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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.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 2

Player Notes
Sam Darnold Sep 15 9:40pm ET
Sam Darnold

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold completed 17-of-26 passes for 268 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in the team's 23-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers. He added 32 yards on the ground on five carries. When Minnesota beat up on the New York Giants last weekend in their 28-6 win, Darnold's excellent performance could have been written off as a fluke. However, that case is no longer as cut-and-dry with the Viking's surprise defeat of the reigning NFC champions. It's been quite the start to the year for the 27-year-old, who is now on his fourth NFL squad. Through two contests, he's racked up 476 yards and four scores while completing a crisp 72% of his passes. Superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson -- who caught a 97-yard touchdown Sunday -- was diagnosed with a quad bruise during the matchup but does not believe he'll miss any time. With his stellar start, the third-overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft has begun to creep into streaming consideration leading up to the team's Week 3 tilt against the Houston Texans.

From RotoBaller

Elijah Moore Sep 15 9:40pm ET
Elijah Moore

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore caught six of his eight targets for 44 yards in an 18-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2. Moore wound up tying for first on the team with Amari Cooper with his eight targets while finishing second on the team in receiving yards. Although he only has 53 receiving yards to show for it, Moore has been heavily targeted through the first two games of the season with 14 over that span. He will be a low-end flex in Week 3 when the Browns take on the New York Giants.

From RotoBaller

Derrick Henry Sep 15 9:40pm ET
Derrick Henry

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry has now scored in back-to-back games to start the season but hasn't been able to find a win with his new team yet. The veteran finished with 84 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries, and he caught his lone target for 12 yards. Henry looked like his younger self on a few runs as he stiff-armed defenders and broke multiple tackles. This time around, Henry saw a lot more work in the backfield compared to Justice Hill as he saw 19 total touches compared to Hill's six. The Ravens offense has been able to put up some points so far, but they continue to lose leads and abandon the ground game after a while. Henry's touchdown kept him in the RB1 conversation this week, but his ceiling has been limited so far.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Akins Sep 15 9:40pm ET
Jordan Akins

Cleveland Browns tight end Jordan Akins caught his lone target for a 10-yard gain in an 18-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Week 1 injury to David Njoku (ankle) made Akins an interesting sleeper candidate heading the game against Jacksonville but he only drew the one target from Deshaun Watson in the win as the Browns instead went a bit more run-heavy than they did last week. Akins is unlikely to be a major part of the Cleveland passing offense, even while Njoku is sidelined. He can stay on waivers heading into a Week 3 matchup against the New York Giants.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Sep 15 9:30pm ET
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy fell short in Sunday's 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Purdy finished the game having completed 28 of 36 passes for 319 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He added two scrambles for 12 yards on the ground. Minnesota's defense kept the pressure on Purdy all afternoon, as he found himself absorbing a career-high six sacks. Purdy did make many quality throws and his lone interception came from a nice defensive deflection that may have been a simple incompletion if the ball hadn't popped upward in traffic over the middle. Purdy's other turnover happened when the ball slipped out of his hands as he threw and went directly to a waiting Jihad Ward, being ruled a fumble. Today's game represents the second disappointment in a row for fantasy owners. Next up for the 24-year-old signal-caller is a road matchup versus the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Rico Dowdle Sep 15 9:30pm ET
Rico Dowdle

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle led the team's backfield with 11 touches in the Week 3 loss to the New Orleans Saints. He logged seven carries for 30 yards and added four catches for 29 yards. With the Saints jumping out to an early lead, the Cowboys were forced to pass more, creating a favorable game script for Dowdle. Although he didn't catch a pass for more than nine yards, Dowdle served as a reliable safety valve for quarterback Dak Prescott, often catching checkdowns. Next week, the Cowboys face a tough matchup against the Baltimore Ravens' stout front, which held the Las Vegas Raiders to just 27 rushing yards. This could force the Cowboys to rely on the passing game again, making Dowdle a potential streaming option in deep-league PPR formats.

