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.
Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 17
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller was the odds-on favorite to assume the role as the team's featured back after Alvin Kamara (groin) was declared out before Week 16. Unfortunately for Miller, that game turned into a blowout early on and the coaching staff pivoted to a two-minute offense that involved a surprisingly heavy dose of Jordan Mims. Miller finished the game with a 40% snap share to Mims' 43% and logged just 10 touches for a total of 31 yards from scrimmage. Miller is expected to sit atop the depth chart again in Week 17 but seeing how quickly the Saints moved away from him last week should give fantasy managers pause before entrusting him with a starting spot in the final week of fantasy football. Additionally, New Orleans will be missing starting linemen Erik McCoy (elbow) and Lucas Patrick (knee). Managers hoping to lock up a championship this weekend should weigh their alternatives before locking Miller in.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Jordan Mims was the team's unexpected leader in targets in Week 16, seeing eight passes come his way. That translated to merely 16 yards on five catches as rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler could do little but check down to the backup to spot starter Kendre Miller. Alvin Kamara (groin) is out another week, meaning Miller is likely to be in the RB1 slot once again with Mims and Jamaal Williams as the alternatives out of the backfield. Despite outsnapping Miller in Week 16, Mims can't be counted on to do the same on Sunday in the Saints' game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi clarified that Mims' involvement was due to the game getting out of hand so early, forcing the team to run a two-minute offense to give themselves a chance at keeping up. The Raiders don't pose the same threat which means we should see less of Mims in Week 17. He can remain on the wire.
From RotoBaller
The New Orleans Saints have listed wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest) as questionable for their Week 17 meeting with the Las Vegas Raiders. If he misses the game then the Saints' motley crew of other receivers including Kevin Austin Jr., Dante Pettis, and tight ends Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau are among the contenders to see some extra targets. Chris Olave (concussion) is also listed as questionable and if he makes his return on Sunday then he would immediately retake his position at the top of the depth chart. If MVS does play, he offers little upside for fantasy teams looking to lock up a championship this weekend. Spencer Rattler will get another start as Derek Carr (hand) is listed as out for the second straight week. Rattler's erratic performance in his handful of starts this year makes it hard to trust any of the Saints receivers in Week 17. Valdes-Scantling is an easy sit in the final week of the fantasy season.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end tied for the team lead in receptions in Week 16. That he did so with all of two catches should say something about how the offense fared last week. Moreau also led the team outright in receiving yards with 33, giving him roughly one-third of quarterback Spencer Rattler's 153 passing yards in the 34-0 loss at the hands of the Green Bay Packers. With Derek Carr (hand) out for another week, Rattler will draw another start on Sunday against Moreau's former team, the Las Vegas Raiders. In Rattler's five starts this season, Moreau has averaged two catches for 32.8 yards on 2.4 targets per game, leaving little hope that the rookie will look to his tight end for anything more than an occasional chunk gain. While this may be a "revenge game" for Moreau, he is unlikely to make an impact in fantasy. Managers vying for a championship this weekend would be wise to look elsewhere if they are in need of a tight end.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (foot) carries no designation heading into the team's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Johnson was a limited participant in practice on Thursday and listed as such in Wednesday's estimated report. He was able to participate in full on Friday. Quarterback Derek Carr (hand) will miss another week meaning rookie Spencer Rattler will be back under center. The inexperienced signal-caller might be expected to use his tight end as a safety net but in Rattler's five starts this year Johnson has averaged 2.6 receptions for 30.6 yards on 3.6 targets per game. The Raiders have given up the fifth-most yards and touchdowns to opposing tight ends in 2024 but the Saints' inability or unwillingness to work Johnson into a more consistent role makes him hard to trust as a starter in the final week of fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe was blanked in Week 16. It wasn't that he missed any kicks, it was the fact that the offense was never in a position to get him on the field in a 34-0 shellacking at the hands of the Green Bay Packers. When Grupe last saw scoring opportunities, in Week 15, he went two-for-two on field goals (from 41 and 51 yards out) and nailed his lone extra point. In Week 17, Grupe and the Saints face the Las Vegas Raiders, who have given up the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing kickers. Still, Grupe remains a risky option in fantasy football's championship round. With Derek Carr (hand) and Alvin Kamara (out) the Saints' offense could still be stuck in the mud come Sunday. New Orleans has averaged 12.8 points per game in rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler's five starts thus far. With most fantasy leagues whittled down to their final two teams, there should be safer alternatives on the wire to stream in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
