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: Lineup Prep: Week 5
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Waivering: Week 5
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: The Weekly Bender: Big Fantasy Wins Crucial Early-Season Battle
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Studs and Duds: Week 4
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 5
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 5
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 4
- Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill has no interest in being traded
- Dolphins OLB Jaelan Phillips out for season
- Vikings open practice window for TE T.J. Hockenson
- Commanders open practice window for QB Marcus Mariota
- Browns RB Nick Chubb practices for first time since Sept. 2023
- Davante Adams Next Team Odds: Reunion with former QBs favored
- Bucs without Antoine Winfield Jr., 4 others vs. Falcons
- Giants WR Malik Nabers (concussion) misses practice
- Streaking again, Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence keeps faith in U-turn
- Bengals open practice window for DE Myles Murphy
- Cowboys WR Brandin Cooks (infection) to miss Week 5
- NFL Week 5: How low can Patriots-Dolphins go?
- Jets, Saints top WR Davante Adams' wish list
- Pats C David Andrews (shoulder) needs season-ending surgery
- Bills’ Von Miller suspended 4 games for personal conduct violation
- Raiders WR Davante Adams coy about health, trade talks
- Steelers QB Russell Wilson ramps up participation
- OT Jason Peters, 42, signs with Seahawks' practice squad
- Cowboys sign DE K.J. Henry, put DeMarcus Lawrence to IR
- Colts place DE Tyquan Lewis (elbow) on injured reserve
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Week 5 Defense Stream-O-Matic
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Football Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: Dynasty Football Debate: Garrett Wilson | Is He Still a Top 10 Asset?
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rest of Season Rankings – Standard
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Buy, Sell, Hold: Time to Test the Market on TE1 Dallas Goedert?
- Fantasy Life: Dynasty Fantasy Football Outlook on Four Key Players
- Fantasy Life: Best Bets for Week 5 - Sides, Totals, and More
- Fantasy Life: Key Fantasy Football News Items To Act On ASAP
- Fantasy Life: Week 5 Fantasy Football Rankings: Risers, Fallers, And More
The Paur Report
Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 5
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (thigh) was a limited participant on Wednesday. Given that the Seahawks only held a walkthrough, Lockett's participation status is merely an estimation. The reliable veteran receiver has caught 18 passes for 199 yards through four games, but he's still looking for his first touchdown of the 2024 season. Lockett's job has gotten tougher as DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba both continue to impress and earn more looks from quarterback Geno Smith. Lockett has seemingly fallen to the No. 3 role in Seattle and should be treated as a fantasy WR4 going forward.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) has left an impression on teams that he's "focused on engineering a trade to the Jets," according to Albert Breer of the MMQB. However, the Raiders have also fielded calls from the Bills and Steelers. Adams, who recently requested a trade and is expected to miss Week 5 with a hamstring injury, has expressed significant interest in reuniting with Aaron Rodgers, his quarterback in Green Bay who now commands the Jets' offense. Through three games this season, Adams has 18 catches, 209 yards, and one touchdown. He would give New York (or any other team) a productive, veteran pass-catching reinforcement early in the season. From a fantasy perspective, there are few situations less favorable than playing with Gardner Minshew II. Joining forces with someone like Rodgers could bump Adams back up to the mid-range WR1 tier.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave (ankle) did not participate in Wednesday's team practice. The second-year tight end recorded two limited sessions last week while tending to a quad issue ahead of the Packers' 31-29 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He would ultimately suit up for the contest -- playing 33% of snaps -- but the ankle injury is new. The fact that he was not designated as even a limited participant does not bode well for his status, but his value was trending in the wrong direction anyway, with teammate Tucker Kraft dominating the team's TE snaps 227-to-108. The former second-round pick will have two more opportunities to upgrade his participation before the team's final injury report is revealed. Green Bay has a tantalizing matchup this Sunday when they hit the road to take on a Los Angeles Rams team, allowing the second most points per game. Still, Musgrave can be avoided for fantasy purposes, even if he plays.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (knee) was listed as a limited participant on the team's first injury report of the week. The fifth-year tight end was the team's second-leading receiver (34 yards) in their 24-18 win over the Los Angeles Rams, participating in 90% of the snaps. He apparently picked up an injury sometime between now and then, though when and how severe it might be are currently unknown. It's a good sign for Kmet that he could at least get in a limited practice. The former second-round pick saw his usage spike in Week 3, with the team sans wide receiver Keenan Allen and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams attempting 52 passes. However, that came cratering back down upon the veteran wideout's return and a run-heavy game plan. He and the Bears will get a favorable matchup this Sunday at home against the Carolina Panthers. Despite this, Kmet will be an unrecommended volatile option.