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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.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 6

Player Notes
Anthony Richardson Oct 9 5:30pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) is expected to miss multiple weeks. The Colts have also suggested that Pittman may be placed on injured reserve. Pittman was a non-participant in practice on Wednesday and is listed as doubtful heading into this weekend. This is unfortunate news for fantasy managers as Pittman had just started to come alive. He had at least 113 receiving yards or a touchdown in his last two games. That may be attributed to the presence of quarterback Joe Flacco in the lineup rather than a struggling Anthony Richardson. However, it could be some time before fantasy managers find out if Pittman is able to build on that momentum. Pittman has recorded 22 receptions for 238 yards and a touchdown in 2024. For now, fantasy managers will have to stick him in their IR spot and hope for the best.

From RotoBaller

Rashid Shaheed Oct 9 5:30pm CT
Rashid Shaheed

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (hip) did not practice on Wednesday. This is worth monitoring for fantasy managers as Shaheed has been excellent in 2024. Shaheed has 19 receptions for 338 yards and three touchdowns this season. That includes a game in which he recorded a zero in the box score. Veterans are often provided rest days on Wednesdays, especially if they have an existing ailment so this could be precautionary. However, fantasy managers will need to pay close attention to this situation leading up to the weekend.

From RotoBaller

Tommy Tremble Oct 9 4:40pm CT
Tommy Tremble

Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (concussion) was held out of the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Tremble suffered a scary-looking concussion in the Week 5 loss to the Chicago Bears and is in the league's concussion protocol this week. He still has two more days to improve, but just based on how he looked on Sunday, it would be a surprise if he suited up this weekend against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. Tremble being inactive in Week 6 would open up more playing time for rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders, but fantasy managers should be able to find better TE2 streaming options. Ian Thomas (calf) practiced in full on Wednesday and could come off Injured Reserve to play this weekend, but he, too, should be avoided in fantasy. In four games in 2024, Tremble has only seven receptions for 59 yards. He's off the fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Oct 9 4:30pm CT
Diontae Johnson

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) was listed as a limited participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Johnson was also limited with his ankle injury last week but still played in the Week 5 loss to the Chicago Bears and caught only three passes for 23 yards against a strong Bears defense. Unless the 28-year-old suffers a setback later this week, he should be fine to play in a Week 6 tilt against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. Ever since quarterback Andy Dalton took over for Bryce Young in Week 3, Johnson has a total of 18 receptions on 33 targets for 228 yards and two touchdowns. Despite his disappointing showing in Week 5, Johnson should be trusted as a solid WR2 for fantasy managers this Sunday in a much better matchup against the Falcons defense.

From RotoBaller

Trey Sermon Oct 9 4:20pm CT
Trey Sermon

Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon (collarbone) popped on the Week 6 injury report after not practicing on Wednesday. In addition to Sermon, Jonathan Taylor (ankle) also missed practice and could be in danger of missing his second straight game in Week 6 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans. If Sermon is indeed in danger of missing this weekend's game, the Colts could be down to Tyler Goodson and Evan Hull in their backfield against Tennessee if both Taylor and Sermon cannot suit up. The 25-year-old Sermon was a great plug-and-play flex for fantasy managers that threw him into their lineups in the Week 5 loss to the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars, as he saw a season-high 10 carries for 38 yards and his second touchdown of the year while adding six receptions for 25 yards through the air. Fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on the practices statuses of both Sermon and Taylor the rest of the week.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Oct 9 4:13pm CT
Drake Maye

Dynasty | The Patriots are starting quarterback Drake Maye this week. Dynasty Analysis: The Patriots chose to start the season with Jacoby Brissett at the helm and the results turned out to be about as expected. New England is 1-4 and have a real chance of seeing their season spiral out of control, so they're turning to the rookie. It's a best-case scenario for Maye as he shouldn't be under too much pressure as the team has simply looked anemic. Still, there is a real lack of offensive talent on this team, so it's fair to wonder just how this is going to go. Maye's dynasty value should rise with some solid performances.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Tank Dell Oct 9 4:13pm CT
Tank Dell

