Guest of the League
Steve Grogan Est. 2004
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.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 2

Player Notes
George Kittle Sep 16 12:30am ET
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle was heavily involved in the team's offense in Week 2, but it wasn't enough to prevent a 23-17 loss to the Vikings in Minnesota. The 30-year-old posted seven receptions on eight targets for 76 yards and a touchdown. Kittle's seven-yard score came near the end of the second quarter with San Francisco down by 10, as Kittle took a middle screen near the line of scrimmage and zagged his way around and through defenders to break the plane. He had quarterback Brock Purdy's eye throughout this one, the eight targets second only to receiver Deebo Samuel's 10. Kittle's performance was good enough to grab at least a temporary hold on the overall TE1 spot this week, heading into Monday night's Falcons/Eagles matchup. Next up for Kittle is a road matchup in Los Angeles against the division-rival Rams on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Johnny Mundt Sep 16 12:30am ET
Johnny Mundt

Minnesota Vikings tight end Johnny Mundt caught two of three targets for just 12 yards during Sunday's win over the San Francisco 49ers. Mundt has been operating as the Vikings' top tight end with T.J. Hockenson (knee) sidelined, but he has left a lot to be desired from a fantasy football perspective. With just four catches and 27 yards through two games, Mundt has lost most of his fantasy relevance and can be left on waivers heading into Week 3 against the Houston Texans.

From RotoBaller

Najee Harris Sep 16 12:30am ET
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris handled 17 carries for 69 rushing yards and hauled in one of two targets for five receiving yards in a 13-6 victory over the Denver Broncos. Although Harris led Pittsburgh's backfield for the second consecutive week, Jaylen Warren was much more involved on Sunday than in Week 1 and should continue to have a notable role in the offense. Through two games, the Steelers have established an identity as a team looking to run the ball and play shut-down defense, which does bode well for Harris' opportunities going forward. His fantasy value, however, will be limited without more frequent trips to the red zone. Harris will look to score his first touchdown of the season at home against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Jaleel McLaughlin Sep 16 12:30am ET
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin took a step back from his Week 1 involvement in the Week 2 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Denver on Sunday. After out-touching backfield mate Javonte Williams last week in the loss to the Seattle Seahawks, McLaughlin had only three carries for six yards in the 13-6 loss to the Steelers and wasn't targeted in the passing game. Meanwhile, Williams had 16 touches for 65 scrimmage yards. It was a step back for the 24-year-old second-year back, but he's still the clear RB2 in Denver, with Tyler Badie seeing only one carry for a 16-yard gain. McLaughlin is going to have much better games than this, obviously, but it's hard to justify using a roster spot on him in 12-team fantasy leagues as long as the Broncos' offense continues to struggle so much under rookie quarterback Bo Nix. McLaughlin will have very little standalone value in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Sep 16 12:30am ET
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson completed 17 of his 34 attempts for 204 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions in the team's loss to the Green Bay Packers. He also ran the ball four times for another 37 yards on the ground. Despite coming off a huge fantasy showing in Week 1, Richardson showed his limitations as a passer and was not able to compensate with his rushing ability in Sunday's matchup. Richardson was able to find WR Alec Pierce in the fourth quarter for a touchdown, which helped boost his fantasy production. Sunday's matchup was an unfortunate mix of low passing volume, limited rushing, and turnovers that kept Richardson from having a strong fantasy outing. He does face a tougher matchup in Week 3 when the Colts host the Chicago Bears, but fantasy managers can still look to him as an upper-echelon QB target and start him with confidence due to his rushing upside.

