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FFL: Week 9 | NFL: Week 9

WR Strength of Schedule

Fri May 31 10:52am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

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.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 9

Player Notes
Gardner Minshew II Nov 4 12:50pm ET
Gardner Minshew II

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II was benched for the third time in the Raiders' Week 9 blowout loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Las Vegas lost the game 21-41, and it was never close. Minshew completed 10 of 17 passes for 124 yards and lost a fumble in another dreadful outing. With former starter Aidan O'Connell (thumb) not eligible to return until a Week 13 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs, it's possible we could see current backup Desmond Ridder, who replaced Minshew in the loss, start in Week 11, after the bye. Ridder completed 11 of 16 pass attempts for 74 yards, a touchdown, and lost a fumble as well. Things are looking bleak in LV's quarterback room. Minshew may not play at all in Week 11, but head coach Antonio Pierce hasn't confirmed next game's starting QB yet.

From RotoBaller

Jakobi Meyers Nov 4 12:40pm ET
Jakobi Meyers

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers was the clear No. 1 receiver for the team in Week 9 against the Cincinnati Bengals. He hauled in eight of 11 targets for 105 yards on the day, and was the most targeted Raiders offensive player. He consistently won on his routes and has earned 54 targets over his seven games played this season, making him a reliable fantasy option and a solid WR2 in PPR fantasy leagues. It's unlikely he'll cede many targets moving forward, considering that he's now the top dog in the wideout room. He'll have time to rest whatever remains of his previous ankle injury, as he has a bye week coming up. In Week 11, he'll continue his leading role against the Miami Dolphins with an extra week of rest under his belt.

From RotoBaller

Desmond Ridder Nov 4 12:30pm ET
Desmond Ridder

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce refused to name a starting quarterback as the team gets ready to head into their Week 10 bye. In addition, Pierce said on Monday that he hasn't decided on an offensive play-caller after firing offensive coordinator Luke Getsy following Sunday's blowout loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The team's decision to part ways with Getsy was "100% my decision," Pierce said. Gardner Minshew II got the start under center on Sunday against Cincy and was eventually benched for the third time in his seven starts this year after going 10-for-17 for 124 yards, no touchdowns, no interceptions and a lost fumble. Former Falcons QB Desmond Ridder replaced Minshew and went 11-for-16 for 74 yards, a touchdown and a fumble. Aidan O'Connell (thumb) is on Injured Reserve, so it will be either Minshew or Ridder starting in Week 11 against the Miami Dolphins.

From RotoBaller

Drake London Nov 4 12:30pm ET
Drake London

The belief is that Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (hip) suffered a right hip-pointer injury on Sunday in the Week 9 win over the Dallas Cowboys, although he's going for additional tests on Monday, according to a source. Hip-pointer injuries can be frustrating for players, but they usually aren't long-term issues, which is great news for the Falcons and London's fantasy managers. The 23-year-old suffered the injury while making a nine-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter and he was eventually ruled out for the rest of the game. It sounds like he won't have to miss additional time, but it doesn't mean he won't be ruled out for Week 10 against the division-rival New Orleans Saints. If London misses any time, it will mean added targets and opportunities for receivers Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud III and tight end Kyle Pitts.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Nov 4 12:20pm ET
Bucky Irving

FOX Sports' Greg Auman reports that Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (toe) is expected to play on Monday night against the Kansas City Chiefs and could play well despite dealing with a toe injury that he's been playing through. The Buccaneers will continue to manage the injury, and apparently nothing has changed since last week. Tampa listed Irving as questionable to play on Saturday for Week 9 against the Chiefs, though. The 22-year-old will have to manage his toe issue for the rest of the season. In the Week 8 loss to the division-rival Atlanta Falcons, Irving had nine carries for the second straight week and produced 44 rushing yards while adding a season-high seven catches for 40 yards. Irving has been the team's most impressive ball-carrier in 2024, but his injury and the presence of Rachaad White will keep him as an upside RB3/flex play on a weekly basis in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Nov 4 12:20pm ET
A.J. Brown

Although Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown's knee injury that he suffered in the Week 9 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday isn't considered serious, he will undergo an MRI exam later on Monday to determine the full extent of the injury. Brown could miss some practice time later this week as the Eagles play it safe with their star receiver, but it sounds as though he may not have to miss any time. As long as the 27-year-old is cleared later this week, he'll be a must-start for fantasy managers in Week 10 for a divisional showdown against the fading Dallas Cowboys. Brown had two receptions for 36 yards on his four targets on Sunday against Jacksonville before leaving the contest and never returning, but he should bounce back against Dallas this Sunday as long as he's cleared. Check back later for the results of his MRI exam.

