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.
New England Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said that he's "not concerned" about rookie quarterback Drake Maye's (knee) status for the Week 7 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Maye was on Wednesday's injury report as a full participant but went for an MRI exam on his knee after practice. "Looked good to me yesterday," Van Pelt said. We'll keep a close eye on Maye leading up to Sunday's contest across the pond, but all indications are that he'll be fine to make his second career start against a porous Jacksonville secondary. The 22-year-old had ups and downs in last week's blowout loss to the Houston Texans, going 20-for-33 for 243 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions while also losing a fumble. For fantasy purposes, he'll be a low-end QB2 with upside in a great matchup against the Jaguars.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants rookie first-round wide receiver Malik Nabers (concussion) will practice in full on Thursday as he works his way through the league's concussion protocol. Nabers will then meet with an independent neurologist later on Thursday if things go well to see if he can be cleared. The 21-year-old pass-catcher missed the last two weeks with a concussion but was limited in practice on Wednesday and looks to be on track to return in Week 7 against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles. Nabers isn't out of the woods yet, but things are looking better for the weekend. If he's able to get the green light for Sunday's contest, he should be returned to all starting fantasy lineups after going for 35 receptions on 52 targets for 386 yards and three touchdowns in his first four NFL games. Quarterback Daniel Jones will surely be happy to see Nabers return.
From RotoBaller
The Tennessee Titans are honoring Pro Bowl safety Jamal Adams' (hip) request for his release, according to a source. Adams is fully healthy and is now looking forward to another opportunity with a new team in 2024. The Titans placed Adams on the Non-Football Injury list last weekend due to a hip injury that he had been dealing with all season, but he's apparently recovered from that and is hoping to prove to other teams that he's ready to go. In addition to his injury, the 29-year-old three-time Pro Bowler was frustrated with his role in Tennessee in the three games that he played, seeing just 20 total defensive snaps. The former sixth overall pick by the New York Jets in 2017 out of LSU has battled injuries his entire career and hasn't played in a full season since 2018, his second year in the league.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday that quarterback Russell Wilson will be "in contention" to play and potentially start on Sunday night against the New York Jets. The Athletic's Mike DeFabo writes that Justin Fields, who has led the team to a 4-2 start while Wilson rehabbed a calf strain, could still reclaim the starting gig. And even if he doesn't, the Steelers could use both Wilson and Fields in certain packages on offense. There's no guarantee Wilson will be an obvious upgrade over Fields, and he'll need to prove himself, especially as a passer. One of the biggest risks in playing Wilson over Fields is the former's lack of mobility -- twice in the last five seasons Wilson has led the league in sacks. In terms of Week 7 if Wilson starts, the Jets have the third-most sacks (20) in the league and the fifth-highest pressure rate (39.8%). Wilson will be a low-end QB2, at best, in fantasy if he starts.
From RotoBaller
The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports that the Los Angeles Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints are among a number of teams reaching out to the New York Jets about wide receiver Mike Williams, according to sources. Williams missed practice on Wednesday due to personal reasons but is back at the team's facility on Thursday. Right before the Jets acquired receiver Davante Adams from the Raiders this week, a report surfaced that the Jets were planning to trade Williams, who has just 10 catches for 145 yards and no TDs in six games with Gang Green after tearing his ACL in 2023. Williams spent the first seven years of his career with the Chargers, while the Steelers and Saints have obvious needs at the wideout position. A change of scenery for Williams at this point could do his fantasy value wonders the rest of the season.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (knee) is expected to return in Week 7 this Sunday against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals for the first time since suffering a gruesome knee injury in Week 2 of 2023, and ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi writes that a struggling Browns offense could look to lean on the ground game with Chubb returning. Cleveland ran for 100 yards for the third time this season and averaged 4.0 yards per carry in the Week 6 loss to the Eagles, and multiple players said that running the ball was a point of emphasis during weekly preparation. That should especially be the case with Chubb returning after the Browns traded receiver Amari Cooper to the Bills earlier this week. It's unclear how much of a workload Chubb will see immediately, but the good news is Browns RBs are averaging 4.3 yards per carry and 1.78 yards after contact per rush, which rank 16th and 19th, respectively.
