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FFL: Playoff Week 3 | NFL: Week 17

WR Strength of Schedule

Fri May 31 10:52am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Lamb could top last season


Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the receiver position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to receivers last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the receivers with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the receivers that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.

  WR SOS  
1. Denver Broncos 531.34
2. Los Angeles Chargers 536.08
3. Miami Dolphins 537.31
4. Kansas City Chiefs 549.96
5. Las Vegas Raiders 552.89
6. Pittsburgh Steelers 554.85
7. New England Patriots 555.93
8. Buffalo Bills 556.13
9. Houston Texans 561.75
10. San Francisco 49ers 565.73
11. New Orleans Saints 566.06
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 566.19
13. Cincinnati Bengals 566.32
14. Jacksonville Jaguars 570.07
15. Baltimore Ravens 571.77
16. Seattle Seahawks 573.41
17. Minnesota Vikings 573.91
18. Philadelphia Eagles 574.46
19. Carolina Panthers 575.49
20. Los Angeles Rams 575.79
21. Washington Commanders 575.91
22. Detroit Lions 576.36
23. Atlanta Falcons 577.76
24. New York Jets 577.99
25. Tennessee Titans 578.06
26. Indianapolis Colts 578.18
27. Cleveland Browns 583.5
28. Arizona Cardinals 586.09
29. New York Giants 586.93
30. Chicago Bears 601.21
31. Dallas Cowboys 608.4
32. Green Bay Packers 610.22

 

The Packers have the easiest fantasy schedule for receivers. Jayden Reed and Christian Watson could be setup for career best seasons with this schedule. These are guys you can get a little later come draft day and mid-round options that could be difference makers for fantasy owners.

CeeDee Lamb is considered the No. 1 overall fantasy receiver for many and his schedule helps make that claim even stronger. Lamb has the second most favorable schedule for receivers. Lamb was huge last year and could improve on that even more, especially since the Cowboys could struggle to run the ball with their current options.

The Bears, Giants and Cardinals also round out the top-five most favorable receiver schedules. Chicago has a great trio of receivers with D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen and rookie Rome Odunze.  These guys could produce big as long as rookie Caleb Williams gets the job done at quarterback in year one. Moore has more to compete with for targets this year, but you still have to like his chances for a big season in year two with the Bears.

The Giants and Cardinals both have some question marks at receiver, but a couple rookies lead the way for both teams. Malik Nabers and Marvin Harrison could have big rookie seasons with their new teams. These guys both have a chance to lead all rookie fantasy receivers in scoring.

On the opposite side of things, the Broncos have the most challenging schedule for receivers. The Broncos have all sorts of questions at receiver outside of Courtland Sutton. This is a unit of receivers you just might want to avoid come draft day. This schedule won’t make anything easier for this group.

The Chargers are a similar team to the Broncos, having openings and questions at receiver. So once again, it might be best to let someone else put Chargers receivers on their roster. Plus, the Chargers could be a lot more run heavy with a new coach running the show. The tough schedule and new offense make taking any Chargers receiver a bit of a risk.

There are two really good offenses on the list that have tough schedules for receivers. Both the Dolphins and Chiefs have a top-five least favorable schedule for receivers. The Dolphins have one of the best receiver duos in football, so it is tough to fade them because of this schedule. Both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle should be able to produce big numbers once again in this offense.

The Chiefs are a little more concerning. This offense is a little matchup proof, but don’t have that elite receiver on their roster. Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown lead the way. Brown hasn’t been great in recent seasons and Rice is facing a suspension. These guys will carry some risk come draft day, especially after seeing this schedule.

Davante Adams is usually another star receiver that is matchup proof, but you have to wonder a little this year. He has some question marks at quarterback, which could hurt his production when you pair it with this schedule. Adams is dealing with the fifth toughest fantasy schedule for receivers.

We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy receivers. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the receivers with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.

