WR Strength of Schedule
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.
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The Paur Report
Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7
Cleveland Browns running back D'Onta Foreman (groin) has been removed from the injury report ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. This is good news for the Browns backfield that will be without Jerome Ford (hamstring) this weekend. However, Nick Chubb (knee) should be back in the mix and be the primary back for Week 7. It's worth noting that this would be Chubb's first game back since suffering that horrible season-ending knee injury last year. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Browns limit Chubb during his first game back. That being said, Foreman and Pierre Strong Jr. should both be in the mix in the backfield. Foreman has seen 19 carries over the last two weeks, which is solid for a backup. However, he hasn't offered much fantasy value, so fantasy managers should consider him a desperation option in deep leagues.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III saw his stats take a dip during last week's matchup against the Carolina Panthers. McCloud finished with a season-high 66 yards in Week 5, but was only able to haul in three receptions for 30 yards last week. He remains third or even fourth on the pecking order, which doesn't guarantee solid weekly value. McCloud should still see a handful of targets as he has been thrown to five times or more in four of his first six games this season. Fantasy managers should consider McCloud a low-end flex option for Week 7 against the Seattle Seahawks.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Trey Palmer (concussion) is currently listed as questionable ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Palmer suffered a concussion in Week 4 and as a result he has missed each of the last two games. It sounds like Palmer still needs to clear concussion protocol, so fantasy managers should prepare to be without him for at least one more game. Sterling Shepard figures to move into the WR3 role if Palmer is unable to play. He has seven receptions for 78 yards and one touchdown over the last three games. However, Shepard won't be a recommended fantasy option for Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (hamstring) is currently listed as questionable ahead of Monday's Week 7 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Vea popped up on the injury report on Saturday due to a hamstring issue. The loss of Vea would be a significant hit to this defensive unit. The 29-year-old is one of the better run stopping tackles in the league. He has 12 tackles, five tackles for loss, and three sacks in five games this season. Greg Gaines would likely be asked to step in and start if Vea is unable to go. The Bucs are likely going to wait until Monday to decide on whether or not Vea will play.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons (hamstring) is expected to suit up for Week 7 despite being listed as questionable coming into this game. Simmons has missed time in practice this week, but appears to still be in good enough shape to play. The All-Pro safety has 23 tackles, one tackle for loss, and one interception in six games this season. The absence of Simmons would likely mean that Richie Grant would get the start at strong safety. The loss of Simmons would be a significant hit to this secondary, but it sounds like Simmons is in line to play.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) is not expected to play in Week 7's game against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to multiple sources. However, he is still likely to participate in pregame warmups before the team makes a final decision about him.
Fantasy Spin: Kupp had been listed as questionable on the injury report after being a limited participant in all three of the team's practice sessions during the week. He is one of the league's better receivers when healthy and should be a starting lineup option in fantasy leagues if he is cleared to play.
From TheHuddle
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet has taken a backseat in the backfield over the last few games. Charbonnet has rushed the ball five times or less in each of the last three games. The 23-year-old has seen a limited role with Kenneth Walker III healthy right now. Charbonnet has been able to get involved in the receiving game, but it's not enough to save his fantasy value. He's unlikely to see a significant role against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7. Charbonnet is worth stashing but really only has reliable fantasy value if Walker misses time.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones (hamstring) is expected to play in Week 7's game against the Detroit Lions, according to a source.
Fantasy Spin: Jones had been listed as questionable on the injury report after participating in two of the team's three practice sessions during the week on a limited basis. He can be a starting option in all fantasy leagues if he is cleared to play.
From TheHuddle
Kansas City Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is expected to play in Week 7's game against the San Francisco 49ers, according to a source.
Fantasy Spin: Smith-Schuster had been listed as questionable on the injury report after being a limited participant in the team's final two practice sessions of the week. He is only two weeks removed from a performance where he had seven catches for 130 yards so fantasy owners should feel good about using him as a WR3 option in their lineups.
