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
Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard (pectoral) is officially active for the Week 5 contest against the Houston Texans on Sunday. Bernard was listed as questionable to play with a pectoral injury, but he will be active as the Bills look to bounce back from a blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4. Cornerback Taron Johnson (forearm) and safety Taylor Rapp (concussion) have been ruled out, so an already thin Bills defense will have some question marks in their secondary against a strong Texans offense. Bernard will be returning to the field for the first time since suffering a pectoral injury in Week 2 against the division-rival Miami Dolphins. The 25-year-old has 11 combined tackles in his two games played and is back on the radar in IDP fantasy leagues now that he's back in action for Buffalo. The Bills' defense/special teams unit should be faded on the road in Week 5 against Houston.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) is officially inactive for Week 5 against the visiting Buffalo Bills on Sunday, while wide receiver Robert Woods (foot) is active. Pierce has been making progress with his hamstring injury in recent weeks, but he will now miss his fourth straight game after being injured in the Week 1 win over the Indianapolis Colts. With Joe Mixon (ankle) having already been ruled out, the Texans will once again roll with Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale in their backfield this weekend against a beat up Buffalo defense. Akers hasn't exactly impressed anyone the last two weeks with Mixon and Pierce out, but just from a volume standpoint alone, he's in play as an RB3/flex in Week 5. Woods shouldn't be on the radar for a starting fantasy spot on Sunday, especially with Tank Dell (chest) returning from a one-game absence. Woods has only three catches for 28 yards so far this year.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (concussion) is officially active for the Week 5 contest on Sunday against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts. In addition to Hines-Allen, safety Darnell Savage (quadriceps) and linebacker Devin Lloyd (knee), who were also listed as questionable to play, are active for the Jaguars defense. Hines-Allen cleared the league's concussion protocol on Saturday and was expected to be active as the team searches for their first win of the season. The 27-year-old's presence will be bad news for a Colts offense that is without both quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) and running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle). Veteran QB Joe Flacco proved last year with the Cleveland Browns that he can still get it done, but Jacksonville's defense could be a sneaky play in deep fantasy leagues this week. Hines-Allen should be started in IDP fantasy formats now that he's officially active.
From RotoBaller
As expected, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) is officially inactive for Week 5 against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Richardson was initially listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report before being downgraded to doubtful on Saturday. Fantasy managers should have already moved the second-year signal-caller to their benches for this weekend. He's been a disappointment as a QB1 in fantasy so far through his first four games in 2024, and it remains to be seen if he can return in Week 6 to face the division-rival Tennessee Titans. The Colts will be missing both Richardson and running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) in this one against Jacksonville. With Richardson out, veteran Joe Flacco will make his first start of the season and could be a boost to Indy's receivers. Flacco should be in play as a QB2 streamer in superflex leagues in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (knee) is officially active for Week 5 against the New England Patriots. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after logging a full practice on Friday. The Dolphins' decision to activate him from the PUP list on Saturday essentially confirmed that he would be able to suit up against New England. Going forward, Beckham will likely operate as Miami's No. 3 wide receiver behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. He could get on the fantasy radar once Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) returns to the offense, but that won't happen before Week 8 at the earliest. Until then, Beckham should remain on fantasy waivers.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) will miss yet another game as he's been ruled out for Week 5 against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Engram injured his hamstring during pre-game warmups before Week 2 and hasn't played since the season-opening loss to the Miami Dolphins. The good news is that he was limited in practices this week, so he figures to have a good shot at returning in Week 6 against the Chicago Bears on the road. Fantasy managers need to leave Engram on their benches until then. With the 30-year-old veteran on the bench again in Week 5, Brenton Strange is worth consideration as a TE2 streamer. The 23-year-old has seen an elevated role the last three weeks with Engram sidelined and has gone for eight receptions on 14 targets for 96 yards and one touchdown. Receiver Christian Kirk should also have more upside again with Engram out.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears left guard Teven Jenkins (ribs) and wide receiver DeAndre Carter (ribs) are active for Week 5 against the Carolina Panthers. Both players had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. Jenkins has been an offensive staple for the Bears this season, playing every offensive snap through the first three weeks before an injury took him out of the game early in Week 4. Meanwhile, Carter has been productive this season, too. In addition to catching seven passes for 60 yards, he also has five kick returns (34 yards per return) and nine punt returns (9.4 yards per return). However, he's off the fantasy radar in most leagues.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (knee) is officially active for Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after the Patriots activated him from the PUP list on Saturday. Bourne tore his ACL during the middle of last season and hasn't played since then. At the time of his injury, he had been averaging 4.6 catches, 50.8 receiving yards, and 0.5 touchdowns per game. It's unclear if Bourne can return to his 2023 form in his first game back with the Patriots' offense struggling. However, at the very least, he should inject some much-needed life into a passing game starving for talent right now. He's worth monitoring in redraft leagues but can be left on fantasy waivers for the time being.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) is officially active for the Week 5 game on Sunday versus the Washington Commanders. Njoku came into this game questionable but was expected to play and will return for the first time since injuring his ankle in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. In addition to Njoku, running back Pierre Strong Jr. (hamstring), who was also questionable to play, is active. The 28-year-old Njoku will be a big boost to a Browns offense that has underwhelmed through the first four weeks of the 2024 season. In Week 1 before getting hurt, Njoku had four catches on five targets for 44 yards. He will take back over primary tight end duties in Cleveland from Jordan Akins, who did very little in the three games that Njoku missed. Fantasy managers should consider Njoku at least in play as a low-end TE1 now that he's back.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Jeff Wilson Jr. (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots. He had recovered from a rib injury but evidently doesn't have a spot on Miami's gameday roster with Raheem Mostert returning to the fold and both De'Von Achane and Jaylen Wright playing well. Going forward, Wilson will likely be stashed on the Dolphins' roster as mere depth in the event that any other running backs miss time due to injury. Wilson can be dropped in all fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
The Houston Texans have declared RB Dameon Pierce, WR Steven Sims, RB Joe Mixon, DE Derek Barnett, OT Tytus Howard and LB Jake Hansen inactive for Week 5.
From TheHuddle
The Carolina Panthers have declared OG Andrew Raym, OT Jarrett Kingston, DL Jayden Peevy, RB Mike Boone, LB Josey Jewell and S Russ Yeast inactive for Week 5.
From TheHuddle
The Miami Dolphins have declared DB Ethan Bonner, LB Channing Tindall, C Andrew Meyer, QB Skylar Thompson, RB Jeff Wilson Jr., S Jordan Poyer and LB Mohamed Kamara inactive for Week 5.
From TheHuddle
The Cleveland Browns have declared QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, OG Javion Cohen, LB Jordan Hicks, OT Jack Conklin, CB Kahlef Hailassie, LB Khaleke Hudson and WR Jamari Thrash inactive for Week 5.
From TheHuddle
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