  WR PLAYOFF SOS  
1. Los Angeles Rams 501.93
2. Jacksonville Jaguars 515.53
3. Kansas City Chiefs 519.43
4. New York Giants 521.63
5. Miami Dolphins 532.77
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 534.53
7. Houston Texans 538
8. Buffalo Bills 540.87
9. Las Vegas Raiders 541.9
10. Carolina Panthers 549.33
11. Cincinnati Bengals 552.17
12. Detroit Lions 553.73
13. Arizona Cardinals 555.27
14. Cleveland Browns 555.4
15. Minnesota Vikings 560.93
16. New England Patriots 573.03
17. Los Angeles Chargers 573.1
18. Tennessee Titans 575.17
19. Baltimore Ravens 581.27
20. Seattle Seahawks 585.08
21. New York Jets 585.5
22. Denver Broncos 587.2
23. Pittsburgh Steelers 587.8
24. Philadelphia Eagles 589.73
25. Green Bay Packers 590.85
26. Washington Commanders 591.57
27. New Orleans Saints 604.13
28. Dallas Cowboys 609.73
29. Indianapolis Colts 614
30. San Francisco 49ers 641.53
31. Atlanta Falcons 644.93
32. Chicago Bears 647.98

 

The Bears and Cowboys are the teams that make both the top five easiest receiver schedules for both the regular season and playoffs. Chicago has the easiest for the entire playoffs. Once again, their top trio of receivers are looking pretty good come draft day.

Lamb continues to make his case to be the first receiver selected come draft day. He could have a monster season and finish strong as well with the fifth easiest schedule for the playoffs. Lamb might be the most surefire first-round pick come draft day.

The Falcons, 49ers and Colts also have a top-five favorable playoff schedule for receivers. Atlanta receivers were looking up to begin with, getting a legit quarterback throwing them passes this year. And this schedule makes their options look even better, especially Drake London. He could have a breakout season.

San Francisco has great options at receiver in Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. They are pretty safe picks come draft day. And they get a very favorable playoff schedule that could make them even more appealing to fantasy owners. These guys both have really solid floors come draft day in this offense.

Michael Pittman keeps getting it done as the No. 1 option for the Colts. If Anthony Richardson can become that true No. 1 at quarterback for Indy, Pittman would look even better. Pittman has produced in recent year despite having some quarterback issues. His game could go to a higher level this year if Richardson breaks out. Pittman could be a league winner if everything breaks his way in 2024.

The Chiefs and Dolphins are two of the best offenses in football but also the only two teams to make the top five most unfavorable receiver schedules for both the regular season and playoffs. This is a tad concerning for both teams, Again, it is tough to bet against Hill, but maybe you drop him down your rankings just few spots behind the other elite guys because of this. You hate to use an early round pick on a receiver to see him maybe not produce what he should come playoff time.

And as mentioned with the Chiefs, their top two receivers already face a few question marks, so maybe their tough schedules make them players to let someone else draft. Both Brown and Rice could be a little erratic.

The Rams actually have the toughest playoff schedule for receivers. They are another team with two of the best receivers in football. It is tough to bet against either Puka Nacua or Cooper Kupp, but the playoff schedule is a little scary, especially for Kupp. He seems to be trending down at this stage of his career.

The Jaguars and Giants are the two other teams with a top-five unfavorable fantasy schedule for the playoffs. The Jags have Christian Kirk and Gabriel Davis as their top two receivers. Kirk is normally pretty steady but Davis can be boom or bust. Seeing his playoff schedule should bump him down a few spots in your rankings. It could be more of the same for Davis with his new team.

