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.
The 49ers released running backs Matt Breida and Ke'Shawn Vaughn on Monday. Both players had signed with the team this offseason and were fighting for a roster spot. Breida was signed following the injury to Christian McCaffrey (calf) earlier this preseason. With McCaffrey returning to individual drills Monday, he seems to be on his way back toward playing healthy. Breida and Vaughn will look to sign with a practice squad as the roster cuts continue throughout this week.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (knee) is expected to miss multiple weeks with a sprained MCL and could be placed on Injured Reserve. Nwosu had been playing lights out during training camp after a down year in 2023. The injury led to the Seahawks trading for Jaguars outside linebacker Trevis Gipson in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick. The Seahawks are hoping their defense can take a step forward with promising head coach Mike Macdonald coming over from Baltimore. Nwosu figures to be a big part of the defensive scheme.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions released running back Zonovan Knight on Monday. Knight spent his rookie season in 2022 with the Jets and 2023 with the Lions, albeit primarily on injured reserve. During the preseason, Knight had 24 carries for 75 yards and no touchdowns. He ran an inefficient 3.1 yards per carry during the preseason. Knight only carried the ball three times for 13 yards in 2023. He was not projected to see much work in the running game with the Lions in 2024. For now, Knight will have to hope to sign with a practice squad or an active roster in need of a running back.
From RotoBaller
Former Denver Broncos wide receiver Phillip Dorsett was released by the team on Monday. With the Broncos already planning to move on from wide receiver Tim Patrick, they continued their overhaul of their wide receiving core with Dorsett's release. Dorsett was buried on the depth chart and unlikely to be much of a factor. He had not caught a pass during the 2024 preseason, and he has not caught a pass in the regular season since 2022. With the Broncos moving forward with a younger receiving core, the former-first-round pick will have to find a new home.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (undisclosed) will return to practice on Tuesday. Njoku had been limited for the past couple of weeks and was described as "sore" by head coach Kevin Stefanski. With little information available about the injury, fantasy managers can begin to breathe a sigh of relief with draft season in full swing. The 28-year-old hauled in 81 passes for 882 yards and six touchdowns in 2023. He finished as the TE6 and was dominant down the stretch of the season. Look for Njoku to pursue a similar stat line in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Former Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis was traded to the Green Bay Packers for a 2025 seventh-round pick on Monday. With roster cuts underway, the Titans were able to recoup some value on Willis while also clearing a roster spot. The Titans signed Mason Rudolph this offseason and he appears to have won the backup quarterback job. Willis is already listed as the No. 2 quarterback for the Packers. The Packers did not get much out of quarterbacks Sean Clifford or Michael Pratt this preseason. With most teams carrying a maximum of three quarterbacks, either Pratt or Clifford appears to be on the chopping block. Willis gives the Packers a mobile option behind starter Jordan Love. This move does not impact fantasy football unless Love goes down due to injury. However, Willis has valuable starting experience that would be useful if Love were to miss time.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Browns running back Nick Chubb will start the season on the PUP list. Dynasty Analysis: Chubb will miss at least the first four games of the 2024 season as a result. This is hardly a surprise after his awful knee injury during week two last year. Chubb's rehab is apparently ahead of schedule but he won't be ready until October at the earliest. Jerome Ford looks like the early season winner in the backfield but Chubb will be poised to take over upon his return. Chubb remains a possible buy low for a contender even with this news.
Dynasty | The Chiefs are signing wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Dynasty Analysis: This is a reunion of sorts as JJSS played for the Chiefs in 2022, posting a 78/933/3 line in the process. He parlayed that into a two-year deal with the Patriots but that proved to be a bit of a disasters as his 29/260/1 season and subsequent lackluster training camp got him released. This tour of duty with Kansas City may be a little different as he's really being added as insurance for a possible Rashee Rice suspension and not expected to start. Smith-Schuster is a tough add off the waiver wire and looks like a dynasty roster clogger at the moment.
Dynasty | The Texans are fielding calls on the availability of John Metchie. Dynasty Analysis: This comes as no surprise as the Texans already have Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins and Tank Dell as their three mainstays and Metchie is little more than a luxury at the moment. Still, Diggs is on a one-year deal and Houston may choose to keep Metchie, rather than deal him. Managers with him on their roster have to be hoping for a trade considering his strong training camp. Stay tuned as nothing seems imminent. At this point, Metchie simply remains a hold.
Dynasty | The Dallas Cowboys have signed wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to a contract extension. Dynasty Analysis: Lamb gets a monster four-year, $136 million extension that makes him the second highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history and includes a $38 million signing bonus and $100 million in guaranteed money. Yep. That'll do it. This was always the expected outcome with Lamb, who was clearly not happy playing out the season on his fifth-year option. This contract keeps Lamb in Dallas long-term and cements his status as a WR1, if not THE WR1 in dynasty leagues.
Dynasty | The Buccaneers have released wide receiver Sterling Shepard. Dynasty Analysis: Shepard was reunited with former Oklahoma teammate Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay but alas, it wasn't meant to be. Ravaged by injuries over the past few years, the former Giant will now look to latch on with a receiver-needy team, though that's far from a done deal. At 31 years old, he may be running out of time. Regardless, Shepard doesn't belong on a dynasty roster at this point.
