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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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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 11

Player Notes
Mac Jones Nov 16 2:40am ET
Mac Jones

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones is difficult to trust as a fantasy option in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions. After a tough performance last week against the Minnesota Vikings, Jones shouldn't be on the fantasy radar. The Lions are a plus matchup, but after putting up just seven points last week, it's hard to fathom Jones as a good fantasy option in his second start of the season. The good news is that Brian Thomas Jr. and Evan Engram are good to go, while Travis Etienne Jr. should be the primary back with Tank Bigsby out. Jones has decent weapons at his disposal, but until he shows he can lead a competent offense, he shouldn't be considered in fantasy lineups. Leave Jones on the bench in Week 11 against the Lions.

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Ja'Marr Chase Nov 16 1:40am ET
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is having arguably his best season to date. The wideout has been on a roll and is coming off a potent Week 10 showing against the Ravens, when he caught 11 of his 17 targets for 254 yards and three touchdowns. While Tee Higgins (quadriceps) is cleared to return for Sunday's meeting with the Los Angeles Chargers, Chase's ceiling is higher than ever, despite a difficult game on the horizon. Keep him starting, obviously.

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Joe Burrow Nov 16 1:40am ET
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has had an MVP-caliber season. While the Bengals are sitting at a disappointing 4-6, the signal-caller has shined, leading the league in completions (246), yards (2,672), and touchdowns (24). Cincinnati can still make waves in the AFC, but the team will need a win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night. Fortunately for Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase has also thrived during the 2024-25 campaign. The same can be said for Chase Brown. Even better, Tee Higgins (quadriceps) will be back on the field in Week 11. With nine touchdown throws in the last two games, Burrow remains a must-start, despite a challenging matchup on tap.

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Ladd McConkey Nov 16 1:30am ET
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey has a tough matchup in a Week 11 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. McConkey is in the middle of a very solid rookie season, as he is currently the overall fantasy WR31 in points per game despite playing on an offense that only recently decided to start throwing the ball. McConkey is tied for the team lead in end zone targets and leads the team overall with a 21.8% target share. This week could be tough on McConkey, though. The Bengals defense has been top-10 against slot receivers this season in both receiving yards per game and total fantasy points per game. McConkey is shaping up to be more of a floor FLEX option than a true WR2 this time.

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Quentin Johnston Nov 16 1:30am ET
Quentin Johnston

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston is set for a strong performance in a Week 11 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Johnston has been the overall WR37 in fantasy this season, but he has scored a touchdown in two straight games and matches up well with the Bengals defense. "QJ" ranks first on the Chargers yards per route run against defenses similar to Cincinnati's. They've allowed the third-most receiving yards and fantasy points per game to outside wide receivers since Week 5. While the running game might struggle against a solid Bengals front, the pass game could thrive, making Johnston a WR3 with clear WR2 upside this week.

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Josh Palmer Nov 16 1:30am ET
Josh Palmer

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer is not worth using in a starting spot in most fantasy formats in Week 11 when the Chargers take on the Cincinnati Bengals. Palmer has been playing well in his "real life" role on the Chargers offense, but it absolutely has not translated to much fantasy value. He's been targeted just 28 times since the season began, making 18 catches. He's had a few deep balls thrown his way and that could always become a huge play that can win a fantasy week, but he's a boom-or-bust option with a lot less boom than others in similar roles. He can be left on the bench in deeper fantasy leagues and on the waiver wire in standard ones.

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Will Dissly Nov 16 1:30am ET
Will Dissly

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Will Dissly has an outstanding matchup in a Week 11 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Dissly has seen at least five targets in four of the past five games, and has totaled 32 targets and 24 catches in that span. He's become a key part of the short passing game, and against defenses like Cincinnati's, Dissly leads the team in first-read share and is second in yards per route run. The Bengals defense has allowed opposing tight ends to thrive, giving up the fourth-most fantasy points to the position. It should be a high floor game for Dissly at worst, with one of his higher possible ceilings of the season.

