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
Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 9
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson was expected to take a backseat during last week's game against the Minnesota Vikings. Robinson did only see three targets, but he hauled in two of them for 35 yards and two touchdowns in the win. His fantasy value was saved by the two scores otherwise it would've been a quiet night for Robinson. The expectation is that Robinson would see less targets with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua (knee) back in the mix. However, Nacua is banged up and could see a limit on his snaps if he does play on Sunday. That means, Robinson could see more targets coming his way on Sunday. Fantasy managers shouldn't rush to add Robinson, but he could be a boom-or-bust option for desperate fantasy managers in deep leagues.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson hasn't been able to do much damage as the backup this season. Wilson did rush for 54 yards in Week 6, but since then Wilson has been held to 16 yards over the last two games. The 25-year-old hasn't seen the field much lately with Josh Jacobs (ankle) healthy. There was some concern over Jacobs' status earlier in the week, but he appears to be good to go for Week 9 against the Detroit Lions. That being said, Wilson will remain the backup and isn't worth rostering in most redraft formats. He's worth a stash in deep leagues or dynasty formats because he'd likely become the starter if anything happens to Jacobs.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) is currently listed as questionable ahead of the Week 9 matchup against the New York Giants. Robinson was limited throughout the week, which put his status for Sunday in real danger. However, Robinson is reportedly making great progress and appears to be good to go for Sunday's divisional contest. Fantasy managers should check back ahead of kickoff for official confirmation. Austin Ekeler would remain as the primary backup, assuming Robinson is able to go on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver David Moore saw his biggest performance of the season during last week's loss to the Denver Broncos. Moore hauled in four of his five targets for 39 yards, which are all season highs for the 29-year-old. After a few injuries and trades, Moore has become the WR3 in Carolina right now. That doesn't mean a lot given how bad the Panthers offense has been this season. However, it's worth noting that Moore played 82 percent of the snaps last week. He isn't a reliable fantasy option for Week 9, but could creep into the flex conversation with another decent performance this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill has been a boom-or-bust option throughout most of the season. Last week, Hill rushed twice for five yards while hauling in one target for 14 yards through the air. It was a dud outing for Hill who is the primary backup for Derrick Henry in the backfield. Hill has struggled on the ground throughout most of the season, but salvaged his value at times with touchdowns through the air. He'll likely struggle once again to move the ball on the ground against the Denver Broncos tough defense. Hill hasn't done enough to earn the trust of fantasy managers for this Week 9 contest.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders saw increased involvement in the offense during last week's loss to the Denver Broncos. Sanders only rushed the ball once for seven yards, but was extremely active through the air. The 27-year-old hauled in all seven of his targets for 38 yards which are both season highs for Sanders. The expectation is that Sanders is going to continue having a minimal role behind Chuba Hubbard in the backfield. That seven-catch performance was likely more of a fluke than anything else. Fantasy managers should consider Sanders a risky flex option for the Week 9 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert was a healthy scratch from last week's loss to the Washington Commanders. Now, it's being reported that the organization has given Herbert permission to seek a trade. Herbert has fallen out of the rotation with D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson playing well right now. That being said, the Bears don't have much incentive to play Herbert who is in his final year of his contract. The 26-year-old has rushed for over 600 yards over the last previous seasons. He has a cheap salary and could be worth the risk for a contending team trying to add depth to their roster. Herbert might be worth a stash but there is no guarantee he gets traded.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) has been making progress from his fractured leg he suffered in Week 2. The Chiefs said Pacheco was expected to miss 6-to-8 weeks, but rule out the possibility of Pacheco missing the rest of the regular season. Now, Pacheco is expected to make a late-November return. It'll be interesting to see how the Chiefs involve Pacheco once he's back on the field. Kareem Hunt has played well as the lead back over the last four games. The expectation is that the Chiefs have the two backs split up the duties in the backfield. That would likely make for a messy situation for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (suspension) won't suit up for this week's game against the Green Bay Packers. However, Williams is expected to return next week after serving a two-game suspension for violating the league's performance enhancing policy. It's worth noting that the NFL continues to monitor his legal situation in an unrelated gun case. That could take some time to resolve, but Williams isn't expected to miss time because of that. Fantasy managers can be hopeful to get Williams back in their lineups as early as next week.