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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
Chase McLaughlin Sep 13 7:40pm ET
Chase McLaughlin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin kicked off the season with a bang during the Week 1 contest against the Washington Commanders. McLaughlin connected on all three field goal attempts while hitting all four extra point attempts as well. The veteran kicker was fantastic for the Bucs last season, but a shaky preseason might've scared away some fantasy managers. The Bucs offense should once again be strong enough to give McLaughlin plenty of work on a weekly basis. He'll likely be busy again against the Detroit Lions in Week 2. Fantasy managers looking to stream a kicker might want to consider giving McLaughlin a chance.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Sep 13 7:40pm ET
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson will likely have his fantasy value reduced quite a bit when the Packers host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2. With the likely starting quarterback being Malik Willis, it's hard to imagine the Packers' wide receivers having the same value as they do with a healthy Jordan Love (knee) under center. Watson put up a middling three-catch line in Week 1 for just 13 receiving yards but salvaged his day with a touchdown. He had the opportunity for more as he had three total red-zone targets on the night. With the Packers reeling at the quarterback position, Watson is considered a low-end flex play where you're either hoping for a big play or a touchdown to make a mark in fantasy. The volume will most likely not be there for the Packers in Week 2, so if you have better fantasy options, it's a good idea to put them in your lineup.

From RotoBaller

Kenny McIntosh Sep 13 7:40pm ET
Kenny McIntosh

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh is in line to receive carries behind Zach Charbonnet in Week 2 against the New England Patriots. With Kenneth Walker III (oblique) unlikely to suit up, McIntosh should serve as the No. 2 back. He is unlikely to have a huge role in this game, but he is worth watching in case Walker is forced to miss extended time. For now, he is off the fantasy radar. However, McIntosh is talented enough to make some noise given the opportunity.

From RotoBaller

Jason Myers Sep 13 7:40pm ET
Jason Myers

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers should have another solid outing in Week 2. Myers finished with 10 fantasy points in Week 1 after connecting on all his kicks. The Patriots have a stingier defense than the Broncos, but Seattle's offense should still be able to move the ball and get into scoring positions. Insert Myers into your lineup for Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Jacoby Brissett Sep 13 7:40pm ET
Jacoby Brissett

The Seattle Seahawks defense/special teams has a chance to show some consistency in Week 2 against the New England Patriots. After spending Week 1 facing rookie quarterback Bo Nix, the Seahawks will get a veteran in Jacoby Brissett at quarterback in Week 2. The Seahawks D/ST harassed Nix all day and forced three turnovers by the Broncos offense. The Patriots offense only scored 16 points in Week 1 but Brissett had a QBR of 82.2 and the Patriots controlled the game. New Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald is a defensive guru and presents a lot of optimism for this defense. Start the Seahawks D/ST with confidence in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Sep 13 7:40pm ET
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith is in store for his usual 15-20 fantasy points in Week 2 against the New England Patriots. Smith only threw for 171 yards in Week 1. He salvaged his fantasy day with a 34-yard touchdown run. The good news is that once Smith settled into offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb's offense, he started to sling the ball like we know he can. His completion percentage was 72% and he currently sits at 10th in the league in QBR. This does not project to be a very high-scoring game so look for Smith to hover around 200 passing yards and a couple of touchdowns.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Sep 13 7:30pm ET
Jordan Love

The Green Bay Packers defense/special teams unit is a middling option this week against the Indianapolis Colts and their threat of explosive plays around every corner. Anthony Richardson showed off his talents against the Texans last week with two long touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown tacked on. The Packers' defense will surely be tested against that group of receivers, not to mention Jonathan Taylor at running back. In Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Packers' defense tallied two sacks, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery while giving up 34 points. The Packers will surely need a strong defensive performance to help out likely starting quarterback Malik Willis, after Jordan Love (knee) left Week 1 in the final moments with a knee injury. For fantasy purposes, surely there are better options out there than the Packers, so putting their unit in your lineup is a risky endeavor.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Sep 13 7:30pm ET
Christian McCaffrey

Updating a previous report, the San Francisco 49ers may place running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) on the Injured Reserve on Saturday, which would rule him out for at least the next four games. The Niners ruled McCaffrey out for Week 2 versus the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday after he was unable to practice on Friday. CMC suffered a calf strain early in training camp, but he's also dealing with Achilles tendinitis, which is why he sat out the season-opening win over the New York Jets on Monday night. This is pretty much a worst-case scenario for fantasy managers that took McCaffrey at the top of their drafts, as he's now likely to miss at least the first month of the season. CMC obviously needs to be stashed everywhere. Jordan Mason, who went off as the team's RB1 in Week 1 in place of McCaffrey, now sees his fantasy stock rise even more. He's rostered in 82% of Yahoo leagues right now.