From RotoBaller

Ezekiel Elliott Sep 15 9:20pm ET
Ezekiel Elliott

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott was limited to just 32 total yards in Sunday's 44-19 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Elliott recorded six rushes for 16 yards and added two catches on three targets for 16 yards. With the Saints scoring 35 points in the first half, the Cowboys were forced to abandon the run and shift to a pass-heavy game plan, significantly reducing Elliott's opportunities. The Cowboys struggled offensively, entering the red zone only three times, where Elliott is typically featured. Fantasy managers may want to consider other options in Week 3, as the Cowboys face a tough matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, who allowed just 27 rushing yards to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

MyCole Pruitt Sep 15 9:20pm ET
MyCole Pruitt

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end MyCole Pruitt (knee) was injured in the team's 13-6 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday. The severity of the 32-year-old's injury is unknown at this time. Pittsburgh is now 2-0 on the season despite scoring just one total touchdown through the two contests. Pruitt garnered two targets in last week's victory -- converting one for a gain of nine yards -- but was not as involved this Sunday, failing to earn a target from quarterback Justin Fields. Starting tight end, Pat Freiermuth caught four passes for the second week in a row, while Darnell Washington reeled in his only target for a five-yard score -- Pittsburgh's first of the season. Pruitt will not be a recommended option for fantasy managers -- even when healthy -- as a distant, desperate option on a run-centric Steelers' offense. They'll face the Los Angeles Chargers in their first home matchup of the season in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aubrey Sep 15 9:10pm ET
Brandon Aubrey

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey was perfect in the team's Week 2 loss to the New Orleans Saints, converting all five of his kicks. He nailed four field goals from 52, 38, 48, and 40 yards, along with one extra point, accounting for 13 of the Cowboys' 19 points. Head coach Mike McCarthy has full confidence in Aubrey, consistently relying on him for long field goals. Aubrey is a perfect 8-for-8 on the season through two games. Despite the team's struggles, Aubrey was a bright spot and could continue to be one of the top-scoring kickers in fantasy football. The 29-year-old will look to remain perfect in Week 3's matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

From RotoBaller

Luke Schoonmaker Sep 15 8:50pm ET
Luke Schoonmaker

Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker stepped into the starting lineup this week against the New Orleans Saints, replacing the injured Jake Ferguson (knee), who was ruled out with an MCL sprain. In his first start, Schoonmaker caught six passes for 43 yards, finishing third on the team in targets. While he didn't record a catch over 15 yards, he remained active and posted double-digit fantasy points in PPR leagues. Ferguson is expected to return at some point, but until then, Schoonmaker is a solid option for managers needing tight end help. The 25-year-old can be used as a streamer against the Baltimore Ravens in deep-league formats if Ferguson remains out.

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Sep 15 8:20pm ET
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis completed 19-of-28 passes for 192 yards, one touchdown and one interception in a 24-17 loss to New York. He also rushed four times for 38 yards while losing a fumble in the defeat. Levis once again showed flashes of brilliance, but was doomed by inconsistent play and turnovers that lowered his fantasy numbers considerably. The constant pressure didn't help, but Levis accounted for three turnovers for the second consecutive week, which led to 10 points for the Jets. The QB did make some splash plays, including a 40-yard TD to Calvin Ridley, but struggled to connect with any other receiver in the game. Levis will have another tough test next Sunday with the Packers coming to town in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Ridley Sep 15 8:20pm ET
Calvin Ridley

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley caught four passes for 77 yards and a touchdown, adding a 10-yard rushing touchdown in a loss vs. the New York Jets. It was a monster afternoon for the sixth-year pro, who was able to get in the end zone twice while battling one of the toughest secondaries in the NFL. His 40-yard touchdown reception from Will Levis was a thing of beauty, as Ridley made an incredible grab with First-team All-Pro corner Sauce Gardner right on his back. The former Pro Bowler once again led the Titans in receiving as the clear cut top option in a not-so-great passing attack. Even with quarterback Will Levis' struggles, Ridley should be started in all formats on a weekly basis given his role in the offense. He will look to keep the momentum going against the Packers stiff defensive unit in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Sep 15 8:20pm ET
Tony Pollard

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard rushed 17 times for 62 yards, also securing five passes on six targets for 40 yards in a 24-17 loss to New York. For the second straight week, Pollard was the clear lead back for this Titans offense, out-touching Tyjae Spears 22-8 in Week 2. Although Spears left the game late with an ankle injury, Pollard was still dominating the time on the field up to that point and was more effective when given the ball. He was also tied for the team lead in targets with six, proving he still has a role carved out for him in the passing game even with Spears' ability in that department. With how much this coaching staff seems to trust Pollard, he should be locked into lineups moving forward as a mid-tier RB2 with a tinge of upside. Up next is the Packers vulnerable run defense in a Week 3 home matchup.

