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.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens hauled in just three of his seven targets for 50 yards in a Week 17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Steelers struggled to get much of anything going on offense in this one, but Pickens didn't appear to be hampered by his hamstring injury that kept him sidelined from Weeks 14 through 16. He made an impressive catch for a 41-yard gain on a deep ball from quarterback Russell Wilson and had an 18-yard reception in the fourth quarter called back due to an offside penalty. Although fantasy managers that deployed Pickens in his return were likely let down by this performance, he should still be viewed as a solid WR2 against the Cincinnati Bengals in any leagues that compete in Week 18.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth finished with seven receptions for 60 yards on eight targets in a 29-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Freiermuth operated as quarterback Russell Wilson's go-to guy for much of the contest, but he unfortunately lost a fumble early in the fourth quarter with Kansas City's lead still within reach. It was his second lost fumble of the season and just the third of his four-year career. Nonetheless, Freiermuth was solid for fantasy purposes and led the Steelers in targets, catches, and receiving yards. He'll look to turn in another strong showing in next week's regular-season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews keeps adding to the franchise-leading receiving touchdown number as he scored in his fifth consecutive game. During the 31-2 Christmas victory, he finished with two receptions for 68 yards and one touchdown on two targets. Almost all of his yards came on his 67-yard catch while his touchdown came on a goal-line throw in the third quarter which put them up by 29. After not finding the end zone in the team's first five games, Andrews is up to 10 touchdowns with one game left against the Cleveland Browns.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers didn't quite join in on the fun during the 31-2 blowout over the Houston Texans on Christmas. The speedy wideout ended the game with two catches for 31 yards on five targets. While he was the only pass-catcher to see more than two targets, he finished with the second-most yards and no touchdowns. Despite breaking the 1,000-yard mark this year, he's scored one fewer touchdown than all of last season. He'll try to tie his five-touchdown figure in their final game against the Cleveland Browns.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely was incredibly efficient with his only target of the night on Christmas. He registered one reception for a nine-yard touchdown on one target during the 31-2 blowout over the Houston Texans. The game script called for a lot more carries on the ground (43) compared to pass attempts (17). While both tight ends continue to be viable options for Lamar Jackson, they don't always produce fantasy-relevant games at the same time. Likely will look to find the end zone again in their regular season finale against the Cleveland Browns.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren turned 11 carries into 71 yards and six targets into five catches and 41 receiving yards in a Week 17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Warren was one of the few bright spots for the Steelers' offensive attack on Wednesday and consistently looked explosive with the ball in his hands. He saw more opportunities than backfield mate Najee Harris, who was ineffective for most of the contest. Warren's solid performance early in the first quarter earned him a few opportunities in the red zone, one of which he took in for an eight-yard score that was unfortunately nullified by a holding penalty. The 26-year-old has logged at least 92 total yards in each of his past two games and will look to end the campaign on a hot streak against the Cincinnati Bengals next week.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson completed 23 of 37 pass attempts for 205 scoreless yards and one interception in a 29-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. However, Wilson was responsible for Pittsburgh's lone touchdown of the day, adding 55 rushing yards and a score on six carries. The Steelers struggled to protect Wilson on Wednesday as the veteran took five sacks and frequently could not find an open receiver before being swarmed by Kansas City's pass rush. After a solid start to his tenure in Pittsburgh, Wilson is 0-3 over the past three weeks with at least one turnover in each contest. He'll hope to end the regular season on a positive note next week against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry received his favorite present of all, facing the Houston Texans run defense. Going into the Christmas game, he averaged 102.2 yards per game against them with 12 rushing touchdowns. In this one, he finished with 147 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries to go along with two receptions for 18 yards on two targets. The only time he was contained in this matchup was when he was tackled for a safety in the second quarter. Coincidentally, those were the only points the Texans scored. Henry will face off against the Cleveland Browns in the regular season finale to try to win the division.