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All World League Est. 2003
FFL: Week 10 | NFL: Week 10

WR Strength of Schedule

Fri May 31 10:52am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Lamb could top last season


Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the receiver position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to receivers last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the receivers with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the receivers that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.

  WR SOS  
1. Denver Broncos 531.34
2. Los Angeles Chargers 536.08
3. Miami Dolphins 537.31
4. Kansas City Chiefs 549.96
5. Las Vegas Raiders 552.89
6. Pittsburgh Steelers 554.85
7. New England Patriots 555.93
8. Buffalo Bills 556.13
9. Houston Texans 561.75
10. San Francisco 49ers 565.73
11. New Orleans Saints 566.06
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 566.19
13. Cincinnati Bengals 566.32
14. Jacksonville Jaguars 570.07
15. Baltimore Ravens 571.77
16. Seattle Seahawks 573.41
17. Minnesota Vikings 573.91
18. Philadelphia Eagles 574.46
19. Carolina Panthers 575.49
20. Los Angeles Rams 575.79
21. Washington Commanders 575.91
22. Detroit Lions 576.36
23. Atlanta Falcons 577.76
24. New York Jets 577.99
25. Tennessee Titans 578.06
26. Indianapolis Colts 578.18
27. Cleveland Browns 583.5
28. Arizona Cardinals 586.09
29. New York Giants 586.93
30. Chicago Bears 601.21
31. Dallas Cowboys 608.4
32. Green Bay Packers 610.22

 

The Packers have the easiest fantasy schedule for receivers. Jayden Reed and Christian Watson could be setup for career best seasons with this schedule. These are guys you can get a little later come draft day and mid-round options that could be difference makers for fantasy owners.

CeeDee Lamb is considered the No. 1 overall fantasy receiver for many and his schedule helps make that claim even stronger. Lamb has the second most favorable schedule for receivers. Lamb was huge last year and could improve on that even more, especially since the Cowboys could struggle to run the ball with their current options.

The Bears, Giants and Cardinals also round out the top-five most favorable receiver schedules. Chicago has a great trio of receivers with D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen and rookie Rome Odunze.  These guys could produce big as long as rookie Caleb Williams gets the job done at quarterback in year one. Moore has more to compete with for targets this year, but you still have to like his chances for a big season in year two with the Bears.

The Giants and Cardinals both have some question marks at receiver, but a couple rookies lead the way for both teams. Malik Nabers and Marvin Harrison could have big rookie seasons with their new teams. These guys both have a chance to lead all rookie fantasy receivers in scoring.

On the opposite side of things, the Broncos have the most challenging schedule for receivers. The Broncos have all sorts of questions at receiver outside of Courtland Sutton. This is a unit of receivers you just might want to avoid come draft day. This schedule won’t make anything easier for this group.

The Chargers are a similar team to the Broncos, having openings and questions at receiver. So once again, it might be best to let someone else put Chargers receivers on their roster. Plus, the Chargers could be a lot more run heavy with a new coach running the show. The tough schedule and new offense make taking any Chargers receiver a bit of a risk.

There are two really good offenses on the list that have tough schedules for receivers. Both the Dolphins and Chiefs have a top-five least favorable schedule for receivers. The Dolphins have one of the best receiver duos in football, so it is tough to fade them because of this schedule. Both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle should be able to produce big numbers once again in this offense.

The Chiefs are a little more concerning. This offense is a little matchup proof, but don’t have that elite receiver on their roster. Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown lead the way. Brown hasn’t been great in recent seasons and Rice is facing a suspension. These guys will carry some risk come draft day, especially after seeing this schedule.

Davante Adams is usually another star receiver that is matchup proof, but you have to wonder a little this year. He has some question marks at quarterback, which could hurt his production when you pair it with this schedule. Adams is dealing with the fifth toughest fantasy schedule for receivers.

We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy receivers. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the receivers with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.

