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.
RTSports Super Bowl Preview
Kansas City Chiefs WR Rashee Rice (knee) is making good progress in his recovery from knee surgery, according to head coach Andy Reid.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter (illness) missed his media availability on Wednesday due to an illness, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Philadelphia has yet to release a practice report for Wednesday, so it remains to be seen if he took part in the first official session of the week. Needless to say, it would take a lot for a player to miss the Super Bowl, so it would be a shocking development if he wasn't ready to suit up against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. The 23-year-old made his first Pro Bowl roster and earned a second-team All-Pro nod in just his second NFL season this year and will be a major factor in whether the Eagles can limit Patrick Mahomes by providing pressure against the Chiefs' stout interior offensive line.
Washington Commanders LB Dante Fowler led the Commanders with 10.5 sacks in 2024, and he ranked fourth in the NFL in sack rate among players with at least 200 snaps.
From TheHuddle
Atlanta Falcons WR Ray-Ray McCloud had a career-high 62 catches for 686 yards in 2024 after recording 90 catches for 768 yards in his first six seasons combined.
From TheHuddle
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Britain Covey (neck) was a full participant at practice to kick off their week of Super Bowl prep. The Utah product is working back from his second stint on injured reserve this season. Covey's first stay on IR came in late September for a shoulder injury. He'd eventually work his way back to the field in Week 12 but played just two weeks before sustaining a neck ailment that's kept him from action since. The team opened his practice window two weeks ago, though Wednesday was his first full session. The 27-year-old is not heralded for his pass-catching chops but is better known for his work as a kick returner -- a position he held for Philly over the past two seasons. If he can get healthy enough to suit up for Sunday's outing against the Kansas City Chiefs, that's likely the role he'll operate in.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end C.J. Uzomah (abdomen) was listed as a full participant in Wednesday's team practice. The 32-year-old picked up an abdomen injury back in Week 17 and could not participate in team activities until last week when his 21-day practice window was opened. Fortunately, he's continued to practice fully, putting him on track to potentially be ready to go for Sunday's Super Bowl showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs. Considering Uzomah hasn't suited up in over a month, he'd likely be on a snap count even if he did play. Look for fellow tight ends Grant Calcaterra and E.J. Jenkins to continue rotating in behind Dallas Goedert on the Eagles' offense if that's the case.
From RotoBaller
Per Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com, Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs told 97.3 The Game that he thinks his team should invest in a true standout WR1 moving forward. "We've got a really young group of receivers. All can be really, really, really special," said Jacobs. "But I think personally we need a guy...that we know is going to be a little bit more consistent." Green Bay enjoyed much success this season -- finishing 11-6 -- but could not gain any traction in the playoffs. Despite the Packers bolstering four wideouts aged 25 or younger that eclipsed 400 receiving yards in 2024, none of them reached the 1,000-yard mark. However, Green Bay did rank eighth in the league with 26.1 points per game and lost their best deep threat (WR Christian Watson) to a late-season ACL injury. We'll see if the Pack move to secure a new alpha with a few big-name free-agent wideouts available in 2025, such as Tee Higgins, Cooper Kupp, and Amari Cooper.
From RotoBaller
Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo skipped last weekend's Senior Bowl to focus on the upcoming NFL draft and scouting combine later this month. Skattebo had a huge 2024 season for the Sun Devils, recording 1,711 rushing yards (5.8 yards per carry) , 605 receiving yards (13.4 yards per catch) and 25 total touchdowns while helping ASU to an 11-3 record and a Big 12 championship. The 23-year-old forced 102 missed tackles, behind only Ashton Jeanty among RBs last year. The 5-foot-11, 215-pound back is powerful but also has good hands, catching 69 passes in his two years at Arizona State. While he's a physical RB, Skattebo isn't expected to wow at the combine and isn't expected to come off the board in April's draft in the first couple of rounds. Skattebo will be hoping to improve his draft stock at the scouting combine in Indianapolis and at ASU's pro day.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Skyy Moore (abdomen) was the only player on the team listed as limited in their first practice of the week on Wednesday. The Chiefs opened Moore's practice window last week to return from Injured Reserve potentially for the Super Bowl this Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, although the Chiefs listed him as doubtful last Friday. The 24-year-old is going to have to upgrade to a full practice on either Thursday or Friday to improve his already dim chances of being activated from IR and suiting up this weekend in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX. He has been on IR since October with a core-muscle injury, so even if he were to be activated, he may not even see the field at all. Moore has so far been a bust for the Chiefs since being taken in the second round in 2022, catching 43 of 74 targets for 494 yards and one touchdown in three seasons.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (triceps) said he remains on track to play on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX in what will be his final NFL game, according to FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Graham suffered a torn triceps in Week 12 against the Los Angeles Rams and had surgery in late November, but he returned to limited practices last week and was also limited on Wednesday. The 36-year-old has a couple more days to prove to the Eagles coaching staff that he deserves to be activated from Injured Reserve by Saturday to play in the Super Bowl. The former first-rounder's return would be a boost to an already strong defense, but given his extended absence, we would expect Graham to be on a limited snap count if he's active. He had a career-high 11 sacks in 2022 but has just 6.5 sacks in 28 games since.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell (concussion, knee) returned to practice on Wednesday and was limited. Gainwell suffered a concussion and knee injury in the victory over the division-rival Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship and was unable to practice at all last week. While his availability for Super Bowl LIX this Sunday in New Orleans against the Kansas City Chiefs is still up in the air, it's a good sign that Gainwell is back at practice to begin the week. The 25-year-old will likely need to upgrade to a full participant in practice by the end of the week, though, in order to be cleared by an independent neurologist to play in the Super Bowl. If Gainwell does gain clearance to play this weekend, he could have an even smaller workload behind starter Saquon Barkley and cede touches to third-stringer Will Shipley.
