WR Strength of Schedule
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.
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The Paur Report
New Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jonathan Mingo will make his team debut on Monday against Houston, according to Clarence Hill Jr. of DLLS Sports. The former second-round pick lasted fewer than two years with the Carolina Panthers, who shipped him and a seventh-round pick to Dallas for a fourth-rounder at the trade deadline. Mingo had 12 catches on 26 targets in nine games with the Panthers this year, keeping him well off the fantasy radar. Even with the change of scenery, it's difficult to envision Mingo making much of an impact on a Cowboys offense playing without quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) for the rest of the season.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who will turn 41 years old next month, told reporters that he is leaning toward returning for the 2025 season. The veteran quarterback is under contract for another year with the Jets, which would be his 21st season in the NFL. Asked if he still wants to play next season, Rodgers said, "I think so, yeah." New York is 3-7 through 10 games and earlier this season fired head coach Robert Saleh. Once a fantasy lineup stalwart, the former MVP has mostly been relegated to a QB2 option in Superflex leagues during his Jets tenure.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore (blood clots) is likely to practice for the first time since the diagnosis on Thursday, according to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The star tackle has not played at all this season after posting a career-best 8.5 sacks and 64 tackles in 2023. The 2021 second-round pick earned a four-year extension from New England earlier this year that made him the highest-paid defensive player in team history. For now, Barmore remains on the non-football illness list, but practicing once again would be an encouraging step that puts him on track to return.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown will take on the division-rival Washington Commanders on Thursday night football in Week 11. The 27-year-old has failed to find the end zone since Week 7 but has averaged 92.2 receiving yards per game and has just one game with fewer than 80 yards receiving all year. This matchup is going to determine who ends up as the No. 1 seed in the NFC East heading into Week 12, and the Eagles will be looking Brown's way often to keep the pressure on a Washington defense that has started to turn things around over the past few weeks. The Commanders are a solid matchup, and recently acquired cornerback Marshawn Lattimore will not be making his Washington debut this week. Consider the Eagles star receiver a top-five option in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith will face off against the Washington Commanders on Thursday night football in Week 11. The 26-year-old has had some limitations in practice the past few weeks due to a hamstring injury, but he was again left off of the final injury report and is a full go for the team's Week 11 divisional matchup. Smith was not needed last week against a spiraling Dallas team, seeing just three targets and tallying only 14 yards receiving. With that said, the team will need all hands on deck to stop Washington Thursday night, and with newly acquired cornerback Marshawn Lattimore not making his Commanders debut, the Eagles will look to exploit the below-average pass defense. Smith has had some disappointing outings since the Week 5 bye, but he is still a strong WR2 option and remains a must-start in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert will take on the Washington Commanders on Thursday night football in Week 11. The 29-year-old made his return to the field last week from a hamstring injury and found the end zone on a limited snap count. He picked up a DNP on Monday in practice with an ankle injury but was left off the final injury report Wednesday and is good to go for Thursday night. Washington is middle of the pack against fantasy tight ends this season, so the matchup should not scare anyone away from starting Goedert. With that said, there is a chance the Eagles will take a run-heavy approach in the contest to keep the high-powered Washington offense off the field as much as possible, potentially leading to a light target share for the veteran. Consider Goedert a fringe TE1 in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott will face off against the Washington Commanders on Thursday night football in Week 11. The 29-year-old had his second-best fantasy performance of the season last week against the Dallas Cowboys, nailing two short field goals and converting all four of his extra-point attempts. The Commanders' defense is much better than the Cowboys at the moment, so expecting another easy outing for the veteran is a bit of a stretch. However, there is a real chance this game becomes a shootout with two high-powered offenses vying for the No. 1 spot in the NFC East, leading to a solid night for Elliott. Consider the Eagles kicker a boom-or-bust streamer like we have for the majority of this season in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will face off against the division-rival Washington Commanders on Thursday night football. The 26-year-old is the QB1 overall since the Eagles' Week 5 bye, averaging 28.1 fantasy points per game. His four-game streak of no turnovers came to an end early last week against the Dallas Cowboys, but Hurts was able to turn things around quickly and score four total touchdowns en route to a dominating win. Both Washington and Philadelphia's defenses have performed well over the past few weeks, but there is no reason to believe both high-powered offenses won't be trading scores back and forth the majority of the night. While some of his weapons were limited in practice in a short week, the Eagles will head into the game at full strength in that regard, making Hurts a top-three fantasy option for Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley will take on the Washington Commanders on Thursday night football in Week 11. The 27-year-old had a quiet Week 10 performance against the Dallas Cowboys that left fantasy managers frustrated. He failed to find the end zone and tallied 78 yards which was just the second time this year that he had fewer than 100 total yards in a game. Barkley should see more usage this week in a divisional showdown for first place in the NFC East against a Washington defense that has turned things around over the past few weeks. The matchup should not worry fantasy managers, but they do rank top 15 against opposing fantasy running backs. With all of that said, Barkley is a set-it-and-forget-it RB1 facing off against his division rival.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets S Chuck Clark (ankle) was designated to return from the Reserve/Injured list on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
