Fri May 31 10:52am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Lamb could top last season
Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the receiver 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 receivers last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the receivers with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the receivers that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.
WR SOS | ||
1. | Denver Broncos | 531.34 |
2. | Los Angeles Chargers | 536.08 |
3. | Miami Dolphins | 537.31 |
4. | Kansas City Chiefs | 549.96 |
5. | Las Vegas Raiders | 552.89 |
6. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 554.85 |
7. | New England Patriots | 555.93 |
8. | Buffalo Bills | 556.13 |
9. | Houston Texans | 561.75 |
10. | San Francisco 49ers | 565.73 |
11. | New Orleans Saints | 566.06 |
12. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 566.19 |
13. | Cincinnati Bengals | 566.32 |
14. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 570.07 |
15. | Baltimore Ravens | 571.77 |
16. | Seattle Seahawks | 573.41 |
17. | Minnesota Vikings | 573.91 |
18. | Philadelphia Eagles | 574.46 |
19. | Carolina Panthers | 575.49 |
20. | Los Angeles Rams | 575.79 |
21. | Washington Commanders | 575.91 |
22. | Detroit Lions | 576.36 |
23. | Atlanta Falcons | 577.76 |
24. | New York Jets | 577.99 |
25. | Tennessee Titans | 578.06 |
26. | Indianapolis Colts | 578.18 |
27. | Cleveland Browns | 583.5 |
28. | Arizona Cardinals | 586.09 |
29. | New York Giants | 586.93 |
30. | Chicago Bears | 601.21 |
31. | Dallas Cowboys | 608.4 |
32. | Green Bay Packers | 610.22 |
The Packers have the easiest fantasy schedule for receivers. Jayden Reed and Christian Watson could be setup for career best seasons with this schedule. These are guys you can get a little later come draft day and mid-round options that could be difference makers for fantasy owners.
CeeDee Lamb is considered the No. 1 overall fantasy receiver for many and his schedule helps make that claim even stronger. Lamb has the second most favorable schedule for receivers. Lamb was huge last year and could improve on that even more, especially since the Cowboys could struggle to run the ball with their current options.
The Bears, Giants and Cardinals also round out the top-five most favorable receiver schedules. Chicago has a great trio of receivers with D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen and rookie Rome Odunze. These guys could produce big as long as rookie Caleb Williams gets the job done at quarterback in year one. Moore has more to compete with for targets this year, but you still have to like his chances for a big season in year two with the Bears.
The Giants and Cardinals both have some question marks at receiver, but a couple rookies lead the way for both teams. Malik Nabers and Marvin Harrison could have big rookie seasons with their new teams. These guys both have a chance to lead all rookie fantasy receivers in scoring.
On the opposite side of things, the Broncos have the most challenging schedule for receivers. The Broncos have all sorts of questions at receiver outside of Courtland Sutton. This is a unit of receivers you just might want to avoid come draft day. This schedule won’t make anything easier for this group.
The Chargers are a similar team to the Broncos, having openings and questions at receiver. So once again, it might be best to let someone else put Chargers receivers on their roster. Plus, the Chargers could be a lot more run heavy with a new coach running the show. The tough schedule and new offense make taking any Chargers receiver a bit of a risk.
There are two really good offenses on the list that have tough schedules for receivers. Both the Dolphins and Chiefs have a top-five least favorable schedule for receivers. The Dolphins have one of the best receiver duos in football, so it is tough to fade them because of this schedule. Both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle should be able to produce big numbers once again in this offense.
The Chiefs are a little more concerning. This offense is a little matchup proof, but don’t have that elite receiver on their roster. Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown lead the way. Brown hasn’t been great in recent seasons and Rice is facing a suspension. These guys will carry some risk come draft day, especially after seeing this schedule.
Davante Adams is usually another star receiver that is matchup proof, but you have to wonder a little this year. He has some question marks at quarterback, which could hurt his production when you pair it with this schedule. Adams is dealing with the fifth toughest fantasy schedule for receivers.
We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy receivers. 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 receivers with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.
