TE Strength of Schedule
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.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pickem Picks: Week 4
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 4
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 4
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 4
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender DFS Pickem Plays: Week 4
- Broncos RB Tyler Badie injures back, out for rest of Jets game
- Packers WR Christian Watson (ankle) ruled out for rest of Vikings game
- Colts QB Anthony Richardson injures hip, out vs. Steelers
- No surgery for Cowboys’ DeMarcus Lawrence (Lisfranc)
- Texans RB Joe Mixon (ankle) to miss game vs. Jaguars
- Packers QB Jordan Love active, CB Jaire Alexander out vs. Vikings
- Eagles RT Lane Johnson (concussion) out vs. Bucs
- Jaguars put standout LB Foyesade Oluokun (foot) on IR
- Chargers QB Justin Herbert (ankle) expected to start vs. Chiefs
- Packers QB Jordan Love to start against Vikings
- Browns place OT Trent Brown (knee) on IR, ending his season
- Dolphins QB Tyler Huntley to start Monday vs. Titans
- Chargers QB Justin Herbert (ankle) questionable vs. Chiefs
- Titans put CB Chidobe Awuzie (groin) on IR
- Eagles WR DeVonta Smith out, A.J. Brown questionable vs. Bucs
- Packers 'encouraged' QB Jordan Love on field, Sunday start uncertain
- Raiders WR Davante Adams, DE Maxx Crosby ruled out for Week 4
- Bills LB Terrel Bernard, CB Taron Johnson out vs. Ravens
- Cowboys LB Micah Parsons has high ankle sprain; DE could miss weeks
- Giants rookie WR Malik Nabers in concussion protocol
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Start-Sit Week 4 | The Week To Bench Patrick Mahomes?
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Football Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings Standard
- Fantasy Life: Tough Week 4 Start/Sit Decisions
- Fantasy Life: Best Bets for Bills vs. Ravens: Sunday Night Football Week 4
- Fantasy Life: Avoiding Bad-Team Bias in Betting
- Fantasy Life: Don't Rush Into Roster Decisions
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Expert Roundtable: Who Can You Trust In Week 4?
The Paur Report
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 4
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) has been one of the only bright spots for the team so far, but had to leave the game with an ankle injury and has been deemed questionable to return. The veteran back posted 43 yards on six carries and two receptions for 19 yards through the air. The Steelers' offense hasn't been able to move the ball at all except for some of the plays that Patterson put together. With him sidelined, the struggle will seemingly get worse as the only healthy running backs left are Najee Harris and Aaron Shampklin. Harris registered a measly 0.8 yards per carry before halftime while Shampklin received one carry for five yards. If Patterson can get back on the field, he may be the best option for the Steelers to sneak out a win.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil (ankle) is questionable to return to Sunday's game after suffering an ankle injury in the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Tunsil has been a key part of C.J. Stroud's protection, but he has also hurt them often with false start penalties. Rookie Blake Fisher is the next left tackle on the depth chart, which could be worrisome if the Jaguars decide to attack that side and test the rookie out. Tunsil's status will continue to be monitored as the game goes on, and he'll likely receive some more tests on Monday to determine if he has to miss any extended time.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Trey Palmer (concussion) has been ruled out for the rest of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles after suffering a concussion in the first half. The second-year wideout caught all three targets for 26 yards and a touchdown before leaving the game. At the time, he had the fourth-most targets on the team, but the third-most yards in this contest. Palmer had just moved up the depth chart for this game with Jalen McMillan (hamstring) ruled out right before game time. After Palmer, Sterling Shepard and rookie Kameron Johnson are the next two up. Cade Otton will also likely see some more opportunities if Mike Evans and Chris Godwin don't soak up all of the remaining targets.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos running back Tyler Badie (undisclosed) was carted off the sidelines to the locker room during the second quarter of Sunday's game against the New York Jets. Badie went to the sidelines after losing a fumble and seemingly went down on the sidelines with some sort of issue. He was then put on a backboard and carted off to the team's locker room with the problem still unknown. The sixth-round rookie had one carry for zero yards and two receptions for -4 yards before leaving the game. He delivered a quality game the week before against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers which moved him into the third-string conversation. He's listed as questionable to return right now, so his status will be monitored as the game goes on.