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FFL: Week 10 | NFL: Week 10

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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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 10

Player Notes
Roschon Johnson Nov 11 3:30am ET
Roschon Johnson

On Sunday, Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson had a minimal impact in the team's Week 10 loss to the New England Patriots. With a limited role in the offense, Johnson carried the ball just once and finished with an unfortunate total of negative four rushing yards. His involvement in the passing game could have been more extensive, as he caught just one pass for five yards. The Bears' offense struggled to gain traction throughout the game, punting on eight of their eleven possessions and turning the ball over on downs twice. With the offense unable to sustain drives, Johnson and other skill players had little opportunity to make an impact. Johnson and the Bears offense will look to rebound next week against the Green Bay Packers, who will be coming off a bye week and ready to face the challenge.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Nov 11 3:30am ET
D.J. Moore

In Week 10, Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore had a frustratingly quiet performance in the team's 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots. Moore finished the game with just three receptions for 24 yards, but he failed to reach the end zone, leaving fantasy managers disappointed by his lack of production. Additionally, Moore contributed minimally in the rushing game, recording just one rush for three yards. His struggles were largely due to the Bears' anemic offense, which managed a mere 120 yards passing behind a beleaguered offensive line that allowed nine sacks throughout the game. With the offense unable to sustain drivespunting on eight of their ten possessions and turning the ball over on downs twiceMoore and the rest of the receiving corps found it difficult to generate momentum. Looking ahead, Moore and the Bears will have a chance to bounce back next week against a tough Green Bay Packers defense, which will be well-rested after their bye week.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Nov 11 3:20am ET
Caleb Williams

This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams faced a tough test against the New England Patriots in Week 10. Despite showing flashes of potential, Williams struggled in the face of relentless pressure from the Patriots' defense. He completed 16 of 30 passes for a modest 120 yards and failed to find the end zone, contributing zero passing touchdowns to the scoreboard. To make matters worse, Williams was sacked an astounding nine times, as the Bears' offensive linealready banged upfailed to provide consistent protection. While Williams did lead one scoring drive, the Bears offense was primarily stagnant, punting on eight of their ten possessions and turning the ball over on downs twice. Heading into Week 11, Williams and the Bears offense will look to bounce back against a well-rested Green Bay Packers defense, which will be coming off their bye week and is sure to be prepared for the challenge.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Nov 11 2:10am ET
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle scored a touchdown for the seventh time in eight games during a 23-20 victory over the Buccaneers in Tampa on Sunday. He caught three of four targets for 57 yards, including the touchdown. Kittle's score was an important fourth-quarter toe-tapping snag in the corner of the end zone. As we saw Sunday, Kittle's target share will likely take a hit with the return of Christian McCaffrey and the emergence of Jauan Jennings coupled with the evident competence of rookie Ricky Pearsall. Kittle has been by far the most productive tight end in fantasy this year. With many leagues facing the trade deadline this week, the joyful 31-year-old is a sell-high candidate for those looking to bolster at other positions. On the other hand, Kittle has the red zone skills to overcome diminished volume, especially at a perennially thin position. Kittle has a plus matchup in Week 11 when the 49ers host the Seattle Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Ricky Pearsall Nov 11 1:30am ET
Ricky Pearsall

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall caught his first NFL touchdown in a 23-20 win over the Buccaneers in Tampa on Sunday. The 2024 first-rounder caught four of six targets for 73 yards, including a 46-yard catch-and-run to the pylon on a crossing route. The 49ers clearly have something in the 24-year-old but in the Shanahan era, they have not been able to support three wide receivers in fantasy. It's possible that Pearsall jumps ahead of Jauan Jennings in production, and indeed he did today due to the long TD, but Jennings -- who had 11 targets on Sunday -- isn't likely to go away. As a result, Pearsall projects as what he was today -; a touchdown-dependent deep-league or bye-week FLEX. Pearsall and the 49ers will host the Seattle Seahawks in Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Milton Williams Nov 11 1:30am ET
Milton Williams

The Philadelphia Eagles had a field day against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, moving to 7-2 on the season with a big 34-6 win on the road. The Eagles' defense played a key part in the victory, holding Dallas to just six points, 97 rushing yards, and 49 net passing yards. The unit also intercepted one pass, recovered four fumbles, and tallied three sacks. Numerous players contributed to the dominant effort, including linebacker Zack Baun (eight tackles, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery) and defensive tackle Milton Williams (two tackles, one sack, and one fumble recovery). Philadelphia's performance was largely inflated by the poor quarterback play of Cooper Rush and Trey Lance, and while the Eagles' defense still has rest-of-season fantasy appeal, they're tough to trust against the flashy Washington Commanders offense in Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Marquez Valdes-Scantling Nov 11 1:30am ET
Marquez Valdes-Scantling