  WR PLAYOFF SOS  
1. Los Angeles Rams 501.93
2. Jacksonville Jaguars 515.53
3. Kansas City Chiefs 519.43
4. New York Giants 521.63
5. Miami Dolphins 532.77
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 534.53
7. Houston Texans 538
8. Buffalo Bills 540.87
9. Las Vegas Raiders 541.9
10. Carolina Panthers 549.33
11. Cincinnati Bengals 552.17
12. Detroit Lions 553.73
13. Arizona Cardinals 555.27
14. Cleveland Browns 555.4
15. Minnesota Vikings 560.93
16. New England Patriots 573.03
17. Los Angeles Chargers 573.1
18. Tennessee Titans 575.17
19. Baltimore Ravens 581.27
20. Seattle Seahawks 585.08
21. New York Jets 585.5
22. Denver Broncos 587.2
23. Pittsburgh Steelers 587.8
24. Philadelphia Eagles 589.73
25. Green Bay Packers 590.85
26. Washington Commanders 591.57
27. New Orleans Saints 604.13
28. Dallas Cowboys 609.73
29. Indianapolis Colts 614
30. San Francisco 49ers 641.53
31. Atlanta Falcons 644.93
32. Chicago Bears 647.98

 

The Bears and Cowboys are the teams that make both the top five easiest receiver schedules for both the regular season and playoffs. Chicago has the easiest for the entire playoffs. Once again, their top trio of receivers are looking pretty good come draft day.

Lamb continues to make his case to be the first receiver selected come draft day. He could have a monster season and finish strong as well with the fifth easiest schedule for the playoffs. Lamb might be the most surefire first-round pick come draft day.

The Falcons, 49ers and Colts also have a top-five favorable playoff schedule for receivers. Atlanta receivers were looking up to begin with, getting a legit quarterback throwing them passes this year. And this schedule makes their options look even better, especially Drake London. He could have a breakout season.

San Francisco has great options at receiver in Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. They are pretty safe picks come draft day. And they get a very favorable playoff schedule that could make them even more appealing to fantasy owners. These guys both have really solid floors come draft day in this offense.

Michael Pittman keeps getting it done as the No. 1 option for the Colts. If Anthony Richardson can become that true No. 1 at quarterback for Indy, Pittman would look even better. Pittman has produced in recent year despite having some quarterback issues. His game could go to a higher level this year if Richardson breaks out. Pittman could be a league winner if everything breaks his way in 2024.

The Chiefs and Dolphins are two of the best offenses in football but also the only two teams to make the top five most unfavorable receiver schedules for both the regular season and playoffs. This is a tad concerning for both teams, Again, it is tough to bet against Hill, but maybe you drop him down your rankings just few spots behind the other elite guys because of this. You hate to use an early round pick on a receiver to see him maybe not produce what he should come playoff time.

And as mentioned with the Chiefs, their top two receivers already face a few question marks, so maybe their tough schedules make them players to let someone else draft. Both Brown and Rice could be a little erratic.

The Rams actually have the toughest playoff schedule for receivers. They are another team with two of the best receivers in football. It is tough to bet against either Puka Nacua or Cooper Kupp, but the playoff schedule is a little scary, especially for Kupp. He seems to be trending down at this stage of his career.

The Jaguars and Giants are the two other teams with a top-five unfavorable fantasy schedule for the playoffs. The Jags have Christian Kirk and Gabriel Davis as their top two receivers. Kirk is normally pretty steady but Davis can be boom or bust. Seeing his playoff schedule should bump him down a few spots in your rankings. It could be more of the same for Davis with his new team.

