 contest versus the Arizona Cardinals. Fellow tight end Luke Musgrave (ankle) is expected to land on Injured Reserve this week, so if Kraft is unable to play on Sunday, the Packers would be down to Ben Sims and John FitzPatrick at the position. Kraft benefitted from both receivers Christian Watson (ankle) and Romeo Doubs (suspension) being out in last week's win over the Los Angeles Rams, catching four passes for a season-high 88 yards and two touchdowns. He has three TDs in the last two games and has become a bigger part of the offense, although that could change with Doubs and potentially Watson both returning in Week 6.

From RotoBaller