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.
Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. (calf) exited the team's 21-14 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday and did not return. It was initially thought to be a knee injury, but as per the NFL's Ian Rapoport, it turns out he picked up a calf injury. A very particular calf injury dubbed "Tennis leg" that is apparently quite common among Tennis players. Rapoport also noted that he'll have further testing to assess the extent of the injury but reported that head coach Zac Taylor is "optimistic" about the 28-year-old edge-protector. With no other active left tackle on the roster, guard Cody Ford replaced him in the contest and would likely do so again if Brown Jr. can't suit up for a Week 8 home tilt against the Philadelphia Eagles. Expect an update on him over the next 48 hours.
From RotoBaller
Per Adam Schefter, New York Jets defensive end Haason Reddick is present at the team's facility on Monday with his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. Reddick has officially begun preparing for Sunday's divisional matchup against the New England Patriots in Week 8. After months of back-and-forth, the 30-year-old pass-rushing specialist will presumably be active against the Patriots and should be a big boost for New York's defensive unit when he takes the field. The Jets have done a decent job getting after the quarterback in 2024 -- recording the fifth-most sacks in the league (21) through a nearly complete Week 7 -- and the journeyman edge-rusher stands to make them a more formidable unit in that regard. Reddick has recorded double-digit sacks in four straight seasons. While it is not yet confirmed, the plan appears to be for him to play in the road matchup.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier returned to his usual backup role in Sunday's 34-14 loss to the Seahawks, ceding a full workhorse load to backfield mate Bijan Robinson. It seemed the 24-year-old's role was expanding, culminating with an 18-carry, 105-yard outburst in Week 6, but Allgeier finished Week 7 with just five carries compared to Robinson's season-high 21 rush attempts, totaling 36 yards on the ground while adding one catch for nine yards. He was never destined to out-touch Robinson, but his efficiency (5.5 yards per carry) and proven ability to carry the load pointed to more opportunities that ultimately did not come to pass this week. Despite averaging 7.2 YPC in Sunday's contest, Allgeier still looks like a volatile, game-script-dependent fantasy asset right now and remains a strong handcuff to Robinson should anything happen to Atlanta's lead back. The Falcons' Week 8 opponent, Tampa Bay, has generally been stout against the run, which doesn't bode well for Allgeier's near-term prospects.
From RotoBaller
The Miami Dolphins designated quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) to return from Injured Reserve on Monday with the hopes that he can return to play this Sunday in Week 8 to face the Arizona Cardinals. Tagovailoa isn't guaranteed to play this weekend, but if he looks good in practice during the week, Miami could officially activate him from IR by Saturday and have him start on Sunday. The 26-year-old lefty signal-caller suffered his fourth concussion in five years in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills and has been on IR ever since. However, after consulting with doctors and specialists, Tagovailoa not only made the decision to continue his career, but to try and return this year. Tagovailoa is obviously an extreme injury risk moving forward, but his return to the field should drastically boost the fantasy values of all of Miami's offensive skill players, most notably Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said that quarterback Will Levis (shoulder) is week-to-week as he continues to deal with an AC sprain in his right shoulder that he suffered in Week 4 against the Miami Dolphins. The Titans didn't inform backup Mason Rudolph that he was starting in Week 7 against the Buffalo Bills until a day before the game on Saturday. Ultimately, Levis' shoulder didn't respond well to a full practice last Thursday, so Callahan made the decision to sit him this Sunday. The only way for AC joint injuries to heal is with proper rest, so there's a realistic chance Levis will miss a second straight game in Week 8 versus the Detroit Lions. The offense sputtered under Rudolph against Buffalo, as he went 25-for-40 for 215 yards, one TD and an interception in a 34-10 loss. At best, Rudolph will be a low-end QB2 in superflex leagues against Detroit if he makes another start.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) won't play in Week 8 against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, although Reid didn't expand on the exact nature of Smith-Schuster's injury. In addition to Smith-Schuster, receiver Justin Watson (ankle) suffered a serious injury in the Week 7 win over the San Francisco 49ers and could be dealing with a fractured ankle. Smith-Schuster played only seven offensive snaps and wasn't targeted at all before leaving on Sunday. If KC doesn't trade for a receiver, they'll be down to rookie Xavier Worthy, Mecole Hardman and Skyy Moore against the Raiders with Rashee Rice (knee) and Marquise Brown (shoulder) already done for the year. Hardman had only three touches on Sunday but did score his first TD of the year. He's worth a look on the waiver wire if you're hurting at receiver.