With Derek Carr (hand) out another week, rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler has been named the starter by the New Orleans Saints for their Week 17 meeting with the Las Vegas Raiders. In five starts this season, Rattler has two touchdowns to three interceptions and has averaged 171.8 passing yards per game. He has also lost three fumbles. Rattler clearly needs more seasoning before he can truly take the reins of an NFL offense and the Saints are using this opportunity to get him some live reps. Despite a matchup against one of the worst teams in the league and the potential return of Chris Olave (concussion), there is no reason to roll the dice on Rattler suddenly putting it together. Even in two-QB leagues, Rattler should be avoided in fantasy football's championship round.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little should not be heavily considered by managers in fantasy championships in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans. The rookie kicker has had a solid season, but his fantasy output has been greatly limited by the Jaguars offense. When the Jaguars faced the Titans back in Week 14, they only scored 10 points, leading to a middling fantasy output for Little. He just lacks the proper upside fantasy managers should be looking for in a kicker. He has only hit double digits in three weeks, which came in Weeks 4, 5, and 15. While fantasy kickers are generally not taken seriously, every player matters when trying to win a fantasy championship. Given the inconsistent offense with Mac Jones under center and a tough defensive divisional matchup, there are many better options than Little in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington does not get the targets or have the big-play ability to be considered a reliable fantasy option in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans. The young receiver flashed back in Week 13 against the Houston Texans with a six catch, 103 yard, and a touchdown performance. Other than that, he hasn't done much this season even with injuries to Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis, and Evan Engram. Last week, Washington did put up six catches for 54 yards, but he isn't relied on enough by the already underwhelming Mac Jones. Washington seems to be competing for the second passing option behind Brian Thomas Jr. with Brenton Strange and Travis Etienne Jr. In an already limited offense, Washington lacks the consistent volume and upside to be worthy of starting in fantasy championships in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. is a decent start, but not ideal in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans. The 25-year-old back gets a slight boost in PPR, as his role while playing with Tank Bigsby seems to be the passing down back along with a random number of carries. Given how the Jaguars have oscillated between who gets more touches out of the backfield, it is hard to trust both Etienne Jr. or Bigsby. For example, when the Jaguars faced the Titans in Week 14, Etienne Jr. only got four carries, but the following week he got 14. The volume just isn't there for him to have much upside, making him not a great option for teams competing for a championship. While he has a chance for a decent fantasy day, Etienne Jr. is not an ideal flex option in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby has decent potential as a flex option, but is a bit touchdown reliant in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans. The second-year back out of Auburn has had an up-and-down season, having some big games and some letdown games. The main road block he has faced, besides small injuries, is the presence of Travis Etienne Jr. Bigsby has been the more explosive back and better by the goal line, but Etienne Jr. eats into his carry total and passing work. Bigsby has gotten double digit carries in each of his last three games, including 18 against the Titans in Week 14. He only averaged 3.1 yards per carry that game, but he did find the endzone. If Bigsby can improve his efficiency and find the endzone again, he could make for a decent flex in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is a must-start in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans. The rookie receiver has been sensational as of late, not caring how difficult his opponent is or who is throwing him the ball. Against the Titans in Week 14, BTJ put up eight catches for 86 yards. He didn't find the end zone, but he got double digit targets, which he has now gotten in four straight games. His big play ability combined with the huge talent gap between him and his target competition means his floor and ceiling are both high. As long as Mac Jones continues to pepper him with targets, the LSU product will remain a stud despite a difficult matchup. Out of all Jaguars offensive players, BTJ is easily the best one to have in lineups in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell led his team to their third win of the 2024-25 campaign by defeating the Jaguars in Week 16. However, it still wasn't the best fantasy showing, with the 26-year-old throwing for 257 yards while not finding any of his receivers in the end zone. With the Saints on tap for Week 17, O'Connell is hoping for a strong finish to the season in his next two appearances. Unfortunately, with only four touchdowns (and three interceptions) this season, O'Connell shouldn't be anywhere near a fantasy lineup in Week 17. That will remain the same for Week 18 as well.