And the Giants are an outlier here, having an easy schedule for receivers during the regular season but the fourth toughest for the playoffs. This makes it tough come draft day. Their receivers could be good values for the regular season but disappoint when it counts. You do have to just make the playoffs, though, so we aren’t sure we shy away from Giant receivers just because of their tough playoff schedule. You still might be able to get good value with their options that help you win during the season.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Player Notes
James Conner Nov 8 10:50pm ET
James Conner

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (finger) is a high-end RB2 in Week 10 when the Cardinals host the New York Jets. Conner has been dealing with a finger injury that limited his practice participation earlier in the week; however, he practiced in full on Friday and appears to be good to go for Sunday. Conner is a workhorse back, and his volume has translated into a high number of touchdown opportunities. While there are concerns that his volume might decrease due to the injury and the emergence of rookie running back Trey Benson, his snap count should remain high enough to warrant RB2 consideration. Conner still possesses significant touchdown upside and should receive enough volume to remain a solid RB2 in Week 10 against the Jets.

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Mike Williams Nov 8 10:20pm ET
Mike Williams

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams will make his first appearance for the team in a Week 10 showdown with the 7-2 Washington Commanders. Williams was unable to get on the same page as quarterback Aaron Rodgers in New York but will hope to quickly establish chemistry with Russell Wilson. The Steelers have been linked to Williams since the offseason and should be eager to get him on the field to work opposite George Pickens. While the veteran's role in the offense will be worth monitoring, Williams cannot be expected to immediately garner more opportunities than fellow wideouts Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III. Fantasy managers would be wise to leave Williams on the waiver wire in most redraft formats for the time being.

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Elijah Hicks Nov 8 10:10pm ET
Elijah Hicks

Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker (concussion) has again been ruled inactive for Sunday's home matchup against the New England Patriots. Brisker hasn't appeared in a game since the team's Week 5 36-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers, missing the ensuing three outings. More so, -- and even more concerning -- the 25-year-old has yet to even sniff a practice since sustaining the injury, logging a DNP in each opportunity he's gotten. It's an unsettling development for the Penn State alum, as hopefully, he'll be able to at least get in a limited session ahead of Week 11. Safety Elijah Hicks will again get the start, filling in for the injured Brisker.

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Chris Boswell Nov 8 10:10pm ET
Chris Boswell

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell is a top-three fantasy scorer at his position this season and will hope to stay productive against the Washington Commanders in Week 10. It's worth noting that the Commanders' defense is much improved from last season and is surrendering the third-fewest fantasy points per contest to opposing kickers. Nonetheless, Boswell is one of the most consistent kickers in the NFL and offers more upside than he did to start the campaign with quarterback Russell Wilson now leading Pittsburgh's offense. Fantasy managers that held onto Boswell through the Steelers' Week 9 bye or managed to add him from free agency should feel confident putting him right back in starting lineups on Sunday.

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Demarcus Robinson Nov 8 10:00pm ET
Demarcus Robinson

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (toe/hip) was listed as a limited participant in the team's Friday practice. Robinson picked up a toe injury in the team's thrilling 26-20 OT win over the Seattle Seahawks despite being the hero of the contest. Interestingly enough, he's listed with a hip ailment as well, but when and where that occurred is unclear. Head coach Sean McVay didn't seem too bothered about the 30-year-old wideout's status when asked about him on Thursday but did note they're being cautious with the veteran's toe. He'll have one more opportunity to elevate his practice status before Los Angeles must give him a designation for their Monday night home tilt against the Miami Dolphins. If Robinson can't go, teammates Tutu Atwell and Tyler Johnson project to pick up some extra snaps for the matchup on Monday Night Football. Keep an eye on his status.

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Cade Otton Nov 8 10:00pm ET
Cade Otton

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton has been nearly unstoppable on the field over the last few weeks. Over the last three games, Otton has hauled in 25 receptions on 30 targets for 258 yards and three touchdowns. The Bucs don't have many reliable pass-catchers right now, so they continue to go to Otton and it's working. The expectation is that the San Francisco 49ers defense will plan around holding Otton in check, but fantasy managers should still play him as a TE1 for Week 10. Otton has been too great lately, so ride with him until he gives you reason not to trust him.

