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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According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) won't play in Sunday's contest against the Minnesota Vikings. Most had already expected this would be the case. However, the next question is if the signal-caller will be able to return in Week 11 against the Lions. But considering Lawrence has struggled during the 2024-25 campaign, throwing for 2,004 yards, 11 touchdowns, and six picks while completing just 61.3% of his attempts, not many will be looking to start him until he shows signs of consistency moving ahead. At any rate, Mac Jones will try his best versus a tough Vikings defense. Fortunately, the former Patriot is expected to have Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) and Gabe Davis (shoulder) in his arsenal. Still, that won't make him worthy of a starting spot in most fantasy setups.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (rib, oblique) is expected to suit up for Sunday's matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The wideout was limited in practice throughout the week. However, it appears Samuel is in line to play, which is more great news for the 49ers, a team that is also expected to get Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) and Jauan Jennings (hip) back on the field. But as far as Samuel is concerned, he's caught only 24 passes for 406 yards and a touchdown this season. Yet, with Brandon Aiyuk (knee) sidelined for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign, Samuel should see an uptick in attention from Brock Purdy moving forward.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder) is anticipated to suit up for Sunday's matchup against Minnesota. The former Bill injured his shoulder in the Week 9 loss to the Packers and was limited in practice during the week. However, barring a setback, he is expected to shed his questionable tag for the meeting with a tough Vikings defense. With that in mind, Davis has only 18 catches for 217 yards and two touchdowns throughout the 2024-25 campaign. With Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) also in line to play, Davis may have a tough time getting involved enough to justify his presence in fantasy lineups.
From RotoBaller
The Buffalo Bills elevated wide receiver K.J. Hamler to the active roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Colts. Keon Coleman (wrist) was already ruled out days ago. However, with Amari Cooper (wrist) questionable, the Bills likely made the move for insurance purposes. But even if Cooper isn't on the field in Week 10, Josh Allen will presumably turn to Khalil Shakir, Dalton Kincaid, Mack Hollins, and Curtis Samuel to pick up the slack, leaving little room for Hamler to get involved.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. The 22-year-old was limited in practice throughout the week and currently carries a questionable designation. But it appears the Jaguars will have their primary receiving options, with Gabe Davis (shoulder) also anticipated to suit up in Week 10. Thomas has played well throughout the 2024-25 campaign, amassing 35 catches for 595 yards and five touchdowns. As a result, he's established himself as a capable fantasy starter. However, Thomas may suffer without Trevor Lawrence (shoulder), who isn't anticipated to play, versus a challenging Vikings defense.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is out for the season with a hamstring injury. Dynasty Analysis: Prescott will reportedly have surgery to repair his hamstring that has apparently torn off the bone. It's the latest blow to a Dallas team that has had very few things go their way this season. Prescott will end the season with a very pedestrian 1,978 passing yards with just 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions in eight games this season. His absence will hurt the short-term value of every offensive player in Dallas, but his long-term health shouldn't be affected. Still, his ADP and ranking is surely going to fall as Prescott has had a hard time stringing two elite-level seasons together thoughout his career and looks more like a high-end QB2 than an elite player to build a dynasty franchise around.
The New York Giants have activated kicker Graham Gano (hamstring) from the injured reserve ahead of their Week 10 outing against the Carolina Panthers. The 37-year-old hasn't appeared in a game since picking up the ailment while attempting a tackle on the opening kickoff against Washington in Week 2. Before his injury, he connected on his only two field goal attempts in Week 1. Upon his return, Gano will immediately slot back in as the team's primary placekicker and is gifted with a juicy matchup this Sunday morning across the pond. Carolina has allowed the second-most fantasy points in the league thus far to opposing kickers and could be a useful fantasy option if the Giants' offense can get it together in Munich.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals S Budda Baker leads the NFL with 58 solo tackles, and he has recorded at least seven total stops in all nine games, logging 12-plus tackles in four of his last six games.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson will square off against the Miami Dolphins this Monday night in one of the tougher matchups of Week 10. Parkinson looked like he was picking up some steam heading into the team's Week 6 bye, but he's totaled a meager four catches and 49 yards in the three contests since. The Dolphins' defense has been excellent against opposing pass-catchers this season, and tight ends are no exception, with the sixth-fewest fantasy points allowed to the position. Additionally, last weekend marked the first time the 25-year-old did not lead LA's tight end room in snaps in 2024, with that honor going to second-year TE Davis Allen. Whether or not Allen has surpassed Parkinson in the pecking order remains to be seen. Still, he's not a recommended option for the matchup on Monday Night Football. The former Stanford Cardinal ranks as RotoBaller's PPR TE27 in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (toe/hip) is designation-free for the team's Monday night matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Head coach Sean McVay didn't make a big deal when asked about Robinson's ailments leading up to Week 10's tilt, and it's nice to see the veteran come through. The former fourth-round pick was the hero in last week's OT win over the Seattle Seahawks but will face a stiffer task this Monday against a solid Dolphins defensive unit. Miami has been staunch against the pass this year, allowing the fourth-fewest passing yards per game (183.1) and the fifth-fewest touchdowns through the air (8). Additionally, fellow wideout Puka Nacua will presumably play the entire contest this weekend, so long as he doesn't get himself ejected again. With the Rams' wide receiver corps intact, the 30-year-old is little more than a FLEX play with touchdown upside for the contest. He's RotoBaller's PPR WR47 in this week's rankings.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua will line up against the Miami Dolphins in Week 10 on Monday Night Football. Between a knee injury that won't go away and some suspect behavior (throwing a punch at a Seahawks defender in Week 9 only to get ejected), the second-year wideout has had a tough time formulating any consistency this season. The good news is he did not appear on the Rams' injury report this week, so maybe he's past the ailment that's robbed him of five contests and part of another. The bad news is that Miami's secondary is no joke, as they've afforded their opponents the fourth-fewest passing yards per game in the league (183.1). Still, the 23-year-old will occupy his usual role as a top-two option in LA's passing attack and should be started by fantasy managers despite the less-than-ideal matchup. The BYU alum ranks as RotoBaller's PPR WR8 for this weekend's slate.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones is averaging 18.9 touches and 101.3 yards from scrimmage per game this season.
