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.
Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 17
According to John Hendrix of Sports Illustrated, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Olave was able to log three consecutive full practices this week, which puts him in a good position to return to action. The top wideout has been sidelined since suffering his second concussion during their Week 9 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Fantasy managers should monitor his status on Saturday, as Olave will need to be activated off the injured list ahead of Sunday's game. Despite facing numerous injuries throughout the season, Olave tallied at least 80.0 yards in four of the six full games he played in this season. If Olave can return to action, he should be viewed as a decent flex option given that he is the lone proven option in this passing attack with Spencer Rattler under center.
From RotoBaller
According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Washington Commanders defensive back Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) will not play on Sunday evening against the Atlanta Falcons. After making his Washington debut in Week 15, Lattimore sustained another injury to his hamstring last weekend. Lattimore missed time earlier this season due to his hamstring and could be in danger for another multi-game absence. Through nine games this season, Lattimore has tallied 34 tackles (25 solo) with five pass deflections. While sidelined, fantasy managers should expect rookie Mike Sainristil to operate as the CB1, with Benjamin St-Juste moving up to the No.2 spot on the depth chart.
From RotoBaller
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Cleveland Browns and quarterback Deshaun Watson have agreed to restructure his contract. As a result, this will provide the Browns more relief on their cap space over the remaining years of the deal. However, this move also suggests Watson will remain on the Browns next season. Since making his Browns debut in 2022, Watson has seen his production decline significantly compared to the start of his NFL career when he was a Houston Texan. Across 19 games, Watson has held a 19:12 TD:INT ratio and has lost five fumbles. This season, Watson made seven starts before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury. Across this stint, Watson averaged just 164.0 passing yards per game. If Watson enters the 2025 campaign as the QB1, he should remain a target in deeper Superflex leagues but not in 1QB formats.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (hip) is off the injury report and is looking to keep up his solid season as the Packers head into Minnesota to face off with the Vikings in Week 17. Following two limited practice sessions on Wednesday and Thursday, Kraft was a full participant in Friday's practice and will be active against the Vikings, who have been a middle-of-the-road team this season in defending tight ends. With two straight games under double-digit fantasy points, Kraft, the TE8 in fantasy on the season, looks to get back to being a solid receiving option for quarterback Jordan Love. With receiver Christian Watson (knee) questionable for Week 17, the passing game could condense a bit if Watson is out, so more targets could be available for Kraft. For fantasy purposes, Kraft is a low-end TE1 against the Vikings.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks should see his opportunities open quite a bit more as the Packers travel to U.S. Bank Stadium to take on the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17. With Christian Watson (knee) questionable for the game, Wicks' value would be tied to Watson's availability. If Watson doesn't play, Wicks will be the primary outside receiver opposite Romeo Doubs and should run more routes than he typically does with Watson healthy. Wicks caught a touchdown pass in Week 16 against the New Orleans Saints and led the team with seven targets. The Vikings have allowed the most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers, but even then, Wicks is a low-end flex option for fantasy no matter Watson's status for Week 17's game against the Vikings.
From RotoBaller
With Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (back, foot) in real danger of missing Sunday's matchup versus the Giants after missing practice all week, the team will turn back to Joe Flacco if the 22-year-old is ultimately ruled out. Flacco came on for an injured Richardson in Week 4 and made four additional starts for the team this season, completing 67% of his passes (113-for-170) with a 9:5 TD:INT during his time under center. Compared to Richardson's 48% completion rate and 8:12 TD:INT, the 39-year-old should provide a slight boost to the receiving corps, although the veteran does not pose a threat with his legs like A-Rich does. As such, that should also free up some goal-line work for Jonathan Taylor who broke out last week for 218 yards rushing and three scores. The Colts are eight-point favorites in this matchup and need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, while the Giants currently hold the No. 1 pick in the next draft and are probably better off losing. So look for Indy to try to limit mistakes and kill the clock by handing the ball off to Taylor, leaving Flacco as a low-end QB2 in Week 17 should he draw the start.
