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.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin (coach's decision) has been officially designated as inactive for the team's season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. The rookie wide receiver is healthy but hasn't climbed up the depth chart enough to be a part of the main receiving corps. Word from the coaching staff was that they were happy with Franklin's growth so far, but it'll take a bit longer to see him on the field getting snaps. He's more valuable right now as a rookie stash in dynasty formats rather than redraft. His progress will be something to monitor as the season goes on and any injuries occur.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle left the field for a brief moment to be evaluated for a concussion. He was quickly cleared, however, and joined the team back on the field. The Dolphins offense wasn't able to gain momentum in the game just yet, as Waddle and Tyreek Hill have combined for 64 yards and no scores. The good news is that the former sixth-overall pick is healthy though. Waddle was a good fantasy start heading into this matchup against a Jacksonville Jaguars defense that showed plenty of weaknesses last season. The second half will be as important as ever for fantasy managers who started Waddle with high hopes.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Jonah Williams (knee) suffered an apparent knee injury and is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Kelvin Beachum has replaced Williams at right tackle for the time being, but this will be something to monitor as it could affect Kyler Murray's protection. Williams has been an everyday starter for the Bengals through the first four years of his career and transitioned into the starter for the Cardinals. Updates will likely be on the way after Williams is checked out in the locker room.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) is expected to be sidelined for 3-to-6 weeks after getting injured in Friday's loss to the Eagles in Brazil. But according to NFL's Tom Pelissero, the Packers believe the signal-caller could be back on "the sooner end." Of course, with Green Bay and Love agreeing to a lucrative contract extension this offseason, the team won't take chances. There was talk that the club had reached out to veteran Ryan Tannehill to fill the void under center. However, that doesn't appear to be the case, with Pelissero adding the Packers "are focused on preparing Malik Willis and Sean Clifford." With that said, Love's absence isn't good news for the receiving corps, so fantasy managers are certainly hoping he'll be back sooner rather than later.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson (forearm) is questionable to return to Sunday's contest versus the Cardinals. He has a forearm injury, although there hasn't been much else revealed about his condition. The 28-year-old received a three-year, $31 million contract extension this offseason. Unfortunately, the Bills may be without him for the rest of the contest. The Bills defense has struggled early in Week 1 against Kyler Murray and the Arizona offense, so the team can't afford to lose anyone on that side of the ball.
From RotoBaller
The Green Bay Packers have reached out to free-agent quarterback Ryan Tannehill, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Tannehill has expressed interest in signing with an NFL team, but only if it's the right situation. Specifically, he's looking to play for a contender with strong offensive-line play and talented weapons. Green Bay represents a fit, not just because it meets those specifications, but also because the Packers recently learned that Jordan Love (knee) will miss several weeks with an MCL sprain. Without Love, the Packers' current quarterback room consists of Malik Willis and Sean Clifford. Tannehill could be an upgrade over those two players, though even if he does sign, he might require a little extra time to ramp up to an NFL-caliber quality of play.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys running back Dalvin Cook was not elevated from the practice squad ahead of Sunday's game versus the Cleveland Browns. As a result, he won't play in Week 1. This backfield belongs to some combination of Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle, and with Cook off the roster, Deuce Vaughn will operate as the No. 3 running back. Elliott and Dowdle are the only Cowboys backs on the fantasy roster; they are both RB3/FLEX options.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts kicker Matt Gay (hernia) is officially inactive for Week 1 of the regular season on Sunday against the division-rival Houston Texans. Gay recently underwent surgery for a sports hernia and wasn't able to practice this week, although the Colts listed him as questionable on the Week 1 final injury report on Friday. The 30-year-old veteran booter was trending toward not playing all week, though, and the final indication that he wouldn't play this weekend was when the Colts elevated rookie kicker Spencer Shrader to the active 53-man roster on Saturday. It's unclear if Gay will be ready to kick in Week 2 at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers, but fantasy managers need to look for another option in Week 1. We'd suggest ignoring Shrader in his NFL debut and look for other more reliable kicking options to replace Gay.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (hip) is officially active and will make his Patriots debut in Week 1 of the regular season on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Gibson drew a questionable tag on Friday's final injury report, but it was reported on Saturday that he was fully expected to play this weekend. While Gibson, the former Washington Commanders RB, is worth a bench stash in deeper fantasy leagues in his first year in New England, he doesn't exactly come with a lot of fantasy upside as the backup to starter Rhamondre Stevenson in what is expected to be one of the weakest offenses in the NFL in 2024. The 26-year-old will provide a change of pace for Stevenson but should probably be left on fantasy benches in Week 1 wherever he is rostered.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Javon Baker will have to wait to make his NFL debut, as he's listed as a healthy scratch for Week 1 on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. To begin his first year in the league, the 22-year-old fourth-round selection is behind Demario Douglas, Ja'Lynn Polk, K.J. Osborn, Tyquan Thornton and Kashon Boutte on the receiver depth chart in New England. Things won't get any easier for Baker once Kendrick Bourne (knee) eventually comes off the Physically Unable to Perform list at some point after Week 4. Especially in a Patriots offense that is expected to be one of the weakest units in the league this year, Baker's prospects for becoming fantasy relevant in single-year leagues are remote. For now, he's merely a bench stash in dynasty/keeper formats in what could be more of a redshirt year.