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 DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back Tyson Campbell (hamstring) is active ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the New England Patriots. Campbell has missed the last four games while being on the injured reserve due to a hamstring issue. Luckily, Campbell was able to practice this week and has been activated ahead of this contest in London. The 24-year-old has been limited to one game this season, but is a difference maker when healthy. Campbell should resume his role as the top defensive back on this team which should give the Jaguars defense a boost on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Browns have activated running back Nick Chubb. Dynasty Analysis: Chubb will make his much-anticipated return in week seven against the Bengals. His presence will be a welcome one by a Browns team that's 1-5 and flailing miserably. Cleveland traded Amari Cooper this week and Deshaun Watson looks like an absolute shell of himself, so anything the Browns get from Chubb will be important. Dynasty managers should be cautious as his role is likely not going to be a huge one for a few weeks. Still, it will certainly be nice to see him back after last year's gruesome injury.
Dynasty | The Jets are planning on Davante Adams playing at full strength this week. Dynasty Analysis: Adams was traded to the Jets this week and apparently the plane flight magically cured his injury. Dynasty managers won't complain as Adams has reportedly looked great in practice and is excited to be reunited with Aaron Rodgers. The Jets still have major problems and Adams is going to still need to build chemistry in the offense, so he should be viewed as more of a WR2 at the moment. Stay tuned.
Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon is expected to play the majority of the offensive snaps again in Week 7 with Jonathan Taylor (ankle) inactive. Sermon has been the Colts' lead back for each of their last two games, and he expects to remain in that role this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. The 25-year-old has commanded 34 touches over the last two weeks, but he has just 67 rushing yards and 25 receiving yards during that span (average of 2.7 yards per touch). On the other hand, backup Tyler Goodson has actually been more productive on fewer opportunities, tallying 122 scrimmage yards during that same two-week range (average of 6.1 yards per touch). This week against a modest Dolphins run defense, Goodson has higher upside in PPR leagues while Sermon is more of a touchdown-dependent FLEX play.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (hamstring) is not expected to play in Week 7 against the New York Jets, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Wilson had been listed as questionable after logging back-to-back limited practices. The 23-year-old made his NFL debut against the Las Vegas Raiders last weekend, playing just seven percent of snaps and failing to command a target. Now, he's sidelined once again, giving way to a receiving corps of George Pickens, Calvin Austin, and Van Jefferson, among others. Pickens is an appealing WR3/FLEX play against a respectable Raiders secondary.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) is expected to play against the Detroit Lions in Week 7 despite being listed as questionable, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Jones picked up the injury during Week 5 in London, but a conveniently placed bye last week allowed the veteran running back to recover for Sunday's game against Detroit without missing any time. He has been quite productive through five games this season, tallying 350 rushing yards, 167 receiving yards, and two total touchdowns. He typically ranks as a low-end fantasy RB1, but the Lions' strong run defense could drop him to the RB2 tier.
From RotoBaller
The New Orleans Saints will host wide receiver Marques Valdes-Scantling for a workout on Monday, and if all goes well, they could sign him, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Valdes-Scantling was recently released by the Buffalo Bills, for whom he caught just two passes through six games. The Saints are starving for reinforcements at the wide receiver position with Chris Olave (concussion) sidelined and Rashid Shaheed (knee) done for the year. While Olave figures to return soon, New Orleans still needs to add depth to a wide receiver room that currently contains just Olave, Bub Means, Cedrick Wilson Jr., Mason Tipton, and Jermaine Jackson.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Bills) is scheduled to work out for the New Orleans Saints Monday, Oct. 21.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jordan Whittington (shoulder) is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders despite being listed as questionable, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Whittington had been limited in practice this past week. The 24-year-old has taken advantage of injuries to Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) lately, catching 13 of 18 targets for 151 yards over his last two games combined. The rookie is still searching for his first career NFL touchdown, but in the meantime, he'll continue to operate as the Rams' top receiver while ranking as a WR3/FLEX play in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
The New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers have decided to pause trade talks surrounding wide receiver Mike Williams and will resume negotiations after the two teams face each other on Sunday night in Week 7, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Williams has become a popular name on the trade market after the Jets acquired Davante Adams. The former Los Angeles Chargers receiver has been quiet in his first season with New York, catching just 10 passes for 145 yards through six games. However, he could have more of a role if traded to a different team, such as the Steelers. Pittsburgh's wide receiver corps is headlined by George Pickens, who has delivered inconsistent production. Williams could certainly join the Steelers and immediately compete with their current No. 2 receiver, Calvin Austin III.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets LB Haason Reddick agreed to a restructured contract Sunday, Oct. 20, and will report to the team Monday, Oct. 21. Financial terms were not disclosed but it will be a short-term deal and he hopes to agree to a long-term deal in the future.
