Fri May 31 10:52am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
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.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is sore after Week 1 but should be good to go in practice this week according to a report from NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Jackson missed Monday's practice to open a long week of preparation for Week 2 against the Raiders after facing the Chiefs in the NFL opener on Thursday night. But the expectation is he will be back practicing the rest of the week. Jackson rushed 16 times for 122 yards in the opener and was 26-of-41 passing for 273 yards and a touchdown. His rushing usage stands out and makes him one of the top quarterbacks in fantasy. He should be locked and loaded as QB1 against Las Vegas after this report.
From RotoBaller
The New York Jets defense struggled to slow down the San Francisco 49ers in a 32-19 loss in Week 1's Monday night game. New York picked up three sacks but was unable to force any turnovers as the 49ers kicked six field goals to down the Jets in the season opener. The Jets got sacks from Sauce Gardner, Micheal Clemons, and Tony Adams but also allowed the 49ers to roll up 401 yards of total offense with Christian McCaffrey inactive. That being said, things should be much easier for New York in Week 2's matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle provided fantasy managers with modest production in the team's 32-19 home-opening victory against the New York Jets. The colorful 30-year-old finished the night in a three-way tie for the team lead in targets with five, which he parlayed into four receptions for 40 yards. In recent memory, Kittle has been the quintessential boom/bust fantasy asset at a boom/bust position but still managed to finish as the TE5 in half-PPR scoring last season. He surely has better -- and worse -- weeks coming. Fantasy players who drafted the "Tight End University" co-founder should keep rolling him out there until further notice, including in Week 2 when the Niners go to Minnesota to take on the Vikings.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin caught one of his two targets for a six-yard gain in a 32-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1. Conklin was quiet in his season debut, although he was on the field a lot. The 49ers dominated the time of possession battle in this contest, resulting in Aaron Rodgers attempting just 21 passes. Conklin could have bigger games ahead of him but he is not a must-hold in redraft leagues as the Jets prepare to take on the Tennessee Titans in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein made his lone extra-point try and did not attempt any field goals in a 32-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1. Zuerlein's number was not called often as the Jets were down big after halftime and attempted two-point conversions following both of their second-half touchdowns. Zuerlein will have better days ahead in more favorable matchups. He will now prepare to take on the Tennessee Titans in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson caught six of his 11 targets for 60 yards in a 32-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1's Monday night game. Wilson got off to an extremely hot start as he hauled in 46 receiving yards on four catches during the Jets' 70-yard touchdown drive in the first quarter. He was mostly quiet for the remainder of the game, however, as he watched Allen Lazard pull down two touchdown catches after halftime. That being said, Wilson's 11 targets were encouraging as he is the clear alpha in the passing attack. Wilson will be a rock-solid WR1 in fantasy heading into Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk disappointed in Monday night's 32-19 victory over the New York Jets in Santa Clara after spending the preseason seeking an extension and asking to be traded while only participating in team meetings. This led to head coach Kyle Shanahan easing the former Sun Devil into game action and limiting his snaps in Week 1. At times during Monday's matchup, Aiyuk looked less-than-sharp, including dropping a sprawling, but catchable ball in the back corner of the end zone. He finished in a three-way tie with Jauan Jennings and George Kittle for the team target lead with five but only caught two for 28 yards. Time will tell how long it will take for Aiyuk to shake off the rust, but it should be sooner than later that he settles into his usual WR2 value. He'll try to get it going against the Vikings in Minnesota in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard caught six of his nine targets for 89 yards and two touchdowns in a 32-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football in Week 1. The Lazard/Aaron Rodgers connection from Green Bay appears to be alive and well with the Jets as the two hooked up for a 36-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. Lazard's second touchdown came from Tyrod Taylor late in the fourth quarter in garbage time. That being said, Lazard had a career year with Rodgers two years ago with the Packers and he could easily emerge as the