WR PLAYOFF SOS | ||
1. | Los Angeles Rams | 501.93 |
2. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 515.53 |
3. | Kansas City Chiefs | 519.43 |
4. | New York Giants | 521.63 |
5. | Miami Dolphins | 532.77 |
6. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 534.53 |
7. | Houston Texans | 538 |
8. | Buffalo Bills | 540.87 |
9. | Las Vegas Raiders | 541.9 |
10. | Carolina Panthers | 549.33 |
11. | Cincinnati Bengals | 552.17 |
12. | Detroit Lions | 553.73 |
13. | Arizona Cardinals | 555.27 |
14. | Cleveland Browns | 555.4 |
15. | Minnesota Vikings | 560.93 |
16. | New England Patriots | 573.03 |
17. | Los Angeles Chargers | 573.1 |
18. | Tennessee Titans | 575.17 |
19. | Baltimore Ravens | 581.27 |
20. | Seattle Seahawks | 585.08 |
21. | New York Jets | 585.5 |
22. | Denver Broncos | 587.2 |
23. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 587.8 |
24. | Philadelphia Eagles | 589.73 |
25. | Green Bay Packers | 590.85 |
26. | Washington Commanders | 591.57 |
27. | New Orleans Saints | 604.13 |
28. | Dallas Cowboys | 609.73 |
29. | Indianapolis Colts | 614 |
30. | San Francisco 49ers | 641.53 |
31. | Atlanta Falcons | 644.93 |
32. | Chicago Bears | 647.98 |
The Bears and Cowboys are the teams that make both the top five easiest receiver schedules for both the regular season and playoffs. Chicago has the easiest for the entire playoffs. Once again, their top trio of receivers are looking pretty good come draft day.
Lamb continues to make his case to be the first receiver selected come draft day. He could have a monster season and finish strong as well with the fifth easiest schedule for the playoffs. Lamb might be the most surefire first-round pick come draft day.
The Falcons, 49ers and Colts also have a top-five favorable playoff schedule for receivers. Atlanta receivers were looking up to begin with, getting a legit quarterback throwing them passes this year. And this schedule makes their options look even better, especially Drake London. He could have a breakout season.
San Francisco has great options at receiver in Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. They are pretty safe picks come draft day. And they get a very favorable playoff schedule that could make them even more appealing to fantasy owners. These guys both have really solid floors come draft day in this offense.
Michael Pittman keeps getting it done as the No. 1 option for the Colts. If Anthony Richardson can become that true No. 1 at quarterback for Indy, Pittman would look even better. Pittman has produced in recent year despite having some quarterback issues. His game could go to a higher level this year if Richardson breaks out. Pittman could be a league winner if everything breaks his way in 2024.
The Chiefs and Dolphins are two of the best offenses in football but also the only two teams to make the top five most unfavorable receiver schedules for both the regular season and playoffs. This is a tad concerning for both teams, Again, it is tough to bet against Hill, but maybe you drop him down your rankings just few spots behind the other elite guys because of this. You hate to use an early round pick on a receiver to see him maybe not produce what he should come playoff time.
And as mentioned with the Chiefs, their top two receivers already face a few question marks, so maybe their tough schedules make them players to let someone else draft. Both Brown and Rice could be a little erratic.
The Rams actually have the toughest playoff schedule for receivers. They are another team with two of the best receivers in football. It is tough to bet against either Puka Nacua or Cooper Kupp, but the playoff schedule is a little scary, especially for Kupp. He seems to be trending down at this stage of his career.
The Jaguars and Giants are the two other teams with a top-five unfavorable fantasy schedule for the playoffs. The Jags have Christian Kirk and Gabriel Davis as their top two receivers. Kirk is normally pretty steady but Davis can be boom or bust. Seeing his playoff schedule should bump him down a few spots in your rankings. It could be more of the same for Davis with his new team.
And the Giants are an outlier here, having an easy schedule for receivers during the regular season but the fourth toughest for the playoffs. This makes it tough come draft day. Their receivers could be good values for the regular season but disappoint when it counts. You do have to just make the playoffs, though, so we aren’t sure we shy away from Giant receivers just because of their tough playoff schedule. You still might be able to get good value with their options that help you win during the season.
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 jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 9
Carolina Panthers rookie tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders set a career-high in Week 9 with 87 receiving yards on four receptions against the New Orleans Saints. Sanders again received the bulk of offensive snaps as veteran tight end Tommy Tremble (back) was inactive, missing his third game in the last four weeks. In Week 8, the one game Tremble was active for in October, Sanders played just 36% of the snaps and recorded one reception for seven yards. While the rookie certainly offers waiver wire value, there remains concern that the coaching staff has preferred Tremble when healthy. Regardless, Sanders could have an opportunity further to cement himself against a weak Giants defense in Germany.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette recorded a rather pedestrian stat line in Week 9 with four receptions, 33 yards, one touchdown, and one drop in Sunday's 23-22 win over the New Orleans Saints. The 23-year-old also rushed for six yards on one rushing attempt. His drop resulted in a Saints interception, but his touchdown gave Carolina an early lead. Legette's 26-yard reception on 3rd and 10 set up Chuba Hubbard's game-winning run. While having yet to crack a 70-yard game, Legette has four touchdowns on the season and has scored in consecutive weeks with Bryce Young at quarterback. His fantasy value is still erratic, as you'd expect from a rookie in a dysfunctional situation. Still, Xavier Legette has undeniable traits and will look to extend his scoring streak in Germany against the New York Giants.