From RotoBaller

Cade Otton Sep 13 7:30pm ET
Cade Otton

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton was quiet during the season opener against the Washington Commanders last week. A majority of the Bucs' offensive weapons enjoyed successful games, but Otton was held in check. He hauled in one of his two targets for five yards in the blowout win. The third-year tight end was supposed to have a bigger role under new offensive coordinator Liam Coen and his two tight end sets. Possibly, Otton's luck does change in Week 2 against the Detroit Lions. However, the Bucs have a handful of other viable options on offense, so Otton is unlikely to be targeted often. He'll be a low-end TE2 and avoidable in most fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Sep 13 7:20pm ET
Kyler Murray

The Los Angeles Rams' secondary is banged up at the moment with cornerback Darious Williams (hamstring) on Injured Reserve and cornerback Cobie Durant (toe) and safety Quinten Lake (hip) questionable for Week 2 at Arizona. That's a scary proposition for the Rams against Kyler Murray and the likes of star tight end Trey McBride and rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison, Jr. The Rams performed well for the most part in Week 1 at Detroit but ran out of gas in overtime as the Lions ran the ball down the field for the winning TD. It's a risky move to start the Rams' defense on the road while there are so many injury question marks. There are better streaming options out there in most fantasy leagues at the position, so it would make sense to look elsewhere.

From RotoBaller

Joshua Karty Sep 13 7:10pm ET
Joshua Karty

Los Angeles Rams rookie kicker Joshua Karty turned in a good performance in Week 1 in a hostile environment at Detroit. He made two field goals with a long of 41 yards and all of his extra points. With another test on the road, this time against a division opponent, the pressure will once again be on the Stanford product. But he looked up to the challenge in Week 1 and was unfazed by the raucous crowd. Fantasy managers can wait and see how Karty backs up his opening performance, but he could emerge later in the season as a viable starting fantasy option at the position.

From RotoBaller

Demarcus Robinson Sep 13 7:00pm ET
Demarcus Robinson

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson could be in line for more usage in Week 2 at Arizona after Puka Nacua (knee) has landed on the IR. Robinson has good size and is a good possession receiver. Matthew Stafford could look to the big target in the red zone against the Cardinals if Arizona shifts its focus to Cooper Kupp in those situations. Tyler Johnson will be Robinson's main threat for targets at the wide receiver position opposite Kupp with Nacua out. Robinson may lack the ability to break a big play like Johnson did against the Lions in Week 1 on his long catch and run in the second half. Robinson, however, may be the better bet to score a touchdown. It remains to be seen how the dynamic will play out between the two popular waiver-wire additions but both make for decent speculative plays in deep leagues.

From RotoBaller

Brayden Narveson Sep 13 7:00pm ET
Brayden Narveson

Green Bay Packers kicker Brayden Narveson was a busy kicker in Brazil against the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil, booting home three of four field goal attempts and knocking in both extra point attempts. With the Packers' offense downgraded as a whole with Jordan Love (knee) likely out and Malik Willis in as the likely starting quarterback, the kicking game could find field position in the opponent's end a bit harder to come by. That said, Narveson did look the part in several pressure kicks, so he will have to make the opportunities he does get count. As far as fantasy goes, Narveson is still very much down in the lowest tier of kickers as many have better situations and are safer options in terms of consistency and opportunity.

From RotoBaller

Colby Parkinson Sep 13 7:00pm ET
Colby Parkinson

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson saw five targets and caught four passes for 47 yards in the team's Week 1 loss at Detroit. Expect more of the same from Parkinson in Week 2 at Arizona with room for more volume and more production. Parkinson is an athletic tight end who was brought in from Seattle to fill in for Tyler Higbee (ACL) until he returns to full health. Expect Matthew Stafford to target Parkinson in the middle of the field and on short and intermediate patterns to the outside. Cooper Kupp should demand a lot of attention as moves throughout the formation so Stafford's secondary progressions could lead him to Parkinson. The reality is the tight-end landscape in fantasy is a bit bleak and Parkinson is a reliable option with some upside for big performances should he find the end zone.

