Fri May 31 10:52am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
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.
The National Football League has suspended Buffalo Bills pass-rusher Von Miller for four games (without pay) on Tuesday for violating the league's personal-conduct policy. Miller will be eligible to be reinstated on Oct. 28 after the team's Week 8 contest against the Seattle Seahawks. The suspension comes from allegations that Miller assaulted his pregnant girlfriend in 2023. At the time, Miller turned himself in on an arrest warrant for a charge of third-degree felony assault on Nov. 30. The 35-year-old former Super Bowl MVP said the allegations are false and "overblown." The NFL apparently disagreed. The eight-time Pro Bowler is no longer in his prime and has dealt with some injury issues in recently seasons, not playing more than 12 games in either of his first two years in Buffalo. Through four games in 2024, Miller has played well, picking up three sacks and five solo tackles. The Bills' defense is losing a valuable piece for the next four games.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (hamstring) was listed as a limited practice participant for the second straight day this week on Tuesday. The Falcons have a short turnaround in Week 5 with a Thursday night divisional clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Robinson may be on this week's injury report, but his hamstring issue doesn't appear to be serious enough to put his status in jeopardy for Thursday's tilt. As long as the 22-year-old doesn't suffer a setback in practice on Wednesday, there's a good chance he'll be cleared altogether. If for any reason he cannot play or is limited, Tyler Allgeier would become a must-start, plug-and-play option in Atlanta's backfield. As things currently stand on Tuesday, fantasy managers have no reason to remove Robinson from their starting lineups this week as a surefire RB1.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tyler Huntley will make another start in Week 5 against the division-rival New England Patriots on Sunday, according to head coach Mike McDaniel. Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is on Injured Reserve, and the Dolphins went with the recently signed Huntley on Monday night against the Tennessee Titans with Skyler Thompson (ribs) banged up. The 26-year-old wasn't impressive at all in the Week 4 loss, going 14-for-22 for 96 yards, no touchdowns and no picks. Huntley did add eight carries for 40 yards and a touchdown. Apparently, Thompson is recovering slowly from his rib injury, which has opened the door for Huntley to make another start. This Sunday's matchup against the Pats defense won't necessarily be any easier for Huntley, and he'll remain a desperation QB2 play for fantasy managers in superflex leagues.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders star wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) has informed the team that he prefers to be traded. No trade is imminent, but it's a situation to watch, and an earlier report suggested that the Raiders have already been reaching out to gauge interest around the league. The 31-year-old is disgruntled yet again in Vegas and also missed the Week 4 win over the Cleveland Browns. There should be plenty of interest around the league from receiver-needy teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs and perhaps the New York Jets for a player with six Pro Bowl appearances and five 1,000-yard campaigns. In three games so far in 2024, Adams has caught 18 of 27 targets for 209 yards and one touchdown. Vegas' offense would be much less explosive without Adams the rest of the year, but his departure would open up targets for rookie tight end Brock Bowers and receivers Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (knee) was sacked five times in the ugly loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 4, and during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, he said he is feeling "a little banged up" and his knee is "a little swollen." The four-time NFL MVP is coming off a torn Achilles from last season, so any lower-body injuries are concerning. However, the 40-year-old did not express any concern about his status moving forward, so he should be ready to suit up against the Minnesota Vikings in London on Sunday. The Vikings have been a mid-level defense against fantasy quarterbacks, so Rodgers is not worth rolling the dice on in single-QB formats. Rodgers has completed 64.1% of his passes for 849 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception in his first four full games with the Jets.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive guard Isaac Seumalo (pectoral) has yet to make his 2024 season debut after suffering a pectoral injury in the preseason. However, head coach Mike Tomlin said there's a chance the veteran could return for the Week 5 Sunday Night Football matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. The veteran has played in 98 career games and started all 17 contests for the Steelers last season. With starting offensive linemen Nate Herbig (shoulder), Troy Fautanu (knee), and James Daniels (Achilles) all expected to miss the rest of the season, Seumalo's potential return couldn't come at a better time. Dallas has allowed 145.8 rushing yards per game, so Justin Fields and Najee Harris could rack up plenty of yards in the showdown between two iconic organizations.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (ankle) suffered a high-ankle sprain during the Week 4 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, but he is not expected to be placed on Injured Reserve, according to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report. High-ankle sprains can be tough to come back from quickly, but Watson reportedly has a mild case. Either way, he is likely to miss Week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams. Dontayvion Wicks, who caught five of his 13 targets for 78 yards and two touchdowns in Week 4, is one of the top waiver wire options this week, as he'll see an enhanced role as long as Watson is sidelined. Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs could see slight boosts in their roles, too.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (ankle) exited the Week 4 loss to the San Francisco 49ers early due to an ankle injury. However, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reports that while Dugger is still gathering information on his ailment, the injury is not expected to be serious or hold him out of action long-term. The standout defensive back might miss some time, but the good news is that he should be able to return soon. Dugger has totaled 20 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and one pass deflection through his first four games of the year.
