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.
The Baltimore Ravens restructured the contract of All-Pro kicker Justin Tucker on Tuesday, in addition to defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike and linebacker Roquan Smith, to create $9.3 million in salary cap space for the 2024 season. The move gives the Ravens more roster flexibility as they compete to get past the hump and to the Super Bowl this year. Believe it or not, Tucker wasn't the most valuable fantasy kicker in 2023; it was the Cowboys' Brandon Aubrey. Tucker missed five of his 37 field-goal attempts last year and one of his 52 extra-point tries, but he still managed to finish as the No. 2 fantasy kicker despite what was a down year for his standards. Nobody is panicking, though. The 34-year-old veteran still has an NFL-record 90.2% success rate and should remain one of the top fantasy kickers again in 2024 in a strong offense in Baltimore.
From RotoBaller
The Baltimore Ravens restructured the contracts of defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike and linebacker Roquan Smith on Tuesday, in addition to All-Pro kicker Justin Tucker, to create $9.3 million in salary cap space for the 2024 season. The Ravens will have some extra roster flexibility as they look to finally get over the hump in the AFC and get back to the Super Bowl. Madubuike just signed a huge four-year, $98 million deal in early March after the Ravens initially placed the franchise tag on him. The 26-year-old had the best season of his career in 2023 with 56 tackles, 13 sacks and two forced fumbles. He may not be worth starting in IDP leagues in Week 1 against the Chiefs, but he's at least worth a bench spot. Smith, 27, finished sixth in the NFL with 158 total tackles last year and is a top-five, must-start IDP linebacker in 2024.
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The New York Jets agreed to terms on a three-year $30.75 million contract extension with defensive back Michael Carter II on Tuesday, making him the highest-paid slot corner in the NFL. The deal is worth up to $33 million with slightly more than $19 million in total guarantees. Carter is the Jets' nickelback and has been an important member of the defense over the last three seasons. Carter did not record an interception in 2023, but he did manage 50 total tackles and nine passes defensed. Carter's extension keeps an excellent Jets defensive core intact. The Jets' team defense should be a hot commodity in fantasy football in 2024.
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Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward signed a three-year, $45 million contract extension on Tuesday. Heyward is one of the Steelers' best defensive players. Keeping Heyward happy is extremely important to their success. He will help to anchor the Steelers D/ST in fantasy football in 2024. Additionally, Heyward and the rest of the Steelers' defense will help take pressure off the offense and allow an easier path to success for wide receiver George Pickens and running backs Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
The San Francisco 49ers restructured the contract of wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. on Tuesday. The move created $16.4 million in cap space. The restructure comes as no surprise given the recent contracts the 49ers handed to wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and offensive tackle Trent Williams. The 49ers are in win-now mode and are preparing to compete for a Super Bowl. Restructuring Samuel was necessary to ensure they could continue building out their roster in the short term. However, the move will not affect Samuel's ability to produce in 2024. Samuel recorded 892 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 2023. He added 225 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground. If Samuel stays healthy, expect him to produce those types of numbers once again in 2024.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll is set to call offensive plays in 2024. Daboll had relinquished the job to offensive coordinator Mike Kafka when he was hired as head coach in 2022. This could be good news for Malik Nabers managers. Daboll cut his teeth calling plays as the offensive coordinator for quarterback Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. Daboll was the author of high-powered offenses in Buffalo. Those offenses featured fantasy excellence from Allen and wide receiver Stefon Diggs. The Giants do not have much in the way of offensive weapons. Expect Daboll to call Nabers' number early and often.
From RotoBaller
Free agent wide receiver Kadarius Toney visited the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday. The Chiefs released Toney during roster cuts after he struggled with injuries and drops during his Chiefs tenure. The 25-year-old caught 27 passes for 169 yards and one touchdown in 13 games in 2023. While he was once a first-round draft pick, Toney has largely become a gadget player in the NFL. However, there is no denying Toney's quickness and ability to make defenders miss. He has been especially valuable in the return game. While Toney would not usurp DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, or Jaxon Smith-Njigba as Seattle's top receivers, he would have a chance for a role in an offense that should be creative under new coordinator Ryan Grubb. If signed, Toney would be far more important to the Seahawks' success than that of your fantasy team.
