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.
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 16
With quarterback Drew Lock (shoulder) banged up again, the New York Giants have not made a decision on who will start on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17. Head coach Brian Daboll said that Lock went for an MRI exam on his right shoulder on Monday. "We'll see where he's at," Daboll said. Back in the starting role in the Week 16 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, the 28-year-old was bad again, going 22-for-39 for 210 yards, one touchdown and two pick-sixes. So in addition to his underwhelming performances as the team's starter since Daniel Jones left town, Lock is injured again and could give way to Tommy DeVito for the starting job in Week 17 against the Colts. Regardless of who is starting under center for the G-Men this weekend, fantasy managers should be staying away. Lock has a touchdown and four interceptions in six games (three starts) in his first year in the Big Apple.
Dynasty | Texans wide receiver Tank Dell is out for the season with a torn ACL and dislocated kneecap. Dynasty Analysis: This is yet another devastating injury for Dell, who just can't seem to catch a break. He was having his best game of the season before suffering a gruesome knee injury on a touchdown catch yesterday that proved to be of the season-ending variety. The question now will be if he's going to be fully healthy for the 2025 season, which honestly seems unlikely at this point. The Texans claimed Diontae Johnson off waivers, but that's going to be a short-term solution. Houston will need to make a decision on how to move forward in the off-season with their receiving corps, especially considering Stefon Diggs was lost for the year as well. Dell is going to see his dynasty value sink a ton this off-season.
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans announced on Monday that safety Jimmie Ward (foot) will miss the rest of the year, while offensive guard Shaq Mason (knee) is considered week-to-week. Ward was placed on Injured Reserve after suffering a foot injury in Saturday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs that will require season-ending surgery. M.J. Stewart or Myles Bryant are the options to fill Ward's role in Houston's secondary the rest of the way. The 33-year-old veteran finishes his second season with the Texans with 48 tackles (32 solo), five tackles for loss, two interceptions (one returned for a TD) and four pass breakups in 10 starts. Mason suffered a knee injury in the first half on Saturday and is now questionable to play on another short turnaround in Week 17 on Christmas Day this Wednesday against the Baltimore Ravens. The Texans could be without their starting right guard this week.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers said on the Pat McAfee Show on Monday that he's open to taking a pay cut and is also willing to mentor a rookie if he continues to play in 2025. However, Rodgers also said that he remains undecided on whether he will continue his playing career. The Jets fell to a disappointing 4-11 after their Week 16 loss to the Los Angeles Rams despite a recent stretch of improved play from Rodgers. The 41-year-old future Hall of Famer carries a $23.5 million salary cap hit next year, and the Jets would be on the hook for a $49 million dead cap hit if Rodgers is released or if he retires. Rodgers has thrown for 3,511 yards, 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions a year after tearing his Achilles in Week 1. The Jets offense is in the bottom third in the NFL in points per game (19.5) and yards per game (307.9). Rodgers will be a QB2 in fantasy in Week 17 against the Buffalo Bills.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) is considered questionable to return to Monday night's game against the visiting New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field due to a knee injury. Watson initially got up slowly after a 14-yard rushing attempt in the second quarter but eventually returned to the game in the first half. The 25-year-old was then being stretched out on the sidelines in the second half and is now questionable to return. The Packers are up big 24-0 with the Saints not mounting much of a challenge, so we'd be surprised if the team brings the receiver back into this contest. Before Watson was listed as questionable, he had 23 yards on two rushing attempts and didn't catch his only target. On a short turnaround in Week 17 against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 29, Watson could have a tough time playing, depending on the severity of his knee injury.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel was non-committal on Monday as to whether wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (knee) will practice this week. "I'm expecting to get everything from Waddle that he can do... I've [talked to] the trainer to make sure we protect him from himself. We will see how the week progresses. I don't know exactly what it will look like." Waddle suffered a knee injury in the Week 15 loss to the division-rival New York Jets and did not play in Sunday's win over the San Francisco 49ers. The fact that the team is unsure if the 26-year-old will even practice this week doesn't bode well for his availability in the upcoming Week 17 matchup against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. If Waddle cannot practice or play this week, Tyreek Hill and tight end Jonnu Smith should see a heavy dose of targets, with Malik Washington stepping up as the WR2.