And the Giants are an outlier here, having an easy schedule for receivers during the regular season but the fourth toughest for the playoffs. This makes it tough come draft day. Their receivers could be good values for the regular season but disappoint when it counts. You do have to just make the playoffs, though, so we aren’t sure we shy away from Giant receivers just because of their tough playoff schedule. You still might be able to get good value with their options that help you win during the season.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 17

Player Notes
Grant Calcaterra Dec 29 9:40pm ET
Grant Calcaterra

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Grant Calcaterra recorded one reception on two targets for 34 yards in the team's dominant 41-7 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Calcaterra flashed his ability with a big gain, but his opportunities remain limited in an offense heavily focused on wide receivers DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown. With the receivers commanding the majority of targets, Calcaterra remains a lower option in the passing game and a tough sell as a consistent fantasy contributor. The Eagles wrap up their regular season in Week 18 against the New York Giants, and Calcaterra's role is unlikely to expand significantly.

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Jerome Ford Dec 29 9:40pm ET
Jerome Ford

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford carried the ball six times for 22 yards and was not targeted in the passing game in a 20-3 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 17. Ford injured his ankle during the second quarter of the contest but was cleared to return to action in the third quarter. That being said, he did not record a touch in the second half as the Browns stuck with D'Onta Foreman and Pierre Strong Jr. in their backfield. Ford's status for Week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens is in question and it will be worth monitoring his participation in practice throughout the upcoming week.

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D'Onta Foreman Dec 29 9:40pm ET
D'Onta Foreman

Cleveland Browns running back D'Onta Foreman carried the ball 13 times for 49 yards but failed to corral either of his two targets in a 20-3 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 17. Foreman was pressed into service with Jerome Ford injuring his ankle during the second quarter. While Ford was ultimately cleared to return to the game after halftime, he did not record a touch as the Browns stuck with Foreman as their lead running back for the remainder of the contest. Foreman would theoretically be in line to lead the backfield in Week 18's season finale against the Baltimore Ravens if Ford's ankle keeps him out of action. Stay tuned.

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Jake Elliott Dec 29 9:40pm ET
Jake Elliott

Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott capitalized on the team's offensive dominance in their 41-7 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, hitting both his field goal attempts and all five extra points. Elliott's consistency continues to pay off for fantasy managers, as he delivered his seventh double-digit performance of the season and his third in a row. Philadelphia's high-powered offense has consistently provided him with ample scoring opportunities, keeping him in the conversation as one of the most reliable kickers in fantasy football. Elliott will look to carry this momentum into the Eagles' Week 18 matchup against the New York Giants.

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Jerry Jeudy Dec 29 9:40pm ET
Jerry Jeudy

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy caught 12 of his 18 targets for 94 yards in a 20-3 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 17. Jeudy bounced back from a slow two-catch, 20-yard performance in Week 16 to lead the Browns in all receiving categories in the home loss to Miami, although it is worth mentioning that he did so with David Njoku (knee) inactive. Njoku has been Dorian Thompson-Robinson's favorite target in the games the two have played together. Jeudy has enjoyed a career year in his first season with the Browns, setting career bests in catches and receiving yards, and will look to put the finishing touches on it in Week 18's season finale against the Baltimore Ravens.

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Aaron Jones Dec 29 9:40pm ET
Aaron Jones

Per head coach Kevin O'Connell, Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (quad) suffered a quad contusion in Sunday's 27-25 win over the Green Bay Packers. The 30-year-old was apparently stepped on, forcing him to miss a stretch before halftime. He'd return to the game in the third quarter but sat out again in the fourth with the outing seemingly safely at hand. That he could return initially is excellent news for him, though it's worth mentioning that he remained on the sidelines even when the Packers brought the game within one score late. With a crucial matchup on deck with their division-rival Detroit Lions in Week 18, the Vikes will need all the help they can get as they attempt to clinch the division and secure the conference's top seed. Keep an eye on Jones' practice status this week ahead of the season's final slate of action.

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Tyler Huntley Dec 29 9:30pm ET
Tyler Huntley

The New York Jets defense struggled in a 40-14 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 17. New York allowed the Bills to rack up 348 yards of total offense including a 21-point third quarter in the blowout loss. The Jets failed to record any sacks or force any turnovers as they offered little resistance to their division foes. New York has a shot at bouncing back in Week 18 against a Tyler Huntley-led Miami Dolphins offense.

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Saquon Barkley Dec 29 9:30pm ET
Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley dominated in the team's 41-7 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, carrying the ball 31 times for an incredible 167 yards. He also added two receptions for two yards. Despite not finding the end zone, Barkley's performance was enough to place him in the Top-5 fantasy running backs of Week 17 heading into Sunday night. Barkley etched his name into the history books during this game, becoming only the ninth player in NFL history to surpass 2,000 rushing yards in a single season. He now sits just 101 yards shy of breaking Eric Dickerson's all-time single-season rushing record. This game was also Barkley's 11th 100-yard rushing performance. The Eagles will rely on Barkley's brilliance again in Week 18 when they host the New York Giants, with a chance to make history on the line.

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Devin Singletary Dec 29 9:30pm ET
Devin Singletary

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary rushed for 21 yards on five carries during Sunday's Week 17 win over the Indianapolis Colts. He also converted his lone target into a nine-yard reception. Singletary was more efficient than teammate Tyrone Tracy Jr., but he had 15 fewer touches and played just 26.8 percent of offensive snaps compared to Tracy's 66.1 percent. Singletary remains the No. 2 option out of the backfield in New York, so he'll remain off the fantasy radar as long as Tracy stays healthy heading into Week 18 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

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A.J. Brown Dec 29 9:30pm ET
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown had a modest showing in the team's 41-7 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Brown caught three passes for 36 yards but salvaged his fantasy output with a touchdown, marking his third consecutive game finding the end zone. This week, Brown took a backseat to fellow wideout DeVonta Smith, who led the Eagles in targets, receptions, yards, and touchdowns. While Brown's yardage total was underwhelming, his consistent presence in the red zone has been a bright spot for fantasy managers. The Eagles will look to close the regular season strong in Week 18 when they host the New York Giants.

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Tua Tagovailoa Dec 29 9:30pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

According to Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, surgery is "not currently on the table" regarding quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's (hip) hip injury. The 26-year-old picked up the ailment in their loss to the Texans two weeks ago and was able to play through it in Week 16. However, that was not the case Sunday after a week of limited sessions. It's reportedly the same hip that required surgery during his collegiate days at Alabama but in a different "spot." Per Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN, McDaniel was noncommittal on whether Tagovailoa would play in Week 18's divisional clash against the New York Jets. If the former first-round pick can't suit up for the contest, teammate Tyler Huntley figures to again get a go at manning the helm. With Miami still fighting for a playoff spot, expect an update on him shortly.

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Dorian Thompson-Robinson Dec 29 9:30pm ET
Dorian Thompson-Robinson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson completed 24 of his 47 passes for 170 yards and one interception while adding 10 yards on four carries and losing a fumble in a 20-3 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 17. Thompson-Robinson struggled to move the ball on a rainy, windy afternoon in Cleveland as he has failed to throw a touchdown pass in either of his two starts this season. The Dolphins defense didn't help matters as they sacked him once and forced three intentional grounding penalties in the contest. Head coach Kevin Stefanski was non-committal about who would be his quarterback in the regular-season finale against the Baltimore Ravens next week, although it would be a mild surprise if the team goes away from DTR as they are attempting to tank for the best possible draft pick this offseason.

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Josh Downs Dec 29 9:30pm ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs was limited to just three catches on four targets for 22 yards and no scores in Sunday's 45-33 loss to the Giants. After showing a rapport earlier in the season with Joe Flacco under center, the veteran looked at both Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce more often with a combined 15 targets between them. Seemingly the No. 1 option around midseason, the 23-year-old has fallen out of favor regardless of who has been at QB, now with four straight contests with exactly three catches for a total of 142 yards and one touchdown over that stretch. The Colts, although eliminated from playoff contention, will get a favorable matchup in the final week of the season in a home contest against the Jaguars and Downs will look to finish the season on a high note.

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Chigoziem Okonkwo Dec 29 9:20pm ET
Chigoziem Okonkwo

Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo caught five receptions for 42 yards in Sunday's 20-13 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, also carrying the ball once for 17 yards on the ground. With seven targets, it was Okonkwo's third straight game leading his team in looks through the air; the rapport with quarterback Mason Rudolph seems as though it's here to stay. While not an especially dazzling performance against a poor Jags defense, it was a solid day for a fantasy tight end, especially on nobody's radar just a month ago. Heading into the final game of the season, Okonkwo has proven to be his QB's favorite option and is faced with a Texans defense allowing the 13th-most fantasy points to tight ends this year.

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Nick Westbrook-Ikhine Dec 29 9:20pm ET
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine managed three catches for 37 yards in a 20-13 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. On the bright side, Westbrook-Ikhine was thrown to six times-;good enough to be tied for second-most on his team and his personal best since Week 13. While it was one of his best performances over the last month, it wasn't much to write home about as the Titans wideout's struggles continue. His consistently disappointing showings lately have diminished his fantasy value harshly, and heading into the season finale against Houston, Westbrook-Ikhine will struggle to find his way into managers' lineups.

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Tyler Conklin Dec 29 9:20pm ET
Tyler Conklin

New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin caught all eight of his targets for 57 yards and a touchdown while catching a two-point conversion in a 40-14 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 17. Conklin finished second on the team in receiving while hauling in a 20-yard touchdown pass from Tyrod Taylor in the fourth quarter, his third touchdown catch of the season. The veteran tight end has come on strong over the past two games, having caught 13 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown over that span. He will cap off his 2024 season against the Miami Dolphins in Week 18.

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Raheem Blackshear Dec 29 9:20pm ET
Raheem Blackshear

Carolina Panthers running back Raheem Blackshear rushed for 20 yards on eight carries during Sunday's Week 17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was not targeted in the passing game. Blackshear earned his first start of the season after Chuba Hubbard (calf, knee) was placed on injured reserve Saturday morning. While Blackshear did lead the Panthers in carries and rushing yards, his inefficiency and lack of productivity certainly proved unfortunate for any fantasy managers streaming him in Week 17. Even with a slightly more favorable matchup against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 18, Blackshear will remain off the fantasy radar going forward. The same goes for his fellow running back, Mike Boone, who had just 11 rushing yards on two carries.

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Kenny Pickett Dec 29 9:20pm ET
Kenny Pickett

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett completed 10 of 15 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown in the team's dominant 41-7 win over the Dallas Cowboys. He added three rushing attempts for three yards and a rushing touchdown before exiting the game in the third quarter with a rib injury. Pickett's fantasy output was decent thanks to Dallas providing open gaps throughout the game; however, he finished near the bottom of quarterbacks this week. After his exit, backup Tanner McKee threw two touchdown passes to seal the victory. Heading into Week 18 against the New York Giants, the Eagles will hope Jalen Hurts clears concussion protocol and returns under center to lead the team into the postseason.

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Greg Zuerlein Dec 29 9:20pm ET
Greg Zuerlein

New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein did not attempt any field goals or extra points in a 40-14 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 17. Zuerlein, who was activated from injured reserve earlier in the week after missing some time with a knee injury, stood by as the Jets attempted two-point conversions following their two touchdowns in the blowout loss. He will look for more work in the regular-season finale against the Miami Dolphins in Week 18.

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Mike Boone Dec 29 9:20pm ET
Mike Boone

Carolina Panthers running back Mike Boone rushed for 11 yards on two carries during Sunday's Week 17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was also targeted twice in the passing game but was not able to catch a pass. Boone was promoted to the No. 2 running back role after Carolina placed Chuba Hubbard (calf, knee) on injured reserve, but it didn't have much bearing on the 29-year-old's fantasy football contributions. He operated behind Raheem Blackshear, who was also relatively unproductive with just eight carries and 20 rushing yards. It's possible that Blackshear and Boone earn increased carries against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 18, but it's too risky to trust either player in fantasy football going forward.

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