From RotoBaller

Tucker Kraft Sep 13 6:50pm ET
Tucker Kraft

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft enters Week 2 with some momentum in terms of getting on the field and running routes. Kraft was expected to be the second tight end behind Luke Musgrave, who was drafted a round before him in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, Kraft ran 81% of routes per dropback and took 96% of snaps as well. Per PFF's Nathan Jahnke, Musgrave's only playing time was in 12 personnel where there were two tight ends in the formation, leaving the other snaps with one tight end to Kraft. While this didn't lead to any fantasy production in Week 1, you have to be on the field to produce to begin with. Kraft shouldn't be started in fantasy football when the Packers host the Colts in Week 2, but if starting quarterback Malik Willis uses Kraft as a safety valve option in the passing game, Kraft could find himself on the short list of fantasy options when Week 3 rolls around.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Johnson Sep 13 6:50pm ET
Tyler Johnson

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tyler Johnson has been a popular waiver-wire pickup this week after news that Puka Nacua (knee) has landed on the IR. Opportunity knocks for the former Minnesota Golden Gopher. He will compete for targets with Demarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell opposite Cooper Kupp, but Johnson flashed his big-play ability in Week 1 after Nacua exited. Quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Rams will need to establish another threat outside of Kupp and Johnson could be that guy. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneer is looking like a potential sleeper this week. Johnson probably doesn't profile as a WR3 in fantasy this week, but in deeper leagues, he could be used as a viable flex option.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Sep 13 6:40pm ET
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp is fully healthy and that meant a healthy amount of targets, catches, and fantasy points in Week 1 at the Lions. Kupp was targeted 21 times and caught 14 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown. His massive target total was aided by the fact that Puka Nacua (knee) left the game early and Nacua has been placed on IR, so that figures to continue in Week 2 at Arizona. Everyone knows Kupp is going to get looked for as Matthew Stafford's primary target, but there is often nothing the defense can do because the Rams are so creative with pre-snap motions and lineup configurations to complement Kupp's already superior route-running skills. In other words, expect another large target share against the Cardinals, which usually translates to a big fantasy day for Kupp. While healthy, Kupp is one of the top receivers in the NFL and for fantasy purposes.

From RotoBaller

Kyren Williams Sep 13 6:40pm ET
Kyren Williams

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams found the end zone in Week 1 at the Lions against Detroit's very stout run defense. The touchdown salvaged an otherwise subpar night for the talented running back. Williams rushed 18 times for 50 yards (2.8 yards per carry) and caught three passes for four yards. The Notre Dame product is a very versatile back and the good thing for his fantasy managers is he saw a massive snap share in the backfield compared to Ronnie Rivers and rookie Blake Corum. The Cardinals were gashed on the ground by the Bills in Week 1, making Williams a strong play in Week 2 in the Rams' game at Arizona. Look for Williams to find pay dirt and remain involved in the passing game as well. His upside is extremely high in this matchup and his volume makes his floor pretty high as well.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Sep 13 6:30pm ET
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) popped up on the Week 2 injury report on Friday and was listed as limited practice participant. Mid-week additions are typically never a good sign, but this doesn't necessarily mean that Brown will be forced to miss this week's Monday night contest against the visiting Atlanta Falcons. However, if the 27-year-old is deemed questionable on Saturday's final injury report, fantasy managers may have a tough decision to make in Week 2 as to whether to leave Brown in their starting lineup. We'll continue to keep a close eye on Brown's status this weekend. Brown is a must-start if he's active after catching five of his 10 targets for 119 yards and a touchdown in the season-opening win over the Green Bay Packers last Friday in Brazil. If Brown is out or limited on Monday, Jahan Dotson and rookie Johnny Wilson would both see bigger roles behind DeVonta Smith.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Sep 13 6:30pm ET
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs will enter Week 2 with a much different quarterback situation than he for sure anticipated. With Malik Willis the likely starting quarterback for Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts, the entire pass-catching group for the Packers will be downgraded in fantasy, including Doubs. Running the most routes per dropback, most snaps and targets in Week 1, Doubs' production will be at the whim of how the Packers choose to attack the Colts' defense. That will likely be a heavy dose of the running game to protect Willis, who has not shown much in the way of passing efficiency in his third season as an NFL quarterback. Doubs is a low-end FLEX option for fantasy managers, where you're hoping he can get into the end zone.

From RotoBaller