WR Strength of Schedule
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.
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The Paur Report
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 2
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (undisclosed) is not believed to have a serious injury. St. Brown was injured in the fourth quarter of the Lions' Week 2 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The injury visibly hampered St. Brown at the end of the game and eventually forced him off the field. St. Brown had a monster day prior to the injury. He recorded 11 receptions for 119 yards. If St. Brown is forced to miss any time, then wide receiver Jameson Williams, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and tight end Sam LaPorta would all see increased target shares. For now, fantasy managers can only wait for news on initial testing and practice participation as we head into Week 3.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones put up a solid, albeit unspectacular, fantasy performance in Sunday's 21-18 win against the Washington Commanders. Jones threw for 178 yards on 16 of 28 attempts, adding two touchdown passes without turning the ball over, which is a nice bonus for fantasy managers who value ball security. While his 32 rushing yards on five attempts gave him a small floor boost, the lack of explosive plays through the air kept him from a breakout fantasy week. Near the end of the game, it looked like Jones would be able to lead his team to their first victory of the season, but a drop by Malik Nabers prevented the Giants from taking the lead. Looking ahead, he will not be a starting QB option for Week 3 vs the Browns.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert threw two touchdowns in a Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers. Herbert attempted 20 passes, completing 14 of them for 130 yards. He threw one interception and the two touchdowns, also adding 18 yards on the ground on six carries. Herbert's 20 pass attempts paled in comparison to the 44 rushing attempts by the Chargers offense. This could be the usual pattern for the Bolts this season, as the running game and the defense will be the focus. This will limit Herbert's fantasy production, even if his talent on the field remains close to the top tier of NFL passers.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet had a solid day against the New England Patriots in Week 2. Charbonnet finished with 38 rushing yards and a touchdown along with five receptions for 31 yards. Charbonnet was highly inefficient on the ground yet again but his work in the passing game gave him a comfortable floor. Most notably, Charbonnet was a true workhorse as No. 3 running back Kenny McIntosh only received two offensive snaps. Charbonnet should be entrenched in starting lineups as long as Kenneth Walker III (oblique) misses time. However, once Walker returns it will be interesting to see how this backfield is broken down.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a career day in New England on Sunday. Smith-Njigba caught 12 passes for 117 yards. Both marks were career highs. It was also Smith-Njigba's first career 100-yard game. Fantasy managers had high expectations for Smith-Njigba coming into this season with a new Seahawks regime. If Smith-Njigba keeps up the trust of quarterback Geno Smith, then this could be the start of a great season for the second-year wide receiver. Smith-Njigba draws a solid matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins followed up his strong Week 1 performance with another excellent performance in a Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers. Dobbins carried the ball 17 times, gaining 131 yards and scoring a touchdown. He was targeted only once in the passing game, making the catch but ending up with no gain. Dobbins scored his touchdown on a 43-yard run in the second quarter, ending it with a flip into the end zone. He looked healthy again and dominated the Chargers running game. His backfield mate Gus Edwards ended up with 18 carries, one more than Dobbins, but Edwards gained just 59 yards. Dobbins has quickly moved himself to the RB1 role on the Chargers depth chart and should be a solid RB2 in fantasy if he stays on the field.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis was thrust into the spotlight after Jordan Love (knee) was ruled out after hurting his knee during the final moments of Green Bay's Week 1 loss. In the Week 2 victory against the Colts, Willis completed 12-of-14 pass attempts for 122 yards and a touchdown pass to Dontayvion Wicks in the first quarter. Willis also added 41 rushing yards on six carries without any turnovers in the victory. While this performance was unexpected considering his career arc to this point, head coach Matt LaFleur had a masterful game plan to not put too much on Willis' plate and lean on the run heavily, with 14 pass attempts to 53 rushing attempts in the game. Willis and the Packers travel to Tennessee to play the Titans in Week 3. For fantasy purposes, Willis should be considered a low-end QB2 for that matchup.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (quad) suffered a quad contusion on Sunday. According to head coach Kevin O'Connell, Jefferson will be day-to-day with the injury. Jefferson suffered the injury in a collision over the middle. He was on his way to a massive day with four receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on Jefferson throughout the week. While he may be day-to-day, he did have to be helped to the locker room by team staff. Hopefully Jefferson can return to the field in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Updating a previous report New York Jets linebacker Jermaine Johnson (Achilles) is believed to have suffered a torn Achilles on Sunday. Johnson will have an MRI to confirm the injury. This will be a huge loss for the Jets' defense. The 2022 first-round pick is an important pass rusher for the team. He finished 2023 with 7.5 sacks. He was off to a slow start in 2024 but never had a chance to fully get going this season. The injury may force the Jets into a sense of urgency with defensive end Haason Reddick who is holding out for a new contract. Either way, this will certainly impact the Jets D/ST moving forward.