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.
Green Bay Packers kicker Greg Joseph was solid in his final preseason game, making both field goal attempts and kicking home an extra point in the Packers' 30-7 win against the Baltimore Ravens. Joseph made a 36-yard attempt in the beginning of the second quarter, nailed a PAT in the third quarter, and then with just under two minutes left in the fourth quarter, drilled a 55-yard attempt. Joseph is in a tough kicking competition with incumbent starter Anders Carlson, but the race is a bit close to call at this moment. The Packers wanted to give Carlson some legitimate competition and Joseph, last season's kicker for the Minnesota Vikings, was just that throughout camp. Wait and see before drafting either kicker in fantasy, but whoever wins the Packers' job should have decent value given how powerful the Packers' offense is.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers second-year kicker Anders Carlson struggled as a rookie, missing five extra points and making 27-of-33 field goals last season. In today's final preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, Carlson made both extra point attempts and made a 54-yard field goal in the first quarter, but missed a 32-yard field goal wide right in the fourth quarter. While Carlson has been solid throughout camp in his battle with former Vikings kicker Greg Joseph to retain the starting kicker job, the final miss this preseason may linger in the head of head coach Matt LaFleur when making his decision. Carlson seems to have an edge on Joseph but could have a shorter leash once the season begins. Carlson is tough to trust as a fantasy selection at kicker, but could be a waiver wire add if things are going well as the Packers should be one of the better offenses in the league.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Malik Heath led the Packers in all receiving categories during their final preseason tune-up against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday afternoon. Heath, the second-year receiver out of Ole Miss, led the Packers with five targets and a four-catch, 39-yard effort, including a third-quarter touchdown from Sean Clifford. The Packers sat Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks, leaving the starting wide receivers to be Heath and Bo Melton, of whom Heath is battling to be the team's WR5 this season. The Packers have an embarrassment of riches at the receiver spot, so the team may opt to keep six on the 53-man roster, but the race is too close to call if the Packers only keep one. Heath was a sporadic contributor last season but was not fantasy-relevant. He shouldn't be drafted, but if any of the receivers ahead of him are hurt, Heath could contribute if he makes the roster.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Bo Melton scored a touchdown on a beautiful throw from rookie Michael Pratt on Saturday afternoon in the Packers' final preseason matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. With the Packers sitting Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks, Melton got some extra time to shine on Saturday and delivered with that second-quarter score. Melton only earned two targets and caught one, but made it count. While the first four receivers are set in stone for the Packers, the fifth wide receiver slot is up for grabs between Melton and second-year pro Malik Heath, who also caught a touchdown on the day. The Packers may opt to keep both Melton and Heath on the 53-man roster, but if not, it's likely a decision between the two. For fantasy purposes, there's no need to draft Melton but keep an eye on him if any of the other receivers get hurt as Melton was productive toward the end of 2023 for the Packers.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Jaren Hall played well in the team's last preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, completing 17 of 25 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns while adding 11 yards on the ground. The 26-year-old led the Vikings on five consecutive scoring drives and left the game with a 23-3 lead. The second-year quarterback out of BYU was on the roster bubble with the possibility of joining the Vikings' practice squad but may have made the final cut as Hall looked sharp and decisive. If Hall does indeed get cut, expect him to be swiftly signed by another team. The former BYU Cougar likely will enter the 2024 regular season as the Vikings' QB3 behind starter Sam Darnold and backup Nick Mullens.