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (ankle) is questionable to return to Sunday's NFC North clash with the Vikings. The wideout injured his ankle. However, he needed to be carted off, so his day could very well be over. If that's the case, Watson will finish without a catch (one target), with Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs potentially in line to see more attention from Jordan Love for the rest of the afternoon.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (hip) has been ruled out for the rest of the game after suffering a hip injury in the second quarter of Sunday's game. The young signal-caller was hit and fell a bit awkwardly on a scramble where he fumbled the ball. He returned to the game for a snap and limped off the field and into the locker room after taking another hit on another scramble. Joe Flacco has officially taken over as the quarterback and immediately scored to put the Colts up by two scores over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Richardson's status will be something to monitor as the team will likely perform some more tests later on Sunday and Monday to determine the severity. In the meantime, Flacco will likely be a popular waiver wire pickup.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (shoulder) returned to Sunday's matchup with the Texans. He exited the contest because of a shoulder injury. However, Tank Bigsby appears to be the preferred option out of the backfield in Week 4, with the 23-year-old amassing three carries for 28 yards so far. As such, this situation will be monitored by fantasy managers throughout the remainder of the contest.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (hip) is questionable to return to Sunday's meeting with the Steelers. The signal-caller took a shot and briefly exited the contest. However, after returning for a few plays, it was obvious something was wrong. If Richardson doesn't return, he will finish Week 4 with 71 yards off 3-for-4 passing, adding three carries for 26 yards. Joe Flacco is in and will likely remain under center while Richardson is out of the contest.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (undisclosed) exited Sunday's meeting with the Steelers. The signal-caller took a shot and exited the contest for a few plays before returning. However, he left the game again and headed to the locker room. With Richardson coming off a season-ending shoulder injury from 2023-24, this is concerning for fantasy managers. But there should be an update on his condition soon, although he will finish with 71 yards off 3-for-4 passing, adding three touches for 26 yards if he doesn't return. Joe Flacco will presumably remain under center while Richardson is out of the contest.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos wide receiver Devaughn Vele (coach's decision) is a healthy scratch for Week 4 versus the New York Jets. The rookie impressed with eight receptions back in Week 1 but hasn't played since then due to a combination of injury and being a healthy scratch. Going forward, it seems as though he'll need to earn his way onto the gameday roster through competition in practice. Until then, he can be left on waivers in all redraft and most dynasty leagues.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers defensive backs Jaire Alexander (groin, quadriceps), Carrington Valentine (ankle) and Kitan Oladapo are all inactive for the big Week 4 divisional clash at Lambeau Field on Sunday versus the undefeated Minnesota Vikings. The biggest name here is Alexander, who came into this contest listed as questionable with multiple injuries that kept him out of practice on Friday. His absence is a big blow to the Packers as they look to try and slow down All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson and the returning Jordan Addison (ankle). With Alexander out, the Packers called up Kamal Hadden and Robert Rochell from the practice squad on Saturday. The Packers defense/special teams unit should be considered a borderline starting fantasy option in 12-team leagues this weekend against a Vikings team looking to start 4-0.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (groin) is officially active against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4 on Sunday. Johnson popped up on the Week 4 injury report on Thursday but will play, as expected. Johnson got off to a slow start with his new team in 2024 with just five catches for 34 yards with quarterback Bryce Young running the offense. In the Week 3 win over the Las Vegas Raiders with veteran QB Andy Dalton taking over, Johnson was a new man, catching eight of 14 targets for 122 yards and his first score of the year. Johnson has WR1 upside against a lackluster Bengals defense this weekend as the Panthers look to win two straight. Not only did Dalton get Johnson involved last week, to put it lightly, but fellow wideout Adam Thielen (hamstring) is on Injured Reserve, so Johnson should eat once again. Anyone that has Johnson rostered should have him in their starting lineups on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) is officially active for the Week 4 tilt against the