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris handled 13 carries for 74 yards and hauled in two of his four targets for seven yards in a 29-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Harris split backfield work with Jaylen Warren fairly evenly in this one but gained 45 of his rushing yards on Pittsburgh's last possession with the game already out of reach. Warren was much more efficient than Harris throughout the rest of the contest, however. Along with the rest of the Steelers' offense, Harris is in the midst of a rough stretch right now. He will hope to bounce back next week in a showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals, who he performed extremely well against back in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson moved to 2-0 on Christmas Day games after leading the team to a 31-2 blowout over the Houston Texans. The MVP candidate finished the game with 168 yards and two touchdowns on 10-for-15 throwing while adding four carries for 87 yards and another touchdown. The first score of the second half came on a 48-yard run by Jackson, who outran the entire defense into the end zone. The Ravens were so comfortably in the lead after the third quarter that Jackson was able to get some rest in the fourth. They now control their division destiny and will take on the Cleveland Browns to finish the regular season.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimation. The Giants did not practice Wednesday, but if they had, the rookie would not have participated. Tracy picked up the injury during Sunday's loss to the Atlanta Falcons in which he rushed just seven times but carved out a big role in the passing game, catching all four of his targets for 43 yards and one score through the air. Fantasy managers should monitor the Giants' injury reports over the next few days to understand whether Tracy will play in Week 17 against the Indianapolis Colts. If he can't suit up, Devin Singletary would likely operate as the Giants' primary running back.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice. The veteran has maintained the same practice status for two days in a row; he had also been limited in Tuesday's walkthrough. The Cardinals will hold one more practice on Thursday before releasing their final injury report. If Conner can log a full session, he might be able to avoid an official injury designation. Otherwise, he could end up being listed as questionable for Week 17, which would leave his status in doubt until the Cardinals' list of inactives gets released on Saturday evening. Fantasy managers certainly hope that Conner will be able to suit up. He has remained a top fantasy option in his age-29 season, ranking as the RB9 overall with 1,090 rushing yards, 410 receiving yards, and nine total touchdowns. He should continue to be deployed as a top-12 fantasy running backs, assuming he suits up Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (groin) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimation. The Saints didn't have an actual practice, but if they did, Kamara would have not participated. The veteran running back picked up a groin injury back in Week 15 and hasn't played since. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi recently noted that Kamara wants to play again this week and certainly doesn't want to be shut down for the rest of the regular season, but he also said that a decision hasn't been made on the 29-year-old's status going forward. Kamara had been closing in on his first 1,000-yard rushing season, posting a career-high 950 rushing yards to go along with his 543 receiving yards. He also found the end zone eight times through 14 games, using his pass-catching productivity to rank as the overall RB7 in PPR leagues. Kamara would rank as a top-12 fantasy running back if he's able to suit up against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 17, but Wednesday's listing as a DNP is not a good start. If he can't play, Kendre Miller would step up as the Saints' primary running back for the second week in a row.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (left hand) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimation. The Saints' didn't hold a practice, but if they had, Carr would not have participated. The veteran quarterback is reportedly still regaining strength in left hand after suffering a fracture against the New York Giants back in Week 14. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi recently relayed that Carr didn't want to be shut down for the final two games of the regular season, but the 33-year-old is at the mercy of his injury and recovery. Spencer Rattler was the Saints' quarterback against the Green Bay Packers in Week 16, completing just 15 passes for 153 yards while taking three sacks and losing a fumble. The rookie's poor performance wound up in a 34-0 Saints loss, with New Orleans being the first team held scoreless in 2024. Rattler will remain the Saints' starter if Carr is unable to play against his old team, the Las Vegas Raiders, in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimation. The Titans didn't hold an actual practice, but if they had, Pollard would not have participated. The 27-year-old has routinely appeared on the Titans' injury report this season, but he has managed to play in all 15 games so far, totaling 1,017 rushing yards, 238 receiving yards, and five touchdowns. He ranks as the overall RB19 in fantasy football while cementing himself as the Titans' clear-cut No. 1 running back option over Tyjae Spears. Seeing Pollard listed as DNP on Tennessee's injury report is understandably concerning for fantasy managers, but it's not necessarily indicative of his Week 17 availability. In fact, just last week, Pollard missed all three practices but still managed to suit up on Sunday afternoon. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the Titans' injury report and, if necessary, check back to confirm his availability when Tennessee releases its list of inactive players on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. Eastern. If Pollard does play, he'll rank as a mid-to-high RB2 option against the Jacksonville Jaguars' subpar run defense.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (knee) was listed as limited on Wednesday's practice estimation. The Falcons didn't actually practice on Wednesday, so their injury report is merely a projection of how much London and his teammates would have participated if they did have a formal practice. Seeing any player appear on the injury report in the fantasy playoffs can be concerning, so fantasy managers should certainly stay vigilant and monitor London's practice status over the next couple of days. The good news, though, is that players who are limited Wednesday can typically log a full session by Friday and suit up for Sunday's game. As of now, London should be able to play against the Washington Commanders, ranking as a high-end fantasy WR2 despite the Falcons' recent quarterback switch from Kirk Cousins to Michael Penix Jr.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (knee) was estimated as a non-participant on Wednesday's injury report. The Dolphins didn't hold an official practice, but if they had, Waddle would not have participated. This is a concerning start to the week for Waddle, who missed last Sunday's game after being a non-participant the whole week prior. He still has a few days to get healthy and log a limited or full practice session, but if that doesn't happen, he'll likely sit out Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns. Simply put, fantasy managers should stay tuned for key updates on his status over the next few days. If he can't play, Malik Washington would likely step up as the Dolphins' No. 2 receiver behind Tyreek Hill (wrist, rest).
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimate. In other words, the Packers did not practice on Wednesday, but if they had, Watson would not have participated. The 25-year-old injured his knee during Monday night's win over the New Orleans Saints. His game was abbreviated as he played just 43 percent of the offensive snaps, exiting the contest with one target and zero receptions. Watson has been a hit-or-miss fantasy receiver this season, and even if he suits up against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17, most managers can justify leaving him on the bench.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers tight ends Tucker Kraft (hip) and Luke Musgrave (ankle) were both listed as limited participants on Wednesday's practice estimate. The Packers noted that since they didn't practice on Wednesday, their injury report was merely an estimation. In other words, if they had practiced, both Kraft and Musgrave would have been limited. While any sort of appearance on the injury report is newsworthy and should be monitored, players who are limited on Wednesday typically progress to full participants by the end of the week and are able to play on Sunday. We'll gain more insight into the tight ends' statuses over the next two days of practice, but as of now, fantasy managers should expect them to suit up in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings. Of the duo, Kraft has the most fantasy appeal, ranking as a fringe top-12 option at the tight end position.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receivers Jerry Jeudy (knee, shin) and Cedric Tillman (concussion) were both limited during practice on Wednesday. Jeudy has not yet missed a game this season, catching 72 passes for 1,072 yards and four touchdowns while ranking as the overall WR12 in PPR leagues. Meanwhile, Tillman was coming on strong before suffering a serious head injury. The second-year receiver has missed four consecutive games and could be in danger of missing a fifth. Ever since Amari Cooper was traded, Tillman had been averaging 5.2 catches, 66 yards, and 0.6 touchdowns per game. While both pass-catchers have garnered significant fantasy appeal at points throughout this season, their intrigue has dwindled ahead of Week 17. The primary reason for their reduced value is Cleveland's recent decision to bench Jameis Winston for Dorian Thompson-Robinson, shifting from an offense centered around launching the football and making risky throws to implementing a more composed, run-oriented scheme. Jeudy had one of his worst games of the season in Thompson-Robinson's first start last week, catching just two passes for 20 yards. As the Browns' offense continues to stall and its quarterback lacks dependability, Cleveland's receivers may continue to struggle. Both Jeudy and Tillman have decent upside, but their extremely low floors drop them to the bottom of the WR3/FLEX tier in most leagues.
From RotoBaller