The Denver Broncos are exploring trade possibilities for wide receiver Tim Patrick, according to Broncos reporter Mike Klis. Patrick suffered a torn ACL during training camp in 2022 and a torn Achilles before the 2023 season, so he has not played in a regular-season contest since 2021. After entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2017, Patrick racked up 143 receptions for 2,009 yards and 12 touchdowns in 55 games. Denver is likely to release him if they do not reach a deal to trade him ahead of Tuesday's roster cutdown deadline. Courtland Sutton, Josh Reynolds, and Marvin Mims Jr. are expected to start in three-wide sets for Denver, but Patrick's potential departure could clear the way for rookies Troy Franklin and Devaughn Vele to play in reserve roles in 2024.
From RotoBaller
The Denver Broncos are expected to move on from veteran running back Samaje Perine, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The organization is engaged in trade conversations, but if they do not reach a deal before Tuesday's 4 p.m. EDT roster cutdown deadline, he could be released. This move was expected by many following the acquisition of former Notre Dame running back Audric Estime in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Denver backfield is crowded with Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Estime, so Perine has been viewed as the odd man out. Although Perine is unlikely to have a ton of fantasy value somewhere else, he could affect another running back and negatively impact their standing on the depth chart.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers rookie first-round wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (shoulder) returned to the practice field on Monday, but he was wearing a blue non-contact jersey. The rookie first-round pick out of Florida has been out of action for a few weeks, causing him to miss valuable reps in the absence of Brandon Aiyuk (holdout). Pearsall's role is already tough to analyze in Year 1 with the Niners, but his injury could take him even longer to get acclimated to his new offense. If Aiyuk re-signs with the 49ers, it would be a surprise if Pearsall is on the fantasy radar in 2024. If Aiyuk is traded or does not play early in the season, Pearsall could have deep-league flex value, but veteran Jauan Jennings (oblique) could play ahead of him. Ultimately, Pearsall is an intriguing dynasty stash, but his projected redraft value is likely to be limited.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans linebacker Chance Campbell (knee) suffered a torn ACL in the preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints, effectively ending his 2024 season. Campbell was projected to be a reserve linebacker behind Kenneth Murray and Jack Gibbens, so the team might look to add a veteran inside linebacker for depth purposes. The 2022 sixth-round pick out of Ole Miss played in four games last year and racked up three total tackles.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (calf) was on the practice field on Monday doing side work as he continues to recover from a calf injury. Last week, head coach Kyle Shanahan said he is not concerned with CMC missing all of training camp, and his return to the field in some capacity is great news for his Week 1 availability against the New York Jets. Last season's NFL Offensive Player of the Year was dominant in fantasy football in Year 2 with the Niners, racking up just under 1,800 yards from scrimmage and 21 total touchdowns. The 28-year-old is still in the conversation to be the No. 1 overall pick in all redraft formats, and he's a must-start option all season - regardless of matchup.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions are releasing wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Peoples-Jones was dealt to the Lions at last year's trade deadline from the Browns in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He caught just five passes for 58 yards in eight games for Detroit. Overall, the Michigan product has tallied 122 receptions for 1,895 yards and eight touchdowns in 58 games since entering the NFL as a sixth-round pick in 2020. While his chances of becoming a legitimate starter seem to be dwindling, another organization might sign him after teams cut down to 53 players by Tuesday's 4 p.m. EDT deadline.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Ainias Smith (ankle/hamstring) reported discomfort in his ankle and hamstring following Saturday's preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The rookie fifth-round pick out of Texas A&M is getting an MRI, but his Week 1 status is in some doubt. With Johnny Wilson and newly-acquired Jahan Dotson on the roster, Smith was already unlikely to have a significant role on offense early in the season, but he was an excellent punt returner in college, so he could be in the mix there. For now, he can be safely ignored in 2024 fantasy football redraft leagues, and dynasty managers should monitor his status.
From RotoBaller
The Baltimore Ravens are releasing wide receiver Russell Gage, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Gage missed all of last season with a torn patellar tendon that he suffered in training camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he is now being let go by Baltimore after signing with the team earlier this month. Since being selected in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of LSU, Gage has racked up 244 receptions for 2,491 yards and 14 touchdowns. He had big moments with the Atlanta Falcons and Buccaneers earlier in his career, but his major injury from last year could be affecting him in 2024. Either way, there's a chance another organization will give the veteran a shot as teams cut down to 53 players by Tuesday at 4 p.m. Eastern.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said that backup quarterback Desmond Ridder (head) is in the league's concussion protocol after he was forced from the preseason finale on Sunday against the Denver Broncos early due to a head injury. Before Ridder left the contest at Empower Field, he went 10-for-16 passing for 111 yards and carried the ball twice for 25 yards. In his first year in Arizona, the 24-year-old is expected to open the year as the primary backup to starter Kyler Murray. However, if he cannot clear the concussion protocol in time for the Week 1 regular-season opener versus the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 8, it will be Clayton Tune backing up Murray. The former third-rounder quickly fell out of favor with the Atlanta Falcons in 19 games over two seasons, mainly due to turnover issues and overall mediocre performances.
From RotoBaller