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
Dynasty | The Commanders have signed wide receiver Noah Brown. Dynasty Analysis: Hmm. This one is interesting as the Commanders recently traded Jahan Dotson. He has a chance to emerge as their WR2 opposite Terry McLaurin, though that's far from a given. Brown will compete with the likes of Olamide Zaccheus, Dyami Brown, Jamison Crowder, and Luke McCaffrey for targets but he's worthy of a roster spot again based on this landing spot.
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Leonard Floyd (knee) was seen at practice on Wednesday. Floyd was labeled day-to-day after injuring his right knee in last Friday's preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first quarter when a teammate landed on his leg. Floyd avoided a serious injury, though, and should be fine for the Week 1 regular-season finale on Monday, Sept. 9, against the New York Jets. The 31-year-old specialized in pass-rushing in his lone season with the Buffalo Bills in 2023, which led to a career-high 10.5 sacks, but he also recorded a career-low 32 tackles (21 solo) in 17 regular-season games (16 starts). The former ninth overall pick by the Chicago Bears in 2016 out of Georgia has had at least nine sacks in each of the last four seasons and should be pretty productive again in 2024 for a strong 49ers defense across from All-Pro Nick Bosa.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers acquired defensive back Elijah Molden from the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday in exchange for a seventh-round pick in 2026, according to sources. Molden was a starter for most of last season in Tennessee and will now get a fresh start in 2024 on the west coast while giving the Chargers more secondary help. The 25-year-old former third-round selection (100th overall) in 2021 out of Washington had a career-best 73 tackles (47 solo), an interception returned for a touchdown, four pass breakups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 15 contests (eight starts) in 2023 in his third year in the league. Molden is likely to move around a bit in his new home alongside fellow safeties Derwin James and Alohi Gilman.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent LB Tyus Bowser (Ravens) worked out for the Indianapolis Colts Tuesday, Aug. 27, and the Tennessee Titans Wednesday, Aug. 28.
From TheHuddle
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed quarterback Michael Pratt to their practice squad, according to PewterReport. The Buccaneers were reportedly interested in drafting Pratt back in April, and now they get him after he was cut loose by the Green Bay Packers. Tampa Bay released John Wolford on Tuesday, so Pratt will take his job as the Bucs' No. 3 quarterback. Barring additional roster moves, we can expect Pratt to operate as the Buccaneers' emergency third-string quarterback on gameday this season.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Chiefs have signed running back Samaje Perine. Dynasty Analysis: The former Bengal. Commander and Bronco will take his talents to Kansas City and attempt to carve out a meaningful role for the Chiefs. It's a decent enough landing spot as Perine will compete with Clyde Edwards-Helaire for backup or change-of-pace duties for Isiah Pacheco. Perine has been productive at times but he's a long way from looking like an absolute must-add in dynasty leagues.
Dynasty | The Broncos have signed tight end Donald Parham. Dynasty Analysis: It sounds like Parham will land on the practice squad, at least to start. He was a bit of a surprise cut by the Chargers and while Denver likes Greg Dulcich, he has yet to show an element of consistency (or health) to make them feel very comfortable. Parham should stay on watch lists and be monitored if and when he's called up to the active roster.
Dynasty | Terrace Marshall has signed on with the San Francisco 49ers and will join their practice sqaud. Dynasty Analysis: The 49ers seem to collect wide receivers like baseball cards, so this makes sense. Marshall flamed out in Carolina but it's clear he has real talent. San Francisco will likely try to stash him for a while. then either call him up on their own or attempt to block another team from signing him off their squad. It's hard to keep a player on a practice squad on your dynasty roster, but you could make a case for Marshall.
Dynasty | The Lions have signed wide receiver Allen Robinson to their practice squad. Dynasty Analysis: Detroit looks to be the latest team to see what Robinson left. The Bears, Rams, Steelers, and Giants have all given him a chance over the past few years but it seems as if Robinson is simply not the same player he once was at 31 years old. With a loaded receiving corps and Tim Patrick also waiting in the wings, it's hard to see a path to dynasty relevancy for Robinson any time soon.
Dynasty | The Falcons have traded quarterback Taylor Heinicke to the Los Angeles Chargers. Dynasty Analysis: Heinicke was likely deemed expendable months ago after the Falcons shockingly took Michael Penix Jr early in the NFL Draft. He should have the inside track to back up Justin Herbert and could push Easton Stick either to the QB3 spot or even off the roster. This is a decent landing spot for Heinicke, who has proven to be effective as a spot starter but far from a player to build a team around. He's off the dynasty radar, despite the positive move from Atlanta to LA.
Free-agent DL Sheldon Day (Vikings) and free-agent DT Rashard Lawrence (Broncos) worked out for the Washington Commanders Wednesday, Aug. 28.
