Guest of the League
White Flag Est. 2023
Dynasty $125 - FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

TE Strength of Schedule

Tue Jun 11 11:11am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

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.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

This Week in the TFC (8-1)

Player Notes
Sam Williams Aug 1 6:00pm CT
Sam Williams

The Dallas Cowboys have signed defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad on Thursday. This comes days after defensive end Sam Williams (knee) tore his ACL. The Cowboys are in need of another pass rusher with Williams done for the season. Muhammad is a six-year veteran with 12 total sacks over his career. His best season of his career came with the Indianapolis Colts in 2021. This looks to be a depth signing as Muhammad isn't even a lock to make the 53-man roster.

From RotoBaller

Jermaine Burton Aug 1 5:50pm CT
Jermaine Burton

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton (ankle) was forced to leave practice early on Thursday. Luckily, Burton doesn't appear to have suffered a serious injury. The organization is calling it only an ankle tweak. The third-round rookie was pulled out of practice as a precaution and isn't expected to miss much time. Burton has been seeing increased reps in practice with Ja'Marr Chase currently out. The assumption is that Burton is going to fill the vacant spot left by Tyler Boyd, which should mean steady targets.

From RotoBaller

DeAndre Hopkins Aug 1 5:30pm CT
DeAndre Hopkins

Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (knee) is in danger of missing the beginning of the regular season. The veteran wideout suffered a knee strain during Tuesday's practice. Hopkins was reportedly wearing a wrap on his knee during Thursday's practice session. The organization believes that Hopkins could miss four to six weeks of action because of this injury. Hopkins could potentially be unavailable for the Week 1 matchup against the Chicago Bears. When healthy, Hopkins should be considered a high-end WR2 for fantasy purposes. The knee injury is a concern, but it shouldn't drop him too far on draft boards.

From RotoBaller

Marquez Callaway Aug 1 5:30pm CT
Marquez Callaway

The New Orleans Saints have signed wide receiver Marquez Callaway to a one-year deal. This is far from a blockbuster move, but the addition of Callaway does give the Saints depth at wideout. Most notably, Callaway hauled in 46 receptions for 698 yards and six touchdowns during the 2021 season. Since then, Callaway has been quiet with only 16 total receptions over the last two seasons. He should slot into the back end of the wide receiver depth chart which means Callaway is unlikely to have any kind of fantasy value.

From RotoBaller

Grant Calcaterra Aug 1 3:07pm CT
Grant Calcaterra

Philadelphia Eagles TE Grant Calcaterra 'has really done an excellent job to be the second tight and currently' and 'has a great awareness and understanding of the game,' according to offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.

YaYa Diaby Aug 1 3:06pm CT
YaYa Diaby

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Yaya Diaby (ankle) suffered an ankle injury during practice and had to be carted off the field. Fortunately, preliminary X-rays showed no fractures, relieving Diaby and the team. An MRI is scheduled later in the day to assess the full extent of the injury. Diaby, selected by the Buccaneers in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Louisville, had a strong rookie season, starting in seven of 17 games and recording 38 combined tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and a team-leading 7.5 sacks. The Buccaneers expect Diaby to start opposite Joe Tryon-Shoyinka as an outside linebacker. The Buccaneers also used their second-round pick on former Alabama pass rusher Chris Braswell and signed veteran Randy Gregory, though Gregory has yet to report for camp. Such an injury would significantly weaken the Buccaneers' defense, likely leading to more high-scoring games for Tampa Bay. This situation could enhance the fantasy value of playmakers like Rachaad White, Mike Evans, and Chris Godwin.

Matt Judon Aug 1 3:06pm CT
Matt Judon

New England Patriots outside linebacker Matthew Judon returned to practice on Thursday after a productive meeting with head coach Jerod Mayo. This was after Judon wasn't dressed to participate as the Patriots began their first full-pads practice of training camp on Monday, leading to a heated confrontation with Mayo. He was also absent the following day but rejoined the team as a full participant in Thursday's non-full-pads practice, following a team rest day on Wednesday. The dispute arose because Judon is looking for a new contract before the season begins. He is currently set to earn $6.5 million in the final year of the four-year, $56 million deal he signed in March 2021, but he feels this does not reflect his actual value. Complicating matters, Judon, who turns 32 in August, missed 13 games last season due to a torn biceps. With Judon, the Patriot's defense/special teams can fill in with the right match-up; without him, they are a defense to target wanting to play against.