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) won't be available for the Week 8 game on Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys, and then the team is on bye in Week 9. McCaffrey has been ramping up for an early-November return, so Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 10 could be the target date he's shooting for to make his 2024 debut. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports CMC hasn't had any setbacks as he ramps up. San Fran could really use McCaffrey back with receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) going down with a potential season-ending torn ACL in the Week 7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Fantasy managers that have been stashing McCaffrey all year could have him back just in time to make a run for a fantasy championship, although it remains to be seen how effective he'll be and how much of a workload he'll have upon his return.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said that wide receiver Cooper Kupp's (ankle) workload for the upcoming Thursday night game in Week 8 against the Minnesota Vikings is "to be determined." "That'll be something that as we're putting it together and really diving into it, we'll have a better feel for, but definitely excited to have him back," McVay said. The Rams are expecting Kupp to play on Thursday for the first time since spraining his ankle back in Week 2, but it's unclear at this time if the 31-year-old will play a normal complement of snaps for LA's offense. Kupp only practiced on a limited basis last week and may not get in a full session on a short week before facing Minnesota, which will make him a volatile option for starting fantasy lineups in Week 8. But with Puka Nacua (knee) still on Injured Reserve, Kupp is going to be quarterback Matthew Stafford's preferred target when he's on the field.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (thumb) will be placed on Injured Reserve after fracturing his right thumb in the Week 7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, according to sources. O'Connell was making his second start of the year on Sunday but will now be out for four to six weeks and will miss at least the next four games after going on IR. He'll have a chance to return this season, but the earliest O'Connell can return would be in Week 13 against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 8. In his two starts, O'Connell went 33-for-50 for 279 yards with a TD and an interception. Gardner Minshew II will now take over as Vegas' starter, but he's nothing more than a low-upside, low-end QB2 in superflex fantasy leagues. After relieving O'Connell on Sunday, Minshew went 15-for-34 for 154 yards with three interceptions and also lost a fumble.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) suffered a torn Achilles in the Week 7 loss to the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, according to a source, and his 2024 season is over. According to The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot, Watson will undergo surgery soon, and he's deciding between the conventional surgery and the new "speed-bridge" procedure that Jets QB Aaron Rodgers has last year. Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who also did Watson's shoulder surgery, got Rodgers back on the practice field within 77 days, around four months faster than with a traditional Achilles repair. The 29-year-old's future with Cleveland could now be in question, especially since he's unlikely to be ready for the start of next season. Dorian Thompson-Robinson (finger) took over for Watson on Sunday, but it could be Jameis Winston making the start in Week 8 against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens.
From RotoBaller
X-rays on Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson's right middle finger came back negative on Monday after he injured it in the Week 7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Thompson-Robinson was forced into action after Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending torn Achilles. The 24-year-old is also undergoing an MRI exam to determine the severity of his finger injury. If he's deemed good to go for Week 8 against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens, the Browns must decide between DTR or veteran Jameis Winston to make the start with Watson out. The best bet is that Winston will make the start against the Ravens, but Thompson-Robinson could make a start at some point down the road in what has become a lost season for the Browns. Fantasy managers in single-QB leagues should be looking to avoid the quarterback situation in Cleveland.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney had a useful day in PPR formats in Sunday's 34-14 loss to the Seahawks, nabbing five of eight targets for 46 yards. His 53 targets on the season are more than Terry McLaurin (49) and just two fewer than Stefon Diggs (55), so he clearly has value, but much of his fantasy production came in one blow-up game versus Tampa Bay in Week 5 when he tallied nine catches on a whopping 16 targets for 105 yards and two scores. That contest notwithstanding, the fifth-year pro is averaging four catches on six targets for 52 yards per game. The 26-year-old gets another shot at those same Bucs in Week 8, and while seeing his quarterback heave up 58 pass attempts again is not at all likely, if they try to shut down Drake London who torched them for 12-154-1 the last time out, Mooney and the other receivers would stand to benefit from his added attention.