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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
Adonai Mitchell Oct 7 1:30am CT
Adonai Mitchell

Indianapolis Colts rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell caught four of his seven targets for 38 yards in the team's 34-37 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Adonai also threw a 24-yard completion to running back Tyler Goodson, and carried the ball once himself for four yards on the ground. Mitchell has seen a significant decrease in snaps upon Josh Downs' return from injury, but HC Shane Steichen is manufacturing ways for him to remain involved in the offense. Mitchell's snap count remains low, logging just 19 in the game. While it is encouraging to see that the Colts want him to remain a part of the offense, Mitchell's low-end opportunity share doesn't make him a reliable weekly option in fantasy right now. That could change in the event of an injury to any of the Colts starting receivers. The former Texas Longhorn is better left on the bench in Week 6 when the Colts take on the Tennessee Titans.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Oct 7 1:20am CT
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs caught nine of his 12 targets for 69 yards in the team's 34-37 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Downs led the team in both receptions and targets, being a consistently reliable target for QB Joe Flacco throughout the matchup. Downs has been the No. 1 option for Flacco through the last two weeks, and it's unclear how much that production might shift should the Colts go back to Anthony Richardson (oblique) in Week 6. That being said, Downs remains a viable flex option in Week 6 against the Tennessee Titans, with a slightly higher ceiling if Flacco is once again the starter.

From RotoBaller

Michael Pittman Jr. Oct 7 1:20am CT
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. caught five of his eight targets for 37 yards and a touchdown in the team's 34-37 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Pittman opened the scoring for Indy, catching a one-yard touchdown on the team's opening drive. Pittman remained quiet throughout the rest of the matchup, eventually seeing more usage in the second half when the Colts went down by multiple possessions. The touchdown heavily helped Pittman's fantasy production but he did otherwise have an underwhelming performance given the high-scoring affair. Given his favorable target share, the former USC wide out can still be considered a WR2/3 option in Week 6 when the Colts face the Tennessee Titans.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Oct 7 1:10am CT
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce caught all three of his targets for 134 yards and a touchdown in the team's 34-37 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Pierce was quiet through the first three quarters of the game, not getting his first reception until five minutes left in the fourth quarter. He then caught a 46-yard pass and followed it up with a 65-yard touchdown grab in the team's final drive. Pierce has put together a few games like this so far this season, catching multiple deep passes, whether from QB Anthony Richardson or Joe Flacco. While his target share remains low in the offense, the third-year receiver has shown the ability to be a trusted deep ball target for both QBs. He can be considered a boom-or-bust option in Week 6 when the Colts take on the Tennessee Titans.

From RotoBaller

Joe Flacco Oct 7 1:00am CT
Joe Flacco

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco completed 33 of his 44 passes for 359 yards and three touchdowns in the team's 34-37 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Flacco committed no turnovers and also surprisingly ran the ball three times for another 22 yards on the ground. Flacco was nearly perfect in the shootout loss, finding Michael Pittman Jr., Mo-Alie Cox, and Alec Pierce in the endzone throughout the game. The game script heavily favored Flacco's performance, with the Colts facing a two-touchdown deficit with less than six minutes to play in regulation, resulting in an increased passing volume for Indy. It's unclear what the plan is for Indianapolis at quarterback while Anthony Richardson (oblique) recovers from injury. Still, Flacco would remain a strong streaming option if he gets the start again in Week 5. The Colts will face a stingy Titans defense in Week 6, but Flacco would remain firmly on the radar again then should he be named the starter.

From RotoBaller

Trey Sermon Oct 7 1:00am CT
Trey Sermon

Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon ran the ball ten times for 38 yards and a touchdown in the team's 34-37 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He also grabbed six catches for another 25 yards through the air. Sermon was slated to be the starter in Jonathan Taylor's (ankle) absence and was able to string together a productive fantasy outing as a result. Sermon saw a ten-to-five split in carries with running back Tyler Goodson, indicating there will be a noteworthy split in opportunities between the two in Taylor's absence. The former Ohio State Buckeye remains a viable option with Taylor out but will be in for a tougher matchup in Week 6 when the Colts face the Tennessee Titans.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Oct 7 1:00am CT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle continued his hot streak by putting up 16.4 half-PPR points on Sunday, but it wasn't enough to avoid a 24-23 home loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The colorful former Hawkeye hauled in eight of a co-team-high 12 targets for 64 yards and a touchdown. Kittle's day could have been even better if he had caught a tough first-quarter red-zone target and avoided an unforced drop on a 14-yard target later on. Historically, Kittle has been boom-or-bust but his fantasy production has been steady this year, averaging 13 half-PPR points per game with a low of six points, which came in Week 1. Kittle will be a top choice at tight end in Week 6 when the 49ers face the Seahawks in Seattle on Thursday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