From RotoBaller
In his second consecutive start, Bryce Young led the Carolina Panthers to a 23-22 divisional win over the New Orleans Saints. It was Carolina's second win of the season. Young finished the day 16-for-26 with 171 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. The interception came from a drop by wide receiver Xavier Legette. En route to the victory, Young kickstarted Carolina's game-winning drive with a 26-yard dart over the middle to Legette on 3rd and 10. The second-year quarterback looks more comfortable in head coach Dave Canales's system and has showcased more confident decision-making. Despite Carolina not naming a starting quarterback for Week 10, Young played well enough to get the starting nod in Week 10 as the Panthers head to Germany to face a reeling Giants squad.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard rushed for two touchdownsincluding a game-winning 16-yard scamperin Carolina's Week 9 victory over the New Orleans Saints. It was Hubbard's first game this season scoring multiple touchdowns. He added 72 yards and two receptions to go along with the scores. After a disappointing Week 8 outing at Denver, this performance was a strong response and shows why he remains a valuable weekly flex option. Heading to Germany to face the New York Giants in Week 10, rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) is expected to make his NFL debut and could take valuable touches away from Hubbard. Despite Brook's potential return, Hubbard remains a flex option against the Giants next week.
From RotoBaller
On Sunday, Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson had a limited role in the offense during their game against the Arizona Cardinals. He saw the ball just three times, finishing with a modest total of 13 rushing yards. Additionally, Johnson contributed in the passing game with two receptions for eight yards, but overall, his impact was minimal. The Bears needed help establishing a consistent offensive rhythm, significantly reducing their opportunities in the red zone. As a result, Johnson missed out on the goal-line opportunities he had capitalized on in previous weeks, leaving fantasy managers disappointed. With the Bears facing challenges in their offensive execution, it will be crucial for the coaching staff to find ways to involve Johnson more in upcoming games, particularly as they seek to enhance their effectiveness in the red zone and maximize his potential as a dynamic playmaker.
From RotoBaller
In Week 9, Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore experienced a notably quiet performance during the matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. He concluded the game with only four receptions for a total of 33 yards and failed to find the end zone, leaving fantasy managers and fans wanting more. Throughout the contest, the Bears' offense appeared disjointed and out of sync, struggling to establish any rhythm. This lack of cohesion hindered Moore's ability to make impactful plays, a hallmark of his game in previous weeks. Despite his usual talent and playmaking ability, he didn't seem at his best, making it difficult for him to contribute significantly to the team's offensive efforts. As the Bears look to bounce back next week against the New England Patriots, fans will be eager to see Moore return to form and regain his status as a key playmaker in the passing game.
From RotoBaller
On Sunday, Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen had a disappointing outing in the matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, finishing the game with just four receptions for a modest total of 38 yards. Throughout the contest, Allen struggled to find separation from the Cardinals' defensive backs, a stark contrast to his previous season when he consistently found ways to get open and make impactful plays. Despite leading the team with ten targets, the lack of completed passes to him highlighted an apparent disconnect in the Bears' offensive execution. This inefficiency raises concerns about the chemistry between Allen and the quarterback, as well as the overall performance of the offensive line, which may have contributed to the struggles. As the Bears move forward, it will be crucial for Allen to regain his form and the coaching staff to find ways to utilize his skills in future games better. Allen will get a chance to bounce back against the New England Patriots next week.
From RotoBaller
In Week 8, Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze delivered an impressive performance against the Arizona Cardinals, showcasing his potential with five catches for 104 yards despite not scoring a touchdown. Among his receptions was a standout 44-yard play, which represented one of the few explosive moments for the Bears' offense throughout the game. Since the Bears' bye week, Odunze has experienced a notable uptick in his production, a common trend for rookie wide receivers as they gain confidence and familiarity with the game at the professional level. His performance against the Cardinals further solidified his role within the offense, as he received seven targets, indicating that he has quickly become one of quarterback Caleb Williams's preferred options. As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how Odunze continues to develop and contribute to the Bears' passing attack. Fantasy managers hope he continues his breakout against the New England Patriots next week.
