WR Strength of Schedule
Fri May 31 10:52am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Lamb could top last season
Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the receiver position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to receivers last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the receivers with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the receivers that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.
| WR SOS | ||
| 1. | Denver Broncos | 531.34 |
| 2. | Los Angeles Chargers | 536.08 |
| 3. | Miami Dolphins | 537.31 |
| 4. | Kansas City Chiefs | 549.96 |
| 5. | Las Vegas Raiders | 552.89 |
| 6. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 554.85 |
| 7. | New England Patriots | 555.93 |
| 8. | Buffalo Bills | 556.13 |
| 9. | Houston Texans | 561.75 |
| 10. | San Francisco 49ers | 565.73 |
| 11. | New Orleans Saints | 566.06 |
| 12. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 566.19 |
| 13. | Cincinnati Bengals | 566.32 |
| 14. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 570.07 |
| 15. | Baltimore Ravens | 571.77 |
| 16. | Seattle Seahawks | 573.41 |
| 17. | Minnesota Vikings | 573.91 |
| 18. | Philadelphia Eagles | 574.46 |
| 19. | Carolina Panthers | 575.49 |
| 20. | Los Angeles Rams | 575.79 |
| 21. | Washington Commanders | 575.91 |
| 22. | Detroit Lions | 576.36 |
| 23. | Atlanta Falcons | 577.76 |
| 24. | New York Jets | 577.99 |
| 25. | Tennessee Titans | 578.06 |
| 26. | Indianapolis Colts | 578.18 |
| 27. | Cleveland Browns | 583.5 |
| 28. | Arizona Cardinals | 586.09 |
| 29. | New York Giants | 586.93 |
| 30. | Chicago Bears | 601.21 |
| 31. | Dallas Cowboys | 608.4 |
| 32. | Green Bay Packers | 610.22 |
The Packers have the easiest fantasy schedule for receivers. Jayden Reed and Christian Watson could be setup for career best seasons with this schedule. These are guys you can get a little later come draft day and mid-round options that could be difference makers for fantasy owners.
CeeDee Lamb is considered the No. 1 overall fantasy receiver for many and his schedule helps make that claim even stronger. Lamb has the second most favorable schedule for receivers. Lamb was huge last year and could improve on that even more, especially since the Cowboys could struggle to run the ball with their current options.
The Bears, Giants and Cardinals also round out the top-five most favorable receiver schedules. Chicago has a great trio of receivers with D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen and rookie Rome Odunze. These guys could produce big as long as rookie Caleb Williams gets the job done at quarterback in year one. Moore has more to compete with for targets this year, but you still have to like his chances for a big season in year two with the Bears.
The Giants and Cardinals both have some question marks at receiver, but a couple rookies lead the way for both teams. Malik Nabers and Marvin Harrison could have big rookie seasons with their new teams. These guys both have a chance to lead all rookie fantasy receivers in scoring.
On the opposite side of things, the Broncos have the most challenging schedule for receivers. The Broncos have all sorts of questions at receiver outside of Courtland Sutton. This is a unit of receivers you just might want to avoid come draft day. This schedule won’t make anything easier for this group.
The Chargers are a similar team to the Broncos, having openings and questions at receiver. So once again, it might be best to let someone else put Chargers receivers on their roster. Plus, the Chargers could be a lot more run heavy with a new coach running the show. The tough schedule and new offense make taking any Chargers receiver a bit of a risk.
There are two really good offenses on the list that have tough schedules for receivers. Both the Dolphins and Chiefs have a top-five least favorable schedule for receivers. The Dolphins have one of the best receiver duos in football, so it is tough to fade them because of this schedule. Both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle should be able to produce big numbers once again in this offense.
The Chiefs are a little more concerning. This offense is a little matchup proof, but don’t have that elite receiver on their roster. Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown lead the way. Brown hasn’t been great in recent seasons and Rice is facing a suspension. These guys will carry some risk come draft day, especially after seeing this schedule.
