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FFL: Week 10 | NFL: Week 10

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 10

Player Notes
Zay Flowers Nov 6 5:00pm ET
Zay Flowers

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers has gained some momentum over the past couple of weeks and now has three weeks with finishes in WR1 territory. He also has two more finishes as a WR2, but now has more competition for targets with Diontae Johnson getting integrated into the offense a bit further. While Johnson only played in 30% of the snaps in Week 9, that will likely increase in Week 10 against the Bengals. Flowers surpassed the 100-yard mark against the Bengals in Week 5 and this game has the makings of another shootout just like their 41-38 contest. So, he should still have WR2 potential.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Nov 6 5:00pm ET
Diontae Johnson

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Diontae Johnson played in 30% of the team's offensive snaps during their Week 9 win over the Denver Broncos. Head coach John Harbaugh even said that they planned to ease him into the offense for his first game. Now, with a game under his belt, the Ravens take on the Cincinnati Bengals in a short week. Without the full week of practice, it's unlikely that Johnson has that much bigger of a grasp on the offense, but he's also no stranger to AFC North matchups from his time in Pittsburgh. Zay Flowers remains the number-one option, but Johnson could get some opportunities if it turns into another shootout.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Nov 6 5:00pm ET
Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday, according to Brian Batko of PGSportsNow. Fields was inactive last weekend with a hamstring injury and could be in danger of sitting out in Week 10. Fields was moved to the backup spot on the depth chart in Week 7 in favor of Russell Wilson. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Fields' status throughout the week, as he could once again serve as the emergency option while Kyle Allen moves up to the backup position. During the first six weeks of the season, Fields averaged a solid 21.4 PPR points with 10 total scores. Fields remains a high-upside handcuff option in deeper superflex formats for the time being.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Nov 6 4:50pm ET
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (fibula) is "getting close" to a return to practice, according to Adam Teicher of ESPN. Teicher further noted that his return is unlikely to happen this week. The former seventh-round selection is still recovering from a fractured fibula he suffered during Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, as he could be quickly approaching a return. In his limited play this season, the Rutgers product averaged an impressive 16.0 PPR points per game across the first two weeks. For now, fantasy managers should continue to expect Kareem Hunt to operate as the lead back but to eventually cede those duties to Pacheco when he returns to action.

From RotoBaller

Brian Robinson Jr. Nov 6 4:40pm ET
Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) is expected to practice on Wednesday, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic. In addition, Standig reported that the coaching staff is "really going to push it this week." Fantasy managers should monitor his status throughout the week, but this is a positive sign for his availability for this weekend's tilt against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Last weekend, Robinson was a game-time decision but was eventually ruled out. In his absence, Austin Ekeler and Chris Rodriguez Jr. saw the majority of carries out of the backfield. If Robinson were to miss his second straight game, Ekeler should be viewed as a solid RB2, with Rodriguez becoming a viable flex option in deeper formats.

From RotoBaller

Derrick Henry Nov 6 4:40pm ET
Derrick Henry

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry remains atop the position in fantasy this season and it doesn't look like he'll be letting go of that lead any time soon. The King faces off against the Cincinnati Bengals in a short week, but the last time these two teams faced off, Henry was able to find the end zone while compiling 92 yards on 15 carries. The game turned into a shootout, so he wasn't involved the whole way through. While that could happen again, Henry receives opportunities early and often, and he has a solid history on Thursday night as he's registered 685 yards and nine touchdowns on 134 carries in eight career Thursday night games.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Nov 6 4:40pm ET
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (ankle) is expected to practice in full on Wednesday according to Adam Teicher of ESPN. Mahomes suffered an ankle injury during last Monday's victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but did not have to miss any action. Fantasy managers should monitor the 29-year-old's status throughout the week in case he faces a setback but he should be expected to start on Sunday against the Denver Broncos. Last Monday, Mahomes scored a season-high 27.5 PPR points as he threw three scores with 291 yards. This was his first time this season that he tallied three scores in a single game. Despite his mediocre showings throughout this season, fantasy managers should continue to view him as a top-12 option going forward.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Likely Nov 6 4:30pm ET
Isaiah Likely