From RotoBaller
The Denver Broncos defense/special teams unit is a must-start in fantasy for their Week 7 matchup on Thursday night against a New Orleans Saints offense that has been decimated by injuries. Not only is Saints quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) not expected to play, but their top two receivers -- Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) -- have been ruled out. Denver's top cornerback, Patrick Surtain II (concussion), won't play either, but the Broncos' defense should still be able to thrive against rookie QB Spencer Rattler, who turned the ball over three times and was sacked five times in his NFL debut in last week's blowout loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Denver's D has been a top-five unit in total fantasy points, while the Saints have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to defenses in the last two weeks.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz will be on the streaming radar in deeper fantasy leagues when he faces his old team, the New Orleans Saints, for a Thursday night matchup to kick off Week 7 action. Lutz had an expected dud in last week's loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers, making just one field goal and one extra point. In six games in his second season in Denver, he's averaging 8.0 fantasy points per week, which ranks 15th among all kickers. The 30-year-old sits 10th in overall fantasy points and has attempted 14 field goals through six games, which is tied for seventh. The Broncos offense hasn't been anything special in 2024, but they should at least be able to give Lutz enough opportunities to make him a deep-league streamer against a Saints defense that is allowing the fifth-most fantasy points per game to opposing kickers this year.
From RotoBaller
The New Orleans Saints suffered an embarrassing defeat at home in Week 6, getting crushed 51-27 by their division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Even though the defense was responsible for 45 of those points, a punt return touchdown by Rashid Shaheed (knee) and the team's three interceptions salvaged the day for fantasy players. The picks made it the sixth consecutive week to start the season with at least one interception and New Orleans now ranks fourth in total takeaways with 12. Things look better in Week 7, as the Saints face the Broncos to start the week's slate on Thursday night. Denver ranks as the eighth-lowest scoring team in 2024 and is tied for the fifth-fewest touchdowns (10). Add to that the Broncos' propensity to give the ball up (nine total turnovers so far in 2024) and there is hope for a solid outcome in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders signed free-agent DT Carl Davis (Cowboys) to the practice squad on Wednesday, Oct. 16.
From TheHuddle
Updating previous reports, Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) is 'trending in the right direction' to return in Week 7, per head coach Sean McVay, who added he would feel confident in Kupp playing this Sunday if he's able to practice on Thursday, Oct. 17, and Friday, Oct. 18.
Fantasy Spin: Kupp had 14 catches in Week 1 and four in Week 2 before getting injured. If he's back in action, he should immediately return to your starting lineup.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe made the most of the Week 6 defeat at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Grupe had a perfect day, hitting field goals from 29 and 42 yards out and converting all three of his extra point attempts in the 51-27 loss which resulted in his best fantasy score since Week 1. He is 10-for-10 on field goal attempts in 2024 though he has missed two extra points. The Saints open Week 7 with a Thursday night matchup against the Denver Broncos. The game is expected to be a low-scoring affair given Denver's defensive prowess and lack of firepower on offense. As such, Grupe's upside is limited in a game where scoring chances are expected to be few and far between. Grupe has not done enough this season to separate himself from the pack so fantasy managers should have no qualms about streaming another kicker in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
The Seattle Seahawks placed starting safety Rayshawn Jenkins (hand) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday and signed safety Ty Okada off the practice squad to the active 53-man roster in a corresponding move. Jenkins, who currently ranks third on the team in tackles with 38, will now be required to miss at least the next four games. The earliest he'll be able to return will be in Week 12 against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals (Seattle is on bye in Week 10). Jenkins has played every snap on defense in 2024, so losing him will be a pretty big blow for the Seahawks' secondary going into their Week 7 game this Sunday versus the Atlanta Falcons. With Jenkins sidelined for the next four games, K'Von Wallace, Coby Bryant and Okada will be options to replace him alongside Julian Love.