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Cameron Dicker Nov 16 1:30am ET
Cameron Dicker

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker is a solid option as usual for Week 11 fantasy lineups. The Chargers will face off against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Night Football in what could be a high-scoring game, giving Dicker multiple chances to put up points. He's been a top-15 fantasy kicker six times this season and has remained consistent and reliable while adding a little distance to his arsenal. He's a safe top-10 option for Week 11.

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Khalil Mack Nov 16 1:30am ET
Khalil Mack

The Los Angeles Chargers defense will face their first real challenge in a few weeks in a Week 11 Sunday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Chargers had a stretch of opponents with limited offenses, and they put up strong games against them. They were the overall DST3 in Week 8 against New Orleans, the DST2 in Week 9 against Cleveland, and the DST12 in Week 10 against Tennessee. The Bengals pose a much bigger threat than any of those three teams, but this Chargers defense has certainly shown the ability to slow down almost any opponent. Khalil Mack (groin) is questionable after not practicing all week, making the Bolts defense a bit riskier as a fantasy starter this week, but they are still likely to end up as a top-12 option at the position.

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Mike Gesicki Nov 16 1:30am ET
Mike Gesicki

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki combined for 12 catches for 173 yards and two scores in Weeks 8 and 9. As a result, he was a hot commodity in league's where he was still unclaimed heading into the Week 10 one-point loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Unfortunately, the 29-year-old caught only four of his nine targets. With Tee Higgins (quadriceps) returning in Week 11 against the Los Angeles Chargers, Gesicki may have a tough time staying involved. However, with Sam LaPorta (shoulder) and Dalton Kincaid (knee) sidelined, fantasy managers in need should consider Gesicki a viable option, even with a tough matchup on the horizon.

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Chase Brown Nov 16 1:30am ET
Chase Brown

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown has emerged as one of the best fantasy options at the position. He got off to a slow start this season. However, since the Week 4 win over the Carolina Panthers, the 24-year-old has totaled seven touchdowns. He's also coming off a potent Week 10 performance versus the Ravens, finishing the night by amassing a career-high nine receptions. With Tee Higgins (quadriceps) cleared to return on Sunday night versus the Chargers, Brown will likely see fewer looks from Joe Burrow. Still, Brown's potential can't be ignored, especially with Zack Moss (neck) done for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign.

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Christian McCaffrey Nov 16 1:20am ET
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey will look to get into a better rhythm when the team hosts the Seattle Seahawks in Week 11. McCaffrey's season debut last week against the Bucs was disappointing, ending with 39 yards on 13 carries but adding six receptions on seven targets for 68 yards to save his day in PPR formats. On the bright side, McCaffrey emerged healthy from his first game back since Super Bowl LVIII. The two limited practices he logged on Wednesday and Thursday before practicing in full on Friday can likely be chalked up to load management. It was also positive that McCaffrey only ceded two touches to his backups versus Tampa Bay. CMC is likely to increase his efficiency on the ground while maintaining his involvement in the passing game on Sunday. He's also more likely than not to break the seal on this year's touchdown total. Seattle is allowing the 10th-most fantasy points per game to running backs. Sounds like enough good reasons to put McCaffrey into the overall RB1 spot in Week 11.

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J.K. Dobbins Nov 16 1:20am ET
J.K. Dobbins

Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins will look to rebound in a Week 11 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Dobbins saw a few of his snaps taken by the return of Gus Edwards (ankle), but it was likely much more due to the game script than to any actual change in the backfield. Dobbins is the overall fantasy RB25 this season, and he's been a top-15 fantasy finisher five times this year. He offers at worst a solid and consistently high floor, but is a weekly threat for a touchdown and has pass catching upside as well. This week, he'll face a Bengals defense that has been mostly solid but not unbeatable against the run. He missed a practice this week, but it was not injury related so there's no reason for concern. Trust Dobbins as a reliable RB2 in most leagues.

