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FFL: Week 11 | NFL: Week 11

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.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 11

Player Notes
Jaire Alexander Nov 17 9:50pm ET
Jaire Alexander

According to the NFL's Ian Rapoport, the knee injury that forced Green Bay Packers defensive back Jaire Alexander (knee) from Sunday's 20-19 win over the Chicago Bears is not considered to be serious. The 27-year-old was knocked out of the team's victory in the second half and did not return. Per Rapoport, it's a "continuation of what he's been working through," and sources said he'll be ok. Alexander was a limited participant in practice all week leading up to Sunday's outing, and he'll likely be as such ahead of Green Bay's Week 12 home tilt against the San Francisco 49ers. Fantasy managers will want to keep an eye on his status, but it appears he shouldn't miss any time as of now.

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Nov 17 9:50pm ET
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis completed 17-of-31 passes for 295 yards, one touchdown. and one pick in a 23-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. The young signal caller also rushed seven times for 18 yards. Levis played admirably despite matching up against a tough defense, throwing for a season-high in yardage, which was ballooned by a 98-yard touchdown to Nick Westbrook-Ikine on the right sideline. The Kentucky product put up his second highest total of the season with 15.6 fantasy points, and looks like a serviceable 2QB option heading into next week against the Houston Texans.

From RotoBaller

Anders Carlson Nov 17 9:40pm ET
Anders Carlson

New York Jets kicker Anders Carlson made both of his field goals and added three extra points in a 28-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11. Carlson was signed from the practice squad earlier in the week after the Kansas City Chiefs signed away Spencer Shrader to be their kicker while Harrison Butker (knee) is sidelined. That left Carlson as the Jets' fourth kicker in as many games. He looked good in his New York debut, hitting field goals from 58 and 35 yards away. Carlson and the Jets head into their bye in Week 12 before they take on the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Nov 17 9:30pm ET
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (shoulder) was forced from Sunday's contest against the Cincinnati Bengals and is questionable to return. The rookie wideout caught a 20-yard pass on the Chargers' second drive of the game but was pushed out of bounds hard and was immediately seen writhing in pain after the play. Before his exit, he caught his sole target. If McConkey does not return, wide receivers Quentin Johnston and Joshua Palmer and tight end Will Dissly are projected to benefit the most from his absence in LA's passing attack.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Nov 17 9:30pm ET
Davante Adams

New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams caught six of his seven targets for 72 yards in a 28-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11. Adams led the Jets in receiving yards while finishing behind only Breece Hall in catches in the heartbreaking loss to the Colts. The veteran wideout has been trending up in recent weeks as he has caught at least six passes in three straight games while 31 targets over that span. Settling in as an upside WR2 in fantasy with his new team, Adams will be on bye in Week 12 before he takes on the Seattle Seahawks at home in Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Nov 17 9:30pm ET
Garrett Wilson

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson caught four of his eight targets for 18 yards in a 28-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11. Wilson led the Jets in targets but he managed just a meager 4.5 yards per catch in the close loss to Indy. The veteran wideout has been quiet over his past two games as he has only nine catches for 59 yards and no touchdowns over that span. Wilson will be on bye in Week 12 before he takes on the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Nov 17 9:30pm ET
Ladd McConkey

Per Daniel Popper of The Athletic, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (shoulder) has returned to the team's outing against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Night Football. McConkey got shaken up a bit after hauling in a 20-yard pass, but after a brief exit to the locker room, he was able to return to the field. He should slot back in as a top-two option for quarterback Justin Herbert.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Nov 17 9:20pm ET
Geno Smith

Per beat writer Tracy Sandler of FGSN, San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (obliques) is now having trouble with both obliques. Bosa was forced from the team's 20-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 11 after injuring his oblique. The 27-year-old came into Sunday's home tilt after missing practice due to a hip/oblique ailment and reported overcompensating on his second sack of quarterback Geno Smith and injuring the other one. Unfortunately, the superstar pass-rusher noted that he's concerned he'll have to miss some time but said, "We're going to see." San Francisco had not let up a touchdown to their division rivals on Sunday until the former first-round pick exited the game. He will almost certainly miss practice again this week, but the 49ers will hope to have him back for their Week 12 road matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

