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.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (hamstring) did not complete Wednesday's joint workout with the Cowboys due to hamstring tightness. Stafford played the first half of practice, including several 11-on-11 series, but left early as a precaution after feeling tightness in his hamstring. During the remainder of practice, backup quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett took over, with Garoppolo leading the first team and Bennett the second. While this issue does not appear to be severe, it raises some uncertainty about the Rams' prospects with Stafford at the helm. Last season, Stafford completed 62.6% of his passes for 3,965 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Hopefully, it will be a minor inconvenience rather than a long-term concern. Stafford will lead an offense with two early wide receiver picks, Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, and an early running back pick in Kyren Williams. If Stafford is hurt for any time, all of the Rams' playmakers would take a big hit.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd (bruised foot) is currently dealing with a bruised foot but is expected to miss only a few days, according to head coach Brian Callahan. Boyd, who joined the Titans this offseason, is projected to be the No. 3 receiver behind Calvin Ridley and DeAndre Hopkins. If he can return healthy, he remains a solid late-round pick in fantasy leagues. Boyd's connection with Callahan, his former offensive coordinator with the Bengals, is a positive factor for his performance. However, the injury situation in the Titans' receiving corps is concerning, with Hopkins (knee) expected to be out for four to six weeks. This situation dampens Will Levis's sleeper potential, who now has two top receivers sidelined. On a positive note, Ridley will likely see an increase in targets, making him a value pick at his current ADP.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) was carted off the practice field on Wednesday with an apparent leg injury. After practice concluded, head coach Kevin O'Connell said it was an ankle tweak, and he's unlikely to practice on Thursday. However, he said the injury is not believed to be serious, and he thinks Addison is going to be "OK." This is a sigh of relief for the Vikings on a day it was announced that rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) would miss the entire 2024 season after undergoing surgery on his meniscus. While it doesn't appear Addison's injury will hold him out of Week 1 of the regular season, he still has a possible suspension looming stemming from a DUI charge earlier this offseason, so fantasy managers should stay tuned for that development.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns CB Denzel Ward (concussion) is going through the concussion protocol, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski.
From TheHuddle
Tennessee Titans WR Tyler Boyd (foot) is dealing with a bruise on his foot and could miss a few practices.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (back) remained out of Wednesday's practice at training camp. Kamara is managing a back issue that he's dealt with in the past, and there appears to be a minimal amount of concern regarding the star back's health at this point. It's looking unlikely that he'll make an appearance in Sunday's preseason game against the hosting San Francisco 49ers, though. Kamara has plenty of risk in 2024 fantasy drafts while entering his age-29 season and witnessing his rushing efficiency decline in each of the last three years, but his role in New Orleans' passing game as quarterback Derek Carr's security blanket cannot be ignored. Last year, Kamara drew 87 targets despite missing four games via suspension, ranking third among RBs in full-PPR fantasy points per game (17.9). Until Kendre Miller (hamstring) is back at practice, Kamara remains a decent RB2 bet in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Sean Clifford will start this week's preseason game versus the Denver Broncos on Sunday as Jordan Love won't play, head coach Matt LaFleur announced on Wednesday at training camp. Rookie Michael Pratt will serve as the backup quarterback on Sunday against the Broncos. After completing each of his two passes for 63 yards and a touchdown in last week's preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns, Love will take a seat this weekend before presumably returning to action for a regular-season tune-up against the Baltimore Ravens on Aug. 24. In an ascending Packers offense, the 25-year-old star signal-caller has his sights set on taking another leap forward in 2024 after closing as fantasy's overall QB5 in points per game (19.4) over 17 appearances in 2023 during his first year as Green Bay's full-time starter.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent CB Rudy Ford (Packers) signed an undisclosed contract with the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday, Aug. 14. Also, DE Kemoko Turay (undisclosed) was waived off injured reserve and CB Clayton Isbell was waived.
