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FFL: Offseason | NFL: Divisional

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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Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Divisional Round

Player Notes
Sam Darnold Jan 18 11:00am ET
Sam Darnold

The Rams defense/special teams put on an impressive show last week against the Vikings, and they'll need to show up again on Sunday in their road game against the Eagles. On Monday, the Rams dropped Sam Darnold nine times for sacks, forced two turnovers and even scored a defensive touchdown while holding the vaunted Vikings' offense to nine points. Not counting the last game of the season when starters rested, they have allowed under ten points in four straight games while recording seven takeaways and 17 sacks. They'll have a tough task against Jalen Hurts and the Eagles this week. Last week, the Eagles did not turn the ball over in their win against the Packers while allowing two sacks. Adverse weather could keep the game low scoring, and the Rams' defense will again look to rise to the challenge and make big plays to help their team advance.

From RotoBaller

Joshua Karty Jan 18 10:30am ET
Joshua Karty

Los Angeles Rams kicker Joshua Karty has a brutal matchup in less-than-ideal conditions this week, so he's probably not the best fantasy option. The rookie did have a strong finish to the season, making 15 straight field goal attempts over the last six games. However, the Eagles have allowed the fewest fantasy points in the NFL to opposing kickers this season, and the weather is expected to be cold and wet. Since most of Karty's recent success has come indoors at SoFi Stadium, it seems like a difficult place to count on him for a big fantasy week in the Divisional Round.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Jan 18 10:20am ET
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp has struggled down the stretch, but the Rams will need him to step up with a throwback game in Philadelphia if they want to knock off the Eagles. Last week against the Vikings, Kupp played only 55% of snaps and was only targeted one time. He converted that target to a 29-yard catch, but the Rams will need him much more involved this week. Over their last five games, Kupp has totaled just five catches, although he did rest for one of those contests. The drop off has come quickly for Kupp, who had several strong games earlier in the season. He'll remain behind Puka Nacua in terms of workload for this week, but the Rams will need his playmaking abilities if they want to get to the NFC Championship Game. He's a high-risk fantasy play this week given his recent struggles, but Kupp does still have upside as a flier.

From RotoBaller

Demarcus Robinson Jan 18 10:10am ET
Demarcus Robinson

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson played 72% of the team's snaps in their Wild Card Round win over the Vikings. He actually played more snaps than Cooper Kupp but only had two targets, one catch, and 23 receiving yards. The Rams passing game could struggle in the weather in Philadelphia, but Robinson is getting enough playing time to deserve consideration as a punt play for DFS contests. He did have some good games earlier in the season and scored seven touchdowns. One of those scores came against the Eagles in their regular season meeting, and he'll have touchdown-dependent upside this week in the rematch.

From RotoBaller

Ronnie Rivers Jan 18 10:00am ET
Ronnie Rivers

Los Angeles Rams running back Ronnie Rivers stepped in as the primary backup for Kyren Williams last week in the Rams' first game of the playoffs. He replaced rookie Blake Corum (forearm) on the depth chart but had a similarly minimal workload. Rivers wasn't targeted and gained eight rushing yards on his three carries. He'll probably get a few touches again this week against the Eagles, but he hasn't had enough of a role to deserve much fantasy attention yet. In Week 18, he did have four catches for 34 yards and 12 carries for 48 yards while Williams was resting, so if there's an injury and he has to step up, there is some potential upside to consider if you're looking for a DFS punt play.

From RotoBaller

Puka Nacua Jan 18 10:00am ET
Puka Nacua

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is the clear focus of the Rams' passing game and was targeted nine times on Monday Night Football when his Rams knocked off the Vikings, 27-9. He has at least eight targets in each of his last nine games, and the only games this season in which he was targeted fewer times than that he left early due to injury or ejection. Last week, he only had five catches for 44 yards, which was his lowest total for any full game this season. However, his high volume and big-play ability keep him a strong fantasy option against Philadelphia in the Divisional Round. He had nine catches on 13 targets for 117 yards against the Eagles in the regular season, and he'll likely have a good opportunity to post similar totals this week as long as the weather isn't too much of a factor. However, even if conditions are difficult, coach Sean McVay will be able to find ways to get the ball into his hands since he's one of the team's top playmakers.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Jan 18 9:50am ET
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Rams took down the Vikings last week in the NFL Wild Card Round to earn a road matchup in the Divisional Round. Stafford completed 19 of his 27 pass attempts for 209 yards and two touchdowns, which was a big step forward for the veteran after not passing for multiple touchdowns or 100+ yards in any of his final three regular season games. He'll look to build on that success Sunday afternoon against the Eagles. Against Philadelphia in Week 12, Stafford completed 24-of-36 pass attempts for 243 yards and two scores, but that was indoors in Los Angeles, while Sunday's Divisional Round matchup is in Philly with an awful weather forecast. While he has mixed results in cold weather games, he has struggled in the rain and snow, going 1-8 with just a 54.6% completion rating, 14 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. More than the weather, the Eagles' defense will pose a tough test for Stafford after they shut down Jordan Love and the Packers. Even in a tough spot, Stafford has enough upside to be a DFS flier, but he's very high-risk given his recent track record and the obstacles he'll be up against on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Kyren Williams Jan 18 9:50am ET
Kyren Williams

