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.
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark (hip) is set to have his practice window open on Wednesday, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. Chark has been on the injured reserve since the opening week with a hip injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during practice this week as he could make his 2024 season debut on Monday evening against the Arizona Cardinals. Last season, Chark caught 35 passes for 525 yards and five scores with the Carolina Panthers. When Chark returns, he should compete for targets with Joshua Palmer, Quentin Johnson, and Ladd McConkey and should be left on all waiver wires for now.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) will not play on Thursday night due to a concussion. Olave suffered a concussion last weekend against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was unable to clear the league's concussion protocol. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the 24-year-old's status next week before their game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Olave has struggled to find consistency at times this season but has eclipsed double-digit PPR points on three occasions and tallied a season-high 20.6 points in Week 3. In addition, No. 2 wideout Rashid Shaheed (knee) will also sit out. As a result, fantasy managers looking for a replacement option should consider adding rookie Bub Means, as he saw an impressive eight targets last weekend and could lead the New Orleans passing attack.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons LB Lorenzo Carter (illness), S Justin Simmons (hamstring) and LB Troy Andersen (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 16. LB Matt Judon (non-injury), CB Antonio Hamilton (back) and LB Nathan Landman (calf, quadriceps) were limited during practice.
From TheHuddle
Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Josh Downs (toe) and Michael Pittman Jr. (back) did not practice on Wednesday, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Downs was held out of practice early last week with this injury but was able to suit up for Sunday's game. The injury did not seem too serious as the 23-year-old caught seven of his nine targets for 66 yards and a score. Pittman was originally expected to hit the injured reserve last week but was also able to suit up last weekend. As a result, fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status throughout the week, but this could be a precautionary measure. Since making his season debut in Week 3, Downs has emerged as the top wideout in this passing attack, as he has averaged 15.7 PPR points in this span, while Pittman has held a solid 13.0 average mark.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (concussion) logged a full practice on Wednesday. This is a great sign for the 23-year-old, who suffered a concussion during Week 5. The Dolphins had the week off in Week 6, which gave the sophomore running back more time to progress. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week as he has to complete all stages of the concussion protocol in order to return to action. If Achane can suit up, he should be locked into all fantasy lineups despite his slump over his past three games, where he has averaged just 5.8 PPR points per game. During the first two weeks of the campaign, Achane eclipsed over 20.0 PPR points and remains a high-upside running back given his rushing and receiving ability.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders WR Noah Brown (groin) was limited during practice Wednesday, Oct. 16.
Fantasy Spin: Brown has posted at least 50 yards in two of his four games this season but is averaging under five targets per game. He should see a handful of targets this week but can be avoided in most leagues.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints WR Chris Olave (concussion) has been ruled out for the Week 7 game, according to head coach Dennis Allen.
Washington Commanders TE Zach Ertz (non-injury) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 16.
Fantasy Spin: Ertz is coming off a season-high 68 yards in the last game and has been targeted at least five times in three of the last four games. He should see a similar workload this week but may only be a No. 2 fantasy tight end in most leagues.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (ribs) is considered doubtful for Thursday's game, according to Nick Underhill of the New Orleans Football Network. The tight end logged limited practice sessions on Monday and Tuesday after missing the previous two games and is now in danger of missing tomorrow's game. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the 34-year-old's status on Wednesday's injury report, as it may provide more clarity on his potential to suit up. If he cannot play, rookie Spencer Rattler will face a difficult challenge against a tough Denver defense without his top wideouts and potentially starting tight end. As a result, Bub Means could be worth a look as a flex option, as he saw eight targets in relief last weekend.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts running backs Jonathan Taylor (ankle) and Trey Sermon (knee) did not practice on Wednesday, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Taylor has been sidelined over the past two games with an ankle sprain. Sermon suffered this knee injury in last week's victory over the Tennessee Titans. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status during the week as they have two more opportunities to return to practice. In Taylor's absence, Sermon has taken the lead in the Indianapolis backfield and averaged a modest 33.5 yards per game with six total receptions for 25 receiving yards. If Taylor is able to play, he should be locked into all starting lineups. If not, Sermon remains a low-end flex option.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers S Damontae Kazee (ankle), LB Nick Herbig (hamstring), C Zach Frazier (ankle), OG Isaac Seumalo (non-injury), RB Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle), LB T.J. Watt (non-injury), DE Cameron Heyward (non-injury) and DT Larry Ogunjobi (non-injury) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 16. LB Alex Highsmith (groin) was limited during practice, while TE MyCole Pruitt (knee) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions CB Carlton Davis (quadriceps), C Frank Ragnow (non-injury), OT Dan Skipper (ribs) and OG Kevin Zeitler (non-injury) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 16. S Brian Branch (knee) was limited during practice, while OG Christian Mahogany (illness) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (knee) is set to undergo meniscus surgery on his knee, according to Nick Underhill. As a result, fantasy managers should not expect him on the field anytime soon. Shaheed may also be placed on the injured reserve if he is expected to miss at least four games. Shaheed was enjoying a nice breakout campaign as he scored at least 15.0 PPR points in four out of the six games he has played in. The Saints will now be without their top two wideouts on Thursday evening, with Chris Olave (concussion) already ruled out. As a result, Bub Means, Mason Tipton, and Cedrick Wilson Jr. will likely lead the New Orleans air attack for now.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers WR DJ Chark Jr. (hip) had his 21-day practice window opened Wednesday, Oct. 16.
