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FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

TE Strength of Schedule

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

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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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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 4

Player Notes
Odell Beckham Jr. Sep 24 2:30pm CT
Odell Beckham Jr.

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said he's seen some good progress from wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (undisclosed) and feels optimistic about Beckham when his practice window opens up, which would come after Week 4. Beckham has been dealing with an undisclosed injury that kept him out for all of training camp in the summer, and he opened the regular season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, so Week 5 against the division-rival New England Patriots would be the earliest he could make his Dolphins debut. The fact that OBJ has yet to even practice with the team once all year, though, suggests it will still be a while before he's ready for game action. The 31-year-old veteran looked washed up last year in Baltimore and is well off the fantasy radar in 12-team leagues in 2024, especially with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) on Injured Reserve and out indefinitely.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Huntley Sep 24 2:30pm CT
Tyler Huntley

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said it's "a possibility, for sure" that quarterback Tyler Huntley would be the team's starting quarterback on Monday night against the Tennessee Titans in Week 4 with Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) on Injured Reserve and Skylar Thompson (ribs) day-to-day after getting injured in the Week 3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Miami signed Huntley off the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad last week as QB insurance. The 26-year-old has had very little time to learn a new playbook, but he might give the Dolphins more upside with both his legs and arm than either of Thompson or Tim Boyle, who both struggled on Sunday in Seattle. For fantasy managers desperate at the QB position in two-QB superflex leagues, Huntley is worth a flier. Still, a move to Huntley isn't going to suddenly make receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle studs again in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Sep 24 2:20pm CT
Mike Evans

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers want to get wide receiver Mike Evans more involved after their Week 3 loss to the visiting Denver Broncos. "We've got to get him involved more," head coach Todd Bowles said on Monday. Evans has only 15 targets through the first three games of the 2024 season, which is a 38 percent drop from his target share a year ago. The 31-year-old pass-catcher has had at least 100 targets every year of his 10-year career in Tampa, but right now he's on pace to finish with 85 targets. The five-time Pro Bowler has also had 10 straight seasons of 1,000 receiving yards, so the pace is going to need to be picked up if he wants to make it 11 straight in 2024. Sunday's game against Denver was a bit different since the Broncos had lockdown cornerback Patrick Surtain on Evans, and he caught two of three targets for 17 yards. Expect Evans to get the squeaky-wheel treatment in Week 4 against the Eagles.

From RotoBaller

Kendall Fuller Sep 24 2:00pm CT
Kendall Fuller

Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Terron Armstead (concussion) and cornerback Kendall Fuller (concussion) are both in the NFL's concussion protocol after both players exited the Week 3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks early. In just a few weeks, the Dolphins have been crippled by injuries, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion), running back Raheem Mostert (chest), and now a Pro Bowl left tackle in Armstead and starting corner in Fuller. The explosive trio of Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De'Von Achane was limited to just a combined 124 total yards in Week 3, and backup quarterback Skylar Thompson (rib) left the game early with a rib injury. Miami's offense is arguably the best in the league when healthy, but for now, fantasy managers can likely target its offense with opposing fantasy defenses.

From RotoBaller

Britain Covey Sep 24 1:50pm CT
Britain Covey

The Philadelphia Eagles placed wide receiver/return specialist Britain Covey (shoulder) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The team also signed tight end Jack Stoll to the active roster and wide receiver John Ross to the practice squad. Covey suffered a shoulder injury during the Week 3 win over the New Orleans Saints, so his brief stint in an elevated role has been cut short. With A.J. Brown (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith (head) dinged up heading into a Week 4 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team's receiver room is thinning out quickly. Brown could return in Week 4, but like Smith, his status is unclear early in the week. If both star receivers can't suit up on Sunday, Jahan Dotson and Johnny Wilson will see more opportunities, but tight end Dallas Goedert, who just posted 170 receiving yards, will likely be quarterback Jalen Hurts' No. 1 target.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Sep 24 1:40pm CT
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints center Erik McCoy (groin) suffered a groin injury during the Week 3 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, and he is expected to miss six to eight weeks after he undergoes surgery. The good news is that his injury is not viewed as season-ending, but this development is obviously not ideal for the Saints offense that looked dominant in Week 1 and Week 2. McCoy, a 2019 second-round pick out of Texas, was named to his first Pro Bowl last season. His absence could create issues on the interior for quarterback Derek Carr and running back Alvin Kamara.