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (hip) didn't suit up for practice on Monday. Skowronek injured his hip during the first half of Saturday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He was cleared to return to the game, but clearly Skowronek is still dealing with the issue. He finished with two receptions on two targets for 25 yards. He has mainly been playing on special teams all season long, but has seen a few more chances on offense with George Pickens (hamstring) injured. However, Skowronek won't see enough snaps on offense to make him worth starting in fantasy formats this week.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (abdomen) was limited during Monday's practice session. This comes after Fields sat out of Saturday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He picked up an abdomen injury in Week 15 and appears to still be dealing with the issue. The absence of Fields doesn't mean much considering he has barely played since being benched for Russell Wilson. That being said, Kyle Allen would be the primary backup if Fields is unable to play during Wednesday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (hand) was a limited participant during Monday's practice session. It's worth noting that it's a estimated practice report, so fantasy managers shouldn't read too much into it. Anderson appears to have suffered a hand injury, but played his normal amount of snaps during Saturday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. This could be the Texans just being cautious with Anderson to begin the week. The assumption is that he'll be fine in time for Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Ravens.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo (foot, hamstring) is expected to get back on the practice field on Thursday, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. The rookie back is dealing with multiple injuries that kept him out of last week's game against the Miami Dolphins. His absence resulted in the 49ers using a committee approach in the backfield with two other backs sidelined as well. The hope is that Guerendo will be able to return for the Week 17 matchup against the Detroit Lions. He could be a low-end RB2 if he's healthy in time for that contest.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears running back Travis Homer (hamstring) was absent from Monday's practice session. This doesn't come as much of a surprise after Homer missed Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions. The loss of Homer doesn't mean much for this offense considering he has only played in three games this season. He'll continue to serve as the third string back to D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson in the backfield. That being said, Homer is unlikely to have much of a role even if he's cleared in time for the Week 17 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said that the team will not rest quarterback Kyler Murray in either of the final two games of the season despite being officially eliminated from playoff contention on Sunday. The Cardinals have two divisional games remaining, at the Los Angeles Rams in Week 17 on Saturday night and at home versus the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18. Because of his dual-threat abilities at the QB position, Murray has been a top-12 fantasy player at his position in 2024, but he's had mixed results for his fantasy managers in recent weeks, including in the Week 16 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers in which he had two TDs (one throwing, one rushing) but also two interceptions. The 27-year-old will remain a low-end QB1 option in fantasy this Saturday against a Rams team that he threw for 266 yards and three TDs against way back in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (concussion) was not able to practice on Monday for the second straight day this week. Hill suffered a concussion on Saturday in the team's Week 16 win over the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers and now is likely fighting an uphill battle to be available on a short turnaround in Week 17 against the Houston Texans on Christmas Day on Wednesday. Even if the 27-year-old takes part in practice on Tuesday, he'll need to gain clearance from an independent neurologist, which is unlikely to happen on a short week. Fantasy managers that have been using the pass-catching back in a flex spot should plan to be without Hill this week. Derrick Henry is Baltimore's clear lead back and will continue to be so on Wednesday, but if Hill is out, it will open the door for Keaton Mitchell and rookie Rasheen Ali to compete for change-of-pace work.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens wide receivers Zay Flowers (shoulder) and Nelson Agholor (concussion) were both listed as non-participants at Monday's practice for the second straight day. However, head coach John Harbaugh was "pretty optimistic" on Sunday that Flowers would play on Christmas Day on Wednesday in Week 17 against the Houston Texans. Flowers had a 100-yard performance on five catches in Saturday's win over the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday but also picked up a shoulder injury. Agholor, meanwhile, appears to be trending toward a second straight absence due to a concussion on another short week. If Flowers ends up being inactive on Thursday, Rashod Bateman would be Baltimore's No. 1 wideout, with tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely also seeing expanded roles. Flowers ultimately could draw a questionable tag, but if he plays, he'll be a WR3/flex in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
