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.
Dynasty | The 49ers have released running back Matt Breida. Dynasty Analysis: The 49ers have Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell, and Jordan Mason, so Matt Breida and Ke'Shawn Vaughn (also released) were deemed expendable. Breida had some moments with Miami and New York but seems like a replacement-level running back at this point. He doesn't belong on dynasty rosters at this point.
Dynasty | The Lions have released wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones. Dynasty Analysis: DPJ was traded to Detroit last season in the hopes he could make an impact but he failed to do so. The Lions have a loaded receiving corps, so he was expendable. The former Brown will look to latch on somewhere else but this move doesn't bode well for his dynasty value.
Dynasty | The Denver Broncos are looking to trade running back Samaje Perine. Dynasty Analysis: Perine looks to be the odd man out as Denver is surely keeping Javonte Williams, Audric Estime, Jaleel McLaughlin and maybe even Blake Watson. Perine is likely to garner some interest, though he may need to be released and sign as a free agent should Denver not find a trade partner. Perine isn't roster worthy at this point but could be depending on where he ends up.
Dynasty | The Denver Broncos are trying to trade Tim Patrick. Dynasty Analysis: Denver will reportedly release the veteran wide receiver if they can't find a suitable trade. Patrick is attempting to come back from a torn ACL in 2022 and torn Achilles in 2023 but didn't make enough of an impression for the Broncos to hold on to him. It seems there are a number of teams interested so this story seems to be pretty fluid. Regardless, it's hard to see Patrick carving out meaningful dynasty value, at least in the short term.
Dynasty | The Tennessee Titans have traded quarterback Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers. Dynasty Analysis: Willis was outplayed by Mason Rudolph in the battle to back up Will Levis in Tennessee but should be good enough to supplant Sean Clifford or Michael Pratt in an effort to back up Jordan Love. Willis is still an intriguing talent but it would take a catastrophe for him to see the field any time soon. He's a tough hold even in a deep 2QB / Superflex draft.
Dynasty | The Dallas Cowboys are bringing in free agent running back Dalvin Cook for a visit. Dynasty Analysis: Cook was famously signed as a free agent by the Jets last year, only to hardly ever see the field, He had a brief stint with the Ravens after being released by New York but failed to make an impact there, either. It's possible the former Viking is simply cooked but Dallas will attempt to see if he has anything left in the tank. His addition would muddy an already convoluted depth chart that features Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, and a host of others. Stay tuned.
Dynasty | The Steelers have released running back Daijun Edwards. Dynasty Analysis: The former Georgia Bulldog looked to have a fighting chance to make the roster but just couldn't make enough progress for the Steelers to keep him on their initial 53. He'll have a good chance to make a practice squad somewhere but he's now clearly off the dynasty radar.
Dynasty | The Bucs have placed running back Chase Edmonds on injured reserve. Dynasty Analysis: He could still be activated at some point but this is bad news for his dynasty outlook in 2024. Tampa Bay looks to be rolling with Rachaad White, Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker to start the year and it's hard to see Edmonds making much of an impact, even if he does come back. He's clearly droppable in dynasty leagues.
Dynasty | The Ravens have released wide receiver Russell Gage. Dynasty Analysis: Gage was attempted to re-ignite his career in a thin Baltimore receiving corps but it obviously didn't work out. The former Falcon and Buccaneer should land on his feet as a veteran presence somewhere in the league but his dynasty relevance just isn't enough to merit a roster spot.
New England Patriots veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett (shoulder) left the team's preseason finale early on Sunday night against the Washington Commanders after his opening drive, but he could have returned if needed, according to head coach Jerod Mayo. It's an injury that shouldn't keep Brissett from being available for the Week 1 regular-season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 8. The bigger concern for the 31-year-old signal-caller is that rookie first-rounder Drake Maye has outplayed him for much of training camp and the preseason, and it feels as though things are trending towards the Patriots naming Maye as their Week 1 starter. Even if Brissett is given the Week 1 start so that Maye is allowed more time to learn on the sidelines, the veteran is no more than a QB3 option in superflex leagues and will probably be on the bench sooner than later in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said the team has to make a decision on whether to put rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) on the Physically Unable to Perform list to start the regular season. Brooks hasn't practiced since being selected in the second round of the NFL draft in April. At this point, given all the time the 21-year-old has missed this offseason and through the summer, it would be a surprise if he didn't start his first year in the league on the PUP list, which would require him to miss at least the first four games. His injury has caused his draft stock to fall in single-year formats, but the rookie is still worth taking a late-round flier on and stashing in most leagues. If Brooks does end up landing on the PUP officially, it will only increase Chuba Hubbard's early-season fantasy standing as Carolina's lead back.
From RotoBaller
The Cleveland Browns activated left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee) from the Physically Unable to Perform list on Monday after he cleared his physical. In addition to Wills, right tackle Jack Conklin (knee), cornerback Greg Newsome II (hamstring), defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (knee) and safety D'Anthony Bell (shin) also came off the PUP list, giving the Browns some much-needed reinforcements with the regular season quickly approaching. Wills, 25, missed all of the preseason after having surgery last December on his knee. Despite all the time missed this summer in the preseason and at training camp, the Browns are expecting Wills to start on quarterback Deshaun Watson's blind side in the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sept. 8 against the Dallas Cowboys. The activation of both Wills and Conklin is great news for Cleveland's offense.
