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.
Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 10
Denver Broncos wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey simply cannot be trusted in fantasy for a Week 10 divisional matchup this Sunday on the road against the 9-0 Kansas City Chiefs. Humphrey ranks third on the Broncos in targets (32), receptions (21) and receiving yards (188), but the lack of production speaks for itself, and he has yet to get into the end zone in nine games played. The 26-year-old does have some impressive yards-after-the-catch skills, but he's only gone over four catches in a game once this year and still has yet to eclipse 50 yards in a game. Denver's offense could struggle to move the ball for the second straight week against a Chiefs defense that has allowed the eighth-fewest half-PPR points to opposing pass-catchers this season. There's no reason for Humphrey to be rostered in 12-team fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little isn't a great option this week in fantasy against the Minnesota Vikings. The Jaguars are dealing with a lot of injuries on offense, including quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who seems likely to be replaced by Mac Jones. With the offense's upside lower than usual, the already mid-tier fantasy kicker is even worse of a fantasy option than he has been this season. To top it all off, the Vikings defense has been one of the best defenses in fantasy against kickers. If all of the banged up receiving options, such as Brian Thomas Jr. and Gabe Davis, are healthy, he could have a decent day, but the upside for fantasy points is extremely limited. Unless fantasy managers believe in Mac Jones, Little is best left out of lineups in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington will be tasked with stepping up once again against the Minnesota Vikings. In Week 9, Washington had just three catches for 41 yards on six targets last week in relief of Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis. Brian Thomas Jr. was a game-time decision but played. Kirk is out for the rest of the season and Davis and Thomas Jr. are questionable once again, so Washington should have a similar role against the Minnesota Vikings. His main competition is tight end Evan Engram, the healthiest receiving option currently on the team. Washington will have to deal with Mac Jones potentially taking over for Trevor Lawrence as well this week due to an injury of his own, but the two did play together a bit during preseason. It's risky, but Washington is a potential deep league flex play once again in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
The Chicago Bears' defense and special teams are looking to rebound in Week 10 as they face off against the New England Patriots. After a somewhat strong showing in Week 9, where they kept things competitive despite a tough loss to the Arizona Cardinals, the Bears now turn their attention to rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Maye has been impressed, managing a solid performance despite working with a below-average group of skill players. The Bears' defense will need to key in on Hunter Henry, his top weapon in the passing game if they hope to neutralize the Patriots' attack. Rhamondre Stevenson will be a key focus on the ground, especially after the Bears were gashed by the Cardinals' rushing attack last week. While the Bears' defense is still a startable fantasy option in Week 10, their floor is lower than expected, and fantasy managers should be cautious, given the potential for big plays from Stevenson and Henry. With Maye showing poise and the Patriots having some weapons, the Bears could be in for a more challenging outing than anticipated.
From RotoBaller
The New York Jets defense/special teams will head on the road to take on the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10. New York's pass rush was a problem in a Week 9 win over the Houston Texans as they notched eight sacks in the win. They will look to keep it going against Kyler Murray and company this weekend. The Cardinals have been a tough matchup for fantasy defenses this season, however, as they are allowing the 12th-fewest fantasy points per game to the position thus far. The Jets settle in as a top-15 fantasy defense heading into Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby will have to hold off Travis Etienne Jr. once again against the Minnesota Vikings. He was limited in practice all week due to an ankle injury but is fully off the injury report after Friday's practice. Bigsby had a big Week 7 against the New England Patriots with Etienne Jr. out but had a down week in Week 9 against the Philadelphia Eagles with Etienne Jr. back. This week could be a bit different, as with the receiving core banged up and Mac Jones replacing Trevor Lawrence, the running backs could be relied on more than usual both on the ground and in the passing game. Especially with a blitz-heavy defense from Brian Flores, the short passing game specifically could be a large part of the game plan. Bigsby serves as an interesting flex play in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram should still be viewed as a TE1 in Week 10 but should be slightly downgraded against the Vikings. That is due to starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence likely being out due to injury this Sunday, and Mac Jones potentially being at the helm instead. While it's possible Engram is fine with a different QB, the change would make him a riskier fantasy option than usual. Given the volatile nature of the tight end position in fantasy, managers shouldn't bench him, but expectations should be tempered slightly. He had 10 targets last week, but only caught five of them for 45 yards. That is around the level he should be at against the Vikings in what should be a similar game script. Engram is still a starting fantasy tight end but has less upside than usual in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. will look to take back control of the backfield in Week 10 against the Minnesota Vikings. He was questionable earlier in the week due to a hamstring injury but is no longer on the injury report after Friday's practice. Etienne Jr. only earned 31% of the snaps and five touches last week after missing the previous two games. He came into the season as the clear lead back, but due to a combination of underwhelming play and the emergence of backup Tank Bigsby, the backfield situation in Jacksonville is now at best an even split. However, with Trevor Lawrence and the receiving core banged up, both Etienne Jr. and Bigsby could be more involved than usual against the Vikings. Etienne Jr. should be viewed as a solid flex option in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones seems likely to start this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings in place of the injured Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence is dealing with a left shoulder injury from last week's matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles and practiced in a limited fashion all week. The former first round pick of the New England Patriots has a decent matchup against the Vikings, who have been hit or miss against offenses in fantasy so far. Brian Flores, who also happens to be a former New England Patriot, loves to blitz, which can be difficult for quarterbacks who aren't ready for it, but can also mean great fantasy games for those who are ready for it. Fantasy owners should definitely hold off on starting Jones unless they are desperate given Week 10 would be his first start of the season.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) is officially questionable to play against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. He had been listed as a limited participant during all three days of practice this week. Thomas has exceeded expectations in his rookie season, catching 35 passes for 595 yards and five touchdowns through nine games. He ranks as the overall WR10 in terms of fantasy points this season, which is an impressive feat for someone catching passes in a 2-7 offense. Fantasy managers will hope that the LSU product suits up this week. He's a solid WR2 option despite a matchup against the Vikings' strong defense.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder) is officially questionable to play against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. He had been listed as a limited participant in practice all week long. Davis picked up the shoulder issue in Week 9, ultimately exiting the game early and finishing without a catch. In total, through nine games this year, he has 18 receptions for 217 yards and two touchdowns. That comes out to an average of just two catches and 24 receiving yards per game, which is certainly not good enough to keep him on the fantasy radar. Even with fellow receiver Christian Kirk (collarbone) done for the year, Davis' role is unappealing. He can be dropped in most leagues.