From RotoBaller

Javonte Williams Sep 16 12:20am ET
Javonte Williams

For the second straight week, the Denver Broncos offense could get nothing going on the ground in a 13-6 loss to the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers in Denver. Running back Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie combined for 15 carries for 39 yards on the day. Williams had a team-high 11 carries for just 17 yards (1.55 yards per carry), but he salvaged his day by catching all five of his targets for 48 yards through the air. Although Williams has not looked good carrying the ball so far in 2024, his fantasy managers have to be happy with the fact that he out-touched McLaughlin 16 to three in Week 2 after McLaughlin out-touched him in the season opener. The 24-year-old heads into a Week 3 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as Denver's lead back, but with rookie quarterback Bo Nix struggling to move the offense, it's hard to consider Williams as anything more than a low-upside RB3/flex.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Sep 16 12:10am ET
Bo Nix

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix looked shaky again in his second career NFL game in the 13-6 loss to the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday in Denver. Nix and the Broncos offense had almost zero highlights on the day, although they did outgain the Steelers offense 295 to 251. The first-round rookie signal-caller failed to lead the team to a single touchdown drive on the day, going 20-for-35 for 246 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions while carrying the ball four times for 25 yards on the ground. Nix's first pick was a throw off his heels in the pocket into coverage in the back of the end zone in the third quarter. He also ended the contest with a desperation heave down the field. Things won't get any easier for the 24-year-old in a Week 3 road contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he'll be a QB3 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Taylor Sep 16 12:10am ET
Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor ran the ball 12 times for 103 yards on the ground in the team's loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Taylor also caught two of his four targets for another 32 yards in the air. Taylor was the bright spot for Indy in the team's loss, logging another incredibly efficient outing on the ground and through the air. He also again saw an extremely favorable opportunity share, receiving 12 out of the 14 running back carries for Indianapolis. While the Colts may be a bit of a mixed bag offensively between QB Anthony Richardson's passing limitations and rushing upside, Taylor proves once again that he is the workhorse back for them and will continue to produce. He faces a tougher matchup in Week 3 when the Colts host the Chicago Bears, but fantasy managers can still start him confidently based on his volume alone.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Sep 16 12:10am ET
Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields completed 13 of 20 pass attempts for 117 yards and one touchdown in a Week 2 win against the Denver Broncos. He added 27 rushing yards on eight carries. Fields was excellent in the first half where he did nearly all his damage, including a five-yard touchdown pass to tight end Darnell Washington to close Pittsburgh's second drive of the contest. The 25-year-old additionally had a 51-yard completion and a six-yard touchdown pass, both to wide receiver George Pickens, called back due to penalties in the second quarter. It remains to be seen if Russell Wilson (calf) will immediately claim the starting job when healthy, but if Fields gets the nod against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3, he'll remain a QB2 option in superflex formats.

From RotoBaller

Joe Mixon Sep 16 12:10am ET
Joe Mixon

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) rushed nine times for 25 yards during Sunday's win over the Chicago Bears. He also got involved in the passing attack, hauling in three of his five targets for another 25 yards through the air. He finished Week 2 with 50 scrimmage yards but zero touchdowns. The veteran running back had a solid day, but he likely would have been even more productive if he hadn't missed most of the third quarter due to a back injury. The Texans listed him as questionable and kept him on the sideline for a couple of drives, but he did eventually return in the final minute of the third quarter. Going forward, fantasy managers will want to monitor Mixon's status in case the injury lingers and prevents him from practicing at all during the week. He heads into Week 3 versus the Vikings as a decent RB2 option in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aiyuk Sep 15 11:40pm ET
Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk disappointed again in a 23-17 loss to the Vikings in Minneapolis on Sunday. He finished with four receptions for 43 yards on five targets and no touchdowns. Minted with a four-year $120 million extension recently, it appears that Aiyuk is still working his way back into football shape after skipping nearly all of the 49ers preseason games and team practices. On the bright side, today was an improvement from Week 1's two-catch, 28-yard performance. As Aiyuk continues to sharpen physically and regain his rapport with quarterback Brock Purdy, it's almost certain that he'll get back to 2023 form, but it could still take another week or two. In Week 3, Aiyuk and the 49ers will head south to play the Rams in Los Angeles.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Sep 15 11:31pm ET
Xavier Worthy

Dynasty | Chiefs rookie receiver Xavier Worthy had two catches for 17 yards in a win against the Bengals. Dynasty Analysis: Worthy added five rushing yards on the day. Patrick Mahomes was bottled up for just 151 passing yards on the day, so dynasty managers don't need to panic. Still, this goes to show what we though - Worthy is going to be a "boom or bust" option early on in his career until he establishes solid trust and rapport with Mahomes. Worthy won't be a strong consideration next week but he's clearly a strong dynasty asset who has more than justified his rookie draft slot thus far.

