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.
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (foot, toe) was spotted at practice on Wednesday. This was a positive sign for the up-and-coming pass-catcher given that he'd missed time with an assortment of injuries this summer, including foot, toe, and hamstring issues. He has 11 days to get fully healthy before the Saints' season kicks off against the Carolina Panthers. Shaheed projects as the team's No. 2 receiver behind Chris Olave, giving him legitimate appeal as an occasional FLEX option in fantasy football. His speed makes him quite the boom-or-bust weapon.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (undisclosed) had surgery over the offseason, according to David Furones of the Sun Sentinel. Miami reportedly knew about Beckham's injury and procedure before signing him in free agency. Although Beckham wanted to play Week 1, the Dolphins placed him on the PUP list, delaying his debut with the team until Week 5 at the earliest. Furones notes that the team was comfortable with Beckham's injury status and made their decision based on the "long play" essentially banking on the fact that Beckham will get healthy over the next month and make a big impact down the stretch. From a fantasy football perspective, the veteran will operate behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, making it difficult for him to rack up points.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is not expected to be suspended by the NFL until after his legal process plays out, according to Mark Maske of the Washington Post. Furthermore, the NFL does not intend to place Rice on the commissioner's exempt list. These developments point to Rice being available for most or all of this season. The legal process can take a while, especially if Rice's representation manages to delay parts of the process until next offseason. Fantasy managers should still tread carefully with Rice, but the odds of him suiting up for a full season are a bit higher with today's news. If he does play most or all of the Chiefs' 17 games this season, he'd be Patrick Mahomes' No. 1 wide receiver and would teeter between the WR2 and WR3 tiers on a weekly basis.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers are acquiring quarterback Taylor Heinicke from the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday in exchange for a conditional sixth-round draft pick. Not only is starting quarterback Justin Herbert (foot) recovering from plantar fasciitis in his foot, but backup Easton Stick regressed in training camp and the preseason. The 31-year-old Heinicke will be an upgrade at the QB position behind Herbert entering the regular season next week. In Atlanta, the Falcons were expected all along to try and trade Heinicke after taking rookie Michael Penix Jr. in the first round in April. Heinicke made his NFL debut back in 2017 with the Houston Texans and has appeared in 38 games (29 starts) since then with four different teams. His best year came in 2021 with Washington, when he threw for 3,419 yards, 20 touchdowns and 15 picks on 321 pass attempts over 16 games (15 starts).
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo will talk to the players on Thursday and announce the decision on the starting quarterback between rookie first-rounder Drake Maye and veteran Jacoby Brissett. A decision has already been made, it just hasn't been announced. Maye, the third overall pick in this year's draft out of North Carolina, has outplayed Brissett the last few weeks, but the new coaching staff remains hesitant to throw the 21-year-old out there right away in Week 1 versus the Cincinnati Bengals. Brissett also suffered a shoulder injury in the preseason finale, although it won't keep him from being ready for the regular-season opener. Brissett could very well start in Week 1, but Maye is the more attractive upside QB3 play in superflex leagues, and it's only a matter of time before he would take over under center in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Updating a previous report, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (back, neck) was not seen during warmups before the team's practice on Wednesday. The 49ers expected Aiyuk to return to practice on Wednesday. "I know he's been cleared by our doctors. So I hope he's out there practicing today," Shanahan said. It's yet another strange turn in the Aiyuk saga as he continues to hold-in as he seeks a long-term contract extension with just over a week until Week 1 against the New York Jets on Monday night. The 26-year-old has apparently been dealing with a back/neck issue during training camp despite not practicing or playing at all during the preseason. The possibility of the Niners trading the former first-rounder seems remote at this point, but each passing day that Aiyuk isn't on the field should give fantasy managers pause as to whether they should draft him as a low-end WR1/high-end WR2.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (foot) missed practice Wednesday. GM Ryan Poles asserts that it was minor discomfort related to a cleat issue and isn't figured to be an issue for Week 1. The injury won't help an aging wide-out in a crowded receiving room. The 32-year-old is part of a hyper-talented WR room that includes DJ Moore and ninth-overall pick Rome Odunze. It's clear Allen won't have the 8.5 or more targets per game he's enjoyed in each of his last seven seasons, but he will be catching passes from rookie No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. Fantasy managers will still want to watch to ensure Allen returns to practice in the coming days heading into their drafts.