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.
Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert (hip) was unable to participate during Tuesday's practice session. Seibert sat out last week's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a hip issue. It seems that Seibert is still dealing with that problem after missing Tuesday's practice. He's trending in the wrong direction ahead of Thursday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Zane Gonzalez figures to be asked to take over the kicking duties if Seibert sits out during this short week. Gonzalez knocked down both his field goal attempts and three extra point kicks during last week's game. The 29-year-old could be worth streaming if Seibert is unable to play.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Darius Slay Jr. (ankle) was able to get through a limited practice session on Tuesday. His return to the practice field is a good sign heading into Thursday's game against the Washington Commanders. Slay was forced to exit early during last week's game against the Dallas Cowboys due to an ankle issue. He did return in the second half, but sat out of Monday's practice, which was a bit concerning. However, Slay is back to practicing now which means he should be fine ahead of this Thursday Night matchup. His absence would leave a big hole in this secondary, so fantasy managers planning to stream the Eagles defense should check on Slay's final status before doing that.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's senior inside Adam Schefter said on Tuesday that he "would guess Daniel Jones never plays another snap for the New York Giants" after losing to the Carolina Panthers in Week 10 in Munich, Germany. The Giants currently have the worst record in football at 2-8 and would be in line to have the first overall selection in the 2025 NFL draft. Head coach Brian Daboll has stood behind Jones as the starting QB this year, but Schefter notes that Daboll's tone was different after Sunday's loss to Carolina in which Jones missed several open receivers and made questionable decisions. Going into their Week 11 bye, the Giants are evaluating everything and could head into Week 12 with some notable changes. If the G-Men bench Jones, who has a $23 million injury guarantee, to avoid him getting hurt to close things out, Drew Lock would be thrust into the starting role in the Big Apple.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) told ESPN's Lisa Salters that he has a torn ligament in his left wrist but has been playing through it. The ligament has bothered Hill since training camp, but it became an issue when he was detained by police and thrown on the ground back in September. The 30-year-old All-Pro pass-catcher was listed as questionable to play in Week 10 on Monday night against the Los Angeles Rams, but he was ultimately active for the 23-15 victory and caught three of his four targets for 16 yards and just his second touchdown of the year. He added two carries for 11 yards. The TD was nice, but the Cheetah had his second-lowest yardage total of the year on Monday night, and his wrist could bother him the rest of the way. Miami's offense has yet to find its stride with QB Tua Tagovailoa back, but that could happen in a juicy Week 11 matchup against the Raiders.
From RotoBaller
The San Francisco 49ers and cornerback Deommodore Lenoir reached an agreement on Tuesday on a five-year, $92 million contract extension. Lenoir was in the final year of his rookie deal in 2024 but will now stick around in the Bay Area for the long term after becoming one of the most underrated players on the Niners' defense in recent years. The former fifth-round selection in 2021 out of Oregon had a career-high 84 tackles (58 solo), a career-high three interceptions and 10 pass breakups in 17 regular-season starts for the team last year and currently has 53 tackles (33 solo), two interceptions, six pass breakups and a forced fumble in nine games in 2024 heading into the Week 11 game against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. The 25-year-old defensive back has become an every-down player for the 49ers defense and a key member of their secondary.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores suggested that he would like another crack at a head-coaching job during his appearance on the Adam Schefter podcast on Tuesday. Flores has led a serious turn around of the Vikings' defense over the last couple of years. The Vikings have the No. 2 rush defense in the NFL in 2024. Their pass defense is No. 26 in yards allowed per game. However, that statistic is likely due to the fact that the run defense is so dominant and the Vikings' offense generally forces opposing teams to play from behind. Flores was once a head coach for the Miami Dolphins and had an infamously poor relationship with young quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. He was eventually fired which resulted in his filing of a lawsuit against the league for injustice in head coach termination. Flores' name is sure to come up again over the next couple of head coaching cycles. His success with the Vikings is eye popping considering their defense was so poor prior to his arrival. For now, he will continue to lead one of the best units in the NFL as the Vikings find themselves in a surprisingly excellent position in the NFC playoff race through 10 weeks.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) was listed as a DNP on Tuesday's practice estimation. Lattimore has not practiced or played since he was traded to the Commanders ahead of the trade deadline last week. The Commanders are clearly going all in on this season with the addition of Lattimore and are surely eager to get him on the field to bolster their secondary. Lattimore has not played since Week 8 when he was still a member of the New Orleans Saints. In seven games played in 2024, Lattimore has recorded just two passes defensed and no interceptions. The Saints were struggling as a whole and Lattimore was not immune to those struggles. For the Commanders' sake, hopefully Lattimore finds himself again in Washington. Either way, he should be an upgrade over their current secondary. Lattimore's lack of participation on Monday and Tuesday does not bode well for his chances of suiting up on Thursday against the Philadelphia Eagles. This is a situation to monitor for fantasy managers who roster Eagles wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Both players would likely be negatively impacted by the presence of Lattimore on the field.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (ankle) was a limited participant in practice on Tuesday. Goedert returned from injury in Week 10 against the Dallas Cowboys and scored a respectable 10.5 fantasy points. He also scored his first touchdown on the season in Week 10. Prior to his injury, Goedert had been one of the best tight ends in fantasy so his return to the lineup is a welcome one for fantasy managers. Goedert draws a solid matchup in Week 11 against the Washington Commanders. Both teams' defenses have improved as the season has gone on but both offenses are potent and should generate a lot of passing attempts. That bodes well for Goedert who is the third option on his team behind wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Although Goedert was listed as a DNP on Monday, his activity on Tuesday suggests that he should suit up once again in Week 11. He should be a solid fantasy option if healthy.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) was listed as limited on the Commanders' injury report on Tuesday. Robinson has not played since Week 8 because of the injury. He was close to returning in Week 11 so his activity on Tuesday suggests that he may be on track to return this week. Additionally, Robinson was limited on Monday's practice report as well. As long as Robinson keeps up this trend then he seems to have a good shot to play in Week 11 against the Washington Commanders. Fantasy managers will rejoice to have Robinson back in lineups. In seven games played in 2024, Robinson has racked up six touchdowns and 461 rushing yards. The Commanders' offense has been one of the best in the league thanks to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. As such, Robinson's scoring opportunities have been constant. The Eagles defense presents a tough challenge for Robinson and he may be worked back into the lineup slowly. Should he suit up, he will likely be a low-end RB2 in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) was a limited participant in practice on Tuesday. Smith did not participate in Monday's walk through so his activity on Tuesday suggests that it was all maintenance related. Additionally, Smith has been dealing with the injury for a couple of weeks and it did not prohibit him from playing in Week 10. Smith was quiet in Week 10. He recorded just two receptions for 14 yards in the Eagles' blowout win in Dallas. It is unclear if his injury was affecting his play but Smith managers will be hoping for better days to come. Smith has 37 receptions for 487 yards and four touchdowns in eight games this season. His overall fantasy production has been relatively inconsistent but he is still the WR22 in PPR formats. Smith has a solid chance to get back on track in Week 11 against the Washington Commanders.
From RotoBaller
The Miami Dolphins claimed linebacker Tyrel Dodson off waivers from the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday after the Seahawks surprisingly waived him on Monday, according to a source. Dodson was leading the Seahawks with 71 tackles through the first 10 weeks of the season, in addition to two sacks, and had started every game. It's no surprise that he was quickly picked up off waivers, and the 26-year-old will now head to the AFC East division. He will be joining a linebacking corps in Miami that includes Jordyn Brooks, Anthony Walker and David Long. Based on how well Dodson was playing before being cut by Seattle, he figures to have a prominent role on defense with his new club. The Texas A&M alum debuted in 2020 with the Buffalo Bills and spent his first four seasons in Buffalo, recording 143 tackles (102 solo), 4.5 sacks, four pass breakups, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in 59 games (15 starts).
From RotoBaller
The Philadelphia Eagles announced on Tuesday that they waived tight end Jack Stoll. The move comes after Dallas Goedert returned from a three-game absence due to a hamstring injury to play in the Week 10 win over the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. When Goedert was sidelined, Stoll was serving as the No. 2 TE for the Eagles behind Grant Calcaterra. In seven games for Philly this year, Stoll had only two catches on three targets for 10 yards, and he has yet to score a touchdown in 57 games (28 starts) since debuting with the Eagles in 2021. If the 26-year-old is not claimed off waivers by another team, he could find himself back on the Eagles' practice squad in short order. If Stoll is claimed by another team, he'll likely operate as TE depth and won't suddenly become fantasy relevant.
From RotoBaller
The expectation is that Houston Texans star wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) will practice all week and then return on Monday night in Week 11 to face the Dallas Cowboys, according to multiple league sources. "He's 100 percent ready to go," a source said. Collins returned to practice for the first time last week since injuring his right hamstring in Week 5 but didn't get cleared to play in the Week 10 loss to the Detroit Lions despite being activated from Injured Reserve last Saturday. Barring a setback in practice this week, the 25-year-old is on track to return as Houston's leading wideout with Stefon Diggs (knee) done for the year. Before getting hurt, Collins led the NFL with 567 receiving yards in five games and will return to having a high ceiling and high floor for fantasy managers with quarterback C.J. Stroud throwing him the football.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (personal) has returned to practice this week and could be available to play this Sunday in Week 11 against the Miami Dolphins. The Raiders are coming off their bye week, but Mayer has missed the team's last six games while tending to personal matters. If Mayer is cleared to play this week, he may not see the field as much as he normally would as he works himself back into shape. The 23-year-old tight end wasn't a realistic option for starting fantasy lineups before leaving the team, though, with rookie Brock Bowers serving as Vegas' top pass-catching TE. Before leaving the team, Mayer had only four receptions on seven targets for 21 yards and no touchdowns in his three games played. He should remain on the waiver wire in most leagues unless Bowers misses time with an injury.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent WR Jakeem Grant was signed to the practice squad of the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
From TheHuddle
Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (ankle) is not taking part in Tuesday's practice leading up to an important Week 11 divisional game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hamilton suffered an ankle sprain in the Week 10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals and could be questionable or ruled out later this week for Sunday's contest. The 2022 first-round pick out of Notre Dame has tallied 71 tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and seven passes defended this season. He is the No. 4 defensive back in fantasy points this year. The Baltimore secondary has allowed the most passing yards per game (294.9) this season, so his absence could make things worse for the struggling unit.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (hamstring) was not spotted at Tuesday's practice, according to Ravens team reporter Jamison Hensley. The 24-year-old did not practice at all last week due to a hamstring injury and could be trending toward missing the Week 11 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, teams playing on Sunday are not required to release injury reports until Wednesday, so it's early in the week and too early to tell if he could be available. Likely opened the 2024 season with a nine-catch performance, but he has caught four or fewer passes in all other games this year. He is beginning to fall off the fantasy football radar, and if he doesn't play in Week 11, Mark Andrews will continue to have a better chance to produce fantasy-friendly numbers.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Jamison Crowder (calf) is not ready to have his practice window opened, according to head coach Dan Quinn. The veteran in his 10th NFL season was placed on Injured Reserve on October 2 and is eligible to return, but he is still working his way back from a calf injury. Crowder has tallied 432 receptions for 4,831 yards and 29 touchdowns in 119 career games with Washington, the New York Jets, and the Buffalo Bills, but he has become primarily a return specialist in recent years and is not on the fantasy football radar.
From RotoBaller
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed free-agent running back Jonathan Ward to their practice squad on Tuesday. Ward will return to the team's practice squad after being cut less than a week ago. The 27-year-old will continue to provide running back depth for the Steelers behind Najee Harris (ankle), Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson while being well off the fantasy radar. The Central Michigan alum has actually appeared in four games for the Steelers this year in his first season with the team but has seen only five carries for 22 yards and hasn't been targeted in the passing game. Harris picked up a minor ankle injury in the Week 10 win over the Washington Commanders but is expected to play this Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, so Ward will most likely stick on the practice squad in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (hamstring) is expected to play in Sunday's divisional showdown against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11, according to head coach Mike Tomlin. However, linebacker Alex Highsmith (ankle) will not be available and is considered week-to-week after suffering an ankle injury in the Week 10 win over the Washington Commanders. Herbig has missed the last four games after injuring his hamstring in the Week 5 win over the Dallas Cowboys but should return this weekend to help replace Highsmith, who could very well miss multiple weeks with what looked like a serious ankle injury. The 22-year-old Herbig was looking good in the first five games in just his second NFL season before his injury, recording 2.5 sacks, eight tackles (six solo) and a forced fumble.
From RotoBaller