From RotoBaller
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed veteran wideout Sterling Shepard to the active 53-man roster on Tuesday, according to NFL.com. Shepard was promoted to the active roster from the practice squad for Sunday's Week 4 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles and caught three of his five targets for 51 yards. Rookie wideout Jalen McMillan (hamstring) missed Week 4 with a hamstring injury, and second-year speedster Trey Palmer (concussion) suffered a concussion and exited the win early. Star wideout Mike Evans (knee) missed practice on Monday, but there's no indication that he is at risk of missing the Week 5 game against the Atlanta Falcons. As for Shepard, he can be utilized as a low-end flex play in deep formats if McMillan and Palmer don't suit up on Thursday night.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts defensive end Tyquan Lewis (elbow) is being placed on Injured Reserve, according to NFL.com. Lewis is dealing with an elbow injury, but the ailment is not considered to be season-ending. The 2018 second-round pick out of Ohio State has spent his entire seven-year career with the Colts and has racked up 112 total tackles, 15 sacks, one forced fumble, one interception, 10 pass deflections, and 27 run stuffs in 69 career games. His earliest return date is Week 9 against the Minnesota Vikings, as a trip on the IR requires players to sit out at least four contests.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith (groin) has already been ruled out of the Week 5 Sunday Night Football matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, per head coach Mike Tomlin. Highsmith missed the Week 4 game against the Indianapolis Colts due to a groin injury and is set to miss a second consecutive contest. The 2020 third-round pick out of Charlotte posted 21.5 sacks in his last two seasons and has one sack this year in three games, so it's a noteworthy absence of the fierce Pittsburgh defense. While he's out, expect T.J. Watt to see additional attention during his pass-rushing opportunities.
From RotoBaller
According to a league source with knowledge of the situation, the Las Vegas Raiders are growing open to the idea of trading wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring). The source said the Raiders have begun reaching out to teams to gauge interest in the veteran wide receiver, who was inactive in the Week 4 win over the Cleveland Browns due to a hamstring injury. It remains to be seen if something will actually happen by the trade deadline late in October, but the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs are several teams that could be looking for upgrades at wideout. The six-time Pro Bowler would be an excellent addition to any offense looking for more production at wideout, as he has five career 1,000-yard seasons. Adams has 18 catches for 209 yards and a touchdown through three games in 2024, but it's unclear if he'll be available to play in Week 5 due to his hamstring issue.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday that he is preparing for quarterback Justin Fields to start again versus the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football in Week 5. Russell Wilson (calf) will reportedly do more in practice this week, and the Steelers are coming off their first loss of the year in Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts, but the team appears to be sticking with Fields for at least another week. Despite his first loss as the starter, the 25-year-old Fields put up his best numbers of the year, throwing for 312 yards and a touchdown while carrying the ball 10 times for 55 yards and two more scores to almost lead the Steelers to a comeback win on the road. If Fields continues to play the way he has been as a dual threat at the position, it seems hard to imagine Pittsburgh turning to Wilson anytime soon. Fields will have high-end QB2 value in fantasy against Dallas in primetime.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said the team is somewhat in the same boat still with quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) this week, although he will be doing more work in practices. According to Steelers.com's Teresa Varley, Tomlin said he's preparing for Justin Fields to make yet another start in Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. Although the Steelers lost for the first time in 2024 in Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts, Fields threw for over 300 yards and a touchdown and scored two rushing TDs in a valiant comeback effort. The 35-year-old Wilson has been battling a calf strain since training camp and has been relegated to backup duties in Pittsburgh for now. However, if Wilson doesn't suffer a setback as he ramps up this week, he could officially be active as Fields' backup on Sunday night in Pittsburgh.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Lions quarterback Jared Goff completed 18-of-18 passes for 292 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in a win over Seattle. Dynasty Analysis: He also caught a touchdown pass from Amon-Ra St. Brown. His effort featured the most completions in a game without an incompletion in NFL history. Goff was masterful on the evening and has complete control of this Lions offense here in his fourth season. A relative "throw-in" years ago in the Matthew Stafford trade, Goff continues to impress. He'll remain being a low-end QB1 or high-end QB2 as we move forward.