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo had his best game of the season in Week 4 against the New Orleans Saints. Koo nailed field goals from 53, 44, 42, and 58 yards. He's one of the best kickers in the league and has been perfect during the season so far. He is now impressively 5-for-5 on field goals of 40+ yards. The 30-year-old will look to continue his hot streak against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday. He is capable of nailing kicks in the clutch, and given the nature of the Falcons offense, it's likely they may need his help again. It's tough to say how many opportunities he'll be afforded, as kicker production is one of the hardest things to predict in the NFL, but he can be trusted to consistently hit from long distances. Koo is a must-start in fantasy leagues with kickers. He has a history of success, and the offense has given him enough kicks to succeed in fantasy. He should be locked into lineups when the Falcons take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Thursday Night Football.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier showed he deserves a more significant proportion of the Falcons' backfield opportunities when they face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5. His performance in Week 4 was his best of the season. He turned just eight carries into 60 yards (7.5 yards per carry) and caught two passes for 20 yards, good for 10.0 PPR fantasy points. The backup running back is highly efficient, averaging 6.15 yards per carry, and had proven his ability to be a solid lead back through the last four games of 2022 before lead back Bijan Robinson (hamstring) was drafted. The Bucs have struggled to stop the run this year, too. Robinson has struggled so far, and Allgeier's runs have been much more successful on average. He shouldn't be started yet, but he is a must-have handcuff for Bijan managers and a fine speculative bench stash. Should Tyler's role continue to grow, he could be start-worthy at some point.
From RotoBaller
Reporters again questioned New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh on Wednesday about the team's running back usage, but he might have hinted that not much will change moving forward. Specifically, Saleh was asked about rookie running back Braelon Allen and whether or not he'd be further integrated into New York's scheme. "He's already been integrated," said Saleh, "I feel like he gets a lot of run every week." The comments come a few days after the Jets head coach was suggested to use Allen more extensively in short-yardage and goal-line situations. He also remarked on how he believed Breece Hall's subpar performance against the Denver Broncos in Week 4 to be an "outlier" and credited the Broncos' defense for holding up. "Breece was batting 1.000 in goal-line situations this year. He's been doing great in short-yardage situations also." It would appear that fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief as the 20-year-old should not further eat into Hall's workload. Still, they must be disappointed at the division of touches thus far. He and the Jets will have another tough matchup this week when they take on the Minnesota Vikings in London.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater (knee) was listed as a non-participant for the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Evidently the 40-year-old veteran came out of Sunday's 42-14 loss to the Washington Commanders a bit dinged up. Interestingly enough, Arizona held tryouts last Friday for kickers Anders Carlson and Chad Ryland, while Prater did not garner a designation. The Cardinals signed Ryland to their practice squad on Wednesday. Prater will need to get in at least one limited session over the next few days to boost his chances of suiting up in Week 5. However, if he can't, it would seem that Ryland would appear in his stead. The journeyman kicker has yet to miss a field goal or extra point attempt this season. Arizona will hit the road to take on their division-rival San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders WR Davante Adams (hamstring) is not expected to play in the Week 5 game because of his hamstring injury, according to sources.
Fantasy Spin: Adams is dealing with the injury and could be on the trade block as well, so he may be in a new uniform when he is cleared to play again. Fantasy players will need a backup plan ready while Adams is sidelined.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin has been impressive early in the season. He connected on both his field goals last week and converted 3-of-4 extra point attempts during last week's win over the Philadelphia Eagles. McLaughlin has yet to miss a field goal attempt this season and has been one of the more effective kicker so far. The hope is that his leg continues to be strong for Thursday's Week 5 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs offense has been able to produce 20 points or more in three of the first four games of the season. McLaughlin should continue getting chances and should be on the streaming radar for Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams WR Demarcus Robinson (hip) was limited during practice Wednesday, Oct. 2.
