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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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Player Notes
Spencer Rattler Oct 11 6:30pm CT
Spencer Rattler

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense had a tough time during last week's loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The secondary gave up 550 passing yards as the Falcons offense scored 36 points in the win. Luckily, the Bucs were able to record four sacks and an interception which helped give them some value. The hope is that this unit is able to bounce back against the New Orleans Saints in Week 6. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler will be tasked with starting under center on Sunday. It'll be the first career game for the fifth-round pick. This will either go great for the Bucs defense and they will dominate Rattler or the problems in the secondary continue to haunt this defense. This defense has only over 350 yards in three of the first five games. It'll be a boom-or-bust week for this Bucs defense.

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Dontayvion Wicks Oct 11 6:10pm CT
Dontayvion Wicks

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks looks to bounce back from a lackluster performance on the stat sheet in this week's matchup where the Packers host the Arizona Cardinals. Wicks only put up two receptions for 20 yards, but tied for the team-lead in targets share with 23% and led the Packers with 44% of the air yards. While those metrics didn't turn into fantasy points, yards, or receptions, the Packers' offensive intent was very well known as they peppered Wicks with targets and downfield looks. Changing the outlook for Wicks is Romeo Doubs' return to the lineup following a one-game suspension and the possibility of Christian Watson (ankle) playing in Week 6 as he's listed as questionable on the injury report. A Watson return would likely affect Wicks' snaps and route directly and would be a low-end flex for fantasy. If Watson is inactive, Wicks is a low-end WR3 and a high-end flex option for Week 6.

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Trey Sermon Oct 11 6:00pm CT
Trey Sermon

Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon (collarbone) has been cleared to play in Week 6 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans and will serve as the team's primary RB for the second straight week with Jonathan Taylor (ankle) being ruled out. Sermon missed practice on Wednesday but was a full-go on both Thursday and Friday. The 25-year-old saw 10 carries for 38 yards and his second rushing touchdown of the year in last week's loss to the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars, adding six receptions for another 25 yards. For the added volume alone with JT out again, fantasy managers should consider Sermon an RB3/flex this weekend. However, the matchup against the Titans on the road isn't nearly as good, as they've allowed the 22nd-most half-PPR points to opposing backs through five weeks this year.

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Josh Downs Oct 11 5:50pm CT
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (toe) was listed as questionable on the team's final injury report for Week 6 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans. Downs was unable to practice on Wednesday or Thursday, but he appears to be tracking in the right direction to play on Sunday after putting in a full practice on Friday. Fellow wideout Michael Pittman Jr. (back) did the exact same this week, but he appears to be much more up in the air due to a back injury that reportedly could keep him out multiple weeks. Downs' fantasy stock has risen after he put up 17 receptions (21 targets) for 151 yards and a touchdown the last two weeks. However, his status is in question this weekend against a very stingy Tennessee secondary, and his fantasy upside could actually tank if quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) returns to action. The 23-year-old is lining up as a shaky WR3/flex if he's active. If both he and Pittman are ruled out, Alec Pierce will be Indy's WR1.

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Brayden Narveson Oct 11 5:50pm CT
Brayden Narveson

Green Bay Packers kicker Brayden Narveson looks to continue building up some momentum as the Packers host the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6. After Narveson's brutal showing in Week 4 where he missed two field goals, the Packers stuck with him and Narveson made his only field goal attempt and booted home three extra point attempts in their win against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5. Starting Narveson in fantasy lineups this week is a bet on the game environment being filled with points, which is definitely on the table with the scoring potential of both the Packers and Cardinals. Consider Narveson a fringe starting option this week in Week 6.

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Jeremy McNichols Oct 11 5:50pm CT
Jeremy McNichols

Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols could move up the depth chart on Sunday afternoon if Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) is unable to suit up. Robinson entered last weekend with a questionable status but was able to play. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the weekend. McNichols has shined in the few opportunities he has gotten this season. In Week 4 with Austin Ekeler sidelined with a concussion, McNichols tallied 68 yards and two scores on eight attempts. Late into the fourth quarter last weekend when the Commanders had a sizeable lead, the 28-year-old received seven carries and totaled 44 yards and another score. If Robinson is unable to play, McNichols becomes a viable flex option in deeper formats and should share the backfield with Ekeler.

