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
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) caught three of four targets for 16 yards and one touchdown in Monday's 23-15 win over the Los Angeles Rams. He added two carries for 11 yards. Since training camp, the 30-year-old has been dealing with a torn ligament in his wrist but has been playing through it, as reported by ESPN's Lisa Salters. It was not a great performance in terms of receptions and yards, but Jaylen Waddle led the team with only three catches for 57 yards. The emphasis for Miami in recent weeks has been to run the football, and the wide receivers have been asked to help with run blocking considerably more. The one-yard touchdown in the third quarter helped Miami extend to a two-score lead. The Rams young front seven was in the backfield all night, making it difficult for the Dolphins offense to develop plays down the field. Hill will look to have a better game in Week 11 when he and the Dolphins host the Las Vegas Raiders.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert caught two of three targets for 34 yards but did not log a rushing attempt in Monday's 23-15 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. His best play came on a 3rd and 19 when Mostert caught a short pass and ran it for 25 yards to move the chains. One can only assume his carries are starting to take a hit due to his recent fumble troubles. Miami has little room for error due to their (3-6) record, and head coach Mike McDaniels has made it clear he's not afraid to make changes. The offense could only muster 67 rushing yards as the offensive line struggled in run blocking for most of the night. That could be a trend with the amount of injuries the Miami offensive line is dealing with. Mostert will look to bounce back against the struggling Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith caught three of four targets for 45 yards in Monday's 23-15 win over the Los Angeles Rams. He finished second on the team in yards and tied for the lead in receptions with Jaylen Waddle. Smith has now recorded at least 45 receiving yards in three of his last four contests. His best play of the night came on a 33-yard reception where he broke multiple tackles and set the Dolphins offense up at the one-yard line, which resulted in a one-yard Tyreek Hill touchdown. None of the Miami pass catchers have had any spectacular games lately, but seeing the 29-year-old continue to receive a solid target share is encouraging. Next week presents a great matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders, who struggle mightily against tight ends.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 20 of 28 passes for 207 yards with one touchdown in their 23-15 win over the Los Angeles Rams. He also threw an interception and lost a fumble. After an impressive five-play 70-yard first drive, the Dolphin's offense struggled for most of the game. The young Rams defensive line constantly pressured Tagovailoa and sacked him three times. Two of the sacks were due to him holding the ball too long instead of throwing it away. This was not a good showing for the offensive line, and with the news of tackle Austin Jackson (knee) landing on IR, it doesn't look to get any better. Tagovailoa and the Miami offense will look to get back on track in Week 11 when they host the Las Vegas Raiders.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle caught three of six targets for 57 yards in Monday's 23-15 win over the Los Angeles Rams. He held the team lead in targets, receptions, and yards. Waddle continues to struggle to get on the same page as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The offense struggled overall to get anything going after their first drive ended in a touchdown. He had yet another drop in this game on a crucial third-down play that would've easily moved the chains. Nonetheless, the Dolphins got a much-needed win to climb back into the AFC playoff picture. It will be hard to trust Waddle down the stretch into the playoffs, with Miami throwing the ball much less than in previous years. He will look to bounce back in Week 11 when he returns to Miami to take on the Las Vegas Raiders.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane carried the ball 12 times for 37 yards and caught all five of his targets for 15 yards in Monday's 23-15 win over the Los Angeles Rams. It was disappointing from his two best performances of the season in Weeks 8 and 9. The Rams' defensive line was constantly in the backfield and allowed little to no room to run. The run blocking could be a concern as the Miami offensive line is dealing with a multitude of injuries. The latest was tackle Austin Jackson (knee) landing on IR before the game. One positive was that he out-touched all other Miami running backs 17 to 7. It looks as though Raheem Mostert's fumbling troubles are starting to affect his snaps and touches. Achane will look to return to RB1 form next week at home against the Las Vegas Raiders.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams tight end Davis Allen converted six targets into five catches for 34 yards during Monday's Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The 23-year-old has taken on a larger role lately, playing 55 percent of snaps last week. That rate jumped to 87 percent this week. While it's too early to run to the waiver wire and spill FAAB on Allen, he's a name worth monitoring as bye weeks and injuries continue to hit the tight end position.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua converted 14 targets into nine catches for 98 yards during Monday's Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The 23-year-old has played in four games this season, and while he's still searching for his first touchdown of 2024, he did set a season-high target total on Monday night. Nacua and Kupp form an impressive one-two punch in Los Angeles, and both are fringe top-12 fantasy receivers heading into a favorable matchup against the New England Patriots next weekend.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp hauled in all seven of his targets for 80 yards during Sunday's Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He played 90 percent of offensive snaps but saw his second-lowest target total of the season. Although he was out-produced by Puka Nacua on Monday, both players are dependable options in fantasy football, ranking as fringe WR1 options at the moment. Kupp is averaging 18.4 fantasy points per game (PPR) this season and should be started in all leagues heading into next weekend's clash on the East Coast versus the New England Patriots.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams rushed for 62 yards on 15 carries during Monday's Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He also caught five of his six targets for an additional 20 receiving yards, boosting his production in PPR leagues. With that said, Williams lost a fumble and failed to find the end zone in Monday's loss. The 24-year-old's nine-game touchdown streak came to an end last week, and now, he has gone two games without crossing the goal line. This is the first time since his rookie campaign in 2022 that Williams failed to score a touchdown in back-to-back games. Perhaps he'll bounce back next week in a game against the New England Patriots that figures to be run-heavy.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams kicker Joshua Karty went 5-for-6 on field goals but did not attempt an extra point during Monday's Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He converted kicks from 22, 31, 34, 53, and 55 yards in the effort. His lone miss was a 57-yard attempt that sailed wide right. The miss puts only a small blemish on the rookie's performance as five made field goals (including two from beyond 50 yards) is nothing to scoff at. Karty had been one of the worst kickers in terms of fantasy points entering Week 10, but Monday night's showing could give him some real streaming appeal ahead of a favorable matchup versus the New England Patriots next weekend.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 32 of 46 passes for 293 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception during Monday's Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He also took four sacks and fumbled twice, but both loose balls were recovered by Los Angeles. Stafford has now failed to throw for a touchdown in more than 44 percent of his games this season, but Monday's scoreless effort is particularly concerning given the Rams' favorable matchup, negative game script, and Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp both being healthy. Even with another favorable matchup on tap against New England, Stafford is not a dependable fantasy option, especially in single-quarterback leagues.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins CB Kendall Fuller (concussion) was ruled out of the Week 10 game on Monday, Nov. 11, after being placed in the concussion protocol.
From TheHuddle
Washington Commanders defensive back Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) was listed as a non-participant during Monday's practice estimation. Lattimore suffered a hamstring injury and has yet to make his team debut for Washington. The four-time Pro Bowl corner should be a significant upgrade for this secondary once he's healthy enough to play. He'll likely need to get through a few limited practice sessions in order to have a chance at suiting up against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday. The Commanders defense could certainly use the help, but they also aren't going to rush Lattimore back to the field.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) isn't expected to get back on the practice field this week. Head coach Kyle Shanahan doesn't expect to open Greenlaw's 21-day practice window yet. Greenlaw is working his way back from a torn left Achilles he suffered during the Super Bowl in February. That injury caused him to be placed on the physically unable to perform list to begin the season. The 49ers believe Greenlaw can contribute this season, but aren't going to rush him back to the field. Once he returns, Greenlaw should give this defensive unit a nice boost.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Chris Conley (hamstring) is expected to practice this week, according to David Lombardi. Conley sat out of Sunday's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a hamstring injury. He suffered that injury during the Week 8 contest against the Dallas Cowboys. The return of Conley gives this team depth with Brandon Aiyuk (knee) done for the season. Conley hasn't done much this season and is unlikely to contribute right now with this offense mostly healthy.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Darius Slay Jr. (ankle) wasn't available to open up the practice week on Monday. This comes a day after Slay was forced to exit early during Sunday's win over the Dallas Cowboys. Slay left in the first quarter due to an ankle issue, but he did return in the second half. He missed Monday's practice, but that could be the Eagles giving him a rest day. His status will be something to follow throughout the week with the Eagles taking on the Washington Commanders on Thursday.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons CB Mike Hughes (neck) has been cleared after an MRI on his neck injury, head coach Raheem Morris revealed on Monday, Nov. 11.
From TheHuddle
Denver Broncos RB Audric Estime ran well during the Week 10 game and will continue to see receive touches during games, according to head coach Sean Payton.
Fantasy Spin: Estime rushed for a season-high 53 yards in the last game and will continue to have a role in the running game. He is a risky option because it is not known how many carries he will receive but could be a possible flex option in deeper leagues if he continues to receives a majority of work at running back.
From TheHuddle
Denver Broncos rookie running back Audric Estime will "continue to get more reps," according to head coach Sean Payton. The Broncos said early last week that they wanted to get Estime more involved in their backfield before giving him a team-high 14 for 53 yards in the Week 10 loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. He played 45% of the offensive snaps, with Javonte Williams playing 29% of the snaps and seeing only three touches. Payton was encouraged by Estime's performance against the Chiefs, which means he could once again lead Denver's backfield in a Week 11 contest against the Atlanta Falcons. The 21-year-old fifth-round pick out of Notre Dame has been efficient on his 29 carries in six games, averaging 5.1 yards per tote, and is worth waiver-wire consideration for any fantasy managers in need at the RB position. Williams' fantasy stock could be on life support soon.
From RotoBaller
