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FFL: Week 2 | NFL: Week 2

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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Fantasy Preview: Week 2

Player Notes
Demarcus Robinson Sep 13 7:00pm ET
Demarcus Robinson

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson could be in line for more usage in Week 2 at Arizona after Puka Nacua (knee) has landed on the IR. Robinson has good size and is a good possession receiver. Matthew Stafford could look to the big target in the red zone against the Cardinals if Arizona shifts its focus to Cooper Kupp in those situations. Tyler Johnson will be Robinson's main threat for targets at the wide receiver position opposite Kupp with Nacua out. Robinson may lack the ability to break a big play like Johnson did against the Lions in Week 1 on his long catch and run in the second half. Robinson, however, may be the better bet to score a touchdown. It remains to be seen how the dynamic will play out between the two popular waiver-wire additions but both make for decent speculative plays in deep leagues.

From RotoBaller

Brayden Narveson Sep 13 7:00pm ET
Brayden Narveson

Green Bay Packers kicker Brayden Narveson was a busy kicker in Brazil against the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil, booting home three of four field goal attempts and knocking in both extra point attempts. With the Packers' offense downgraded as a whole with Jordan Love (knee) likely out and Malik Willis in as the likely starting quarterback, the kicking game could find field position in the opponent's end a bit harder to come by. That said, Narveson did look the part in several pressure kicks, so he will have to make the opportunities he does get count. As far as fantasy goes, Narveson is still very much down in the lowest tier of kickers as many have better situations and are safer options in terms of consistency and opportunity.

From RotoBaller

Colby Parkinson Sep 13 7:00pm ET
Colby Parkinson

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson saw five targets and caught four passes for 47 yards in the team's Week 1 loss at Detroit. Expect more of the same from Parkinson in Week 2 at Arizona with room for more volume and more production. Parkinson is an athletic tight end who was brought in from Seattle to fill in for Tyler Higbee (ACL) until he returns to full health. Expect Matthew Stafford to target Parkinson in the middle of the field and on short and intermediate patterns to the outside. Cooper Kupp should demand a lot of attention as moves throughout the formation so Stafford's secondary progressions could lead him to Parkinson. The reality is the tight-end landscape in fantasy is a bit bleak and Parkinson is a reliable option with some upside for big performances should he find the end zone.

From RotoBaller

Tucker Kraft Sep 13 6:50pm ET
Tucker Kraft

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft enters Week 2 with some momentum in terms of getting on the field and running routes. Kraft was expected to be the second tight end behind Luke Musgrave, who was drafted a round before him in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, Kraft ran 81% of routes per dropback and took 96% of snaps as well. Per PFF's Nathan Jahnke, Musgrave's only playing time was in 12 personnel where there were two tight ends in the formation, leaving the other snaps with one tight end to Kraft. While this didn't lead to any fantasy production in Week 1, you have to be on the field to produce to begin with. Kraft shouldn't be started in fantasy football when the Packers host the Colts in Week 2, but if starting quarterback Malik Willis uses Kraft as a safety valve option in the passing game, Kraft could find himself on the short list of fantasy options when Week 3 rolls around.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Johnson Sep 13 6:50pm ET
Tyler Johnson

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tyler Johnson has been a popular waiver-wire pickup this week after news that Puka Nacua (knee) has landed on the IR. Opportunity knocks for the former Minnesota Golden Gopher. He will compete for targets with Demarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell opposite Cooper Kupp, but Johnson flashed his big-play ability in Week 1 after Nacua exited. Quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Rams will need to establish another threat outside of Kupp and Johnson could be that guy. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneer is looking like a potential sleeper this week. Johnson probably doesn't profile as a WR3 in fantasy this week, but in deeper leagues, he could be used as a viable flex option.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Sep 13 6:40pm ET
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp is fully healthy and that meant a healthy amount of targets, catches, and fantasy points in Week 1 at the Lions. Kupp was targeted 21 times and caught 14 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown. His massive target total was aided by the fact that Puka Nacua (knee) left the game early and Nacua has been placed on IR, so that figures to continue in Week 2 at Arizona. Everyone knows Kupp is going to get looked for as Matthew Stafford's primary target, but there is often nothing the defense can do because the Rams are so creative with pre-snap motions and lineup configurations to complement Kupp's already superior route-running skills. In other words, expect another large target share against the Cardinals, which usually translates to a big fantasy day for Kupp. While healthy, Kupp is one of the top receivers in the NFL and for fantasy purposes.

From RotoBaller

Kyren Williams Sep 13 6:40pm ET
Kyren Williams

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams found the end zone in Week 1 at the Lions against Detroit's very stout run defense. The touchdown salvaged an otherwise subpar night for the talented running back. Williams rushed 18 times for 50 yards (2.8 yards per carry) and caught three passes for four yards. The Notre Dame product is a very versatile back and the good thing for his fantasy managers is he saw a massive snap share in the backfield compared to Ronnie Rivers and rookie Blake Corum. The Cardinals were gashed on the ground by the Bills in Week 1, making Williams a strong play in Week 2 in the Rams' game at Arizona. Look for Williams to find pay dirt and remain involved in the passing game as well. His upside is extremely high in this matchup and his volume makes his floor pretty high as well.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Sep 13 6:30pm ET
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) popped up on the Week 2 injury report on Friday and was listed as limited practice participant. Mid-week additions are typically never a good sign, but this doesn't necessarily mean that Brown will be forced to miss this week's Monday night contest against the visiting Atlanta Falcons. However, if the 27-year-old is deemed questionable on Saturday's final injury report, fantasy managers may have a tough decision to make in Week 2 as to whether to leave Brown in their starting lineup. We'll continue to keep a close eye on Brown's status this weekend. Brown is a must-start if he's active after catching five of his 10 targets for 119 yards and a touchdown in the season-opening win over the Green Bay Packers last Friday in Brazil. If Brown is out or limited on Monday, Jahan Dotson and rookie Johnny Wilson would both see bigger roles behind DeVonta Smith.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Sep 13 6:30pm ET
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs will enter Week 2 with a much different quarterback situation than he for sure anticipated. With Malik Willis the likely starting quarterback for Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts, the entire pass-catching group for the Packers will be downgraded in fantasy, including Doubs. Running the most routes per dropback, most snaps and targets in Week 1, Doubs' production will be at the whim of how the Packers choose to attack the Colts' defense. That will likely be a heavy dose of the running game to protect Willis, who has not shown much in the way of passing efficiency in his third season as an NFL quarterback. Doubs is a low-end FLEX option for fantasy managers, where you're hoping he can get into the end zone.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Sep 13 6:30pm ET
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was one of just two quarterbacks in the NFL to surpass 300 yards passing in Week 1. Stafford did so against the Lions, going 34-of-49 passing for 317 yards with a touchdown pass and an interception. The first thing that stands out about Stafford's Week 1 line is his 49 attempts. With Puka Nacua (knee) exiting early from that game, Stafford still threw the ball a ton and targeted Cooper Kupp a whopping 21 times. He might not be called upon to pass as much in Week 2 at Arizona, but he should be primed for another efficient afternoon. The Stafford-to-Kupp connection is firing on all cylinders and the veteran quarterback should be able to spread some production around to tight end Colby Parkinson as well as the receiving trio of Tyler Johnson, Demarcus Robinson, and Tutu Atwell. The Cardinals' defense is beatable and while the Rams could lean more on the run game, Stafford should be a borderline QB1 in an exploitable matchup.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Sep 13 6:20pm ET
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs had a solid game in Week 1, with 104 yards from scrimmage and three receptions. He'll look to build on that against the Indianapolis Colts in the Packers' home opener in Week 2. Throughout the week, Jacobs had been limited in practices with a back injury, but Friday's practice report had no designation for Jacobs. He should be good to go against a Colts' defense that was gashed repeatedly by Texans' running back Joe Mixon to the tune of 159 rushing yards and a touchdown. The Packers will need Jacobs as the team is likely to start Malik Willis in the place of Jordan Love (knee). Consider Jacobs a low-end RB1 in fantasy that should get quite a bit of volume, especially if fellow running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) cannot suit up for the team in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Sep 13 6:20pm ET
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (toe) was removed from the team's final injury report on Friday and will suit up for the Week 2 contest versus the New England Patriots. Meanwhile, tight end Pharaoh Brown (foot) has been ruled out. There wasn't much question as to whether Fant would be able to play this weekend, but he shouldn't be in many starting fantasy lineups in the second week of the 2024 season. The 26-year-old played 75 percent of the offensive snaps in the Week 1 win over his former team, the Denver Broncos, but it translated to only two catches on four targets for 11 yards receiving. Although Seattle is running a new offense this year under coordinator Ryan Grubb, not much is expected of Fant after he had career-lows in catches (32), targets (43), receiving yards (414) and touchdowns (zero) in 2023. Fant profiles as a touchdown-dependent, low-end TE2 in fantasy in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Malik Willis Sep 13 6:10pm ET
Malik Willis

Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis will be the team's starting quarterback until Jordan Love (knee) can return from an MCL sprain he suffered at the end of the game in Week 1. However, the team has left the door open a crack as Love was designated as questionable for Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. Perhaps the Packers are playing some mind games with the Colts so they have to leave some preparation for Love on the off chance he is cleared in time to start, but the likely timeline for an MCL sprain is three to six weeks. The Packers also did not put Love on Injured Reserve as well. Willis has been a subpar quarterback option during the sporadic playing time he's gotten in two seasons in Tennessee before coming over to Green Bay after the preseason, but Willis is not a recommended option in fantasy football in Week 2 against the Colts, and in superflex leagues, would only be a desperation QB2 option.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Sep 13 6:10pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said on Friday that he's not putting a timeline on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's (concussion) recovery after he suffered another scary concussion in Thursday night's loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills. McDaniel said he has "zero idea" what any timeline might be and doesn't want to put pressure on Tagovailoa. He was quickly ruled out after leaving the field with team trainers under his own power. Tagovailoa missed five games in 2022, including a playoff contest, due to two separate concussions. Given his concussion history, nobody is pushing for Tagovailoa to return to the field anytime soon. McDaniel declined to speculate if Tagovailoa, who signed a four-year, $212.4 million extension last month, might consider retirement. Unless Miami signs a QB off the street, Skylar Thompson is set to run this offense for the foreseeable future.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Sep 13 6:10pm ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (thigh) was removed from Friday's final injury report and will play in Week 2 against the New England Patriots. Lockett put in two limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday before being cleared for this weekend's contest. Lockett has been dealing with his thigh injury since the middle of last month and was even questionable for the Week 1 win over the Denver Broncos. The 31-year-old veteran ended up suiting up for that one and finished with six receptions on seven targets for 77 receiving yards despite playing the third-most offensive snaps among the receivers on the team. With Lockett moving further from his thigh injury, he could see more time on the field this weekend against an underrated Patriots defense that shut down the Bengals in Week 1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba's presence will make Lockett a boom/bust WR4/flex play most weeks in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Ridley Sep 13 6:00pm ET
Calvin Ridley

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley is up against the New York Jets in Week 2 of NFL action this Sunday. While not much went right for the Titans on offense in Week 1, Ridley led the team in targets and receiving yards, which should give fantasy managers some hope moving forward. Quarterback Will Levis will need to be better if Ridley is going to reach WR2 output, but the duo appeared to have some decent chemistry vs. Chicago. However, the Jets present a different kind of challenge. New York returns almost their entire secondary that allowed the fewest points to the WR position in 2023 and Ridley should see plenty of Sauce Gardner, who is one of the best cornerbacks in the game. The matchup definitely downgrades Ridley to a WR3 for this week, but he is still viable given his spot as the top man in the Titans passing attack.

From RotoBaller

DeAndre Hopkins Sep 13 6:00pm ET
DeAndre Hopkins

Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins faces the New York Jets and their stingy secondary in Week 2 of NFL action. The veteran receiver has been taken off the injury report completely after playing limited snaps against Chicago due to an MCL injury. That is wonderful news for both Hopkins managers and the Titans offense in general, which really struggled to move the ball downfield in Week 1. However, playing Hopkins against the Jets secondary that was #1 against opposing wideouts last year is not advisable. "Nuk" should be kept out of lineups this week.

From RotoBaller

Chigoziem Okonkwo Sep 13 6:00pm ET
Chigoziem Okonkwo

Tennessee Titans tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo will play the New York Jets this Sunday in Week 2. The third-year player started off his 2024 campaign with a bang, snagging a picturesque 17-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Will Levis against Chicago. However his only other reception in the game went for -2 yards, as the Titans passing attack was shut down for much of the contest. While he was able to get into the end zone, it's still not advisable to play Okonkwo given that he is still at very best the #3 option in a bad passing offense, and facing a more than formidable defense in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Sep 13 6:00pm ET
Aaron Rodgers

The Tennessee Titans defense takes on the New York Jets at home in Week 2. This unit was one of the biggest surprises of Week 1, holding the Bears offense and No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams to 94 passing yards and zero offensive touchdowns. The Titans still managed to lose the game due to a number of offensive and special teams blunders, but the defense looks primed for a potential breakout year in 2024. Aaron Rodgers leads a Jets offense into Nashville that looked very shaky against the 49ers last week, which could open up some more opportunities for this team to flex their muscles on that side of the ball. The Titans D/ST isn't a top option, but could produce sneaky fantasy numbers if they can bother Rodgers and star cornerback L'Jarius Snead can slow down the uber-talented receiver Garrett Wilson. Consider them a fine play for Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Nick Folk Sep 13 6:00pm ET
Nick Folk

Tennessee Titans kicker Nick Folk faces the New York Jets in a Week 2 matchup this Sunday. The veteran nailed his only field goal attempt against Chicago last week, booting in a 40-yarder early in the second quarter. Unfortunately the Titans offense could not move the ball for the entirety of the second half which didn't lead to many opportunities for Folk to put points on the board. The story may be the same this coming week with the Jets and their stout defensive unit coming to town. There are likely better kicking options currently on waivers for this week.

From RotoBaller