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Chase McLaughlin Oct 11 5:50pm CT
Chase McLaughlin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin has been one of the more consistent options early in the season. Last week, McLaughlin was perfect on all six of his kicks during the overtime loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The veteran kicker is a perfect 10-for-10 on field goal attempts heading into the Week 6 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. McLaughlin has connected on two field goals or more in every game, but one this season. The Bucs offense continues to give McLaughlin plenty of work on a weekly basis which gives him solid streaming value for this Week 6 divisional matchup.

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Terry McLaurin Oct 11 5:40pm CT
Terry McLaurin

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin has topped double-digit PPR points in each of the past three weeks and remains a high-end WR2 in Week 6 when he faces the Baltimore Ravens. Since tallying just 39 yards in the first two games of the season, McLaurin has hit the century mark in two out of the past three games and averaged an impressive 88.0 yards with eight targets per game in this stretch. In addition, he has found the end zone twice during this span. Facing a Baltimore Ravens defense that has allowed the most points to opposing wideouts this season makes McLaurin a high-upside play in all formats and should be locked into all starting lineups.

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Taysom Hill Oct 11 5:40pm CT
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (rib) missed practice all week and has officially been ruled out for the Week 6 divisional clash on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This will be Hill's third missed game of the year and his second in a row due to fractured ribs that he suffered in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. The 34-year-old can do it all on the football field, but it's impossible to predict when he'll be heavily utilized when he's healthy. For now, Hill should remain on the waiver wire in most fantasy formats. When he does return, Hill could see more action out of the backfield as a passer or runner if he's able to return before quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) does. The Saints have a quick turnaround in Week 7 next Thursday against the Denver Broncos, so Hill may be fighting an uphill battle to return by then.

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Noah Brown Oct 11 5:40pm CT
Noah Brown

Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (groin) was held out of last weekend's game but is expected to return to the field this weekend and could be worth a look as a high-risk, high-upside play in DFS format. Since making his Commanders debut in Week 2, Brown has logged more snaps and ran more routes every week, highlighted by a season-high in Week 4 with 26 routes, the second-most on the team. During this stretch, Brown has caught three passes in each game. Brown logged three limited practice sessions this week and is expected to suit up this weekend. With how well Jayden Daniels has performed in the NFL, Brown's breakout performance could be right around the corner and facing one of the worst pass defenses in football could be the recipe for success.

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Cade Otton Oct 11 5:40pm CT
Cade Otton

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton has picked up his performance over the last few weeks. Otton started off slow with two duds, but has played better over the last two weeks. The third-year tight end has 44 receiving yards or more over each of the last three games. It's also worth noting that the Bucs could be without Rachaad White (foot), Jalen McMillan (hamstring), and Trey Palmer (concussion) for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. That means, Otton could be pushed up the pecking order with the Bucs having less options on offense. Otton has done enough lately to be a playable option as a TE2 for this Week 6 matchup.

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Zach Ertz Oct 11 5:40pm CT
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz caught a season-low two passes for ten yards last weekend but has a great opportunity to bounce-back facing the Baltimore Ravens. Even though Ertz had his worst game on the scoresheet, he saw eight targets. From Weeks 1 to 4, Ertz averaged four targets in each game with a solid 37.5 yards. With the Commanders lacking a proven No.2 option in the passing attack, Ertz should continue to remain productive every week. Facing a Ravens defense that has allowed the 26th-most points to opposing tight ends makes Ertz a low-end TE1 with upside.

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Austin Seibert Oct 11 5:40pm CT
Austin Seibert

Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert has remained perfect since joining the DMV in Week 2 and has entered streaming territory heading into Week 6. Seibert's leg has not been tested outside of 50+ yards, but he has produced double-digit fantasy points in three of his four games. This weekend, their matchup against the Ravens holds the highest projected point total of the week at an incredible 51.5 which suggests that both teams will be in scoring positions often, making Seibert a safe play with upside in all standard formats.

