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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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Player Notes
Jalen Ramsey Sep 10 7:00pm ET
Jalen Ramsey

Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (hamstring) was limited in practice on Tuesday. Ramsey has been battling the injury since before Week 1 but was able to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Ramsey is one of the defensive pillars for the Dolphins. His absence would significantly affect their ability to cover the Buffalo Bills' wide receivers this coming Thursday. However, given that he was able to play this past week, his limitations in practice are likely precautionary.

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Josh Allen Sep 10 7:00pm ET
Josh Allen

Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) was limited in practice on Tuesday. Phillips tore his Achilles during the 2023 season. The Dolphins have been managing his reps early in the season as a result. Phillips is a game-breaking pass rusher. He recorded one sack in Week 1 during the Dolphins' win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Dolphins will need more excellent play out of Phillips in Week 2 if they have any hope of slowing down Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.

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Greg Joseph Sep 10 6:50pm ET
Greg Joseph

The Detroit Lions signed kicker Greg Joseph to the practice squad on Tuesday. Joseph spent the offseason with the Green Bay Packers but was cut at the conclusion of the preseason. The Lions have second-year player Jake Bates on their roster as the current starter. He connected with all four of his kicks on Sunday night against the Rams. The addition of Joseph to the practice squad may have simply been a depth move by the Lions.

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Josh Allen Sep 10 6:40pm ET
Josh Allen

In case fantasy managers were at all concerned, quarterback Josh Allen (left hand) was a full participant in Tuesday's walk-through. Head coach Sean McDermott had previously confirmed that Allen was cleared to practice and ultimately play in Thursday's upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins. Allen is an iron man and is no stranger to playing through injury. The good news is that his injury occurred to his non-throwing hand. While it may affect ball security, it should not affect Allen's ability to perform. Allen threw for 232 yards and two touchdowns while adding 39 rushing yards and two touchdowns in Week 1. He will look to build on those numbers in Week 2.

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Malik Washington Sep 10 6:30pm ET
Malik Washington

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington (quadriceps) did not practice on Tuesday. Washington has been battling a quadriceps injury that ultimately cost him the game on Sunday. With running backs Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane also banged up, the Dolphins offense is already fraying. Washington has a chance to make a name for himself in an offense that suits his skill set. He will have to hope he can ramp up his practice participation to have any chance of playing on Thursday night against the Bills.

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Derrick Henry Sep 10 6:20pm ET
Derrick Henry

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh stated that running back Derrick Henry will not be overloaded this season like he has in years past with the Tennessee Titans. Henry finished Week 1 with 13 carries for 46 yards and a touchdown. That is a far cry difference from his former workload. It is understandable that the Ravens would curb Henry's workload. They are playing for February rather than September. Still, it is unfortunate for fantasy managers that Henry will not receive the same volume we have grown accustomed to. Hopefully, he can be efficient with his touches in 2024.

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Micah Parsons Sep 10 6:20pm ET
Micah Parsons

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons is next in line to receive an extension from the team. After quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb received top-of-market extensions, Parsons appears poised to receive a similar deal as a defensive pillar. Parsons is relishing in the opportunity to play free and prove that he is worthy of a high-end contract extension. Parsons stated on Tuesday "I just want to prove to the front office that I'm the best player, and I can do it consistently at an all-time high". Look for Parsons and the Cowboys D/ST to wreak havoc yet again in 2024.

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Devon Achane Sep 10 4:10pm ET
Devon Achane

The Miami Dolphins' backfield depth could be tested early on in 2024 on a short week heading into their Week 2 matchup against the division-rival Buffalo Bills this Thursday night. Running backs De'Von Achane (ankle) and Raheem Mostert (chest) were both listed as not practicing for the second straight game during the team's walkthrough on Tuesday. Miami still has one more practice on Wednesday before they release their final injury report for Week 2, but as of right now, this is a situation worth monitoring closely. If one or both of Achane and Mostert are out or limited against Buffalo, it will open things up for Jeff Wilson Jr. and rookie Jaylen Wright to have much bigger roles against a a Bills defense that isn't nearly as stout as its been in years past. Wright was a healthy scratch in the Week 1 win over the Jaguars, but he's a better long-term speculative stash in fantasy leagues over Wilson.

