Tue Jun 11 11:11am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Bowers could have big year one
Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the tight end 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 tight ends last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the tight ends with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the tight ends that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.
TE SOS | ||
1. | Cincinnati Bengals | 186.39 |
2. | Miami Dolphins | 193.98 |
3. | Philadelphia Eagles | 196.38 |
4. | Washington Commanders | 197.75 |
5. | Houston Texans | 198.15 |
6. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 199.18 |
7. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 199.68 |
8. | New York Giants | 201 |
9. | Dallas Cowboys | 201.18 |
10. | Los Angeles Rams | 201.38 |
11. | Buffalo Bills | 201.39 |
12. | Chicago Bears | 201.66 |
13. | Arizona Cardinals | 201.76 |
14. | New York Jets | 202.56 |
15. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 202.86 |
16. | Baltimore Ravens | 203.04 |
17. | Denver Broncos | 203.95 |
18. | Los Angeles Chargers | 204.02 |
19. | Atlanta Falcons | 204.25 |
20. | Cleveland Browns | 204.59 |
21. | New Orleans Saints | 205.62 |
22. | Seattle Seahawks | 205.73 |
23. | San Francisco 49ers | 206.80 |
24. | Indianapolis Colts | 206.89 |
25. | Detroit Lions | 207.92 |
26. | New England Patriots | 208.23 |
27. | Kansas City Chiefs | 210.92 |
28. | Tennessee Titans | 211.44 |
29. | Green Bay Packers | 212.07 |
30. | Minnesota Vikings | 212.23 |
31. | Carolina Panthers | 213.66 |
32. | Las Vegas Raiders | 213.81 |
A rookie led fantasy tight ends in scoring last year and the top rated rookie tight end this year gets the easiest fantasy schedule for tight end. Brock Browers and the Raiders have the most favorable schedule for tight ends. Sam LaPorta showed last year that a rookie can make an immediate fantasy impact, so don’t discount Browers to have big-time success in year one. He certainly looks the part of an elite tight end.
Another rookie with a good chance to start has the second easiest schedule for tight ends. Panthers tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders will compete with Tommy Tremble to start, but should emerge and be the top pass-catching tight end. He is looking like a good late-round gamble for fantasy teams.
The Vikings, Packers and Titans round out the top-five most favorable schedules for tight ends. T.J. Hockenson would be looking like a great pick if he wasn’t returning from a major injury. He is no sure thing to play early in the year. But once he is healthy, he could help fantasy teams in a big way once again.
Green Bay is likely to have Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft split a lot of the work at tight end, hurting both their value. They could produce some big games along the way, though, making them decent No. 2 fantasy tight ends this season. Both produced well in an expanded role last year.
Lastly, Chin Okonkwo didn’t quite have the breakout season many hoped last year, but he wasn’t bad by any means. Maybe he gets a few more chances this year and has some bigger games along the way with this favorable schedule. He is another decent tight end to grab as your backup.
The teams that top the list for toughest fantasy tight end schedules are teams that haven’t really utilized the tight end much in recent seasons. The Bengals have the toughest schedule followed bye the Dolphins. Mike Gesicki is the starter for the Bengals, but probably isn’t worth the risk with this schedule and the Bengals recent track record with tight ends.
Miami uses their tight ends to block more than anything in their offense. They have the occasional big game, but Jonnu Smith is going to be a risky weekly fantasy play. He would have looked much better landing with a different team.
There are a couple big-time fantasy tight ends that have unfavorable schedules. Dallas Goedert has the third toughest schedule. Goedert can be a little hit or miss to begin with in this offense, so this schedule gives him a little more concern. You might want to pass on him come draft day and go with another elite tight end with a better schedule and more consistency.
Dalton Schultz is the other elite tight end with a top-five unfavorable schedule. Schultz had a big first season with the Texans, becoming a favorite target of C.J. Stroud. He should get the targets this year. But he has a challenging schedule and more to compete with for targets, so his consistency might be a little off this year compared to last.
We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy tight ends. 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 tight ends with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big-money contests.