From RotoBaller
According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (ankle) is off the injury report and good to go for Sunday's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. McLaurin opened the week as a non-participant and was able to upgrade to limited participation the following day. This suggests that his ankle injury was not serious and should not be a concern this weekend. McLaurin is riding a four-game touchdown streak. During this stretch, he found the back of the end zone six times and averaged a strong 77.0 receiving yards per game. With No.2 wide receiver Dyami Brown (hamstring) ruled out, McLaurin could see a heavy workload in this game. Facing the Atlanta Falcons, who have allowed the third-most PPR points to opposing wideouts, makes him a must-start WR1 in all formats.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed could be in line for some more volume than he's received in recent weeks with the Packers heading to U.S. Bank Stadium to take on the Minnesota Vikings. Reed has been an up-and-down fantasy option over the second half of this season with just three games of five or more targets in his last nine games. In Week 17, Reed could see more volume with Christian Watson (knee) questionable for the game. If Watson were to miss Week 17, that would condense the receiving options for Jordan Love and bumps up players like Reed with less players to contend with for targets. The Vikings have given up the most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers, so the upside for Reed in Week 17 is immense, but passing volume could hold the Packers back as they've been a run-oriented offense this season. Still, consider Reed a flex play with upside against Minnesota.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs looks to regain his foothold in the Green Bay passing game as the Packers head to Minnesota to take on the Vikings in Week 17. Doubs has been very touchdown-dependent this season with one game over 75 yards receiving and no games with more than six targets since Week 8. Against the Seahawks in Week 15, Doubs scored twice but put up just 40 yards on three catches, and then in Week 16, was a background player with just two receptions for 20 yards. Doubs tends to disappear in games but with Christian Watson (knee) questionable heading into Week 17's game, that could open up more opportunity for Doubs. The Vikings have given up the most fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts this season, but with Doubs being a question mark from a target-earning perspective, he's merely a low-end flex play for Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has been on fire as of late and he'll look to keep his torrid second half going as the Packers head to Minnesota to take on the Vikings in Week 17. Last week was the first time since Week 11 where Jacobs didn't have 18 or more carries in a game, but that can hardly be blamed on Jacobs. He still put up his sixth-consecutive 20-point fantasy game with 107 total yards, four receptions, and a touchdown. Despite the Vikings allowing the third-fewest fantasy points per game against running backs this season, the Packers should give Jacobs all the volume he can handle. He's a locked-in RB1 in Week 17 for your fantasy semifinals or championship.
From RotoBaller
According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Kamara was unable to suit up last weekend and will attempt to turn the corner in time for their final matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, the 29-year-old could not practice all week, which is not a promising sign for his status. Through 14 games this season, Kamara has averaged a strong 18.9 PPR points per game. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Kendre Miller to get the starting nod in the backfield. Last weekend, Miller tallied just 15 yards on eight carries and 16 yards on two receptions. While Jordan Mims and Jamaal Williams may have a decent role, Miller will likely log the most snaps and is a viable low-end flex option.
From RotoBaller
According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (hand) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Las Vegas Raiders. The 33-year-old will miss his third-straight game and set his sights on returning during the final week to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Carr sustained this hand injury during their Week 14 victory over the New York Giants. Carr was also unable to return to practice all week. As a result, rookie Spencer Rattler will get another start. Last week, the 24-year-old threw for just 153 yards and added 28 yards on the ground during their loss to the Green Bay Packers. While he is not a viable option in 1QB formats this weekend, he should be in a better position to succeed as top wideout Chris Olave (concussion) was able to return to practice this week and is in a good position to suit up despite his questionable tag.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love has a tough assignment ahead as the Packers head to U.S. Bank Stadium to face off with the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17. In Week 16, Love put up just 11.5 fantasy points in a 34-0 shutout of the New Orleans Saints where he didn't have to do a lot of heavy lifting thanks to a powerful running game that accounted for three touchdowns. It was Love's worst game of the season of the games he didn't leave because of injury. The Packers have shifted their offensive focus to the run game over the second half of the season, with no games of 30 or more pass attempts since Week 9. Because of the lack of passing volume and a tough opponent on the road, Love is merely a streaming quarterback option for fantasy managers in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson handled 23-plus touches last week for the fifth time in the last six contests while adding his fifth and sixth scores during that timeframe as well. Now with over 1500 total yards and 11 touchdowns, the 22-year-old is a top-five fantasy running back on the year and takes on a Commanders rush defense that has yielded the second-most fantasy points to opposing RBs this season. With rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. making just his second career start against a pass defense that has been much more stout over the past four weeks, look for the Falcons to lean heavily on the run game again in Week 17. While the former first-round draft pick has seen his involvement in the passing attack nearly dry up, having not caught more than two passes or gained more than 10 receiving yards in any of the last three games, he remains a top option at running back. View the talented back as a high-end RB1 in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
