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.
Cincinnati Bengals running back Trayveon Williams led the way in the preseason loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He didn't do much in Cincinnati's first two exhibitions. However, the 26-year-old finished Thursday's contest by totaling a game-high 66 rushing yards off 11 carries. Williams, the No. 182 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, has spent his entire career with the Bengals. Yet, he's been limited to only 62 touches in 40 career games. With Williams behind Zach Moss and Chase Brown on the depth chart, his workload isn't expected to increase this season. As a result, managers won't look in his direction in most fantasy drafts, although there is streaming potential if Moss or Brown get hurt. The Bengals will begin the 2024-25 campaign with a Week 1 visit from the New England Patriots.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders started working wide receiver Kazmeir Allen in at running back at training camp last week, and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury mentioned to reporters that Allen's "explosive" traits remind him of a Deebo Samuel-type player. The Commanders are looking for a way to keep Allen as they head into the 2024 regular season. The 24-year-old went undrafted last year out of UCLA and spent most of 2023 on Washington's practice squad. He's still well off the fantasy radar in all formats, but Allen is a name to file away, especially after the Commanders traded Jahan Dotson to the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday. Washington is looking for young players to step up on offense, but it remains to be seen if Allen will be one of those guys. During the preseason, he has four carries for 15 yards and a fumble while also catching one pass for a 12-yard gain.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau (ankle) played 13 games in 2023 from Week 5 through Week 18 with a severe ankle issue. "No one's ever played with that injury, let alone an entire season," a source with knowledge of the situation said. Moreau played through the issue after previously battling through a diagnosis of Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He was outfitted with a custom brace to help keep his peroneal retinaculum tendon from "flipping over my ankle bone." The Saints' training staff miraculously helped Moreau avoid in-season surgery, although he did have a procedure done in late January that has him full speed in 2024. The 27-year-old is as tough as they come, but he's not really on the fantasy radar in any leagues while most likely operating behind both Taysom Hill and Juwan Johnson on the TE totem pole in New Orleans.
From RotoBaller
Packers Wire's Zach Kruse believes that Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson is likely to make the 53-man roster out of training camp with rookie RB MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) still sidelined and veteran AJ Dillon (neck) also dealing with a stinger. Wilson, who went undrafted last year out of Fort Valley State, saw only 14 carries in seven games in his rookie season for 85 rushing yards. He added four receptions for 23 yards through the air. If both Lloyd and Dillon are not ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener, there's a chance that the 25-year-old will open the year as Josh Jacobs' primary backup. Wilson is mostly a between-the-tackles weapon because of his power and burst, but don't sleep on his skills as a pass-catcher. For now, Wilson is probably only worth stashing in dynasty/keeper leagues, but that could change early in 2024, depending on the health of both Lloyd and Dillon.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (foot) made his return to team drills at training camp practice on Thursday. It's the first time that Johnson has taken part in team drills since being activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list on Tuesday. The 27-year-old wasn't able to practice with the rest of his teammates for the start of training camp at the end of July after having surgery on his foot back in January. He's unlikely to play in the team's preseason finale on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans but should be ready to go for Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 8, barring a setback in practices of the next two weeks. Johnson will be on the TE2/3 borderline after taking a step back in 2023 with 37 receptions for 368 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games (11 starts) in his fourth year in New Orleans. Do-it-all offensive weapon Taysom Hill will likely continue to be a thorn in Johnson's side.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (leg) sat out again during Thursday's practice while teammates DK Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Dareke Young have been practicing with the first-team offense. This marks over a week of no practice for Lockett after coach Mike Macdonald deemed the injury not serious last Wednesday. It's at least mildly concerning as a timetable for his return has not been discussed, and he's not expected to suit up for Seattle's preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns this Saturday. However, the Seahawks are maybe just being cautious with the nine-year pro, attempting to get him healthy for the team's Week 1 tilt against the Denver Broncos. Lockett's availability has been stellar throughout his career, missing just three total games due to injury. He's currently Yahoo!'s WR49 and has a good chance to match or outplay that price if he begins the season fully healthy.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa (wrist, hand) returned to the team on Thursday and worked off to the side with a trainer. This marks his first time back since leaving joint practice against the Los Angeles Rams on August 4th. Bosa is sure to be happy to make it back to the field after nearly three weeks off, as he has seen his last few seasons marred by injury. After appearing in just five games in 2022 due to an inguinal groin tear, a sprained foot limited him to nine games in 2023. Throughout his eight-year career, he has played in just three full seasons. However, his presence at practice is an excellent sign for him and the Chargers defense. Los Angeles presents some sneaky upside as a team defense early in the season for fantasy managers looking to stream the position, as they have three favorable matchups over the first three weeks. They'll square up against the Las Vegas Raiders, Carolina Panthers, and Pittsburgh Steelers to open the year, and a healthy Bosa can only help their case.