Justin Herbert Aug 1 3:03pm CT
Justin Herbert

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has been diagnosed with an injury to the plantar fascia in his right foot. Doctors have recommended approximately two weeks in a boot for Herbert, which will be followed by a graduated return-to-play protocol with the expectation being that he will be ready for the start of the regular season.

Justin Herbert Aug 1 2:40pm CT
Justin Herbert

The Los Angeles Chargers have announced that quarterback Justin Herbert (foot) has been diagnosed with an injury to the plantar fascia in his right foot following Wednesday's practice at training camp. Doctors have recommended approximately two weeks in a boot for Herbert, which will be followed by a graduated return-to-play protocol, with the expectation being that he will be ready for the start of the regular season. Herbert's fantasy stock was already down heading into the 2024 season after the Chargers let most of their supporting cast go during the offseason, and this development should drive down his late-round ADP even further. He still has time to be ready by September, but he'll be working against the clock by the time he's ready to resume practicing. 2019 fifth-rounder Easton Stick is the next man up at quarterback on LA's depth chart, which would hurt the appeal of the entire offense if he were to be under center for Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Jonnu Smith Aug 1 2:00pm CT
Jonnu Smith

Miami Dolphins tight end coach Jon Embree says that Jonnu Smith and Durham Smythe have a rotation every other day at training camp. The Dolphins signed Smith this offseason as a potential upgrade over Smythe, who failed to carve out a meaningful role in Miami's prolific passing attack behind target hogs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Smith, on the other hand, was quietly productive as the No. 2 tight end behind Kyle Pitts for the Atlanta Falcons a year ago, registering a career-high 50 catches on 69 targets for 582 yards. The 28-year-old also put up the seventh-most yards per target (8.4) and yards per catch (11.6) at the position, so he'll try to beat out veteran wideout Odell Beckham Jr. as star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's No. 3 target as a TE2 option in the closing rounds of 2024 fantasy drafts this summer.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Aug 1 1:50pm CT
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill told reporters at Thursday's training camp that he is optimistic that he'll get a new contract done. Hill signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension with Miami back during the 2022 offseason, so he won't be an unrestricted free agent until 2027. The Dolphins just inked star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a long-term extension, however, while Pro Bowl wideout Jaylen Waddle also bagged a three-year, $84.75-million contract extension with the Dolphins this offseason, so Hill wants his next payday as well. The 30-year-old All-Pro is a consensus top-five selection in fantasy drafts this summer, after compiling a league-leading 1,799 receiving yards through 16 games in 2023.

From RotoBaller

D'Onta Foreman Aug 1 1:40pm CT
D'Onta Foreman

Cleveland Browns running back D'Onta Foreman (neck) sustained a concerning injury during a kickoff drill, suffering a direct hit to the head that led to neck pain. The situation became alarming as he was immobilized and transported by ambulance, then airlifted to a medical center in Roanoke, Virginia, for further evaluation. Fortunately, Foreman retained movement in all his extremities. The 28-year-old is expected to be released from the hospital on Thursday afternoon as his X-rays and CT scans came back negative. The 28-year-old, who joined the Browns in March after a stint with the Chicago Bears, had his most successful season in 2022 with the Carolina Panthers, rushing for 914 yards and five touchdowns. The Browns signed Foreman to bolster their running back depth alongside Nick Chubb (knee) and Jerome Ford, which is especially important, with Chubb recovering from a season-ending knee injury. If Foreman is sidelined, Ford could become a valuable RB2, particularly early in the season, as Chubb recovers.