No. 2 receiver in New York. He is worth a look on waivers heading into a Week 2 matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams was not targeted in a 32-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1. Williams was on a pitch count after tearing his ACL early last season and he wound up playing just a handful of snaps for the Jets, mostly in the red zone. The goose egg from Williams is concerning but the Jets indicated heading into the game that they would be easing the veteran into action in the early going. Williams should slowly ramp up activity over the next few games but he will also have to contend with Allen Lazard, who caught two touchdowns on Monday night. For now, Williams is just a bench stash in deep fantasy leagues heading into a Week 2 matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 13 of his 21 passes for 167 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in a 32-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1's Monday night game. Rodgers got the Jets off to a fast start, engineering a 70-yard drive punctuated by a Breece Hall three-yard touchdown run in the first quarter but the New York offense struggled after that. It didn't help that the 49ers strung together several long drives that ate up much of the clock. San Francisco ultimately dominated the time of possession as they had the ball on offense for just under 39 minutes in the game. Rodgers' lone touchdown pass went to Allen Lazard in the third quarter. On the bright side, Rodgers looked healthy after tearing his Achilles back in Week 1 last season. He will be a high-end QB2 in Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets running back Breece Hall carried the ball 16 times for 54 yards and a touchdown while hauling in five of his six targets for 39 yards in a 32-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1. Hall scored the first touchdown of the game on a three-yard run with 3:57 left on the clock in the first quarter. The veteran running back showed why he was a top-five pick in most fantasy leagues as he was busy in the passing attack, finishing third on the team in targets and receiving yards while also dominating the RB touches for the Jets, ceding just two touches to Braelon Allen. Hall will be a locked-in RB1 heading into a Week 2 matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings led the team in receiving in Monday night's 32-19 victory over the New York Jets by catching all five of his targets for 64 yards. Jennings, drafted by San Francisco in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL draft, has spent most of his career in relative obscurity but was rewarded with an extension in the offseason through 2025. Jennings has only once surpassed seven targets in a game and Monday's performance was the second-highest total of his career. Jennings did a good job of finding soft spots in New York's zone defense throughout the night. He'll probably never be a standout, but in San Francisco's high-powered offense, he could be useful in fantasy if something were to happen to Deebo Samuel Sr. or Brandon Aiyuk, especially since he appears to be ahead of rookie Jacob Cowing and first-round pick Ricky Pearsall may need some time to get up to speed after suffering a gunshot wound following a banged-up preseason. That said, fantasy managers should look elsewhere for wide receiver help in Week 2 at Minnesota, especially as Aiyuk continues to shake off the rust this week at practice.
From RotoBaller
The San Francisco 49er's defense and special teams were exceptional in their Week 1 matchup against Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets. They forced a turnover on just their fourth snap, with linebacker Fred Warner stripping the ball from Jets running back Breece Hall and defensive lineman Maliek Collins recovering it on New York's 32-yard line. Another critical moment was when Rodgers threw an interception intended for Garrett Wilson, which was deflected by Deommodore Lenoir and caught by linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles. Additionally, Leonard Floyd recorded his first sack as a 49er in the second quarter, evading Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker to bring down Rodgers on third down. Floyd is quickly establishing himself alongside former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa. The 49er's defense is set to be a strong option again next week as they face a Minnesota Vikings team led by Sam Darnold.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody had an exceptional performance in Week 1 against the New York Jets, setting a franchise record by making six field goals. The second-year kicker was perfect on the night, going six-for-six with field goals from 46, 51, 31, 53, 23, and 42 yards in the game. He also converted both of his extra point attempts, contributing 20 of the 49ers' 32 points. Moody's impressive showing highlights his potential as a strong fantasy option, especially with the 49ers' high-powered offense ensuring plenty of scoring opportunities.