From RotoBaller
With the recent trading of former teammate Jahan Dotson, Washington Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown has been catapulted into the team's starting lineup. He now sits No. 2 behind Terry McLaurin on Washington's depth chart. Brown has looked solid this preseason and will have a chance to earn more consistent targets in his new starting role. The former Tarheel has garnered a 91.1 grade from PFF for his play this August and now has five catches (two contested) on six targets for 74 yards and a 118.1 rating when targeted. While the 24-year-old has totaled just 29 receptions over his first three seasons as a pro, he stands an excellent shot to provide some value in fantasy drafts this season in a wide-open Washington wide receiver room. Brown is currently Yahoo!'s WR409, though that is expected to change over the next few weeks.
From RotoBaller
The Kansas City Chiefs and Pro Bowl center Creed Humphrey have agreed on a four-year extension valued at $72 million, including $50 million guaranteed. This effectively makes him the highest-paid center in NFL history. The previous holder of the highest annual salary for a center was the Detroit Lions' Frank Ragnow ($13.5 million). A former second-round pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, Humphrey has been a model of consistency for the Chiefs -- yet to miss a start in his three-year career. The University of Oklahoma product has evolved into one of the premier interior blockers in the league, and he'll now anchor Kansas City's offensive line through 2028. He's allowed just 44 total pressures throughout his career. The Chiefs now have the NFL's highest-paid interior offensive lineman, interior defensive lineman (Chris Jones), and tight end (Travis Kelce).
From RotoBaller
The Cincinnati Bengals are expecting defensive end Myles Murphy (knee) to miss around four to six weeks with a knee sprain, according to sources. The Bengals will be conservative with the 2023 first-rounder to make sure he's a full-go upon his return. Murphy suffered the knee injury in Wednesday's joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts and will now miss the start of his second NFL season. The 22-year-old was selected 28th overall last year out of Clemson and finished his first year in the league with 20 tackles (10 solo), three sacks, three tackles for loss and three QB hits in 17 games (zero starts). While Murphy is out, the Bengals will be looking for the likes of Cedric Johnson, Joseph Ossai and Justin Blazek to step up and provide defensive-end depth behind Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said on Thursday that "there's really not a lot of updates. We've continued to be in communication. Nothing to report there," when asked for an update on the ongoing situation with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. The Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots have all been mentioned as potential trade partners with the Niners for Aiyuk this summer. The Patriots dropped out a while ago, though, and the Steelers' recent extension offer to Aiyuk caused him to head back to the negotiating table with the 49ers. With two weeks remaining until the start of the regular season, it's more likely that Aiyuk either signs an extension to stay in San Fran or plays in 2024 on his fifth-year option. The 26-year-old former first-rounder is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and 15 total TDs, and his fantasy value would be highest as a low-end WR1 if he sticks with the 49ers.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper (undisclosed) returned to training camp practice on Wednesday and fully participated on Thursday after only going through the walkthrough portion of practice on Tuesday. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said earlier in the week that the starters should expect to play in the preseason finale on Saturday against the Seattle Seahawks, but it's unclear if that also includes Cooper, who was pulled from practice early last Thursday due to undisclosed soreness. Cooper will have to contend with losing some targets to Jerry Jeudy in 2024, but he's still the Browns' clear WR1 and will be getting quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) back healthy. The 30-year-old veteran and five-time Pro Bowler had his seventh 1,000-yard season in 2023 and set a new career-high with 1,250 receiving yards. Cooper is being undervalued currently at his Yahoo ADP of 52.6.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark (undisclosed) remained on the sideline during Thursday's practice. The veteran wideout was banged up during Monday's practice. Chark has been on the sideline since then as he continues to nurse what is believed to be a hip injury. However, the Chargers haven't commented much on Chark or the injury. The expectation is that Chark is going to miss Saturday's preseason finale against the Dallas Cowboys. Right now, Chark is competing for the third wideout spot alongside Quentin Johnston. Chark hasn't been a viable option in fantasy leagues for a few years. That being said, fantasy managers can leave him on the waiver wire in 12-team redraft formats to begin the season.