Rashee Rice Sep 15 11:31pm ET
Rashee Rice

Dynasty | Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice had five catches for 75 yards and a touchdown in the Chiefs win against the Bengals. Dynasty Analysis: On a day where Patrick Mahomes was quiet, Rice showed he's becoming matchup-proof with another big game, highlighted by a 44-yard touchdown. Rice is a clear WR2 who is likely going to post some WR1 games moving forward. While his maturity (and possible looming suspension) are in question, his talent clearly is not.

Zack Moss Sep 15 11:31pm ET
Zack Moss

Dynasty | Bengals running back Zack Moss had 34 rushing yards, one catch, and 13 receiving yards in a loss against Kansas City. Dynasty Analysis: Moss (13 touches) looks to be the clear top dog in the offense as Chase Brown (four touches) looked like more of an afterthought. Still, Brown was more effective today and neither of these two is looking like an option in dynasty leagues at the moment. It's early, but it also looks like Cincinnati is going to live and die on the arm of Joe Burrow and their running backs should be nowhere near fantasy lineups at the moment as neither has taken advantage of a golden opportunity to emerge as a real fantasy factor this season (or possibly beyond) yet.

Justin Fields Sep 15 11:30pm ET
Justin Fields

Dynasty | Steelers quarterback Justin Fields completed 13-of-20 passes for 117 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions in Pittsburgh's win against Denver. Dynasty Analysis: This game was as ugly as the 13-6 score indicates but Fields again did what Pittsburgh asked him to do - manage the offense and not make mistakes. His 27 rushing yards all come at big times and Fields has now gone two straight weeks without turning the ball over. Pittsburgh is winning with an elite-level defense and Fields still has work to do to hold off Russell Wilson, but it's hard to see Wilson starting a game before Fields loses one. He'll remain a QB2 moving forward but things are looking up for Fields as he looks like he's matured under Mike Tomlin (who somehow continues to win despite sub-par talent).

Demarcus Robinson Sep 15 11:23pm ET
Demarcus Robinson

Los Angeles Rams WR Demarcus Robinson caught two passes for a team-high 50 yards in a 41-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2.

Fantasy Spin: A week after Puka Nacua left with an injury, Cooper Kupp exited the Week 2, leaving Robinson as one of top receiving options. If Nacua and Kupp aren't ready for Week 3, Robinson will be worth a look in deeper leagues.

From TheHuddle

Evan McPherson Sep 15 11:10pm ET
Evan McPherson

Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson had a productive game for fantasy managers in the Week 2 meeting against the Chiefs. After making one kick in the Week 1 loss to the Patriots, the 25-year-old had four on Sunday, including a 53-yarder in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, a missed extra-point attempt would prove costly, with the Chiefs winning the contest by one, thanks to a field goal from Harrison Butker as time expired. At any rate, McPherson is one of the best kickers in the National Football League, meaning he deserves starting consideration in all fantasy lineups when the Bengals meet the Commanders in the Week 3 Monday Night Football matchup.

From RotoBaller

Zach Ertz Sep 15 11:03pm ET
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders TE Zach Ertz registered four receptions for a team-high 62 yards on four targets in Week 2 against the New York Giants.

Fantasy Spin: Ertz was productive like the old days in Philadelphia, but he still has a ways to go before he is a regular TE1 again. For now, he remains a TE2, and a streaming option for when your primary option has an injury or a bye.

From TheHuddle

Noah Brown Sep 15 11:03pm ET
Noah Brown

Washington Commanders WR Noah Brown registered three receptions for 56 yards on three targets in Week 2 against the New York Giants.

From TheHuddle

Joe Mixon Sep 15 11:03pm ET
Joe Mixon

Updating a previous report, Houston Texans RB Joe Mixon (ankle) was able to return to the lineup in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears late in the third quarter.

Fantasy Spin: Mixon missed a good chunk of the third quarter after what looked like a possible hip-drop tackle, sending the talented back to the locker room. We'll see if he can finish out, and finish up strong. The good news is that he is back.

From TheHuddle