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling hit paydirt in Week 10. On just three catches he racked up 109 yards and scored two touchdowns. For his first score, he reeled in a 40-yard bomb from Derek Carr. On the Saints' next drive, Carr hit MVS on another deep route for a 67-yard gain, setting up his second touchdown from two yards out. With injuries to several Saints receivers thinning the depth chart, the door was wide open for the few still standing to make an impact and MVS ended up being the biggest beneficiary. It was the first time he scored a touchdown since Week 7 of 2023 and the first time he topped 100 yards since 2022. Released by the Bills after they acquired Amari Cooper, Valdes-Scantling now has the inside track to become the Saints' new WR1 as they head into a matchup against the Cleveland Browns in Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Nov 11 1:20am ET
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert converted his three targets into two catches for 25 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Week 10 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Although his volume was quite low, he salvaged his fantasy performance by finding the end zone in Philadelphia's big 34-6 win. The 29-year-old is averaging 12.9 fantasy points per game (PPR) this year and should be treated as a mid-to-low TE1 heading into Week 11 versus the Washington Commanders.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Nov 11 1:20am ET
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara came into Week 10 needing 12 yards to overtake Mark Ingram as the franchise's all-time leading rusher and achieved that milestone on his second touch of the game. On the day he took 17 carries 55 yards on the ground and caught five of his six targets for 54 receiving yards. With the Saints' receiving corps depleted by injury, Kamara led the team in receptions and targets. With just under two minutes left in the game, Kamara was left wide open downfield but what would have been the game-sealing touchdown pass bounced off his hands. The Saints held on for a 20-17 win over the Falcons but Kamara's scoreless streak extends to four games. His next chance will come against the Cleveland Browns in Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Taysom Hill Nov 11 1:20am ET
Taysom Hill

Taysom Hill had four rushing attempts for 14 yards and caught both of his targets for 36 receiving yards in the New Orleans Saints 20-17 upset of the Atlanta Falcons. Hill could have had a much more lucrative fantasy score had it not been for a teammate's miscue. The 34-year-old utilityman was on the receiving end of the Saints' opening play, a play-action bootleg that he took 88 yards to the end zone, but the score was nullified due to a holding penalty on Foster Moreau. Hill's usage disappointed fantasy managers hoping he would build off of a solid Week 9 performance, especially with the Saints' offense decimated by injuries. Hill has at least six touches in five of the six games where he has been active. A similar workload can be expected in Week 11 when the Saints face the Browns, with his fantasy value hinging on him finding the end zone.

From RotoBaller

Hassan Haskins Nov 11 1:10am ET
Hassan Haskins

Los Angeles Chargers running back Hassan Haskins scored the first touchdown of his NFL career in a Week 10 win over the Tennessee Titans. Haskins only carried the ball twice and gained four yards total, but one of those runs was a goal-line plunge in the fourth quarter. He remains third at best on the depth chart, with both J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards well ahead of him. Haskins is a solid depth piece on an NFL team, but isn't worth consideration in any fantasy formats at this point.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Nov 11 1:10am ET
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr went 16-for-25 for 269 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 20-17 upset of the Atlanta Falcons. He also picked up 17 yards on the ground. Overall, it was his best performance (fantasy or otherwise) since the season's opening weeks when the Saints looked like an offensive powerhouse in the making. Carr also avoided being sacked for the first time this season and also did not throw an interception. Ironically, he set a new season-high in passing yards even with the Saints' wide receiver room thinned out by a spate of injuries. Journeyman Marquez Valdes-Scantling was the big winner, catching both of Carr's touchdown passes and running back Alvin Kamara remained his favorite target, seeing six balls thrown his way. In Week 11, Carr will face the Cleveland Browns who will be coming off their bye but gave up 282 yards and two touchdowns to Justin Herbert in Week 9.

