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FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

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 4

Player Notes
Odell Beckham Jr. Sep 29 9:00am ET
Odell Beckham Jr.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (undisclosed) is expected to practice in Week 5 as he gets closer to returning from the PUP list, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Beckham has been sidelined since early training camp due to an undisclosed issue, so even if he does practice this week, it could be a while longer before he plays in a game. It's been hard for the Dolphins to extract much production out of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle with Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) sidelined, so Beckham doesn't figure to have much fantasy value when he returns, either. He can be left on waivers in most leagues.

From RotoBaller

Kendrick Bourne Sep 29 9:00am ET
Kendrick Bourne

New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (knee) is expected to practice in Week 5 as he gets closer to returning from the PUP list, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Bourne is recovering from an ACL tear that abruptly ended his promising 2023 season. Through just eight games, he had caught 37 passes for 406 yards and four touchdowns. That type of production put him on the fantasy radar as a FLEX play, but we're not sure he'll be able to replicate it when he returns this year given the state of New England's run-heavy offense led by Jacoby Brissett. Still, we can't discount the reliable, veteran presence he offers when on the field.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Chark Sep 29 9:00am ET
D.J. Chark

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver D.J. Chark (hip) has spent the first four weeks of the season on the PUP list and is expected to resume practicing ahead of Week 5 when the team is on its bye, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Chargers' early bye week is convenient for Chark as it gives him extra time to practice while (potentially) missing no more than the minimum four games. Once activated, Chark figures to command a few looks per game in an offense where the other top wide receivers are Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Josh Palmer. Still, Chark is off the fantasy radar ahead of his eventual return.

From RotoBaller

Clyde Edwards-Helaire Sep 29 8:50am ET
Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) is expected to practice in Week 5 as he prepares to return from the non-football injury list, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Edwards-Helaire was placed on the NFI list coming out of the preseason as he dealt with personal mental health issues, including PTSD. This move forced him to miss the first four games of the 2024 season, at a minimum. After the Chiefs' Week 4 game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Edwards-Helaire will be eligible to return. He's expected to practice right away as the Chiefs get ready for Week 5, and he could immediately slot into the starting running back role with Isiah Pacheco (fibula) on IR. He would rank as a fantasy RB3 while operating alongside rookie standout Carson Steele and veteran pass-catching specialist Samaje Perine.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Sep 29 8:40am ET
Nick Chubb

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (knee) is expected to have his practice window opened on Wednesday in Week 5, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Chubb opened 2024 on the PUP list as he continued to recover from two surgeries to repair ligaments in his left knee that were torn against the Steelers on Sept. 18, 2023. Once his practice window is opened, the star running back will be allowed to practice with the team for 21 days without counting toward the 53-man roster. Before those 21 days expire, the Browns must elevate him to the active roster. If they don't, he'll be ineligible to play this season. We don't know an exact timetable for Chubb's return, and while Cleveland has no interest in rushing him back before he's ready, it sounds like he's ahead of schedule in his recovery. Chubb was a solid fantasy RB1 when healthy but will likely drop the low-end RB2 tier when he returns to the mix.

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T.J. Hockenson Sep 29 8:40am ET
T.J. Hockenson

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) is almost ready for the team to trigger his 21-day practice window, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Hockenson tore his ACL and MCL in Week 16 last year but has made a speedy recovery and hopes to return within the next few weeks. It's important to note that once the Vikings designate Hockenson to practice, he'll have 21 days where he can practice with the team while not counting toward the 53-man roster. Once those 21 days go by, the team must activate him from injured reserve or rule him out for the remainder of the season. Schefter notes that the former is more likely for Hockenson, with Week 7 or 8 being his target for a return. Once he's back on the field, Hockenson will rank as a high-end fantasy TE1.

