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FFL: Week 11 | NFL: Week 11

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 11

Player Notes
Kayshon Boutte Nov 17 11:10pm ET
Kayshon Boutte

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte caught four of his six targets for 33 yards during Sunday's Week 11 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Boutte was heavily involved in the Patriots' offensive game plan once again, playing 96 percent of snaps while running routes on 59 percent of the team's plays from scrimmage. The 22-year-old has played more than 80 percent of snaps in each of his last six games. Meanwhile, he has totaled six targets in each of his last four contests. Fantasy managers would like to see a slightly higher catch rate from the LSU product, but he's strung together enough solid production that he can be rostered in leagues with 14 teams or more.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Taylor Nov 17 11:10pm ET
Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was bottled up by the Jets defense on Sunday, allowing the 25-year-old to gain just 57 yards on 24 carries, good for only 2.4 yards per carry. He added one catch for three yards as well, but was unable to find paydirt on the ground or through the air. Nevertheless, the Colts were able to pull out the 28-27 victory in the Meadowlands anyway. The Jets hadn't been as strong against the run in recent weeks but reasserted itself on Sunday, with the exception of allowing quarterback Anthony Richardson to score twice on the ground. Taylor will have another tall task on tap in Week 12 against the Lions, a top-five defense against the run, but the former second-round draft pick likely still slots in as an RB1 again.

From RotoBaller

Demario Douglas Nov 17 11:00pm ET
Demario Douglas

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas converted seven targets into five catches for 59 yards during Sunday's Week 11 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Outside of a few dud games this season, Douglas has been quite productive, totaling 44 catches, 415 yards, and one touchdown. The second-year receiver has played especially well with Drake Maye under center, repeatedly operating as one of his primary targets while handing a snap share above 50 percent. Douglas remains a low-end WR3/FLEX option with additional value in PPR formats.

From RotoBaller

Hunter Henry Nov 17 10:50pm ET
Hunter Henry

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry caught six of his nine targets for 63 yards during Sunday's Week 11 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The veteran has now caught five-plus passes in four of his last five games, totaling 27 catches, 270 yards, and one touchdown during that span. The 29-year-old ranks as a top-10 tight end in fantasy football, enjoying quite the resurgence ever since Drake Maye took over as the team's starting quarterback. He remains a very viable starting option heading into Week 12 against the Miami Dolphins.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Nov 17 10:50pm ET
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey disappointed again during a 20-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Santa Clara on Sunday. The All-Pro out of Stanford took 19 carries for 79 yards rushing and four catches of five targets for 27 yards in the passing game. It's almost shocking to see McCaffrey fail to reach the end zone for the second consecutive game since returning from his long injury absence. McCaffrey only had three such games total last year (16 starts). It's hard to say whether McCaffrey's conditioning, opponents' defensive game-planning, or personnel changes to San Francisco's offense are to blame. The Niners' rushing attack certainly missed George Kittle (hamstring) today and his knack for springing CMC to long runs. McCaffrey's 4.2 yards per carry against a vulnerable Seattle run defense would have ranked as his fourth-lowest single-game average of 2023. At least McCaffrey appeared to stay healthy from start to finish. McCaffrey's next chance comes against the Packers at Lambeau Field in Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Nov 17 10:30pm ET
Drake Maye

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed 30 of his 40 pass attempts for 282 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception during Sunday's Week 11 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. He also rushed for 27 yards, took three sacks, and lost a fumble. Maye still had some blemishes in his performance, including the two turnovers, but will ultimately finish as a fringe top-12 fantasy quarterback for the third time in his young NFL career. Managers should continue to view him as a solid fantasy option for Week 12 against the Miami Dolphins.

