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FFL: Week 2 | NFL: Week 2

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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Fantasy Preview: Week 2

Player Notes
Christian Kirk Sep 13 11:10pm ET
Christian Kirk

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk is better left on benches for Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns. Kirk struggled in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins, as did the entire offense, producing just one catch for 30 yards. A dud like that will make it hard for fantasy managers to feel good inserting the Jaguars receiver into lineups, even as a flex. Kirk did tie for the team lead in targets with four, but needs to show more efficiency with his opportunities to be considered a reliable fantasy asset. It's too early to consider dropping the 27-year-old, as the Jaguars wide receiver room has no clear top option, but more underwhelming performances could leave fantasy managers with no choice. A good game against the Browns could boost Kirk back to being the top fantasy receiver on the Jaguars, but for now, he is best left out of starting lineups.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Sep 13 11:00pm ET
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is an okay flex play in Week 2 given his big play ability. However, the Cleveland Browns are a tough matchup for passing offenses going back to last year and held Dak Prescott to just 179 passing yards in Week 1. BTJ put up four catches, 47 yards, and a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins last week, making the most of his four targets. That tied for the team lead with Evan Engram and Christian Kirk, but all three trailed Gabe Davis in receiving yards, who had 62. Trevor Lawrence only managed 162 passing yards in Week 1, meaning there is plenty of room for improvement for the offense as a whole. The rookie receiver seems like the top fantasy receiver for the Jaguars for now, but that could easily change after this week. Fantasy managers who are looking for upside are fine to put BTJ in their flex spot, but don't be surprised if he struggles given the tough matchup and the natural volatility of rookie receivers.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Sep 13 11:00pm ET
Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields is set to make a second consecutive start in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos. Fields was not asked to do much in last week's season opener but looked solid, completing nearly 74% of his passes. Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith finished as the QB7 in Week 1 against the Broncos, who were decimated by Fields in 2023. The former Bear posted arguably the best passing performance of his NFL career when he faced Denver last season, throwing for 335 yards and four touchdowns with one interception. That said, Sunday's contest is projected to be incredibly low-scoring, so fantasy managers would be wise to temper their expectations for Fields and Pittsburgh's offense. Although his rushing ability puts him on the map as a streaming candidate in any format, Fields should be considered a high-end QB2 this week.

From RotoBaller

Ricky Pearsall Sep 13 10:30pm ET
Ricky Pearsall

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed Friday that wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has begun working out again. It's excellent news for the rookie -- who traveled with the team to Minnesota -- as he can now shift his focus to returning to the field for his NFL debut. "He started working out again," said Shanahan. "I think it was a weight room workout yesterday. He's back to conditioning, getting back into football shape, and getting back to healthy." Pearsall is just 13 days removed from narrowly escaping with his life after he was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery. The bullet exited his back, near his armpit -- miraculously missing bones and vital organs alike. The former first-round pick will presumably need time to get back up to speed, considering that he saw no preseason action due to a shoulder subluxation that has nagged him since the spring. San Francisco will square off against the Vikings this Sunday in their first road matchup of the season.

From RotoBaller

Greg Zuerlein Sep 13 10:20pm ET
Greg Zuerlein

New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein was quiet in a Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, attempting just one extra point in the Monday night game. He will look to get it going in Week 2's road matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee's defense was generous to fantasy kickers in 2023, allowing the most fantasy points per game to the position. That trend continued in Week 1 this season as they gave up three field goals to Cairo Santos, including a 50-yarder. Thanks to his plus matchup, Zuerlein can be trusted as a top-10 fantasy kicker against the Titans.

From RotoBaller

Jaleel McLaughlin Sep 13 10:20pm ET
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin surprisingly out-touched Javonte Williams 15 to nine in the Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but his 15 touches (10 carries, five receptions), only led to 28 total yards in a day where the Denver offense was stuck in the mud under rookie quarterback Bo Nix in his first career start. McLaughlin also played only 35% of the offensive snaps. The Broncos could look to stick with the running game longer in a Week 2 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which would favor both McLaughlin and Williams, but it sets up as another difficult day for the Broncos' offense after the Steelers D shut down the Falcons in Week 1. While McLaughlin isn't a recommended fantasy starter this weekend, his touch total in the season opener bodes well for his continued involvement in what looked more like a committee to begin the year.