Jaleel McLaughlin Oct 7 12:50am CT
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin only had six carries for 22 yards rushing (3.67 yards per carry) in the 38-14 win over the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders in Week 5. It was more of the same for McLaughlin in the fifth game of the season, but he did manager to salvage his fantasy day somewhat for those that used him in a flex spot in deeper leagues with three catches on his four targets for three yards and his second touchdown of the year. The touchdown was nice for the 24-year-old, but it came on a day in which backfield mate Javonte Williams led the team in both rushing and receiving as their primary offense weapon. McLaughlin has scored twice and Williams is still searching for his first score, but he's the clear No. 2 in an offense that finally broke out for the first time in five weeks. He was out-touched 18 to nine by Williams. In a Week 6 matchup against a tougher defense in the Los Angeles Chargers, McLaughlin will be tough to trust in a flex spot.

From RotoBaller

Courtland Sutton Oct 7 12:50am CT
Courtland Sutton

After scoring his first touchdown of the season in the Week 4 upset win over the New York Jets, Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton had a very non-descript day despite the offense breaking out for a season-high 34 points in the Week 5 win over the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. Sutton finished with just two catches on five targets for 32 yards. He led all Denver wideouts in targets (five) but was out-produced by both running back Javonte Williams and receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey as quarterback Bo Nix continued to spread the ball around. The 28-year-old didn't have much of a chance to produce for fantasy managers with the Broncos RBs seeing more work in the passing game. Sutton is the clear No. 1 target for Nix, but he hasn't been efficient in 2024 and will continue to be a touchdown-dependent, low-upside WR4/flex in Week 6 against a stout Chargers defense.

From RotoBaller

Javonte Williams Oct 7 12:40am CT
Javonte Williams

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams still has not found the end zone in 2024, but he managed his best game of the year regardless in the 34-18 win over the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday in Week 5. Williams had a team-high 13 carries for 61 yards (4.69 yard-per-carry average) while catching a team-high five passes on a team-high six targets for a team-high 50 receiving yards. It was the first time that he has gone over 100 scrimmage yards this year. He out-touched Jaleel McLaughlin 18 to nine and produced 111 scrimmage yards to McLaughlin's 25, but McLaughlin did score for the second time in 2024. The 24-year-old was very efficient and had a long run of 17 yards to take advantage of a great matchup. It was nice to see for Williams' fantasy managers, but he'll once again be a low-upside RB3/flex in a tougher matchup in Week 6 against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Oct 7 12:30am CT
Bo Nix

Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix went 19-for-27 for 206 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in the 34-18 win on Sunday in Week 5 to snap a long losing streak to the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. Nix also had eight carries for nine yards and his third rushing touchdown in five games. The 24-year-old 12th overall pick certainly improved over his 60-yard performance in the Week 4 win over the New York Jets. Nix and the Broncos were able to open their passing game up as much as they have all year, with his two touchdown tosses (one to Jaleel McLaughlin and one to Josh Reynolds) being a season-high through five weeks. The biggest thing is that Nix has avoided turning the ball over in each of their three wins after throwing four interceptions in the first two weeks. Nix led Denver to a season-high 34 points on Sunday, but he'll once again be a low-end QB2 in fantasy in another divisional game in Week 6 against what has been a stingy Chargers defense.

From RotoBaller

Kyren Williams Oct 7 12:10am CT
Kyren Williams

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams rushed for 102 yards and one touchdown on 22 carries during Sunday's Week 5 loss to the Green Bay Packers. He also caught a three-yard pass and lost a fumble in the contest. Williams currently owns an eight-game touchdown streak dating back to last season. During that span, he has found the end zone a total of 11 times. The 24-year-old continues to be one of the most reliable touchdown scorers in fantasy football, contributing RB1 value week after week. He should continue to be started in all fantasy leagues when he faces the Las Vegas Raiders on the other side of the Week 6 bye.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Oct 6 11:40pm CT
Diontae Johnson

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson turned six targets into just three catches for 23 yards during Sunday's Week 5 loss to the Chicago Bears. Given that the 25-year-old had 15 catches, 205 yards, and two touchdowns through his first two games with Andy Dalton under center, this performance in Week 5 was a massive disappointment for Johnson's fantasy managers. This wide receiver and quarterback pairing will have a chance to restore their rapport and get the Panthers back in the win column next Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Johnson remains a fringe top-24 fantasy receiver at the moment.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Legette Oct 6 11:40pm CT
Xavier Legette