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor admitted he may have been premature in his comments about wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase's status, stating that Chase is now considered day-to-day. Taylor acknowledged he "spoke too quickly" on Tuesday regarding Chase's availability and expressed hope that Chase will return "hopefully at some point soon." Despite Taylor's earlier statement that Chase would practice this week, the star wide receiver did not participate in Wednesday's session as the team prepared for its season opener. Chase has essentially been "holding in" throughout the preseason as he seeks a better contract than the $1.1 million he's set to earn in 2024. However, his salary will increase to over $21 million in 2025 due to the Bengals picking up his fifth-year option in April. Taylor also mentioned he expects Chase to play in Week 1 against the New England Patriots, but the final outcome remains uncertain with the situation evolving rapidly.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders have signed former Houston Texans wide receiver Noah Brown. Brown, who previously worked with Commanders head coach Dan Quinn during their time with the Cowboys, was recently waived by the Texans as part of their roster cuts. At 28 years old, Brown is coming off two consecutive seasons with over 550 receiving yards, having played for the Cowboys in 2022 and the Texans in 2023. With the Commanders having traded Jahan Dotson to the Eagles last week, their current receiver lineup includes Terry McLaurin, Olamide Zaccheaus, Luke McCaffrey, Dyami Brown, Byron Pringle, and Jamison Crowder. Washington needs reliable contributors to support McLaurin and Zaccheaus, though rookie third-round pick McCaffrey might also see some action. Despite missing part of training camp due to a shoulder injury following offseason labrum surgery, it appears the Commanders expect Brown to be ready for Week 1 against Tampa Bay.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch anticipates that hold-in wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (back, neck) will participate in practice on Wednesday. When asked about the consequences if Aiyuk doesn't show up, Lynch responded, "Then we'll deal with that." Head coach Kyle Shanahan also expressed hope that Aiyuk will practice, noting that doctors have cleared him after earlier reports of back and neck issues. Shanahan indicated that he would address potential penalties if necessary. The situation remains to be determined regarding whether Aiyuk is nearing a market-value extension or is willing to play out his rookie contract, which includes a $14.1 million salary. This ongoing uncertainty also opens up trade possibilities for the 49ers' leading receiver since 2022. The offseason's biggest fantasy storyline continues with no resolution in sight.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Cowboys have signed running back Dalvin Cook. Dynasty Analysis: Well, that didn't take long. Cook visited the facility today and signed shortly thereafter. His signing is one of those that could be good in reality but a mess in fantasy. At this point, Dallas looks to be going with some kind of committee that features Cook, Ezekiel Elliott, and Rico Dowdle. Cook is certainly worth an add to a dynasty roster but he's going to need to show he has some juice left to be trusted in lineups moving forward.
Dynasty | The Steelers will open the season with Russell Wilson as their starting quarterback. Dynasty Analysis: Wilson beat out Justin Fields for the job but it was hardly by a landslide. Wilson looks like the safer option at the moment, with Fields having more explosiveness and risk at the same time. Pittsburgh is obviously playing it safe here but it's hard to look at this and think Fields won't start some games this season as well. Wilson is a QB2 in dynasty leagues but it's clear his best days are behind him.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (undisclosed) was seen in a non-contact practice jersey again on Wednesday afternoon. The Alabama product was seen wearing the same jersey earlier this week as he is being slowly eased back into game action. The 25-year-old has been dealing with a lingering undisclosed injury for most of August now, but it is promising to see the wideout on the field, albeit in a non-contact setting. Fantasy managers should continue to pay close attention to Waddle's status, as he could be a full participant in the coming days. Waddle signed a massive $84.75 extension earlier this offseason after posting his third-straight 1,000-yard campaign last season. Even though he battled numerous injuries last season, he remains a top option at the wide receiver position given his big-play ability with a strong 73.6 air yards per game and a 2.88 average yards per route run.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel (toe) was seen taking part in the practice session that was open to the media on Wednesday afternoon, according to Sal Capaccio of WGR550. This is an excellent sign for the 28-year-old wideout, who is currently questionable entering the opening week of the NFL season. Samuel was diagnosed with turf toe earlier in August and could be ready for Week 1 if he continues to progress well. Head Coach Sean McDermott expressed last week that Samuel "has a real good chance of being back," and this recent report suggests he remains on track to do so. Last season as a Commander, Samuel caught 613 receiving yards with four scores through the air and added one on the ground. Samuel remains an intriguing draft target at his current 129.7 Yahoo! ADP as the Bills wide receiver room lacks a clear No.1 option.