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (hamstring) has been ruled out for Thursday's tilt against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Likely was unable to participate in any practice sessions this week and will set his sights on returning in Week 11 to face the Pittsburgh Steelers. Last weekend, the 24-year-old was held off the box score and saw just one target his way. Since Week 6, the tight end has averaged a mere 4.3 PPR points per game, which is a stark contrast to the 10.4 PPR points he averaged during the first five weeks of the season. Fantasy managers should expect Mark Andrews to see the vast majority of snaps at the position and be viewed as a solid TE1 and a strong flex option in DFS contests.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Nov 6 4:20pm ET
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (knee) is off the injury report and expected to start on Thursday evening against the Cincinnati Bengals. Jacksons was sidelined during Tuesday's practice but was able to log a full session on Wednesday. The 27-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic first half to the 2024 campaign as he has averaged an impressive 29.1 PPR points per game and remains a favorite to claim back-to-back NFL MVP honors. Last weekend in their victory over the Denver Broncos, Jackson tossed three scores with 280 passing yards. On Thursday, he should be viewed as a high-end QB1 facing a Cincinnati defense that has allowed the 29th-most PPR points to opposing QBs.

From RotoBaller

Michael Pittman Jr. Nov 6 4:10pm ET
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) was not seen at Wednesday's practice according to James Boyd of The Athletic. The USC product has been dealing with a lingering back injury throughout the past month but has yet to miss any games due to it. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week but given his track record, he should be expected to return to practice later in the week. Pittman had another disappointing showing last weekend as he brought in just one of his four targets for just 14 yards. Since Week 7, Pittman has not eclipsed double-digit PPR points in a single game and has caught just one pass in two of those weeks. If the 27-year-old suits up this weekend, he should be viewed as a risky WR3 facing a tough Buffalo secondary who have allowed the sixth-fewest PPR points to opposing wideouts.

From RotoBaller

Micah Parsons Nov 6 4:00pm ET
Micah Parsons

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said on Wednesday that pass-rusher DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) is progressing but isn't ready to have his 21-day practice window opened so that he can return from Injured Reserve. Lawrence has already missed the required four games on IR, but it doesn't look like he's going to be ready to face off against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles this weekend in Week 10 while he recovers from a foot injury. The good news for Dallas' defense is that All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons (ankle) is back at practice and is expected to play on Sunday. Still, until Lawrence returns, the Cowboys' pass rush won't be at full strength against Philly. The 32-year-old Lawrence is a four-time Pro Bowler and has three sacks and a forced fumble in his four games played in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Nov 6 4:00pm ET
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receivers Chris Olave (concussion) and Cedrick Wilson Jr. (shoulder) were not seen at Wednesday's practice according to Ross Jackson of the Locked On Network. Olave suffered his second concussion of the season last weekend after sustaining a hard hit. The Ohio State product was carted off the field and currently remains in the league's concussion protocol. Wilson left last weekend's game early with a shoulder injury but was eventually able to return to the field. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their progress throughout the week as they both may be fighting an uphill battle to suit up this weekend to face the Atlanta Falcons. With both wideouts sidelined, fantasy managers should expect Mason Tipton to serve as the top wideout for the time being.

From RotoBaller

Gus Edwards Nov 6 3:50pm ET
Gus Edwards

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that the team opened the 21-day practice window on Wednesday for running back Gus Edwards (ankle) to return from Injured Reserve. While Edwards would be eligible to play in Week 10 against the Tennessee Titans if he's activated from IR by Sunday's game, the Chargers now have 21 days to officially return him to their active 53-man roster. If the 29-year-old does enough in practice this week and is activated by Saturday, he'd be returning to game action for the first time since getting hurt back in Week 4. He hadn't really moved the fantasy needle this year in his first season with the Bolts after going for a career-high 13 touchdowns in 2023 with the Ravens. Edwards will likely return to taking a back seat behind J.K. Dobbins after averaging just 3.0 yards per carry on 38 carries and 113 yards on the ground in his first four games.

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Bryce Young Nov 6 3:40pm ET
Bryce Young

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that quarterback Bryce Young will make his third straight start on Sunday in Week 10 in Munich, Germany, against the New York Giants. The Panthers are taking it week-to-week right now at the QB position. Young, who has been a huge bust so far as the top overall pick in 2023, was benched for veteran Andy Dalton after the first two weeks of the season. But Dalton sprained his thumb in a car accident several weeks ago, leading to Young making the last two starts. The 23-year-old hasn't done anything incredible the last two games, but he did lead the team to their second win last Sunday against the Saints, going 16-for-26 for 171 yards with a TD and interception. He's going to need to play well to hold off the recovering Dalton for the starting job and will be a low-end QB2 in fantasy in Week 10 against a Giants defense that leads the NFL in sacks.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Nov 6 3:40pm ET
Tee Higgins

