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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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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 2

Player Notes
Graham Gano Sep 15 5:50pm ET
Graham Gano

New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (hamstring) exited Sunday's matchup against the Washington Commanders. The veteran popped up on the injury report on Saturday night due to a groin issue. However, while he initially believed he aggravated the ailment, it was actually a hamstring injury that kept him out for the remainder of Week 2. Gano made both field goal tries during the loss to the Vikings in Week 1, including a 50-yard attempt. But considering his history, fantasy managers may not see him on the field in Week 3 against the Browns, although it's still too early to speculate.

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Antonio Gibson Sep 15 5:50pm ET
Antonio Gibson

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson rushed 11 times for 96 yards during the team's 23-20 overtime loss against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. He also caught his lone target for a seven-yard game. In total, he had 103 scrimmage yards on 12 touches. The versatile running back was highly productive on Sunday, though nearly half of his yardage came on one 45-yard gain on the ground. Nevertheless, he has shown explosiveness and is starting to earn the trust of the Patriots' coaching staff. He'll continue to operate behind Rhamondre Stevenson against the Jets on Thursday but could sneak into the RB3/FLEX tier in fantasy leagues with at least 14 teams.

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Ja'Lynn Polk Sep 15 5:50pm ET
Ja'Lynn Polk

New England Patriots wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk turned three targets into two catches, 12 yards, and one touchdown during the team's 23-20 overtime loss against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. Even though Polk wasn't very heavily targeted, he actually led all Patriots receivers in targets, catches, yards, and touchdowns in Week 2. In fact, K.J. Osborn was the only other Patriots receiver to even garner a target in this contest. This tells us that New England is committed to employing a run-heavy approach, making the receivers somewhat of an afterthought. Polk is an appealing dynasty target, but he lacks redraft appeal for the time being.

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Jerome Ford Sep 15 5:50pm ET
Jerome Ford

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford carried the ball seven times for 64 yards and caught one pass for no gain in an 18-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2. Ford ripped off a 36-yard run on fourth-and-one in the second quarter, setting the Browns up for a 38-yard field goal. Besides that big play, however, Ford was quiet as he lost work to D'Onta Foreman (14 carries) and Pierre Strong Jr. (two touches). Foreman's usage is a concerning development for fantasy managers rostering Ford after he handled all but four of the running-back touches back in Week 1. Ford is looking like more of an RB3/flex option heading into Week 3 against the New York Giants.

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Brayden Narveson Sep 15 5:50pm ET
Brayden Narveson

Green Bay Packers kicker Brayden Narveson had a solid day at the office in his first game at Lambeau Field since being picked up by the Packers after the preseason. In the Packers' 16-10 win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2, Narveson booted three field goals from distances of 46, 42, and 34, plus an extra point on the Packers' lone touchdown of the day in the first quarter. Narveson also missed a field goal attempt from 45 yards wide right toward the end of the fourth quarter. With Narveson making 6-of-8 field goals on the season, he's starting to make some waves in fantasy football. If you need a kicker in a pinch, the Packers play the Tennessee Titans in Week 3, you can do much worse than Narveson, who has been advertised in his short career. The Packers should need Narveson's services in Week 3, so consider him a low-end streaming option at the position.

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D'Onta Foreman Sep 15 5:50pm ET
D'Onta Foreman

Cleveland Browns running back D'Onta Foreman carried the ball 14 times for 42 yards while adding nine yards on one catch in an 18-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2. Foreman led the Browns in carries just one week after playing only one snap in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1. Cleveland appears content to split the backfield work between Foreman and Ford until Nick Chubb (knee) is ready to be activated from injured reserve. For now, Foreman is worth a waiver add in deeper leagues ahead of a Week 3 matchup against the New York Giants.