Dynasty | Jaxon Smith-Njigba had eight catches for 51 yards in a loss to the Lions on Monday night. Dynasty Analysis: JSN now has 25 catches in four games in what amounts to be his breakout season thus far. While he is still looking for his first touchdown, his floor is starting to look pretty safe on a weekly basis. While best served as a secondary option as long as DK Metcalf is around, his dynasty value seems to be on the rise again.
Dynasty | Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker had 80 rushing yards, four catches, 36 receiving yards and three touchdowns in a loss on Monday night to Detroit. Dynasty Analysis: Walker returned from a short-term injury with a fury as he did all his rushing damage on just 12 carries. Even better, Zach Charbonnet had only two carries, looking like a backup and not a "1B" yet again. Walker looks locked in as a RB1 moving forward and his dynasty value is going to continue ticking up.
Dynasty | Titans quarterback Will Levis injured his shoulder and was replaced by Mason Rudolph in a win against Miami on Monday night. Dynasty Analysis: Levis completed the game going 3-for-4 for 25 yards with one interception on the night. After spending the rest of the game roaming the sidelines and not getting medical attention, it's fair to wonder just how "injured" he was. Tennessee is saying he's the starter moving forward, but his play has been less than inspiring this season. In fact, Levis now has 12 touchdowns and ten interceptions over his 13 games in the NFL, with four of those scores coming in his first ever start. The ice is getting thin in Tennessee.
Dynasty | Dolphins quarterback Tyler Huntley completed 14-of-22 passes for 96 yards, adding 40 rushing yards and a touchdown in a loss against Tennessee. Dynasty Analysis: Huntley's fantasy day was saved with his rushing yards, but the Dolphins offense looks absolutely lost without Tua Tagovailoa right now. Tyreek Hill (four catches for 23 yards), and Jaylen Waddle (four for 36), have been relegated to fantasy benches and Huntley doesn't look like the quarterback who is going to salvage any of this right now. In short, this is a mess. Huntley isn't worth a dynasty roster spot after this performance.
Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright toted the rock nine times for 32 yards in the team's 31-12 loss to the Tennessee Titans, failing to bring in his lone target. The rookie running back averaged 3.2 YPC on his nine touches, out-gaining backfield mate De'Von Achane on his ten carries (1.5 YPC). For the second week in a row, Wright has been the more efficient runner than Achane, albeit on fewer touches. It's unclear what type of role the fourth-round pick will have when running back Raheem Mostert (chest) returns to the field. However, no Dolphins skill player can be trusted for fantasy purposes in this version of the team's offense. They'll square off against one of the better defensive matchups in their Week 5 outing when they hit the road and travel to Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots. Despite this, Wright is not in consideration for fantasy managers, and the remaining Dolphins' offensive pieces will continue to receive downgrades until (if) quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) returns from injured reserve.
From RotoBaller