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Harrison Phillips Sep 10 3:00pm ET
Harrison Phillips

Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Harrison Phillips is signing a two-year contract extension worth up to $19 million on Tuesday, according to NFL.com. The deal includes $13 million guaranteed. The 28-year-old former third-round pick by the Buffalo Bills has totaled 263 tackles, seven sacks, one forced fumble, four fumble recoveries, seven pass deflections, and 28 run stuffs through his first 80 NFL games. Phillips anchors the middle of Brian Flores' defense.

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Janarius Robinson Sep 10 2:50pm ET
Janarius Robinson

Veteran free-agent defensive end/linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson signed to the Las Vegas Raiders' practice squad on Tuesday, according to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN. The 2020 first-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars posted just 73 tackles, five sacks, two pass deflections, and 9.5 run stuffs in 57 career games with the Jaguars. He spent this offseason with the Carolina Panthers but was released on September 3. With defensive end Malcolm Koonce (knee) on Injured Reserve, the signing of Chaisson provides Las Vegas depth behind Maxx Crosby, Janarius Robinson, and Tyree Wilson.

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Jauan Jennings Sep 10 2:40pm ET
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle) is being considered day-to-day with an ankle injury heading into the Week 2 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings. Jennings was banged up in the preseason, but he played and led the team in receptions (five) and receiving yards (64) in the win over the New York Jets on Monday Night Football. The team is likely to be careful with Jennings, especially while Brandon Aiyuk knocks off the rust following an offseason hold-in and Ricky Pearsall (chest) recovers from a gunshot wound. Assuming Jennings suits up in Week 2, he's a decent deep-league flex option, but he has a low fantasy football floor.

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Mike Boone Sep 10 2:30pm ET
Mike Boone

The Carolina Panthers are signing Mike Boone to the active 53-man roster, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. The 29-year-old was called up to the active roster in Week 1 and rushed four times for seven yards. He has totaled 546 rushing yards and four rushing scores since entering the league in 2018. Carolina is fresh off a disastrous 47-10 blowout at the hands of the New Orleans Saints and running backs Miles Sanders, Chubba Hubbard, and Boone combined for just 43 total rushing yards. There could be a three-man committee in Carolina until Jonathon Brooks (knee) comes off the PUP list, but with how bad the offense looked in Week 1, there's a good chance none of them have fantasy value in 12-team leagues.

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Garrett Wilson Sep 10 2:20pm ET
Garrett Wilson

On Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers played in his first game since suffering a torn Achilles in Week 1 of last season. The 40-year-old completed 13 of his 21 passing attempts for 167 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. It wasn't a great showing and he looked hobbled at times, but it could take him a few weeks to get in rhythm. On an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers alluded to getting wide receiver Garrett Wilson involved more moving forward. "I don't know how many targets he finished with, but we gotta up that number," Rodgers said. Wilson caught six of his 11 targets for 60 yards after being heavily involved early in the loss. Rodgers should be expected to attempt more than 21 passes in the coming weeks, so Wilson is in play to lead the league in targets any given week.

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Christian McCaffrey Sep 10 2:20pm ET
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles) was somewhat of a surprising inactive during Monday's game against the New York Jets. The reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year was labeled as questionable with a calf and Achilles injury on Saturday's final injury report, but fantasy managers did not know he wouldn't play until the inactives list came out 90 minutes before kickoff. While McCaffrey's Week 2 status is still up in the air, head coach Kyle Shanahan said he would have played if it was a playoff game, which means his aliment could be manageable. The team is likely to be careful with McCaffrey early in the 2024 campaign, so Jordan Mason could be on the fantasy radar even when CMC returns to action.

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David Njoku Sep 10 2:00pm ET
David Njoku

The Cleveland Browns are hosting free-agent tight ends Irv Smith Jr., Tommy Sweeney and Geoff Swaim for visits/workouts on Tuesday, according to a source. The Browns are suddenly in the market for a tight end after starter David Njoku (ankle) injured his ankle in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. It's unclear if the 28-year-old suffered a dreaded high-ankle sprain, but he's currently considered week-to-week, and there's a good chance he won't be cleared to play in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The fact that Cleveland is searching for more TE depth could mean that they expect Njoku to miss multiple games. Smith would be the most intriguing addition to the Browns' offense, but he'd still just be depth behind Jordan Akins, who is fully expected to be the team's primary pass-catching tight end for however long Njoku is out.

