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 Invitational Live Stream
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson made his first preseason appearance with his new team in a 9-3 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. Wilson completed eight of his 10 passes for 47 yards in the contest while taking three sacks. The veteran drew the start and worked about halfway into the second quarter before calling it a night and stepping aside for Justin Fields. Wilson has missed a large portion of camp with a calf injury but the team has been calling him the Week 1 starter, although Fields has performed well in camp and could push Wilson for the chance to be under center in the opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III delivered his best preseason performance on Saturday against the New York Giants, recording a team-high six catches for 68 yards and his first professional touchdowna 3-yard pass from Case Keenum. This strong showing comes after Metchie had only two receptions for 11 yards in his previous two games. After suffering an ACL tear during the 2021 SEC Championship Game, Metchie missed out on a potential first-round draft position. The Texans selected him with the 44th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, but he was sidelined for his rookie season due to a diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia. Returning in 2023, he caught 16 passes for 158 yards but struggled to secure a prominent role. Now, Metchie is aiming to secure one of the final receiver spots for Week 1, with one more preseason game to compete against Robert Woods, Xavier Hutchinson, and Ben Skowronek.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz delivered his strongest preseason performance against the New York Giants on Saturday, catching three passes for 39 yards, including a standout 26-yard reception from C.J. Stroud. Schultz emerged as Stroud's most targeted player while the starters were on the field, receiving five of Stroud's 12 throws. This is a promising sign for Schultz, who faces competition for targets from three top wide receivers. However, Schultz's role is somewhat overshadowed by his backups; Brevin Jordan also saw two of Stroud's 12 targets and looked solid with the starters, while rookie Cade Stover has been impressive in previous preseason games. Despite these challenges, Schultz remains a valuable high-end TE2 with the potential for high-ceiling weeks in a dynamic Texans offense.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce started the preseason game against the New York Giants but struggled to make an impact, managing only four carries for five yards. Pierce averaged a disappointing 1.3 yards per carry, failing to show any improvement from his previous performance. In contrast, Cam Akers, serving as his primary backup, ran for 29 yards on six carries, including a long of 14 yards. Akers, who was signed at the beginning of training camp, has quickly emerged as a legitimate roster contender, transforming from a camp body into a potential backup to Joe Mixon. His familiarity with offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik's scheme has helped him catch up despite joining late. J.J. Taylor led the Texans' running backs with 36 yards on five carries, and rookie British Brooks scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns. However, with both Taylor and Brooks unlikely to make the final roster, the primary focus for the Texans will be the competition for Mixon's backup role.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs made his presence felt in Saturday's preseason game against the New York Giants, catching a 9-yard pass from C.J. Stroud for a first down in Houston's 28-10 victory. Although Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowler acquired from the Buffalo Bills, only had one reception, it was special as it was his first in a Texans uniform. His brief appearance demonstrated that he is already developing a strong rapport with Stroud. During the 15 snaps Stroud played, Diggs was on the field for 11, while starting receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell were on for 13 and 8 snaps, respectively. Collins is expected to lead in target and snap share, with Dell likely serving as the big-play threat. The question remains whether there will be enough targets left for Diggs to justify his current ADP in fantasy drafts.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers went 3-for-3 on field goal attempts in Saturday's preseason loss to the Tennessee Titans. Myers made tries from 29, 48, and 50 yards out. The only blemish on his stat line was the missed extra point that followed Easop Winston Jr.'s first-quarter touchdown. The Titans' margin of victory in the game? One point. Myers was perfect on extra-point attempts last season but this is the second try he has missed in as many weeks. The 33-year-old is Seattle's incumbent kicker, though another misfire in the preseason finale against the Browns on August 24 might prompt the team to look at other legs. Myers has been a useful fantasy asset in the past but is by no means automatic.