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Tucker Kraft Oct 11 5:40pm CT
Tucker Kraft

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (groin) popped up on the injury report with limited practices on Thursday and Friday, but is good to go for Week 6 as the Packers square off against the Cardinals. Kraft has no injury designation heading into the weekend, so he should be able to continue his excellent run of production in recent weeks. Kraft has been fantasy football's top tight end the last two weeks and had his best game of the season last week where he caught four balls for 88 yards for two touchdowns, including a 66-yard catch and run. With the Packers returning Romeo Doubs to the lineup and the possibility of Christian Watson (ankle) returning, the targets for Kraft may be more limited than in previous weeks, but Kraft will be on the field a ton (83% snap rate for the season). Fantasy managers should still start Kraft in most formats as a TE1 this week.

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Jayden Reed Oct 11 5:30pm CT
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed should be targeted plenty in the Packers' upcoming matchup in Week 6 where they'll host the Arizona Cardinals. Reed has been a big play waiting to happen for Green Bay this season and has emerged as the Packers' unquestioned top target and playmaker in their offense. With a four-catch, 78-yard effort along with 19 rushing yards last week against the Los Angeles Rams, that stat line represented his worst game of the three games with Jordan Love starting at quarterback. With other receivers returning to the lineup like Romeo Doubs and potentially Christian Watson (ankle) who is listed as questionable in the injury report, Reed's targets may shift slightly, but Reed is still in a great position heading into Week 6. He's become a must-start wide receiver for fantasy managers and should be universally started.

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Alvin Kamara Oct 11 5:30pm CT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hand, hip) was removed from Friday's final injury report and will play in Week 6 against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kamara picked up a DNP on Wednesday but was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday. Meanwhile, Kendre Miller (hamstring) practiced in full all week and is questionable to make his season debut. The 29-year-old Kamara played a season-high 90% of the offensive snaps in last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night and remains a workhorse for this offense. Expect another heavy workload for Kamara in rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler's first career start, which makes Kamara a must-start RB1 for fantasy managers. However, with QB Derek Carr (oblique) out, the Saints' offense could struggle to move the ball effectively, which could be an overall downgrade for Kamara's upside.

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Rashid Shaheed Oct 11 5:30pm CT
Rashid Shaheed

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (hip) was removed from Friday's injury report and will be active on Sunday in Week 6 against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Shaheed did not practice on Wednesday but returned to limited sessions on both Thursday and Friday. The 26-year-old is in the midst of a breakout season in 2024 and enters Week 6 as the No. 14 fantasy wideout in half-PPR scoring thanks to 19 receptions for 338 yards and three touchdowns. He has had some nice chemistry on the deep ball with quarterback Derek Carr (oblique), but with Carr likely out multiple weeks, Shaheed's fantasy value could take a big tumble while taking passes from rookie QB Spencer Rattler, who will be making his first start this weekend. Shaheed should be viewed as a much more volatile WR3/flex in Week 6.

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Sterling Shepard Oct 11 5:30pm CT
Sterling Shepard

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard could be asked to take on a bigger role during Sunday's matchup against the New Orleans Saints. The Bucs could be shorthanded at wideout with Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and Trey Palmer (concussion) both uncertain heading into this game. That being said, Shepard could be asked to step in and be the third receiver behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. His best performance came in Week 3 when he hauled in three receptions for 51 yards. It's hard to imagine Shepard being a viable streaming option even if he gets the nod as the third wideout.

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Jayden Daniels Oct 11 5:30pm CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels looks to win his fifth straight game on Sunday as he takes on the Baltimore Ravens. After losing his first professional game, Daniels has averaged an impressive 24.2 PPR points per game with 951 total passing yards, 212 rushing yards, and six scores. The LSU standout has only turned the ball over twice and completed a remarkable 78.5% of his passes. This weekend, he faces a Baltimore defense that has allowed the 28th-most points to opposing quarterbacks. Daniels should be locked into all lineups this weekend as this game could become quite high-scoring given the projected 51.5-point total, which is the highest of the slate.

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Austin Ekeler Oct 11 5:30pm CT
Austin Ekeler

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler should be viewed as a solid flex option in PPR formats this weekend as they will face the Baltimore Ravens in what could be a very high-scoring affair. After missing Week 4 with a concussion, Ekeler looked strong in Week 5 as he ran for a season-high 67 yards on six carries. He added 30 yards on two receptions. Ekeler has seen at least two targets in every game and ran double-digit routes in three out of the four games he has played in. In addition, Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game, which could further increase Ekeler's opportunities. If Robinson is unable to play, Ekeler should be viewed as a high-end RB2.

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