From RotoBaller
The New Orleans Saints will place wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) on injured reserve Saturday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Olave has suffered two concussions this season and four throughout his young career, prompting him to meet with specialists and potentially re-evaluate his future in the NFL. The Saints do expect Olave will return to the field this season, but his placement on IR rules him out for a minimum of four games. New Orleans has already lost Rashid Shaheed (knee) for the rest of the season, so Olave being sidelined once again will create significant opportunities for depth receivers like Cedrick Wilson Jr., Mason Tipton, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody (right ankle) logged a full practice on Friday and has been removed from the team's final injury report. As a result, he will play in Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Moody has been sidelined since the end of Week 5, at which point he had gone 12-for-12 on extra points and 13-for-14 on field goals through five games. He earns significant volume as a result of the 49ers' strong offense, pairing his high usage with Moody's fantastic accuracy. The 24-year-old finds himself among the top 12 fantasy kickers for Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (shoulder, knee) logged a full practice on Friday. He had previously been listed as a limited participant. Friday's upgrade in practice status prompted the Chiefs to remove Hardman from the injury report, which means he'll suit up this week versus the Denver Broncos. The 26-year-old has filled a depth role this year, catching just nine of 10 targets for 75 yards. His involvement is expected to stay roughly the same in Week 10, keeping him firmly off the fantasy radar.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets running back Braelon Allen saw just four carries for nine yards in a Week 9 win over the Houston Texans. Allen will look to bounce back in Week 10 against the Arizona Cardinals on the road. The Cardinals represent a nice matchup for Allen as they are allowing the ninth-most fantasy points per game over the season. That being said, Allen has seen his opportunities cut since the Jets fired Robert Saleh following Week 5. While he remains a priority handcuff in case Breece Hall gets hurt, Allen should not be in starting lineups in fantasy heading into the weekend.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson has been one of the NFL's most productive running back in terms of scoring touchdowns lately. He has found the end zone four times over the last two games. Despite his clear productivity around the goal line, Stevenson has struggled in other areas, including efficiency; he has just 2.1 yards per carry over his last two games. In total, over the last two weeks, he has 30 carries for 64 yards on the ground, eight catches for 55 yards through the air, and the four touchdowns. He'll look to keep his scoring streak going this week against the Chicago Bears, who have allowed the 13th-most rushing yards and 10th-most rushing touchdowns to opposing running backs this year. Given that Chicago has a strong secondary, we could see the Patriots lean on the run this week even if they're playing from behind. With decent volume, Stevenson could be a solid low-end RB2, but he'll still need to show good efficiency, scoring tendencies, and pass-catching work.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams broke out in his third game with his new team, catching seven of 11 targets for 91 yards and a touchdown. He will look to keep it going in Week 10's road matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona has been average against wide receivers this season, allowing the 14th-most fantasy points per game to the position. That being said, the targets have consolidated around Adams and Garrett Wilson of late and that should continue to be the case with Allen Lazard (chest) on injured reserve and Mike Williams now a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Treat Adams as a mid-range WR1 in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson has been on a tear of late as he has gotten to at least 100 receiving yards in three of his past five games while notching four touchdowns over that span. Wilson will look to keep it going in Week 10 against the Arizona Cardinals on the road. The Cardinals have been a decent matchup for receivers as they are allowing the 14th-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. The target share has really consolidated around Wilson and Davante Adams of late and that should continue to be the case in Week 10 with Mike Williams traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Allen Lazard (chest) on injured reserve. Treat Wilson as a top-six fantasy wideout this weekend.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (knee, hamstring) is coming off one of his best games of the season as he threw for three touchdowns in a win over the Houston Texans last week. Rodgers has a chance to stay hot against the Arizona Cardinals on the road in Week 10. The Cardinals represent a good matchup for Rodgers as they are allowing the 12th-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this season. Rodgers settles in as a high-end QB2 in fantasy heading into Week 10.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets running back Breece Hall ran for 74 yards in a win over the Houston Texans in Week 9. He will now look to break a two-game scoreless streak in Week 10's road matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals have been generous to opposing running backs as they are allowing the ninth-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. Hall has been the Jets' bell cow since they changed head coaches last month and should continue to dominate the backfield touches in a favorable matchup, making him a high-end RB1 in fantasy in Week 10.
From RotoBaller