Guest of the League
Atari2600 Football 2024 Est. 2002
FFL: Week 9 | NFL: Week 9

WR Strength of Schedule

Fri May 31 10:52am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Lamb could top last season


Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the receiver position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to receivers last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the receivers with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the receivers that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.

  WR SOS  
1. Denver Broncos 531.34
2. Los Angeles Chargers 536.08
3. Miami Dolphins 537.31
4. Kansas City Chiefs 549.96
5. Las Vegas Raiders 552.89
6. Pittsburgh Steelers 554.85
7. New England Patriots 555.93
8. Buffalo Bills 556.13
9. Houston Texans 561.75
10. San Francisco 49ers 565.73
11. New Orleans Saints 566.06
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 566.19
13. Cincinnati Bengals 566.32
14. Jacksonville Jaguars 570.07
15. Baltimore Ravens 571.77
16. Seattle Seahawks 573.41
17. Minnesota Vikings 573.91
18. Philadelphia Eagles 574.46
19. Carolina Panthers 575.49
20. Los Angeles Rams 575.79
21. Washington Commanders 575.91
22. Detroit Lions 576.36
23. Atlanta Falcons 577.76
24. New York Jets 577.99
25. Tennessee Titans 578.06
26. Indianapolis Colts 578.18
27. Cleveland Browns 583.5
28. Arizona Cardinals 586.09
29. New York Giants 586.93
30. Chicago Bears 601.21
31. Dallas Cowboys 608.4
32. Green Bay Packers 610.22

 

The Packers have the easiest fantasy schedule for receivers. Jayden Reed and Christian Watson could be setup for career best seasons with this schedule. These are guys you can get a little later come draft day and mid-round options that could be difference makers for fantasy owners.

CeeDee Lamb is considered the No. 1 overall fantasy receiver for many and his schedule helps make that claim even stronger. Lamb has the second most favorable schedule for receivers. Lamb was huge last year and could improve on that even more, especially since the Cowboys could struggle to run the ball with their current options.

The Bears, Giants and Cardinals also round out the top-five most favorable receiver schedules. Chicago has a great trio of receivers with D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen and rookie Rome Odunze.  These guys could produce big as long as rookie Caleb Williams gets the job done at quarterback in year one. Moore has more to compete with for targets this year, but you still have to like his chances for a big season in year two with the Bears.

The Giants and Cardinals both have some question marks at receiver, but a couple rookies lead the way for both teams. Malik Nabers and Marvin Harrison could have big rookie seasons with their new teams. These guys both have a chance to lead all rookie fantasy receivers in scoring.

On the opposite side of things, the Broncos have the most challenging schedule for receivers. The Broncos have all sorts of questions at receiver outside of Courtland Sutton. This is a unit of receivers you just might want to avoid come draft day. This schedule won’t make anything easier for this group.

The Chargers are a similar team to the Broncos, having openings and questions at receiver. So once again, it might be best to let someone else put Chargers receivers on their roster. Plus, the Chargers could be a lot more run heavy with a new coach running the show. The tough schedule and new offense make taking any Chargers receiver a bit of a risk.

There are two really good offenses on the list that have tough schedules for receivers. Both the Dolphins and Chiefs have a top-five least favorable schedule for receivers. The Dolphins have one of the best receiver duos in football, so it is tough to fade them because of this schedule. Both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle should be able to produce big numbers once again in this offense.

The Chiefs are a little more concerning. This offense is a little matchup proof, but don’t have that elite receiver on their roster. Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown lead the way. Brown hasn’t been great in recent seasons and Rice is facing a suspension. These guys will carry some risk come draft day, especially after seeing this schedule.

Davante Adams is usually another star receiver that is matchup proof, but you have to wonder a little this year. He has some question marks at quarterback, which could hurt his production when you pair it with this schedule. Adams is dealing with the fifth toughest fantasy schedule for receivers.

We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy receivers. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the receivers with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.