From TheHuddle
The New Orleans Saints have claimed running back and punt returner Kene Nwangwu off waivers from the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Nwangwu had been cut loose when the Vikings trimmed their roster down to 53 players on Tuesday. The 26-year-old is primarily a return specialist, having attempted just 14 rushes over the last two seasons. On the other hand, he led the NFL with 35 punt returns in 2022 and tacked on another 15 over nine games last year. He owns an impressive 27.6 yards per return and three return touchdowns over 37 career contests. It's no surprise that Nwangwu was claimed off waivers given his special teams talent, but it's an interesting landing spot given that the Saints already have Rashid Shaheed on their roster. Presumably, Shaheed will handle kick returns and Nwangwu will get the nod for punt returns in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane is "cautiously optimistic" that quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (knee) will avoid being placed on injured reserve, according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. However, the team won't rule anything out until Trubisky is able to practice. Nevertheless, Beane's comments are promising. The same is true of the Bills' decision to release quarterback Ben DiNucci, leaving the Bills with only Josh Allen and Trubisky on the 53-man roster. Buffalo wouldn't enter the season with Allen as their only healthy quarterback, so perhaps Trubisky is trending in the right direction. We should know more within the next week.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (foot, toe) was spotted at practice on Wednesday. This was a positive sign for the up-and-coming pass-catcher given that he'd missed time with an assortment of injuries this summer, including foot, toe, and hamstring issues. He has 11 days to get fully healthy before the Saints' season kicks off against the Carolina Panthers. Shaheed projects as the team's No. 2 receiver behind Chris Olave, giving him legitimate appeal as an occasional FLEX option in fantasy football. His speed makes him quite the boom-or-bust weapon.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (undisclosed) had surgery over the offseason, according to David Furones of the Sun Sentinel. Miami reportedly knew about Beckham's injury and procedure before signing him in free agency. Although Beckham wanted to play Week 1, the Dolphins placed him on the PUP list, delaying his debut with the team until Week 5 at the earliest. Furones notes that the team was comfortable with Beckham's injury status and made their decision based on the "long play" essentially banking on the fact that Beckham will get healthy over the next month and make a big impact down the stretch. From a fantasy football perspective, the veteran will operate behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, making it difficult for him to rack up points.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is not expected to be suspended by the NFL until after his legal process plays out, according to Mark Maske of the Washington Post. Furthermore, the NFL does not intend to place Rice on the commissioner's exempt list. These developments point to Rice being available for most or all of this season. The legal process can take a while, especially if Rice's representation manages to delay parts of the process until next offseason. Fantasy managers should still tread carefully with Rice, but the odds of him suiting up for a full season are a bit higher with today's news. If he does play most or all of the Chiefs' 17 games this season, he'd be Patrick Mahomes' No. 1 wide receiver and would teeter between the WR2 and WR3 tiers on a weekly basis.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers are acquiring quarterback Taylor Heinicke from the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday in exchange for a conditional sixth-round draft pick. Not only is starting quarterback Justin Herbert (foot) recovering from plantar fasciitis in his foot, but backup Easton Stick regressed in training camp and the preseason. The 31-year-old Heinicke will be an upgrade at the QB position behind Herbert entering the regular season next week. In Atlanta, the Falcons were expected all along to try and trade Heinicke after taking rookie Michael Penix Jr. in the first round in April. Heinicke made his NFL debut back in 2017 with the Houston Texans and has appeared in 38 games (29 starts) since then with four different teams. His best year came in 2021 with Washington, when he threw for 3,419 yards, 20 touchdowns and 15 picks on 321 pass attempts over 16 games (15 starts).
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo will talk to the players on Thursday and announce the decision on the starting quarterback between rookie first-rounder Drake Maye and veteran Jacoby Brissett. A decision has already been made, it just hasn't been announced. Maye, the third overall pick in this year's draft out of North Carolina, has outplayed Brissett the last few weeks, but the new coaching staff remains hesitant to throw the 21-year-old out there right away in Week 1 versus the Cincinnati Bengals. Brissett also suffered a shoulder injury in the preseason finale, although it won't keep him from being ready for the regular-season opener. Brissett could very well start in Week 1, but Maye is the more attractive upside QB3 play in superflex leagues, and it's only a matter of time before he would take over under center in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Updating a previous report, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (back, neck) was not seen during warmups before the team's practice on Wednesday. The 49ers expected Aiyuk to return to practice on Wednesday. "I know he's been cleared by our doctors. So I hope he's out there practicing today," Shanahan said. It's yet another strange turn in the Aiyuk saga as he continues to hold-in as he seeks a long-term contract extension with just over a week until Week 1 against the New York Jets on Monday night. The 26-year-old has apparently been dealing with a back/neck issue during training camp despite not practicing or playing at all during the preseason. The possibility of the Niners trading the former first-rounder seems remote at this point, but each passing day that Aiyuk isn't on the field should give fantasy managers pause as to whether they should draft him as a low-end WR1/high-end WR2.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent TE N'Keal Harry, RB DeWayne McBride, CB Jaylin Williams, CB Nahshon Wright, CB Bobby McCain, LB Andre Carter II, OG Henry Byrd, OG Tyrese Robinson, WR Lucky Jackson, WR Jeshaun Jones, TE Robert Tonyan, WR Thayer Thomas, DE Jonah X. Williams, LB Dallas Gant, LB Bo Richter and TE Sammis Reyes were signed to the Minnesota Vikings practice squad Wednesday, Aug. 28.
From TheHuddle