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Javonte Williams Nov 16 1:10am ET
Javonte Williams

After his one-carry Week 10 versus the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams just can't be trusted in starting fantasy lineups for a Week 11 tilt against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Williams had been Denver's primary backfield option through the first nine weeks, but rookie Audric Estime took on a bigger role last week with a team-high 14 carries on 26 offensive snaps. Estime is expected to continue to see more reps in the offense, which made the 24-year-old Williams drop-worthy in a lot of fantasy leagues this past week. Williams should be able to top just one carry against the Falcons on Sunday and should remain involved in the passing attack, but if Estime continues to lead the backfield moving forward, Williams' days of fantasy relevance could be at an end. He was a low-upside RB3/flex in fantasy before Estime took the lead last weekend.

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Kayshon Boutte Nov 16 1:00am ET
Kayshon Boutte

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte has gradually become one of quarterback Drake Maye's most trusted weapons. He has commanded six targets in each of his last three games, and last week, he finished with an impressive four catches for 47 yards. The second-year LSU product still isn't a top recommendation for fantasy lineups, but he should at least continue to generate some buzz and is worth monitoring going forward. His next chance to turn heads is this Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, who have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Boutte currently ranks as a low-end WR4.

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Joey Slye Nov 16 1:00am ET
Joey Slye

New England Patriots kicker Joey Slye has low-end streaming appeal heading into Week 11 against the Los Angeles Rams. For the most part, the veteran kicker has been inconsistent this season, posting double-digit fantasy points in three of his 10 contests so far. Last week featured one of his best outings of the year as he went 4-for-4 on field goals and also converted an extra point. It's hard to tell whether that trend will continue this week against the Rams, but as the Patriots look to stay competitive against Los Angeles, Slye is at least worth considering as a streamer. Fantasy managers should note that the Rams have allowed the 13th-most fantasy points per game to opposing kickers in 2024. Jason Sanders made all five of his kicks against the Rams last week, including a pair of field goals from beyond 50 yards.

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Drake Maye Nov 16 12:50am ET
Drake Maye

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye should be viewed as a low-end fantasy QB1 heading into Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams. Through five games as the Patriots' starter, Maye has impressed, especially in terms of fantasy football performance. The No. 3 overall pick has scored at least one touchdown in each of his four complete games, including one game with two scores and another with three. Turnovers have been a concern for the rookie, but he makes up for them with impressive rushing production. Maye is averaging 44 rushing yards per start, headlined by an impressive 95 yards on the ground back in Week 9. The Rams have been modest against opposing fantasy quarterbacks this season, leaving Maye in a decent position to fulfill his top-12 quarterback projection.

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Daniel Carlson Nov 16 12:50am ET
Daniel Carlson

Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson faces a consistent struggle for fantasy success -- limited opportunities to kick field goals and extra points. Luckily for him, the opposing Miami Dolphins team, who the Raiders face in Week 11, allow plenty of points to opposing kickers. It could be because they allow teams to drive down the field, but stiffen in the red zone. This would be a perfect situation for Carlson. Still, starting him in fantasy leagues comes with plenty of risk -- he's the 17th ranked kicker on the season, so outside of very deep leagues, there are likely better options to put in your starting lineups. But he's a decent player to start nonetheless.

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Rhamondre Stevenson Nov 16 12:50am ET
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson ranks as a low-end fantasy RB2 heading into Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams. While Stevenson has struggled with efficiency lately and has seen his fantasy value become largely dependent on touchdowns, the Patriots' lead back has firm control on his role and continues to be a high-volume option on offense. Just last week, he touched the ball 21 times, salvaging a fantasy-relevant performance despite failing to find the end zone. This week, he'll be in a decent position to contribute significant yardage, catch passes, and perhaps score a touchdown against a Rams defense allowing mediocre results to opposing running backs in 2024. Stevenson is a fringe top-24 fantasy running back at the moment.

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Hunter Henry Nov 16 12:50am ET
Hunter Henry

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (foot) practiced in full on Friday and doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's game versus the Los Angeles Rams. Henry began the week by practicing in a limited capacity because of a foot issue. But the Pats will have the veteran on the field for Week 11. He has had flashes of efficiency, compiling seven or more catches three times this season. However, outside of that, Henry has been relatively quiet. But with notable tight ends like Dalton Kincaid (knee) and Sam LaPorta (shoulder) sidelined, Henry could find a place in fantasy lineups in Week 11, even more so if George Kittle (hamstring) doesn't suit up.

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