  WR PLAYOFF SOS  
1. Los Angeles Rams 501.93
2. Jacksonville Jaguars 515.53
3. Kansas City Chiefs 519.43
4. New York Giants 521.63
5. Miami Dolphins 532.77
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 534.53
7. Houston Texans 538
8. Buffalo Bills 540.87
9. Las Vegas Raiders 541.9
10. Carolina Panthers 549.33
11. Cincinnati Bengals 552.17
12. Detroit Lions 553.73
13. Arizona Cardinals 555.27
14. Cleveland Browns 555.4
15. Minnesota Vikings 560.93
16. New England Patriots 573.03
17. Los Angeles Chargers 573.1
18. Tennessee Titans 575.17
19. Baltimore Ravens 581.27
20. Seattle Seahawks 585.08
21. New York Jets 585.5
22. Denver Broncos 587.2
23. Pittsburgh Steelers 587.8
24. Philadelphia Eagles 589.73
25. Green Bay Packers 590.85
26. Washington Commanders 591.57
27. New Orleans Saints 604.13
28. Dallas Cowboys 609.73
29. Indianapolis Colts 614
30. San Francisco 49ers 641.53
31. Atlanta Falcons 644.93
32. Chicago Bears 647.98

 

The Bears and Cowboys are the teams that make both the top five easiest receiver schedules for both the regular season and playoffs. Chicago has the easiest for the entire playoffs. Once again, their top trio of receivers are looking pretty good come draft day.

Lamb continues to make his case to be the first receiver selected come draft day. He could have a monster season and finish strong as well with the fifth easiest schedule for the playoffs. Lamb might be the most surefire first-round pick come draft day.

The Falcons, 49ers and Colts also have a top-five favorable playoff schedule for receivers. Atlanta receivers were looking up to begin with, getting a legit quarterback throwing them passes this year. And this schedule makes their options look even better, especially Drake London. He could have a breakout season.

San Francisco has great options at receiver in Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. They are pretty safe picks come draft day. And they get a very favorable playoff schedule that could make them even more appealing to fantasy owners. These guys both have really solid floors come draft day in this offense.

Michael Pittman keeps getting it done as the No. 1 option for the Colts. If Anthony Richardson can become that true No. 1 at quarterback for Indy, Pittman would look even better. Pittman has produced in recent year despite having some quarterback issues. His game could go to a higher level this year if Richardson breaks out. Pittman could be a league winner if everything breaks his way in 2024.

The Chiefs and Dolphins are two of the best offenses in football but also the only two teams to make the top five most unfavorable receiver schedules for both the regular season and playoffs. This is a tad concerning for both teams, Again, it is tough to bet against Hill, but maybe you drop him down your rankings just few spots behind the other elite guys because of this. You hate to use an early round pick on a receiver to see him maybe not produce what he should come playoff time.

And as mentioned with the Chiefs, their top two receivers already face a few question marks, so maybe their tough schedules make them players to let someone else draft. Both Brown and Rice could be a little erratic.

The Rams actually have the toughest playoff schedule for receivers. They are another team with two of the best receivers in football. It is tough to bet against either Puka Nacua or Cooper Kupp, but the playoff schedule is a little scary, especially for Kupp. He seems to be trending down at this stage of his career.

The Jaguars and Giants are the two other teams with a top-five unfavorable fantasy schedule for the playoffs. The Jags have Christian Kirk and Gabriel Davis as their top two receivers. Kirk is normally pretty steady but Davis can be boom or bust. Seeing his playoff schedule should bump him down a few spots in your rankings. It could be more of the same for Davis with his new team.

And the Giants are an outlier here, having an easy schedule for receivers during the regular season but the fourth toughest for the playoffs. This makes it tough come draft day. Their receivers could be good values for the regular season but disappoint when it counts. You do have to just make the playoffs, though, so we aren’t sure we shy away from Giant receivers just because of their tough playoff schedule. You still might be able to get good value with their options that help you win during the season.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 9

Player Notes
Lamar Jackson Nov 2 5:50pm ET
Lamar Jackson

The Denver Broncos defense/special teams has surprisingly been a top-five fantasy unit through eight weeks of 2024, but managers should lower their expectations in Week 9 against the high-powered Baltimore Ravens on the road. Denver's D has allowed the third-fewest points per game (15.0), but Baltimore's offense has put up 30.3 points per game, the most in football. The game will likely be decided by whether the Broncos' defense can stop a Ravens ground game that leads the league with 200 rushing yards per game. Denver's defense and play-calling has been mighty impressive this year, but they'll have a tall task on their hands in slowing down both quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry. We certainly wouldn't recommend Denver's D/ST in DFS against a Ravens offense that has been the third-worst matchup for defensive units this year.