From RotoBaller

DeAndre Hopkins Sep 15 8:20pm ET
DeAndre Hopkins

Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins caught one pass for nine yards in a 24-17 loss to the Jets in Week 2. It was the second straight near-dud for the veteran receiver, who could not get anything going on a day that where his teammate Calvin Ridley scored over 20 fantasy points. It's possible that Hopkins is still a bit slow to come back from the MCL injury, but it's concerning to record only two targets in an offense that is struggling to move the bar through the air. Levis and Hopkins showed some great chemistry last season, but Ridley seems to have snatched the crown from him in the Titans pecking order. With not many yards to go around, this is not a good sign for his rest-of-season outlook. Hopkins will look to rebound in Week 3 vs. Green Bay.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Sep 15 8:13pm ET
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) left the Week 2 game against the Arizona Cardinals, and he was unable to return. After the game, Kupp was in a walking boot on his left leg.

Fantasy Spin: We'll watch Kupp's practice status during the week before making a determination for Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers. If he cannot go, it appears Demarcus Robinson would be the No. 1 wideout, with Tyler Johnson as the No. 2, and Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington as the others. Stay tuned.

From TheHuddle

Dak Prescott Sep 15 8:10pm ET
Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott struggled in the home opener, throwing two interceptions in a blowout 44-19 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Prescott went 27-for-39 with 293 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions while rushing for 12 yards on two attempts. The Cowboys seemed to have plenty of momentum heading into Week 2 after Prescott agreed to a lucrative contract extension, and the team secured a win over the Cleveland Browns. However, Prescott looked completely out of sync, throwing two first-half interceptions and getting sacked three times. While it's still too early to overreact, Prescott has a good chance to bounce back next week against the Rams, who just surrendered 266 yards and three passing touchdowns to the Arizona Cardinals.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Sep 15 8:10pm ET
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (ankle) had a solid outing in Sunday's narrow win over the Bengals. Pacheco ran the ball 19 times, amassing 90 yards. He added five catches for 21 yards. However, the 25-year-old suffered an ankle injury late in the contest, with head coach Andy Reid stating the back would undergo further testing. Without question, Pacheco is featured in nearly every fantasy lineup imaginable. But he'll likely appear on the injury report heading into the Week 3, Sunday Night Football showdown with the Atlanta Falcons. If Pacheco can't suit up for that one, Carson Steele, who had seven touches for 24 yards, could be the preferred runner, with Samaje Perine potentially handling most of the pass-catching duties out of the backfield.

From RotoBaller

Mark Andrews Sep 15 8:03pm ET
Mark Andrews

Baltimore Ravens TE Mark Andrews posted four receptions for 51 yards on five targets in Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Fantasy Spin: It still wasn't a giant stat line which we've come to expect from the TE1, but he is rounding into form after being nearly invisible in Week 1. Andrews is making his way back from a major injury, and he should be just fine as he settles into the season. The Ravens travel to meet the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3.

From TheHuddle

Nelson Agholor Sep 15 8:03pm ET
Nelson Agholor

Baltimore Ravens WR Nelson Agholor had one catch for 13 yards on three targets in Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders.

From TheHuddle

CeeDee Lamb Sep 15 8:00pm ET
CeeDee Lamb

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb scored his first touchdown of the season with an electrifying 65-yard reception in Sunday's 44-19 loss to the New Orleans Saints. After signing a lucrative contract extension, the All-Pro was out to prove his worth, finishing the game with four receptions for 90 yards and a score. Lamb remained the focal point of the Cowboys' offense, seeing seven targets, the second-most on the team behind Jalen Tolbert's nine. He'll have a great opportunity next week against the Los Angeles Rams, who just gave up 41 points to the Arizona Cardinals. Lamb remains a must-start in all fantasy football lineups.

From RotoBaller