TE PLAYOFF SOS | ||
1. | Atlanta Falcons | 175 |
2. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 182.37 |
3. | Philadelphia Eagles | 184.73 |
4. | Arizona Cardinals | 187.67 |
5. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 187.77 |
6. | New England Patriots | 189.83 |
7. | Miami Dolphins | 190.37 |
8. | New Orleans Saints | 191.3 |
9. | Los Angeles Rams | 192.17 |
10. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 192.43 |
11. | Cincinnati Bengals | 196.1 |
12. | Detroit Lions | 196.12 |
13. | Houston Texans | 196.2 |
14. | Indianapolis Colts | 198.97 |
15. | Buffalo Bills | 199.63 |
16. | Kansas City Chiefs | 203.03 |
17. | New York Jets | 204.13 |
18. | Carolina Panthers | 205.7 |
19. | Baltimore Ravens | 205.9 |
20. | Green Bay Packers | 207.7 |
21. | Chicago Bears | 213.73 |
22. | New York Giants | 214.27 |
23. | Seattle Seahawks | 214.72 |
24. | Cleveland Browns | 214.97 |
25. | Dallas Cowboys | 215.8 |
26. | Las Vegas Raiders | 219.4 |
27. | Washington Commanders | 220.13 |
28. | Denver Broncos | 220.8 |
29. | Minnesota Vikings | 221.72 |
30. | Tennessee Titans | 223.73 |
31. | San Francisco 49ers | 225.53 |
32. | Los Angeles Chargers | 228.53 |
The Titans and Vikings are the only two teams with the most favorable fantasy schedule for tight ends during the regular season and playoffs. Hockenson is the intriguing one because he might not be fully healthy until late in the season. So while he might not be a huge fantasy factor for the regular season, Hockenson might be a difference maker in the playoffs.
Okonkwo is looking like a player worth grabbing as a No. 2 fantasy tight end, especially if you have an established starter ahead of him. Okonkwo has a high fantasy ceiling for the coming year because of a schedule that could facilitate a breakout season for him.
The Chargers actually have the best fantasy playoff schedule for tight ends. Donald Parham is the likely starter and has some potential in an offense looking for playmakers in the passing game. This could be his best season to date, making him an intriguing late-round gamble.
George Kittle is the biggest name on the list for top-five favorable fantasy tight end playoff schedules. He is going to produce big and could be even better down the stretch with a schedule setup for success.
The Falcons have the most challenging playoff schedule for fantasy tight ends. This is not good news for Kyle Pitts. He is already a polarizing fantasy player, so this schedule won’t do him any favors to get in good graces with more fantasy owners. Many think he could finally turn things around this year with a new coaching staff in place, but nothing is certain with this situation. Pitts could be a boom or bust pick once again.
The Eagles are the only team on both the top five most difficult fantasy schedules for tight ends for the regular season and playoffs. Goedert is looking like a player you might want to let someone else grab come draft day. There are a lot of good, young options at tight end this year. Going with one of those guys over Goedert might be the play on draft day.
Trey McBride is a favorite for many fantasy owners this year for a breakout season. He had a huge finish to last year and is shooting up draft boards. We wouldn’t avoid him come draft day because he has the fourth toughest fantasy playoff schedule. It is a little bit of a concern, but not a huge red flag for the talented tight end. Maybe just prepare for his numbers to dip a tad during the playoffs.
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.