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers rookie quarterback Michael Pratt was solid in his final preseason outing against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday afternoon. Pratt was 8-of-12 for 80 yards with an 18-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter to Bo Melton. He also threw an interception in the third quarter to Trenton Simpson, where Pratt recklessly came flying in to make the tackle and was shaken up on the play. In the post-game press conference, head coach Matt LaFleur said Pratt "lost his wind" when trying to make the post-interception tackle. Pratt is battling incumbent backup quarterback Sean Clifford to be the QB2 behind Jordan Love this season, but the race is too close to call yet. The Packers travel to Brazil and open their season on September 6 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Sean Clifford struggled yet again in the Packers' third and final preseason contest against the Baltimore Ravens. Clifford was 6-of-14 for 53 yards with a touchdown pass to Malik Heath in the third quarter. The second-year pro from Penn State Clifford and rookie Michael Pratt alternated every two drives in their heated QB2 battle behind Jordan Love. Pratt has outplayed Clifford in the last two preseason contests but the race is too close to call with Clifford having the leg up with one more season of experience. The winner of this battle will be Love's direct backup when the Packers travel to Brazil to open their regular season on Friday, September 6 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Jaren Hall played most of the second half against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, looking sharp in his limited passing opportunities. The 2023 fifth-round pick completed four of his five passes for 87 yards and two scores while rushing for 11 yards on two attempts, including an incredible 71-yard bomb to Jeshaun Jones. The Vikings were ahead by multiple scores for much of Hall's playtime, so he did not have many chances to show off his arm, but he was effective when he could. The second-year quarterback bounced back from a disappointing first preseason game, and at a good time for that, too -- the backup quarterback position in Minnesota has been in flux with rookie J.J. McCarthy (knee) being placed on injured reserve earlier this week. Hall made his case to be on the 53-man roster for the Vikings and will need to fight off Nick Mullens and newly signed Matt Corral for the opportunity.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (foot) will undergo surgery and is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks. "DaRon Bland experienced foot discomfort on Wednesday of last week during training camp in Oxnard," the team disclosed in a statement. "Imaging revealed a stress fracture in his foot." The 25-year-old had a monster season in 2023-24, finishing with a league-leading nine interceptions, returning five for a touchdown. Without question, his absence is significant for the Cowboys' defense overall. Rookie Caelen Carson is anticipated to take over while Bland is out of commission.
From RotoBaller
According to Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles, running back Chase Edmonds (undisclosed) is expected to begin the season on the injured reserve list. No surprise here, considering the veteran back has been battling an unspecified ailment throughout training camp. Of course, the No. 1 spot on the depth chart is held by Rachaad White, who narrowly missed the 1,000-yard rushing mark in 2023-24. As a result, Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker will be looking for scraps, although neither player should be viewed as anything more than an insurance policy.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston will start in Saturday's preseason matchup with the Seattle Seahawks. Under normal circumstances, a lineup move for a preseason game wouldn't mean much. However, with Deshaun Watson (arm) having issues with "general arm soreness" of late, the Browns would benefit from giving Winston all the snaps he can handle. It also means Watson won't get his first taste of in-game action since November until the Browns commence the 2024-25 campaign on September 8 versus the Dallas Cowboys, so the signal-caller could have some residual rust to shake off. Of course, guys like Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, and David Njoku (undisclosed) may suffer from a production standpoint if Watson struggles.
From RotoBaller
The Bears cut tight end Tommy Sweeney on Saturday. He signed a deal with Chicago a few months ago after spending his entire career in Buffalo. The 29-year-old appeared in 24 contests for the Bills. However, he had just 18 catches for 165 yards and one touchdown. With Cole Kmet, Gerald Everett, and Marcedes Lewis on the roster, the Bears are set heading into the 2024-25 campaign. Regarding Sweeney's future, there's a chance he could at least earn a spot on another team throughout the National Football League. Yet, his fantasy value can't get any lower, nor will it improve anytime soon.
