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
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- Week 10 Inactives
Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (foot, ankle) is considered doubtful to return for Sunday's Week 10 matchup against the New York Giants. It appears Sanders suffered some type of leg injury during the first half of this game. After further evaluation it sounds like the Panthers are likely going to hold him out for the rest of the game. Before exiting, Sanders rushed the ball twice as the primary backup to Chuba Hubbard. The absence of Sanders should mean a few more snaps for Hubbard during the second half of this game.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) has been activated from the Injured Reserve ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the Detroit Lions. Collins missed the minimum four games on the IR after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 4. The Texans could desperately use Collins on the field with Stefon Diggs (knee) done for the season. Currently, Collins is listed as questionable and considered a game-time decision for Sunday's game. Fellow wideout Tank Dell (back) is also banged up, but is expected to play. If active, Collins would likely be on a snap count and could be a risky option for Week 10.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) will suit up for the Week 10 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McCaffrey is set to make his season debut after missing the few first months due to a lingering Achilles issue. The return of McCaffrey should mean that Jordan Mason falls into the backup role which will decrease his value. There was uncertainty around how many snaps McCaffrey would play during his first game. It doesn't sound like he's going to be limited, so fantasy managers can get McCaffrey back in their lineups ahead of this Week 10 matchup.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass struggled early in the season, but has cleaned it up over the last few weeks. In fact, Bass has six straight field goals and 9-of-10 extra point attempts over the last three games. The 27-year-old knocked down a 61-yard field goal during last week's win over the Miami Dolphins. It appears the early struggles for Bass are behind him. Fantasy managers should restore faith in him ahead of the Week 10 against the Indianapolis Colts.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers appears to have moved into the primary backup role in the backfield. Last week, Akers rushed six times for 46 yards in the win over the Indianapolis Colts. Fellow back Ty Chandler appears to have moved into the third string role now. That means, Akers should see a handful of carries behind Aaron Jones most weeks. Akers is unlikely to have reliable value while being the backup, but is worth holding in deep leagues and dynasty formats as he's only one injury away from being the starter. The 25-year-old can be avoided for Week 10, but is worth a stash.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) is being considered a game-time decision ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Hill re-aggravated a wrist injury earlier in the week and was held out of practice on Friday and Saturday. Now, Hill's status is currently up in the air as they will likely wait until warmups before making a final decision on him. Jaylen Waddle figures to be the primary receiving option if Hill is unable to play. Both Odell Beckham Jr. and Malik Washington see should more snaps as well, but they aren't exactly reliable fantasy options. It sounds like fantasy managers are going to be forced to wait until Monday to know Hill's final injury status.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. could see a decent dose of targets if Tyreek Hill (wrist) is ruled out for Monday night's game against the Los Angeles Rams. Beckham could be a vocal point against his former team if this game turns into a shootout. The Rams defense ranks 23rd in fantasy points allowed per game to wide receivers and allow the 12th most yards per game. Despite Beckham's highest target count being three in any game this season, he could be considered a streaming option if you have any bye week or injury issues. If Hill plays, Beckham likely won't be a fantasy factor. Monitor the status of Hill leading up to Monday Night's contest.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin has been one of the more reliable kicking options in the league this season. The veteran kicker has connected on a career-best 93.3 percent of his field goal this season. McLaughlin has only missed one field goal and one extra point heading into the Week 10 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. The 28-year-old has made three extra points and one field goal in each of the last two games. The Bucs will have a tough challenge against the 49ers defense this weekend. Despite that, McLaughlin is still worth a look as a streaming option for Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers LB Preston Smith will make his debut with the team in Week 10's game against the Washington Commanders. He had been acquired in a trade with the Green Bay Packers Tuesday, Nov. 5.
From TheHuddle
Pttsburgh Steelers WR Mike Williams will make his debut with the team in Week 10's game against the Washington Commanders. He had been acquired in a trade with the New York Jets Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Fantasy Spin: Although it's hard to predict how quickly Williams will learn Pittsburgh's offensive scheme and build chemistry with his teammates, he could become a viable flex option in deeper fantasy leagues over the coming weeks.
From TheHuddle
Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders has seen his workload increase over the last few weeks. This offense looks to be back on track with Tua Tagovailoa under center once again. Last week, Sanders made both of his field goals while converting all three of his extra point attempts in the loss to the Buffalo Bills. He figures to continue having plenty of chances with the Dolphins offense rolling again. They'll get a favorable matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 10. Sanders should be worth a look for fantasy managers seeking a streaming option for Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance could be involved in certain packages during Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Lance has filled a depth role in Dallas ever since being traded by the 49ers, and even with Dak Prescott (hamstring) mulling season-ending surgery, Prescott still remains the Cowboys' No. 2 quarterback behind Cooper Rush. Even if Lance does see the field versus Philadelphia, he's not expected to have a major role. Fantasy managers can continue to leave him on waivers.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams is expected to be active against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Less than one week after being traded from the New York Jets, Williams is slated to make his Steelers debut. The veteran filled a depth role in New York but still managed to offer a solid veteran presence, catching 12 passes for 166 yards along the way. He's off the fantasy radar for the moment.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) is inactive for Sunday's game against the New York Giants in Germany. The rookie was activated from the non-football list earlier this week. While Brooks did log three full practices in a row, the Panthers are being extra cautious and holding him out one more game. He'll get extra time to prepare for NFL action during the Panthers' bye before making his NFL debut in Week 12. Even when Brooks returns, it looks like Chuba Hubbard will be the primary running back in Carolina.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones will start against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 10, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Jones' promotion to the QB1 role comes in the midst of a potentially season-ending injury to Trevor Lawrence (shoulder), who has 14 total touchdowns and six interceptions this season. Sunday will represent Jones' first game as a Jaguar. His tough matchup and reduced skill set drop him outside the fantasy-relevant tiers this week.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) could end up being shut down for the rest of the season, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini. The former No. 1 pick has been diagnosed with an AC joint sprain and is inactive for Week 10 against the Minnesota Vikings, leaving Mac Jones to start in his place. If this is indeed the end of the season for Lawrence, he'll have finished 2024 with 2,004 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, six interceptions, 113 rushing yards, and three rushing scores.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions DE Za'Darius Smith (personal) is not expected to play in Week 10's game against the Houston Texans, according to a source. After coming to the Lions in a trade with the Cleveland Browns Tuesday, Nov. 5, Smith participated in just one of the team's three practice sessions during the week.
From TheHuddle
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (right hamstring) is active for Week 10 against the Carolina Panthers. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after New York activated him from injured reserve on Saturday. The veteran has been sidelined since the season opener, in which he went 2-for-2 on field goals. A favorable matchup against the Panthers gives Gano top-12 appeal this week.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (back) is inactive for Week 10 against the New York Giants. He had been listed as questionable after logging a full practice on Friday. Despite his improved practice status, Tremble will miss his second game in a row and fourth game in the last five weeks. His absence creates additional opportunities for rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders, who has 16 catches over his last four games.
From RotoBaller
The Carolina Panthers have declared DE Charles Harris, OT Ikem Ekwonu, CB Shemar Bartholomew, DT Jaden Crumedy, TE Tommy Tremble, S Jammie Robinson and RB Jonathon Brooks inactive for Week 10.
From TheHuddle
