Fri May 31 10:52am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
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.
TFC Champion is Crowned
Dynasty | Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is reportedly coming back for the 2025 season. Dynasty Analysis: Pat McAfee is reporting this on his own, so it's far from official. However, it seems his "source" is none other than Kelce himself, who seemingly has a bad taste in his mouth after being blown out in the Super Bowl. Kelce is also apparently saying he's committed to being in the best shape of his life after a relatively unproductive season (by his standards) last year. His 97/823/3 line is far from his prime, but if Kelce does indeed come back, he'll do so as a low-end TE1 at the very least. Stay tuned.
Sources told Pat McAfee that Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is "coming back for sure" in 2025 after briefly contemplating retirement following the 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. "I'm gonna get in the best shape of my life this offseason. I've got a real bad taste in my mouth with how I played in that last game and I can't go out like that!!!!" Kelce also said via sources. We haven't exactly heard it from Kelce's mouth directly, but it's a pretty good indication that the 35-year-old four-time All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowler will be returning in 2025. By Kelce's standards, 2024 was a down year with a 97-823-3 line in 16 regular-season games. His 823 receiving yards were his fewest since his rookie year in 2013, when he played in just one game, and his three TDs were also his fewest since 2013. Kelce will still be important in KC's offense if he returns, but his days of being an elite, high-end TE1 in fantasy could be over.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane said that safety Cole Bishop will "have every chance" to be a starter in 2025. Head coach Sean McDermott also said the team will be counting on Bishop to make an impact next season, but it will also depend on how much work he puts in in the offseason. The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia thinks safety Damar Hamlin would almost certainly have to settle for a below-market deal if he wants to stay with the Bills as the backup to Bishop in 2025. The 22-year-old Bishop was taken in the second round (60th overall) in 2024 out of Utah and had a promising rookie campaign, recording 40 tackles (25 solo), two pass breakups and a forced fumble in 16 regular-season games (four starts) in Buffalo. Bishop led the team with 10 total tackles in the AFC Championship game loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano has had two long-term injuries over the last two years, which puts him in the conversation as a potential salary-cap casualty this offseason, but the Bills are expecting him back in 2025. Milano suffered a torn biceps before the 2024 season but was able to rehab and return by the end of the year. Also, cutting Milano this year would incur an $11 million dead-cap hit in 2026. The 30-year-old only ended up playing in four games for the Bills in 2024, but the team expects him to be a starter again in 2025 now that he'll be able to have a normal, healthy offseason. In his four games last season, Milano recorded 16 tackles (seven solo) and two fumble recoveries. He was a first-team All-Pro back in 2022, though, so if he can return to his pre-injury form, it will be a huge boost to Buffalo's defense and put him back on the radar in IDP fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Sources told Josina Anderson that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers met with linebacker Lavonte David's agent on Wednesday at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, and "it was a positive conversation." The Buccaneers are still willing to give David plenty of time to make a decision on whether he wants to continue his career. Additionally, other NFL teams are checking on the 35-year-old veteran's potential interest in playing elsewhere. The former second-round pick by Tampa in 2012 had his 11th 100-plus-tackle year in 2024 in his 13th year in the league, also adding 5.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, six QB hits, an interception, six pass breakups, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 17 regular-season starts in 2024. It would be a surprise if Davis announced his retirement since he's still playing at a high level despite his age.
From RotoBaller
At the 2025 NFL Combine, top draft prospect Travis Hunter said he wants to play both wide receiver and cornerback in the NFL. The Colorado product is at the combine primarily as a defensive back, but he won't participate in on-field work. However, some teams view him more as a wide receiver at the next level. Hunter won the 2024 Heisman Trophy after posting 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 receiving touchdowns. On defense, he racked up 36 tackles (25 solo), one tackle for loss, four interceptions, and 11 passes defended. The 21-year-old is a unicorn of a prospect, but there remains uncertainty around his role in the NFL, and it could vary widely depending on which team selects him. Hunter is difficult to analyze as a fantasy football prospect, but if he lands with a team that wants to use him as a full-time wideout, he has no shortage of upside.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford should know where he is going to play in 2025 by March 14, according to NFL insider Albert Breer. March 14 marks the official start of free agency, and the Rams owe Stafford $4 million in the form of a roster bonus if he's with the team by that date. The New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly the top potential suitors for Stafford if he is moved, but the Rams could ultimately offer Stafford more money to stay with the organization. While Stafford is entering his age-37 season in 2025, he is still one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and could be headed toward a significant pay raise.
From RotoBaller
During a radio appearance on 105.3 The Fan, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk said he has heard the Dallas Cowboys have talked to the Tennessee Titans about moving up for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, Florio said he is not sure how serious the talks have been. "Now I think a lot of teams talk about moving around and I don't know if you guys have heard that," Florio said. "But that's a jump and I don't know what you would have to put into that or whether you'd have to put Micah Parsons into that package if it would go that way. But teams talk all the time." Dallas putting a significant package of picks or players to move up to No. 1 would be a surprise given quarterback Dak Prescott is under contract long-term, and the roster has significant holes to fill on offense and defense. This could just be pre-draft noise, but it's a development worth monitoring if more news comes out about the possibility.