From RotoBaller

Jake Bates Nov 17 9:20pm ET
Jake Bates

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates delivered another strong performance in Week 11, converting his lone field goal attempt and all seven extra points in a 52-6 win over the Jaguars. Bates remains perfect on field goals this season, going 15-for-15, while leading the league with 39 extra points on 40 attempts. His consistent production continues to shine as part of Detroit's high-powered offense. Heading into Sunday night, Bates ranks as the K3 for the week and has scored 12 or more fantasy points in four of his last six games. He remains a reliable fantasy starter heading into Week 12 against the Indianapolis Colts.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Nov 17 9:20pm ET
Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 22 of his 29 passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns while adding a seven-yard run in a 28-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11. Rodgers tossed touchdown passes to Breece Hall and Kenny Yeboah in the contest but he was held under 200 passing yards for the second straight game. It has been tough going for Rodgers and the Jets this season as he will take 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions into the bye week. He does not need to be rostered in single quarterback leagues moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Nov 17 9:20pm ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs reeled in all five of his targets for 84 yards and a touchdown in a 28-27 win over the Jets on Sunday. With Anthony Richardson showing a bit more accuracy this week, Downs maintained his status as the Colts' most reliable pass catcher, leading Indy's receiving corps in yardage while scoring the only offensive touchdown outside of Richardson's two rushing scores. It was the third straight game with at least five catches for the 23-year-old and sixth time in nine games. The former third-round draft pick will face off with the Lions in Week 12, a defense that is easier to throw on than run against, and could be playing from behind all day which should afford him plenty of opportunities again.

From RotoBaller

Breece Hall Nov 17 9:20pm ET
Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall carried the ball 16 times for 78 yards and a touchdown while catching all seven of his targets for 43 yards and another score in a 28-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11. Hall was a bright spot for the Jets in the heartbreaking loss as he broke a three-game scoreless streak with his pair of touchdowns. The veteran running back heads into his Week 12 bye with six all-around touchdowns. His next game will be Week 13 against the Seattle Seahawks at home.

From RotoBaller

Kalif Raymond Nov 17 9:10pm ET
Kalif Raymond

Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond caught both of his targets for 30 yards in the team's dominant 52-6 victory over the Jaguars in Week 11. Raymond's role was fairly limited, finishing fifth on the team in receptions. With Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams commanding the majority of targets, Raymond remains difficult to trust as a fantasy option. Even with Sam LaPorta sidelined, Detroit's crowded offense limits Raymond's opportunities to deliver consistent fantasy value. Raymond should remain on waivers as the Lions are set to play the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Nov 17 9:10pm ET
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III scored a touchdown in Week 11 for the first time since Week 7. The San Francisco 49ers were able to hold Walker in check on the ground, but his two receptions and his touchdown kept him afloat in fantasy. Walker has now scored at least 13.9 PPR fantasy points in every game but one this season. He has scored seven total touchdowns in seven games played, and he now has a career-high in receptions with a little under half a season to go. While Walker is not delivering the top five weeks he was at the beginning of the season, he has still been a high-end RB2. The Seahawks seem to have found defensive success in Week 11 as they held the 49ers to just 17 points. If that keeps up, then Walker should have plenty of opportunities on the ground and through the air. Look for him to keep up his scoring in a Week 12 clash with the Arizona Cardinals.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Nov 17 9:10pm ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett caught just two of three targets for 19 yards in a Week 11 win over the San Francisco 49ers. The Seahawks' passing offense ran almost solely through wide receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba and DK Metcalf (knee). While Lockett has consistently operated as the third target this season, that usually still resulted in solid volume. With quarterback Geno Smith only throwing the ball 32 times in this game, Lockett was the odd-man out as Metcalf and Smith-Njigba combined for 20 targets. Lockett now has four games this season with less than 9.6 PPR fantasy points. It is discouraging to see that when the Seahawks' passing volume is down, Lockett is likely to miss out on the fantasy fun in this wide receiver core. With the Seahawks looking much sharper coming out of their bye, they were able to hold San Francisco's offense in check. As such, the Seahawks' offense did not need to generate much output to win the game. This will be an interesting situation to monitor if the Seahawks have made significant offensive and defensive changes coming out of their bye. If they are able to play better defense moving forward, then Lockett could experience more games like this.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Nov 17 9:10pm ET
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (knee) recorded seven receptions for 70 yards in his return from an MCL sprain in Week 11. In a tough matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, Metcalf was able to deliver a solid day from an efficiency perspective as he finished second on the team with nine targets. Metcalf continued his solid season. Metcalf and fellow wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba accounted for most of the Seahawks' receiving yards and have formed a relatively dynamic duo in 2024. Although Smith-Njigba earned more targets in this game, Metcalf's nine were his fourth-most of the season. Metcalf should continue to deliver in fantasy as he gets more comfortable in his return from injury. He has a chance to go on a nice run over the next few weeks with the Arizona Cardinals and the struggling defense of the New York Jets on the docket. Metcalf should have a safe floor as a WR2 in fantasy with major upside to finish as a WR1 in any given week.