According to Dave Zangaro of NBCS Philly, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's divisional tilt against the Dallas Cowboys. As a result, Kenny Pickett will get the starting nod. Hurts suffered this concussion during the first half of their game against the Commanders last weekend. Hurts also could not practice all week, which could put him in danger of missing Week 18's game. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status during practice next week. In relief last weekend, Pickett went 14-for-24 with 143 yards, a score, and an interception. Fantasy managers should only consider starting Pickett in deep Superflex formats, as he carries very little upside and high risk, given his lack of offensive production throughout his young career.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers are activating running back J.K. Dobbins (knee) from Injured Reserve on Friday, which paves the way for him to be active in Week 17 on the road against the New England Patriots for the first of an NFL tripleheader on Saturday. Dobbins has missed the required four games while on IR and should return to action this weekend despite being listed as questionable on Thursday's final injury report. He's a top candidate for Comeback Player of the Year in the NFL in 2024 and leads the Chargers with eight touchdowns in his 11 games played for the Bolts. Dobbins has also averaged a solid 4.8 yards per carry on a career-high 158 rushing attempts in 2024. Gus Edwards (ankle) has already been ruled out, which is good news for Dobbins, but LA could still involve both rookie Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins if they look to ease Dobbins back into the offense.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle) was a limited participant in Friday's practice and has been removed from the final Week 17 injury report. It means that he is good to go for Sunday's game in Week 17 against the Indianapolis Colts and their weak run defense. Tracy aggravated an ankle injury in the Week 16 loss to the Atlanta Falcons and didn't practice on either Wednesday or Thursday. Despite not upgrading to a full practice on Friday, the 25-year-old will play this weekend. It's fair to wonder if Tracy will share more of the backfield work with Devin Singletary. In last week's blowout loss, Tracy only had 11 touches and saved his fantasy day with a receiving touchdown. However, the great matchup -- the Colts have allowed the seventh-most rushing yards this year -- should at least give Tracy some RB3/flex appeal for fantasy managers now that we know he'll be active.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. took over for Kirk Cousins in Week 16 and fared about as well as one could expect from a player making his first NFL start, completing 67% of his passes (18-for-27) and throwing just one interception that was a result of a tipped ball by one of his own receivers, not a poor decision or pass on his part. Although the 24-year-old did not throw a touchdown pass, it wasn't needed with Bijan Robinson rushing for 94 yards and two scores while the defense provided the other two TDs. The 2024 first-round draft pick will take on the Commanders in Week 17, a defense that ranks around the middle-of-the-pack in fantasy points allowed to QBs on the season, but has yielded the second-fewest fantasy points to the position over the past four weeks. The matchup takes place in D.C. and with playoff implications for both teams, this contest could prove to be a much stiffer challenge for the rookie quarterback. Fantasy managers looking to lock down fantasy championships will want to look elsewhere for a streaming QB, as Penix Jr. should be viewed as a low-end QB2 in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) was in cleats on Friday but did not go through the stretching period with the rest of the team. ESPN's Rob Demovsky said it looks like Watson is still in the rehab group, insinuating that he'll miss his third practice of the week. If that's the case, Green Bay will likely rule Watson out for Week 17 against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings on Sunday on Friday's final injury report. Watson suffered a knee bruise in the Monday night win over the New Orleans Saints. While the injury isn't considered a long-term one, it's looking like it will keep the injury-prone Watson out of action this weekend in a big divisional clash in Minnesota. If Watson is eventually ruled out or limited on Sunday, Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks will each have a little more upside in a crowded receiver room.
From RotoBaller
The Tennessee Titans will add kicker Matthew Wright from their practice squad to their active 53-man roster for Sunday's game against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 17. Regular placekicker Nick Folk (abdomen) has been ruled out yet again, so the Titans will go with Wright after cutting Brayden Narveson earlier this week. While Wright, 28, will have a good matchup against the terrible Jaguars defense in his debut with the Titans, he still won't be a particularly intriguing streaming option for fantasy managers that are playing for championships this weekend. In three games with the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs in 2024, Wright has missed only one of his 12 field-goal attempts while making all five of his extra-point opportunities. Fantasy managers should be able to start more reliable kicking options in Week 17.
From RotoBaller