From RotoBaller
The New England Patriots are not expected to pursue pending free agent Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. The Bengals are expected to use the franchise tag on Higgins in hopes of reaching a long-term extension, but the Patriots are out on Higgins either way, according to Chad Graff of The Athletic. Instead, New England is focused on building its offensive and defensive line, something new head coach Mike Vrabel valued highly during his tenure with the Tennessee Titans. New England needs to get better at the wide receiver position, but it sounds like the team is not looking to spend big on a wideout this offseason.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's Dan Graziano writes that trading quarterback Kirk Cousins before March 17 is the best course of action for the Atlanta Falcons from a salary cap standpoint. However, it might be tough for the Falcons to find a trade partner willing to take on $27.5 million guaranteed in 2025 and $10 million next year after Cousins was benched after throwing 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 2024. The Falcons would absorb $37.5 million in dead money on their 2025 camp if they trade him. If they release him outright before March 17, they'd take on $65 million in dead money this year. If they release him before March 17 as a post-June 1 cut, they'd take on $40 million in dead money this year and $25 million in 2026. The 36-year-old didn't look great coming off a torn Achilles in 2023 and also dealt with a right-shoulder injury in 2024. It remains to be seen if a QB-needy team will be desperate enough to trade for Cousins.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift is likely to be on the team's roster in 2025 -- he'll be making $8 million this year, with $6.11 million fully guaranteed. However, ESPN's Dan Graziano writes that there has been a lot of chatter about Chicago adding another running back this offseason, based on the formula that worked for new head coach Ben Johnson when he was the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions and they used RBs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. This year's crop of free-agent RBs isn't nearly as strong as last year's, though -- it's headlined by Najee Harris, Aaron Jones and Alexander Mattison -- so Graziano thinks it's more likely the Bears draft a RB in the early rounds rather than sign one in free-agency to pair with Swift. This year's draft class is expected to be very deep, which can't be said about the free-agent RB class.
Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter (shoulder), who will not work out at the NFL Combine this week in Indianapolis due to a shoulder injury that he suffered late last year, said he is close to being 100 percent healthy. Once he's cleared, Carter plans to do a battery of workouts at Penn State's Pro Day on March 28. "I think I'm about 90 percent right now. I feel like the next month, it's going to be really close to 100," Carter said. While either Miami quarterback Cam Ward or Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders are projected to No. 1 overall in this year's NFL draft, Carter is also in play and said he feels "like I'm the best player in the country." The 6-foot-3, 248-pounder proved to be a game-changer while recording 12 sacks for the Nittany Lions in 2024 to earn All-American status. Despite his shoulder injury, Carter should be a top-five pick in April's draft.
From RotoBaller
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers informed safety Jordan Whitehead (neck) that they will not exercise his $3.75 million option bonus for the 2025 season, which will make him a free agent in a few weeks, a source told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. A neck injury that Whitehead suffered in a car accident caused him to miss the Week 18 regular-season finale and the loss to the Washington Commanders in the wild-card round. The 27-year-old ended up suiting up to start 12 games in 2024 in his return to Tampa and had 79 tackles (49 solo) and three pass breakups in his seventh year in the NFL. It was a drop in production after he recorded a career-high 97 combined tackles and career-high four interceptions in 17 starts for the New York Jets in 2023. Whitehead is expected to be fully recovered from his neck injury in time for the start of the 2025 season, so he should be able to find a landing spot elsewhere.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle has had contract extension talks with the 49ers this offseason but an agreement may take some time because the 49ers have other things to work out, according to general manager John Lynch.
Fantasy Spin: Kittle has been a reliable option for the 49ers and fantasy players for multiple seasons and should see a good amount of targets again in 2025. He will be a weekly starting option in all fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Seattle Seahawks impending free-agent DT Jarran Reed is a player head coach Mike Macdonald would like to re-sign this offseason.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford's representatives met with the New York Giants Tuesday, Feb. 25, according to a source.
Fantasy Spin: Stafford is being allowed to talk with other teams about his value, but the Giants likely will have to acquire him in a trade if they want to have him play for them in 2025. Fantasy players can keep an eye on the situation to see where Stafford plays next season, but he probably will be a high-end No. 2 fantasy quarterback.
From TheHuddle
Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce is believed to be deciding on his playing future, but general manager Brett Veach said the Chiefs expect Kelce to play in 2025.
Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players will need to monitor the situation over the next few weeks because Kelce likely will make a decision soon. He is a big part of the Chiefs passing game and will be a weekly starting option in fantasy leagues if he continues playing.
From TheHuddle
If the Minnesota Vikings bring back impending free-agent quarterback Sam Darnold, ESPN's Dan Graziano writes that they'd be blowing up their plans for young quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) and their entire roster. Putting the franchise tag on Darnold this year and again next year would cost around $40 million in 2025 and around $48 million in 2026. If they reach an extension with him, he'd likely have a salary cap number around $28 million in 2026. In comparison, McCarthy's cap numbers over the next three years are around $5 million, $6 million and $7 million. Meanwhile, receiver Justin Jefferson's 2026 and 2027 camp numbers are around $39 million and $43.5 million, respectively. Minnesota obviously believed enough in McCarthy being their future franchise QB when they took him 10th overall in 2024, but then he required season-ending knee surgery and Darnold had a career year. Based on this logic, it seems likely the Vikes will let Darnold walk in free agency and turn to McCarthy in 2025.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos impending free-agent DT D.J. Jones' representatives are scheduled to talk with the Broncos this week about a possible contract, according to general manager George Paton.
From TheHuddle
ESPN's Dan Graziano writes that Dallas Cowboys All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons, who is heading into his fifth-year-option season in 2025, might end up being the highest-paid defensive player in the league whenever he signs a contract extension. Because that distinction could also be made for a few other players as well, Graziano thinks the Cowboys would be smart to get Parsons locked up long term sooner than later. There are no salary-cap implications here, as Parsons' salary and 2025 camp number for 2025 are both $24.007 million. An extension will create much more cap space for the team since it would likely come with a big signing bonus and drop Parsons' 2025 salary to the veteran minimum. The former 12th overall pick has been a Pro Bowler in all four of his NFL seasons and has at least 12 sacks a year since entering the league in 2021.
From RotoBaller