WR Strength of Schedule
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.
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The Paur Report
TFC Champion is Crowned
New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner is expected to reset the cornerback market as the highest-paid player because the two-time All-Pro is arguably the league's best shutdown cornerback, sources told SNY's Connor Hughes. The Jets will also likely consider an extension for wide receiver Garrett Wilson soon, but sources agreed that Gardner's new deal is far simpler. Additionally, Hughes got the sense at this year's NFL Combine in Indianapolis that the new Jets regime of general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn are much more open to the idea of extending players after three years than former GM Joe Douglas was. Sources think that any extensions that Mougey and Glenn reward players with will be fair and to market value, assuming the organization has the financial means to pull it off. Gardner, the former fourth overall pick, had a career-low 49 tackles (36 solo), one sack and an interception in 15 starts in 2024.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin is not expected to return in 2025, according to SNY's Connor Hughes. Sources say the Jets are showing interest in free-agent tight ends, with Juwan Johnson being the top target. If the Jets choose to sign a cheaper player, they could look to someone like John Bates. The 29-year-old Conklin will soon become an unrestricted free agent this offseason and will be free to sign with any NFL team, but it's unlikely the Jets will make much of an effort to retain him. The former fifth-rounder (157th overall) of the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 out of Central Michigan caught 51 of his 72 targets for 449 yards and a career-high four touchdowns in his third year with the Jets in 2024. In his three years in New York, he accumulated 170 receptions, 1,622 receiving yards and seven TDs in 50 games (43 starts). Conklin is unlikely to be much more than a backup TE wherever he lands in free agency.
From RotoBaller
SNY's Connor Hughes came away from the NFL Combine in Indianapolis without a sense that the New York Jets will be overly aggressive to trade up to first or second overall to take a quarterback. They have contacted the Tennessee Titans about the No. 1 overall pick, but those talks were described as "preliminary" and "checking in." The cost of moving up that high would be extremely high, and neither Miami's Cam Ward nor Colorado's Shedeur Sanders are slam-dunk franchise QB prospects. SNY learned that the Jets are more likely to dabble in the second-tier veteran QB market, according to sources. The Jets' plan is to pair Tyrod Taylor with another veteran QB and then draft another signal-caller on Day 2 (or trade up late in the first round). Potential veteran targets include Marcus Mariota, Justin Fields and Carson Wentz.
From RotoBaller
The New York Jets are taking calls on star wide receiver Davante Adams and are open to trading him before the start of the new league year on March 12, sources tell NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Given Adams' $38.2 million salary cap number for the 2025 season, it comes as no surprise. If the Jets can't find any takers for Adams, they are expected to release him. If the 32-year-old veteran becomes a free agent, he could follow quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is expected to be cut by the Jets soon, for the third time in their careers. The Jets acquired Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders last October and the three-time All-Pro caught 67 of 114 targets for 854 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 starts. Although the Jets were a big disappointment and missed the playoffs, Adams had his fifth straight 1,000-yard season. His 2025 fantasy value will depend on where he ends up.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Wide receiver Deebo Samuel has been traded to the Washington Commanders in exchange for a fifth-round pick. Dynasty Analysis: Samuel was destined to be on the move for some time and now it's official. The price tag for Washington is more than palatable as a fifth-round pick seems more than reasonable. He'll slot in alongside Terry McLaurin to create a solid duo for star quarterback Jayden Daniels. As for Samuel's dynasty value, that's still tough to assess. There's no doubting his talent, but he's also three years removed from that magical 2021 season where he posted over 1,400 receiving yards and 365 rushing yards (both career highs). His allure as a WR1 has long since faded, but his status as a WR2 should be safe.
The Philadelphia Eagles' interest in trading for Cleveland Browns All-Pro pass-rusher Myles Garrett is real, sources have told The Athletic's Dianna Russini. "Garrett could be this year's version of Saquon Barkley for Howie (Roseman)," one NFL general manager said. "He's an impact add and isn't a free-agent overpay. Howie's not afraid to try stuff, and it fits where they are as a team." The only way to make it work for Philadelphia would be if they were to let key members of their Super Bowl-winning group walk, including linebacker Zack Baun. In addition to Baun, edge rusher Josh Sweat, defensive tackle Milton Williams and guard Mekhi Becton headline the Eagles' free-agent class, and bringing them all back would prove difficult if they added Garrett, who could easily become the highest-paid defensive player in the league on his next contract.
Dynasty | The Rams have agreed to a restructured contract with quarterback Matthew Stafford. Dynasty Analysis: Matthew Stafford will be the starter for the Rams next season as he agreed to a restructured contract. This was always the expected outcome but Stafford was able to at least dip his toes into the market to see if there was something better out there for him. This is the first domino to fall in the a quarterback carousel that should feature Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins, Justin Fields, and Sam Darnold all possibly find new homes. Los Angeles won't be one of those. As for Stafford, he'll remain a low-end QB1 for at least next season as his career really is a year-to-year thing at this point.
Minnesota Vikings impending free-agent RB Aaron Jones is a player the Vikings are interested in re-signing this offseason.