From RotoBaller
Four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook is flying to Dallas on Monday night for a visit with the Cowboys, according to sources. Unlike a year ago when Cook was rehabbing from shoulder surgery, he has been hitting the weights all offseason and said he feels the best he has in years. Cook looked washed up in his time with the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens last year, but the Cowboys are going to take a look as they attempt to bolster their backfield depth with the regular season less than two weeks away. The 29-year-old averaged just 3.2 yards per carry on 67 attempts, gaining 214 scoreless yards. He also added 15 catches for 78 yards. Cook could be more productive with better health in 2024, but even if he signs with Dallas, he'll be too far down the depth chart to be much of a fantasy option to begin the year. As things stand now, Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, Royce Freeman and Deuce Vaughn are their top four RBs.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said that linebacker Ernest Jones IV did not request a trade and that the situation is ongoing. Jones was absent from training camp practice on Monday after the team granted him permission to seek a trade on Sunday. The Rams are ready to move on from the 24-year-old, who is heading into the final year of his rookie deal in 2024. Jones enters the 2024 season as a top-five IDP linebacker in fantasy leagues, so a move elsewhere could slightly affect his value going forward. The former third-rounder in 2021 out of South Carolina had a career year in 2023, recording 145 tackles (74 solo), 4.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, six QB hits and six passes defended in 15 regular-season starts. If Jones can continue to rush the passer like he did in 2023, he should be a weekly starter in IDP leagues at linebacker, regardless of whether he stays with the Rams.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) was present at Monday's training camp practice but wasn't participating on the field. Brown suffered a sternoclavicular injury in the team's preseason opener on Aug. 10 and was given an initial timeline of four to six weeks, so his availability for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Thursday Night Football against the Baltimore Ravens is very much in question. At this point, it would be a surprise if the 27-year-old suited up. However, barring a setback, Brown should make his KC debut at some point in September. His injury has made both rookie Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice more attractive in fantasy drafts. The injury to Brown has surely put a damper on his fantasy value entering the year, but he's still worth a late-round flier as a WR4/flex. When healthy, he could be one of quarterback Patrick Mahomes' top targets.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Chase Edmonds (undisclosed) is being placed on the season-ending Injured Reserve on Monday. Meanwhile, wide receiver Rakim Jarrett (undisclosed) will go on IR-designated to return and will be eligible to come back after missing the first four games of the season. Edmonds will miss all of 2024 after missing all of training camp and the preseason with an undisclosed injury. It means that the Bucs will now ask Bucky Irving, Sean Tucker and DJ Williams to step up as depth options in the backfield behind starter Rachaad White. The 28-year-old former fourth-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2018 out of Fordham saw only 49 carries for 176 yards (3.6 yards per carry) in his first year with the Bucs in 2023, adding 14 receptions for 81 yards in 13 games. The rookie Irving is the favorite for the RB2 role now that Edmonds' season is over.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said that wide receiver Christian Kirk (calf) is feeling good and will return to practice this week. A mild calf injury has kept Kirk off the practice field at training camp for around two weeks, but the 27-year-old will return this week and should have plenty of time to get up to speed in order to suit up in the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sept. 8 against the Miami Dolphins. Don't be surprised if Jacksonville eases Kirk back into practice this week. A groin injury cut his season short in 2023, leading him to finish with a 57-787-3 line in just 12 games played. Kirk set career-highs in catches (84), receiving yards (1,108) and touchdowns (eight) the year before, though, and he was on pace for similar numbers last year before his injury. A bounce-back season could be in the making for Kirk in 2024 as long as he's healthy, making him a nice WR3/flex target in upcoming fantasy drafts.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (undisclosed) was back at training camp practice on Monday and was wearing a non-contact jersey. It's good news that Waddle is back on the practice field, but it appears the Dolphins are easing him back in. With just under two weeks to go until the Week 1 regular-season opener, Waddle should have plenty of time to get up to speed to face the Jacksonville Jaguars. We'll keep a close eye on the 25-year-old's status along the way, though. But as long as he's active in Week 1, he should be a must-start in all fantasy formats. Fantasy managers would have liked to have seen Waddle visit the end zone more than just four times (a career-low) in 14 regular-season games in 2023, but he also finished with more than 1,000 yards receiving for the third straight season to begin his career. He also had a robust 14.1 yards per catch. As long as his injury doesn't extend into the regular season, Waddle should be considered a strong WR2 in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
The 49ers released running backs Matt Breida and Ke'Shawn Vaughn on Monday. Both players had signed with the team this offseason and were fighting for a roster spot. Breida was signed following the injury to Christian McCaffrey (calf) earlier this preseason. With McCaffrey returning to individual drills Monday, he seems to be on his way back toward playing healthy. Breida and Vaughn will look to sign with a practice squad as the roster cuts continue throughout this week.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (knee) is expected to miss multiple weeks with a sprained MCL and could be placed on Injured Reserve. Nwosu had been playing lights out during training camp after a down year in 2023. The injury led to the Seahawks trading for Jaguars outside linebacker Trevis Gipson in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick. The Seahawks are hoping their defense can take a step forward with promising head coach Mike Macdonald coming over from Baltimore. Nwosu figures to be a big part of the defensive scheme.
From RotoBaller