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.
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The Paur Report
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Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks didn't dominate the stat sheet like he did in last week's game, posting just two receptions in the Packers' 24-19 victory against the Los Angeles Rams. Wicks' two receptions went for just 20 yards, but he did lead the team in targets with seven and was tied with fellow wide receivers Jayden Reed and Malik Heath in total snaps. With Wicks and the Packers heading home to host the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6, Wicks' fantasy value will be tied to the availability of Romeo Doubs, who was suspended for Week 5 due to conduct detrimental to the team. Also affecting Wicks' value is Christian Watson (ankle), whose injury caused him to miss Week 5. Wicks would be a low-end WR3 if Doubs returns but Watson misses another week. If both return, Wicks would be a boom-or-bust flex option.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton completed 18-of-28 passes, tossing for 136 yards and one interception in the team's 36-10 loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday. He added three yards on his sole carry. It was an outing to forget for the Red Rifle as he struggled to move the ball against the Bears defense. Dalton completed 65% of his passes in Week 5, but it was his first outing this season without a touchdown. Late in the fourth quarter, with the game out of reach, the 36-year-old was benched for second-year quarterback Bryce Young, who responded with 58 yards on a crisp 4-of-7 passing to close out the game. While Joe Person of The Athletic reports that head coach Dave Canales has already committed to the veteran signal-caller for Week 6, it wouldn't be one bit surprising to see the former second-round pick have a shorter leash than usual after two straight losses. Carolina will host their division rivals the Atlanta Falcons next Sunday, and if Dalton plays a full compliment of snaps, he'll be a QB2 for that contest.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for 89 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries during Sunday's Week 5 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He also caught all four of his targets for a total of three yards through the air. Stevenson was demoted from his starting role in favor of Antonio Gibson amidst major fumbling concerns this week, but the coaching staff couldn't keep him off the field very long as he averaged 7.4 yards per carry and found the end zone. The 26-year-old has now eclipsed 17 fantasy points (PPR) in three of his five games this season, and his impressive performance this Sunday was likely enough for him to win back his starting job heading into Week 6 against the Houston Texans. Stevenson returns to the low-end RB2 tier for fantasy football going forward.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy caught one of his three targets for 16 yards in a 34-13 loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 5. Jeudy was held to his worst output of the season despite a plus matchup against a leaky Washington secondary in the loss. The veteran wideout has been quite boom/bust this season as he's gotten to at least 72 yards in two games while being held to 27 yards or fewer in his other three contests. Jeudy will look to bounce back in Week 6's road matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby was great on the ground in a 37-34 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Bigsby finished with 103 yards on 13 carries and two rushing touchdowns. He also added a 28 yard catch. The backup running back to Travis Etienne Jr. was fantastic, with the highlight of his outing being a 65 yard touchdown run. Even excluding that long run, Bigsby outperformed his starting counterpart in the running game, who had just 17 yards on six carries. Etienne Jr. did have six receptions to lead the team, so it will be hard for Bigsby to fully take over as starter, but he continues to make a case for at least a 50-50 split. The Jaguars offense had struggled leading up to this game, but having Bigsby's power running style against the Colts seemed to help unlock the offense and provide great balance. Bigsby will look to perform at a high level once again in Week 6 against the Chicago Bears.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson rushed for 52 yards on six carries during Sunday's Week 5 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He also caught his lone target for a gain of four yards through the air. It was a peculiar showing from the versatile running back, who was promoted to the starting lineup over Rhamondre Stevenson this week but still had less than half the touches that Stevenson registered. Even though Gibson averaged 8.7 yards per carry, Stevenson played well enough (89 rushing yards and one touchdown) to win back the starting role heading into Week 6 against the Houston Texans. Assuming Gibson is indeed relegated to the No. 2 role, he'll drop to the low-end RB3/FLEX tier in fantasy football. Gibson is still averaging 8.9 fantasy points per game (PPR) over the last four weeks, so he remains a relevant name in deeper fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase had ten catches for 193 yards and two touchdowns in a loss against the Ravens. Dynasty Analysis: If you can't understand why the Bengals haven't just made him one of the league's highest paid wide receivers, you're not alone. Chase was as dominant as ever in this one as Baltimore just couldn't cover him. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough as the Bengals fell 41-38 in an overtime classic, falling to 1-4 in the process. Chase remains an elite weekly play and quite possibly the top player in dynasty leagues. However, dynasty managers sure would feel better if an when Chase gets his money.
Dynasty | Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson completed 26-of-42 passes for 348 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions, adding 55 rushing yards in an overtime win against Cincinnati. Dynasty Analysis: Jackson has picked up where he left off last season and this was just the latest epic fantasy performance from last year's MVP. Jackson made some truly dynamic plays and while the Ravens were lucky to win the game, it certainly wasn't because of anything he didn't do. Jackson remains an elite-level QB1 in dynasty leagues and clear trade target for any team in contention.
