WR Strength of Schedule
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.
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The Paur Report
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
The New Orleans Saints have fired their head coach Dennis Allen according to Ian Rapaport and Mike Garafolo. Following a terrible loss to the 1-7 Carolina Panthers, it was clear something needed to change. It looks like the team decided they'll be heading in a different direction coaching-wise. The Saints started 2-0 and looked like the best offense in the league, but have lost seven consecutive games since then. There hasn't been any word yet on who the front-runner is to take over as interim head coach.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby was deemed active not too long before kickoff on Sunday but wasn't able to produce a big performance in the 28-23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The 23-year-old saw eight carries for 22 yards and didn't get targeted at all in the passing game. Bigsby has been seeing a higher percentage of snaps this season but hasn't been able to produce many fantasy points when Travis Etienne Jr. is also active. The ground game in general was shut down in this contest and they had to play catch up almost the entire time. The Jaguars will take on another tough defense in the Minnesota Vikings in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. only received five total touches in the 28-23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He registered three carries for 24 yards and hauled in two of his three targets for six yards. The Eagles' defense not only shut down the run, but they jumped out to a big lead to start the game and the Jaguars had to play catch up for almost the entire time. Etienne saw five fewer carries than backfield mate Tank Bigsby but was more of a factor in the passing game. He'll look to bounce back in Week 10 against the Minnesota Vikings.
From RotoBaller
Through the first eight weeks, Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride's only touchdown had been from a fumble recovered in the end zone. That trend changed in the Week 9 win over the Chicago Bears when McBride scored a rushing touchdown on a 2-yard jet sweep. McBride has been putting together a Pro Bowl-caliber season at tight end for the Cardinals, and that continued even with the passing game not up to par. McBride's official stat line was three catches for 35 yards and one rush for 2 yards, resulting in a rushing touchdown. This is an encouraging sign for fantasy managers, as the Cardinals showed an emphasis on getting McBride involved in the red zone. If McBride's touchdown upside increases, he could make a case to finish as the number one tight end in fantasy this season. He should be started in all league formats when the Cardinals host the New York Jets in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert hauled in a touchdown reception from backup quarterback Cooper Rush late in the game on Sunday. Dallas wound up falling 27-21 to the Atlanta Falcons despite the fourth-quarter touchdown. Tolbert was targeted six times, but only hauled in three receptions for 19 yards along with the score. If CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) misses any time, Tolbert would near must-start territory. For now, the third-year receiver remains a touchdown-dependent flex option.
From RotoBaller
The Philadelphia Eagles defense allowed 17 points, generated two sacks, and forced two interceptions during the team's 28-23 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. For the fourth week in a row, the team has held an opponent to fewer than 20 points score offensively and they finally started to generate turnovers with a game-sealing interception caught by linebacker Nakobe Dean in the late fourth in the end zone being the highlight of the game. It was another solid fantasy performance from the team and they will be on the streaming radar next week when they travel to Dallas to take on a beat-up Cowboys team that may be without starting quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring).
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. had another boom-or-bust outing in the 29-9 victory over the Chicago Bears. Harrison Jr. entered the season with high expectations for a rookie, but he has shown his youth throughout the first nine weeks. After recording 111 yards and a touchdown in the previous week against the Miami Dolphins, it seemed as though Harrison Jr. was back on the right track for the rest of the season. However, he recorded only two catches for 34 yards and a fumble against the Bears. One positive was that Harrison Jr. led the team in targets with five, but the Cardinals' lack of passing attack was likely due to a shift toward a more conservative game plan as they took a commanding lead in the second half. As of now, it's hard to view Harrison Jr. as anything other than a boom-or-bust wide receiver, but he should still be started in fantasy lineups in Week 10 when the Cardinals host the New York Jets.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush entered Sunday's game in the fourth quarter after Dak Prescott (hamstring) left with an injury and did not return. The longtime Cowboys' backup looked solid in the comeback attempt, completing 13-of-25 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown pass to Jalen Tolbert. It is unclear whether Prescott will miss any further time, as he is set to have an MRI on Monday. If Prescott misses time, Rush would be an intriguing QB2 option in multiple-quarterback leagues.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Grant Calcaterra caught all five of his targets for 30 yards during the team's 28-23 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The third-year tight end was involved early in the game having four grabs before halftime, but did little after. Next week will mark the fourth since starter Dallas Goedert (hamstring) was injured against Cleveland and will be his first real shot at making a return to the field. Fantasy managers will need to monitor practice reports during the week, but Calcaterra may move back to his role as the No. 2 option if Goedert is able to put in any practice time this week.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) suffered a hamstring injury late in their game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. He left the game while Cooper Rush took over, and is now in doubt for Week 10. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said that he was concerned and Ian Rapoport reported that Prescott will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of the injury. The Cowboys' offense has already been disappointing, so if Rush has to take over for a week or more, the entire offense would get a big downgrade until Prescott is healthy. A clearer picture should come into focus after the MRI.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle was productive in the 27-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. The 26-year-old saw most of the running back work with Ezekiel Elliott (healthy scratch) missing the game due to disciplinary reasons. Dowdle rushed 12 times for 75 yards while also securing five receptions for 32 yards and a touchdown on an impressive grab in the endzone. Dowdle appears to remain set as the lead back in Dallas and is an RB2 moving forward.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson led the way through the air on Sunday in the 27-21 loss to Atlanta. Ferguson was targeted 10 times, securing seven receptions for 71 yards. The performance was Ferguson's second-highest receiving yardage total of the season. The third-year tight end still has not found the end zone in the 2024 campaign, but remains a key part of Dallas' passing offense and is still a top option at the bleak tight end position.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott made one of two field goal attempts and converted his lone extra point attempt during the team's 28-23 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. After his best week of the season, the 29-year-old came back to earth in Week 9 and missed a long field goal attempt late in the game that would have given the Eagles an eight-point lead rather than a five-point one. It went on not to matter in the end, but the up-and-down season for Elliott continues. At this point, fantasy managers need to consider him a boom-or-bust streaming option who only needs to be started in plus matchups. That applies next week when the Eagles take on a reeling Cowboys team.
From RotoBaller
