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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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Fantasy Preview: Week 2

Player Notes
Raheem Mostert Sep 12 10:30am ET
Raheem Mostert

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (chest) will not play on Thursday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills due to a chest injury, but his injury is not expected to keep him out long, and he's unlikely to go on Injured Reserve. A stint on the IR list would mean he would have to miss at least the next four games, so this is good news for his fantasy managers. However, the 32-year-old could only produce 19 yards on seven touches last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, while De'Von Achane (ankle) posted 100 total yards on 17 touches. It's too early to say Mostert could be regressing, but it's on the table. In his absence, Jeff Wilson Jr. and/or Jaylen Wright will handle touches behind Achane, assuming he's active for Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Sep 12 10:20am ET
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (ankle) is officially questionable to face the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football, and he is being considered a game-time decision. However, there is optimism that he will suit up based on how he practiced yesterday and how he is feeling. The second-year pro out of Texas A&M missed practice on Monday and Tuesday with an ankle injury but returned to a limited practice on Wednesday. Fantasy managers should wait on official word regarding Achane's status, which will likely come out 90 minutes before kickoff when the team releases its official inactives report. If he's active, he's a must-start option in all formats, and Jeff Wilson Jr. and Jaylen Wright could see touches behind him with Raheem Mostert (chest) already being ruled out. If Achane is ruled out, both backup running backs are worth flex consideration in 12-team leagues.

From RotoBaller

Ezekiel Elliott Sep 12 10:00am ET
Ezekiel Elliott

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott could be a touchdown-dependent fantasy play in Week 2 against New Orleans. In Week 1, Elliot rushed 10 times for 40 yards and a touchdown and caught two passes for nine yards against the Browns. His day was salvaged by a touchdown and he and Rico Dowdle basically alternated drives at Cleveland. The reality, however, is Elliott could be a TD machine in the high-powered Cowboys' offense and that could be the case in Week 2 against the Saints. His limited rushing opportunities in what looks like a shared backfield make him a somewhat risky proposition for fantasy purposes week in and week out. But until proven otherwise, the Ohio State product is a solid bet to find paydirt each week and could fall into the end zone multiple times in any given matchup. There are better options for volume at the position in fantasy but Elliott looks like he could be a decent RB2 play this week.

From RotoBaller

Rico Dowdle Sep 12 10:00am ET
Rico Dowdle

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle was involved in the team's game plan in Week 1 against the Browns but will need to improve his efficiency before becoming a fantasy player worth starting in most leagues. Dowdle saw eight carries for 26 yards in Week 1 as he alternated drives with starter Ezekiel Elliott. He did add one catch for six yards. Dowdle's 3.3 yards per carry leaves something to be desired although his usage was somewhat encouraging for his standalone value. In Week 2, expect Elliott to be the featured goal-line back. Dowdle could once again see some game time but he will need to do more with his opportunities to become fantasy-relevant. Fantasy managers with options at the position would be wise to take a wait-and-see approach with Dowdle in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Sep 12 9:50am ET
CeeDee Lamb

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb turned in a solid day at the office in Week 1 at Cleveland but more should be expected of the talented wideout in Week 2 at home against New Orleans. Lamb was targeted 10 times and hauled in five of those passes for 61 yards in the team's 33-17 win over the Browns while adding three rushes for 25 yards. It was a decent day for Lamb who has created a high bar after setting the fantasy world aflame last season. For those just looking at the stat line, the Cowboys didn't take to the air much in the second half of Week 1. Expect more from Lamb in a home game against the Saints. The fact that he was involved with some rushes is also a good sign as he has the skill set to take an end-around to the house. Lamb should move around the formation and be involved early and often in Week 2 in what figures to be a more competitive game. Not that fantasy managers need reassurance to start a player likely drafted with a top 3 pick but Lamb should be fired up with a great deal of confidence.

From RotoBaller

Dak Prescott Sep 12 9:40am ET
Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott returns home for a Week 2 matchup against the New Orleans Saints for his first game in Dallas since signing a massive new contract. The Saints beat up on the Panthers in Week 1. Prescott, meanwhile, led Dallas to a runaway win at Cleveland in the opener and was 19-of-32 passing for 179 yards and a touchdown. The game got out of hand, so Prescott slowed things down a bit. In his return home, expect the Cowboys signal caller to be busier and thus have a better fantasy showing. Prescott figures to push for top-five fantasy quarterback status this season and he should this individual week as well. As he continues to build rapport with his top target CeeDee Lamb, his numbers should be better than Week 1. He will be without tight end Jake Ferguson but has plenty of other targets to spread the ball to. There is not much to take away from the Saints' defensive showing in Week 1 as the Panthers' offense was woeful. Start Prescott with confidence.