Dynasty | The Texans have placed wide receiver Nico Collins on injured reserve. Dynasty Analysis: Collins has gone from an afterthought, to a serviceable receiver, to a possible lineup staple, to a WR1, to perhaps the best receiver in fantasy leagues over the past three years. This is a major buzzkill as he has been flat-out dominant. Savvy owners who aren't competing right now could make a "buy low" play for his services to a team desperate to win, but you're not likely to get him. Unfortunately, he's going to be out for at least four weeks and that should open up targets for Tank Dell, Stefon Diggs, Dalton Schultz and others.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Aidan O'Connell Oct 9 4:13pm CT
Aidan O'Connell

Dynasty | The Raiders will replace Gardner Minshew at quarterback with Aidan O'Connell. Dynasty Analysis: The Raiders are 2-3 and while Minshew hasn't been awful, he also hasn't done anything to make anyone believe this looks like a playoff team. With Davante Adams likely on the way out, this is starting to look a little like a lost season for Las Vegas, so it makes sense for them to see if O'Connell can provide a spark. In his 11 games last year, he threw for 2,218 yards with 12 touchdowns and seven interception looking relatively average most Sundays. At this point, the Raiders are likely going to be scouting the college scene pretty hard in search of who may be their next signal caller. If O'Connell falls on his face, they could also scour the trade market (Russell Wilson could be available). Minshew can be dropped in dynasty leagues while O'Connell is back on the map.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Michael Pittman Jr. Oct 9 4:10pm CT
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice. In addition to Pittman, Josh Downs (toe) also popped on the Week 6 injury report and didn't practice. It's not a great start to the week for Pittman and Downs, but they still have two days left to get back onto the practice field. Given his injury and the fact that we still don't know if quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) will play this Sunday against the division-rival Tennessee Titans, Pittman's fantasy outlook is a bit up in the air. He had 11 receptions for 88 yards and no touchdowns in the first three weeks with Richardson at the helm but has exploded for 11 catches for 150 yards and his first touchdown of the year in the last two weeks with Richardson injured. Pittman's fantasy upside may actually be higher if Richardson misses another week.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Oct 9 4:00pm CT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (ribs) is good to go on Thursday night, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Kittle was a limited participant during the first two practice sessions of the week but was able to upgrade to full participation on Wednesday. The 31-year-old should be locked into all starting lineups as he faces a Seattle defense that has allowed the 19th-most points to opposing tight ends. Kittle has found the end zone in each of the past three games he has played in and averaged 61.7 yards and 6.3 receptions during this span. He should be viewed as a TE1 and should also be considered as a solid flex option in all DFS formats on Thursday evening.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Oct 9 3:50pm CT
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (knee) was limited during Wednesday's practice, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. The 25-year-old has been sidelined since Week 3 after suffering a knee injury early in that game. The 25-year-old was initially deemed doubtful for this weekend's game, according to his head coach, Mike Tomlin, but seeing him participate in practice early in the week is a promising sign. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week. If Warren can suit up against the Las Vegas Raiders, he should be viewed as a solid flex option in PPR formats, given his pass-catching ability. If he cannot play, Najee Harris should see a heavy workload with Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) already ruled out.

From RotoBaller

Zack Moss Oct 9 3:50pm CT
Zack Moss

Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss (foot) did not practice on Wednesday, according to Mike Petraglia. Petraglia further noted that the running back did walk out in his uniform but could not participate in any drills. The 26-year-old suffered the injury in Sunday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Before the injury, Moss logged nine carries for 24 yards and added three catches for 28 yards. Through the early part of the season, Moss has been deployed as the lead back in Cincinnati, with Chase Brown serving as the No.2 option. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Moss' status during the week, as he could be in danger of missing Sunday's game. After totaling just over 40 yards through the first two weeks of the season, Brown has tallied at least 50 all-purpose yards in each of the past three games and could be a high-end RB2 on Sunday if Moss were to be held out of action.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Oct 9 3:40pm CT
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) was a full participant in practice for the first time in over a month on Wednesday, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Wilson suffered a calf injury before the season opener, which allowed Justin Fields to take over starting duties. While fantasy managers should still expect Fields to remain the starting QB for the time being, Wilson could eventually take over the job in the coming weeks, given that he is now at full strength. Last week, Fields went 15-for-27 in their loss to the Dallas Cowboys and threw for just 131 yards. Fantasy managers in superflex formats should consider stashing Wilson, as he could move to the top of the depth chart if Fields continues to struggle.