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Joe Mixon Sep 29 8:20am ET
Joe Mixon

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) "has worked hard to be back and even though it seems to be an uphill climb to play, he hasn't given up trying," according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Mixon will test his injury pregame to see whether he can suit up on Sunday afternoon. The veteran hasn't played since Week 2 when he was on the receiving end of a hip-drop tackle. He was able to finish the game but then was sidelined for Week 3. Through two games, he has 228 scrimmage yards and one touchdown. Houston would benefit from having him available on Sunday against the Jaguars, but they also won't rush him back before he's ready. If Mixon can't play this week, Cam Akers would lead the Texans' backfield for the second consecutive game, ranking as a fantasy RB3.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Sep 29 2:00am ET
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (hamstring) is anticipated to play versus Atlanta. The wideout is listed as questionable, with his official availability not expected until near opening kick. However, barring a setback, he should be good to get on the field in Week 4. Olave was relatively quiet during the first two contests of the season. Yet, he finished the Week 3 loss to the Eagles by catching all six targets for 86 yards and a touchdown. With that in mind, Olave is one of the best receivers in the National Football League. As such, he should be featured in all fantasy lineups despite a challenging matchup with the Falcons on the horizon. Olave's likely presence could also mean fewer targets for Rashid Shaheed, although he's at least a flex option after finding the end zone in two of the Saints' three games.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Sep 29 1:40am ET
Deebo Samuel

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) is expected to play in Sunday's showdown with the Patriots. Although the wideout was expected to be out longer, it appears he is ready to roll. While there is a chance he could see fewer snaps than usual, he remains a starting fantasy option in any format. On the other hand, Jauan Jennings, coming off a three-touchdown performance in Week 3, will now go from a must-start to a borderline flex option, especially with George Kittle (hamstring) also anticipated to suit up. Kittle and Samuel's impending returns could also mean Brandon Aiyuk may continue to struggle.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Sep 29 1:30am ET
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (hamstring) is expected to play on Sunday versus the Eagles. The rookie was limited in a few practices throughout the week while missing Thursday's session altogether. Fortunately, the Bucs should have him on the field, barring a setback. Despite Irving seeing considerably fewer snaps than Rachaad White (illness), who is also anticipated to suit up, he has been more productive on the ground. Still, both men are hard to trust, although White still has a higher fantasy ceiling. With that in mind, if the workload changes moving ahead, Irving's value could shift, meaning he's worth stashing for now.

From RotoBaller

Rachaad White Sep 29 1:20am ET
Rachaad White

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (illness) is expected to play against the Eagles. He had a case of food poisoning, resulting in his name being added to the Bucs' injury report. Fortunately, it appears he's feeling better. White has struggled throughout the first three games of the year, running for 66 yards off 31 carries and adding 12 catches for 98 yards. Even worse, he hasn't found the end zone. With that said, despite the added involvement of Bucky Irving (hamstring), who is also in line to play in Week 4, White remains a flex option versus Philly.

From RotoBaller

Gabriel Davis Sep 29 1:10am ET
Gabriel Davis

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder) is expected to be on the field for Sunday's showdown against the Houston Texans. It doesn't appear the shoulder injury will be enough to keep him out of the lineup for Week 4. However, the 25-year-old has only eight catches for 123 yards throughout the first three games of the 2024-25 campaign. But, he has at least logged more snaps than any of the other Jags' wideouts, so he has that going for him. Still, Davis is hard to trust from a fantasy standpoint, although he remains a flex option, especially with Evan Engram (hamstring) sidelined again.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Sep 29 1:10am ET
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) is expected to play in Sunday's matchup versus the Rams. He's missed the last two games because of a heel injury. Fortunately, it appears the issue is behind him. While Allen had just four receptions in the Week 1 win over the Titans, he was targeted 11 times. As such, he's a starting fantasy wideout in any format, with his presence likely resulting in fewer targets for Rome Odunze, who had a six-catch, 112-yard, one-touchdown outing in Week 3 against the Colts.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Sep 29 1:00am ET
Diontae Johnson

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (groin) is expected to suit up for Sunday's clash with the Cincinnati Bengals. The wideout currently carries a questionable designation heading into this one because of a groin injury. Fortunately, it appears the Panthers will have him on the field as the team searches for their second win of the season. Johnson was quiet through the first two contests of the 2024-25 campaign. However, with Andy Dalton under center for the Week 3 win over the Raiders, Johnson erupted by amassing eight catches (14 targets) for 122 yards and a touchdown. Keep him starting in all fantasy setups

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Sep 29 12:50am ET
Alvin Kamara

