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.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams remains with the organization. However, as has been the norm over the last few seasons, trade rumors are starting to surface. While many teams would love to acquire Adams' talents, it appears the Jets are a team to watch, especially after Aaron Rodgers stated he couldn't wait to play with his longtime wideout "again." Rodgers isn't alone in his desire to see Adams in New York. Speaking at his youth football camp, Garrett Wilson embraced the idea. "I see that. I'm excited. I'm with all of it," said Wilson. "Anyone we can get into the facility to help this team win games, I'm with it, and he's one of those." Adams is adamant he wants to stay in Vegas. But a reunion between Rodgers and Adams could do wonders for their fantasy potential, so managers will continue to monitor the situation closely.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Running back Dalvin Cook remains unsigned. Dynasty Analysis: Cook spent time with the Jets and Ravens last year but didn't make an impact for either team. This was pretty unforeseen as he was coming off a solid 2022 featuring his fourth straight 1,000-yard season with Minnesota. It seems Father Time may have caught up with Cook but it still seems unlikely he doesn't find a new home somewhere. Teams like the Bengals, Browns, Broncos. Raiders, Cowboys, Giants, and Commanders all have varying needs at the position and could have interest in the coming weeks and months. At this point, Cook looks like a roster clogger in dynasty leagues.
Dynasty | Wide receiver Julio Jones remains unsigned. Dynasty Analysis: Jones has spent time with the Titans, Bucs and Eagles the past three seasons but has just 66 catches for less than 800 yards and six total touchdowns over that span. This is an obvious drop in production from a player who once had a season with a 136/1,871/8 line. Jones will try to latch on somewhere as a depth player but it's hard to see him ever making a real fantasy impact again. Sadly, he belongs on waiver wires at this point in his career.
Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright was selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft following an impressive junior season at Tennessee that saw him rush for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns on a 7.4 yards-per-carry clip. Some believed Wright could have been a Day 2 selection following his 4.38 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, but the Dolphins traded up in Round 4 to add him to a dynamic running back room. While Wright's workload could be limited behind Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane in Year 1, the rookie is excited about his new offense. "Just the way that they like to create space for the running backs, space for everybody," Wright said. "They got the receivers to spread everybody out to make the defenses drop back in coverages and stuff like that. That just makes it better for the running backs. Just the system and everything we do, I feel like it's perfect for me." Miami could implement a three-headed monster in the backfield of Mike McDaniel's offense, but for now, Wright should be viewed mainly as an injury stash in the case of a Mostert or Achane injury. If either player has to miss time, Wright could be an immediate flex option.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence will be without last year's top wideout Calvin Ridley in 2024, but the former No. 1 overall pick believes he has a strong group of pass-catchers to work with. "We have a really dynamic group of pass catchers," Lawrence said, "We have some great tight ends. You talk about Evan (Engram), obviously, had a great year last year. He's really great with the ball in his hands. He does a lot of things to help us -- a good blocker too." He also shouted out second-year tight end Brenton Strange and wide receivers Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis, Devin Duvernay, and Brian Thomas Jr. While Ridley's departure leaves room for more uncertainty, the team could have an underrated skill group if Thomas and Davis exceed expectations in Duval County. Lawrence is generally drafted around the QB16 spot in preseason drafts, and he has enough upside to finish as a low-end QB1 in his fourth NFL campaign.
From RotoBaller
Veteran free-agent safety Justin Simmons remains unsigned following his release by the Denver Broncos on March 7. Free agency has been open for roughly four months, but the four-time All-Pro selection is still waiting for the right fit, and he is remaining patient. "Who knows? I could sign tomorrow, I could sign two weeks into camp, I could sign the first game of the season. You just never know how these things go," Simmons said. "So, it's caused me to slow down and give up control because it's not in my control." The 2016 third-round pick out of Boston College has collected 603 tackles, 4.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, 30 interceptions (most since 2016), and 64 pass deflections in 118 games. While the 30-year-old likely isn't in his prime anymore, he can contribute to a win-now team.