Davante Adams is usually another star receiver that is matchup proof, but you have to wonder a little this year. He has some question marks at quarterback, which could hurt his production when you pair it with this schedule. Adams is dealing with the fifth toughest fantasy schedule for receivers.
We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy receivers. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the receivers with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.
| WR PLAYOFF SOS | ||
| 1. | Los Angeles Rams | 501.93 |
| 2. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 515.53 |
| 3. | Kansas City Chiefs | 519.43 |
| 4. | New York Giants | 521.63 |
| 5. | Miami Dolphins | 532.77 |
| 6. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 534.53 |
| 7. | Houston Texans | 538 |
| 8. | Buffalo Bills | 540.87 |
| 9. | Las Vegas Raiders | 541.9 |
| 10. | Carolina Panthers | 549.33 |
| 11. | Cincinnati Bengals | 552.17 |
| 12. | Detroit Lions | 553.73 |
| 13. | Arizona Cardinals | 555.27 |
| 14. | Cleveland Browns | 555.4 |
| 15. | Minnesota Vikings | 560.93 |
| 16. | New England Patriots | 573.03 |
| 17. | Los Angeles Chargers | 573.1 |
| 18. | Tennessee Titans | 575.17 |
| 19. | Baltimore Ravens | 581.27 |
| 20. | Seattle Seahawks | 585.08 |
| 21. | New York Jets | 585.5 |
| 22. | Denver Broncos | 587.2 |
| 23. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 587.8 |
| 24. | Philadelphia Eagles | 589.73 |
| 25. | Green Bay Packers | 590.85 |
| 26. | Washington Commanders | 591.57 |
| 27. | New Orleans Saints | 604.13 |
| 28. | Dallas Cowboys | 609.73 |
| 29. | Indianapolis Colts | 614 |
| 30. | San Francisco 49ers | 641.53 |
| 31. | Atlanta Falcons | 644.93 |
| 32. | Chicago Bears | 647.98 |
The Bears and Cowboys are the teams that make both the top five easiest receiver schedules for both the regular season and playoffs. Chicago has the easiest for the entire playoffs. Once again, their top trio of receivers are looking pretty good come draft day.
Lamb continues to make his case to be the first receiver selected come draft day. He could have a monster season and finish strong as well with the fifth easiest schedule for the playoffs. Lamb might be the most surefire first-round pick come draft day.
The Falcons, 49ers and Colts also have a top-five favorable playoff schedule for receivers. Atlanta receivers were looking up to begin with, getting a legit quarterback throwing them passes this year. And this schedule makes their options look even better, especially Drake London. He could have a breakout season.
San Francisco has great options at receiver in Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. They are pretty safe picks come draft day. And they get a very favorable playoff schedule that could make them even more appealing to fantasy owners. These guys both have really solid floors come draft day in this offense.
Michael Pittman keeps getting it done as the No. 1 option for the Colts. If Anthony Richardson can become that true No. 1 at quarterback for Indy, Pittman would look even better. Pittman has produced in recent year despite having some quarterback issues. His game could go to a higher level this year if Richardson breaks out. Pittman could be a league winner if everything breaks his way in 2024.
The Chiefs and Dolphins are two of the best offenses in football but also the only two teams to make the top five most unfavorable receiver schedules for both the regular season and playoffs. This is a tad concerning for both teams, Again, it is tough to bet against Hill, but maybe you drop him down your rankings just few spots behind the other elite guys because of this. You hate to use an early round pick on a receiver to see him maybe not produce what he should come playoff time.
And as mentioned with the Chiefs, their top two receivers already face a few question marks, so maybe their tough schedules make them players to let someone else draft. Both Brown and Rice could be a little erratic.
The Rams actually have the toughest playoff schedule for receivers. They are another team with two of the best receivers in football. It is tough to bet against either Puka Nacua or Cooper Kupp, but the playoff schedule is a little scary, especially for Kupp. He seems to be trending down at this stage of his career.