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos running back Audric Estime hasn't done much with his chances this season. The rookie back has been barely seen on the field this season, but that's likely to change in Week 9. The Broncos are reportedly hopeful to get Estime more involved during their matchup with the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. He's currently the third string back behind Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin in the backfield. Estime hasn't done enough to warrant adding in most fantasy formats but he's worth a stash in dynasty formats.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens defensive back Marlon Humphrey (knee) is listed as questionable, but is expected to suit up for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. Humphrey has been limited in practice all week after missing last week's loss to the Cleveland Browns. The return of Humphrey would be a welcoming sight for the Ravens secondary that is banged up right now. It's possible that Humphrey is limited during his first game back, but his presence would be an upgrade for this defensive unit.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss (neck) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game versus the Las Vegas Raiders, according to ESPN's Ben Baby. The 26-year-old has delivered modest production in a split role with Chase Brown so far this year, totaling 242 rushing yards, 187 receiving yards, and three touchdowns. His usage had started to dwindle with Brown coming on strong lately, and now he's going to be sidelined altogether as he battles a neck issue. For the time being, Brown is the only Cincinnati running back worth starting in fantasy football. This week, with Moss sidelined, Brown ranks as a fringe top-24 fantasy option at the position.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Diontae Johnson will likely play 10 to 15 snaps in his first game with the team on Sunday, according to CBS Sports' Tracy Wolfson. Johnson was acquired from the Carolina Panthers earlier this week, and while he isn't fully acclimated to the Ravens' offense yet, it sounds like the Baltimore coaching staff will get him on the field for a percentage of plays in Week 9. Moving forward, he offers Baltimore an experienced weapon that can stretch the field in a supplementary role behind Zay Flowers. Johnson should be benched in fantasy football this week, but he could jump up to the low-end WR3 range by Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (concussion) has cleared concussion protocol and is expected to play in Week 9 against the Los Angeles Chargers, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The veteran defender had previously been listed as questionable, but that designation reflected Ward's place in the concussion protocol. Now that he has been cleared to play, that designation seems like a mere formality. We're expecting Ward to suit up as he looks to build on his 15 tackles this season and attempts to intercept his first pass since Week 9 of last year.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Eric Kendricks (shoulder) is expected to play against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9 despite being listed as questionable, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The 32-year-old defender played through the injury last week, registering nine tackles and bringing his season total to 61. He also has two sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception this year.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (calf) is expected to be a game-time decision against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Even though Diggs is listed as questionable and didn't practice this week, the Cowboys are leaving the door open for him to suit up against Atlanta. The 26-year-old defender is off to a quieter start this season, amassing 28 tackles and just one interception through seven games so far. If he can't suit up, Caelen Carson and Andrew Booth would earn additional opportunities on defense.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) has been ruled out for Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints. Although Thielen did practice earlier this week, he was sidelined Friday and ultimately downgraded to out on Saturday. Sunday will represent his sixth consecutive absence, leaving Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker in line to operate as the Panthers' top receivers.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks won't make his NFL debut on Sunday. The rookie has been ruled out for Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints. He'll have to wait at least one more week before getting back into a game for the first time since tearing his ACL at the University of Texas last year. Chuba Hubbard will continue to lead the Carolina backfield for the duration of Brooks' absence.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) is expected to play against the Philadelphia Eagles despite being listed as questionable, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Etienne has missed the Jaguars' last two games, and during that time, he lost significant ground to Tank Bigsby in the competition for the starting role. It's unclear what the backfield splits will look like this Sunday, but Bigsby figures to get first dibs on the majority share of carries while Etienne nestles into a supplementary role. For the time being, Etienne is not a reliable starter in leagues with 12 or fewer teams.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) is expected to play in Week 9 against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. There were concerns about the severity of Thomas' injury when he suffered it last weekend, but in the end, it looks like the rookie will be able to avoid missing any games. Instead, he'll play in a favorable matchup against the Eagles, and he figures to see a little extra volume with Christian Kirk (collarbone) done for the year. Thomas ranks as a low-end fantasy WR2 this week.
From RotoBaller