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson caught all three of his targets in Week 6 for a season-best 48 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He started off the game with a 27-yard gain on a strike from quarterback Spencer Rattler, who was filling in for an injured Derek Carr (oblique) and will likely start again in Week 7. He also had a 30-yard catch-and-run negated by an illegal shift penalty in the third quarter. With Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) ruled out and Taysom Hill (ribs) doubtful for Thursday's game against the Denver Broncos, New Orleans will be short on experienced skill position players. Johnson's usage may very well then skew more towards route running than blocking as it did in Week 6 but even so he will be a risky play so early in the week. Denver has allowed just five passing touchdowns all year (two to tight ends), limiting Johnson's upside. Tight end streamers in deeper leagues might want to take a chance but managers in the typical 10 or 12-team formats can leave Johnson on the wire in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams (personal) was absent from practice on Wednesday. Over the course of just a few days, Williams was publicly called out by Aaron Rodgers for running the wrong route and then subsequently knocked down a rung on the depth chart after the acquisition of Davante Adams. His relationship with the Jets is likely coming to a close amidst reports that the team will make him available prior to the 2024 NFL trade deadline. The 30-year-old has been relatively quiet this season, catching just 10 passes for 145 yards through six games. He can be avoided in most fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (groin) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice as the team begins preparation for a Week 7 contest against the Los Angeles Rams. White has missed the team's last two games and has seen his fantasy stock plummet considerably after six weeks of the season. The 25-year-old entered the year as the expected lead back after Josh Jacobs departed in free agency, but it has been Alexander Mattison, and not White, who has become the Raiders' primary ball-carrier. Even if White is able to suit up this Sunday against LA, he might play second fiddle to Mattison in the backfield. The former fourth-rounder is averaging a career-low 3.1 yards per carry for 152 yards and no TDs on 49 carries through four games. White should remain on fantasy benches if he makes his return in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
The Arizona Cardinals signed free agents OL Nick Leverett (Patriots), CB Keion Crossen (Dolphins), and LB Ronnie Perkins (Broncos) to their practice squad on Wednesday, Oct. 16.
From TheHuddle
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (right shoulder) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. The 25-year-old looks like he'll be healthy enough to play against the Buffalo Bills in Week 7, but that doesn't mean a whole lot for fantasy managers or Titans fans. Levis has been one of the worst starting quarterbacks in the NFL this season, completing 66.4 percent of his passes for 699 yards, five touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He has also taken 15 sacks, lost three fumbles, and repeatedly demonstrated poor decision-making. Fantasy managers should continue to avoid Levis in most formats.
From RotoBaller
Wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. (ankle) popped up on the New Orleans Saints injury report earlier this week but got a full practice in the day ahead of their Thursday night matchup against the Denver Broncos. Wilson was limited in the team's earlier sessions but carries no injury designation going into Week 7. With Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) both ruled out there is an opportunity for Wilson to see more snaps than usual. That may not result in much fantasy value, though. Olave's early departure in Week 6 afforded Wilson three targets while stand-in quarterback Spencer Rattler gave most of his attention to rookie wideout Bub Means. Even without Patrick Surtain (concussion), Denver still boasts a formidable secondary and their pass rush will give Rattler fits. Wilson is not a viable option in fantasy in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin is looking for an encore in Week 7 on Thursday Night Football against the New Orleans Saints after scoring his first career touchdown in the Week 6 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers. With Josh Reynolds (finger) on Injured Reserve, Franklin played 65% of the offensive snaps -- second-most behind Courtland Sutton -- and caught two of three targets for a season-high 31 yards and the score. The 21-year-old has plenty of familiarity with rookie quarterback Bo Nix from their days playing together at Oregon in college, but so far it's led to just seven catches (15 targets) for 60 yards and a TD in his first five NFL games. The Saints defense has been very friendly for opposing wideouts, so don't be surprised if Franklin makes some noise for the second straight week. For now, he's merely a stash candidate in dynasty/keeper leagues.
From RotoBaller