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 5
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) is officially active for Week 5 versus the Cleveland Browns. He had been listed as questionable but was expected to suit up. Robinson should have a normal workload without any injury limitations this week, but he might not be able to replicate last week's 100-yard performance now that Austin Ekeler is healthy again. Still, Robinson is a fringe top-12 fantasy running back given his volume, touchdown upside, and role within the Commanders' highly productive offense.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver K.J. Osborn (shoulder) is officially inactive for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the wrong direction after missing Friday's practice. The 27-year-old has been uninspiring this season, catching just five of 13 targets for 31 yards through four games. He has been outproduced by Demario Douglas and Ja'Lynn Polk, and now he could also lose opportunities to veteran Kendrick Bourne, who was activated from the PUP list this weekend. Between his injury, limited role, and the Patriots' struggling offense, fantasy managers should leave Osborn on waivers in all leagues.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tanner Hudson and wide receiver Trenton Irwin are both healthy scratches for the big Week 5 divisional clash on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. Hudson hasn't been active for the Bengals since the Week 1 loss to the New England Patriots, when he caught two of his three targets for 18 yards. For now, he remains well off the fantasy radar in all leagues behind Mike Gesicki, rookie Erick All Jr. and Drew Sample. Irwin is inactive for the second straight week after Tee Higgins returned to the fold for the Bengals in last week's win over the Carolina Panthers. In two games in 2024, Irwin has just two receptions on eight targets for 11 yards. The Bengals will roll forward with Ja'Marr Chase, Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, rookie Jermaine Burton and Charlie Jones at the receiver position versus Baltimore.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) will not be activated from the Reserve/Injured list prior to Week 6's game against the Seattle Seahawks, when he is eligible to return, according to multiple league sources. However, there is mild optimism because his calf and Achilles issues did not flare up after he resumed on-field work this week.
Fantasy Spin: It remains uncertain when McCaffrey will be activated from injured reserve or when he can begin practicing again. Fantasy owners should keep tabs on this situation to see when he'll be ready to return. RB Jordan Mason will continue to be the starting back for the 49ers and is a weekly starting option in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
The Washington Commanders have declared QB Sam Hartman, QB Jeff Driskel, S Dominique Hampton, WR Noah Brown, S Tyler Owens, OT Chris Paul and DE Clelin Ferrell inactive for Week 5.
From TheHuddle
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hip) has been downgraded to out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings in London. He suffered the injury during the first half and was unable to re-enter the contest. The television broadcast showed a camera angle of Jones limping on the sideline while expressing discomfort and frustration when he tried to run. He finished Sunday's contest with seven rushing yards for 29 yards on the ground, as well as a 24-yard reception. If there's any good news here, it's that the Vikings conveniently have a Week 6 bye, meaning Jones will have a full 14 days to recover before his next game. In the interim, Ty Chandler will lead the Minnesota backfield. Chandler figures to operate as a mid-range fantasy RB2 in the Vikings' productive offense.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones (hip) suffered a hip injury during the Week 5 game and is considered questionable to return.
Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players will need to keep an eye on the situation to see if Jones will be able to return in the second half. Ty Chandler will be the main back while Jones is sidelined and can be at least a flex option in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Indianapolis Colts QB Joe Flacco is expected to start Week 5's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to a source.
Fantasy Spin: QB Anthony Richardson (hip, oblique) was downgraded from questionable to doubtful Saturday, Oct. 5, despite being able to take part in all three of the team's practice sessions during the week on a limited basis. Although Flacco was solid in a relief performance against the Steelers in Week 4, going 16-for-26 with 168 passing yards and two touchdowns, he shouldn't be started outside of two-quarterback fantasy leagues or as a bye-week replacement.