From RotoBaller
In Week 9, Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet experienced a frustrating outing against the Arizona Cardinals, finishing the game without a single reception. This performance was particularly disappointing, but Kmet has often been a boom-or-bust player throughout the season. Given that the Cardinals' defense is regarded as below average, Kmet's inability to contribute at all was unexpected and troubling for both fans and fantasy managers. Even more surprising was the fact that Kmet did not receive any targets during the game, leaving many to question the offensive game plan and his role within it. To add to the disappointment, Kmet's backup, Gerald Everett, managed to catch one pass for five yards, further highlighting Kmet's struggles. As the Bears move forward, it will be crucial for the coaching staff to address these issues and find ways to better utilize Kmet's talents in upcoming matchups, starting next week against the New England Patriots.
From RotoBaller
This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams faced a challenging matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. In Week 9, Williams completed only 22 of 41 passes for 217 yards and failed to throw a touchdown. This performance marks a second consecutive week of struggles for the young quarterback, which is particularly concerning against a defense that hasn't been regarded as formidable. Despite the disappointing stats, it's important to note that Williams was under constant pressure throughout the game. His offensive line struggled to provide adequate protection, leading to hurried throws and limited offensive production. To add insult to injury, Williams also tweaked his ankle late in the 4th quarter, so his health will need to be monitored moving forward. While fantasy managers had hoped for a breakout performance, the ongoing issues with the offensive line have made it difficult for Williams to find his rhythm. Addressing these protection issues as the Bears prepare for their next matchup against the New England Patriots will be crucial for Williams' development and fantasy viability.
From RotoBaller
On Sunday, Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift had a tough outing against the Arizona Cardinals, resulting in what can only be described as an average performance. He recorded 16 carries for just 51 yards, failing to reach the end zone, which was disappointing for those relying on him in fantasy leagues. However, he managed to contribute in the passing game by adding six receptions for 31 yards, which provided some relief for fantasy managers seeking points. Unfortunately, Swift's struggles were compounded by a struggling offensive line that had a particularly rough day, failing to create adequate running lanes and making his job significantly more challenging than in previous weeks. Additionally, Swift encountered difficulties in pass protection, notably picking up a blocking penalty in the end zone that resulted in a safety, further hindering the Bears' offensive momentum. Overall, it was a tough day for Swift, but his versatility as a receiver offers hope for better performances ahead.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 25 of his 44 pass attempts for 298 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in Sunday's 26-20 win over the Seattle Seahawks. The interception was a double whammy in that it set up a Seahawks touchdown just before halftime and also inadvertently led to the disqualification of Puka Nacua, who was ejected for throwing a punch at the end of the play. Stafford recovered, though, connecting with Demarcus Robinson for a touchdown once in the third quarter and again in overtime to secure the Rams' victory. Stafford faced heavy pressure throughout the game which affected his accuracy, though he was never sacked. Stafford is back in play as a streaming option in fantasy and will face the Miami Dolphins on Monday night in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams gained 69 rushing yards on 22 carries and had another 26 yards on his lone reception (on three targets) in Sunday's 26-20 win over the Seahawks. Williams also committed a fumble but was fortunate that Cooper Kupp fell on the ball to recover. It was the first game since Week 14 of the 2023 season that he did not record a touchdown. It was tough sledding for Williams against an aggressive Seattle front seven. He did break a few big gains but half of his carries went for two yards or fewer. One of the few bell cows in the league, Williams was on the field for 76 of the Rams' 77 offensive snaps in a game that went to overtime. He is a must-start in Week 10 when Los Angeles takes on a Miami Dolphins defense that has been especially vulnerable against the run this year.