From RotoBaller

Cameron Dicker Nov 11 1:10am ET
Cameron Dicker

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker made all five of his kicks in a Week 10 win over the Tennessee Titans. Dicker made all three extra points along with two field goals in another solid performance. His first field goal was a 21-yard kick in the first quarter and his second was a 37-yarder in the second quarter. Dicker has been exceptionally accurate and has added some distance to his kicks this season, making him a solid and reliable fantasy kicker despite it being fantasy football's least projectable positions.

From RotoBaller

Will Dissly Nov 11 1:00am ET
Will Dissly

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Will Dissly led the team in catches and targets in a Week 10 win over the Tennessee Titans. Dissly made five catches on six targets for a total of 30 yards. Quarterback Justin Herbert only attempted 18 passes, completing 14 of them. Dissly returned to a heavily involved role in the passing game after a down game last week. He may continue with similar involvement going forward, but he's very much just a floor play without much of a ceiling. The Bolts will take on the Bengals in Week 11 for a Sunday Night Football contest.

From RotoBaller

Quentin Johnston Nov 11 1:00am ET
Quentin Johnston

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston scored the only receiving touchdown for the Bolts in a Week 10 win over the Tennessee Titans. Johnston was targeted twice, making both catches for a total of 24 yards. His touchdown was on a 16-yard pass near the end of the third quarter. The Chargers went extremely run-heavy in this game, recording just 18 pass attempts compared to 39 rushes. Next week against the Bengals on Sunday Night Football should require a few more passes, making Johnston a possible WR3 in that contest.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Nov 11 12:50am ET
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey made just two catches in a Week 10 win over the Tennessee Titans. He ended up leading the team in receiving yards though, gaining 52 yards on the day. McConkey only saw two targets on a day where quarterback Justin Herbert attempted only 18 passes. McConkey had a long 37-yard gain and combined that with a 15-yard play to compile his yardage. McConkey is likely to see more than just two targets on Sunday Night Football in Week 11, when the Chargers will face the Cincinnati Bengals.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Queen Nov 11 12:50am ET
Patrick Queen

The Pittsburgh Steelers surrendered 27 points to the Washington Commanders while recording three sacks and a fumble recovery in a Week 10 victory. It was far from a dominant showing for Pittsburgh's defense, especially from a fantasy perspective, but its pass rush continued to make an impact. Newly-acquired linebacker Preston Smith logged a sack in his Steelers debut while Patrick Queen made numerous plays to limit Washington's potent offensive attack. Unfortunately, standout linebacker Alex Highsmith (ankle) was injured late in the contest and could be forced to miss some time. Fantasy managers may want to hang on to the Steelers DST for a Week 12 bout with the Cleveland Browns, but it won't be a recommended option next week against the Baltimore Ravens.

From RotoBaller

Josh Palmer Nov 11 12:50am ET
Josh Palmer

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer made just one catch in a Week 10 win over the Tennessee Titans. Palmer was targeted twice, making his one catch for a 36-yard gain. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert only attempted 18 passes in this extremely run-heavy game, leaving Palmer tied for third on the team in targets with his pair and second on the team in receiving yards with the 36. Palmer has seemingly worked his way into a boom-or-bust type role but has yet to have a significant boom week. He's not a reliable fantasy starter and should remain on most fantasy benches in Week 11 when the Chargers take on the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Nov 11 12:50am ET
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings bolstered his fantasy value in a 23-20 win over the Buccaneers in Tampa on Sunday. The 6-foot-3, 212-pound wideout led the game with 11 targets, which he turned into seven receptions for 93 yards. Today's contest could be treated as something of a bellwether concerning San Francisco's post-Brandon Aiyuk passing attack, as Jennings himself was also absent due to injury for the Week 8 victory over Dallas. With Jennings nearly doubling the target total of rookie Ricky Pearsall and Deebo Samuel Sr. -- each with six -- it appears that Jennings is here to stay as a weekly starting option in fantasy. Jennings and the 49ers will take on the rival Seattle Seahawks at home in Week 11.

From RotoBaller

J.K. Dobbins Nov 11 12:40am ET
J.K. Dobbins

Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins didn't do all that much in a Week 10 win over the Tennessee Titans. Dobbins carried the ball 15 times, gaining 50 yards. He was targeted in the passing game three times, making all three catches but gaining a total of just five yards through the air. Gus Edwards (ankle) returned from IR and took 10 carries of his own, eating into the workload of Dobbins. The Chargers were nursing a lead for most of the second half though, presumably in a closer game Dobbins will still be the top option in the backfield. That closer game could happen on Sunday Night Football in Week 11 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

From RotoBaller