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hip, rib) "is planning to play" in Week 4 versus Atlanta. The 29-year-old didn't practice on Wednesday before logging limited sessions on Thursday and Friday. However, it appears he'll be good to go on Sunday. Kamara has had an excellent 2024-25 campaign thus far, totaling five touchdowns. As such, he's a must-start in all fantasy formats despite a challenging matchup on the horizon.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Sep 28 11:50pm ET
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce reeled in one of his two targets for 44 yards in the team's win over the Chicago Bears in Week 3. Pierce has surprisingly led the way for the Colts' receiver room, racking up 225 yards through the first three weeks. Pierce has been the most successful recipient of deep passes from QB Anthony Richardson and has caught a number of touchdowns in the process. It's unlikely he will retain this success in Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers defense. The Steelers have allowed the fifth-least passing yards and the fourth-least fantasy points to opposing WRs. Given his low target share and reliability on big plays for fantasy production, Pierce is not a strong start this week in most lineups. He is the WR63 in our staff's half-PPR Week 4 rankings.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Sep 28 10:40pm ET
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) has reported that he plans to play this Sunday when the team hosts the visiting Los Angeles Rams. This is excellent news for Caleb Williams and Chicago's offense. However, fantasy managers may want to demonstrate caution starting the veteran wideout upon his return. Los Angeles has been one of the easier matchups thus far for opposing passing attacks -- allowing the sixth-most yards (746) and second-most scores (7) through the air. Despite this, it is difficult to predict his role in the offense. During his last action in the team's 24-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans, Allen led the team in targets with 11 but was out-caught and out-gained by DJ Moore. Moore again led the team in receiving (yards, targets, and receptions) during Week 2 but took a back seat to rookie sensation Rome Odunze in Week 3 when he broke out with 112 yards and a score on six receptions -- tying for the team lead in targets with Cole Kmet (11). It may be best to take a wait-and-see approach with this trio for now, but if Williams attempts 50 passes a game, all three wideouts could have valuable outings.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Sep 28 10:30pm ET
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson completed ten of his 20 passes for 167 yards, two interceptions, and no touchdowns in the team's Week 3 win over the Bears. He also added 24 rushing yards on the ground. After an excellent fantasy performance in Week 1, Richardson has struggled to keep up the momentum over the last two games. His high rate of turnovers, low-volume passing, and diminishing rushing over the most recent stretch have hindered his fantasy output. This week may be no different as the Colts gear up to host the Steelers, one of the best defensive units in the league. The Steelers' defense has allowed the least fantasy points to opposing QBs this season, with an average of 8.1 points per game. They are also in the top five in passing yards, rushing yards, and total points allowed. Given his recent form, and likely one of the hardest matchups he'll face all season, managers in 1QB formats should consider keeping Richardson on the bench this week. He is currently the QB16 in our staff's Week 4 rankings.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Sep 28 10:20pm ET
Davante Adams

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) is now considered week to week after picking up an injury in the waning minutes of the team's Thursday practice, Adam Schefter reports. Well, that escalated quickly. The Raiders wasted no time ruling Adams out of their home tilt against the visiting Cleveland Browns this Sunday, but it now appears this injury could sideline him longer. Head coach Antonio Pierce contemplated a quarterback change this week and ultimately ruled against it, but he'll now be without his star wideout for at least one week. Hamstring injuries can linger, so fantasy managers will want to monitor the 31-year-old's status over the coming days. Teammate Jakobi Meyers will likely benefit the most from his absence, and rookie tight end Brock Bowers projects to be heavily involved. Meyers presents as a WR3 with upside ahead of the matchup against Cleveland, while Bowers -- who leads all tight ends in receptions (18) -- is in a smash spot. Second-year wide receiver Tre Tucker and former undrafted free agent DJ Turner will also be in line for an uptick in snaps.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Taylor Sep 28 10:00pm ET
Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts running back continued his hot start to the season in Week 3, running the ball 23 times for 110 yards and two touchdowns in the team's win. Taylor now gears up for a Week 4 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers have made for a tougher matchup to RBs this season, allowing the third least rushing yards per game at 71.3. On top of that, they've also allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs this season. Despite the tougher matchup, Taylor's volume makes him a worthwhile start in Week 4. Taylor has seen a 90.5% opportunity share, the fourth highest of all RBs, and 51 carries, the ninth most amongst RBs. While he will face a lower ceiling than in weeks past against Pittsburgh's defense, fantasy managers can confidently start Taylor given his high-end usage. He is currently the RB6 in our staff's half-PPR weekly rankings.

From RotoBaller