Guest of the League
USFFL Est. 2015
FFL: Week 10 | NFL: Week 10

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.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 10

Player Notes
DeVonta Smith Nov 10 10:10pm ET
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith reeled in 2-of-3 targets for 14 yards in the team's 34-6 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Smith wasn't called on to do much in this one -- nor was much of the Eagles' offense -- as no other pass-catcher but fellow wideout A.J. Brown recorded more than 27 yards receiving. Quarterback Jalen Hurts combined for four total touchdowns on the afternoon while the Cowboys could not muster an iota of offense. If fantasy managers can find any solace in the subpar performance, the Alabama product was tied for second on the team in targets with tight end Dallas Goedert. Smith should be used more frequently his next time out when Philadelphia faces off against their division-rival Washington Commanders at home this Thursday night.

From RotoBaller

Jalen McMillan Nov 10 10:00pm ET
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan was banged up heading into this game, but ended up being active ahead of this Week 10 contest. However, fantasy managers might not have noticed McMillan was active given his performance. The rookie wideout finished with a goose egg as he wasn't targeted in the loss to the San Francisco 49ers. This is not a good sign given the Bucs are already limited at the wideout spot. It shows that the Bucs don't have much faith in their third-round rookie. Fantasy managers in dynasty leagues should hold McMillan, but he looks like a drop-candidate everywhere else.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Nov 10 10:00pm ET
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce caught two garbage-time passes on the Colts' final drive, including a 10-yard touchdown reception, giving him four catches for 81 yards and a score in Sunday's 30-20 loss to the Bills. In Michael Pittman Jr.'s (back) absence, Pierce tied a season-high in targets with seven, and the TD was his fourth of the season -- although just his first since Week 5. As of now, Pittman is considered week-to-week, so keep an eye on his status, as that could again mean a few extra targets for Pierce in Week 11 should Pittman miss another game. Regardless, Pierce is always a threat to score on a deep ball given his speed, but in Week 11, the 24-year-old will have to do it against a strong Jets pass defense, putting him in the WR4/5 range again.

From RotoBaller

Quincy Williams Nov 10 10:00pm ET
Quincy Williams

The New York Jets defense was blown out by the Arizona Cardinals in a 31-6 loss in Week 10 on Sunday. New York managed just one sack and was unable to force any turnovers as they fell down 24-6 at halftime. The Jets got their lone sack from Quincy Williams in the blowout loss. New York's defense will look to bounce back against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Nov 10 9:50pm ET
Garrett Wilson

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson caught five of his six targets for 41 yards in a 31-6 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10. Wilson and the rest of the New York passing attack struggled against the Arizona secondary in the blowout loss as Aaron Rodgers passed for just 151 yards on 35 attempts. The slow outing for Wilson breaks a streak of five straight games with at least 61 receiving yards. Wilson now has 65 catches for 704 yards and five touchdowns through 10 games. He has a good shot at bouncing back against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Cade Otton Nov 10 9:50pm ET
Cade Otton

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton has been unbelievable over the last few weeks, but was finally held in check on Sunday. Otton hauled in five of his eight targets for 35 yards in what ended up being a loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Well, Otton's tremendous run had to end at some point, but at least he was still able to do some damage here. Fantasy managers will have to look elsewhere for help next week with the Bucs on a bye week. After that, wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) is expected to make his return to the field. If that happens, Otton could lose some fantasy value heading into the Week 12 matchup against the New York Giants.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Nov 10 9:50pm ET
Davante Adams

New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams caught six of his 13 targets for 31 yards in a 31-6 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10. Adams struggled to get anything going downfield despite drawing 13 targets as he averaged just 5.2 yards per catch in the blowout loss. That being said, the workload was encouraging as Adams has now drawn 24 targets over his past two games. Adams will be a strong fantasy play against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Nov 10 9:50pm ET
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown hauled in 5-of-7 targets for 109 yards in Sunday's 34-6 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Brown had receptions of 14, 18, 30, and 44 yards on the day as Philadelphia dismantled a Cooper Rush-led Cowboys squad. It's the third time in six outings this season that the Ole Miss alum has eclipsed the century mark, and he's recorded at least 84 yards in all but one contest. Ho-hum. He led the team in receiving by a wide margin, as no other Eagles pass-catcher notched more than 27 yards. Brown would have likely had an even more significant performance if the game were more competitive, but Philly benched their starters just minutes into the final frame. The team will line up for a second consecutive divisional clash this Thursday when they host the visiting Washington Commanders. The 27-year-old will again be a top-flight WR play.

