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FFL: Week 11 | NFL: Week 11

WR Strength of Schedule

Fri May 31 10:52am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

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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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 11

Player Notes
Tee Higgins Nov 13 1:30pm ET
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said he's encouraged with wide receiver Tee Higgins (quadriceps) for Week 11 against the Los Angeles Chargers. However, Higgins will not take any practice repetitions on Wednesday. It's good news that the Bengals are optimistic about Higgins after he missed the last three games with a quad injury, but he's going to need to get back on the practice field if he wants to be cleared to play this Sunday evening. Cincy also plays in the Sunday night game against the Bolts, so if Higgins is a game-time decision, it will make him an even riskier fantasy play. If the 25-year-old pass-catcher returns on Sunday, he'll be a WR3/flex for fantasy managers, albeit in a tough matchup against a stingy Chargers defense. Tight ends Mike Gesicki and Tanner Hudson have benefitted from bigger roles in the passing game the last few weeks with Higgins sidelined.

From RotoBaller

JuJu Smith-Schuster Nov 13 1:30pm ET
JuJu Smith-Schuster

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is likely to return and play in Week 11 against the Buffalo Bills on the road. Smith-Schuster has not played since injuring his hamstring in a win over the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 20, but he's expected to return to practice this week and play this weekend. The week prior to his injury, Smith-Schuster went off for seven catches and 130 yards in the win over the New Orleans Saints, prompting plenty of waiver-wire consideration with the Chiefs' receiving corps so banged up. However, since his injury, KC landed DeAndre Hopkins in a trade with the Tennessee Titans. The 27-year-old will have a role in the Chiefs' passing attack when he returns, but the addition of Hopkins makes him less exciting from a fantasy perspective.

From RotoBaller

Austin Seibert Nov 13 1:20pm ET
Austin Seibert

Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert (hip) has officially been ruled out for the Week 11 game against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night. Seibert was unable to practice this week and will miss his second straight game. The good news is he'll have extra time to recover before hopefully returning for another divisional contest in Week 12 against the Dallas Cowboys. With Seibert ruled out again, Zane Gonzalez should serve as Washington's kicker yet again after making both of his field-goal attempts and all three of his extra-point tries in the Week 10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Gonzalez was on point in his return to NFL action last Sunday, but fantasy managers should be able to find better streaming options at the position than Gonzalez against the Eagles on Thursday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Nov 13 1:20pm ET
A.J. Brown

Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) has been ruled out for the Week 11 contest on Thursday night against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, so he'll have to wait to make his debut with the team until Week 12 against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. Lattimore is still nursing a hamstring injury that he suffered before being acquired in a trade from the New Orleans Saints. The 28-year-old veteran defensive back injured his hamstring in Week 8 and has not played since, but he'll have extra time to heal up following Thursday night's game. Lattimore was brought in specifically to help improve a Commanders secondary that has been their weakness in 2024, but he won't be available to try and help slow down Eagles receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith on Thursday night.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Nov 13 1:20pm ET
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) will return to practice on Wednesday, but head coach Andy Reid said it's unlikely that he will play on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills in Week 11. The Chiefs are eyeing a potential late-November return for Pacheco, who is recovering from a fractured fibula suffered in Week 2, so the team is likely going to use all of the 25-year-old's 21-day practice window before officially activating him from Injured Reserve. Pacheco needs to be rostered in all fantasy leagues, but it's probably going to be at least several more weeks before he's active on game day. For now, Kareem Hunt will continue to serve as the Chiefs' primary back and needs to be locked into all starting fantasy lineups as the team travels to Buffalo to take on the Bills this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Nov 13 12:40pm ET
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) will not take part in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Kincaid injured his knee in the Week 10 win over the Indianapolis Colts and is now in danger of missing a huge Week 11 tilt against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs. However, Kincaid still has two more days to return to the practice field to give him a shot at playing this weekend. The second-year tight end has been a bit of a disappointment for fantasy managers that invested in him in 2024, as he currently ranks as the TE22 in half-PPR points per game (6.5). Before getting hurt last Sunday against Indy, he had two catches on five targets for 24 yards. If Kincaid cannot get cleared to face the Chiefs, Dawson Knox would immediately become an intriguing TE2 streamer, especially if receiver Amari Cooper (wrist) misses a third straight game.