From RotoBaller
Despite not practicing at all last week, Philadelphia Eagles tight ends Dallas Goedert (ankle) returned to a full practice session on Wednesday. TE C.J. Uzomah (abdomen) was also a full-go. It shouldn't come as much of a surprise after the Eagles didn't list Goedert on last Friday's final injury report. They were merely giving the 30-year-old tight end some extra rest in the extra week leading up to Super Bowl LIX. Goedert will be a full-go this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs and should remain a focal point of Philly's passing attack as the team looks to prevent the Chiefs from winning their third straight Lombardi Trophy. He was also listed with an ankle injury in the week leading up to the NFC Championship against the division-rival Washington Commanders, but he played and caught seven passes for 85 yards. Goedert has been busy with 15 receptions, 188 yards and a score in three postseason games this year.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) was listed as a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. Smith picked up a hamstring injury in the NFC Championship win over the division-rival Washington Commanders and was held out of practice all of last week. However, he has now returned to the practice field and should be able to upgrade to a full session by either Thursday or Friday. Smith shouldn't be in any danger of missing Super Bowl LIX this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he'll be looking for his first touchdown of the postseason after catching four touchdown passes in his last four games of the regular season. The 26-year-old was cleared from the final injury report last Friday despite not practicing all week and will be a vital part of Philly's passing game as the Eagles look to prevent KC from becoming the first team to win three straight Super Bowl rings.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs WR Skyy Moore (abdomen) was limited during practice Wednesday, Feb. 5. QB Patrick Mahomes (ankle) and OT Jawaan Taylor (knee) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Philadelphia Eagles DT Jalen Carter (illness), RB Kenneth Gainwell (concussion, knee), DE Brandon Graham (elbow) and WR DeVonta Smith (hamstring) were limited during practice Wednesday, Feb. 5. LB Zack Baun (groin), WR Britain Covey (neck), OG Landon Dickerson (knee), TE Dallas Goedert (ankle), C Cameron Jurgens (back) and TE C.J. Uzomah (abdomen) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns impending free-agent QB Jameis Winston said he would be interested in signing with the Tennessee Titans this offseason.
From TheHuddle
Washington Commanders impending free-agent QB Marcus Mariota likely will receive interest from the Miami Dolphins during free agency, in the opinion of ESPN's Adam Schefter.
From TheHuddle
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) missed his entire rookie campaign after suffering a preseason ACL tear ahead of the 2024 campaign. The No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft was expected to be brought along slowly, but there was a chance he would see playing time in Year 1. With McCarthy sidelined, veteran Sam Darnold started 17 games and threw for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Darnold is set to become a free agent this offseason, but the team could opt to bring him back. During an appearance on the "Rich Eisen Show," McCarthy said, "All I can ask for is a fair opportunity. That's the one that I feel like everybody's given and it's fundamental. When money gets involved, things get complicated, and reps get skewed and there's different things that come into the whole 'political' world that everyone talks about." It's unclear if the 22-year-old is feeling uneasy about his future with Minnesota following Darnold's breakout season, but it would be a surprise if the Vikings pulled the plug on their latest No. 10 overall pick so early.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said the team needs a "joker" on an appearance on the "Up & Adams" show. The longtime NFL head coach explained he is referring to a tight end or running back with "exceptional" receiving skills. "They have to be elite receivers that play tight end or running back." Payton expressed confidence in his wide receiver group consisting of Courtland Sutton, Devaughn Vele, and Troy Franklin. While you should always take a head coach's statements with a grain of salt, this could suggest Denver will target a tight end or running back in the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft.
From RotoBaller
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hiring longtime college football coach Charlie Strong to serve as the defensive line coach ahead of the 2025 NFL season. Strong began his coaching career as a graduate assistant in 1983 with the University of Florida and has held several jobs for nearly a dozen college football programs. He was the head coach of Louisville while Teddy Bridgewater played quarterback for the Cardinals and spent three seasons at Texas and three seasons at South Florida as a head coach. The 64-year-old has just one season of NFL coaching experience with the Jaguars as a linebackers coach in 2021. However, Strong has a wealth of defensive knowledge and could be an impactful addition to Todd Bowles' staff.
From RotoBaller