From RotoBaller
Free agent wide receiver Allen Robinson II is signing with the Detroit Lions, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. Robinson was recently cut by the New York Giants earlier this week. The 31-year-old has struggled over the past few seasons after posting back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns in 2019 and 2020. Since then, the Penn State product has averaged just 343 receiving yards each season, and will now look to join his fourth team in four years. Currently, the Lions have two wide receivers on the injured reserve, Tre'Quan Smith (undisclosed) and Antoine Green (concussion), which could open the door for the veteran to serve in a depth role throughout the season occasionally. For now, fantasy managers should feel comfortable leaving Robinson on their waiver wire.
From RotoBaller
Free agent wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. is signing with the San Francisco 49ers, according to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz. The former 2021 second-round selection was waived by the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday afternoon. Over his first three NFL seasons, the LSU product totaled just 767 yards and one score on 64 receptions. Marshall saw a career-high 490 yards in 2022 but took a significant step down last season as he tallied only 139 yards. The 24-year-old could push to earn the No.4 or 5 spot on the 49er depth chart or may be placed on the practice squad for the time being. Marshall could be a name to monitor in deeper dynasty leagues, as he has yet to earn an extended opportunity in the NFL despite being a high draft pick.
From RotoBaller
Free Agent Kicker Brayden Narveson was claimed by the Green Bay Packers on Wednesday afternoon, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. In a corresponding move, the Packers released kicker Greg Joseph. Narveson was an undrafted rookie and spent the preseason playing in Tennessee and went 6-for-7 on his field goal attempts. This was surprising, as the Packers waived Anders Carlson on Tuesday, suggesting that Joseph had won the starting job. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Narveson to now serve as the new starting kicker in Green Bay. While the N.C. State product may be a risky investment late in drafts, he should have ample opportunities to score fantasy points kicking on a potent offense and has flashed potential by hitting a 59-yard field goal during the preseason.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Cam Akers made the team's final 53-man roster on Tuesday, signing just a week after training camp had started. Akers doesn't present much value on special teams, so that means if he's active, he will be pushing for carries on game days to spell workhorse starter Joe Mixon. If the Texans opt to trade away presumed No. 2 back Dameon Pierce as well, Akers would become Houston's preferred backup and fantasy's clear-cut handcuff to Mixon. It's hard to envision Akers, 25, having much upside or standalone value this season, after rushing for a mere 2.8 yards per carry over 60 attempts and coming off his second career Achilles tear in 2023, but the former second-round pick is at least trending up this summer over Pierce.
From RotoBaller
There is hope that Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (knee) will return sometime in November. Mitchell is on the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin the season and will miss at least the first four games of the year after suffering a season-ending torn ACL in December of last year. This could lead Baltimore to add a RB who was cut from another team, but for the time being, veteran receiving back Justice Hill is all set to handle the change-of-pace role behind workhorse starter Derrick Henry in the early stages of 2024. Fantasy managers can stash the 22-year-old Mitchell if they have the space, considering he racked up 8.4 yards per carry across 47 attempts in his rookie season last year, but he's unlikely to be an option until the second half of the campaign.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell finally started showing some of his potential last season, starting 14 games and looking to be a dangerous weapon early in the season. His effectiveness tapered off after a hot start, however, and the 24-year-old former second-rounder's role diminished down the stretch before missing time while in concussion protocol. The Rams are fairly loaded at WR, with Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and Demarcus Robinson set to line up as the wideouts in three-receiver sets. The emergence of rookie Jordan Whittington, along with a good training camp from journeyman Tyler Johnson, gives LA the kind of depth in the receiving corps where they could consider floating Atwell's name in trade talks. It's been reported the Rams are not looking to deal Atwell, but they still might be open to a respectable offer to improve other areas of the roster.
From RotoBaller