From RotoBaller
The Cleveland Browns have ruled out quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) for their preseason finale on Saturday night against the Seattle Seahawks. Watson, who has not played since having season-ending shoulder surgery last November, is next slated to play in the team's regular-season opener against the Dallas Cowboys in early September. It's not really a surprise after the 28-year-old signal-caller was held back in Wednesday's practice with general arm soreness. With Watson sitting on Saturday, backup Jameis Winston will draw the start versus Seattle. Watson is best considered as a QB2 with upside in fantasy after playing in a total of 12 games the last two years with Cleveland due to injuries. The former first-rounder proved in 2020 with the Houston Texans, though, that he has clear QB1 upside, throwing for a league-high 4,823 yards with 33 TDs and only seven interceptions.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers rookie seventh-round wide receiver Brenden Rice has flashed with physicality in routes and catching in training camp and the preseason, enough to earn a spot on the 53-man roster and compete for time at receiver, but he probably is the sixth receiver on the depth chart. Fellow seventh-round rookie Cornelius Johnson struggled with drops in camp and hasn't had the positive days that many of his draft peers have, making him a long shot to make the team. The 22-year-old Rice is the son of Jerry Rice. He had 1,402 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns in his final two seasons at USC and could eventually become a nice red-zone weapon because of physicality. But for now, fantasy managers should only really consider him a long-term stash in dynasty/keeper formats.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner is a roster lock and is projected to be the team's WR3 behind Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, and Tre Tucker, according to The Athletic's Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed. Turner was already a great special teams player but has sealed his spot by making plays on offense while being lined up all over the field. Jalen Guyton is general manager Tom Telesco's guy from the Los Angeles Chargers and seems like a reliable option with some speed. Tyreik McAllister's punt return for a touchdown in the preseason finale on Friday night against the San Francisco 49ers may have sealed him the final WR spot over Kristian Wilkerson. Wilkerson is more likely to be signed back to the practice squad. Turner, 27, has no catches in his first two years in the NFL and is unlikely to be on the fantasy radar unless one of the players ahead of him on the WR totem pole goes down with an injury.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers second-round rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey missed time in training camp with an undisclosed injury but was back for the team's second preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, where he caught one pass. McConkey has worked with the starting offense at slot receiver when the team is in three-receiver sets at practice and appears to be third on the receiver depth chart in LA behind DJ Chark and Joshua Palmer. The 22-year-old was the 34th overall pick in April and appears set to have a significant role in his first year in the NFL. McConkey excels as a route-runner and will need to gain plenty of chemistry with quarterback Justin Herbert in what is expected to be a run-first offense in 2024. But with the departure of both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, McConkey will have a big opportunity and is worth a late-round flier for WR depth in fantasy drafts.
From RotoBaller
The Athletic's Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed have listed Las Vegas Raiders rookie sixth-round running back Dylan Laube as the RB4 behind Zamir White, Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah and expect him to make the final 53-man roster out of training camp. White showed well for himself when he filled in for the injured Josh Jacobs last year, and now that Jacobs is out of town, White should lead this backfield in touches in 2024. However, Mattison was brought in to help share the load, especially on third down. Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy has praised White's receiving skills, so he won't exactly just be a two-down back. Abdullah is a trusted veteran who can also play special teams, while Laube is a nice project and will provide depth. The 24-year-old Laube is really only worth stashing in dynasty leagues for now, and his quickest path to playing time will be on third downs.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers rookie first-round wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (shoulder) didn't play at all in the preseason due to an aggravated shoulder injury that traces back to his college days, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Pearsall last practiced in training camp on Aug. 6, but the good news is there is not enough significant structural damage to call into question his rookie season. Shanahan said he hopes Pearsall returns to practice this week, and if he does, it's a good sign for his availability for the regular-season opener on Monday night, Sept. 9, against the New York Jets. The 23-year-old partially dislocated his shoulder when he first hurt it in college, but it didn't stop the Niners from taking him 31st overall in April. His injury has added a wrinkle to the Brandon Aiyuk saga and should also be concerning to fantasy managers that have already invested in Pearsall in dynasty/keeper formats.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that the team's starters will not play in the preseason finale on Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens. Along with quarterback Jordan Love, running back Josh Jacobs, wide receivers Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks and tight end Luke Musgrave will not suit up for this one as the Packers try to avoid injuries to their key players as they prepare for the start of the 2024 regular season in two weeks. The next time we'll see Love running Green Bay's offense in a competitive game will be on Sept. 6 against the Philadelphia Eagles. A lot will be expected of Love in his second full season as the starter after he threw for 4,159 yards, 32 touchdowns and 11 picks in 17 regular-season games in 2023 before upsetting the Cowboys in the playoffs. His big season catapulted him to low-end QB1 status in fantasy formats.
From RotoBaller
The San Francisco 49ers situation with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk remains unsettled, and the former first-rounder's long-term standing with the organization remains very much in the air. The two sides continue to work on a long-term contract extension, but nothing has been agreed upon yet. It was a good sign that Aiyuk traveled with the team to Las Vegas for their preseason finale on Friday night, but until something gets done contract-wise, Aiyuk won't be back on the field. The Niners do have an extension offer out there for Aiyuk, and the final year of the extension could be tweaked a bit to seal the deal. The Pittsburgh Steelers still have their trade offer for Aiyuk on the table, with it essentially being up to the 49ers to decide whether they want to trade him or continue working toward an extension. It remains to be seen what direction this goes, but the 26-year-old's fantasy value will be highest if he stays in San Fran.
From RotoBaller