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Josh Palmer Sep 15 5:40pm ET
Josh Palmer

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer made just two catches in a Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers. He was targeted twice, making both catches for a total of 19 yards. Palmer watched Quentin Johnston end up with two touchdowns, but the Chargers only completed 14 passes on 20 attempts, which limited all of their pass catchers. It could be like this for most of the season, which will be a knock for the fantasy value of all of the Chargers receivers. Palmer will have better weeks, but he might have more games like this as well.

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Romeo Doubs Sep 15 5:40pm ET
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs had a solid day given the lack of passing volume afforded to the Packers' pass-catchers in their 16-10 win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2. Doubs caught all three of his targets for a team-leading 62 receiving yards, capped by a 39-yard strike from starting quarterback Malik Willis early in the fourth quarter. With the Packers only dropping back to pass 19 times and throwing only 14 times, the pass-catchers didn't have too much to work with thanks to the game plan by head coach Matt LaFleur to lean heavily on the run game and an opportunistic defense that forced three turnovers. Doubs and the Packers will head southeast to Nashville to play the Tennessee Titans in Week 3, but Doubs will merely be a flex play in fantasy.

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Justin Herbert Sep 15 5:40pm ET
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) exited Sunday's win over the Carolina Panthers. He played relatively well in Week 2, finishing with 130 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception off 14-for-20 passing, adding six carries for 18 yards. Unfortunately, Herbert sustained an ankle injury, with the signal-caller stating he got "rolled up" during the contest. He was observed limping after the game. Herbert also underwent an X-ray to determine the severity of the injury. However, until the results are released in the next day or two, fantasy managers should prepare heading into the Week 3 outing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. If he doesn't suit up for that one, Easton Stick is the favorite to take over under center.

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Cameron Dicker Sep 15 5:40pm ET
Cameron Dicker

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker made four kicks in a Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers. Dicker attempted two field goals, making one from 46 yards out and the other from 42. He attempted three extra points as well, missing one. Dicker tried 35 extra points last season and made all 35, so he got one miss out of the way early this year. He should continue to be a solid and consistent fantasy kicker throughout the season.

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Jacoby Brissett Sep 15 5:40pm ET
Jacoby Brissett

New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett completed 15 of 27 passes for 149 yards, one touchdown, and zero turnovers during the team's 23-20 overtime loss against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. This was a similar stat line to Brissett's Week 1 finish, with the main difference being that he threw for a touchdown this Sunday. Just as important is the fact that he played turnover-free football for the consecutive week. The veteran isn't a very appealing fantasy option given the Patriots' mellow passing attack, but he has certainly provided plenty of value to the organization with a very solid first two games of the year. He'll face the Jets on Thursday night in Week 3.

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Dontayvion Wicks Sep 15 5:40pm ET
Dontayvion Wicks

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks had a solid day's work in the Packers' 16-10 win at home against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2. Wicks earned a team-leading four targets, hauling in three of those targets for 26 yards. The lone passing touchdown from starting quarterback Malik Willis was scored by Wicks as he caught a 14-yard touchdown late in the first quarter. With just 14 passing attempts to go around for the Packers, Wicks made the most of his opportunities. While he's still behind in the pecking order among the team's wide receivers, Wicks is utilized plenty in the Packers' offense. For fantasy purposes, Wicks is tough to trust, so he's not going to be a recommended start in fantasy football when the Packers head to Tennessee to face the Titans in Week 3.

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Rhamondre Stevenson Sep 15 5:40pm ET
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson rushed 21 times for 81 yards and one touchdown during the team's 23-20 overtime loss against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. He also caught two of five targets for an additional nine yards through the air. Stevenson has been the Patriots' workhorse so far this year, and while he wasn't quite as efficient as Week 1, he still impressed with his high volume and nose for the end zone. The talented, young running back remains a very strong RB2 option heading into Thursday Night Football against the New York Jets.

