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.
According to head coach Doug Pederson, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk is dealing with a mild calf injury that has sidelined him for joint practices against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Saturday's preseason game. Kirk is scheduled for re-evaluation next week. The Jaguars plan to rest key players, including Kirk, in the upcoming game against Tampa Bay, having already given most of their top players only brief appearances in the preseason opener against the Chiefs. With three and a half weeks remaining before the regular season opener, the mild calf injury is not expected to jeopardize Kirk's availability for the start of the season. Kirk, who became the Jaguars' No. 1 receiver in 2022 after signing a four-year, $72 million contract with $37 million guaranteed, had a standout season, catching 84 passes for 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns. Although Kirk missed the final five games of the 2023 season due to a core muscle injury that required surgery, he is anticipated to play a significant role in the Jaguars' offense in 2024. Mainly as the Jaguars help their two new wide receivers, Gabe Davis and Brian Thomas Jr., adapt to their system. Parker Washington took over Kirk's starting role when he went out, showing he would be the wide receiver to pick up off waivers if Kirk misses any time.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens will start Saturday's preseason game against the Cleveland Browns. Despite a challenging 2023 season where he went 0-3 with seven touchdowns and eight interceptions as a starter, Mullens is now firmly positioned as the No. 2 quarterback. Following him on the depth chart is second-year pro Jaren Hall. Head coach Kevin O'Connell expressed confidence in Mullens due to his solid grasp of the offense. Mullens is known for his high-risk, high-reward style and had notable success during his time with the San Francisco 49ers before joining the Vikings. Though he tends to turn the ball over, with 31 career interceptions in just 20 starts, he also boasts 34 touchdown passes. Last season, after Kirk Cousins' injury, Mullens had mixed results in five games (three starts), with a respectable 8.8 yards per attempt but eight interceptions. Mullens is a veteran with the potential to deliver strong performances, particularly if he maintains his solid rapport with star receiver Justin Jefferson.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Payne Durham (knee) Leaves Joint Practice Early with Knee Issue. On Wednesday, Durham suffered a knee injury during the Buccaneers' joint practice with the Jaguars. According to Buccaneers insider JC Allen, Durham's MRI results were negative, and he is not expected to miss much time. Durham was a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and appeared in 13 games during his rookie season, recording five catches for 58 yards. He played in Tampa Bay's preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on August 10, where he had two receptions for 27 yards. The Buccaneers won the game 17-14. If Durham cannot participate in the next preseason game, Ko Kieft and Devin Culp will have the opportunity for more reps to compete for the third tight end spot on the 53-man roster behind Cade Otton and Durham.
From RotoBaller
The New England Patriots are trading pass-rusher Matthew Judon to the Atlanta Falcons, addressing Atlanta's need for a top defensive player they have been seeking all offseason. In return, the Patriots will receive a third-round pick, aiding their efforts to rebuild a roster lacking talent and upside. In the final year of the four-year contract he signed with New England in 2019, Judon has a base salary of $6.5 million for the 2024 season. This salary was a big distraction during Jerod Mayo's first training camp as the Patriots' head coach. A four-time Pro Bowler with 66.5 career sacks, Judon will join a Falcons team aiming to bolster its pass rush as the regular season approaches.
Updating a previous report, the New York Giants traded DT Jordan Phillips and a seventh-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to the Dallas Cowboys for a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
From TheHuddle
The New York Giants are trading DT Jordan Phillips to the Dallas Cowboys Wednesday, Aug. 14, according to multiple sources.
From TheHuddle
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (ankle) returned to full participation for Wednesday's joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams. Prescott has missed a couple days recently at training camp due to ankle soreness and was held out of the team's preseason opener on Sunday versus the Rams, but it's a non-issue and he should be 100 percent ready to go for the start of the 2024 regular season. It remains to be seen if Prescott and some of the team's starters will see action in the second preseason game this Saturday against the Las Vegas Raiders, but if he does, it likely won't be for more than a series or two. The 31-year-old is heading into his final season under contract in 2024 after a career year in 2023. Prescott is a QB1 in fantasy, but he's not an elite one because of the fact that he's not really a rushing threat.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will not suit up for Saturday's preseason game at home as the Ravens host the Falcons on Saturday. Jackson, who has not played a preseason game since 2021, will be on the sideline along with other Baltimore starters, said head coach John Harbaugh on Wednesday. Jackson should be his dynamic self when Week 1 rolls around, where he'll be counted on to spearhead the Ravens' offensive attack as a dual-threat weapon that defenses need to account for. As a top fantasy quarterback, Jackson is as safe as it gets. The reigning NFL MVP threw for 3,678 yards passing and added 821 rushing yards on the ground and will be an easy top-five quarterback in all fantasy formats this season.
From RotoBaller
After the news of Minnesota Vikings rookie first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) being out for the season after undergoing season-ending knee surgery, head coach Kevin O'Connell was effusive in his praise for starting quarterback Sam Darnold. "Our football team has been and will continue to be excited about Sam Darnold and what he's been able to bring," O'Connell stated before the beginning of the team's joint practice with the Cleveland Browns. Darnold is now pressed into action for what looks to be the entirety of 2024 following the stunning injury news about the 2024 No. 10 overall pick McCarthy. While the excitement in fantasy circles for the former first-round pick Darnold is somewhat shaky, he's clearly in the best situation he's been in as a pro. Darnold is at worst a low-end streaming QB2 option in redraft leagues and a low-end QB2/high-end QB3 in superflex formats.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White continues his strong showing during training camp with his fast and physical running style. Showing that he's a great fit for new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy's scheme, White has been bouncing off of defenders throughout practice on Tuesday. White received six carries for 23 yards and punched in a touchdown from two yards out in the first preseason contest against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday as he sits perched on top of the depth chart at the running back position without much opposition. A breakout candidate in his third season as a pro, the former Georgia Bulldog is a worthwhile mid-round pick in fantasy drafts as an RB2 who could be a big value this season with Josh Jacobs now in Green Bay.