From RotoBaller

A.T. Perry Sep 12 9:20am ET
A.T. Perry

New Orleans Saints wide receiver A.T. Perry (hand) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice according to the team's injury report. Perry missed Week 1 with his hand injury but looks like he will be good to go when the Saints take on the Cowboys in Week 2 barring a setback. Perry's role this season is yet to be defined and the team's matchup with Dallas is a tough one. With Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed as the team's main targets on the outside, Perry is still an intriguing talent worth stashing as his usage becomes more clear.

From RotoBaller

Josh Palmer Sep 12 9:10am ET
Josh Palmer

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Josh Palmer (knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice according to the team's injury report ahead of a Week 2 matchup against Carolina. Palmer recorded two catches for 15 yards on four targets in Week 1. He has a good matchup in Week 2 if he can suit up, so it is worth tracking his practice participation in the next few days. He was third on the team in targets in the opener behind rookie Ladd McConkey (7) and Quentin Johnson (5).

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Sep 12 1:40am ET
Daniel Jones

Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is tuning out external criticism after a challenging performance in Sunday's 28-6 loss to the Vikings. Despite throwing two interceptions, failing to score on two fourth-quarter red-zone trips, and finishing with a 44.3 passer rating, Jones remains focused on internal matters. "I'm concerned about the people in this building," Jones said, emphasizing his commitment to his team. Addressing the fan backlash, he took a measured approach: "They're upset and frustrated, and we're frustrated too. I understand thatI'm not easily offended. I know I need to play better, and we all need to improve." The Giants were the only team in Week 1 to score fewer than 10 points, a continuation of offensive struggles that have plagued the franchise since Jones was drafted. However, Jones might see improvement in Week 2 against a Commanders defense that ranked last in yards allowed per game in 2023 and recently conceded 37 points to the Buccaneers.

From RotoBaller

Kirk Cousins Sep 12 1:00am ET
Kirk Cousins

Kirk Cousins (Achilles) provided an update on his health following his Week 1 return during an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show Wednesday morning. Cousins expressed satisfaction with his ankle and Achilles, saying, "I felt good honestly. I was really pleased with how my ankle felt, not just the Achilles, but my ankle felt really good." Despite this positive report, Cousins' performance was underwhelming after his return from an Achilles tear. His play was marred by questionable interceptions, including one thrown into double coverage. Additionally, Cousins played mainly from the pistol formation and only went under center twice, limiting his opportunities for play-action, which he typically relies on for success. With the Philadelphia Eagles coming up on Monday night, Cousins remains a risky fantasy option until he demonstrates full recovery and improved performance.

From RotoBaller

Geoff Swaim Sep 12 12:43am ET
Geoff Swaim

The Cleveland Browns signed free agents TE Geoff Swaim (Cardinals), LB Luiji Vilain (Panthers), and DT Siaki Ika (Browns) to the practice squad on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

From TheHuddle

Cole Kmet Sep 12 12:40am ET
Cole Kmet

Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus explained that tight end Cole Kmet's limited playing time in Sunday's win over the Titans was due to the team's rotation strategy. Kmet saw fewer than 50% of the snaps, as Eberflus highlighted using multiple tight ends and personnel groupings to exploit defensive matchups. Despite signing a four-year, $50 million extension last offseason and being viewed as a key player in the team's rebuild, Kmet's role is currently shared with Gerald Everett to diversify the offense. Everett and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, who has previously collaborated with the Rams and Seahawks, bring a wealth of experience and trust from their history together. Kmet expressed dissatisfaction with the reduced playing time but emphasized focusing on making the most of his opportunities. As long as he remains in a rotation, Kmet isn't a reliable fantasy starter. However, he has a favorable matchup against the Houston Texans this Sunday, which could help him turn his season around.

From RotoBaller

Daryl Worley Sep 11 11:03pm ET
Daryl Worley

Free-agent CB Andre Chachere (Cardinals), CB Trenton Thompson (Steelers) and CB Daryl Worley (Ravens) worked out for the Jacksonville Jaguars Wednesday, Sept. 11.

From TheHuddle

Roquan Smith Sep 11 10:13pm ET
Roquan Smith

Baltimore Ravens linebackers Roquan Smith (shoulder) and Kyle Van Noy (eye) were listed as limited and DNP, respectively, regarding Wednesday's practice report. Van Noy played just 37% of the snaps in Thursday night's opener against the Kansas City Chiefs before he exited early in the third quarter. The outside linebacker sustained the injury while attempting to take down Patrick Mahomes, and it's officially listed as a fractured orbital bone. Smith, on the other hand, played a full complement of snaps and appears to have picked up the injury sometime over the last few days. There wasn't much news on him, suggesting this may be a prudent move rather than a necessary one. Baltimore will square off with the Las Vegas Raiders in their home opener this Sunday, and while the Raiders' offensive unit isn't all that fear-inducing, the Ravens cannot afford an 0-2 start. Additionally, they'll take on the Cowboys in Dallas in Week 3 and need their defense at full strength in one of the best games over the first month.