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco is unlikely to play during Thursday's preseason finale against the Chicago Bears. Fantasy managers shouldn't be concerned as the Chiefs are expected to bench most of their offensive starters. Pacheco is undoubtedly the lead back in Kansas City after having back-to-back strong campaigns to begin his career. That being said, the team doesn't want to risk any injury to Pacheco in an exhibition game. Clyde Edwards-Helaire should join Pacheco on the sideline for this one. That being said, Deneric Prince and Keaontay Ingram should be the primary backs for the Chiefs during Thursday's contest.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant is expected to be ready to play in the Week 1 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Fant is working his way back from an undisclosed injury and hasn't been on the practice field for a few days. Head coach Mike Macdonald doesn't appear concerned about this being a long term issue for Fant. The 26-year-old is coming off the worst season of his professional career. He recorded a career-low 32 receptions, 414 receiving yards, and zero touchdowns in 17 games. Despite that, Fant remains the No. 1 tight end in Seattle and has a new offensive coordinator in Ryan Grubb. He's worth a look as a late-round option with the tight end position being limited in terms of elite fantasy contributors.
From RotoBaller
The San Francisco 49ers have decided to bring back tight end Logan Thomas on Thursday. The veteran tight end was cut by the organization two weeks ago. Thomas was dealing with an injury in camp, but he appears to be healthy now. The 33-year-old should be a decent option alongside George Kittle at the tight end spot. Last season, Thomas recorded 55 receptions for 496 yards and four touchdowns with the Washington Commanders. He could have streaming value if Kittle does miss any time. Outside of that, Thomas is unlikely to have weekly fantasy value as the No. 2 tight end in San Francisco.
From RotoBaller
Justin Fields believes he has demonstrated his capability to be the Steelers' starting quarterback despite the team still listing Russell Wilson as QB1 on the depth chart for Saturday's preseason game. Fields expressed confidence in his performance, saying, "I think the time I had with the first-team offense during training camp went well. We made progress each day, but ultimately, it's not up to me." Fields directed questions about his depth chart position to head coach Mike Tomlin. Over two preseason games, Fields has completed 16 of 23 passes for 159 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions and three sacks. He has also rushed for 44 yards on 11 carries. Given the opportunity, Fields could prove to be a significant player. While Wilson is expected to be a QB2/QB3 fantasy option, Fields has the potential to be a top-10 QB fantasy asset. Fantasy managers should watch this situation closely, and hope Fields gets his chance.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Eagles have acquired wide receiver Jahan Dotson from the Washington Commanders. Dynasty Analysis: The Commanders traded the former first round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a third-round pick and two seventh-round picks in 2025. It's a deal that kind of comes out of left field, though Dotson was reportedly being outplayed in camp by both Dyami Brown and Olamide Zaccheus. Dotson will slot in as the third receiver for the Eagles behind AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith. It's a move that certainly doesn't help his dynasty value as the former first rounder won't likely see anything like the 83 targets he had last season.
Dynasty | Dyami Brown moves up the depth chart after the Eagles traded for Jahan Dotson. Dynasty Analysis: Interesting. The trade of Dotson clearly paves the way for Brown to have a much bigger role in the Commanders offense this year. While he hasn't done much in his three years (62/476/3), he's also only had 62 career targets. If the Commanders don't make other moves, that number could change dramatically this season. Brown is clearly now on the sleeper radar and worth a roster spot in dynasty leagues.
Dynasty | Parris Campbell moves down the depth chart after the Eagles traded for Jahan Dotson. Dynasty Analysis: This trade represents a tough break for Campbell, who was trying to make a significant impact this year after a lost season with the Giants. Campbell and Dotson are different players but there simply aren't enough targets to keep everyone happy in the receiver room, especially when you keep in mind AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith are going to dominate targets anyway. Campbell is likely not a roster-worthy player at the moment.