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud delivered a strong performance in his second preseason game against the New York Giants, although the offense didn't score while he was on the field. Stroud led the Texans downfield on the opening drive effectively, but the team failed to convert a fourth down on the Giants' 6-yard line. Stroud showcased impressive command and appeared to be in midseason form. The Texans' strategy this year seems to focus heavily on the passing game, as they passed ten times and rushed only four times in the first quarter with starters. This approach bodes well for Stroud's fantasy prospects, indicating significant passing volume. Stroud finished the game 7-of-10 for 88 yards. If he's done for the preseason, his overall stats will be 9-of-14 for 129 yards and one touchdown. Stroud has a solid opportunity to be a top-five fantasy quarterback this year, but his lack of rushing may limit his overall ceiling.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Easop Winston Jr. caught three of his four targets for 47 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's preseason loss to the Tennessee Titans. The score was an absolute beauty. Barely a step ahead of cornerback Tre Avery, Winston looked over his shoulder as he crossed the goal line in time to snag a 23-yard arcing pass from Sam Howell for the touchdown. Winston also had a 15-yard reception with eight seconds left in the first half, advancing a drive that resulted in a field goal before the break. Winston is playing for a roster spot and, assuming he does make the cut, would be unlikely to challenge DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, or Jaxon Smith-Njigba for targets.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh led the team in carries and rushing yards in Saturday's loss to the Tennessee Titans. The second-year back had eight attempts for 46 yards and caught both of his targets for 17 yards through the air. McIntosh is competing with George Holani and Kobe Lewis to be the Seahawks' third-string running back. Last week, Holani scored a touchdown and Lewis led the team with eight carries. Against Tennessee, the two combined for six carries and a gain of two yards. The usage on Saturday indicates McIntosh is ahead on the depth chart for now, though he will still be behind Kenneth Walker III and Zack Charbonnet when the regular season begins.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell went 11-for-14 for 153 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's loss to the Tennessee Titans. Howell looked shaky early on as the Titans blitzed aggressively out of the gate resulting in back-to-back three-and-outs. Howell actually fumbled while being sacked on the second drive but had the good fortune that a teammate was in position to fall on the ball. Howell recovered well on the team's third possession resulting in a touchdown to Easop Winston Jr. This was Howell's second start in as many preseason games for the Seahawks. Geno Smith (hip/knee) returned to practice last week and carried no designation coming into Saturday but ultimately sat. Howell will be backing up Smith to start the season but it was an encouraging effort after the early miscues.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys rookie wide receiver Ryan Flournoy led the Cowboys in catches in a preseason win over the Las Vegas Raiders. He also scored a touchdown. Flournoy was targeted six times, also a team high, and made four catches for 23 yards. His touchdown came on a goal line pass from Trey Lance in the second quarter. Flournoy is buried on the depth chart, especially once CeeDee Lamb returns from his holdout, but he's shown signs of developing some offensive relevance in the future. He's worth keeping an eye on in keeper and dynasty formats.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys running back Royce Freeman led the team in carries in a preseason win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Freeman ran the ball seven times, gaining 32 yards with a long play of eight yards. He wasn't targeted in the passing game. Freeman tied with quarterback Trey Lance for the team lead in carries with seven, with several other backs getting five running plays each. Freeman is third at best on the depth chart for the Cowboys, behind Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle, but there certainly could be a role for him if injuries were to pop up.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey kicked a 66-yard field goal in a preseason win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Aubrey attempted two kicks, making both, one from 66 and the other from 54 yards out. He also made all three of his extra point attempts. Aubrey was the top scoring kicker in most fantasy formats last season, and all signs point to him once again being a top-five option at worst this year. He's worth being the first kicker off the board in most leagues.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance tallied two touchdowns in a preseason win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Lance attempted 23 passes, completing 15 of them for 151 yards and a touchdown. He added seven rush attempts for another 34 yards and another touchdown. Lance tied for the team lead in rushes and rushing yards, and he did not take a sack. He soundly outplayed Cooper Rush, and while both may ultimately make the team if Dallas chooses to carry three quarterbacks, Dak Prescott will clearly retain the starting job.