From TheHuddle
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (groin) is dealing with a mild groin strain and is considered day-to-day, head coach Dave Canales told reporters at Wednesday's practice during training camp. Soft-tissue injuries always have a chance to linger, but it would likely be an overreaction at this point to significantly alter Johnson's standing in fantasy rankings based on this development. It remains to be seen if he'll be able to return to practice ahead of Saturday's preseason game against the visiting New York Jets. Without very much competition surrounding him in Carolina's receiving corps, Johnson figures to be the focal point of the Panthers' passing game in 2024 as quarterback Bryce Young's top target. The 27-year-old veteran wideout is a WR3 with WR2 upside in the second half of fantasy drafts this summer.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver coach Connor Embree says that rookie Xavier Worthy has impressed him most with his ability to pick up the playbook quickly. Embree says he'll do more than Rashee Rice did as a rookie, but they're not going to overload him. With Marquise Brown (shoulder) sidelined for up to six weeks, however, Worthy may now have to take on a more pronounced role for the Chiefs in Year 1 than expected to begin the season. It's worth noting that Rice was consistently held under 60% of KC's offensive snaps per game during the first half of last year as a rookie before the team finally unleashed him during the second half. Worthy profiles as a young DeSean Jackson in many ways, and the 21-year-old first-rounder's stock is certainly on the rise in the middle rounds of fantasy drafts as quarterback Patrick Mahomes' likely top deep threat to start 2024.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent DL Carlos Watkins (Cardinals) signed an undisclosed contract with the Los Angeles Rams on Wednesday, Aug. 14.
From TheHuddle
Free-agent DL Nick Williams (Chargers) signed an undisclosed contract with the San Francisco 49ers on Wednesday, Aug. 14. To make room on the roster, LB Ezekiel Turner was waived.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans left Wednesday's joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars early, but he was able to return to the session later on. Evans initially walked off the field without assistance, so there's no reason for fantasy managers to be concerned with what sounds like a false alarm here. The 31-year-old Pro Bowl wideout has entrenched himself as a fantasy stalwart throughout his career, and while his role in Tampa Bay as quarterback Baker Mayfield's primary deep threat means his floor might not be as high as those being selected around him, Evans' ceiling remains among fantasy's highest after he totaled 36 deep targets and 13 touchdowns in 17 games for the Bucs last season. He's a fringe WR1/2 option in drafts this summer.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings rookie first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) will miss his entire rookie season after having successful surgery on Wednesday morning on the meniscus in his knee. The Vikings announced on Tuesday that the 21-year-old had a meniscus tear in his right knee, and apparently he needed a full repair, which will cost him all of 2024. The 12th overall pick in this year's NFL draft was fully expected to start his rookie year as the backup to Sam Darnold while the team slow-played his development, but there was still a good chance he would have seen the field this year, especially if Darnold struggled in the starting role. Now, McCarthy will rest and rehab and learn from the sidelines. He can obviously be avoided in all single-year fantasy leagues. Nick Mullens will open the regular season as Darnold's backup.
From RotoBaller
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero is reporting rookie QB J.J. McCarthy will miss the entire 2024 season after having his torn meniscus repaired today.
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Treylon Burks was immediately pulled from training camp practice on Wednesday after suffering from cramps involving his calf/hamstring. Conditioning issues and injuries have plagued Burks in his first two NFL seasons. The former 18th overall pick in 2022 has been a bust for the Titans to this point, especially after catching only 16 passes for 221 yards and no touchdowns in his sophomore campaign in 11 games played. The 24-year-old has been running with the first-team offense this summer, though, mainly because of DeAndre Hopkins' knee injury. Burks' fantasy stock heading into 2024 took a huge hit when Tennessee added Calvin Ridley to the fold, but he could be worth a late-round flier in deeper fantasy leagues if Hopkins isn't ready to go for Week 1 in early September.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins CB Jalen Ramsey (undisclosed) is dealing with an undisclosed injury that is minor and could practice if needed, head coach Mike McDaniel said on Wednesday, Aug. 14. In addition, S Jevon Holland (undisclosed) is day-to-day as he continues to work through an undisclosed minor injury.
From TheHuddle
The Cleveland Browns agreed on a three-year deal worth up to $39 million with $25 million guaranteed with standout, do-it-all linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah on Wednesday, according to sources. The 24-year-old cashes in after a Pro Bowl season in 2023 in which he set career-highs in total tackles (101), solo tackles (72), sacks (3.5), tackles for loss (20), QB hits (five), interceptions (two) and pass breakups (six) in 16 regular-season games in his third year in the league. Owusu-Koramoah was drafted in the second round (52nd overall) in 2021 out of Notre Dame and will once again be a big part of Cleveland's imposing defense in 2024. In IDP fantasy leagues, he's at least worth a look as a bench option at the linebacker position.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent DE Derek Rivers (Texans) and WR Greg Ward Jr. (Eagles) signed undisclosed contracts with the Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday, Aug. 14. To make room on the roster, WR Ethan Fernea (undisclosed) was waived with an injury designation and S Kendell Brooks was waived.
From TheHuddle