From RotoBaller
A growing rapport is developing between Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and third-year tight end Isaiah Likely. A fourth-round pick out of Coastal Carolina in 2022, Likely has been making waves over the last few days as Sunday's star of practice, along with numerous connections on Monday with Jackson. After Monday's practice, offensive coordinator Todd Monken stated, "We expect him to have a great year." Likely saw more time in 2023 when top tight end Mark Andrews was injured with a broken fibula, but with a quarterback who loves throwing to tight ends, Likely could see an uptick in work even with Andrews healthy. While Likely is a deeper-league pick in fantasy drafts, his involvement in the offense should be monitored if he sees more time on the field in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos rookie first-round quarterback Bo Nix will start his first game this Sunday at home against the Green Bay Packers in the second preseason game. Nix was a solid 15-of-21 passing for 125 yards and a touchdown pass while adding 17 yards on the ground. The offense under Nix scored two touchdowns, looking poised in his first action as a pro. Nix looks to carry this momentum with him into this Sunday's game with the Packers in front of a home crowd that will be excited to see the No. 12 pick from April's NFL Draft suit up. The quarterback situation for Week 1 of the regular season is up in the air at this point, but another strong performance from the former Oregon Duck will go a long way toward cementing his status as the starting quarterback to open the NFL season.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks WR Tyler Lockett (undisclosed) did not practice Wednesday, Aug. 14, because he has been dealing with a minor undisclosed injury, according to head coach Mike Macdonald.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints CB Marshon Lattimore (hip) has been ramping up his activity during recent practices and appears to be on track to be ready for the regular season.
From TheHuddle
The Buffalo Bills recently evaluated former Tennessee Titans and New York Jets wide receiver Corey Davis during a tryout. Davis, who retired briefly before making a comeback, was the fifth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and is looking to rejoin the league. Over his six-year career, Davis has accumulated 273 catches for 3,879 yards and 17 touchdowns. His standout season came in 2020 with the Titans, where he recorded career highs with 65 receptions, 984 yards, and five touchdowns. Afterward, Davis signed a three-year, $37.5 million contract with the Jets. The Bills' interest in Davis follows the placement of receiver Chase Claypool on season-ending injured reserve and comes in the wake of trading Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans for a 2025 second-round pick earlier this offseason. In response, the Bills have also added Curtis Samuel through free agency on a three-year deal and selected Keon Coleman with their top pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
From RotoBaller
The Dallas Cowboys are still negotiating with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, but a deal remains elusive. Despite over a year of discussions, the Cowboys' best contract offer has yet to reach Lamb's desired figure of nearly $35 million annually, in line with the Vikings' Justin Jefferson, the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback. Lamb is not seeking to surpass Jefferson's salary, as acknowledged by Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones. Last season, Lamb played on a base salary of $2.52 million and will earn $17.991 million this year under the fifth-year option. He had a standout year in 2023, leading the league with 135 catches for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns and earning his first All-Pro selection.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (undisclosed) missed practice due to undisclosed tightness. Head coach Mike Macdonald noted, "[Charbonnet] was tight this morning, so we're trying to figure out what's going on with him." While Charbonnet's availability for Saturday's preseason game against the Titans may be affected, it doesn't seem serious. Last season, Kenneth Walker III dominated the Seahawks' backfield, nearly doubling Charbonnet's usage and production. Walker finished as the RB19, while Charbonnet was the RB45 in full-PPR formats. If Charbonnet misses more practice time, Kenny McIntosh could step into the No. 2 role behind Walker.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (shoulder) has returned to practice and participated in Wednesday's joint session with the Colts. After missing the previous week of practice and the Cardinals' first preseason game against the Saints due to a shoulder injuryevident by the brace he woreDemercado is now working to get back up to speed. He will have a few days to prepare for Saturday's exhibition game against the Colts. It will be interesting to see whether Demercado or rookie third-round pick Trey Benson will receive the initial running back touches if Demercado is cleared to play. Before his injury, Demercado had been mixing in with the first-team offense and spelling starter James Conner, suggesting he could regain his role if Conner sits out again.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots LB Matt Judon was acquired by the Atlanta Falcons Wednesday, Aug. 14, in exchange for a third-round draft choice, according to sources.
From TheHuddle
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (leg) is dealing with a leg injury that head coach Mike Macdonald indicated isn't severe. Tyler Lockett is coping with what Seahawks head coach Macdonald described as "a little something going on with his leg." Although Lockett was seen wearing pads at practice, he was relatively limited in his participation. Given Lockett's veteran status, the team is likely cautious about any potential injuries. This leg issue may impact his availability for the upcoming preseason game against the Titans, but it does not seem to be a serious concern. If Lockett is out for any period, second-year receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba could see increased opportunities, stepping into the No. 2 wide receiver role behind DK Metcalf.
From RotoBaller