From RotoBaller

Younghoe Koo Nov 13 12:40pm ET
Younghoe Koo

The Atlanta Falcons are sticking with kicker Younghoe Koo heading into their Week 11 game on the road against the Denver Broncos after he missed three field-goal tries in the three-point loss to the division-rival New Orleans Saints in Week 10. "We've got history. With Koo, I'm going to ride that thing till the wheels fall off," head coach Raheem Morris said. The 30-year-old missed three of his four field goals on Sunday but made both of his extra-point attempts. Over his last six games, Koo has gone an uncharacteristic 3-for-9 from 40-plus yards and also had one of his kicks blocked by the Saints. He's tied for 10th among all kickers in total fantasy points through 10 weeks but is trending down in fantasy at the moment because of his struggles of late. The Broncos defense has been stingy in terms of points allowed this year, but Koo should still be on the streaming radar at altitude in Denver this Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Amari Cooper Nov 13 12:30pm ET
Amari Cooper

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that wide receiver Amari Cooper (wrist) will be limited during the team's walkthrough practice on Wednesday. It's a good start to the week for Cooper, who has missed each of the team's last two games due to a wrist injury. Rookie Keon Coleman (wrist) has already been ruled out for the Week 11 showdown against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs, so Cooper's status becomes even more important for Buffalo's offense. If Cooper were to miss a third straight game, Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins would start in three-wide sets. The 30-year-old Cooper has been improving, though, making it more likely than not that he'll return to face the Chiefs. If he does return, he should be Buffalo's WR1 after catching four passes for 66 yards and a touchdown in his debut with the team on Oct. 20 in the win over the Tennessee Titans.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Nov 13 12:20pm ET
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said on Wednesday that quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) will not play in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions. However, Pederson is optimistic that Lawrence can play in Week 13 against the division-rival Houston Texans following the team's bye in Week 12. There were reports that Lawrence might miss the rest of the season due to an AC joint sprain in his left (non-throwing) shoulder, but that seems unlikely now as long as he doesn't suffer a setback as he rehabs. Mac Jones will make his second straight start this Sunday after going 14-for-22 for 111 yards, no TDs, two interceptions and a fumble in the Week 10 loss to the Vikings. The Lions defense/special teams unit will be a popular streamer this week against the Jags with Lawrence missing a second straight game. Jones should be considered a low-end, low-upside QB2 in superflex fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Nov 13 12:20pm ET
Davante Adams

New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams (illness, wrist) did not take part in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. It doesn't sound like Adams is in danger of missing the Week 11 contest versus the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday, but we'll keep an eye on Adams' practice status the rest of the week. As long as he's able to return to the practice field in the next two days, he should get cleared to suit up this weekend as the Jets look to get back on track. The 31-year-old three-time All-Pro has underwhelmed with the Jets since they acquired him in a trade from the Las Vegas Raiders, as he's caught 20 of his 39 passes for 206 yards and one touchdown in four games played. Week 11 provides him an opportunity for a strong performance, though, as the Colts' defense has been a top-10 matchup for opposing wideouts in 2024 in terms of fantasy points per game.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Nov 13 12:10pm ET
Anthony Richardson

The Indianapolis Colts are going back to quarterback Anthony Richardson as their starter over Joe Flacco for the Week 11 game this Sunday on the road against the New York Jets. Flacco took over for a struggling Richardson in Week 9 and has led the Colts to two straight losses, so Indy will go back to the fourth overall pick out of Florida from last year. The 22-year-old possesses elite rushing ability with his legs, but he's proven very injury-prone early in his career and has had even bigger issues with his accuracy as a passer. Based on his rushing ability alone, Richardson will have QB1 upside for fantasy managers in his return to the starting role this weekend, although the Jets defense isn't the greatest matchup. If you're in need of QB help in Week 11 and Richardson is available, consider scooping him up. Head coach Shane Steichen said Richardson will be the starter for the rest of the season.

From RotoBaller

Miles Sanders Nov 13 9:30am ET
Miles Sanders

Testing revealed that Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (foot/ankle) avoided a major injury, according to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Penn State product was carted off the field during the Panthers' victory against the New York Giants in Munich, but he appears to have dodged the worst-case scenarios. Rapoport reported that Sanders will be considered "day-to-day" as the team waits for swelling to dissipate. The Panthers are idle this week, but the veteran back has little fantasy relevance even at full health. Chuba Hubbard has been the clear lead running back in Carolina, while second-round rookie Jonathon Brooks (knee) is close to making his NFL debut.

From RotoBaller

Tanner Conner Nov 13 12:50am ET
Tanner Conner

Miami Dolphins tight end Tanner Conner (knee) has been placed on injured reserve. The 26-year-old injured his knee during Monday night's win over the Los Angeles Rams. Conner has primarily played on special teams this season, registering just three catches for 16 yards along the way. Jonnu Smith, Durham Smythe, and Julian Hill remain the top three tight ends on Miami's offensive depth chart.

From RotoBaller

Ke'Shawn Vaughn Nov 13 12:50am ET
Ke'Shawn Vaughn

The San Francisco 49ers released running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn from their practice squad on Tuesday. He'll be replaced by running back Patrick Taylor Jr., who signed to the Niners' practice squad the same day. Vaughn bounced around with the Buccaneers and Patriots from 2020 through 2023, amassing 384 rushing yards, 81 receiving yards, and three total touchdowns. He had not yet registered a stat with the Niners at the time of his release. Moving forward, the 49ers' running back depth chart will feature Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason, Isaac Guerendo, and Taylor (in that order).

From RotoBaller

Jakeem Grant Nov 13 12:40am ET
Jakeem Grant

The Atlanta Falcons signed veteran wide receiver and special teamer Jakeem Grant to their practice squad on Tuesday. Grant spent a portion of 2024 training camp with Atlanta before being cut loose. He hasn't touched the football in a game since 2021, a year in which he made the Pro Bowl as a returner. The 32-year-old could work his way onto the active roster with his special teams experience, but he's not a dependable offensive weapon and therefore should be left untouched in all fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Nov 12 11:53pm ET
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle (hamstring) has hamstring irritation and will be monitored throughout the week, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan on Monday, Nov. 11.

Fantasy Spin: Any potential injury issue for the top-scoring fantasy tight end is notable, although none of the team's beat reporters seems overly concerned about it yet. While fantasy managers should not be overly concerned yet, Kittle missed a game earlier this year with a hamstring problem. Assuming he practices this week, he should be considered a strong TE1 option in Week 11 versus the Seattle Seahawks.

From TheHuddle

Desmond Ridder Nov 12 11:20pm ET
Desmond Ridder

The Athletic's Vic Tafur writes that the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to make the change to quarterback Desmond Ridder after Gardner Minshew II was benched for a third time this year in the Week 9 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Nothing is official yet, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Raiders go with Ridder under center coming off their bye to face the Miami Dolphins this Sunday. Aidan O'Connell (finger) is on Injured Reserve. Head coach Antonio Pierce is feeling the pressure after losing five straight games to fall to 2-7 before the Week 10 bye. After Ridder took over for Minshew in the loss to the Bengals, he went 11-for-16 for 74 yards and a touchdown while also losing a fumble. The former Falcons QB won't be anything more than a desperation QB2 in superflex leagues if he gets the start against a Dolphins D that just kept the Rams out of the end zone all game on Monday.

From RotoBaller

Siran Neal Nov 12 10:00pm ET
Siran Neal

Miami Dolphins defensive back Kendall Fuller (concussion) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 11 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to head coach Mike McDaniels. Fuller suffered a concussion during Monday's win over the Los Angeles Rams. This is his second concussion of the season and as a result he'll be held out in Week 11 while he works to clear concussion protocol. Either Siran Neal or Cam Smith will take over as the opposite corner to Jalen Ramsey. The loss of Fuller will hurt, but the Dolphins defense should still be fine against a struggling Raiders offense.

From RotoBaller

Will Grier Nov 12 10:00pm ET
Will Grier

The Dallas Cowboys have signed quarterback Will Grier to their practice squad on Tuesday. Grier was recently cut off the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad, but it didn't take him long to find a new home. He figures to join the team as depth with Dak Prescott (hamstring) done for the season. The former third-round pick has done very little since being drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2019. He played in two games as a rookie and hasn't done anything since then. Grier is likely brought in as depth in case Cooper Rush or Trey Lance suffer an injury at some point. The 29-year-old figures to remain on the practice squad going forward.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Taylor Nov 12 9:40pm ET
Patrick Taylor

San Francisco 49ers running back Patrick Taylor Jr. was waived by the team last week to make room for Christian McCaffrey on the active roster. However, Taylor is back with the organization less than a week later. It appears Taylor was decided to rejoin the practice squad after clearing waivers this week. This move doesn't mean much right now considering Taylor has seven carries for 25 yards on the season. He's nice depth to have given the how often running backs get injured in San Francisco. He figures to fall behind Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo in the pecking order for backups, so fantasy managers can ignore Taylor.

From RotoBaller