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
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 6
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving made his first career start during Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. The rookie back did a nice job in place of lead back Rachaad White (foot) on Sunday. He rushed 14 times for 81 yards and a touchdown in the win. He was outshined by fellow back Sean Tucker who rushed for 136 yards with two scores. Despite that, Irving has made a strong push to be the full-time starter, but White and Tucker should both remain in the mix. Irving continues to impress on a weekly basis and should be in the RB2 conversation for next week's matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft was the odd man out from the big production in the Packers' 34-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6. Kraft, who had been the overall TE1 the last two weeks in fantasy football, was kept to a relatively quiet day, bringing in just two receptions on four targets for 13 yards. He also added a rushing attempt for two yards as he watched Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, and Jayden Reed score receiving touchdowns from quarterback Jordan Love, who had four touchdown throws on the day. With the returning weapons back in the lineup for the Packers, it was possible that the targets would be spread out once again and that's exactly what happened as 10 Packers notched at least one target. Even after a quiet game from Kraft, he's still a low-end TE1 option when the Packers stay home to face the Houston Texans in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker shocked everybody with his incredible performance on the ground during Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. The Bucs decided to split up the running back role on Sunday with Rachaad White (toe) being inactive. Both backs played well, but Tucker was nearly unstoppable on the field. He rushed 14 times for 136 yards and a touchdown in the win. He also added three receptions for 56 yards and an additional score through the air. Tucker was fairly unknown coming into this game, but will now be one of the most popular adds on the waiver wire. It's unclear if White will be back next week, but regardless he has struggled on the ground. Tucker has earned his way into the rotation, but Bucky Irving isn't going away anytime soon. Tucker is worth adding for fantasy managers in desperate need of help, but it's unlikely he tops this performance anytime soon.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed led the Packers with six targets and put a touchdown on the board as the Packers handled the Arizona Cardinals 34-13 in Week 6. Reed scored the first points of the game with five-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Jordan Love. In the first half, Reed hurt his ankle, was deemed questionable to return but came back into the game. Reed caught all six of his targets for 28 yards plus a score and had a rushing attempt for no gain. While Reed didn't have an extraordinary day on the stat sheet, he saved his day with that first-quarter touchdown and should have a better day when the Packers host the Houston Texans in Week 7. Consider Reed a low-end WR1 for that matchup.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (shoulder) didn't return to Sunday's meeting with the Arizona Cardinals. After the game, the wideout reported that while he was in pain, he just had issues moving it after the injury. Fortunately, he classified himself as "day to day" with a "sprain," adding he's "going to be good" for the Week 7 matchup versus the Houston Texans. Of course, fantasy managers will monitor his condition throughout the week. But if he can't suit up, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Romeo Doubs will likely split the leftover targets from Jordan Love.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield had a rollercoaster of a game during Sunday's contest against the New Orleans Saints. Mayfield marched down the field on tossed a touchdown to Chris Godwin on the opening drive. The Bucs returned a fumble for a touchdown and Mayfield led his team to a field goal on the next drive. After that, Mayfield threw three interceptions on the next four drives. He settled down in the second half and picked apart the Saints defense to help salvage his fantasy value. Mayfield completed 24-of-36 passing attempts for 325 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions in the win. It wasn't a pretty game for Mayfield, but he still gave fantasy managers a solid outing. He'll need to clean it up for the Week 7 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Mayfield should remain in the QB1 conversation for that one.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (ankle) was questionable on the injury report this week but played, led the Packers in receiving yards, and added a touchdown reception as the Packers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 34-13. Watson reeled in three receptions on four targets for a team-leading 68 yards, including a 44-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter where Watson dusted his defender and quarterback Jordan Love put the ball on him for an easy touchdown. Watson has a lot of competition for targets and the production falls to different players each week. Because of that, that puts Watson into low-end flex territory for fantasy managers as the Packers host the Houston Texans in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
The Cleveland Browns D/ST turned in a solid effort in a 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. Cleveland notched one sack and got a 50-yard touchdown return from Rodney McLeod Jr. on a blocked field goal. The Browns were solid against a good Eagles offense, holding them to two touchdowns and two field goals in the close loss. The Browns were led by McLeod, who in addition to scoring the team's only touchdown, notched eight solo tackles and also broke up a pass. The Browns defense will have another tough task on hand in Week 7 as they welcome the Cincinnati Bengals to Cleveland.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs found the end zone twice in the Packers' 34-13 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6. After a Week 5 where Doubs was suspended for one game for conduct detrimental to the team, Doubs put up a three-catch, 49-yard effort on four targets plus two touchdown catches from quarterback Jordan Love in Week 6. Doubs' first score came in the second quarter with a 10-yard snag on the sideline where he dove to get the ball across the goal line. The second touchdown came on a pressured blitz where Love throw a pass on his back foot and Doubs adjusted to make the catch and get across the goal line. With the Packers staying home and hosting the Houston Texans in Week 7, consider Doubs a flex option for fantasy lineups.