From TheHuddle
Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson wasn't able to do much damage against the Minnesota Vikings last week. The 25-year-old rushed eight times for 27 yards as the primary backup to Josh Jacobs. This was a disappointing outing for Wilson after a 50-yard performance in Week 3. The assumption is that Wilson should continue to remain involved during the upcoming Week 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. However, Wilson will have a limited ceiling as the backup to Jacobs, so fantasy managers should be able to find a more viable option elsewhere.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hip) is questionable to return for Sunday's Week 5 matchup against the New York Jets. The veteran back suffered a hip injury during the second quarter of their matchup in London. The assumption is that Jones will be held out until halftime to be further evaluated. In the meantime, Ty Chandler figures to take over as the primary back with Myles Gaskin getting mixed in as well. Jones rushed seven times for 29 yards with one reception for 24 yards before exiting the contest.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange figures to draw another start ahead of the Week 5 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Fellow tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) is likely to miss his fourth game in a row on Sunday. Strange has eight receptions on 14 targets for 96 yards over the last three games. He has been seeing nearly 70 percent of the snap count since the absence of Engram. The 23-year-old should see a handful of targets which could give him some TE2 appeal for Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens DE Yannick Ngakoue was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster for Week 5's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
From TheHuddle
Indianapolis Colts running back Tyler Goodson is expected to see more involvement during Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts are going to be without Jonathan Taylor (ankle) for at least one game. Head coach Shane Steichen said that the team plans to use a committee approach at running back. Trey Sermon figures to lead the charge with Goodson and Evan Hull being mixed in behind him. Goodson hasn't seen much of the field this season, but could serve as change-of-pace option or receiving back for Week 5. The Colts could use a run-heavy approach with quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) considered doubtful. Goodson should find a way to get involved, but remains a desperation option in deep leagues.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 19-of-24 passes for 180 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a loss against Atlanta. Dynasty Analysis: With 11 touchdowns, two interceptions, and 1,164 passing yards through four weeks, it's clear Mayfield's resurgence last year was no fluke. He's in complete control of the offense and is a QB1 option moving forward. While his age (29) dampens his dynasty value, he's turning into more than just a streaming option. You simply have to wonder just how much the Browns regret moving on from Mayfield in favor of an expensive and ineffective Deshaun Watson.
Dynasty | Falcons receiver Drake London had 12 catches for 154 yards and a touchdown in the Falcons come-from-behind overtime win against Tampa Bay. Dynasty Analysis: Kirk Cousins struggled mightily the first month of the season, but London was somehow able to salvage some decent value in the short-term. Tonight was different as Cousins unleashed 58 pass attempts and targeted London 13 times on the night. While we need to see more before locking in London as a true WR1, he's certainly good enough to be a solid weekly starter moving forward.
Dynasty | Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts had seven catches for 88 yards in a win against Tampa Bay. Dynasty Analysis: It only took Kirk Cousins throwing the ball 58 times (and posting the 15th highest single-game passing yardage total in league history) to unlock the potential of Pitts. Even with all that, Drake London and Darnell Mooney still had 29 targets combined to lead the way, compared to the eight for Pitts. While this was a good bounce-back, he still seems to be a secondary option in an offense seemingly determined to fail to get two of their best players (Pitts and Bijan Robinson) the football. Pitts is still a TE1 in dynasty leagues, but that's more because of the inconsistency of the position than his own usage rate.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Bo Melton could see a larger role in the offense during the upcoming Week 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Melton has mainly served as depth through the first four games of the season. He has one reception on three targets for 28 yards through four games. However, the Packers are without Romeo Doubs (suspension) and Christian Watson (ankle) is considered doubtful for Week 5. That being said, Melton could work his way into the third wideout role behind Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks. The assumption is that the move up the depth chart will mean more targets for Melton. However, Melton shouldn't be considered anything more than a desperation option in deep leagues given he doesn't have much of a track record of success.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Rams are hopeful that WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) will be able to return to action for their Week 7 game against the Las Vegas Raiders, as long as there are no setbacks in practice, according to multiple sources.
Fantasy Spin: Kupp will miss his third consecutive game this week because of a high ankle sprain but could be back on the field following the Rams' Week 6 bye. WR Tutu Atwell has been the team's top receiver in Kupp's absence and can be at least a flex option in most fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard (pectoral) is expected to play during the Week 5 matchup against the Houston Texans. This is great news after Bernard went down during the Week 2 matchup versus the Baltimore Ravens. He returned to practice last week and has slowly been working his way back. This is great news for the Bills defense considering Bernard had 143 combined tackles and 6.5 sacks last season. His return is going to be a major lift for this defense.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle (rib) is expected to play in Week 5's game against the Arizona Cardinals, according to a source.
Fantasy Spin: Kittle was listed as questionable on the injury report after participating in just one of the team's three practice sessions during the week on a limited basis. If he is declared active, he should be a starting option in all fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle