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FFL: Offseason | NFL: Week 18

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
Ameer Abdullah Jan 2 6:20pm ET
Ameer Abdullah

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (foot) was unable to join the team at practice for the second straight day this week. Abdullah put up a career-high 115 rushing yards in last week's win over the New Orleans Saints but apparently picked up a foot injury in the process that now has him questionable to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. The 31-year-old RB will probably need to practice in some capacity on Friday to avoid being ruled out entirely. The former second-round selection has seen more involvement in the Raiders backfield in the back half of the season due to injuries to Alexander Mattison and Zamir White and has averaged 4.7 yards per carry, but it has amounted to only 311 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Abdullah has mainly been a deep-league flex option in PPR leagues. If Abdullah cannot play against LA, look for rookie Dylan Laube to back up Mattison on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Jan 2 6:10pm ET
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (elbow) missed a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday after suffering a right-elbow injury at the end of the Sunday night loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 17. Although Purdy's injury is considered minor and he hasn't officially been ruled out yet, the Niners have already announced that backup Joshua Dobbs will get the start in a meaningless Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Expect the 25-year-old Purdy to be officially ruled out on Friday's final Week 18 injury report. If the former seventh-rounder has played his last game of the 2024 season, he'll finish with a career-low 65.9% completion percentage with 3,864 yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 15 starts. It was a step back from his breakout in 2023, but Purdy was also missing key weapons on offense for most of the year due to injury.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Jan 2 6:10pm ET
Deebo Samuel

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (ribs, wrist) picked up his second straight DNP this week after not practicing with the team on Thursday. Samuel is dealing with multiple injuries following Sunday night's loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 17 and is now firmly up in the air to play this Sunday against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals in the Week 18 regular-season finale with nothing on the line for either team. Backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs has already been named the starter with Brock Purdy (elbow) likely to be shut down, so Samuel's already shaky fantasy value will take another hit if he actually suits up this weekend. The 28-year-old has scored in back-to-back weeks, but on Sunday night he only caught one pass for five yards and had three carries for 16 yards. Samuel will be a touchdown-dependent WR3/flex if he faces Arizona in the regular-season finale.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Jan 2 6:00pm ET
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (hand) missed his second straight practice of the week on Thursday as he continues to rehab from a broken left (non-throwing) hand that he suffered in the Week 14 win over the New York Giants. Carr has held out hope all along that he'd be able to return before the end of the regular season, but it's looking increasingly likely that he'll miss his fourth straight game in Sunday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 33-year-old veteran signal-caller has dealt with more injuries in 2024 and is going to finish with only 2,145 passing yards, a career-low 15 touchdowns and five interceptions in 10 starts in his second year in New Orleans. With Carr most likely being ruled out on Friday, rookie Spencer Rattler will close out the year as the Saints' starter under center.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Jan 2 5:40pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) was upgraded to a full practice session on Thursday after he was listed as limited on Wednesday. Hill has been managing a wrist injury pretty much all year, but it hasn't sidelined him for a single game. He should put in another full practice on Friday before being cleared from the final Week 18 injury report. Fantasy managers should consider Hill a must-start WR1 this week with many other starting wideouts around the league set to be rested in the regular-season finale. Miami still has a shot at a playoff berth with a win over the division-rival New York Jets and a Denver Broncos loss, so they will be playing all their healthy starters. With quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) out in last week's win over the Browns, Hill caught all nine of his targets from Tyler Huntley and went for 105 yards -- just his third 100-yard game of the year.

From RotoBaller

Kendre Miller Jan 2 5:40pm ET
Kendre Miller

New Orleans Saints running backs Alvin Kamara (groin) and Kendre Miller (concussion) both missed practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week. Kamara suffered an adductor injury in the Week 15 loss to the Washington Commanders and hasn't practiced or played since. The 29-year-old continues to say he wants to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but that's looking more and more unlikely by the day. Miller, meanwhile, suffered a concussion in last week's loss to the Las Vegas Raiders and is also trending toward sitting out the final game of the season. If both Kamara and Miller are ruled out for Week 18 on Friday's final injury report, look for the Saints to mostly lean on Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the backfield, with Jamaal Williams and Jordan Mims serving in backup roles.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Jan 2 5:30pm ET
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (shin, shoulder) was listed as a limited participant in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Irving continues to be listed on the team's injury report with various ailments, but he should be able to suit up in a must-win game in Week 18 versus the division-rival New Orleans Saints on Sunday. In his first 16 NFL games, Irving has really been impressive, especially when considering he's shared backfield touches with both Rachaad White and Sean Tucker. The 22-year-old leads the team in carries (188), rushing yards (1,033) and touchdowns (seven) while averaging 5.5 yards per carry. Irving has been the most productive Tampa RB in 2024 and will be a must-start RB1 for any fantasy managers still playing for a championship. Against the Saints on Oct. 13, Irving had 14 carries for 81 yards and a touchdown.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Jan 2 5:30pm ET
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receivers A.J. Brown (knee) and DeVonta Smith (wrist) were both held out of practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week. Both Brown and Smith have played through their respective injuries of late and are just getting additional maintenance heading into a meaningless Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants. The Eagles are already locked into the NFC's No. 2 seed, so they have nothing to gain by playing their starters this weekend. As such, head coach Nick Sirianni has already confirmed the team plans to rest starts against the Giants. Brown and Smith will most likely be rested as well, meaning fantasy managers in DFS should avoid them on Sunday. Philly's offense could be led by third-string QB Tanner McKee, so avoiding the Eagles entirely in Week 18 is probably the best play.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Jan 2 5:20pm ET
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (quadriceps) was listed as limited again in the team's second practice of the week on Thursday. Jones suffered an apparent quadriceps contusion in the second half of their Week 17 win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers and never returned to the contest. However, the 30-year-old veteran's injury isn't considered serious, and he has a shot to play in the Week 18 divisional showdown on Sunday against the Detroit Lions that will decide not only the NFC North champions, but the No. 1 overall seed in the conference for the postseason. Jones could get a questionable tag going into Sunday night's game if he's limited again on Friday, but we're expecting him to suit up and play his usual number of snaps as Minnesota's starter. At worst, Jones will be a low-end RB1 in fantasy. He had 14 carries for 93 yards and a TD in the first meeting against Detroit.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Jan 2 5:20pm ET
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (knee) picked up a second straight limited tag in practice this week on Thursday. Waddle hasn't played in the last two games due to his knee injury, although he has been moving around well at practice this week as the team prepares for another must-win game in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday in New York against the division-rival Jets. However, the 26-year-old will probably need to put in a full practice session on Friday to be fully cleared to return this weekend. With Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) in danger of missing his second straight game, Waddle is shaping up as a pretty shaky fantasy option if he's active in Week 18. Backup QB Tyler Huntley peppered Tyreek Hill with targets with Waddle out last week and could do so again if Tagovailoa is ruled out.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Hurts Jan 2 5:10pm ET
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (concussion) was not seen at practice again on Thursday. Hurts suffered a concussion in the Week 16 loss to the division-rival Washington Commanders and was inactive for Sunday's beatdown of the division-rival Dallas Cowboys in Week 17. With Hurts still in the league's concussion protocol and with the Eagles locked into the No. 2 seed in the NFC for the postseason, he is not going to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants. Backup Kenny Pickett also has broken ribs and hasn't practiced this week, so things are lining up for Tanner McKee to make his first career start against the G-Men. Philly's top priority will be to get Hurts cleared for the wild-card round of the playoffs next week. Although McKee threw two TDs in relief of Pickett last week, he'll be a desperation, low-end QB2 if he starts.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Jan 2 5:00pm ET
Chris Olave

According to the team, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) practiced in full again on Thursday. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status during Friday's practice as he may not only be nearing a return but could avoid an injury designation as well. The star wideout has been sidelined since suffering his second concussion of the season during Week 9. Olave has begun to practice the past few weeks but has yet to officially clear the league's protocol. During his limited action this season, the Ohio State product has still been productive, as he has surpassed 80.0 receiving yards in four of the six full games he participated in. Even playing in a struggling offense, Olave would remain a solid WR2 in all formats operating as the clear WR1 in Week 18 facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

From RotoBaller

Cade Otton Jan 2 4:50pm ET
Cade Otton

According to the team, Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (knee) upgraded to limited participation during Thursday's practice. This is a great sign for Otton as he sat out during Wednesday's practice and has not seen game action since Week 15. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status on Friday as he could carry an injury designation into the weekend. After seeing an impressive 9.8 targets per game during Weeks 7 through 10, Otton has taken a step back over his previous four contests, as he has seen an underwhelming 4.3 targets per game. If Otton can turn the corner in time for Sunday's tilt against the New Orleans Saints, he should be viewed as a low-end TE1 in PPR formats. If he cannot play, then Payne Durham will likely slot in at the top of the depth chart.

From RotoBaller

Justice Hill Jan 2 4:40pm ET
Justice Hill

According to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (concussion/illness) has been ruled out for Saturday's contest against the Cleveland Browns. Hill will now miss his second-straight contest. During the week he was unable to take the practice field and will set his sights on returning in the opening round of the postseason. As a result, Keaton Mitchell and Rasheen Ali will operate as the backup options behind workhorse Derrick Henry. Throughout the season, Hill has seen most of his work on passing downs. He has seen at least three targets in seven games and even saw five or more in five of them. Fantasy managers should not view Ali or Mitchell has viable options in this game as Henry should see the vast majority of attempts.

From RotoBaller

Drake London Jan 2 4:30pm ET
Drake London

According to the team, Atlanta Falcons wide receivers Drake London (knee) and Darnell Mooney (shoulder) were both added to the injury report following Thursday's practice. Both wideouts practiced on Thursday in a limited capacity. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status on Friday. If they cannot return to full participation, they could carry a questionable tag into Sunday's regular season finale against the Carolina Panthers. Last weekend, London was Michael Penix Jr.'s go-to target in the passing game as he saw an impressive 13 targets during their loss to the Washington Commanders. In this game, Mooney saw five targets but was only able to bring in two of them. If either wide receiver were to miss Sunday's game, Ray-Ray McCloud would see an increase in opportunities.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Jan 2 4:20pm ET
Ladd McConkey

According to Daniel Popper of The Athletic, Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey (toe) returned to practice on Thursday. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on the official injury report later on Thursday to see his status. Nonetheless, it is a positive sign to see him back on the field after sitting out during Wednesday's initial session. Last weekend, the 23-year-old brought in eight of his ten targets for two touchdowns. Over his past six contests, McConkey has seen an average of 8.3 targets per game and has tallied 93.7 yards per game with three scores. If McConkey is able to suit up on Sunday to face the Las Vegas Raiders, he should be viewed as a solid WR2 in PPR formats. If not, then Quentin Johnson should see a significant increase in targets operating as the No.1 wide receiver.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Jan 2 4:10pm ET
Josh Jacobs

According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN, Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (wrist) remained a limited participant on Thursday. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during Friday's practice as he may carry as questionable tag into Sunday's regular season finale. Over his past seven games, Jacobs has found the back of the end zone at least once in each contest and tallied 11 total scores over this stretch. During this span, he has seen 19.6 attempts per game and tallied over 100.0 all-purpose yards per game. If Jacobs were to miss Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears or be limited in any capacity, Emmanuel Wilson would either get the starting nod or see a significant increase in opportunities.

From RotoBaller

Hunter Henry Jan 2 4:00pm ET
Hunter Henry

According to the team, New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (foot) remained a limited participant during Thursday's practice. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status during Friday's practice as he could carry a questionable tag if he cannot upgrade to full participation. Last weekend, the veteran tight end had a disappointing showing as he could not bring in any of his two targets. This was the first time all season he was held without a reception. However, during Weeks 11 through 16, Henry caught 5.2 passes per game while tallying 49.2 yards per game. If Henry can turn the corner in time for Sunday's game, he should be viewed as a low-end TE1 in PPR formats facing a Buffalo Bills defense that has allowed the 16th-most PPR points to opposing tight ends.

From RotoBaller

Curtis Samuel Jan 2 3:50pm ET
Curtis Samuel

According to the team, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel (rib) practiced in a limited capacity again on Thursday. Samuel will likely need to upgrade to full participation on Friday to avoid an injury designation before the final game of the regular season. Samuel has missed the past two games due to this rib injury and could be in danger of missing his third if he has another limited practice session on Friday. The journeyman has had a disappointing debut in Buffalo. Samuel has only managed to catch 24 passes across 13 games and has only amassed 201 yards with one score. Over his past two games he has seen just five total targets. If Samuel misses his third-straight contest, Mack Hollins should continue to see a solid workload.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Jan 2 3:40pm ET
Malik Nabers

According to Dan Salomone of Giants.com, New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (toe) logged a limited practice on Thursday. This is worth noting as Nabers was not on the injury report following Wednesday's initial practice session. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Nabers' status on Friday in case he faces another setback. The standout rookie carried a questionable tag into last weekend's game but was able to suit up. In this game, the LSU product set a season-high 171 yards with two touchdowns. Over his past six games, Nabers has seen at least eight targets in each contest and has even seen double-digit targets in four of them. If Nabers were to face a setback and be unable to play on Sunday, Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton would see an increase in targets against the Philadelphia Eagles.

From RotoBaller