The Jaguars and Giants are the two other teams with a top-five unfavorable fantasy schedule for the playoffs. The Jags have Christian Kirk and Gabriel Davis as their top two receivers. Kirk is normally pretty steady but Davis can be boom or bust. Seeing his playoff schedule should bump him down a few spots in your rankings. It could be more of the same for Davis with his new team.
And the Giants are an outlier here, having an easy schedule for receivers during the regular season but the fourth toughest for the playoffs. This makes it tough come draft day. Their receivers could be good values for the regular season but disappoint when it counts. You do have to just make the playoffs, though, so we aren’t sure we shy away from Giant receivers just because of their tough playoff schedule. You still might be able to get good value with their options that help you win during the season.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
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The Paur Report
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 6
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman continues to be heavily involved in the passing game this year. During the 30-23 win over the Washington Commanders, Bateman registered four catches for 71 yards on four targets. He was tied for the second-most targets with Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely. He's on pace for a career-high in receiving yards and has already tied his career-high for touchdowns in a single season. He also has his second-best yards per target right now with 9.2. Bateman will try to get back into the end zone in Week 7 on Monday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields completed 14 of his 24 pass attempts for 145 yards and handled 11 carries for 59 yards and two touchdowns in a 32-13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Similar to his performance in Week 5, Fields struggled to get anything going through the air for much of the contest, but he got help from running back Najee Harris in this one to put the Steelers on top. Although the 25-year-old is producing for fantasy and avoiding turnovers, it's possible that Russell Wilson eventually takes over starting duties if Fields can't find a rhythm in the passing game. For now, though, the Steelers are 4-2 and likely to roll with Fields under center at home against the New York Jets in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. had two receptions for 28 yards on three targets in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
From TheHuddle
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers now has more 100-yard games this year than he did all of last regular season. In the 30-23 win over the Washington Commanders, Flowers finished with 132 yards while catching all nine of his targets. He also added one carry for two yards on the ground. Flowers has averaged 14 and 15 yards per reception in the last two games along with nine and 12 targets. He's been more involved and making more out of his touches since the rough two-game streak where he saw four catches for a total of 30 yards. He takes on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers secondary in Week 7 on Monday Night Football.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews finally found paydirt in the Week 6 victory over the Washington Commanders. The veteran gave fantasy managers what they've been waiting for as he also set a new season-high for receiving yards. Andrews registered 66 yards and a score on three receptions and four targets. It's hard to tell if this is the start of an Andrews revenge tour or if he was just the hot hand this time around. Either way, it helps the Ravens offense to get Andrews going again so the opposing defenders have more to worry about. Andrews will look to gain some momentum in Week 7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara rushed 13 times for 40 yards and a touchdown in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while adding five receptions for 24 yards on eight targets.
Fantasy Spin: Kamara had a rushing touchdown for the sixth time in six games. While his rushing yards were limited for a second straight game, he remains a solid RB2 in most fantasy leagues. It could be a slow go with a quick turnaround Thursday against the defensive-minded Denver Broncos in Week 7.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints RB Jamaal Williams rushed just two times for seven yards in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he was not targeted in the pass game.