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Kendrick Bourne Nov 17 10:30pm ET
Kendrick Bourne

New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne caught all five of his targets for 70 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's Week 11 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Bourne did not play a single snap in Week 10 as head coach Jerod Mayo attempted to get more opportunities for some of the younger players. This week, Bourne was held to a modest 47.6 percent of offensive snaps but made good use of his opportunities, tallying 18 fantasy points in PPR leagues. The veteran pass-catcher will continue to compete for touches with DeMario Douglas, Hunter Henry, and Kayshon Boutte going forward, but he's still a low-end WR4 with significant upside. Bourne and the Patriots face the Miami Dolphins in Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Nov 17 10:20pm ET
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy had a better day in fantasy than in real life during a home 20-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Purdy hit pregame projections by completing 21 of 28 attempts for 159 yards and a touchdown passing while adding five scrambles for 40 yards and a touchdown on the ground. The three-yard scoring pass to wideout Jauan Jennings came in the middle of the fourth quarter to give San Francisco the lead, which was relinquished two drives later with twelve seconds left in regulation. Seattle's reeling defense put up more of a fight than expected and the Niners' offense stalled multiple times by committing their fair share of the team's nine accepted penalties. Purdy's rushing game has been a pleasant surprise, though. His touchdown scramble was his fourth in as many games. He is now in a four-way tie for the fourth-most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback and is ranked 12th in QB rushing yards per game, sandwiched between Denver's Bo Nix and the Giants' Daniel Jones. Purdy will look to get his team back above .500 in Week 12 against the Packers in Green Bay.

From RotoBaller

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine Nov 17 10:20pm ET
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine caught two of six targets for 117 yards and a touchdown vs. the Minnesota Vikings this weekend. The Indiana product was almost invisible until the 3rd quarter, when Will Levis hit him on the right sideline for a 98-yard score, the longest in his career. Westbrook-Ikine continues to prove his reliability as a second target for quarterback Will Levis, with five touchdowns in his last six games. While he only corralled two passes, Westbrook-Ikine made the most of his opportunities, and tied for the team lead in targets. He will be a low-end flex next week in a tough matchup with divisional rival Houston.

From RotoBaller

Jaquan Brisker Nov 17 10:10pm ET
Jaquan Brisker

According to general manager Ryan Poles, Chicago Bears defensive back Jaquan Brisker (concussion) could miss the remainder of the 2024 season. ESPN's Courtney Cronin reported the news. The 25-year-old had been on the shelf since suffering a concussion in the team's Week 5 victory over the Carolina Panthers and missed the ensuing four contests before being placed on injured reserve this past Saturday. It's unfortunate news for the Penn State product -- and Chicago -- as he was reportedly not "making the progress we wanted," per Poles. "We're going to slow this down and take time and allow him to take his time to come back. Would love to see him back this year, but we're just going to take it one week at a time." It's not an encouraging statement from the Bears' GM regarding the former second-round pick, but the player's health and safety are paramount.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Ridley Nov 17 10:10pm ET
Calvin Ridley

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley caught four of six targets for 58 yards in a 10-point loss to Minnesota on Sunday. It was the first time in three weeks that Ridley didn't pull through for fantasy managers, as he had a modest output with only 7.8 half-PPR points. The former Falcon drew consistent double-teams, which allowed his teammate Nick Westbrook-Ikhine to break free for a few big plays, but the veteran was not able to continue his streak of double-digit fantasy points in Week 11. Ridley still tied for the team lead in targets with six, but he may have a tough time producing next week in a division-rivalry matchup with the Houston Texans.

From RotoBaller

Michael Pittman Jr. Nov 17 10:00pm ET
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. returned to action after a one-week absence and led his team in targets on Sunday with eight, hauling in five of them for 46 yards in a 28-27 nailbiter win over the Jets in Week 11. It was only the third time this season in 10 games played that the fifth-year pro eclipsed the 40-yard plateau and only the third time he's caught five or more passes. Still, with Anthony Richardson looking like a competent quarterback on Sunday, there may be better days ahead for the 27-year-old. Look for the 6-foot-4 wideout to be a fringe WR3 in Week 12, especially with six teams on bye.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Nov 17 10:00pm ET
Tony Pollard

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard rushed nine times for 15 yards in a 23-13 to Minnesota this weekend. The former Cowboy added two receptions for 14 yards in the defeat. Pollard still led the Titans in carries, but was turned away all game long as the stout Minnesota run defense lived up to their billing, only allowing 33 total yards on the afternoon. Tyjae Spears only saw five opportunities in the game and was evaluated for a head injury post-game, so Pollard will remain the bell cow in this backfield, especially if Spears can't go next week. Tennessee struggled to move the ball most of the game, which did not benefit Pollard, but he should find more success against the Houston Texans next week.