The Baltimore Ravens claimed wide receiver Steven Sims off waivers on Monday from the Houston Texans. The move to add Sims comes after the Ravens waived disgruntled wideout Diontae Johnson late last week, who was ironically claimed by the Texans. The two teams will face off against each other on Christmas Day on Wednesday. The 27-year-old mostly served in a special teams role with the Texans the last two years. In only seven games played this year, Sims was not targeted at all in the passing game and had just one carry for no gain. The Ravens are likely just bringing Sims in as extra receiver insurance on a short week with both Zay Flowers (shoulder) and Nelson Agholor (concussion) banged up. Even if Flowers and Agholor are ruled out on Christmas Day, we'd be surprised if Sims played an immediate big role on offense for the Ravens.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III (shoulder) and tight end Cade Stover (illness) were both upgraded to full practice participants on Monday after they were listed as limited for the first practice of Week 17 on Sunday. Metchie didn't practice at all last week and was ruled out of the Week 16 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. However, a return to a full practice on Monday gives the 24-year-old pass-catcher a great shot at being active on Christmas Day on Wednesday for the Week 17 contest against the Baltimore Ravens. In addition to the Ravens defense being a great matchup for the Texans receivers, Metchie could have an expanded role if he's active this week now that Tank Dell (knee) is out for the year. Still, fantasy managers playing for a championship shouldn't consider Metchie, who had a 13-146-1 line in five games before his shoulder injury.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots WR Alex Erickson reverted back to the practice squad Monday, Dec. 23, after being on the active roster for the Week 16 game.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed on a conference call with the media on Monday that All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) will miss the team's final two games of the regular season. Williams hasn't played since Week 11 and will end up missing the final seven games of the 2024 campaign due to an ankle injury that took much longer to heal than the team was expecting. And with the Niners being officially eliminated from postseason contention on Sunday, there is no reason for the team to bring the veteran 11-time Pro Bowler back for meaningless games. The 36-year-old's injury-plagued season was one of many frustrating situations with the 49ers and some of their key players in 2024. Williams also dealt with the tragic death of his son this year. Jaylon Moore will protect quarterback Brock Purdy's blind side in the last two games.
From RotoBaller
In the team's estimated practice report on Monday, the Seattle Seahawks listed running back Kenneth Walker III (ankle) as a non-participant after he injured his ankle in Sunday's loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16. Walker missed the previous two games due to a calf injury but returned last weekend, only to be pulled in the second half with a new injury. The 24-year-old took over lead-back duties immediately against Minnesota over backfield mate Zach Charbonnet (elbow), but it only amounted to eight carries for 31 yards. However, he salvaged his fantasy day with a season-high-tying eight catches for 28 yards. Sunday's game cemented the fact that Walker is still Seattle's preferred backfield option when healthy. The problem is Walker isn't healthy again and faces a short week to get right before a Thursday night game in Week 17 against the Chicago Bears. Right now, Charbonnet is the better bet to play on Thursday.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (knee) was listed as limited on the team's estimated practice report on Monday. The Seahawks didn't actually hold a practice on Monday, so Fant's status was merely an estimation. The 27-year-old was on the injury report last week as well with a minor knee injury before playing through it on Sunday and securing only three of his six targets for 50 yards in the loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16. He's probably not going to get much practice work in on a short week, but barring a setback with his knee, Fant should be available for Thursday night's clash against the Chicago Bears. Fant logged 75 percent of the offensive snaps against the Vikes and will continue to operate as a low-ceiling TE for fantasy managers this week behind receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba, DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Fant has only cleared 50 receiving yards three times in 2024 and doesn't have a TD.
From RotoBaller