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Jake Bates Nov 8 9:50pm ET
Jake Bates

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates remains a reliable, high-floor option in Week 10 against the Houston Texans. While Bates benefits from Detroit's high-scoring offense, he has limited upside as Lions head coach Dan Campbell often opts to go for it on fourth down in opposing team territory, reducing Bates' field goal attempts. However, he's attempted just 12 field goals this seasonmaking all of themwhile converting 30 of 31 extra points over eight games. Facing a Texans defense that allows the fifth-fewest fantasy points to kickers, Bates' scoring potential may be capped. However, his connection to Detroit's prolific offense keeps him streamable, especially in leagues with limited kicker options.

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Jalen McMillan Nov 8 9:50pm ET
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (hamstring) is currently listed as questionable ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. The rookie wideout sat out during last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. McMillan is still dealing with the same injury and is in danger of missing another game. If active, McMillan would be a shaky flex option given him and quarterback Baker Mayfield haven't been on the same page this season. There's decent upside with McMillan, but he's probably not worth the risk against the 49ers defense. Sterling Shepard and Trey Palmer figure to see more attention if McMillan is unable to play.

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Pat Freiermuth Nov 8 9:50pm ET
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth was a solid contributor to begin the season but has been incredibly quiet for fantasy since Week 6. He'll hope to get back on track against the Washington Commanders on Sunday. The Commanders allow the 14th-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, making this a middle-of-the-road matchup for Freiermuth. He is yet to display much chemistry with quarterback Russell Wilson outside of a 30-yard reception the duo connected on in Week 7. Fantasy managers should not be relying on Freiermuth in most formats this week.

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Trey Palmer Nov 8 9:50pm ET
Trey Palmer

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Trey Palmer is an avoidable streaming option ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. The expectation was that Palmer would see increased involvement in the offense with the Bucs banged up at wideout. That hasn't really been the case as Palmer hauled in two of his four targets for 33 yards during last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He only played 49 percent of the offensive snaps and that's with fellow wideout Jalen McMillan (hamstring) sidelined as well. Palmer could be worth a stash in dynasty leagues, but isn't a starting option right now.

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Bucky Irving Nov 8 9:40pm ET
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (toe) has been cleared to play ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Irving has been playing through a toe issue lately, but it doesn't seem to be something that is going to impact his performance. He rushed seven times for 24 yards while hauling in all three of his targets for 10 yards during last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bucs continue to use a committee approach in the backfield which is mainly Rachaad White and Irving. Neither of them are great fantasy options, but both are on the flex radar for Week 10.

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Jameson Williams Nov 8 9:40pm ET
Jameson Williams

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams returns from a two-game PED suspension just in time for a Week 10 matchup against the Houston Texans on Sunday Night Football. Known for his boom-or-bust production, Williams has delivered some big games this season (16, 17.7, and 24.4 PPR points) but also has two outings under two points, which has frustrated fantasy managers. Despite his elite speed and role in Detroit's high-powered offense, Williams' target volume has dipped significantly since Week 2. With six deep targets and five red zone looks over six games, Williams still offers a high ceiling in deeper leagues, especially with a modest WR3/FLEX designation in 12-team formats. Facing a Texans defense that has given fits to some receiving corps, Williams may still have enticing upside in smaller leagues

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Jaylen Warren Nov 8 9:40pm ET
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has slowly been seeing more utilization within the team's offense and will return from a bye to take on the 7-2 Washington Commanders in Week 10. While the Commanders have fared well against pass-catching backs, they surrender the most yards per carry to the position in the NFL. Warren earned three targets in both of his appearances with Russell Wilson under center and should continue to get opportunities through the air as well as on the ground. Although backfield mate Najee Harris has much more touchdown upside than Warren, the latter could still find success in this contest. He is not a dependable starting option but Warren can be viewed as a possible flex play on Sunday.

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Sterling Shepard Nov 8 9:40pm ET
Sterling Shepard

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (hamstring, hip) has been cleared to play ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Shepard was only able to practice once this week, but it was good enough to get removed from the injury report ahead of this game. Last week, Shepard hauled in four of his five targets for 48 yards in the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bucs are still banged up at wideout, so Shepard figures to remain a top passing option. That being said, Shepard will slide onto the flex radar ahead of this Week 10 showdown.