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins completed 24-of-35 passes for 232 yards and a touchdown but turned the ball over three times in a 34-14 loss to the Seahawks on Sunday. Two of the turnovers came via interception and the other was a fumble that turned into a scoop-and-score for the Seahawks. It was the fifth time in seven games that Cousins failed to record two or more touchdown passes and he now has seven picks in as many games. This was supposed to be a favorable matchup with a banged-up Seahawks secondary and Atlanta favored by three points, but instead, it was a lopsided affair that went in Seattle's favor. While it makes Cousins hard to trust as a weekly streaming option, the good news is that the 36-year-old gets the Buccaneers in Week 8, a team he threw for over 500 yards against with four TDs just a few weeks ago, so he'll get an opportunity to bounce back next week.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts garnered nine looks from Kirk Cousins, tallying seven grabs for 65 yards in Sunday's 34-14 loss to the Seahawks. Although the 24-year-old failed to find the end zone for the sixth consecutive week, the target, reception, and yardage totals were all team-highs on the afternoon. The former first-round draft pick recorded seven catches or more just three times from 2021-23 but has now totaled seven catches in two of the last three games for Atlanta, so perhaps the arrow is starting to point up for him. He also was held without a catch in Week 4, so let's not get too ahead of ourselves. Week 8 brings a rematch with Tampa Bay, which saw 58 pass attempts from Cousins the last time out. A more balanced approach should be the expectation this time around, but Pitts did haul in seven for 88 in that contest and should be involved again.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson totaled up 24 touches in Sunday's 34-14 loss to the Seahawks, with 21 rushes for 103 yards and a score while adding three catches for 40 yards. The number of rush attempts were a season high and he's now caught at least three passes in six of seven games for Atlanta. The 22-year-old flashed his big play ability with a 26-yard rush and a 26-yard catch-and-run, finishing the week within the top 12 at the position in fantasy. Fantasy managers will appreciate the added workload, but we'll see if it sticks as his previous high in rush attempts this season was just 18. On tap in Week 8 are the Buccaneers who the Falcons have faced once already and it ended up being a pass-heavy game script, with Robinson getting just 12 attempts for 61 yards and three catches for 16.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London hauled in six passes on eight targets for 63 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 34-14 loss to the Seahawks. It was the sixth consecutive game in which the 23-year-old tallied at least six receptions and he's now scored in five of Atlanta's seven games. London's day perhaps could have been better had Kirk Cousins not killed a couple of drives with interceptions, but the 6-foot-4 wideout put himself in the mix as a WR1 for the week nevertheless. He should continue his stretch of consistent production in next week's matchup versus the Buccaneers, having racked up 12-154-1 against them back in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (ribs) underwent some initial X-rays on Sunday after he left the game against the Carolina Panthers. According to Jordan Schultz, those initial tests came back with no fractures to any of his ribs. The rookie phenom is still set to undergo some more tests on Monday as the team is taking a cautious approach to this injury. His status over the next couple of days will need to be monitored to understand the severity of the injury and if he'll need to miss any time moving forward. If he's unable to suit up in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears, Marcus Mariota will likely step in again as the starting quarterback.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson continues to struggle with another abysmal fantasy week in the team's 28-3 loss to their division rivals. The rookie out of Penn State didn't receive a single target while his counterpart, Daniel Bellinger caught his only target for 11 yards. The passing game struggled mightily with Daniel Jones only accounting for 99 yards through the air before Drew Lock entered the game and added six more. Johnson hasn't been able to string together any type of consistency right now, but neither has the tight end position as a whole for the Giants. His next chance to bounce back will be against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas posted his first goose egg of the season against the Cleveland Browns. The second-year wideout finished the game with one target but didn't haul it in, and was not used in the running game. When Tee Higgins returned, Iosivas' target share dropped in each game. In fact, Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase received 14 targets combined. As long as the top receivers are healthy, Iosivas has a limited ceiling. He'll have another shot at finding the end zone against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker struggled to find many targets or open field as did the rest of the passing game against the Washington Commanders. Coker finished the game with one target, one reception, and 10 yards. As a whole, the Panthers produced 85 total yards through the air as Andy Dalton was stifled all game long. The offense has now produced only three games with more than 10 points, which is going to limit Coker's upside until they can figure out their deficiencies.
From RotoBaller