From TheHuddle
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (foot) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction entering the weekend. In the end, the 26-year-old missed just one game due to the injury. His return this week bumps Antonio Gibson out of the starting role. Stevenson, who is averaging 78 scrimmage yards and 0.6 touchdowns per game this season, ranks as a low-end fantasy RB2 in his return. He gets help from a favorable matchup against the Jaguars, who have allowed the second-most receptions and seventh-most fantasy points to opposing running backs so far this season.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Javon Baker (illness) and Tyquan Thornton (coach's decision) are inactive for Week 7 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Baker has repeatedly been inactive, failing to log an offensive snap since Week 2. While he has typically been sidelined as a coach's decision, he's inactive this week with an illness. That's merely a technicality, of course, as Baker likely would have been a healthy scratch even if he wasn't ill. The rookie is still searching for his first NFL target and will have to wait at least one more week. Thornton, meanwhile, has been the subject of trade rumors lately but lacks significant fantasy appeal; he hasn't registered a reception since catching two passes back in the season opener. Both players can be dropped in all redraft and most dynasty leagues.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) is "unlikely" to play against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Kupp will undergo additional evaluation pregame, so the Rams haven't made an official decision on his availability yet. However, he certainly faces an uphill battle to suit up on Sunday afternoon. The star pass-catcher has been sidelined since injuring his ankle in the middle of Week 2. He dominated during the season opener, catching 14 of 21 targets for 110 yards and one touchdown. As soon as he's healthy enough to play, he'll rank as a WR1 while catching passes from Matthew Stafford. In the meantime, look for Jordan Whittington (shoulder) and Tutu Atwell to command additional targets.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) is inactive for Week 7 against the New England Patriots in London. The 25-year-old has been plagued by limited production and injury lately, and now, he's out altogether. This leaves the door open for Tank Bigsby and D'Ernest Johnson to earn additional touches, with the former presumably in line to handle the bulk of the opportunities. Bigsby will rank as an RB3/FLEX against a Patriots defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets pass rusher Haason Reddick has agreed to an adjusted contract with the team, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Reddick will report to the team on Monday morning and presumably has a strong chance to play in Week 8 against the New England Patriots. Terms of his new deal weren't immediately reported, but it's expected to be a short-term deal that allows Reddick and the Jets to discuss a long-term deal later on. Reddick had double-digit sacks in each of his last four seasons, so his return is great news for the Jets as they look to turn their season around and mount a playoff run.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (shoulder) is expected to suit up against the Dolphins. The wideout is listed as questionable for this one. However, he logged a full practice session on Friday, which was a positive indication he would be on the field in Week 7. From a yardage standpoint, Pierce is the team's most productive receiver so far in 2024-25. But outside of a few strong fantasy showings, he's been irrelevant in most of the Colts' games this season. Still, Pierce has a proven upside, giving him credibility as a flex option, at the very least, even with Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and Josh Downs (toe) also in line to play.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (toe) is slated to suit up for Sunday's contest against the Dolphins. He is currently listed as questionable, just like he was ahead of the Week 6 meeting with the Titans. However, the wideout was on the field for that one, finishing with seven catches for 66 yards and a touchdown, so the latest update isn't surprising. Downs has 24 catches in his last three games. With that in mind, he's at least a flex option for fantasy managers, even with Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and Alec Pierce (shoulder) also expected to play.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) is anticipated to play in Sunday's matchup with the Miami Dolphins. His back issue isn't anything new, and it's not expected to go away anytime soon. However, as long as the wideout's condition doesn't take a turn for the worse, he should continue to play moving forward. Pittman has scored in each of his last two games. Unfortunately, he's only caught more than four passes twice this season. Still, Pittman should always be considered a starting fantasy option, even with Josh Downs (toe) and Alec Pierce (shoulder) in line to suit up.
From RotoBaller
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is anticipated to play in Sunday's game versus the 49ers. Head coach Andy Reid implied the wideout was on the right track toward suiting up in Week 7, so his expected availability isn't surprising. He is coming off a monster performance, amassing seven catches (eight targets) for 130 yards in the Monday night victory over the Saints. While that type of showing makes Smith-Schuster at least a Flex option, he's still hard to trust, considering he had only two receptions entering Week 5.
From RotoBaller