From TheHuddle
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry registered yet another big day in the 30-23 win over the Washington Commanders. The King scored two more touchdowns along with 132 yards on 24 carries. With those two touchdowns, he continues his streak of scoring in each game so far to start the season. Technically the streak stretches back to his last game with the Titans making it seven consecutive. Henry has gained 100 or more yards rushing in three of the last four games as well. His next chance to continue his touchdown streak will be Monday night in Week 7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB Lavonte David registered nine total stops with six solo tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss and a quarterback hit in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints CB Marshon Lattimore registered 10 totals stops with six solo tackles in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
From TheHuddle
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton is a healthy scratch for Sunday night's game against the Giants. The rookie looked good during the preseason. However, he has just one catch through the first five weeks of the 2024-25 campaign. Instead, Trenton Irwin will suit up, although he likely won't get much action with Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Andrei Iosivas in the mix.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson may not have lit up the fantasy scoreboard like he did the past few weeks, but he moved the offense enough for a 30-23 win over the Washington Commanders. The two-time MVP finished the game with 323 yards, one touchdown, and one interception on 20-for-26 throwing while adding 40 yards on the ground with 11 carries. This game marks his second 300-passing-yard game in a row and his fourth in a row with a passer rating of 114 or higher. Jackson and the Ravens will get an extra day of rest as they take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud completed 20 of his 31 attempts for 192 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in a 41-21 victory on Sunday against the New England Patriots. Last year's Offensive Rookie of the Year tossed first-quarter touchdowns to wide receiver Tank Dell and running back Joe Mixon, the first receiving scores of the season for both players, and found wide receiver Stefon Diggs for another touchdown in the third quarter. It was another efficient outing for Stroud, who has spurred a talented offense to a 5-1 start. The second-year quarterback will look to keep the momentum going in Week 7 at Green Bay.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Trenton Irwin is active for Sunday's meeting with the Giants. The 26-year-old has played in just two games this season but has been a healthy scratch in other contests. Instead, Jermaine Burton will take a seat in Week 6. However, with Tee Higgins, Ja'Marr Chase, and Andrei Iosivas on the field, along with Zack Moss (ankle) and Chase Brown (quadriceps) cleared for action, Irwin isn't expected to get much playing time. The same would have been true for Burton.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans ended up with two receptions for 34 yards on six targets in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints.
Fantasy Spin: The Buccaneers racked up 51 points, but it was Chris Godwin amassing most of the receiving yards and two of the four receiving scores. Evans was mostly a non-factor, which is a bummer when a team puts up the kind of passing yards and points that the Bucs did. The 31-year-old receiver still has three scores in the past three games, but he also has 42 or fewer receiving yards in three of the past five outings. He is looking more like a low-end WR2 or flex fantasy option at this point.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Sterling Shepard rushed four times for 31 yards, while finishing with three receptions for 23 yards on four targets, in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints.
From TheHuddle
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (quadriceps) is officially active for Sunday Night Football versus the Giants. He's been on a roll of late, amassing three touchdowns in the last two contests. But there was some concern regarding his availability once he appeared on the injury report and was listed as questionable. Fortunately, he's good to go. While Zack Moss (ankle) will also be in the equation, both players have been involved to remain relevant for fantasy managers, making them flex options (at the very least) in Week 6.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin finished with game highs of 11 receptions, 125 yards and 13 targets in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints, and he had touchdowns of four and 55 yards.
Fantasy Spin: Godwin has five or more receptions in all six games this season, he has scored five times, and he has managed two 100-yard games. He has posted low-end WR1 fantasy numbers in most formats. He'll look to keep it going in Week 7 against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns running back Zack Moss (ankle) is officially active for Sunday's game against the New York Giants. The 26-year-old injured his ankle in the Week 5 overtime loss to the Ravens. As a result, he missed practice time during the week. Fortunately, Moss is good to go, and even with Chase Brown (quadriceps) also active, both men are at least flex options in any fantasy format.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (hamstring) stated he is "going to be good" after suffering a hamstring injury in Sunday's loss to the Colts. However, he acknowledged the severity of the injury, indicating that it prevented him from returning even if he wanted to. Spears finished the day by totaling 27 yards off six carries, although Tony Pollard had one of his best games of the season by going for 93 yards and a touchdown off 17 touches. Spears will likely undergo further testing. He may also miss practice time heading into the Week 7 matchup with the Bills. If he can't go for that one, Pollard will likely see more opportunities out of the backfield, with Julius Chestnut picking up the scraps.
From RotoBaller