From RotoBaller

D'Onta Foreman Aug 1 1:40pm CT
D'Onta Foreman

The Cleveland Browns say that X-rays and CT scans on running back D'Onta Foreman (neck) are negative, and he will be released from the hospital this afternoon and return to the team. It's very encouraging news after Foreman was immobilized following "a direct blow to the head that resulted in neck pain" before getting transported to the hospital to undergo further evaluation. The team previously added that Foreman had movement in all his extremities before he was airlifted from Thursday's practice. From a fantasy perspective, the 28-year-old veteran journeyman stands as Cleveland's No. 2 back behind Jerome Ford at the moment with starter Nick Chubb (knee) and satellite back Nyheim Hines (knee) not currently practicing. The Browns are certainly going to be cautious and likely ease Foreman back into action after such a scary incident.

From RotoBaller

Tarik Cohen Aug 1 1:30pm CT
Tarik Cohen

New York Jets running back and kick returner Tarik Cohen has announced his retirement. Despite having a promising training camp and expressing optimism about his return, Cohen has decided to step away from the game. Known for his standout performance as an All-Pro returner with the Bears in 2018, Cohen's career was significantly impacted by injuries. His last NFL game was in 2020 after he suffered a severe leg injury and torn knee ligaments. Cohen also endured an Achilles' tear in the spring of 2022. Though he hoped the new kickoff rules would help him secure a spot on the 53-man roster, something changed his decision. Drafted by the Bears in the fourth round in 2017 from North Carolina A&T, Cohen finished his career with 2,676 scrimmage yards, 14 touchdowns, 985 punt return yards (including one touchdown), and 628 kickoff return yards. He spent most of his NFL career with the Bears, with a brief stint on the Carolina Panthers practice squad last season.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Aug 1 1:30pm CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (groin) isn't practicing on Thursday due to a groin injury. No word on the severity of Jacobs' issue, but it's fair to believe the Packers are simply monitoring the reps of their key offseason acquisition. Jacobs has nine days if he wants to be available for Green Bay's preseason opener on Aug. 10 against the hosting Cleveland Browns, but he may not be active if healthy, anyway. The 26-year-old Pro Bowl tailback remains safe to draft along the RB1/2 borderline in the second or third round of fantasy leagues this summer, after leading his position in percentage of total carries and targets (84.9%) across 13 appearances with the Las Vegas Raiders last season. Jacobs' void in the backfield leaves veteran AJ Dillon and rookie third-rounder MarShawn Lloyd as the temporary top two backs at training camp.

From RotoBaller

Jerry Jeudy Aug 1 1:20pm CT
Jerry Jeudy

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (leg) is "very close" to practicing, head coach Kevin Stefanski told reports at Thursday's training camp. Jeudy is going through individual drills at Thursday's session, with the hope being that he'll be able to resume all activities and overcome a leg injury in the very near future. The 25-year-old former first-round pick out of Alabama is trying to revive his career in 2024 with star quarterback Deshaun Watson and the Browns, after posting 8.7 PPR fantasy points per game over 16 contests with the Denver Broncos in 2023. Although Jeudy begins the year as Cleveland's No. 3 target behind star wideout Amari Cooper and tight end David Njoku, he could eventually become one of Watson's preferred deep threats and can be drafted in the later rounds as a post-hype sleeper WR4/5 choice this summer.

From RotoBaller

D'Onta Foreman Aug 1 12:43pm CT
D'Onta Foreman

Updating a previous report, Cleveland Browns RB D'Onta Foreman (neck) 'had movement in all his extremities' when he was taken by helicopter to a hospital on Thursday, Aug. 1. Foreman was participating in a punt coverage drill when he was injured 'a direct blow to the head.' Foreman was immobilized and taken away by an ambulance before he was transported via helicopter to the hosptial.

From TheHuddle

Markus Golden Aug 1 12:03pm CT
Markus Golden

Free-agent DE Markus Golden (Steelers) re-signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on an undisclosed deal Thursday, Aug. 1, and LB David Perales was waived.

From TheHuddle

Myles Garrett Aug 1 11:53am CT
Myles Garrett

Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett (hamstring) is close to returning, according to sources Thursday, Aug. 1.

From TheHuddle

Pat O'Connor Aug 1 11:53am CT
Pat O'Connor

Free-agent OL Jake Burton (Giants) and DL Patrick O'Connor (Buccaneers) signed undisclosed deals with the Detroit Lions on Thursday, Aug. 1.

From TheHuddle