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Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson (hip) is listed on the team's first official injury report on Tuesday and was given a limited tag at practice. Wilson should be able to suit up for the Week 1 regular-season opener this Friday in Brazil against the Philadelphia Eagles, but his status will be worth watching later in the week. The 25-year-old's status is worth watching even closer, considering that rookie MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) didn't practice on Tuesday, although he's still expected to be fine to play in Week 1. Wilson will have a bigger role in his second year in the league with AJ Dillon (neck) out for the year, but he's currently the RB3 in Green Bay and should be on the waiver wire in standard 12-team leagues to kick off the year. Wilson had only 14 carries but gained 85 yards in seven games in his rookie campaign last year, also catching four passes for 23 yards.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (hand) finds himself on the team's first official injury report on Tuesday and he was listed as a limited practice participant leading up to Friday's Week 1 regular-season opener in Brazil against the Philadelphia Eagles. Doubs is dealing with a hand contusion and is considered day-to-day, but it shouldn't impact his availability at all in the season opener. The 24-year-old has plenty of talent but was merely a late-round flier for receiver depth in most fantasy drafts because of Green Bay's crowded receiving corps that also includes Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks. Don't sleep on Doubs, though, as he could emerge as one of the team's most productive pass-catchers after scoring eight times on 59 receptions for 674 yards during the regular season. Treat him as a WR5/flex in deeper fantasy leagues in Week 1 this Friday.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (hamstring) said that he's ready to go for Week 1 of the regular season on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. Gibbs said he feels around 98-100% healthy after tweaking his hamstring early in training camp while running routes. "I'm good, just had a little tweak," Gibbs said. The second-year RB also said he's "more confident overall" entering Year 2. The 22-year-old returned to practice a week ago, and although he may be listed on the team's first official injury report on Wednesday, fantasy managers that invested in him at the end of the first round or early in the second round of drafts this year should feel confident that he'll be active on Sunday. Gibbs will be a must-start RB1 each week he's active, but he'll carry more bust potential in the season opener if the Lions decide to lean more towards backfield mate David Montgomery to ease Gibbs in.
From RotoBaller
As expected, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (calf) was officially back on the practice field on Tuesday as the team prepares for their Week 1 regular-season opener on Monday Night Football against the New York Jets. Even though a calf injury caused McCaffrey to miss most of training camp and all of the preseason, he was still the consensus No. 1 overall fantasy pick after leading the NFL with 1,459 rushing yards and 21 total touchdowns (14 rushing, seven receiving) in 16 regular-season games last year. CMC played in a combined 10 games due to injuries with the Carolina Panthers in 2020-21, but he's played in 33 regular-season contests the last two years and is the best fantasy player, hands down, when he's on the field. The 28-year-old is a must-start when active, but he'll certainly have more of a bust factor in Week 1 given all the time he missed in camp, especially with a tough matchup on tap.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers rookie first-round wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (chest) was back at the team's facilities and in the weight room around 48 hours after being shot in the chest during a robbery attempt over the weekend. Pearsall was put on the Non-Football Injury list on Monday, meaning he'll have to miss at least the first four games of his rookie season after the scary incident. The 23-year-old was released from the hospital on Sunday and will now get to work on his recovery as he looks to make an impact at some point for the Niners in 2024. Pearsall already missed valuable development time in training camp this summer due to injuries and will now fall behind even further, so fantasy managers hoping for some production in redraft leagues can probably leave him to the waiver wire for now. Pearsall is pretty much only worth stashing in dynasty/keeper formats.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that wide receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) will be the only player on the team listed as out for Thursday night's Week 1 regular-season opener against the Baltimore Ravens in a rematch of last year's AFC Championship. Brown was never expected to play in the season opener after suffering a sternoclavicular injury in the preseason opener. The 27-year-old big-ticket free-agent acquisition has yet to return to practice and is iffy to make his Chiefs debut in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals next week. When Hollywood does return, though, he'll be one of quarterback Patrick Mahomes' top targets, making him stash-worthy in all fantasy formats. Tight end Travis Kelce and receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy should be the Chiefs' top three pass-catchers while Brown is sidelined.