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Austin Seibert Sep 10 1:50pm ET
Austin Seibert

The Washington Commanders officially signed free-agent kicker Austin Seibert to their active roster on Tuesday. The former fifth-round pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2019 has played in 31 games over his five-year NFL career and was most recently with the New York Jets in 2023. The move to add Seibert comes after the Commanders released Cade York, who missed both of his field-goal tries in the Week 1 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 27-year-old Seibert has made 80.4% of his 56 field-goal attempts in his time in the NFL while also making 90.3% of his 62 extra points in 31 total games for the Browns, Bengals, Lions and Jets. Seibert will immediately take over the starting kicking duties in D.C., beginning with a Week 2 matchup against the division-rival New York Giants. Fantasy managers already streaming kickers should look elsewhere.

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Ty Johnson Sep 10 1:40pm ET
Ty Johnson

Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson (knee) will be a limited participant in the team's practice on Tuesday as they prepare for a short week in Week 2 with a Thursday night matchup against the division-rival Miami Dolphins. Johnson was injured in the season-opening win over the visiting Arizona Cardinals on Sunday and could be questionable to suit up against Miami on a short week. If the 26-year-old isn't cleared by Thursday night, rookie Ray Davis will have a bigger role as the change-of-pace back behind starter James Cook. In Week 1 against Arizona, Johnson was second in Buffalo's backfield while playing 23% of the offensive snaps compared to 61% for Cook and only 10% for Davis. Johnson saw just two carries for seven yards and missed his only target in the passing game. He's only stash-worthy as a handcuff in the deepest of fantasy leagues.

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Deshaun Watson Sep 10 1:40pm ET
Deshaun Watson

The NFL doesn't plan on placing Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson on the commissioner's exempt list in light of a new civil lawsuit stemming from a 2020 allegation since there have been no criminal charges, and the league's review of the situation has just begun. "We are reviewing the complaint and we will look into the matter under the Personal Conduct Policy," an NFL public-relations person said. The 28-year-old served an 11-game suspension in 2022 after two dozen women accused him of sexual assault during massage sessions, but this new lawsuit accuses him of sexual assault and batter in 2020. Another suspension for the Browns QB could be coming, but it most likely will be delayed until the legal process plays out. In addition to new legal issues, Watson looked terrible in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and he'll be firmly on the QB2 radar for a Week 2 meeting with Jacksonville.

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Kirk Cousins Sep 10 1:30pm ET
Kirk Cousins

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said there wasn't a correlation between quarterback Kirk Cousins' (Achilles) health and his play-calling decisions in the Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cousins tore his Achilles in Week 8 of last year with the Minnesota Vikings before joining Atlanta in free agency back in March. After Cousins signed, both he and Morris reiterated that he was fine physically. "I feel like Kirk is healthy," Morris said. "He's been healthy since he's been here, since he's been back." The veteran signal-caller went 16-for-26 for 155 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions for a QB rating of 59.0, the eight-lowest of his starting career. Questions about Cousins' health won't go away if he struggles again in a Week 2 Monday night showdown in Philadelphia against the Eagles, where Cousins will be on the QB2 radar for fantasy managers in his second start for Atlanta.

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Jaylen Warren Sep 10 1:20pm ET
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that running back Jaylen Warren (hamstring) is "healthy enough," but that it would be a "slippery slope" to say that Warren is fully healthy heading into a Week 2 road tilt against the Denver Broncos. In the Week 1 win over the Atlanta Falcons, Najee Harris handled 56% of the offensive snaps, while Warren was in on just 31% and finished with only two carries for seven yards while catching both of his targets for 13 yards in a game in which the Steelers offense didn't produce a single touchdown. The 25-year-old battled a hamstring injury throughout the preseason and doesn't appear to be fully healthy. He proved last year that he can be a productive weekly RB3/flex for fantasy managers, but in an offense now being led by quarterback Justin Fields with Russell Wilson (calf) hurt, Warren's fantasy stock is down, especially while trying to overcome a lower-body injury.

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