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Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner has been one of the most underrated ball carriers in fantasy football over the last few years. The former Pittsburgh Steeler remained productive in his age-28 season last year, rushing 208 times for 1,040 yards and seven touchdowns and catching 27 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns. He finished as the RB18 in PPR formats despite missing four games due to injury. Heading into 2024, Conner expects more of the same. "That's the floor," Conner said (speaking of a 1,000-yard rushing season), "I want that to be the lowest I rush for in my career going forward." While Arizona selected Florida State running back Trey Benson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Conner is expected to maintain his workhorse role, at least early in the season. The Cardinals have an ascending offense, so Conner could be a tremendous value pick at RB25 cost in preseason drafts. That said, Conner has never played a full season, so be sure to stash high-upside backs behind him if you roster him.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is widely regarded as one of the best players in the NFL, and he is the current face of the Bills organization. Heading into 2024, he'll be counted on more as a leader following the departures of Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, and Tre'Davious White, among others. Left tackle Dion Dawkins said he is taking that next step. "Josh is one of those guys that will do what it takes at that moment," Dawkins said. "He's definitely a barker when that time comes. I've actually seen the bark a lot more this OTAs where he's been very, very verbal, because our team is different. It's different. We've got some young dudes that, when they come in, they see a little bit of success, and they can change, so Josh is doing exactly what he should." Allen, who has finished as the overall fantasy QB1 in three of the last four seasons, could struggle early in the season while he builds chemistry with his new supporting cast, but his rushing upside insulates his value as a high-end QB1 again in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Patriots rookie Ja'Lynn Polk has reportedly had a fantastic off-season thus far. Dynasty Analysis: Everyone looks good playing in shorts during the Spring but this report is notable because of the realistic fact the Patriots have one of the worst skill position groups in the NFL. Polk was overshadowed at Washington by fellow rookie Rome Odunze but it's clear he has the eyes of the New England coaching staff and looks like a solid bargain in the second round of late rookie drafts.
Dynasty | Lions rookie Sam LaPorta is drawing rave reviews from rival executives. Dynasty Analysis: After an 86/889/10 rookie season, LaPorta is being touted as the overall TE1 in dynasty leagues by many. It's hard to blame anyone for that line of thinking as the 23-year old looked like a dominant weapon for much of last season. While there's a chance of a step back with anyone this young, LaPorta looks like a premier dynasty asset and nearly untouchable via trade. If you hit on LaPorta in last year's rookie draft, congratulations.
Dynasty | Deshaun Watson's re-emergence is being doubted by many in the media. Dynasty Analysis: The latest report casting a shadow of doubt on Watson comes from former NFL wide receiver James Jones. The report indicates Jones (as so many others have recently) believes Watson's best days are behind him. It's hard to argue as Watson has simply not looked like an elite-level player ever since joining Cleveland on what now looks like a ridiculous contract that's paying him $230 million in guaranteed money. This will be a make or break year for Watson, who is reportedly healthy and ready to go. At this point, he's an upside QB2 but not someone to build around in a dynasty league.
After signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency this offseason, he is in pole position to start the 2024 season as the No. 2 wideout behind George Pickens. Jefferson showed flashes of being able to handle that role in 2021 with 50 catches and 802 yards with the Los Angeles Rams, but he hasn't done much since then, which is concerning. The 27-year-old also didn't really stand out at all during offseason workouts, so he'll need to show more in training camp and the preseason to stick as the No. 2 as he competes mainly with Calvin Austin III and third-round rookie Roman Wilson. In 17 games (nine starts) with the Rams and Atlanta Falcons in 2023, Jefferson had just 20 receptions on 43 targets for 209 yards and no touchdowns. Even if he does win the WR2 job to open the year, Jefferson can probably be left to the waiver wire in 12-team fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
The Athletic's Mark Kaboly doesn't think that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields is going to beat out Russell Wilson or replace him in 2024 unless Wilson implodes, which is difficult to imagine happening. Kaboly also thinks Fields is playing /practicing for 2025 and down the road. He still has to work on his fundamentals, but the talent remains undeniable, especially his legs and his arm strength. The Chicago Bears' future first-round pick can be the Steelers' future franchise signal-caller, even if he doesn't play a down this season. The 25-year-old's rushing ability is top-notch, but his accuracy is going to need to improve at some point if he wants another chance as a starter in the NFL after Wilson's days are done in Pittsburgh. Unless Wilson tanks or gets hurt, Fields won't be on the fantasy radar in single-QB leagues in 2024.