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus is listed as a starter alongside Terry McLaurin and Luke McCaffrey to begin the 2024 campaign. This is somewhat of a surprise, but he has been gaining ground on the depth chart following the departure of Jahan Dotson, who was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. Head coach Dan Quinn was a part of the Atlanta Falcons staff that brought Zaccheaus in as an undrafted free agent in 2019, so he has familiarity with the culture Quinn is trying to establish. Although the 27-year-old wideout has flashed at times throughout his career, his overall numbers of 104 receptions for 1,492 yards and 10 touchdowns in 72 career games aren't all that impressive. Either way, he should have his best opportunity to produce in 2024, though his upside is likely limited with rookie Jayden Daniels starting at quarterback.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) did not practice on Tuesday as he continues to work through a hamstring injury. However, head coach Matt LaFleur said this was a planned absence and part of his preparation to play. The third-round rookie out of USC is an intriguing bench stash behind starter Josh Jacobs, as Green Bay has preferred to split touches in the backfield during LaFleur's tenure. However, Lloyd battling injuries to begin his career is not a great sign, and it wouldn't be surprising if he's sparsely utilized in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles -- if he even suits up. He might have fantasy value this season, but he should not be trusted in starting lineups this week.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey was listed as one of three starting wideouts on the team's first official depth chart heading into a matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Following the departure of Jahan Dotson, who was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, the WR2 job behind Terry McLaurin is up for grabs. McCaffrey was selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft following his final season at Rice which saw him post just under 1,000 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. McCaffrey has name recognition from NFL fans thanks to his relatives who have played or are playing in the league, but his Year 1 fantasy expectations should be tempered. Washington will be led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, and rookies historically fail to support multiple fantasy-relevant pass-catchers. McCaffrey should be on the waiver wire watchlist, but for now, he should not be in starting lineups.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell caught 47 passes for 709 yards and seven touchdowns in just 11 games last year before suffering a season-ending foot injury. He posted three games of at least 100 receiving yards as a rookie, and he was well on his way to a potential WR1 season. The Houston product appears to be healthy heading into Year 2, but his offense is more crowded following the addition of All-Pro wideout Stefon Diggs. However, Dell isn't concerned about his potential usage. "You gotta be ready when your [opportunities] come," Dell said on The Pivot podcast. "[C.J. Stroud] is gonna spread the ball out. Back in college, he played with a lot of receivers on one team, and everybody was eating." While Diggs, Dell, and Nico Collins could all have down weeks in a loaded offense, all three wideouts have WR1 upside in any given matchup. It will be worth monitoring who Stroud's preferred target is in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts, but it will likely change week-to-week. All three Texans wideouts are worth starting to begin the season.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has had a successful start to his NFL career. Through three seasons, the 2021 first-round pick has collected 251 receptions for 3,385 yards and 18 touchdowns. He finished his rookie and sophomore campaigns as a PPR WR1, but injuries and a lack of touchdowns led to a down year in 2023. However, superstar wideout and teammate Tyreek Hill said Waddle is primed for his best year yet. "All-Pro this year, Hill said. "He's taken his game to another level in the classroom, he's taking it more serious. I expect All-Pro, WR1, leading our team." While we can't put too much stock in Hill's statements, it's a positive sign that he's taken notice. Although Waddle has battled injuries this offseason, he is expected to be ready to go in Week 1, and he should be started in all formats against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (calf) returned to practice on Tuesday, Sept. 3.
Fantasy Spin: The 49ers likely chose to be as conservative as possible with McCaffrey's injury, which was reportedly minor. McCaffrey's fantasy prospects got a shot in the arm earlier Tuesday when it was announced left tackle Trent Williams received a contract extension, which means San Francisco will be able to bring back the important parts of the band for another year - even if some of the members reported a bit too late. The 28-year-old is still very much work taking No. 1 overall in drafts this week.
From TheHuddle
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown is listed as the RB2 behind Zack Moss on the team's first official depth chart. Brown has been a popular fantasy sleeper this offseason, and while it would be ideal for him to be listed as the Week 1 starter, it doesn't change his potential outlook. Although the Bengals utilized Joe Mixon as a workhorse over the last few seasons, this backfield could shift to a committee approach following his departure. Brown averaged 11.1 yards per reception in a small sample size last year, and he is more explosive than Moss. For Week 1 against the New England Patriots, Brown is a risky flex option in PPR setups, but we'll know more about how the Bengals will split up the workload heading into Week 2.
From RotoBaller