Fantasy Spin: Robinson has only caught five passes over the last three games and is has posted at least 50 yards in only one of the four games this season. He probably will see a few targets if active this week but can be avoided in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 2. DE Larrell Murchison (forearm) and CB Darious Williams (hamstring) were limited during practice.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard has been signed to the active roster ahead of the Thursday night matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The veteran wideout was elevated last week with the Bucs being shorthanded at wideout. He hauled in three receptions for 51 yards in the win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Shepard could once again be asked to play a bigger role with Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and Trey Palmer (concussion) ruled out for Week 5. It's worth noting that both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are ahead of Shepard on the pecking order. That being said, Shepard could still end up with a quiet night despite being the third wideout on the roster. He's worth a look as a low-end flex option for fantasy managers in deep leagues for Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers CB Jaire Alexander (groin), DT Kenny Clark (toe), OG Elgton Jenkins (knee), TE Luke Musgrave (ankle) and DT Devonte Wyatt (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 2. CB Carrington Valentine (ankle), OT Jordan Morgan (shoulder) and LB Edgerrin Cooper (hip) were limited during practice.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle (ribs) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 2.
Fantasy Spin: Kittle probably will be able to practice later in the week and should be available for the Week 5 game. He can be a starting option in all fantasy leagues if active.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers WR Chris Conley (oblique), WR Jacob Cowing (shoulder), DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee), LB Fred Warner (ankle) and LB Dee Winters (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 2. DT Jordan Elliott (knee), LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf), DT Kevin Givens (triceps), S Talanoa Hufanga (ankle) and OT Trent Williams (non-injury) were limited during practice. DT Kalia Davis (knee) and FB Kyle Juszczyk (shoulder) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (knee) said that his 2024 season is over. Phillips will require reconstructive knee surgery and will not be able to rejoin the team for the rest of the year. It's a major blow for the Dolphins defense the rest of the way. The 25-year-old Phillips also suffered a season-ending Achilles injury halfway through the 2023 season. The 18th overall pick in 2021 out of Miami, Phillips picked up six tackles (two solo), a sack, one tackle for loss and two QB hits while defending two passes in four games this year before his knee injury. Fantasy managers in single-year IDP formats can obviously drop Phillips now. The Dolphins will be asking a lot more out of Emmanuel Ogbah at the linebacker position with Phillips out for the rest of the season. The Dolphins defense/special teams unit is in play as a streaming option for the second week against a punchless Patriots offense in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin has been off to an extremely hot start to begin the season. Godwin has six receptions or more in every game with over 53 yards or more in each of those contests. The veteran wideout has also scored three touchdowns as the move back to the slot has done great things for his career. The biggest problem for Godwin's value is that he continues to battle with fellow wideout Mike Evans for targets. Luckily, the Bucs have gone pass-heavy early on which has given both receivers solid value most weeks. Godwin should once again be in the WR1 conversation for the upcoming matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (knee), who is officially listed on the Week 5 injury report with a knee injury, practiced in full on Wednesday. Fellow wideouts Braxton Berrios (ankle) and Malik Washington (quadriceps) were listed as limited. Beckham's knee injury caused him to be placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin the 2024 season, but his 21-day practice window has now been opened and he could be activated and make his Dolphins debut as early as this Sunday versus the division-rival New England Patriots. Fantasy managers in most leagues can leave the 31-year-old veteran on the waiver wire given the fact that Miami's offense has taken a nosedive with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) on Injured Reserve. When he's ready, OBJ will be battling for playing time in a reserve role behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The three-time Pro Bowler (2014-16) had 35 catches for 565 yards and three TDs in 14 games for Baltimore in 2023.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders WR Davante Adams (hamstring) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 2.
Fantasy Spin: Adams is dealing with and injury and may also be the subject of trade talks, so his availability for Week 5 is uncertain at this point. Fantasy players should keep an eye on the situation because Adams is a starting fantasy option when healthy.
From TheHuddle