From RotoBaller

Spencer Shrader Nov 10 9:50pm ET
Spencer Shrader

New York Jets kicker Spencer Shrader made both of his field-goal attempts in a 31-6 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10. Shrader was elevated from the practice squad on Saturday after the Jets cut Riley Patterson earlier in the week. They also had veteran Anders Carlson on their roster but opted to give kicking duties to Shrader, who hit three extra points as a member of the Indianapolis Colts earlier in the season. That being said, Shrader will take on those same Colts in Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Nov 10 9:40pm ET
Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 22 of his 35 passes for 151 yards but failed to throw any touchdowns in a 31-6 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10. Rodgers and the entire Jets offense came up short in what appeared to be a decent matchup against the Arizona defense on paper. He got off to an especially painful start, throwing for just 40 yards in the first half. Things picked up a bit after halftime but it was still a disappointing performance for the entire New York offense. Rodgers will hope to bounce back heading into a Week 11 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

From RotoBaller

Breece Hall Nov 10 9:40pm ET
Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall carried the ball 10 times for 52 yards and caught all four of his targets for 31 yards in a 31-6 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10. Hall performed well when he got the ball, averaging 5.2 yards per carry, but the Jets fell behind early and went pass-heavy after halftime. He managed to bolster his fantasy outing with another strong showing in the passing game as he has 39 catches for 358 yards through nine games. The explosive running back has now failed to find the end zone in three straight games. He will look to bounce back in Week 11 against the Indianapolis Colts.

From RotoBaller

Saquon Barkley Nov 10 9:40pm ET
Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (arm) rushed 14 times for 66 yards and brought in his sole target for an additional 12 receiving yards in the team's 34-6 win over their division-rival Dallas Cowboys. The long-time New York Giant wasn't needed much in this one, as Dallas had trouble getting anything going with Cooper Rush calling signals for the Cowboys offense. It's worth mentioning that Barkley missed a drive late in the first half after coughing up a fumble on a Micah Parsons tackle the drive before. Zach Berman of the team noted that the 27-year-old had a sizeable bandage on his "left wrist/forearm area" that went up to his elbow after coming out of the locker room for the start of the second half. However, he would remain in the game and rack up another eight touches until the Eagles benched their starters early in the fourth quarter. With a quick turnaround on tap for Philadelphia in a home matchup against the Washington Commanders on Thursday Night Football, fantasy managers should monitor the superstar RBs practice status through Wednesday.

From RotoBaller

Rachaad White Nov 10 9:40pm ET
Rachaad White

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White was once again sluggish on the ground, but was able to salvage his fantasy value with his ability as a receiver. On Sunday, White rushed the ball 10 times for 31 yards on the ground. It was another lackluster game for White on the ground against a tough San Francisco 49ers defense. Luckily, White was able to save his value by hauling in six of his seven targets for 39 yards and a touchdown in the loss. The Bucs now head into a bye week, but White could lose some steam after that. Wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) is expected to return in Week 12 which could take away some of the targets for White going forward. That might make White fall into the flex conversation for the Week 12 matchup against the New York Giants.