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams faced the Vikings last week, who allowed the fewest rushing yards per game in the NFL this season, and this week, things don't get much better as he faces the Eagles, who gave up the second-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs. Williams did still deliver last week, though, finding the end zone as a receiver while catching all three of his targets for 16 yards. He totaled 76 rushing yards on his 16 carries as well, posting an average of 4.8 yards per carry which was slightly above his season average. Especially with potential weather concerns, the Rams will lean heavily on Williams again this week in Philadelphia. He had 16 carries for 72 yards and a touchdown against the Eagles in their regular season meeting and produced at least 70 rushing yards in seven of his last eight games. Volume should be no problem for him this week, either, and he has touchdown-dependent upside as the Rams look to pull off a road upset against the Eagles.

From RotoBaller

Kyren Williams Jan 18 7:10am ET
Kyren Williams

Philadelphia Eagles D/ST enters Sunday's Divisional Round matchup against the Los Angeles Rams as one of the league's top defensive units. The Eagles allowed the fewest points per game this season (17.2) and have been even stingier in recent weeks, giving up an average of just 10 points over their last three contests. In their Week 12 meeting, Philadelphia's defense limited the Rams to 20 points, 198 passing yards, and 92 rushing yards in a 37-20 win. This season, the Eagles have held opponents to an NFL-best 175.3 passing yards per game and rank ninth against the run (104.3 rushing yards per game). The Rams will need to rely on playmakers like Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams to keep the Eagles from dominating.

From RotoBaller

Byron Young Jan 17 10:20pm ET
Byron Young

Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Byron Young (hamstring) has officially been ruled out for Sunday's Divisional round matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. The 24-year-old has been shelved since picking up a hamstring injury and being placed on injured reserve in late October. Young returned to practice last week and was a full participant each day before being ruled out for their 22-10 Wild Card win over the Green Bay Packers. He logged three full sessions again this week but is evidently not ready to return to game action. For now, teammates Jalen Carter and Milton Williams will lead the charge for the Eagles' defensive front, with Moro Ojomo and Jordan Davis working in behind them.

From RotoBaller

Saquon Barkley Jan 17 10:10pm ET
Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley faces the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in the Divisional Round, a team he torched for 255 rushing yards and two touchdowns in Week 12. The NFL's rushing champion has been the centerpiece of Philadelphia's offense, logging over 20 touches in eight of his last nine games. The Rams allowed 4.52 yards per carry during the regular season and struggled to contain Barkley's downhill running style, as 162 of his 255 yards in their last matchup came after contact. While the Rams' defense has tightened recently, Barkley remains a near-lock for high-volume usage behind one of the NFL's best offensive lines. Expect him to dominate touches and provide the usual production as the Eagles aim to punch their ticket to the NFC Championship.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Jan 17 10:10pm ET
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith heads into Sunday's Divisional Round matchup against the Los Angeles Rams as a pivotal part of the Eagles' passing attack. Smith led the team in receiving during last week's Wild Card victory, catching all four of his targets for 55 yards. This came on the heels of an impressive close to the regular season, where he averaged 79.3 receiving yards per game and scored three touchdowns over his last three contests. With Jalen Hurts now fully recovered and the Eagles facing a Rams defense that has struggled against top-tier wideouts, Smith could be poised for another strong outing.

From RotoBaller

Teagan Quitoriano Jan 17 10:00pm ET
Teagan Quitoriano

Houston Texans tight end Teagan Quitoriano (calf) was downgraded to out for Saturday's road outing with the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round. The 24-year-old was placed on injured reserve in late November and has not returned to the field since picking up a calf injury in Week 12's loss to the Tennessee Titans. Quitoriano appeared in seven games during 2024 but eclipsed 20 snaps in a game just once and did not record a target. Despite logging a week of full practices, he'll garner a questionable tag yet again. If he's not ready to go, fellow tight ends Dalton Schultz, Irv Smith Jr., and Cade Stover will continue to lead the Texans' TE room against the reigning Super Bowl champions.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Hurts Jan 17 10:00pm ET
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will look to exploit the Los Angeles Rams defense on Sunday in the Divisional Round. Hurts delivered a solid performance in last week's Wild Card win over the Packers, completing 61.9% of his passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns while adding 36 rushing yards. However, his output was tempered, in part, by the Eagles' reliance on Saquon Barkley. Hurts struggled in the Eagles' Week 12 matchup with the Rams, finishing with just 15 fantasy points as Barkley stole the show. Despite completing 68.2% of his passes, Hurts managed only 179 passing yards and one touchdown while rushing for 39 yards. Facing a Rams defense that allowed one of the league's lowest QB rushing averages, Hurts must lean on his dual-threat ability to deliver a strong playoff performance.