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) is officially inactive for Week 1 on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. There were conflicting reports throughout the week on whether Wilson would make his Steelers debut this weekend after he was given a questionable tag on Friday's final injury report. Head coach Mike Tomlin seemed to think Wilson was fine earlier in the week, but team trainers have taken a more cautious approach to the veteran signal-caller after he dealt with an injury to the same calf during training camp. It's unclear if Wilson will start in Week 2 on the road against his former team, the Denver Broncos in Week 2, but the Steelers could have some QB controversy on their hands early on if Justin Fields performs well in the Week 1 opener against Atlanta. Kyle Allen will serve as Fields' backup on Sunday with Wilson out.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Cam Akers and wide receiver John Metchie III are healthy scratches for Week 1 of the regular season against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The Texans are rolling with starter Joe Mixon and backups Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale as their three RBs to open the year against the Colts. The 25-year-old Akers saw plenty of action in the preseason, but for now he'll just be RB depth in Houston and remains well off the fantasy radar. Metchie has plenty of talent but has been hurt by injuries so far in his NFL career, and the Texans now have a crowded receiver room that features Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Robert Woods and others. The 24-year-old is also battling for a position with Xavier Hutchinson and Steven Sims. Obviously, Akers and Metchie both belong on the waiver wire in your league.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Packers quarterback Jordan Love is likely going to miss just 3-6 weeks after experiencing a mild MCL sprain in the season opener. Dynasty Analysis: The news gets even better as Ian Rapaport is reporting the Packers believe he's going to return in the low-end of that scale and only miss around three weeks. This is major good news for Love (and his dynasty managers) as it looked like he could have suffered a season-ending injury in week one. Dynasty managers will need to turn to their QB2 in the short-term but we should see Love again shortly. He retains all the momentum he had gained this off-season in terms of his dynasty value, despite missing some time.
Dynasty | Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill was detained outside Miami's stadium prior to the start of their opening day game. Dynasty Analysis: Hill was stopped for what is being called a minor traffic violation but video shows him on the ground in handcuffs. This is a story that's not going to go away any time soon as details are a little sketchy at the moment. What we do know is Hill was released and will play. This looks like an ugly situation that may have been totally avoided but we won't rush to judgment. Regardless, Hill is locked into lineups this morning.
Dynasty | The Steelers are starting Justin Fields in their season opening game against Atlanta. Dynasty Analysis: Russell Wilson has been unable to shake the calf injury that has plagued him all off-season and Fields is going to get a golden opportunity to take the job and run with it, perhaps literally. This is a situation to monitor closely today as Fields' performance will shape the future of the Steelers franchise in the short-term. He remains a solid buy low but that window may have just closed.
Dynasty | The Cowboys have signed quarterback Dak Prescott to a four-year contract extension. Dynasty Analysis: The extension keeps Prescott in Dallas for the long haul and pays him $240 million, making him the highest paid player in NFL history. While Prescott hasn't been able to get Dallas to the promised land, he's certainly solved what was a revolving door at the position for years after Troy Aikman retired. Prescott will remain a solid lower-end QB1 in dynasty leagues for what looks like years to come.
Tennessee Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins (knee) is active for Week 1's game against the Chicago Bears.
Fantasy Spin: Hopkins had been listed as questionable on the injury report after being a limited practice participant throughout the week. He makes a risky WR3 or flex option this afternoon because he may not see his normal workload since he is attempting to play through an MCL tear.
From TheHuddle
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (illness) is officially active in Week 1 of the regular season on Sunday against the New England Patriots. Chase's availability for the season opener had been in question all week, mainly because he hadn't resolved a contract dispute with the team. Then Chase came down with an illness late in the week. Even though the two sides haven't worked out a long-term contract extension, Chase will suit up to begin the regular season, which is good news for the Bengals, who will be without receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring). Although Chase is expected to be on somewhat of a pitch count after not practicing much at all during training camp, fantasy managers that took him in the first round of drafts need to keep him in their starting lineups
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals tight end Tip Reiman (ankle) is officially active for Sunday's season opener against the Buffalo Bills. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday, but in the end, he's suiting up for his NFL debut. The rookie third-round pick remains behind Trey McBride on the depth chart, which means he can be avoided in most fantasy football leagues this week.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) is officially inactive for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday versus the New England Patriots. Higgins injured his hamstring in practice on Thursday and was listed as doubtful on Friday's final Week 1 injury report, so fantasy managers should have already moved him to their benches for the week. The good news for Cincy is that WR1 Ja'Marr Chase is active on Sunday after holding in for all of training camp and the preseason. Chase is expected to be on a pitch count, meaning receivers Andrei Iosivas and Trenton Irwin and tight end Mike Gesicki could be more involved than usual in the season opener with Higgins also out. Higgins, who was a big fantasy disappointment last year, is not off to a good start in 2024, and it remains to be seen if he'll be available for a Week 2 showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs.
From RotoBaller