Fantasy Spin: Jones rushed for a career-high 1,138 yards this past season and probably will receive most of the work at running back if he stays with the Vikings. He can be at least a No. 3 running back in all fantasy leagues next season.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers impending free-agent WR Chris Godwin is a player the New England Patriots are interested in this offseason but members of the organization do not believe he is leaving the Buccaneers, sources told The Boston Herald's Andrew Callahan and Doug Kyed.
Fantasy Spin: Godwin likely will receive interest from several teams if he hits the free-agent market, but the Buccaneers seem to be the leading candidate for Godwin. He will be a weekly starting option in fantasy leagues next season.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams impending free-agent WR Demarcus Robinson indicated that he wants to re-sign with the Rams this offseason.
From TheHuddle
New York Jets WR Davante Adams has been made available to teams in a trade, and Jets are receiving calls about Adams, according to sources. Adams is expected to be released if they are not able to find a trade.
Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players should monitor the situation to see if a team decides to acquire Adams or if teams will wait until he hits the free-agent market. He is still a productive receiver and will be a starter no matter where he plays. Adams likely will be a weekly starting option in fantasy leagues in 2025.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions impending free-agent CB Carlton Davis likely will receive interest from the Jacksonville Jaguars during free agency, according to ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler.
From TheHuddle
Both ESPN's Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler are expecting the Carolina Panthers to be aggressive this offseason in pursuing upgrades on the defensive side of the ball, and they will have plenty of salary cap space in which to work from. The Panthers could be in on the top free-agent safeties in Jevon Holland and Camryn Bynum, among others and also might be willing to spend big on Eagles free-agent defensive tackle Milton Williams. As they look to add edge-rushing depth, Chase Young will be one of the more intriguing options on the free-agent market. In house, Fowler writes that the Panthers want to sign star cornerback Jaycee Horn to an extension before the cornerback market blows up. Carolina could surely use the help on the defensive side of the ball, as they allowed the most points per game (31.4) and the most total yards per game (404.5) in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Both ESPN's Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler write that the Cleveland Browns continue to insist they aren't open to trading All-Pro pass-rusher Myles Garrett under any circumstances. And even if the Browns were open to trading him, they'd likely wait until after June 1, as a trade would jump Garrett's 2025 salary cap number from $19.7 million to a dead-money hit of $36.2 million. Waiting until after June 1 would allow Cleveland to spread that charge out over two seasons. It's looking like the Browns won't seriously entertain trading the 29-year-old until they're convinced he'd be willing to miss regular-season games in 2025. Fowler writes that he thinks the Browns are very dug in and willing to wait Garrett out. If the Browns get serious about trading him, the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles are expected to be two of the most aggressive suitors.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals impending free-agent TE Mike Gesicki is a priority for the Bengals to re-sign this offseason, according to director of player personnel Duke Tobin.
Fantasy Spin: Gesicki posted 665 receiving yards and two touchdowns this season and was targeted at least five times in eight games this past season. He will be part of one of the better offenses in the NFL if he stays with the Bengals and could be a low-end No. 1 tight end in some leagues.
From TheHuddle
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From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott (hamstring) does not want to put a timetable on his return from his hamstring injury but indicated that he will be ready for the 2025 season.
Fantasy Spin: Prescott does not need to do much during offseason workouts and should have plenty of time to be ready for training camp. He is one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL when healthy and probably will be a No. 1 fantasy quarterback in most leagues.
From TheHuddle
Dallas Cowboys impending free-agent DE DeMarcus Lawrence said he would like to re-sign with the Cowboys this offseason but the decision is up to the team.
From TheHuddle
The sense that ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has gotten is that quarterback Justin Fields has an edge over veteran Russell Wilson in the Pittsburgh Steelers' free-agent QB pecking order this offseason. Fowler goes on to write that there is sentiment for Fields in the building, and both sides would be open to a return. However, the team isn't ruling out Wilson, and they still have another week before deciding how to move forward in free agency. Even if the Steelers don't bring Fields back, he'll have options on the open market. The New York Jets are expected to gauge his market, and he could also be a nice fit for the Las Vegas Raiders. Although Wilson gave the Steelers more offensive upside when he took over under center in 2024, Fields is a more dynamic athlete at this point and is younger. The 25-year-old went 4-2 with 1,106 passing yards, five TDs and a pick in his six starts while also running for 289 yards and five TDs.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings impending free-agent quarterback Daniel Jones (knee) is expected to be on the Cleveland Browns' radar this offseason, according to people that ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has talked to. Because the Browns still owe injured quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) $92 million over the next two years, they will understandably consider cost when it comes to the QB market. They are also fully expected to stay in the No. 2 spot in the upcoming NFL draft and take a signal-caller. Cleveland could also be interested in Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins if he becomes available, but the Falcons might not just outright cut him. Fowler also mentions Carson Wentz as a possible target for the Browns. Jones, 27, completed 63.3% of his passes for 2,070 yards, eight TDs and seven interceptions in 10 games before being released by the Giants in 2024. He then latched on with the Vikings but didn't see any action. With Sam Darnold likely to walk in free agency, don't rule out the Vikings re-signing Jones as insurance for former first-rounder J.J. McCarthy (knee).
From RotoBaller