From RotoBaller

Dameon Pierce Oct 9 3:30pm CT
Dameon Pierce

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) is expected to return this weekend, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. The 24-year-old has been sidelined since the opening week of the season with a hamstring injury. Cam Akers took over No.2 duties in his absence and eventually became the starter when Joe Mixon (ankle) suffered an injury following Week 2. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring Joe Mixon's status, as Pierce could be the top option out of the backfield if Mixon is kept out of action. Since breaking out in his rookie campaign with an impressive 939 yards, Pierce has been stuck in a reserve role. However, he is worth a speculative add this week as he could be a solid flex option if he gets the starting nod against the New England Patriots.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Oct 9 3:20pm CT
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) was seen at Wednesday's practice, according to Brooks Kubena of The Athletic. This is a great sign, as Brown missed the past three games due to a hamstring injury after injuring his hamstring during a Week 2 practice. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the 27-year-old's status throughout the week, but seeing him at practice early in the week is promising. In the season opener, Brown caught five of his ten targets for 119 yards and a score. If Brown can suit up on Sunday, he should be viewed as a high-end WR1 facing the Cleveland Browns.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Oct 9 3:20pm CT
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (concussion) will practice on Wednesday according to Jeff McLane of the Inquirer. McLane further noted that the 25-year-old is still in concussion protocol but still has time to be cleared before Sunday's game. The former first-round pick suffered a concussion in Week 3 against the New Orleans Saints. Before the injury, Smith caught at least seven passes in the first three weeks and averaged 79.7 yards per game with one total score. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week. If Smith can suit up, he should be viewed as a low-end WR1 facing the Cleveland Browns, who have allowed the 21st most points to opposing wideouts.

From RotoBaller

Devin Singletary Oct 9 3:10pm CT
Devin Singletary

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (groin) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, according to Dan Salomone of Giants.com. Singletary was held out of action last weekend due to a groin injury. The veteran running back was able to log a limited session last Friday but was ultimately kept sidelined. However, seeing him log a limited session early in the week is a positive sign for his status for this weekend's game. In his absence, fifth-round rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. led the way last Sunday, totaling 129 yards on the ground in their victory over the Seattle Seahawks. If Singletary can suit up, he should be viewed as a high-floor RB2 facing the Cincinnati Bengals.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Oct 9 3:00pm CT
Malik Nabers

New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (concussion) did not practice on Wednesday as he is still in concussion protocol. Nabers was seen working with the coaching staff earlier on Wednesday but did not participate enough to be deemed limited. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status throughout the week, as Thursday's and Friday's injury reports should clarify his availability for this weekend. Before suffering a concussion in Week 4, the LSU standout was enjoying an impressive campaign as averaged 96.5 receiving yards per game with three total touchdowns. If Nabers is able to suit up on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, he should be viewed as a high-end WR1. If not, Wan'Dale Robinson should be in line for increased opportunities.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Oct 9 2:10pm CT
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (toe) was not spotted at Wednesday's practice and is reportedly dealing with a toe injury, according to Colts reporter Nate Atkins. The second-year pass-catcher out of North Carolina missed the first two games of the 2024 campaign with an ankle injury but has heated up in his last two contests with Joe Flacco at quarterback. He posted at least 15.9 PPR points against the Steelers and Jaguars. Downs' status is worth monitoring for the rest of the week, but the Colts are set to face the Tennessee Titans, who have allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to wideouts this season. No wide receiver has eclipsed 67 yards or caught a touchdown against Tennessee's revamped secondary. If Anthony Richardson (oblique) starts on Sunday, all of the Colts' pass-catchers have lower ceilings and floors in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Aidan O'Connell Oct 9 2:00pm CT
Aidan O'Connell

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell will start against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6, according to ESPN's Paul Gutierrez. Veteran Gardner Minshew has struggled as the team's starter, passing for 1,014 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions in five games. The Raiders are out to a 2-3 start and are rumored to be looking to trade All-Pro wideout Davante Adams (hamstring), so things are turning south in the Sin City quickly. O'Connell is now a must-add option in two-QB or Superflex leagues, but it would be surprising if he performs well enough to become a viable starter in single-QB formats. Without Adams, the Las Vegas skill group featuring Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker, and Brock Bowers is decent, but it's a bottom-half supporting cast in the NFL. O'Connell played in 11 games last year and posted 2,218 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

From RotoBaller