Fantasy Spin: The only thing that has been missing for Jones has been regular trips to the end zone, but a Week 10 matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars could fix that. Jacksonville's defense is allowing the second-most yards per game and has allowed the fifth-most rushing touchdowns. Jones has RB1 upside.
From TheHuddle
Indianapolis Colts LB Zaire Franklin leads the NFL with 10.7 tackles per game, and he has recorded at least eight tackles in all nine games.
From TheHuddle
The Washington Commanders have acquired kicker Zane Gonzalez ahead of their matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday. With the news that Austin Seibert (hip) had been downgraded to out with a hip ailment, the team signed Gonzales to their practice squad and then promptly elevated him to the active roster a day later. Week 10 will be the veteran's first taste of action since 2021, when he appeared in 12 games and hit on 22-of-23 extra point attempts and 20-of-22 field goal tries for the Carolina Panthers. Seibert has been excellent this year for Washington, connecting on 92.6% of his three-point attempts (25-of-27) and knocking in all 22 extra-point opportunities. We'll see how long he is out of the lineup. In the meantime, Gonzalez will slot in in his stead.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp is coming off a tremendous performance during last week's win over the Seattle Seahawks. Kupp hauled in 11 of his 14 targets for 104 yards as he torched that secondary all game long. The veteran wideout missed four games due to injury, but is back now and hasn't missed a beat. Kupp figures to continue being a focal point on offense after playing in 92 percent of the snaps last week. He heads into a matchup against the Miami Dolphins who have struggled at times to contain the passing game. Fantasy managers shouldn't be worried about Kupp losing a step as he should be plugged in as a strong WR1 for this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys running back Dalvin Cook won't be elevated from the practice squad ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Cook has been on the active roster for each of the last two games, but hasn't done much damage on the field. He has rushed eight times for 20 yards over his past two appearances. The Cowboys have decided to go a different route this weekend. Instead, Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn will split up the carries in the backfield. Out of the trio, Dowdle is the most reliable option with a 75-yard performance during last week's loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Fantasy managers still holding onto Cook are probably safe to look elsewhere for help.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert (hip) has been downgraded to out ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Seibert suffered a hip injury last week and missed practice time this week because of the issue. The team will ultimately hold out Seibert for Week 10 due to the hip injury, but hopefully it'll only be a one-game absence. Zane Gonzalez has been elevated from the practice squad for Sunday's game. Fantasy managers looking for a streaming option this weekend might want to consider Gonzalez with the Commanders offense rolling right now.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders kicker Chris Rodriguez Jr. has been signed to the active roster ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rodriguez is back on the active roster with Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) being ruled out for this weekend. The expectation is that Austin Ekeler and Rodriguez will split up the backfield duties for Washington. Last week, Rodriguez carried the ball 11 times for 52 yards in the win over the New York Giants. He'll get a tougher challenge against the Steelers defense this week, but he could have some desperation flex value for Week 10.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets kicker Spencer Shrader has been elevated from the practice squad ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. The merry-go-round at kicker continues for the Jets as they seemingly have gone through a handful of kickers over the last few weeks. The Jets also have Anders Carlson, but it's looking like Shrader is going to get the starting nod this weekend. Fantasy managers shouldn't get too invested in Shrader as this could very well be a one-game stint for him. He could be worth a look for fantasy managers needing a streaming option at kicker this week, but probably won't be a long term solution at the position.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (hip) is expected to suit up for the Week 10 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. London was pulled out during the first half of last week's game due to a hip inury. He has been limited in practice this week, but could be the team just being cautious with London. It sounds like London will be ready to play, barring any setbacks. London figures to do damage against a shaky Saints secondary that no longer has Marshon Lattimore. Fantasy managers should feel confident about pulling London into their fantasy lineups ahead of this game.
From RotoBaller