The Cincinnati Bengals listed wide receiver Tee Higgins (quadriceps) as doubtful to play on Thursday Night Football in Week 10 against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. In addition, receiver Charlie Jones (groin) is doubtful to play. Higgins was listed as a non-participant in practices on Monday and Tuesday and clearly hasn't made enough progress after injuring his quad in practice last week and then not playing in the Week 9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Fantasy managers will obviously need to leave the 25-year-old on their benches for another week. With Higgins out last Sunday, tight end Mike Gesicki had 100 yards even through the air and scored twice. In four games that Higgins has missed in 2024, Gesicki has 22 receptions for 282 yards and two touchdowns, so fantasy managers should consider him a strong TE1 play again in Week 10 with Higgins unlikely to suit up.

From RotoBaller

Jonathon Brooks Nov 6 3:10pm ET
Jonathon Brooks

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) will be activated to the 53-man roster on Wednesday, according to Panthers insider Joe Person. The rookie running back has been on the PUP (Physically Unable To Perform) list all year as he works his way back from a November ACL tear at Texas, but he has been practicing for the last few weeks. Brooks turned in a full practice on Wednesday, but head coach Dave Canales has not committed to him playing in Week 10 against the New York Giants in Germany. Brooks, the first ball carrier selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, is expected to eventually take over a workhorse role in Carolina, but it might not happen in his rookie season given the success of veteran Chuba Hubbard this season. Fantasy managers should wait to see if Brooks will play on Sunday, but his role and fantasy football outlook have a wide range of outcomes when he makes his NFL debut.

From RotoBaller

Brandin Cooks Nov 6 3:00pm ET
Brandin Cooks

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) is progressing well in his recovery from a knee injury, but he is not yet ready to return to practice, according to Cowboys writer Nick Harris. The 31-year-old has not played since Week 4, and it does not sound like he's close to playing in the Week 10 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Cooks hauled in nine passes for 91 yards and a touchdown in four games to begin the season this year, and he looks to be beyond his prime. Additionally, with Dak Prescott (hamstring) expected to miss multiple weeks and potentially go on IR, Cooks' upside would be limited with Cooper Rush under center even if he did return soon. The Cowboys also traded for former Panthers wideout Jonathan Mingo, so Cooks could have limited playing time as Dallas potentially sets its sights on the future. Fantasy managers with empty IR spots can consider stashing him, but it seems unlikely that he will become a key fantasy contributor down the stretch, especially while working his way back from a significant injury.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Nov 6 2:50pm ET
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (hamstring) returned to practice on Wednesday following three consecutive weeks of logging "DNPs". The 29-year-old suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 6 win over the Cleveland Browns and has been sidelined ever since. In the game before his injury, Goedert caught 10 passes for 170 yards, but A.J. Brown was out with a hamstring injury and DeVonta Smith left the game with a concussion. Brown suffered a knee injury in Week 9, but he could play in Week 10. Goedert has spike week upside in any game, but his floor is low while sharing an offense with two star wide receivers. If Goedert returns to action on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys, consider him a high-end TE2 play with a wide range of outcomes. If he plays but Brown does not, he can be upgraded to a low-end TE1 option for Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Micah Parsons Nov 6 2:40pm ET
Micah Parsons

Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Micah Parsons (ankle) is practicing on Wednesday, but he is expected to be limited for the first session of the week. This is a promising development, as he did not practice at all last week due to his ankle injury suffered in Week 4. The 2021 first-round pick and three-time All-Pro has registered 41.5 sacks in 54 career games and could provide the Dallas defense a much-needed boost as the organization falls out of the playoff picture. There is optimism he will suit up against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 10, though his practicing participation throughout the rest of the week should provide some clarity on his situation.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Nov 6 2:40pm ET
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee) is practicing on Wednesday ahead of Sunday's NFC East contest against the Dallas Cowboys. Brown left the Week 9 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars early with a knee injury, but hopefully, the team was just taking precautions and he'll be good to go for Week 10. The 27-year-old has averaged 19.95 fantasy points per game in the four contests he started and finished, but he's missed three games with a hamstring injury and half of a game with a knee issue. If Brown is active on Sunday, he remains a must-start in a neutral matchup for wideouts. If he can't play, DeVonta Smith enters must-start territory.

From RotoBaller