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert rushed five times for seven yards during Saturday's victory against the Washington Commanders. He was not targeted in the passing game. Mostert was Miami's first RB in and out-carried his counterpart De'Von Achane by three. The 32-year-old only played the first series with the starters, as that was the Dolphins' lone possession of the first quarter. Running room was tough to find on a day when Washington's defense stifled Miami's ground game. The only player to rush for more than ten yards Saturday was backup RB Chris Brooks, who ran for a long gain of 59 yards. However, he gained just four yards on his other four carries. It wasn't a great showing for Mostert, but it is clear that he is still the Dolphins' preferred first option out of the backfield -- particularly in short-yardage situations. He's being selected as the RB23 as per Yahoo!'s ADP -- 42 picks after Achane -- and remains a strong option in fantasy drafts with built-in upside if the backfield were to become solely his.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey made his first catch as an NFL player in a Chargers preseason loss to the Rams. McConkey did not play in the first Chargers preseason game, so Game 2 was his NFL debut. He was targeted just once and made his lone catch for a five yard gain. McConkey likely won't get a ton of run in the preseason given how big his offensive role is expected to be. As long as Justin Herbert (foot) is able to play, McConkey could be a PPR monster as early as Week 1.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado got a good amount of work in the Cardinals' second preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday. Demercado led the running backs with 10 carries but for a paltry 24 yards. He also added one catch on his lone target for nine yards. The battle for the RB3 spot likely comes down to Demercado and Michael Carter, as the two traded third-down snaps with Demercado taking a slight 4-to-3 edge. Carter did take 4-of-5 two-minute drill snaps, however, per PFF's Nathan Jahnke. Demercado should go undrafted in fantasy drafts, but he was solidly useful for a spell last season when he was the lead back with James Conner hurt. With Conner and rookie Trey Benson in tow, Demercado becomes depth running back for Arizona who needs multiple injuries to be relevant in fantasy for 2024.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver River Cracraft caught both of his targets for 29 yards and one touchdown in Saturday night's 13-6 win against the Washington Commanders. With Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill getting the night off, Cracraft was in with the starters on Saturday. Although it was just one drive, he made it count. The journeyman wideout was the recipient of Tua Tagovailoa's first pass of the night -- a quick-hitter that Cracraft took 16 yards. He was also the recipient of Tagovailoa's last throw. This one took place on a 4th-and-1 inside the Commanders' 15-yard line -- a perfectly placed ball where only the tight end could get it in the back of the end zone. We likely see him suit up next Friday when the Dolphins travel to Tampa Bay to square up against the Buccaneers in their final dress rehearsal before the regular season. Cracraft is firmly entrenched behind Waddle, Hill, and Odell Beckham Jr. (undisclosed) in the pass-catching pecking order. However, he would instantly become intriguing if, for whatever reason, one of the players mentioned above missed any time. He's the WR142 in Yahoo! ADP.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets running back Braelon Allen led the team with eight carries in Saturday's preseason win over the hosting Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, but he only produced 27 yards after tallying a team-high 54 yards on six carries in last weekend's preseason opener. Allen came second on the Jets with four targets on Saturday against the Panthers, bringing in two for an additional 12 yards despite the rough day on the ground, which saw his long gain go for a mere four yards. The 20-year-old rookie fourth-rounder still appears to be the favorite for No. 2 backfield duties behind workhorse starter Breece Hall, and the 235-pounder might even be able to carve out a definitive role as a power back in Year 1 to help lessen the load for Hall. For now, however, Allen is just an RB5/6 stash for fantasy managers this summer.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Kimani Vidal led the Chargers backfield in their second preseason game. Vidal ran the ball 11 times for 49 yards, leading the team in both carries and yards. He was also targeted three times in the passing game, catching two for an additional eight yards. Vidal is behind at least Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins on the depth chart, but the sixth-round rookie has certainly shown some promise so far.
From RotoBaller