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku caught five of his seven targets for 31 yards in a 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. Njoku has dealt with ankle and knee injuries this season but he ultimately suited up while leading the team in targets and catches in the close loss to Philly. The Browns haven't gotten much out of any of their receivers this season so the opportunity for Njoku to become a big part of the Cleveland offense is there. Njoku will look to keep it going in Week 7 when he heads back home to take on the Cincinnati Bengals.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins made three of his four field goals and added an extra point in a 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. Hopkins hit field goals from 43, 49, and 31 yards out while missing from 52 yards out in the close loss. The veteran kicker has been a reliable source of points for the Browns in 2024, hitting 10 of his 12 field-goal tries and adding seven extra points. Hopkins will look to keep it going in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals at home.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert went 3-for-4 on attempts and 2-for-2 on extra points in their Week 6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Seibert converted on his first 50+ yard attempt as a Commander from 55 yards out. Seibert's only miss was from 52 yards out, as the kick was blocked. The 27-year-old journeyman has missed only one field goal attempt since moving to the DMV in Week 2. Given how productive the Commanders offense has been, Seibert is worth adding in all formats, as he should have another productive afternoon next weekend, facing the Carolina Panthers.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II (concussion) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. He initially exited early in the first quarter and did not return. At the time of his departure, he had registered one pass defended. Surtain has been dominant so far this year, so his absence is bad news for Denver in this week's divisional battle with the Chargers. Tremon Smith and Levi Wallace should see additional opportunities for the remainder of Week 6 and until Surtain can return to the mix.
From RotoBaller
Upon returning from a hamstring injury, Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce had his best game in more than a year during a 41-21 victory at New England, finishing with 76 rushing yards and a touchdown on just eight carries. The third-year back also added one catch for one yard, but compiled most of his fantasy points on a 54-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter. Sunday marked the Florida product's highest rushing total since going for 81 yards in Week 4 of the 2023 season. Running back Joe Mixon is still the clear top option in Houston, so Pierce's usage with a big lead against a bad team could be an aberration. Houston will take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (ankle) exited during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. He is officially listed as questionable to return. At the time of his departure, the young pass-catcher had caught two passes for 14 yards. Josh Palmer and Ladd McConkey should see additional opportunities with Johnston sidelined.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels went 24-for-35 with 269 yards and two scores in their loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He added 22 yards on six rushing attempts and did not throw an interception. This was a season-high passing total for the former second-overall pick, but he could not win his fifth-straight game. Daniels found his top wideout, Terry McLaurin, for two scores in the red zone. Fantasy managers should continue to start Daniels in all formats as he takes on the Carolina Panthers next weekend, who have allowed the 25th-most points to opposing QBs.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler had a poor showing on the ground as he ran for only 21 yards on nine carries in Week 6. Ekeler was pushed to the top of the depth chart with Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) inactive but did not produce a high rushing total. Fortunately, Ekeler salvaged his fantasy day in the receiving game as he caught four passes (off of five targets) for 47 yards. Even as the lead back, Ekeler showcased his value in PPR formats but remains a tough player to trust in standard leagues. Fantasy managers should continue to view the 29-year-old as a low-end flex player in PPR leagues heading into Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love accounted for all four touchdowns as the Packers handily defeated the Arizona Cardinals 34-13 in Week 6. Love tossed four touchdowns and was 22-of-32 for 258 yards while adding 13 rushing yards on the ground. Love got the scoring started with a five-yard touchdown to Jayden Reed in the first quarter, and then got the returning Romeo Doubs involved with a 10-yard touchdown. With a 44-yard strike to Christian Watson and a second touchdown to Doubs in the third quarter, Love was on the money with his wide receivers all day and fantasy managers had to be smiling. With Love's quality outing, there's no doubt that he should be considered anything other than a must-start fantasy option as the Packers stay home to host the incoming Houston Texans in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin caught six of his seven targets for 53 yards and two scores in their Week 6 loss. McLaurin had a modest day from a yardage standpoint but made an impact in the red zone as he caught both a seven and a six-yard pass for scores. After getting off to a slow start to the season, the Ohio State product has now eclipsed double-digit PPR points in every game since Week 3 and has emerged as a solid WR2. McLaurin should remain locked into all lineups heading into Week 7, as he faces a Carolina defense that has surrendered the 26th-most points to opposing wideouts.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown saw a team-high eight targets in their loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Brown was able to bring in four of them for 58 yards. After sitting out in Week 5 due to a groin injury, Brown continued to stake his claim to the No.2 role. In addition, his eight targets were a new season-high for him, as his previous high was four, which he saw in Week 4. Daniels consistently looked Brown's way in all situations throughout the afternoon. Fantasy managers in deeper 3WR formats should consider adding Brown this week, as he should continue to build a connection with his rookie QB as the season progresses.
From RotoBaller