From RotoBaller

Gabriel Davis Sep 24 1:40pm CT
Gabriel Davis

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder) is considered day-to-day with a shoulder injury, according to head coach Doug Pederson. The former Buffalo Bill has seen 16 targets through his first three games with the Jaguars and has racked up 123 yards on eight receptions. His shoulder injury was not evident on Monday Night in the loss to Buffalo, but it doesn't sound as if the ailment is considered long-term. Either way, based on what we've seen thus far, he has limited upside as a part of a struggling offense led by Trevor Lawrence. Davis can continue to be stashed in deep leagues, but he's likely not worth rostering in traditional 10 or 12-team setups. Like when he was in Buffalo, he's mostly a touchdown-or-bust flex option in deep formats.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Sep 24 1:40pm CT
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) has missed each of the last two games after suffering a hamstring injury during pregame warmups in Week 2. He was initially deemed week-to-week by head coach Doug Pederson, and with a short week coming up following the Monday Night Football loss to the Buffalo Bills, his status remains unclear. Backup tight end Brenton Strange caught two passes for 12 yards and a touchdown in Week 3. Jacksonville is looking to get into the win column on Sunday, but that will be a tough task on the road against the Houston Texans. Houston has allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends thus far, so Strange is likely not worth starting if Engram is out. If Engram can play, he'll have a high-end TE2 or low-end TE1 outlook. Fantasy managers should monitor Engram's practice participation when the Jaguars release the first injury report of the week on Wednesday.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Sep 24 1:20pm CT
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Trent Brown (knee) will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn patellar tendon in his right knee, according to NFL.com. The 10-year NFL veteran left the Monday night game against the Washington Commanders early after suffering the injury, and he will not be able to make it back this season. This is a significant blow for the Bengals, who are sitting in a 0-3 hole after Week 3. With quarterback Joe Burrow's recent injury history, losing a key piece of the team's pass protection is far from ideal. Amarius Mims, who was the No. 18 overall pick out of Georgia in the 2024 NFL Draft, will take over starting duties at right tackle.

From RotoBaller

Greg Joseph Sep 24 1:10pm CT
Greg Joseph

New York Giants kicker Greg Joseph will remain the starter in Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football, according to head coach Brian Daboll. Stellar kicker Graham Gano (hamstring) is sidelined with a hamstring injury, so Joseph will get another shot. The veteran missed his lone field goal try against the Cleveland Browns in Week 3, but he connected on all three of his extra-point attempts. Joseph has been good at times throughout his career, but he's not anywhere near the fantasy football radar this week.

From RotoBaller

Skylar Thompson Sep 24 1:00pm CT
Skylar Thompson

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said variables are vague with the quarterback decision for Week 4 on Monday night against the Tennessee Titans as Skylar Thompsons' (ribs) health continues to be assessed over the coming 48 hours. "There's a lot of stuff on the table," McDaniel said. Thompson's status for Week 4 is firmly up in the air after he injured his ribs in the Week 3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is on Injured Reserve and nobody knows when/if he'll play again, so if Thompson doesn't get cleared, the Dolphins will have to decide between Tim Boyle and Tyler Huntley to start on Monday night. Thompson went 13-for-19 for 107 yards against Seattle on Sunday before getting hurt. No matter who is under center for Miami in Week 4, it's going to be more bad news for running back De'Von Achane and receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Sep 24 12:50pm CT
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) will meet with outside neurologists this week, according to head coach Mike McDaniel. "The plan hasn't changed. It's been executed. That's where it stands. I don't know reports, who sources are, but people should talk to me. I've got the real information," McDaniel said. After suffering another scary concussion in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills, Tagovailoa has been placed on Injured Reserve and is without a timetable to return as he focuses on his health first and foremost. The 26-year-old signal-caller reportedly has no plans to retire, but that could change after he meets with neurologists this week. Backup Skylar Thompson (ribs) got the start in the Week 3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and was hurt, so the Dolphins could be forced to start Tim Boyle or Tyler Huntley in Week 4 on Monday night versus the Tennessee Titans.

From RotoBaller

Nick Herbig Sep 24 12:40pm CT
Nick Herbig

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that linebacker Alex Highsmith (groin), cornerback Cory Trice (hamstring) and tight end MyCole Pruitt (knee) will all be out for the Week 4 contest against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium this Sunday. A groin injury forced Highsmith from the Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers early. The 27-year-old isn't expected to need surgery on his groin, but he could very well miss multiple weeks due to his injury. Fantasy managers in IDP leagues will obviously need to move Highsmith to their benches and go with a backup option at defensive line in Week 4 and possibly beyond. With Highsmith out this weekend, Nick Herbig will have a bigger pass-rushing role for a strong Steelers defense opposite All-Pro T.J. Watt. Through three games, Highsmith has 11 tackles (six solo), a sack and one pass breakup.