From TheHuddle
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (illness) has been added to the injury report ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Benson popped up on the injury report on Saturday due to an illness and is now uncertain to play on Monday. The rookie back has been quiet this season outside of one 50-yard performance. If active, Benson still isn't a viable fantasy option for Week 7. However, his absence would likely mean that Emari Demercado takes over as the primary backup to James Conner. Fantasy managers shouldn't rush to the waiver wire to add Demercado considering Conner is likely going to see the bulk of the carries.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back Tyson Campbell (hamstring) is active ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the New England Patriots. Campbell has missed the last four games while being on the injured reserve due to a hamstring issue. Luckily, Campbell was able to practice this week and has been activated ahead of this contest in London. The 24-year-old has been limited to one game this season, but is a difference maker when healthy. Campbell should resume his role as the top defensive back on this team which should give the Jaguars defense a boost on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Browns have activated running back Nick Chubb. Dynasty Analysis: Chubb will make his much-anticipated return in week seven against the Bengals. His presence will be a welcome one by a Browns team that's 1-5 and flailing miserably. Cleveland traded Amari Cooper this week and Deshaun Watson looks like an absolute shell of himself, so anything the Browns get from Chubb will be important. Dynasty managers should be cautious as his role is likely not going to be a huge one for a few weeks. Still, it will certainly be nice to see him back after last year's gruesome injury.
Dynasty | The Jets are planning on Davante Adams playing at full strength this week. Dynasty Analysis: Adams was traded to the Jets this week and apparently the plane flight magically cured his injury. Dynasty managers won't complain as Adams has reportedly looked great in practice and is excited to be reunited with Aaron Rodgers. The Jets still have major problems and Adams is going to still need to build chemistry in the offense, so he should be viewed as more of a WR2 at the moment. Stay tuned.
Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon is expected to play the majority of the offensive snaps again in Week 7 with Jonathan Taylor (ankle) inactive. Sermon has been the Colts' lead back for each of their last two games, and he expects to remain in that role this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. The 25-year-old has commanded 34 touches over the last two weeks, but he has just 67 rushing yards and 25 receiving yards during that span (average of 2.7 yards per touch). On the other hand, backup Tyler Goodson has actually been more productive on fewer opportunities, tallying 122 scrimmage yards during that same two-week range (average of 6.1 yards per touch). This week against a modest Dolphins run defense, Goodson has higher upside in PPR leagues while Sermon is more of a touchdown-dependent FLEX play.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (hamstring) is not expected to play in Week 7 against the New York Jets, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Wilson had been listed as questionable after logging back-to-back limited practices. The 23-year-old made his NFL debut against the Las Vegas Raiders last weekend, playing just seven percent of snaps and failing to command a target. Now, he's sidelined once again, giving way to a receiving corps of George Pickens, Calvin Austin, and Van Jefferson, among others. Pickens is an appealing WR3/FLEX play against a respectable Raiders secondary.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) is expected to play against the Detroit Lions in Week 7 despite being listed as questionable, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Jones picked up the injury during Week 5 in London, but a conveniently placed bye last week allowed the veteran running back to recover for Sunday's game against Detroit without missing any time. He has been quite productive through five games this season, tallying 350 rushing yards, 167 receiving yards, and two total touchdowns. He typically ranks as a low-end fantasy RB1, but the Lions' strong run defense could drop him to the RB2 tier.
From RotoBaller
The New Orleans Saints will host wide receiver Marques Valdes-Scantling for a workout on Monday, and if all goes well, they could sign him, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Valdes-Scantling was recently released by the Buffalo Bills, for whom he caught just two passes through six games. The Saints are starving for reinforcements at the wide receiver position with Chris Olave (concussion) sidelined and Rashid Shaheed (knee) done for the year. While Olave figures to return soon, New Orleans still needs to add depth to a wide receiver room that currently contains just Olave, Bub Means, Cedrick Wilson Jr., Mason Tipton, and Jermaine Jackson.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Bills) is scheduled to work out for the New Orleans Saints Monday, Oct. 21.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jordan Whittington (shoulder) is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders despite being listed as questionable, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Whittington had been limited in practice this past week. The 24-year-old has taken advantage of injuries to Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) lately, catching 13 of 18 targets for 151 yards over his last two games combined. The rookie is still searching for his first career NFL touchdown, but in the meantime, he'll continue to operate as the Rams' top receiver while ranking as a WR3/FLEX play in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
The New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers have decided to pause trade talks surrounding wide receiver Mike Williams and will resume negotiations after the two teams face each other on Sunday night in Week 7, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Williams has become a popular name on the trade market after the Jets acquired Davante Adams. The former Los Angeles Chargers receiver has been quiet in his first season with New York, catching just 10 passes for 145 yards through six games. However, he could have more of a role if traded to a different team, such as the Steelers. Pittsburgh's wide receiver corps is headlined by George Pickens, who has delivered inconsistent production. Williams could certainly join the Steelers and immediately compete with their current No. 2 receiver, Calvin Austin III.
From RotoBaller