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (shoulder) expects to play in Week 6 despite exiting during the second half of Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears. Legette, a rookie, finished with just one catch for eight yards prior to his departure. With both Legette and Adam Thielen (hamstring) sidelined, additional opportunities were created for receivers Jonathan Mingo and Jalen Coker. After the game, Legette acknowledged that he's banged up but should be good to go for the Panthers' clash with the Atlanta Falcons next Sunday. Legette commanded 10 targets and found the end zone last week, so he could return to the low-end WR3 tier if the Panthers are able to get back on track in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Coker Oct 6 11:30pm CT
Jalen Coker

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker caught all four of his targets for 68 yards through the air during Sunday's Week 5 loss to the Chicago Bears. Coker, an undrafted free agent out of Holy Cross, had not caught a pass prior to Sunday's defeat. However, he took advantage of injuries to Adam Thielen (hamstring) and Xavier Legette (shoulder), climbing up the depth chart and earning his way into meaningful production. In fact, Coker led the Panthers in both catches and receiving yards this week. Now that he has proven himself in game action, perhaps Coker will earn more snaps going forward. He remains off the fantasy radar but is someone worth monitoring over the next few weeks.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Mingo Oct 6 11:30pm CT
Jonathan Mingo

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jonathan Mingo caught two of his five targets for a total of 37 yards during Sunday's Week 5 loss to the Chicago Bears. Mingo saw increased opportunities with Adam Thielen (hamstring) and Xavier Legette (shoulder) both injured. The second-year receiver out of Ole Miss played 68 percent of the Panthers' offensive snaps and finished with his highest fantasy points total of the 2024 season. Mingo isn't quite a trustworthy fantasy option going forward, but he still provided managers with some optimism that he could handle a larger workload in the event of more injuries to Carolina's receiver room.

From RotoBaller

Miles Sanders Oct 6 11:20pm CT
Miles Sanders

Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders rushed for six yards on two carries during Sunday's Week 5 loss to the Chicago Bears. He was more productive in the passing game, catching two of three targets for 27 yards through the air. Despite playing 39 percent of snaps, Sanders registered a season-low four touches. This was likely the product of Carolina falling into an early deficit and adapting to the negative game script, as well as Chuba Hubbard breaking free for 97 rushing yards and one touchdown. Sanders remains the clear No. 2 behind Hubbard and figures to drop to third on the depth chart once Jonathon Brooks (knee) is healthy enough to make his NFL debut. The veteran can be avoided in most fantasy leagues going forward, including in Week 6 versus Atlanta.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Oct 6 11:10pm CT
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings came back down to earth in a 24-23 home loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. San Francisco's third wide receiver finished with one reception of four targets for 13 yards receiving. Jennings left briefly in the first quarter with an apparent hand injury. Although he returned quickly, he could be seen on the game broadcast in discomfort even after his return. On the bright side, three of his targets took place in the end zone just before the half and he got more attention overall from Brock Purdy than Deebo Samuel Sr. did. While Jennings has certainly broken out this year as a factor in fantasy, he'll likely be touchdown-dependent as a deep-league FLEX option if San Francisco's other pass-catchers remain healthy. Jennings gets the Seahawks at Lumen Field in a Week 6 Thursday night matchup.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Oct 6 11:10pm CT
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (suspension) will meet with head coach Matt LaFleur on Monday and is expected to return to the team ahead of Week 6 versus the Arizona Cardinals. Doubs missed crucial practice time with a personal matter this past week and was eventually suspended one game for detrimental conduct, reportedly stemming from frustration with his current role in the Packers' offense. Through four games so far, the 24-year-old has 12 catches, 169 yards, and zero touchdowns, typically operating behind Jayden Reed but ahead of Christian Watson and Dontayvion Wicks. It's possible that Doubs will see limited usage over the next few weeks as a result of his conduct, so he should be left on the bench in fantasy football until his stat line is impressive enough to justify starting him.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Oct 6 11:00pm CT
Deebo Samuel

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. faded into the background during a 24-23 home upset at the hands of the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Samuel Sr. saw three targets and caught just one for 11 yards. He also took three carries for nine yards rushing. The receiving total was the lowest a healthy Samuel Sr. has posted since Week 4 of his rookie year. In most games, San Francisco's passing attack is more evenly distributed, but Samuel Sr. saw receiver Brandon Aiyuk and tight end George Kittle each receive 12 targets. Samuel Sr. will likely be more involved when the 49ers face the Seahawks in Seattle on Thursday Night Football.

From RotoBaller