From RotoBaller

Jaire Alexander Nov 17 9:50pm ET
Jaire Alexander

According to the NFL's Ian Rapoport, the knee injury that forced Green Bay Packers defensive back Jaire Alexander (knee) from Sunday's 20-19 win over the Chicago Bears is not considered to be serious. The 27-year-old was knocked out of the team's victory in the second half and did not return. Per Rapoport, it's a "continuation of what he's been working through," and sources said he'll be ok. Alexander was a limited participant in practice all week leading up to Sunday's outing, and he'll likely be as such ahead of Green Bay's Week 12 home tilt against the San Francisco 49ers. Fantasy managers will want to keep an eye on his status, but it appears he shouldn't miss any time as of now.

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Nov 17 9:50pm ET
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis completed 17-of-31 passes for 295 yards, one touchdown. and one pick in a 23-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. The young signal caller also rushed seven times for 18 yards. Levis played admirably despite matching up against a tough defense, throwing for a season-high in yardage, which was ballooned by a 98-yard touchdown to Nick Westbrook-Ikine on the right sideline. The Kentucky product put up his second highest total of the season with 15.6 fantasy points, and looks like a serviceable 2QB option heading into next week against the Houston Texans.

From RotoBaller

Anders Carlson Nov 17 9:40pm ET
Anders Carlson

New York Jets kicker Anders Carlson made both of his field goals and added three extra points in a 28-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11. Carlson was signed from the practice squad earlier in the week after the Kansas City Chiefs signed away Spencer Shrader to be their kicker while Harrison Butker (knee) is sidelined. That left Carlson as the Jets' fourth kicker in as many games. He looked good in his New York debut, hitting field goals from 58 and 35 yards away. Carlson and the Jets head into their bye in Week 12 before they take on the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Nov 17 9:30pm ET
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (shoulder) was forced from Sunday's contest against the Cincinnati Bengals and is questionable to return. The rookie wideout caught a 20-yard pass on the Chargers' second drive of the game but was pushed out of bounds hard and was immediately seen writhing in pain after the play. Before his exit, he caught his sole target. If McConkey does not return, wide receivers Quentin Johnston and Joshua Palmer and tight end Will Dissly are projected to benefit the most from his absence in LA's passing attack.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Nov 17 9:30pm ET
Davante Adams

New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams caught six of his seven targets for 72 yards in a 28-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11. Adams led the Jets in receiving yards while finishing behind only Breece Hall in catches in the heartbreaking loss to the Colts. The veteran wideout has been trending up in recent weeks as he has caught at least six passes in three straight games while 31 targets over that span. Settling in as an upside WR2 in fantasy with his new team, Adams will be on bye in Week 12 before he takes on the Seattle Seahawks at home in Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Nov 17 9:30pm ET
Garrett Wilson

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson caught four of his eight targets for 18 yards in a 28-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11. Wilson led the Jets in targets but he managed just a meager 4.5 yards per catch in the close loss to Indy. The veteran wideout has been quiet over his past two games as he has only nine catches for 59 yards and no touchdowns over that span. Wilson will be on bye in Week 12 before he takes on the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Nov 17 9:30pm ET
Ladd McConkey

Per Daniel Popper of The Athletic, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (shoulder) has returned to the team's outing against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Night Football. McConkey got shaken up a bit after hauling in a 20-yard pass, but after a brief exit to the locker room, he was able to return to the field. He should slot back in as a top-two option for quarterback Justin Herbert.

From RotoBaller