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Sep 13 10:20pm ET
Will Levis

The New York Jets defense struggled to slow down the San Francisco 49ers in their Week 1 loss, coughing up 32 points while notching three sacks. They should play better in a Week 2 road matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee turned the ball over three times while allowing Will Levis to get sacked three times in a Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears. The Jets have talented players throughout their defense and should have a productive fantasy day against Tennessee in Week 2. Treat them as a top-10 option on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Justin Tucker Sep 13 10:10pm ET
Justin Tucker

Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker hasn't put up the big fantasy numbers that managers have grown accustomed to in recent seasons. Especially when it comes to 50-yard field goals, Tucker has missed five of his last six dating back to the 2023 season. The Ravens offense should be able to move the ball against the Raiders and Tucker returns to home field where he's made 88.8% of his field goals throughout his career. He should see plenty of opportunities for both field goals and extra points in this contest. The worry about Tucker falling from fantasy grace shouldn't kick in unless he strings together multiple bust weeks in a row. So, for now, managers can consider him a mid-to-high-level kicking option in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Javonte Williams Sep 13 10:10pm ET
Javonte Williams

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams had a pretty lackluster showing in the season-opening loss to the Seattle Seahawks, playing just over half the offensive snaps while carrying the ball eight times for 23 yards (2.9 yards per carry) and catching one of his two targets for no gain. Williams was out-touched by backup Jaleel McLaughlin 15-9, which was perhaps most concerning, on a day in which the Broncos couldn't really get anything going on offense in a hostile environment with rookie quarterback Bo Nix making his NFL debut. McLaughlin really did nothing to stand out, either, and Williams should be Denver's primary back heading into Week 2 against the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers. The 24-year-old Williams faces a below-average matchup and should be considered a low-upside RB3/flex in another tough matchup in which Denver's offense could struggle to move the ball consistently.

From RotoBaller

Allen Lazard Sep 13 10:10pm ET
Allen Lazard

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard turned in one of the more unexpected fantasy outings in Week 1, catching six passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Lazard will look for an encore performance in Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans on the road. The Titans represent a plus matchup for Lazard as they allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers in 2023. It is unclear whether Lazard will remain a major piece of the Jets passing offense moving forward but he was a favorite target of Aaron Rodgers a few years back when both played for the Green Bay Packers. That puts Lazard on the map as a solid flex option heading into Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Roquan Smith Sep 13 10:10pm ET
Roquan Smith

The Baltimore Ravens defense/special teams went from taking on one of the best offenses in the league to one in the lower half. Against Patrick Mahomes and company, they produced two sacks and an interception while giving up 353 total yards (only 72 on the ground). The Las Vegas Raiders could only muster 10 points against the Los Angeles Chargers and the Ravens' pass-rush gets a matchup with Gardner Minshew II. Combine that with a knack for creating turnovers with two of the best at their respective positions in Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton, and you get a recipe for a big defensive outing. The Ravens should be a top-10 option in Week 2, especially at home.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Conklin Sep 13 10:10pm ET
Tyler Conklin

New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin was quiet in Week 1, catching just one of two targets for six yards in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Conklin will look to carve out a larger role in the offense in Week 2's matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee was tough on tight ends in 2023, allowing just the 29th-most fantasy points per game to the position. Conklin will need to post a big game for the Jets before fantasy managers can feel confident with him in their starting lineups. Treat him as a low-end TE2 in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Weaver Sep 13 10:10pm ET
Xavier Weaver

