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FFL: Playoff Week 3 | NFL: Week 17

WR Strength of Schedule

Fri May 31 10:52am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

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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Player Notes
Joseph Ossai Dec 28 3:30pm ET
Joseph Ossai

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai (illness) and safety Geno Stone (illness) are both active for Saturday's matchup against the Denver Broncos. Ossai was unable to practice on Wednesday and Thursday while Stone popped up on the injury report on Thursday. However, both were able to turn the corner in time for kickoff. Ossai has tallied 12 tackles and three sacks over his past four contests. Stone is currently riding a three-game interception streak and has tallied nine tackles over this stretch. Both should continue to see starting opportunities on the Cincinnati defense.

From RotoBaller

Josh Palmer Dec 28 3:30pm ET
Josh Palmer

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer (heel) is questionable to return to Saturday's game with a heel injury. The wideout sustained this injury during the third quarter of the game. Before exiting, Palmer brought in four of his six targets for 41 yards. His longest reception of the game went for 19 yards. At the time of departing, he had the third-most targets on the team, behind only Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston.

From RotoBaller

Isaac Guerendo Dec 28 3:10pm ET
Isaac Guerendo

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo (hamstring/foot) is expected to play on Monday evening. The rookie running back was unable to suit up last weekend and has logged two limited practice sessions earlier this week. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status on Saturday's final injury report as a full practice session may help him avoid an injury designation. While sidelined, Patrick Taylor Jr. was given the starting nod and tallied just 24 yards on eight attempts. Guerendo has averaged a solid 19.1 PPR points per game during Weeks 14 and 15 and should be viewed as an RB2 if he is able to suit up on Monday, despite facing a tough Detroit run defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest PPR to the position.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Dec 28 3:10pm ET
Tee Higgins

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (ankle/knee) is officially active for Saturday afternoon's matchup against the Denver Broncos. Higgins remained a limited participant throughout practice the week but carried a questionable tag heading into the weekend. Over his past five contests, the Clemson product has averaged a stellar 18.3 PPR points per game. During this stretch has averaged a strong 77.3 yards per game and has found the end zone four times. He has also seen double-digit targets in three of these five contests. Despite facing a tough Denver secondary that has allowed the seventh-fewest PPR points to opposing wideouts, Higgins should be locked into all lineups as a solid WR2.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Tavion Sanders Dec 28 3:00pm ET
Ja'Tavion Sanders

Carolina Panthers rookie tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders is not a viable option in Week 17 when he faces the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Over his past three contests, Sanders has seen just two targets across and did not bring in any of them. However, earlier in the season, Sanders saw a solid 4.1 targets per game, during Weeks 5 through 12. During this span, he tallied 8.2 PPR points per game and found the end zone one time. The Panthers will be without top running back Chuba Hubbard (knee), which could force them to rely on Bryce Young to push the ball downfield to keep up with a potent Tampa Bay offense. However, given Sanders' unreliable target share of the past month, fantasy managers should not consider starting him in any format.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Dec 28 2:50pm ET
Tony Pollard

According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle/illness) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Pollard was unable to practice all week due to an ankle injury and came down with the flu on Saturday. It was reported earlier that Pollard was not going to travel with the team, and now he will set his sights on returning in Week 18 to face the Houston Texans. Pollard has been dealing with this lingering ankle injury over the past two weeks and has averaged a mere 40.0 yards per game over this span. As a result, Tyjae Spears will get the starting nod and should be viewed as a high-end RB2 in all formats facing a Jaguars defense that has allowed the second-most PPR points to opposing RBs this season.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Coker Dec 28 2:40pm ET
Jalen Coker

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker projects to be a risky flex option in deeper formats in a Week 17 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Last weekend, Coker caught only two of his five targets for a mere eight yards. However, in Week 15, Coker tallied 110 yards and a score on four receptions. During Weeks 5 through 10, Coker saw 4.2 targets per game and has continued to see a slight increase in opportunities as the season has progressed. In addition, No.2 wideout Xavier Legette (hip) is listed as questionable and could open up more targets for Coker if he cannot suit up. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the inactive report before kickoff as Coker could move up the depth chart prior to the game. In addition, No.1 running back Chuba Hubbard (knee) has been ruled out which could encourage Carolina to rely on their passing attack more often. Despite this, fantasy managers in deeper 3WR formats should only consider starting Coker as a desperation flex option given his unstable production this season, even in a favorable matchup against the Tampa Bay secondary that has allowed the sixth-most PPR points to opposing wideouts.