Dynasty | Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow completed 30-of-39 passes for 392 yards with five touchdowns and one interception in a loss against Baltimore. Dynasty Analysis: Burrow won't care about the stat line as the Bengals lost the game but dynasty managers won't complain. Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase threw everything they could at the Ravens but just couldn't pull off a win as they fell in overtime. This was a solid step forward for this offense as they seem to be hitting their stride now that Tee Higgins (9/83/2) is back in the fold. Burrow remains an easy "set it and forget it" QB1 moving forward.
Dynasty | Bengals receiver Tee Higgins caught nine passes for 83 yards and two touchdowns in a loss against the Ravens. Dynasty Analysis: Higgins has now increased his yardage, targets, and touchdown totals in each of the three weeks since coming back from injury. The Bengals are in real trouble at 1-4 but it's hard to blame the offense. Higgins will look to build on his recent performances and looks like a WR1/2 moving forward this season. He's a solid buy in dynasty leagues.
Dynasty | Panthers receiver Diontae Johnson had three catches for 23 yards, adding six rushing yards in a loss against Chicago. Dynasty Analysis: This was a major buzzkill after Johnson had posted two monster games with Andy Dalton at the helm. Chicago took control of the game rather early and made life miserable for Dalton and the offense most of the day. Johnson should be much better moving forward, but this could open up a quick window to buy in dynasty leagues if you believe he's truly turning the corner.
Dynasty | Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams completed 20-of-29 passes for 304 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, adding 34 rushing yards in a win against Carolina. Dynasty Analysis: Here we go. After Jayden Daniels had really outshined Williams over the first month of the season, we finally saw what the Bears could have in Williams today. Sure, it was against Carolina. However, Williams was poised, controlled and accurate all day today. While we need to see him string together a few solid performances before anointing him as the next big thing, this was a huge step in the right direction today. Williams remains a solid hold in dynasty leagues.
Dynasty | Bears running back D'Andre Swift had 73 rushing yards, one touchdown, two catches, and 47 receiving yards in a win against Carolina. Dynasty Analysis: After an absolutely dreadful start to the year, Swift now has two decent back-to-back games to his name. While this is hardly enough to start anointing him as the next big thing, it's also hard to ignore. If Swift continues his solid play, there's some RB2 appeal moving forward. Regardless, his plunge down the dynasty rankings should stop for good after this week.
Dynasty | 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk had eight catches for 147 yards in a loss against the Cardinals. Dynasty Analysis: The 49ers were stunned at home against Arizona, but it's hard to blame Aiyuk, who had his best game of the year. After only posting 167 receiving yards the first four weeks, this was a huge bounce-back performance for the now very highly paid Aiyuk. He'll remain on the WR2 bubble moving forward but this was a huge step in the right direction for Aiyuk, whose dynasty "buy low" window may have closed.
Dynasty | Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew completed 12-of-17 passes with one touchdown and two interceptions before being benched in the Raiders loss to the Broncos. Dynasty Analysis: The Raiders are 2-3 and really haven't looked good on offense all season. Aidan O'Connell (10-of-20 with an interception) certainly didn't look much better, so we'll have to see what Las Vegas does moving forward. Regardless, Minshew has proven yet again he's more than capable of being a spot starter but hardly someone to rely on for an entire season. He's a weak hold in dynasty leagues and a drop candidate should this benching be permanent.
Dynasty | Broncos quarterback Bo Nix completed 19-of-27 passes for 206 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in a win against Las Vegas. Dynasty Analysis: This was a much needed solid game for Nix, who has had his fair share of ups and downs so far this season. Nix played mistake-free football and while he didn't have a huge number of big plays, he looked much more poised in the pocket and very much in control all day. We'll need to see more from Nix before recommending him in lineups but you could do worse for a backup or QB2 on your dynasty league team at the moment.
Dynasty | Raiders tight end Brock Bowers had eight catches for 97 yards and a touchdown in a loss against Denver. Dynasty Analysis: The rookie is quickly emerging not only as a TE1, but perhaps THE TE1 as we move forward this season. Bowers has yet to post a 100-yard performance but today was the latest in a string of very consistent performances and his first touchdown clearly shouldn't be his last. With 36 targets in five games, it's hard to currently find a tight end with higher upside at the moment. Oh yeah. he's a rookie.
Dynasty | Giants running back Tyrone Tracy had 129 rushing yards, one catch and one receiving yard in a win against Seattle. Dynasty Analysis: With Devin Singletary inactive, Tracy stepped up in a huge way. After posting just 29 rushing yards over the first month, Tracy finally showed what dynasty managers hoped to see after a solid off-season - a player who simply looks like a possible starter in fantasy and reality. While Singletary's job isn't in jeopardy, this performance is likely going to create a bit of a timeshare in New York moving forward. The chance to acquire Tracy on the cheap in dynasty leagues is now long gone.