From RotoBaller

Jameson Williams Nov 17 9:00pm ET
Jameson Williams

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams exploded in Week 11, catching four of six targets for 124 yards and a touchdown in a 52-6 blowout win over the Jaguars. Williams continues to prove himself as one of the NFL's premier deep threats, recording his third touchdown in five games. Heading into Sunday night, Williams ranks as a Top-6 WR for the week, delivering yet another standout fantasy performance. The explosive wideout has now scored 16 or more PPR fantasy points in five of his eight games this season. Williams remains a WR2 with big-play upside heading into Week 12 against the Indianapolis Colts.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Nov 17 8:50pm ET
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught 10 of 11 targets for 110 yards in a Week 11 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Smith-Njigba led the Seahawks in targets and dominated the middle of the field. The question coming out of the Seahawks' bye was how they might use Smith-Njigba moving forward. If the last two games are any indication, he is going to be a focal point in the offense. Prior to his last two games, Smith-Njigba had been relatively inconsistent. He had a decent target share, but he was a middle-of-the-road wide receiver in fantasy. On a day in which quarterback Geno Smith only threw for 221 yards, it is encouraging that Smith-Njigba had 110 receiving yards. He is starting to build a lot of momentum in this offense.

From RotoBaller

JuJu Smith-Schuster Nov 17 8:40pm ET
JuJu Smith-Schuster

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster caught one pass for eight yards in the 21-30 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Smith-Schuster returned to the team after missing the last three games. Despite being available, the veteran receiver was not a factor in the passing attack. Smith-Schuster only saw one target in the team's first loss of the season. Before the team's Week 6 bye, Smith-Schuster appeared to be the top receiver on the Chiefs, but it has been a long time since then. The Chiefs acquired DeAndre Hopkins in the absence of Smith-Schuster, and rookie Xavier Worthy has been more involved lately. Smith-Schuster will look to be a factor in next week's game against the Carolina Panthers, who rank 14th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. It will be difficult for fantasy managers to trust Smith-Schuster in starting lineups, considering the other talented pass catchers on the team.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Nov 17 8:40pm ET
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith had a modest day as a passer against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11. However, Smith had a great afternoon rushing the ball and ran for what would prove to be the game-winning touchdown for the Seahawks. This was a classic November divisional matchup in the NFL. Both defenses showed up and held the opposing offenses to 20 points or less. Smith only threw for 221 yards and an interception, but he was surgical on the Seahawks' final drive of the day. Smith did not have the biggest day from a fantasy perspective, but he was able to deliver QB2 numbers as expected. Smith has now led several game-winning drives for the Seahawks this season. Those drives have seen Smith rack up fantasy points in what would have been otherwise modest days. Even so, Smith continues to be a high-floor quarterback in fantasy whether the Seahawks win or lose. He will look to carry the momentum from this win into an important Week 12 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals.

From RotoBaller