visiting Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at Soldier Field. With Allen back for the first time since the season-opening win over the Tennessee Titans, Velus Jone Jr. will be a healthy scratch for Chicago. Allen was sidelined the last two games with a heel injury that dates back to late last year in his final season with the Los Angeles Chargers. The 32-year-old veteran's return is good news for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and bad news for rookie receiver Rome Odunze, who went off with Allen sidelined in the Week 3 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Allen did see a healthy 11 targets in the season opener from Williams, but he caught just four of those passes for 29 yards and no scores. In a game in which Allen's snaps could be limited in his return, he figures to be a shaky WR4/flex option for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder) is officially active for Week 4 versus the Houston Texans. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's divisional contest. Davis has appeared in all three games this season, catching eight passes for 123 yards and zero touchdowns. At the moment, he's merely a bench stash in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Jalen McMillan (hamstring) is officially out for Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles after he was listed as doubtful on the final injury report on Friday. McMillan tweaked his hamstring during practice on Friday and will miss the first game of his career after going for three receptions on six targets for 59 yards and one touchdown in his first three games. He has averaged 19.7 yards receiving per game and has effectively become the No. 3 behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. But for Sunday's game at Raymond James Stadium, expect Trey Palmer to take over McMillan's duties against Philly. It's unclear if McMillan will be able to return on a short week in Week 5 versus the Atlanta Falcons next Thursday. For now, McMillan is merely a deep-league stash for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is still several weeks away from playing, barring an injury to Jacoby Brissett, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. While Maye did see the field in garbage time against the New York Jets last week, the No. 3 overall pick has not yet been ramped up to NFL speed and continues to see roughly 30 percent of snaps in practice. The Patriots evidently aren't ready to make a change at quarterback yet, which means the starting job still belongs to Brissett. The veteran has completed 61 percent of his passes for 368 yards and one touchdown so far. Despite the low offensive numbers, Patriots fans and fantasy managers in deep leagues have to be excited that he hasn't turned over the football through three weeks. On a less positive note, he's taken nine sacks between a porous offensive line.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams tight end Davis Allen (back) is officially active for the Week 4 game on Sunday against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Allen was listed as questionable for this weekend's game but will suit up as the team looks for their second straight victory on the road in a hostile environment. Even with both receivers Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) missing another game, Allen is off the fantasy radar as he works behind starting tight end Colby Parkinson. Parkinson himself has been disappointing in recent weeks with both Kupp and Nacua injured, and the Rams offense could struggle on the road against a tough Bears defense in Week 4. Through three games in 2024, Allen has only been targeted once, in the Week 1 loss to the Detroit Lions, and he was unable to haul in the pass. Not much will be expected of him against Chicago.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (knee), who was listed as questionable, is officially active for the Week 4 contest on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium. Vea suffered a knee injury in Week 2 and missed last week's loss against the Denver Broncos. Getting Vea back will be a much-needed boost to Tampa's defensive line as they look to slow down Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, who has gotten off to a strong start early in his Eagles tenure. Although the Broncos didn't really impose their will on the ground last week, Vea's absence from a pass-rush perspective was felt, as they were unable to sack rookie quarterback Bo Nix at all. Vea could have his snaps limited in his return to action against the Eagles, but his presence alone is a big boost for the Bucs' D as they look to slow the Eagles down.
Chicago Bears WR Keenan Allen (heel) is officially active for the Week 4 game.
Fantasy Spin: Allen will return to the lineup after a two-week absence and should have a good role in the passing game against the Los Angeles Rams. He can be a starting option in most fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
The Los Angeles Rams have declared WR Cooper Kupp, QB Stetson Bennett, DL Desjuan Johnson, DE Brennan Jackson, OT Geron Christian and RB Cody Schrader inactive for Week 4.
From TheHuddle