From TheHuddle
Denver Broncos WR Josh Reynolds (hand) was designated to return from the Reserve/Injured list on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
From TheHuddle
The Tennessee Titans have released safety Mike Edwards, according to Jim Wyatt of the team's official website. Edwards signed with the Titans just one week ago after being granted his release by the Buffalo Bills. While Edwards sought a fresh opportunity elsewhere, his stint in Tennessee proved to be quite short-lived. He was inactive during his only game as a Titan last weekend, and prior to that, he had only played seven snaps for the Bills in 2024. Edwards will now hit free agency for the second time this month.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Harrison Bryant (ankle) did not participate in practice on Wednesday. Bryant has filled a depth role in Las Vegas season, catching just nine passes for 86 yards through eight games. Although the 26-year-old has been serving as the backup to Brock Bowers recently, he'll drop down to No. 3 on the depth chart with the imminent return of Michael Mayer (personal). Between ranking third on the depth chart and battling a significant ankle issue, Bryant can be avoided in all fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler is expected to revert to the No.2 spot on the depth chart on Thursday evening but is still a viable flex option in PPR formats, facing the Philadelphia Eagles. Over the past two weeks, Ekeler has operated as the lead option out of the backfield in Washington. During this small stint, he scored three times, averaging 17.7 PPR points per game. However, with Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) slated to return, fantasy managers should expect Ekeler to return to his third-down role. During Weeks 1 through 8, Ekeler eclipsed double-digit PPR points in five straight games and caught at least two passes in each contest. With a high implied point total (48.5), fantasy managers could expect this game to open up, which could set the 29-year-old up for several pass-catching opportunities, making him a flex option in PPR formats.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin should be poised for another productive showing on Thursday evening against the Philadelphia Eagles. Since Week 3, McLaurin has been one of the top wideouts in fantasy as he has averaged 17.8 PPR points per game during this span while scoring six total touchdowns. In addition, he has seen 6.8 targets per game in the stretch, with 84.0 yards per game. Last weekend, McLaurin tallied over 100+ scrimmage yards for the fourth time this season. Even though he will face a tough Philadelphia secondary that has allowed the 12th-fewest PPR points to opposing wideouts, this game should open up given how explosive both offenses can be, which sets up McLaurin well for another strong outing.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown should be viewed as a risky flex option in Week 11 facing the Philadelphia Eagles. After enjoying two solid showings in Weeks 8 and 9, Brown took a step back last weekend as he tallied only 33 yards and 6.3 PPR points against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite the poor output, Brown has continued to see consistent looks from rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Since Week 6, Brown has seen at least six targets in all but one game and a high of eight. While both the Eagles and Commanders could light up the scoresheet on Thursday, Brown still carries some inherent risk as he has fallen below double-digit PPR points in three of his past five games making him a flex option with risk.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver (hand, wrist) was officially listed as limited in the team's first practice of Week 11. The 27-year-old has dealt with a wrist issue for weeks at this point, but it hasn't forced him to miss any in-game action. However, the hand designation is news as it had not been previously mentioned on the team's injury report. That he could practice in a limited fashion is likely good news for his status this Sunday when the team squares off against the Tennessee Titans. Still, he'll have two more opportunities to elevate his participation before the road tilt. Oliver was used a decent amount in Week 10's 12-7 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars (4/52 on six targets) despite teammate T.J. Hockenson's increased involvement in the offense (8/72 on nine targets). If he can't play this coming Sunday, TE Johnny Mundt figures to pick up more snaps when the team travels to Nashville.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz should be viewed as a low-end TE1 heading into a Week 11 tilt against the Philadelphia Eagles. Last weekend, the veteran tight end saw a team-high in targets, which was an excellent bounce-back showing for him as he saw just one in Week 9. Since Week 6, Ertz has scored double-digit PPR points in three games and caught at least four passes in all but one. With Washington lacking a proven No.2 wideout, Ertz has seen consistent targets throughout the season. Even though he is facing a tough Eagles defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest PPR points to opposing tight ends this season, Ertz should still see a solid workload, making him a low-end starting option in PPR formats.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert (hip) has been ruled out for Thursday's contest, which will likely result in Zane Gonzalez getting the call from the practice squad. Gonzalez also served as the starting option last weekend and hit both of his attempts and all three of his extra points. With how impressive the Washington offense has looked this season, Gonzalez should be given ample scoring opportunities on Thursday. However, given his career 80.9% FG%, he does carry some inherent risk playing on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles. Fantasy managers looking to stream a kicker should look elsewhere this week for a more stable contributor.
From RotoBaller
Per Brooke Pryor of ESPN, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (quad) was officially a non-participant for the team's first practice ahead of Week 11. The fifth-year wideout is a new addition to the injury report, as he seemingly picked up a quad ailment sometime between Sunday's victory over the Washington Commanders and Wednesday. Jefferson may have sustained the injury during the win. However, it did not seem to hamper him as he operated in his typical capacity as Pittsburgh's WR2 despite not recording a reception. The severity of the injury is unknown, but head coach Mike Tomlin did not comment on the 28-year-old, suggesting it might not be that big a deal. If the former Florida Gator can't suit up for this weekend's divisional clash against the Baltimore Ravens, it would open the door for newly acquired wideout Mike Williams to see an uptick in usage.
From RotoBaller