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason had a standout performance in place of the injured Christian McCaffrey (calf, Achilles) during Monday night's game against the New York Jets. With McCaffrey ruled out before the game, Mason seized the opportunity, rushing 28 times for 147 yards and one touchdown. Although Mason entered the game with only 83 career carries over two seasons, he has consistently shown potential, averaging 6.0 yards per carry as a rookie and 5.2 yards per carry in 2023. Mason exploited openings effectively throughout the game, supported by the robust 49ers offensive line and a strategic game plan from head coach Kyle Shanahan. Mason should be a top priority on the waiver wire this week. If McCaffrey is sidelined again next week, Mason would be a must-start. Even if McCaffrey returns, Mason remains a valuable handcuff for the rest of the season.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. delivered a solid all-around performance in the team's Week 1 win over the New York Jets. Samuel totaled 77 yards from scrimmage and scored a rushing touchdown, with five receptions for 54 yards and eight carries for 23 yards. He also attempted a pass that resulted in a four-yard sack. With star running back Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles) sidelined, Samuel and backup Jordan Mason stepped up to help secure San Francisco's first win of the 2024 season. Samuel remains a top fantasy option, whether as a receiver or a running back, as the 49ers prepare to take on the Vikings in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy had a solid outing in leading his team to a decisive victory over the New York Jets on Sunday night. Purdy completed 19 of 29 passes for 231 yards and did not record any touchdowns or turnovers. The Jets' defense, missing edge rusher Haason Reddick due to a holdout, failed to apply significant pressure. The 49ers took control of the game by halftime, allowing Purdy to focus on game management rather than pushing for big plays. San Francisco dominated possession, holding the ball for 38 minutes and 40 seconds and scoring on eight offensive drives before taking a knee on their final possession. The 49ers ran 70 plays compared to the Jets' 49. As the season progresses, expect Purdy to deliver higher-scoring performances, with his next opportunity coming against the Vikings on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan clarified that running back Christian McCaffrey's (calf) injury did not involve a setback but was simply too bothersome for him to play effectively on Sunday. Despite practicing all week, McCaffrey's calf issue has been intermittent and proved too troublesome for this game. During the ESPN postgame interview, Jordan Mason mentioned he was informed on Friday night that he would be starting, but Shanahan corrected this, stating that Mason was only told he would likely see significant playing time and didn't confirm the starting role until the day of the game. Shanahan addressed the situation to prevent any potential league repercussions. The excellent news is McCaffrey did not suffer a setback, and he will have six days to recover before the 49ers face the Vikings in Week 2. McCaffrey remains a must-start if available, while Mason is his top backup and must start if McCaffrey is sidelined again.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle didn't have the best start to his 2024 season. The 26-year-old was expected to split up the touches with veteran Ezekiel Elliott during Sunday's season opener. The two of them did split up the carries, but Dowdle failed to do much with them. He rushed eight times for 26 yards while hauling in one reception for six yards in the blowout win. Elliott didn't do much better on the ground with 40 yards, but he was able to find the end zone. The expectation is that these two will continue to split up the job until one of them pulls away with it. That being said, Dowdle should still have some streaming value in Week 2, but he has lost some appeal after that lackluster start.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Sean Clifford is set to be the backup option for the Week 2 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. It was uncertain who was going to start for the Packers with Jordan Love (ankle) facing a multiple week absence. Head coach Matt LaFleur cleared that up on Monday by naming Malik Willis the starter for Week 2. He also mentioned that Clifford is set to back him up, so he'll be elevated from the practice squad. Normally, someone becoming the backup isn't noteworthy, but this case is a little different. Willis has only been with the Packers for a few weeks and has yet to prove himself at the professional level. Clifford has been with the Packers for a full season and he should know the offensive scheme fairly well. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Packers turn to Clifford if Willis fails to impress them. Fantasy managers don't need to be jumping at the waiver wire to grab the former fifth-round pick. However, it wouldn't be shocking if Clifford does get snaps at some point in the next few weeks. Neither quarterback is going to be a viable fantasy option in most formats.
From RotoBaller