From RotoBaller

Boston Scott Nov 4 12:10pm ET
Boston Scott

Free-agent running back Boston Scott (knee) is reportedly fully healthy and ready to return to the NFL after suffering a partially torn meniscus in his knee before the start of the regular season, according to sources. The former Philadelphia Eagles RB has been rehabbing the injury the last two months but it now prepared to join a team soon. The 29-year-old was with the Pittsburgh Steelers during training camp but was cut with an injury settlement after injuring his knee. The former sixth-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2018 out of Louisiana Tech should latch on somewhere as a change-of-pace option, but he won't necessarily be worth a waiver-wire pickup for RB-needy fantasy managers once he finds a new team. Scott's fantasy value for the rest of 2024 will depend on where he lands. Stay tuned. In 15 games with Philly last year, he had 20 carries for 86 yards and caught four passes for 52 yards.

From RotoBaller

Dennis Allen Nov 4 12:10pm ET
Dennis Allen

After firing head coach Dennis Allen on Monday following the team's seventh straight loss in Week 9 to the division-rival Carolina Panthers, the New Orleans Saints have named assistant head coach/special teams coach Darren Rizzi as their interim head coach. The 54-year-old Rizzi has been with the team since 2019, when he was hired as special teams coordinator. He was promoted to assistant head coach in 2022 when Allen became the head coach. Rizzi previously worked as the Miami Dolphins' special teams coordinator from 2010-18 and he was also the associate head coach in 2017. He was the head coach in college at New Haven from 1999-01 and at Rhode Island in 2008. The 2-7 Saints will move forward with Rizzi as the man in charge, beginning with a Week 10 tilt against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Pitts Nov 4 12:00pm ET
Kyle Pitts

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts was limited to one catch for 11 yards in Sunday's 27-21 victory over the Cowboys. Even with Drake London exiting with an injury early on in the game, it was surprising to see Pitts get targeted just one time all game. After four straight weeks of 65 or more yards receiving and at least three receptions, the 24-year-old reverted to his status of non-factor in the offense. If Drake London were to miss time, his targets could be up for grabs which could be good for Pitts, but he'll face the Saints in Week 10, the same team that held him without a catch in Week 4 despite allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to TEs so far this year. It appears he'll return to the back-end, volatile TE1 range next week.

From RotoBaller

Matt Gay Nov 4 11:50am ET
Matt Gay

Indianapolis Colts kicker Matt Gay hit two of three field goals in Sunday's 21-13 loss to the Vikings, accounting for all six of the offensive points that his team was able to muster in the contest. The 30-year-old's two makes were from 42 and 54 yards out, while the one miss was a 53-yarder. He also made the PAT on the defensive TD scored by Indy. The Colts could struggle to move the ball again in Week 10 versus the Bills, so there may be better fantasy options for managers to choose from, but at least the game will be played indoors at Lucas Oil Stadium next Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Michael Pittman Jr. Nov 4 11:40am ET
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. caught one of four targets for 14 scoreless yards in Sunday night's 21-13 loss to the Vikings. So much for Joe Flacco boosting the fantasy value of the receiving group. After catching no less than three passes in any of the season's first seven games, Pittman now has back-to-back weeks with just a single catch. Perhaps he and Joe Flacco can get back on the same page in Week 10, with the two previously hooking up for 185 yards and two touchdowns in the three prior games they played together earlier this season. It won't be easy though, as the Bills are on tap next Sunday, a defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers so far in 2024. Until he displays some chemistry with Flacco again, Pittman will be hard to trust as anything more than a WR3/4.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Nov 4 11:30am ET
Lamar Jackson

We warned fantasy managers that the Denver Broncos defense/special teams unit was one to fade in their Week 9 matchup against the high-octane offense of the Baltimore Ravens. The stingy Broncos defense was thoroughly outplayed by the Ravens in Baltimore on Sunday, allowing 396 total yards of offense, 269 passing yards, 127 rushing yards and a season-high 41 points in the 41-10 blowout loss. In addition, they were unable to force any turnovers and sacked quarterback Lamar Jackson just once. Jackson threw three touchdown passes, and running back Derrick Henry went over 100 yards on the ground with two touchdowns. Despite the poor performance, the Broncos D/ST remains a top-five unit and should be much more playable in Week 10 against a Kansas City Chiefs team that has lost some of their best playmakers to injuries.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Nov 4 11:10am ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs led the receiving corps in targets, receptions, and yards in Sunday night's 21-13 loss to the Vikings, hauling in six of nine balls thrown his way for 60 yards. No other receiver on the team caught more than three passes. Unfortunately, Downs and the rest of the offense were unable to find the end zone, with the lone TD for the Colts coming on the defensive side of the ball. The good news is that the 23-year-old has garnered at least nine targets in five of the seven games he's played this season, making him the most reliable fantasy asset out of all the pass catchers on the team. The bad news is that the Bills are his Week 10 opponent, and they've allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to WRs thus far. The UNC product is likely a WR3 in that matchup, perhaps borderline WR2 in PPR leagues.

From RotoBaller

Lil'Jordan Humphrey Nov 4 11:00am ET
Lil'Jordan Humphrey

Denver Broncos wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey contributed very little in the team's 41-10 blowout loss to the hosting Baltimore Ravens on Sunday in Week 9, catching two of his five targets for a measly 11 yards. The good news is Humphrey played the second-most offensive snaps among wideouts behind Courtland Sutton, and his five targets were also second-most on the team behind Sutton's 10 in a game in which the Broncos were shut down by a Ravens defense that had been struggling coming into this contest. The 26-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Texas has impressive after-the-catch abilities and should continue to have an expanded role for as long as Josh Reynolds (finger) remains out, but fantasy managers just can't trust any Broncos receiver outside of Sutton for weekly production. Through nine games, Humphrey has 21 catches, 188 yards and no touchdowns.

From RotoBaller

Wil Lutz Nov 4 11:00am ET
Wil Lutz

Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz only attempted two kicks in the team's 41-10 blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens on the road on Sunday in Week 9. Both his field-goal attempt (successful from 37 yards out) and his lone extra-point try came in the second quarter of action, and the Broncos offense wasn't able to score the rest of the day. Lutz has now put up back-to-back disappointing showings for any fantasy managers that have used him as a streaming option -- he made just four extra points in the Week 8 win over the Carolina Panthers. The 30-year-old veteran has missed just one of his 19 field-goal tries in 2024 and has made all 17 of his extra points to make him a top-10 fantasy kicker, but the volatile nature of the Broncos' offense makes him a boom/bust play heading into Week 10 versus the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Taylor Nov 4 10:50am ET
Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was held to just 48 yards on 13 carries in Sunday night's 21-13 loss to the Vikings while adding three receptions on five targets for a paltry 11 yards. It was projected to be a tough assignment coming into the contest and the Vikings' rush defense lived up to its billing, although the Indy offense as a whole never really got anything going, as it accounted for just six of the total points (two FG) with the lone touchdown coming on a defensive scoop-and-score. On the bright side, Taylor draws a Bills rush defense in Week 10 that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to the running back position, with De'Von Achane gaining 121 total yards and two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving) against them in Week 9. The 25-year-old is probably a mid-range RB1 in that matchup.

From RotoBaller

Troy Franklin Nov 4 10:50am ET
Troy Franklin

After leading the team in receiving in the Week 8 victory over the New Orleans Saints, Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin was barely heard from in the 41-10 blowout loss to the hosting Baltimore Ravens on Sunday in Week 9, catching one of his four targets for a 19-yard pickup. He has had more opportunities in the Broncos' passing attack since Josh Reynolds (finger) landed on Injured Reserve, but it's led to only nine receptions on 15 targets for 106 yards and a touchdowns in four games. Rookie QB Bo Nix has spread the ball around quite effectively in recent weeks, and it's clear that it's impossible to trust any receiver beyond Courtland Sutton in fantasy in this offense. The 21-year-old Franklin has a 14-135-1 line in his first eight NFL games and won't be a recommended fantasy play in Week 10 versus the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on the road.

From RotoBaller

Keon Coleman Nov 4 10:20am ET
Keon Coleman

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman (wrist) is set to undergo tests on his wrist on Monday after a disappointing performance in Week 9. The rookie wasn't forced to leave the game against the Miami Dolphins with the injury, so the severity of the injury is unclear. He's had a solid start to his career as he sits in WR3 territory so far at the WR34 in half-PPR formats. If he's forced to miss some time, Amari Cooper (wrist) could be back in Week 10 while Khalil Shakir has been a steadying force.

From RotoBaller

Joe Flacco Nov 4 10:20am ET
Joe Flacco

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco was unable to lead his team to victory after being named the team's starter, completing 16 of 27 passes for 179 yards with no touchdowns and an interception in Sunday night's 21-13 loss to the Vikings. The 39-year-old was also charged with a fumble in the game after a handoff to running back Jonathan Taylor was not handled cleanly. It was a disappointing performance against a defense that hadn't been great against the pass thus far (seventh-most fantasy points allowed to QBs coming into the week), although it does lead the league in interceptions (14). The Colts have a home date with the Bills in Week 10 who have been stingier, allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to QBs, so things may not get much better. The veteran figures to be a low-end QB2 again next Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Nov 4 10:10am ET
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was one of three different offensive players ruled active on the day of their game but was unable to get into much of a rhythm. The rookie wideout finished with four targets, two receptions, and 22 yards. The Philadelphia Eagles defense was doing a great job with nine passes defended, three QB hits, two sacks, and two interceptions, so Thomas didn't have much of a chance for fantasy points. His next chance to bounce back will be against another tough defense in the Minnesota Vikings in Week 10.

From RotoBaller