From RotoBaller

David Moore Dec 28 2:40pm ET
David Moore

Carolina Panthers wide receiver David Moore should be viewed as a desperation flex option in deeper formats in Week 17 when he faces the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While he has seen a solid 6.2 targets per game over his past four contests, Moore has only averaged 3.2 receptions per game. During this span he has tallied just 40.8 yards per game while being deployed as the No.3/No.4 wide receiver in this offense. However, with Xavier Legette (hip) listed as questionable, Moore could have a path to be a starting option this weekend. In addition, with top running back Chuba Hubbard (knee) on the IR, the Panthers may need to rely on their passing attack to keep up with Tampa Bay. Facing a weak Tampa Bay Secondary that has allowed the sixth-most PPR points to opposing wideouts still makes Moore a risky flex option given his placement on the depth chart.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Dec 28 2:20pm ET
Tony Pollard

According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle, illness) has the flu, which could put him in danger of missing Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Fowler noted that Pollard will not travel with the team. In addition, Pollard was unable to practice all week with an ankle injury but was planning on "playing through that." Pollard carried a questionable tag into last weekend's game but played and ceded a majority of the snaps to Tyjae Spears. Fantasy managers should continue to keep a close eye on Pollard's status leading up to Sunday's game. If Pollard is unable to play, Spears would be viewed as a must-start, high-end RB2 in all formats while facing a Jaguars defense that has allowed the second-most PPR points to opposing running backs this season.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Jones Dec 28 2:20pm ET
Jonathan Jones

According to the team, New England Patriots defensive back Christian Gonzalez (concussion) has been ruled out for the remainder of Saturday's game due to a concussion. Gonzalez suffered this injury during the second quarter. Before exiting, the 22-year-old tallied one solo tackle. Jonathan Jones should be expected to see an uptick in playing time during the remainder of the game. Through 15 games this season, Gonzalez tallied 58 tackles with 11 deflections and two interceptions.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Dec 28 2:10pm ET
Anthony Richardson

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (back/foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the New York Giants. Richardson was unable to participate in practice all week and will set his sights on returning in Week 18 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. As a result, veteran Joe Flacco will get the starting nod. Over his past five games Richardson has been very productive from a fantasy standpoint tallying 23.1 PPR points per game and finding the back of the end zone nine times over this stretch. Flacco has been productive when given opportunities this season. Across five games, he has averaged 233.4 passing yards per game with a 9:5 TD:INT ratio. He is a solid QB2 in Superflex formats facing the Giants who have allowed the 17th-most PPR points to opposing QBs this season.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Dec 28 2:00pm ET
Drake Maye

According to the New England Patriots, rookie quarterback Drake Maye (head) has returned to Saturday's game. Maye left the field after their first offensive drive after taking a hard hit to the head. He was seen in the blue medical tent and eventually went to the locker room. However, Maye was able to return and missed only one offensive drive. Veteran Jacoby Brissett went 0-for-1 on his lone passing attempt in relief.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Dec 28 2:00pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) has been downgraded to doubtful for Sunday's match against the Cleveland Browns. Tagovailoa was initially listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report after logging three straight limited sessions during the week. Schefter noted that Tagovailoa is still pushing to play, but if he cannot turn the corner, than Tyler Huntley would get the starting nod. The 26-year-old missed four games earlier this season due to a concussion. After tallying 337.5 passing yards per game during Weeks 12 through 14, Tagovailoa has struggled over the past two weeks throwing for a mere 205.5 passing yards per game. If Tagovailoa is able to turn the corner in time to play, he should be viewed as a high-end QB2. If Huntley gets the start, he should only be started in deep Superflex formats.

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Drake Maye Dec 28 1:40pm ET
Drake Maye

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (head) is questionable to return to Saturday's clash with the Los Angeles Chargers. The signal-caller didn't last long before taking a hard shot, completing his only pass attempt for one yard. With the Patriots not going anywhere near the postseason, it may not make sense for Maye to return, especially if he's undergoing a concussion evaluation. But while he is sidelined, Jacoby Brissett will handle things under center, potentially for the remainder of Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Rhamondre Stevenson Dec 28 1:00pm ET
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said on the radio that running back Antonio Gibson will start over Rhamondre Stevenson in the Week 17 contest against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday. It shouldn't come as much of a surprise given Stevenson's fumbling issues. Stevenson only played 32 of the team's 73 plays on offense in last week's loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills and finished with 60 yards and a touchdown, but he also lost his third fumble of the year. Gibson saw a 59 percent snap share , had 10 carries for 28 yards and recovered his fumble. Even though Gibson will be the "starter" in Week 17, we'd expect Stevenson to still be involved. At best, fantasy managers playing for a title this weekend should consider Gibson an RB3/flex in a bad matchup. The Bolts defense has only allowed seven touchdowns to RBs through 15 games in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Bryce Young Dec 28 12:50pm ET
Bryce Young