Jordan Love Sep 11 10:12pm ET
Jordan Love

When asked if the door is open for Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) to suit up in Week 2 this Sunday at Lambeau Field against the Indianapolis Colts, head coach Matt LaFleur said, "I'd say it's pretty open." Love did not practice on Wednesday after suffering a Grade 1/2 MCL sprain in his left knee at the very end of the season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last Friday in Brazil. The Packers are not placing the 25-year-old on Injured Reserve, which means they are confident he can return within the next four games. However, despite LaFleur's comments about Love having a shot to play this weekend, fantasy managers should have already formulated a plan to be without Love in Week 2 and possibly beyond. Love's injury typically comes with a three- to six-week timetable, so the smart money is on him missing multiple weeks. The Packers offense could struggle mightily with backup Malik Willis under center in the meantime.

Devaughn Vele Sep 11 10:10pm ET
Devaughn Vele

Denver Broncos wide receivers Josh Reynolds (Achilles) and Devaughn Vele (ribs) were both listed as non-participants in Wednesday's practice. Both wideouts were pivotal pieces in Denver's passing attack against the Seahawks despite the 26-20 loss. Vele and Reynolds each tied for second on the team with eight targets (Courtland Sutton - 12), while the former caught all eight of his --albeit for 39 yards -- and the latter led the team with 45 yards and a long gain of 25. For either player to participate in the Bronco's Week 2 home tilt against the Pittsburgh Steelers, they'll need to get in at least one limited session before the weekend. Of note: while the rookie wideout averaged just 4.9 yards a grab this past Sunday, he was in on 34 of Denver's snaps (49%) and ran 83.9% of his routes from the slot. After a one-game sample, at least -- it would appear Sean Payton has found his "big-slot" guy.

From RotoBaller

Tommy Tremble Sep 11 9:40pm ET
Tommy Tremble

Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (hamstring, back) was back at the team's practice on Wednesday after missing Week 1 due to injury. He was out on the field with his teammates during warm-ups and was officially limited in his return. Tremble will look to suit up for his first action of 2024 this Sunday when Carolina hosts the Los Angeles Chargers in their home opener. The Panthers got molly-whopped by the New Orleans Saints this past Sunday 47-10, and in Tremble's stead, rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders caught one pass on one target for just four yards. The team looked lost in Week 1, and although Tremble seemingly has a good chance of suiting up this week, it is too difficult to project him for a viable fantasy workload. It's early, and Carolina will likely work out its offense over the coming weeks. Still, Tremble can be firmly off fantasy managers' radars.

From RotoBaller

Luke McCaffrey Sep 11 9:20pm ET
Luke McCaffrey

When asked about Washington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey on Wednesday, head coach Dan Quinn gave reporters a shining endorsement. Specifically, Quinn was asked about the wideout and how he has fit into the Commanders' WR corps. He said: "I think we're seeing it go like this [*plane taking off gesture*]. And so that's why more reps and more playing time to go. We've really seen kind of that confidence grow, especially inside in the slot where he can use some of that strength and work guys through." McCaffrey acquired just three targets in the team's 37-20 loss to the Buccaneers, catching all of them for 18 yards. However, rookie QB Jayden Daniels spread the ball around pretty evenly, with four Commanders racking up four targets -- including both running backs -- and another finishing tied with McCaffrey for three. The rookie third-round pick ran the most snaps (36) of all Washington receivers not named Terry McLaurin and took 29 of those from the slot. No other player received more than six.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Sep 11 9:03pm ET
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (undisclosed) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Sept. 11, and is not on the injury report for Week 2.

Fantasy Spin: Jackson probably was resting when he did not practice earlier in the week and should not have any limitations in Week 2. He is a must-start option in all leagues when healthy.

From TheHuddle

Marvin Harrison Jr. Sep 11 9:00pm ET
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals rookie first-round wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. saw only three targets and caught one of them for four yards in his NFL debut in the Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Head coach Jonathan Gannon said that Harrison attracted extra coverage from the Bills defense. "As a quarterback, obviously, you're going through your reads," Murray said. "Sometimes the ball goes to him, but that's not my job. I have a sense and a feel for guys when they don't get the ball and when they are getting the ball, but I leave that up to Drew. He tells me, 'Don't worry about that type of stuff. Just keep playing your game and get the ball to where the ball is supposed to go.'" Harrison's quiet day could have been a combination of all those things, and Murray mentioned himself he thinks he and Harrison will eventually get on the same page. Going into Week 2, treat Harrison as a high-end WR2 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller