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.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman was the team leader in targets in Thursday's preseason loss to the visiting Chicago Bears at Arrowhead Stadium, but he only hauled in one of his four passes for six yards in the defeat. Hardman brought in a short six-yard reception from backup quarterback Chris Oladokun in a goal-to-go situation in the second quarter on Thursday against the Bears. After catching the game-winning pass for the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII, Hardman is back to provide the club with some depth in the receiving corps, and there's not much reason to believe he won't be a part of the 53-man roster. The 26-year-old veteran deep threat isn't likely to play many snaps when KC's receiving corps is healthy, but he could see some more action in the early going with Marquise Brown (shoulder) currently sidelined.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney made an appearance in Thursday's preseason loss to the visiting Chicago Bears at Arrowhead Stadium, reeling in two of his three passes for 26 yards in the loss. Toney's long gain of the night came on a 20-yard reception from backup quarterback Chris Oladokun in the first quarter on Thursday against Chicago. It was an important performance for Toney, who is fighting to keep his roster spot as a cut candidate on the Chiefs this summer after an utterly disastrous 2023 season. Even if the 25-year-old former first-round pick keeps his job in KC's receiving corps, he isn't likely to be anything more than a gadget player who is used sparingly in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Deneric Prince flopped in his final chance to leave an impression in Thursday's preseason loss to the visiting Chicago Bears at Arrowhead Stadium, going backward for one yard on three rushing attempts and catching his lone pass for three yards in the defeat. Prince had a chance this summer to unseat incumbent veteran Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) as KC's No. 2 back as he deals with post-traumatic stress disorder, but Thursday's effort likely wasn't enough for him to seize the primary change-of-pace role behind workhorse starter Isiah Pacheco. The 24-year-old power back remains likely to make KC's roster as a third- or fourth-string RB, but undrafted rookie Carson Steele has turned heads during the preseason, and Keaontay Ingram also showed well on Thursday against the Bears.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Carson Steele impressed once again in Thursday's preseason loss to the visiting Chicago Bears at Arrowhead Stadium, rushing for 50 yards and a touchdown on just four carries in the defeat. Steele produced a 31-yard, tackle-breaking run to set up his own scoring plunge in the second quarter on Thursday against Chicago. The 21-year-old undrafted rookie out of UCLA has burst onto the scene with the Chiefs this summer, showcasing plenty of versatility and pass-blocking ability with his 228-pound frame. As KC's backfield hierarchy behind workhorse starter Isiah Pacheco remains murky, Steele has likely done enough during the preseason to make the 53-man roster as a fullback even if the team decides to employ four true RBs.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver/running back Velus Jones Jr. led the team in rushing in the team's preseason finale against Kansas City. The converted wide receiver is getting more looks in the backfield during training camp. He made the most of his opportunities Thursday night, tallying 13 carries for 111 yards. That included a 39-yard touchdown late in the third quarter. Jones also caught two passes for 11 yards. The 2022 third-round pick has yet to make an impact at wide receiver, so the move may be enough for him to make the final roster. He also projects to be Chicago's primary kick returner in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears running back Travis Homer rushed the ball four times for 13 yards and did not catch either of his targets in the team's preseason win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Homer got the start alongside other Chicago reserves and played a couple of series. The veteran's contributions on special teams may be enough for him to make the final roster. However, with Velus Jones Jr. making the transition to running back, it could spell trouble for the sixth-year veteran. If he does survive the final cuts, he'll be behind D'Andre Swift, Khalil Herbert, and Roschon Johnson on the running back depth chart.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver Tyler Scott caught six passes for 99 yards in the team's 34-21 preseason win over the Kansas City Chiefs. He also rushed once for 17 yards to place the Bears in the red zone for an eventual touchdown. With several wide receivers resting and others injured, Scott played well into the second half. He still has the inside track to be fourth on the wide receiver depth chart behind DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and rookie first-round pick Rome Odunze. The 2023 fourth-round pick caught 17 passes for 168 yards in his rookie season.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Logan Woodside had a decent showing in Thursday's preseason loss to the Colts. The signal-caller went 16-for-21 passing for 98 yards. He also fumbled, although he made up for it by connecting with Jermaine Burton late in the contest for a touchdown. Of course, Joe Burrow is the No. 1 option in Cincinnati. However, with Burrow having issues staying healthy over the years, there's a chance Cincinnati may rely on their backups at some point in the season. While Jake Browning will likely keep his spot behind Burrow on the depth chart, Woodside may have done enough to secure a place on the roster entering Week 1. With that said, his value in both redraft and dynasty formats can't get much lower, especially while Burrow and Browning are healthy.
From RotoBaller
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, adding five catches for 11 yards. 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 Zack 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
Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent threw for 57 yards on three completions and ran for a five-yard touchdown in the team's preseason finale Thursday night. The rushing score was set up by a 44-yard reception to wide receiver Nsimba Webster a few plays prior. Bagent played one more drive which resulted in a turnover on downs before getting the rest of the night off. The undrafted second-year quarterback is entrenched as the backup to Caleb Williams on Chicago's depth chart. He looks like one of the better backups in the NFL, picking up two wins in four starts as a rookie.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton had a game-high four catches for 56 yards in Thursday's preseason loss to the Colts. The 2024 No. 80 overall pick struggled in the Bengals' second preseason contest. However, on Thursday, he turned it around to end his preseason with two trips to the end zone. The Bengals enter the 2024-25 campaign with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins as the top wideouts on the depth chart. Yet, the No. 3 spot is far from a lock. While Andre Iosivas and Trenton Irwin could begin the season by getting more attention from Joe Burrow, Burton may eventually surpass them in production (and snaps). Fantasy managers should view the rookie as a late draft stash, especially since there is a good chance he'll be a waiver target at some point during the year.
From RotoBaller
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