From RotoBaller

Braelon Allen Nov 10 9:40pm ET
Braelon Allen

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen carried the ball seven times for 27 yards and caught his lone target for seven yards in a 31-6 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10. Allen mixed in behind starter Breece Hall, notching seven carries to Hall's 10 in the blowout loss. The Jets have been inconsistent in their touch distribution for Allen this season as he saw just four carries in Week 9 and two in Week 7. Allen remains a high-end handcuff in fantasy behind Hall but is tough to trust in starting lineups. He will face off against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Nov 10 9:30pm ET
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was held in check by the San Francisco 49ers defense on Sunday. Mayfield has been incredible throughout most of the season, but didn't have the same success this weekend. He completed 18-of-29 passing attempts for 116 yards and one touchdown in the three-point loss. Mayfield showed heart in this game and even stiff armed his way to giving his team the lead with less than a minute left. Fantasy managers shouldn't get frustrated by this performance. Mayfield is likely to get wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) back after the bye week. The expectation is that Mayfield will resume his QB1 ways in Week 12 against the New York Giants.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Nov 10 9:30pm ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs led his team in targets and receptions in Sunday's 30-20 loss to the Bills, hauling in seven of 10 passes thrown his way for 72 yards. While it was productive and what fantasy managers have grown accustomed to from him, it could have been better had he not dropped what would have been an easy score early on in the game. Still, it was the third straight game in which the former third-round pick has recorded at least nine targets and sixth time in eight games that he's reached that level, affording him plenty of opportunities for receptions and a solid weekly floor. The 23-year-old will have a more difficult task in Week 11 as the Colts take on a Jets defense that has been great at limiting fantasy points to opposing receivers. Downs likely projects as a fringe WR2 next Sunday so long as Joe Flacco remains under center.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Nov 10 9:30pm ET
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving was able to put together a solid performance on the ground during Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers. The rookie back rushed the ball 13 times for 73 yards and a touchdown in the loss. He also hauled in all three of his targets for 14 additional yards through the air. Irving has been impressive this season, but his ceiling is limited with Rachaad White splitting up the carries with him in the backfield. Despite that, Irving should remain a fine flex option for the Week 12 matchup against the New York Giants.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Hurts Nov 10 9:20pm ET
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 14 of 20 pass attempts for 202 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in Sunday's 34-6 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. He added two touchdowns and 56 yards on his seven carries. Hurts was sacked quite a bit in the first half, but Philadelphia molly-whopped their divisional opponent in this one -- controlling the game from start to finish. It's the fourth straight contest in which the 26-year-old scored a rushing touchdown and the third time in that stretch with more than one of them. The fifth-year QB could have had an even bigger day but was benched for teammate Kenny Pickett early in the fourth quarter with the game out of hand. It's another superb performance for Hurts, who has totaled 16 TDs with just two turnovers since the team's Week 5 bye. Philadelphia will get another divisional matchup in Week 11 when they square off against the visiting Washington Commanders.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Nov 10 9:10pm ET
Caleb Williams

The New England Patriots defense had a field day against the Chicago Bears, surrendering just three points while sacking rookie quarterback Caleb Williams nine times. The unit didn't register a turnover, but it did tally 13 tackles for loss and five passes defended. In the end, the Bears registered just 69 net passing yards and 73 rushing yards as they fell to 4-5 and the Patriots improved to 3-7. New England's defense is trending upward, but they're tough to trust in fantasy football against an impressive Los Angeles Rams offensive attack in Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Nov 10 9:10pm ET
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (chest) appears to have escaped Sunday's 12-7 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars without a serious injury. Jones was carted to the locker late into the third quarter after sustaining a chest injury, but his x-rays were negative, and he would return to the contest. Fortunately for the 29-year-old, he was able to close out the game, participating in the team's final two drives. He was seen in the locker room after the game, wearing his typical post-game garb (a sombrero), and seemed jovial when speaking with reporters. When asked how he felt, Jones replied, "A little sore, but mentality is everything. I feel strong...it's about these guys in this locker room, and that's why I went back out there." Fantasy managers will want to keep an eye on his practice status this coming week, but it doesn't seem like he should miss any time. Minnesota will travel to Nissan Stadium to face off against the Tennessee Titans in Week 11.

From RotoBaller