Carolina Panthers second-year quarterback Bryce Young has looked much better late in the season after being benched early on for veteran Andy Dalton. While Young is on the rise heading into a Week 17 divisional matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, he'll be without star running back Chuba Hubbard (calf, knee), who was placed on Injured Reserve. Outside of that, though, Young is set up nicely in his second meeting against a Tampa defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing QBs in 2024, including 4,004 passing yards and 24 total touchdown passes. In the first meeting against the Bucs on Dec. 1, Young had a season-high 298 passing yards and a touchdown in the overtime loss. In the last five weeks, Young has been a top-10 fantasy QB with 1,255 passing yards, six touchdowns and three picks. He's still a QB2 in fantasy, but there's reason to believe he could have another decent game.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Blackshear Dec 28 12:30pm ET
Raheem Blackshear

The Carolina Panthers placed lead running back Chuba Hubbard (calf, knee) on season-ending Injured Reserve on Saturday, meaning that Raheem Blackshear will now be elevated to a prominent role in Carolina's backfield for the final two weeks of the season. The 26-year-old is currently the only healthy RB on the Panthers' roster, but the team will surely elevate Mike Boone from the practice squad for the Week 17 contest on Sunday against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Fantasy managers that had been riding Hubbard's excellent season could now pivot to Blackshear, although he shouldn't be viewed as much more than a last-minute RB3/flex pivot in a matchup against a Tampa defense that has allowed the fewest half-PPR points to RBs in the last five weeks. Blackshear's role will grow for sure, but he could also be splitting valuable touches with Boone.

From RotoBaller

Mike Boone Dec 28 12:30pm ET
Mike Boone

The Carolina Panthers placed running back Chuba Hubbard (calf, knee) on season-ending Injured Reserve on Saturday, meaning both Mike Boone and Raheem Blackshear will be splitting the backfield work for the final two games of the season. Boone is currently on the team's practice squad, but he'll surely be promoted to the active 53-man roster before Sunday's contest against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 17. The 29-year-old Boone has only seen seven carries for 22 yards in the four games he's been active with Carolina this year. While he's now going to see much more run the final two weeks, desperate fantasy managers shouldn't expect much out of him the close things out, especially with the Panthers facing a Buccaneers defense this weekend that has allowed the fewest half-PPR points to RBs in the last five weeks.

From RotoBaller

Marte Mapu Dec 28 12:20pm ET
Marte Mapu

New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (ankle, quadriceps) is officially active on Saturday as the team gets prepared to face the visiting Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17. Meanwhile, free safety Jabrill Peppers (hamstring) has been ruled out. Dugger continues to play through an ankle injury and recently picked up a quad issue, but he will be active as the Pats look to pull the upset on a Chargers team looking to lock themselves into a wild-card spot in the AFC. The 28-year-old Dugger has 70 tackles (47 solo), one sack, eight tackles for loss, four pass breakups and a forced fumble in 11 starts for the Pats this year and is in play as a starting defensive back in IDP fantasy leagues this weekend now that he's officially active. Peppers will be missing his second straight game and will give way to Dell Pettus and Marte Mapu in New England's secondary.

From RotoBaller

J.K. Dobbins Dec 28 12:10pm ET
J.K. Dobbins

As expected, Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (knee) is officially active for the Week 17 game on Saturday at the New England Patriots after he was activated from Injured Reserve on Friday. In addition to Dobbins coming back, the Chargers will be without Gus Edwards (ankle). Edwards being out is good news for Dobbins, although the Bolts could still ease Dobbins back into the flow alongside rookie Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins. The 26-year-old Dobbins has operated as LA's clear lead back when healthy, though, and has a team-best 766 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on a career-high 158 carries already in 2024 through 11 games. Dobbins is returning to a favorable matchup as well, with the Patriots defense being a top-10 matchup for opposing RBs this year. He'll be more risky in his first game back from a four-week absence, but Dobbins should at least be in play as an RB3/flex in fantasy.

From RotoBaller