From RotoBaller
It is safe to say that the high ankle sprain that kept Cooper Kupp sidelined for five weeks (including a bye) is no longer an issue. In the Rams' 26-20 win over the Seahawks on Sunday the wide receiver had 11 catches on 14 targets for 104 yards, leading the team in each category. Kupp was heavily favored by quarterback Matthew Stafford even before Puka Nacua's ejection just before halftime, collecting nine targets in the first half alone. Also encouraging was seeing his snap share leap up another week removed from his injury. After participating in just over half of the Rams' plays last week against the Vikings, Kupp was on the field for 63 of 77 offensive snaps in the Rams' overtime victory. Los Angeles gets Miami in Week 10 and even though the Dolphins have been more susceptible to the run than the pass this year, Kupp's rapport with Stafford keeps him in must-start territory.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson secured six of his nine targets for 94 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's win over the Seattle Seahawks. His first touchdown came in the third quarter and brought the Rams' within three points of their division rivals. The second score came in overtime and won the game for Los Angeles. The play, which ended up as the Rams' longest of the game, was a 39-yard bomb that Robinson brought in with his right arm while he was fending off a defender with his left. Robinson's increased role was likely the result of the ejection of Puka Nacua just before halftime. Sunday's effort marks the second consecutive game in which Robinson has had two touchdowns. Despite the deluge of scoring, he will be hard to depend on in fantasy as he will revert to his status as the Rams' third wide receiver when Nacua returns in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau had just one catch in Week 9 but it was good for a 17-yard touchdown. His only other target was another shot in the end zone that came in too low for Moreau to secure. Moreau's effort on his score in the fourth quarter was impressive. The 250-lb tight end turned in stride and made a leaping catch while twisting in midair then kept his feet and legs in bounds as he fell to the ground near the side of the end zone. When Moreau rose from the turf he held the ball aloft with both hands, demonstrating he never lost possession despite his defender's best efforts to pull it loose as they collided. The grab was Moreau's third score of the year but just his twelfth reception overall. Primarily used as an extra blocker, Moreau shouldn't be depended on in fantasy in Week 10 when the Saints face the Atlanta Falcons.
From RotoBaller
Jack of all trades Taysom Hill was again involved as a rusher, receiver, and passer in the Saints' 23-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. In Week 9, Hill gained 19 yards and scored a touchdown on five carries, caught four of his five targets for 41 yards, and threw one pass attempt that fell incomplete. The touchdown was his third of the season and his 60 scrimmage yards represented a new season-high. Five of his touches resulted in first-down conversions. The Saints came into the game with an offense depleted by injury and then lost Chris Olave (concussion) in the first quarter, setting Hill up for increased usage. That trend will likely hold for the Saints' upcoming matchup against the Atlanta Falcons as New Orleans will still be short on skill players. Kendre Miller (hamstring) and Bub Means (ankle) were both placed on injured reserve earlier this week and Olave's concussion is his second in the last four weeks, leaving his status for Week 10 in doubt.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara had a whopping 29 carries and ran for 155 yards against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Kamara also led the Saints in receiving in their 23-22 loss, catching six of his nine targets for 60 yards. Already the league leader in touches entering Week 9, it was expected that Kamara would see a heavy workload. Jamaal Williams (groin) and Kendre Miller (hamstring) were both inactive and the Saints' already thin receiving corps lost Chris Olave (concussion) midway through the first quarter, increasing the Saints' reliance on Kamara further. Kamara has been held out of the end zone since Week 6 but now has over 1,000 yards from scrimmage on the season. He will face off against the Falcons in Week 10, against whom he gained 119 total yards and scored a touchdown in Week 4.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr returned to action on Sunday for the first time since exiting Week 5 with an oblique injury. He went 18-for-31 for 236 yards and a touchdown in the 23-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Carr lost the services of Chris Olave (concussion) midway through the first quarter after the receiver was hit hard going up for a pass that left him defenseless. Most of Carr's passes were on short and intermediate routes, perhaps to avoid any further stress as he continues healing. Curiously, one of Carr's few deep shots came on the Saints' last play of the game when he lofted a ball up for a well-covered Cedrick Wilson Jr. when New Orleans needed just four yards to convert on fourth down with 64 seconds left on the game clock. Carr was 1-for-5 on red zone pass attempts with the lone completion being his touchdown pass to tight end Foster Moreau. With a depleted pass-catching corps, Carr will be hard to trust in Week 10 when the Saints host the Atlanta Falcons.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had seven catches for 180 yards and two touchdowns in Seattle's loss to the Rams. Dynasty Analysis: This was a much needed monster game from last year's first round pick. Smith-Njigba has been quiet playing behind Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf over the past year and a half, but took advantage of Metcalf being out today to post a career game. While this may very well be the best game of his year, he's very much lineup worthy again. Unfortunately, the Seahawks have a bye and it's unlikely Metcalf misses more time. Still, Smith-Njigba's dynasty value dip should end after today's performance.