From RotoBaller

Deonte Harty Jan 17 9:30pm ET
Deonte Harty

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Deonte Harty (knee) is officially questionable for Sunday's road meeting with the Buffalo Bills. The seventh-year pro was designated to return from IR last week. However, he was inactive for Baltimore's 28-14 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers -- garnering a questionable tag after two DNPs and a full practice session. Harty participated fully in all three team practices this week, so he may get his first in-game action since Week 6 in the Divisional Round. Even if the 27-year-old suits up, he'd likely operate as a kick returner for the Ravens. Though, with fellow wideout Zay Flowers (knee) stringing together three consecutive DNPs and deemed doubtful -- he may get some reps out wide if he plays. Harty did not command a target across his six total snaps through the season's first four weeks.

From RotoBaller

Armani Rogers Jan 17 8:20pm ET
Armani Rogers

The Buffalo Bills announced on Friday that they signed tight end Armani Rogers to a Reserve/Futures deal. Rogers, a former undrafted free agent, hasn't appeared in the NFL since 2022 when he played in 11 games (three starts) for the Washington Commanders. The former quarterback was with the Atlanta Falcons on their practice squad during the 2024 season but wasn't active for any regular-season games. The 27-year-old tore his Achilles in the offseason of 2023. In his 11 games with the Commanders in 2022, he caught five of his six targets for 64 yards and no touchdowns while carrying the ball twice for 26 yards. Rogers now latches on with the Bills but won't be eligible to play at all this postseason. He will continue his development as a pass-catcher into the offseason and will hope to remain with Buffalo through training camp this summer.

From RotoBaller

Jonah Elliss Jan 17 8:10pm ET
Jonah Elliss

Denver Broncos rookie outside linebacker Jonah Elliss (shoulder) suffered a fractured scapula bone in his right shoulder in the wild-card loss to the Buffalo Bills last Sunday, but the good news is that he's expected to be recovered in time to participate in the team's offseason workouts in April. Elliss suffered the injury in the first quarter when he was hit by Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins. His father said that the Broncos are getting second opinions on Elliss' injury to see if he'll need surgery. Elliss also had a partially torn labrum in 2023 while playing at Utah, but this injury isn't related. The 21-year-old third-rounder played in all 17 regular-season games in 2024 and played a big role on a strong Broncos defense, tallying 38 tackles (24 solo), five sacks, seven tackles for loss and six QB hits. He's the younger brother of Kaden Elliss and Christian Elliss, who also play in the NFL for the Falcons and Patriots, respectively.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Jan 17 7:50pm ET
Patrick Mahomes

ESPN's Adam Schefter said on the Pat McAfee Show that Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson will be a head coach somewhere in 2025, but it won't be for the Dallas Cowboys. Most speculation around the league is that Johnson will join the Las Vegas Raiders, but Schefter says he's "not in that camp right now." Schefter's reasoning for why he's not sold on Johnson going to Vegas is that Johnson has been very selective in where he wants to become a first-time head coach. Not only do the Raiders not have a top pick in the 2025 NFL draft, but they don't have desirable quarterback situation, and they also reside in a division with Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and Bo Nix. Johnson's name has been connected with the Chicago Bears often. The NFC North was the toughest division in the NFL this year, but they do have last year's No. 1 overall pick in QB Caleb Williams.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Jan 17 7:40pm ET
A.J. Brown

Los Angeles Rams cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (thigh) and nose tackle Bobby Brown III (shoulder) are both listed as questionable to suit up on Sunday in Philadelphia against the Eagles in the Divisional Round of the postseason. Despite the questionable tags, head coach Sean McVay said he expects both Witherspoon and Brown to be available to play this weekend. Witherspoon is up in the air after injuring his thigh in Monday night's wild-card win over the Minnesota Vikings. The 29-year-old defensive back was a DNP on Wednesday but was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday. Witherspoon's presence will be good news for a Rams secondary that will be trying to slow down receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Despite not practicing all week, Brown should be available as well after injuring his shoulder on Monday against Minnesota.

From RotoBaller

Travis Bell Jan 17 7:40pm ET
Travis Bell

The Minnesota Vikings signed wide receiver Jeshaun Jones to a Reserve/Futures deal on Friday, the team announced. Jones was with Minnesota for much of the 2024 season on their practice squad but never appeared in a regular-season game. The 25-year-old pass-catcher from Fort Myers, Florida, will now be hoping to continue his development with the organization this offseason and into training camp in the summer. Jones went undrafted out of Maryland. In addition to Jones, the Vikings also signed offensive tackle Trevor Reid, defensive tackle Travis Bell, guard Henry Byrd, defensive backs Kahlef Hailassie and Reddy Steward, defensive end Jonathan Harris, wide receiver Lucky Jackson, tackle Marcellus Johnson, linebacker Gabriel Murphy, quarterback Brett Rypien and running back Zavier Scott to Reserve/Future contracts on Friday.

From RotoBaller