From TheHuddle
Carolina Panthers LB Claudin Cherelus (hamstring), CB Troy Hill (rest), RB Chuba Hubbard (rest), LB Josey Jewell (hamstring, groin), WR Diontae Johnson (ankle), OT Taylor Moton (elbow), LB Jon Rhattigan (knee, illness) and DT A'Shawn Robinson (knee) did not practice on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Also, RB Jonathon Brooks (knee), LB Jadeveon Clowney (shoulder), WR David Moore (knee), DE LaBryan Ray (ankle, knee), C Andrew Raym (concussion), S Nick Scott (hamstring) and TE Tommy Tremble (concussion) were limited and CB Dane Jackson (hamstring), DT Jaden Crumedy (ankle) and S Sam Franklin (foot) practiced in full.
From TheHuddle
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson handled first-team reps in the open portion of Wednesday's practice, according to team beat writer Mike DeFabo. The veteran has been dealing with a calf injury this season but was a full participant in practice all of last week and looks to be trending toward starting against the New York Jets in Week 7. The Steelers have a 4-2 record but have passed for just 166.8 yards per game under Justin Fields. Wilson struggled mightily in his time with the Denver Broncos, but he finished as a top-15 fantasy quarterback in 2022 and 2023. He's unlikely to be a significant factor in single-QB leagues, but he's a must-add option in superflex and two-QB formats.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Robert Woods (foot) is not practicing on Wednesday. The 32-year-old missed the Week 6 game against the New England Patriots with a foot injury, and his early-week absence suggests he could miss at least another contest. With Nico Collins (hamstring) on Injured Reserve, Woods could see an enhanced role if he gets back to action before Collins' earliest activation date (Week 10). In Week 6, wideouts Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell accounted for 16 of the team's 18 targets to wide receivers, so whether Woods plays or not, no other Texans' receiver is on the fantasy football radar against the Green Bay Packers in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson got first-team reps in practice on Wednesday, Oct. 16.
Fantasy Spin: This was expected, as head coach Mike Tomlin said the veteran signal-caller would at some point this week. The Steelers haven't made it official who will start yet, but all signs are pointing to Wilson. Wilson is a QB2 if he suits up, but a shaky one, as it's his first game of the season and he's playing behind a lackluster offensive line.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (foot) saw workhorse usage last season and was a high-end fantasy RB1 in PPR leagues, but his injury and the emergence of rookie Bucky Irving and second-year undrafted free-agent Sean Tucker have brought uncertainty to his role. Irving is averaging 5.7 yards per carry to White's 3.7, and Tucker posted nearly 200 total yards and two touchdowns in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints. Buccaneers reporter Greg Auman said he believes White will likely still be the first RB on the depth chart when he recovers from his foot injury, but Irving and Tucker have raised the bar in the backfield, and Tampa Bay could start to rotate all three backs. If the team uses a three-man committee, it will limit the floors and upsides of all three backs and cause headaches for fantasy managers. The usage of the Tampa Bay backs should be closely monitored moving forward.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (hamstring) is not practicing on Wednesday to begin Week 7 preparation. The third-year back out of Cincinnati left the Week 6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles with a hamstring injury, so he could be at real risk of missing Week 7. Meanwhile, Nick Chubb (knee), who is coming off a major knee injury from Week 2 of last season, could make his 2024 debut on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Cleveland backfield could be tricky to analyze this week, as Ford's status is in doubt, and Chubb could be on a pitch count if he plays. Backups D'Onta Foreman and Pierre Strong Jr. are likely to be involved in the rotation if Ford is inactive. The Bengals are a neutral matchup for running backs and Cleveland arguably has the worst offense in the NFL, so upside might be hard to come by for any Browns' RB this week.
From RotoBaller