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots rookie second-round wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk really impressed in offseason workouts and has a realistic chance to become the team's No. 1 wideout to open the 2024 campaign if Kendrick Bourne (knee) needs more time to recover from his ACL tear in 2023. Polk was the No. 37 overall pick in April's NFL draft not because of his speed or his size, but because he's reliable. The former Washington Husky blocks well and always knows where to be to help out his quarterback. The 22-year-old slowly started working with the offensive starters in OTAs and was a steady, reliable target in minicamp. Because of Bourne's injury and the lack of overall depth on the Patriots' WR depth chart, Polk has a real opportunity to early lots of early targets in training camp and to start his rookie season. He's probably not going to be drafted in standard 12-team redraft leagues, but Polk is a name to keep an eye on this summer.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane put together a pretty fantastic rookie campaign last season. The 22-year-old rushed for 800 yards on 103 attempts and eight rushing scores in 11 games. He didn't play a full season and was only 200 yards shy of an 1,000-yard campaign. Recently, head coach Mike McDaniel said he hopes to incorporate Achane more into their scheme going forward. This backfield is a bit crowded with Raheem Mostert and fourth-round rookie Jaylen Wright. The only way for Achane to probably have increased value would be more involvement in the passing game. At the end of the day, the Dolphins will probably end up using some type of committee approach. Regardless of what happens, Achane should still hold solid value in most fantasy formats.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Brenden Rice posted career-highs in receptions (45), receiving yards (791), and receiving touchdowns (12) in 2023 while catching passes from USC's Caleb Williams, but he still fell to L.A. in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft. According to Daniel Popper of the Athletic, Rice could be facing an uphill battle to make the opening 53-man roster. "The two rookie draft picks, Brenden Rice and Cornelius Johnson, did not show me much during the spring," Popper wrote. "They will both likely be fighting for roster spots." This is not uncommon for Day 3 selections, but many held out hope that the son of Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice could exceed expectations. Popper projects Joshua Palmer, Ladd McConkey, D.J. Chark, Quentin Johnston, and Derius Davis as locks to make the roster, and the team might only carry five wide receivers in the new-look Greg Roman-led offense.
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Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kyle Philips kicked off his NFL career in 2022 by leading the team in targets (nine) in his debut. However, he has since been either injured or unproductive. Overall, he's hauled in just 23 of his 35 targets for 259 yards in 13 career games. After the additions of wide receivers Calvin Ridley, Tyler Body, and sixth-round rookie Jha'Quan Jackson this offseason, Philips finds himself on the roster bubble, according to John Glennon of the Nashville Post. "Philips will head into training camp battling for a roster spot," Glennon wrote. "The 2022 fifth-round pick has to show the quick-separation ability that initially drew the Titans to him, and he'll have to earn his way into opportunities to return punts once again. Rookie Jha'Quan Jackson, a faster slot receiver with return abilities, will provide stiff competition." Whether Philips makes the roster or not, it would be surprising if he makes a fantasy football impact in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal is the current projected RB3 in Greg Roman's offense, according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic. The sixth-round rookie out of Troy appears to be a popular sleeper candidate in 2024 after posting over 1,600 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns in his final collegiate season. He is slated to be behind veterans and former Baltimore Ravens Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins to open the season. However, Dobbins is coming off his second major injury of his short career, and we have not seen a running back return to form after an Achilles tear. Vidal is worth stashing in deep formats in case Dobbins struggles, but any Day 3 rookie is far from guaranteed a roster spot or a significant role in Year 1, so don't reach on him in fantasy drafts.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett joined the organization after spending just two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The University of Pittsburgh product posted 4,474 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 25 games for the Steelers after being selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Needless to say, the Steelers gave up on him quickly and dealt him for mid-round pick swaps. Now in Philadelphia, the 26-year-old is embracing the change of scenery. "Change is a great thing," Pickett said. "I'm going through it right now. I was in Pittsburgh for seven years, and now I'm over in Philadelphia. I think a lot of people probably have some negative views on change, but that's really just your outlook on it. I think if you keep a positive mindset, it'll all work out for the better." While taking a step back could be a good thing for Pickett's career, he's unlikely to see any playing time anytime soon barring an injury to Jalen Hurts. That said, he could be an intriguing bench stash in two-QB and superflex leagues due to the offensive weaponry and offensive line the Eagles possess.
From RotoBaller
The New York Jets offense should be more fine-tuned in its second year under offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett in 2024 while also getting future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers back from the torn Achilles he suffered in Week 1 last fall. In addition to Rodgers' return, the Jets added Tyron Smith and John Simpson to the offensive line in free agency, traded for Morgan Moses and drafted Olu Fashanu in the first round. At receiver, the team added Mike Williams (knee) and drafted Malachi Corley. "Now you can really detail it up. You can talk about the intricacies of the route. You can experiment with new plays, new motions, all kinds of different, fun things. So it's been really good. I think the guys have really enjoyed it," Hackett said.
From RotoBaller