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.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pick Em Picks: Week 9
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 9
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 9
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 8
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 8
- Eagles WR A.J. Brown (knee) exits game vs. Jags
- Dak Prescott injures hamstring, may also have hurt hand
- Falcons WR Drake London (hip) ruled out vs. Cowboys
- Saints WR Chris Olave suffers concussion, taken to hospital
- Bengals TE Jermaine Burton inactive after missing walk-through
- Amari Cooper out, Von Miller back for Bills
- Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. inactive vs. Giants
- Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs active vs. Falcons
- Bills activate edge rusher Von Miller after 4-game suspension
- Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott (disciplinary reasons) out vs. Falcons
- Packers QB Jordan Love expected to start vs. Lions
- Patriots QB Drake Maye clears protocol, in line to face Titans
- Browns place LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah on IR
- Seahawks WR DK Metcalf, TE Noah Fant ruled out vs. Rams
- Top 10 Player Props for NFL Week 9
- Titans QB Will Levis (shoulder) questionable for Sunday vs. Patriots
- Texans G Kenyon Green (shoulder) out for season
- Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs game-time decision vs. Falcons
- Bengals WR Tee Higgins, OT Orlando Brown Jr. doubtful vs. Raiders
- Patriots QB Drake Maye (concussion protocol) could play vs. Titans
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Start-Sit Week 9 | Is Bo Nix Your Quarterback Solution?
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Players to Stash Week 9 | Don’t Forget Legette
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Week 9 Preview
- Fantasy Life: Swift Battle: Chiefs vs. Buccaneers, Week 9 MNF Best Bets
- Fantasy Life: Sunday Night Football Best Bets Week 9: Justin Jefferson Goes Big
- Fantasy Life: Sneaky Starts & Stashes For Week 9
- Fantasy Life: Target Eagles Player Props In Week 9
- Fantasy Life: Anytime Touchdown Scorer Bets For Week 9: Chase Brown Primed For Paydirt
The Paur Report
Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 9
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews wasn't a big part of the passing game despite the pass-catchers combining for 280 yards. The veteran ended the game with two receptions for 26 yards on two targets. He only received a 10.5% target share and Lamar Jackson only threw the ball 19 times. The game turned into a blowout pretty quickly after a slow first quarter, and the Ravens didn't need to throw the ball that much in the second half. Andrews will look to bounce back against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane carried the ball 12 times for 63 yards and a rushing touchdown while adding eight receptions for 58 yards and a receiving touchdown in Sunday's 30-27 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Achane took advantage of a soft Buffalo Bills rush defense and topped his previous best outing of the season in Week 8. The Miami offensive line looked much better than in previous weeks and gave the 23-year-old plenty of room to run. A fumble by Raheem Mostert allowed Achane to get even more touches. Mostert has had trouble holding onto the ball since he's returned, causing head coach Mike McDaniels to keep him on the sidelines periodically. Achane will look to build on Sunday's performance as the Dolphins will face the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard found the end zone for the first time this season in the 41-10 win over the Denver Broncos. Ricard scored on his lone target of the day which he caught for three yards. The four-time pro bowler is good for one of these receiving touchdowns per year when he slips out into a flat and finds himself wide open. Ricard and the Ravens will take on the Cincinnati Bengals in another AFC North matchup in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers posted his first multi-score game of the season and broke the century mark in a 41-10 blowout over the Denver Broncos. The speedy wideout finished the game with 127 yards, two touchdowns, five receptions, and six targets. He was able to get open at all different levels of the field and was able to shed tacklers in the process. Flowers' longest play of the day was a 53-yard score where he caught the ball in the middle of the field, broke a tackle, and outran the rest of the defense. He'll look to continue this momentum in Week 10 against their AFC North foes the Cincinnati Bengals.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer scored his first touchdown of the season in a Week 9 win over the Cleveland Browns. Palmer was targeted four times, making two catches for 63 yards. His touchdown came in the first quarter on a 28-yard pass from Justin Herbert to open the scoring. His other catch was a 35-yarder. Palmer seems to be settling into a role as a big-play wide receiver instead of the heavily targeted one many expected before the season. He'll be hard to trust in Week 10 despite a good matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Will Dissly (shoulder) only made two catches in a Week 9 win over the Cleveland Browns. Dissly has been dealing with a shoulder injury but came into the game without an official injury designation. He'd been very heavily involved in the passing game over the past three games, but with Quentin Johnston returning from an ankle injury, Dissly again faded into a support role at best. He was targeted just three times, making his two catches for nine yards total. Dissly could have some touchdown-dependent value in fantasy leagues going forward, but his brief stint as a TE1 is likely over.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee) won't return to Sunday's game against Jacksonville. The wideout came back to the field with his team to start the second half of the contest. However, he wasn't on the sidelines long before leaving for the locker room. Brown will finish Week 9 with only two catches for 36 yards. As expected, fantasy managers are now wondering if he'll be available in Week 10 for the NFC East meeting with the Cowboys. If he's not, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, and Saquon Barkley would presumably get more involved on the receiving end. Dallas Goedert (hamstring) would also likely see more targets, assuming he returns from his stint on the shelf. But if Goedert isn't available versus Dallas, Grant Calcaterra would also be in the mix for more attention from Jalen Hurts.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker attempted five kicks in a Week 9 win over the Cleveland Browns. Dicker made three of his four extra point tries and missed his only field goal attempt. Dicker's field goal try came from 44 yards out. He's still one of the more consistent kickers in the NFL, but this was far from his best performance. Luckily, the Bolts were comfortably ahead and were able to wrap up a 27-10 win.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) exited Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. The signal-caller had a decent showing. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury ended his day abruptly. Of course, there are concerns about the severity of his injury. However, Prescott will undergo an MRI on Monday. He'll likely miss some practice time throughout the week, assuming the injury isn't serious. But if Prescott can't suit up in Week 10 versus the Eagles, Cooper Rush, finishing with 115 yards and a touchdown off 13-for-25 passing on Sunday, would presumably remain under center.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Kimani Vidal continued in his clear backup role in a 27-10 win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 9. Vidal carried the ball five times, gaining just seven yards total while not seeing a target in the passing game. Starter J.K. Dobbins scored twice in this game and recorded 16 touches, with Vidal again sticking to an occasional change of pace and backup role. On his own, Vidal won't have any real fantasy value, but if Dobbins were to miss time, Vidal would step into his role and skyrocket into the RB2 ranks.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (ankle) had a big game in his return to the starting lineup in Week 9. Johnston missed two games with an ankle injury but came back strong and looked good. He was targeted five times, making four catches for 118 yards and a touchdown. His touchdown was on a big 66-yard play in the second quarter. Johnston ended up leading the team in receiving yards and was second in catches and targets. He should continue to be heavily involved and could move into a consistent WR3 fantasy rank if the Chargers keep their offense going. They'll face the Tennessee Titans in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey made five catches in a 27-10 win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 9. McConkey led the team in targets with seven, and in catches with five. He was second in receiving yards with 64, behind Quentin Johnston. McConkey was once again the main first look for quarterback Justin Herbert and should continue to be a high-floor WR2/3 option throughout the season, especially in Week 10 with a game coming up against the Tennessee Titans.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins scored two touchdowns in a Week 9 win over the Cleveland Browns. Dobbins commanded the backfield once again, carrying the ball 14 times, gaining 85 yards and scoring twice. He added two catches for 20 yards through the air, catching both of his targets. His first touchdown was a 16-yard run in the second quarter and his second was a seven-yard scamper in the fourth quarter. Dobbins continues to be the clear three-down RB1 in the LA backfield, as Kimani Vidal was the only other Chargers back to record a carry, and he had only five. Dobbins and the Chargers will take on the Titans in Week 10, where Dobbins should again be in the RB1/2 conversation.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert played well in a 27-10 Week 9 win over the Cleveland Browns. Herbert attempted 27 passes, completing 18 of them for 282 yards and two touchdowns. He added two yards on the ground on three recorded carries while taking six sacks, losing 36 yards. Herbert's first touchdown was a 28-yard pass to Joshua Palmer in the first quarter, and he followed it up with a 66-yard pass to Quentin Johnston in the second. Herbert didn't need to do much in the second half as the Chargers just chewed lock and nursed their lead. He could have had a bigger game, but the Bolts defense held the Browns to just three points until the last drive of the game. Herbert and the Chargers will take on the Titans in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is now tied for the most games with a perfect passer rating (4) in NFL history. The only other QB with four is AFC North rival Ben Roethlisberger. In the 41-10 win over the Denver Broncos, Jackson posted 280 yards and three touchdowns while throwing 16-for-19 and adding four yards on three carries. He's considered the front-runner for his third MVP by most outlets and Jackson remains atop the position in fantasy as well. He'll go up against the Cincinnati Bengals again in Week 10 on Thursday Night Football.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill caught four out of five targets for 80 yards in Miami's 30-27 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The offense made it clear early that their mission was to establish the run against a vulnerable defensive line for the Bills. Hill would've had a much better day if Tua Tagovailoa had hit him in stride on a deep ball he severely underthrew, which may have ended in a touchdown. Contrary to the defense's poor performance, the offense gave a great showing. Nonetheless, Hill made the most of the limited number of targets he received. At (2-6), Miami will be desperate for wins for the rest of the season, which should equal more targets for the speedster. The 30-year-old looks to have more looks next week when the Dolphins travel to Los Angeles to take on the Rams.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (ankle) caught both his two targets for minus-four yards and a receiving touchdown in their 30-27 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Other than the touchdown, Waddle was relatively quiet during the day. His second reception came on the game's last play, where Miami lateraled, and he ran close to 25 yards backwards. He left the game briefly with an ankle injury but soon re-entered the game with no further issues. The lack of targets came from the offense electing to establish the run and expose Buffalo's weakness of stopping the run. Still, this season has not been what fantasy managers have hoped for from the 25-year-old after three straight 1,000-yard campaigns. With Miami falling to 2-6 and the schedule looking a bit easier in the next couple of weeks, Waddle has the potential to break out. Next week, a matchup with the Los Angeles Rams could be a shootout.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee) is questionable to return to Sunday's game versus the Jaguars. The wideout was back on the field with his team for the start of the second half. But, it didn't take long before he was shown jogging back to the locker room. It's unknown how or when the injury occurred. But if Brown doesn't return, he'll finish with two receptions for 36 yards, with DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, and Grant Calcaterra potentially in line to see more attention from Jalen Hurts for the rest of Week 9.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry extended his scoring streak to nine games and scored his 100th career rushing touchdown while he dominated the Denver Broncos in a 41-10 win on Sunday. The King ended the game with 106 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries and even added one reception for 27 yards. Henry extended his lead as the RB1 even further and is the first running back to 1,000 yards this season. He's on pace to break his yard mark for all of last season by their next game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was ejected from Sunday's meeting with the Seattle Seahawks. The wideout wasn't a lock to play after re-aggravating his knee injury. While he was on the field, he didn't last long before getting disqualified for punching Seahawks cornerback Coby Bryant near the end of the second quarter. Nacua will finish this one with only one catch (four targets) for 11 yards, leaving room for Cooper Kupp, Kyren Williams, Demarcus Robinson, and Tutu Atwell to get more involved on the receiving end for the rest of the contest.
From RotoBaller