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones is not a great start in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans. The former Patriot had a solid outing last week against the Raiders, but he struggled mightily the last time he faced the Titans in Week 14. He threw two interceptions and no touchdowns, leading the team to just 10 points. Jones has flashed in some weeks, but the Titans stout pass defense is not likely to be one of those weeks. On the bright side, Jones does have exceptional rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. to throw the ball to, who happens to be a big play waiting to happen. If one of those plays were to happen, maybe Jones could have a decent fantasy day. Despite that, Jones is just too difficult to trust with fantasy championships on the line in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger hasn't had a great year. He's appeared in 15 games, catching only 12 passes for 116 yards. The 24-year-old also hasn't found the end zone since his rookie campaign. With Malik Nabers (toe) questionable for Sunday's game against the Colts, there's a good could be a few extra targets up for grabs. However, Bellinger isn't likely to be a beneficiary, and his outlook is even worse with Drew Lock under center.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson has already had the best season of his career. He's appeared in 15 games, catching 78 passes for 585 yards and two touchdowns. While the wideout has improved, he still hasn't been a productive fantasy option. However, with Malik Nabers (toe) questionable, Robinson may be in line for more work in Sunday's game against the Colts. When Nabers missed two games this season, Robinson combined for 11 catches. Granted, Darius Slayton was more productive in those contests. Yet, Robinson has flex potential if Nabers is ruled out, although his outlook isn't as favorable with Drew Lock under center.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton has had a down year. In 14 appearances, he has 38 catches for 541 yards and one touchdown. However, with Malik Nabers (toe) questionable for Sunday's meeting with the Colts, there's a good chance Slayton could get more involved. Nabers missed two games this season back in October. In those contests, Slayton combined for 22 targets. Granted things are much different at this point in the season for the Giants, with Drew Lock now under center. Yet, fantasy managers can consider Slayton at least a flex option if Nabers is ruled out, although his presence in fantasy lineups still wouldn't be without risk, especially with Lock playing so poorly.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary began the year as the team's No. 1 option out of the backfield. However, as the season progressed, he found himself behind Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle). With Tracy moving in the right direction, at least it seems, for Sunday's matchup with the Colts, there may not be enough room for Singletary to get involved. Granted, Tracy likely won't be fully healthy if he plays, so there's a chance Singletary could steal some touches. But with or without the rookie on the field, Singletary can't be trusted to occupy a spot in fantasy lineups in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick spent his entire career in Denver before injuries led him to his current team. While he was more productive with the Broncos, he has still played better than expected with the Lions. The 31-year-old has appeared in 14 games during the 2024-25 campaign, totaling 31 catches for 379 yards. But after amassing three touchdowns combined in meetings with the Packers and Bills, Patrick went cold against the Bears by failing to catch his only target. It's obvious Patrick can still play well. However, with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams on the field, Patrick could struggle to get anything going on Monday night versus the 49ers, making him an extremely risky fantasy option.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (concussion) has been cleared to play in Week 17 against the Giants. While the matchup is favorable versus a New York squad that currently has the No. 1 pick in next year's draft, Pierce doesn't typically garner enough attention to warrant starting in season-long fantasy. The 24-year-old has caught two passes or less in eight of the 14 games he's played, although he's managed five touchdowns on the season as Indy's deep threat. The speedy wideout leads the NFL in average depth of target (aDOT) by a wide margin at 21.58 yards per target, so he's always got a good chance to break off a chunk play, but the volume likely won't be there. Anthony Richardson is in danger of missing the contest and if Joe Flacco is under center, then Pierce's targets could be a bit more accurately thrown. However, he's still only a boom/bust WR6 for Week 17 regardless of QB, and not a preferred option in fantasy championships.
From RotoBaller