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Ladd McConkey Sep 15 5:30pm ET
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey made just two catches in a Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers. The Chargers second-round pick scored a touchdown in Week 1 but was slightly less involved in Week 2, drawing four targets to make his two catches for 26 yards. The Chargers only attempted 20 passes, completing 14, which didn't leave much for the team's pass catchers to work. This will be a run-first offense, but McConkey's role as slot receiver will certainly provide him with some solid weeks of fantasy production. Next week against the Steelers could be a stronger performance.

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Malik Nabers Sep 15 5:30pm ET
Malik Nabers

New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers was a bright spot in Sunday's 21-18 loss to the Washington Commanders, hauling in 10 catches for 127 yards and a touchdown on a massive 18 targets. Nabers showcased his big-play ability, averaging 12.7 yards per catch and notching a cath-and-run 28-yard reception. Nabers did have a crucial drop at the end of the game, but that rookie errors can be expected as he adjusts to the NFL. Despite the Giants' struggles, fantasy managers can take solace in his hefty target share and reliable production, proving he's more than just a deep threat. With his combination of volume and playmaking ability, Nabers is a legit WR1 with huge upside.

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Taysom Hill Sep 15 5:30pm ET
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints quarterback/tight end Taysom Hill (chest) exited Sunday's win over the Dallas Cowboys. He was transported to the hospital for further evaluation. However, head coach Dennis Allen implied it was likely for precautionary reasons. The 34-year-old had 18 yards off three carries in Week 2. While Hill isn't always featured in fantasy lineups, there is usually a point in every season where he gains streaming attention. Fantasy managers will likely see him referenced on the injury report heading into the Week 3 showdown with the Eagles. There will also likely be an update on his condition soon.

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Austin Seibert Sep 15 5:30pm ET
Austin Seibert

Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert scored all of his team's points on Sunday afternoon as he went 7-for-7 on his field goal attempts. His longest was from 45 yards. This was a big improvement for the Washington offense, as Cam York missed both attempts last week. Earlier in the preseason, the Commanders had Riley Patterson on their roster, but he was eventually cut, given his troubles over the summer. Seibert has spent his NFL career bouncing from multiple teams but may have found his home in the DMV after his stellar debut. Seibert holds a mere 80.4% success rate throughout his career, but this could be just the scenery change he needed. Given the Commanders' inability to finish drives in the red zone, Seibert could become a potential streaming option as the season progresses but could have inconsistent performances, as the Washington offense is still a work in progress.

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Deshaun Watson Sep 15 5:30pm ET
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson completed 22 of his 34 passes for 186 yards while adding five carries for 20 yards and a touchdown in an 18-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2. Watson and the Browns offense came out hot in the first half, scoring 16 points with the quarterback punctuating an 89-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Watson looked much more comfortable than in Week 1, although he only has one touchdown pass with two interceptions through two games. He will look for more in Week 3 when the Browns face the New York Giants at home.

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Will Dissly Sep 15 5:30pm ET
Will Dissly

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Will Dissly made three catches in a Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers. Dissly was targeted three times, making all three catches for 29 yards. He ended up second on the team in both catches and receiving yards. The Chargers didn't throw much, completing just 14 passes on 20 drop backs, but Dissly should retain a similar role in the offense going forward. He'll be a floor-play TE2/3 without much upside but could come down with an occasional touchdown here and there.

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Austin Ekeler Sep 15 5:20pm ET
Austin Ekeler

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler was quiet as a rusher Sunday afternoon but made his impact through the air. Ekeler caught all three of his targets for 47 yards. On the ground, he saw just eight attempts for 38 yards. The veteran running back was primarily deployed as a pass catcher in the season opener, and Week 2 was quite similar. Last week, he registered 52 receiving yards (which led the team) on four receptions. While Brian Robinson Jr. will continue to see the lion's share of rushing attempts, Ekeler will still hold fantasy value, especially in PPR formats as he is becoming a safety valve for rookie QB Jayden Daniels. Fantasy managers should continue to view Ekeler as an upside flex in PPR leagues, but in standard leagues where receptions are not scored, it is better to find production elsewhere.

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