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Xavier Weaver (oblique) is officially questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The undrafted rookie wideout is still looking to make his NFL debut, and he has a chance to do so this week after logging three straight limited practice sessions. Weaver performed well in Arizona's preseason finale, reeling in 2-of-4 targets for 56 yards. He also handled two punt and kickoff returns for an additional 81 yards. The Colorado product projects to have difficulty finding consistent playing time in the starting WR rotation behind Marvin Harrison Jr, Michael Wilson, and Greg Dortch -- even when healthy. However, he is someone to monitor regarding his usage on kick returns. If Weaver can gain consistency there, he could be helpful for fantasy managers. Otherwise, he can be safely avoided sans deep dynasty leagues.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Sep 13 10:00pm ET
Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for 167 yards and a touchdown in a Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The veteran signal-caller will look for more in a Week 2 road showdown against the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee's defense allowed the 19th-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks in 2023 and held Caleb Williams to 93 passing yards without a touchdown in Week 1 this year. That being said, the Titans defense should be a bit more forgiving opponent than the 49ers were, making Rodgers a reasonable fantasy option as a QB2.

From RotoBaller

Breece Hall Sep 13 10:00pm ET
Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall turned in a big performance in a Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, running for 54 yards and a touchdown while adding five catches for 39 yards. He will look to find the end zone again in Week 2's road matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee was tough against the run in 2023 and held D'Andre Swift to 30 yards on 10 carries in Week 1 but Hall's extensive usage in the passing game makes him a safe fantasy play even in tough matchups. Fantasy gamers can confidently start Hall as a top-three fantasy running back in fantasy heading into Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Sep 13 10:00pm ET
Garrett Wilson

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson caught six of his 11 targets for 60 yards in a Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The veteran wide receiver will look to keep it going in a Week 2 road matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee struggled to slow fantasy receivers in 2023, allowing the eighth-most fantasy points per game to the position. Wilson paced the Jets in targets in Week 1 and should continue to operate as Aaron Rodgers' first read moving forward. That puts Wilson on the map as a top-10 fantasy receiver heading into Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Dustin Hopkins Sep 13 9:50pm ET
Dustin Hopkins

Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins made a 51-yard field goal, his lone attempt, in a Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Hopkins will now head on the road to face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2. Jacksonville gave up three field-goal attempts to Jason Sanders when they faced the Miami Dolphins back in the season opener. The Cleveland offense didn't show much to evoke optimism in Week 1, so Hopkins might not hear his number called much this weekend if the struggles continue. That leaves him as a low-end fantasy kicker heading into Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Likely Sep 13 9:50pm ET
Isaiah Likely

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely became the waiver addition of the week after a huge performance against the Kansas City Chiefs. While Mark Andrews helped with the lack of blocking from the offensive line, Likely was finding plenty of separation to the tune of a 100-yard game. Now, the Ravens have a committee at tight end with both of them playing a bigger part in the passing game than a lot of wide receivers. If Andrews has to help out blocking again, Likely could be in line for another big game. The Raiders tight end coverage isn't the best, but they do have Maxx Crosby to worry about. The ultimate decider between Likely and Andrews comes down to the game script, but Likely should be a high-end TE2 even if he doesn't garner 30% of the target share as he did in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Sep 13 9:50pm ET
Trevor Lawrence

The Cleveland Browns defense turned in a rough showing in Week 1's loss to the Dallas Cowboys, allowing 33 points while notching three sacks. They will look to tighten it up in a Week 2 road matchup against Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Lawrence got sacked three times in Week 1's loss to the Miami Dolphins, but Cleveland could be without star pass rusher Myles Garrett (foot) who missed practice on Thursday and was limited on Friday. A Garrett absence would be a big hole for the Browns to fill this weekend. If Garrett ends up playing, Cleveland's defense can be trusted as a fringe top-12 unit in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Sep 13 9:50pm ET
Bo Nix

Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix was a little wobbly, as expected, in the Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on the road, but head coach Sean Payton mostly thinks that the team's offensive weapons need to step up around Nix. The 24-year-old Oregon product finished 26-for-42 for 138 yards and two interceptions while carrying the ball five times for 35 yards and a rushing TD. Thirteen of his completions went for four or fewer yards. At best, Nix will be a low-end QB2 option for fantasy managers in superflex leagues against a swarming Steelers defense. Expect Denver to prioritize the ground game a bit more against Pittsburgh while continuing to mostly give Nix shorter targets to help him succeed and build his confidence. The Steelers held Kirk Cousins to 155 yards passing in Week 1. Nix has a tough opening schedule, so fantasy managers should expect more growing pains.

From RotoBaller