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was a busy man during the Packers' 16-10 win against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2. Jacobs rushed for 151 yards on 32 carries as the Packers leaned heavily on the run with Jordan Love (knee) ruled out for Week 2 and Malik Willis starting in Love's place. A fumble near the end zone in the middle of the second quarter cost Jacobs a chance to add a touchdown to his ledger. Jacobs has averaged 24 carries in his two games thus far in 2024 for a robust 4.9 yards per carry, so this new change in scenery for the 26-year-old back may have been just what the doctor ordered. The Packers will travel to Nashville to take on the Tennessee Titans, where Jacobs will be a low-end RB1 in fantasy no matter who is under center for Green Bay.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts defensive linemen DeForest Buckner (right ankle) and Laiatu Latu (hip) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers. Both players were officially ruled out by the team. Buckner finished Week 2 with one tackle. Latu had one tackle, as well as a fumble recovery. Raekwon Davis, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Isaiah Land are candidates to earn more snaps with Buckner and Latu sidelined.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman Vita Vea (knee) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions and will not return. Vea was injured after a friendly fire hit between him and Yaya Diaby. He had registered one pass defended but zero tackles at the time of his departure. Tampa Bay was already without Calijah Kancey (calf), so now Greg Gaines will earn more opportunities with Vea sidelined.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets pass-rusher Jermaine Johnson (Achilles) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans and will not return. The third-year defender had to be carted off the field. With Haason Reddick holding out for a contract extension and Johnson dealing with a serious Achilles injury, the Jets will look for Will McDonald and Takkarist McKinley to handle more opportunities on the end of the defensive line.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (chest) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys. He had 18 rushing yards and one receiving yard at the time of his departure. Hill had been efficient when called upon, but New Orleans' offense really ran through Alvin Kamara in Week 2. Nevertheless, this is tough news for fantasy managers who drafted Hill in hopes of getting running back points at the tight end position.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (ankle) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts and is officially questionable to return. He was making his NFL debut this week after missing Week 1 with a hamstring injury. At the time of his departure, he had 15 rushing yards and three receiving yards. Emanuel Wilson will serve as the primary backup to Josh Jacobs for the duration of Lloyd's absence.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (ankle) exited during the third quarter of Sunday's game against the New York Jets. He was observed walking to the locker room with one shoe removed. At the time of his departure, he had 20 rushing yards, 11 receiving yards, and 22 kick return yards. Tennessee has Tony Pollard atop its depth chart, so he'll continue to handle the bulk of the rushing workload regardless of whether Spears can return. Julius Chestnut would be next on the depth chart.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots linebackers Ja'Whaun Bentley (shoulder) and Oshane Ximines (knee) have been downgraded to out for the remainder of Week 2 versus the Seattle Seahawks. Both are impact players in New England's defense. However, neither player had registered a tackle at the time of their respective departures. Joshua Uche and Raekwon McMillan figure to earn more opportunities with two key linebackers sidelined.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) is officially inactive for Week 2, as expected. He has been designated as the Steelers' emergency third quarterback, which means he could enter the game if both Justin Fields and Kyle Allen suffer injuries and can't return. Fields is on track to make his second consecutive start, and if Pittsburgh starts 2-0, they could continue to ride the hot hand regardless of whether Wilson is healthy in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (quad) exited during the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers and is officially questionable to return. He had been quite productive prior to his departure, catching four passes for 133 yards and one touchdown. Jordan Addison (ankle) was inactive this week, so Minnesota's top receivers will be Jalen Nailor and Trent Sherfield until Jefferson can return. In the event that both Jefferson and Addison can't suit up next week, Nailor would be a solid WR3 option for fantasy purposes.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (ankle) is inactive for Week 2 against the Denver Broncos. Wilson had been listed as questionable after logging a limited practice on Friday. The rookie didn't up last week either, so he's still looking to make his NFL debut. With Wilson sidelined, Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek should earn more opportunities behind George Pickens, Van Jefferson, and Calvin Austin III.
From RotoBaller