From RotoBaller

Najee Harris Sep 24 12:30pm CT
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (arm) was in a sling on Monday, but head coach Mike Tomlin said it's not a concern. "Naj will be ready to rock and roll," Tomlin said. Harris will probably be on this week's injury report and could be limited in some practices, but it sounds like the Steelers fully expect him to suit up this Sunday for a Week 4 tilt against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Backfield mate Jaylen Warren (knee) needed an MRI exam on his knee after the Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers and is looking iffy to play early this week, so Harris could be in line for a bigger workload against Indy. Harris injured his right arm against LA but never left the game and finished with 23 total touches. Even if Warren is given the green light to play on Sunday, the 26-year-old Harris should be in line for heavy volume.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Sep 24 12:30pm CT
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers beat writer Teresa Varley writes that running back Jaylen Warren's (knee) status appears to be in question for the Week 4 contest on the road at Lucas Oil Stadium this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. Warren apparently injured his knee in the Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers and had an MRI exam on Monday. It's unclear what Warren's MRI results were, but there appears to be a very real chance that he won't play this weekend, which could lead to an even bigger workload in the backfield for Najee Harris. We should have a better idea of the 25-year-old Warren's status for Week 4 once the team resumes practicing on Wednesday, but Warren is expected to be limited to start the week. He hasn't been a viable RB3/flex play through the first three weeks in 2024, seeing 14 carries for 54 yards and catching all five of his targets for 28 yards.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Sep 24 12:20pm CT
Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters on Tuesday that the team is in the same place with quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) health-wise heading into a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, and the veteran signal-caller will likely be limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. "As we walk into the building tomorrow, I want Justin Fields singularly focused on starting for us," Tomlin said. Wilson was named the starter under center at the start of training camp but aggravated a calf issue before the season-opener, and Fields has taken over and led Pittsburgh to a surprising 3-0 start. While Fields hasn't been amazing, he's done enough to hold off the recovering Wilson. The 25-year-old has completed 73.3% of his passes for 518 yards, two TDs and one pick while carrying the ball 28 times for 90 yards and another TD. Fields will be a high-end QB2 in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Adam Thielen Sep 24 12:10pm CT
Adam Thielen

The Carolina Panthers are placing wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday due to the right-hamstring injury he suffered in the Week 3 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, according to a source. There is no timetable on Thielen, but he's expected back sooner than later. Thielen will now be required to miss at least four games, so the earliest he could return would be in Week 8 versus the Denver Broncos. It's a tough blow for fantasy managers that held onto Thielen after a rough first two weeks. The 34-year-old veteran had three catches for 40 yards and his first touchdown of the year in Week 3, though, with quarterback Andy Dalton taking over for the struggling Bryce Young. Thielen isn't a must-stash by any means while he's out, and while he's sidelined, Diontae Johnson, rookie Xavier Legette and Jonathan Mingo will all see a boost in targets.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Sep 24 12:10pm CT
Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said on Monday that the team isn't concerned about wide receiver Justin Jefferson's hand injury or his availability for the Week 4 contest this Sunday against the division-rival Green Bay Packer at Lambeau Field. Jefferson jammed one of the fingers on his right hand in the Week 3 win over the Houston Texans, but it didn't slow him down one bit, as the 25-year-old All-Pro wideout caught six passes for 81 yards and a touchdown on the day on his six targets. X-rays after the game showed no fractures in his finger, so he'll be good to go this weekend, although he might be listed on the team's injury report. Jefferson was one of the first receivers off the board in the first round of fantasy drafts for a reason and he already leads the league with three touchdowns through three weeks while catching 14 of his 21 targets for a healthy 273 yards.

From RotoBaller

Noah Brown Sep 24 8:50am CT
Noah Brown

Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown caught three passes for 29 yards on three targets in the team's win over Cincinnati on Monday night. The former Cowboys wide receiver was involved mostly in the short passing game for Jayden Daniels. Terry McLaurin was by far the most productive Washington wide receiver in this game but Brown did have a role to play on the outside. With Luke McCaffrey as the slot receiver, Brown could become more involved as the outside receiver opposite McLaurin. But Daniels looks to run often and there aren't a ton of opportunities for receivers to make big plays in this offense. It's best to leave Brown on the fantasy waiver wire.

From RotoBaller

Mike Gesicki Sep 24 8:40am CT
Mike Gesicki

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki had four catches for 47 yards on five targets in the team's Monday night loss to Washington. Gesicki did not find the end zone but was decently productive as the team's third-leading receiver behind Ja'Marr Chase and Andrei Iosivas. Gesicki has always been a big red-zone threat so a lot of his value is dependent on him scoring touchdowns, which is not uncommon for fantasy tight ends. Backup tight end Erick All, Jr., caught all four of his targets, which cut into Gesicki's production a bit in this one. The veteran tight end, however, should be a threat week-to-week to find the end zone and remains on the fantasy radar at the position although he is not a weekly starter.

From RotoBaller