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Micah Parsons Nov 8 9:40pm ET
Micah Parsons

The Dallas Cowboys plan on star defensive end Micah Parsons (ankle) returning to action this weekend, but defensive backs Trevon Diggs (calf) and DaRon Bland (foot) have been ruled questionable and out, respectively. Parsons has been out of the team's lineup since their Week 4 win over the New York Giants, and although he's questionable -- the team expects to have him. On the other hand, Diggs opened the week with back-to-back limited sessions but was downgraded to a non-participant on Friday, so it would appear he's on the wrong side of his designation -- trending toward not playing. Bland has yet to appear in a game this season and has not practiced since the team activated his window on Oct. 30 as he works his way back from a stress fracture in his foot. While Parsons may return, Dallas could be in danger of their defense being severely short-staffed.

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George Pickens Nov 8 9:30pm ET
George Pickens

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has flashed massive potential with Russell Wilson at quarterback and will look to make the most of his opportunities in a Week 10 clash with the Washington Commanders. Pittsburgh traded for veteran wideout Mike Williams earlier this week, which could prove to be beneficial for Pickens' fantasy output. At this point in his career, Williams is not expected to earn a significant target share, but he should be able to draw some attention away from Pickens. While Washington has not surrendered a ton of passing yards this season, it is tied for the fifth-most touchdowns given up to receivers through nine weeks. Fantasy managers should continue to feel comfortable deploying Pickens as a WR2 with plenty of upside on Sunday.

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Rachaad White Nov 8 9:30pm ET
Rachaad White

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White was able to salvage his fantasy value with a trip to the end zone last week. White only saw three rushing attempts for 19 yards and a score during last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He also hauled in three receptions for an extra 16 yards through the air. It was an extremely quiet night for White outside of the touchdown. The Bucs have gone to a committee approach at running back, which has meant less rushing attempts for White. Lately, White has been able to save his value in the receiving game, but fantasy managers can't always count on that. Fantasy managers should consider White a flex option for the upcoming Week 10 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.

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Dak Prescott Nov 8 9:20pm ET
Dak Prescott

The Philadelphia Eagles defense will take on the Cooper Rush-led Dallas Cowboys in Week 10. Starting quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) landed on IR this week after suffering the injury last week in a loss to the Atlanta Falcons. With no Prescott, star receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) planning to play through injury, and a slew of injuries on defense, the Cowboys are struggling to say the least. Philadelphia's defense on the other hand has been improving over the past month and now gets to play against a backup quarterback they are familiar with. The fantasy scoring floor for the Eagles' defense is low, but if the hold Dallas to a low point total and can generate a turnover or two, it should be a good fantasy outing for Philly and fantasy managers looking for a spot start.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Mosley Nov 8 9:20pm ET
C.J. Mosley

New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley (neck) has been ruled inactive for Week 10's outing against the Arizona Cardinals. Mosley has been working through a neck ailment that's kept him out of the lineup since New York fell 37-15 to the Pittsburgh Steelers back in Week 7. It's of little surprise that he'll miss another game after stringing together three DNPs leading up to this Sunday. With fellow linebacker Chazz Surratt (heel) deemed questionable for the contest after a week of limited sessions, teammate Sam Eguavoen figures to handle most of the duties for the team. He recorded three tackles on 20 snaps in last weekend's win over the Houston Texans.

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Baker Mayfield Nov 8 9:20pm ET
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (toe) is good to go ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Mayfield missed the first two days of practice this week, but has now been removed from the injury report. The expectation is that Mayfield's performance would take a significant hit without his two top wide receivers. Instead, Mayfield has thrown five touchdowns with over 500 passing yards in those two contests. The 49ers secondary is no easy challenge, but Mayfield is not someone to bet against this season. Fantasy managers can continue plugging him in as a QB1 until he gives us reason not to.

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