From RotoBaller

Wil Lutz Nov 2 5:40pm ET
Wil Lutz

Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz will be looking for a bounce-back performance in Week 9 versus the Baltimore Ravens in Week 9 after making just four extra points the week prior in a 28-14 win over the Carolina Panthers. Lutz certainly has it in him in a Broncos offense that has looked much more efficient in the last few weeks under rookie QB Bo Nix. The 30-year-old veteran kicker has missed just one of his 18 field-goal tries and is a perfect 16-for-16 on extra points in eight weeks in 2024 to make him the No. 5 fantasy kicker in overall points. Lutz always has bust potential in fantasy, but the opportunity is certainly there going up against a Ravens defense that is tied for the 11th-most fantasy points allowed to kickers per game. Baltimore's struggling defense gives Lutz a safer floor as a streaming option in deeper fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Michael Wilson Nov 2 5:40pm ET
Michael Wilson

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson would be a risky flex play in Week 9 when the Cardinals host the Chicago Bears. Wilson has recently put together some solid fantasy performances, including a five-catch, 31-yard, and one-touchdown game against the Miami Dolphins in Week 8. Although he is becoming more involved in the Cardinals' passing offense, he remains a touchdown-dependent fantasy player. With the Cardinals facing the stout Bears defense, there may be fewer scoring opportunities for the offense, which could limit production. However, Wilson is still capable of delivering a solid fantasy outing. He would be a risky flex option for managers in Week 9.

From RotoBaller

Trey McBride Nov 2 5:40pm ET
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride remains a must-start in fantasy lineups heading into Week 9 against the Chicago Bears. McBride is putting together one of the best fantasy seasons we have seen from a Cardinals tight end in quite some time. He ranks in the top five tight ends in fantasy this season, despite not having caught a touchdown pass yet. McBride is the focal point of the Arizona Cardinals' passing game and their go-to player on critical third downs. With quarterback Kyler Murray throwing to McBride, there is a high expected volume nearly every week. There is no reason not to start Trey McBride moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Adam Trautman Nov 2 5:30pm ET
Adam Trautman

Denver Broncos tight end Adam Trautman came out of nowhere to catch all four of his targets for 85 yards and his first touchdown of the year in the Week 8 win over the Carolina Panthers, but fantasy managers shouldn't be tricked into thinking he's a good TE2 streaming option as the Broncos head on the road to take on the Baltimore Ravens in Week 9. Before last Sunday's impressive performance, Trautman had just two catches for 32 yards in the first seven weeks. In addition to Trautman, TE Lucas Krull caught both of his targets for 18 yards. The 27-year-old is rostered in 0% of Yahoo leagues despite his big Week 8 stat line and the fact that a struggling Ravens defense has allowed the eight-most half-PPR fantasy points to the position this year. It's a long shot that Trautman will stand out for fantasy managers a second straight week.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Nov 2 5:20pm ET
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. ranks as a mid-tier WR2 when the Cardinals host the Chicago Bears in Week 9. Harrison Jr. finally got back into the mix in the Week 8 win over the Miami Dolphins, recording six catches for 111 yards and a touchdown. This performance came against the Dolphins, who rank in the top five for opposing fantasy points allowed to wide receivers. Although Harrison Jr. is currently second in targets behind Cardinals tight end Trey McBride, he remains an important piece of their passing offense. The Bears rank in the top ten in fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers, but this may be misleading, as Harrison Jr. will have a size advantage over the Bears' cornerbacks. He should be back in fantasy managers' starting lineups heading into Week 9.

From RotoBaller

Lil'Jordan Humphrey Nov 2 5:20pm ET
Lil'Jordan Humphrey

There's a reason Denver Broncos wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey is rostered in 0% of Yahoo Leagues. He has caught only 19 passes for 177 yards with no touchdowns on 27 targets in eight games this season. With that being said, he has played more lately and has six catches for 34 yards on nine targets the last two games with Josh Reynolds (finger) still on Injured Reserve. Humphrey caught four passes for 22 yards on six targets, which was second on the team behind Courtland Sutton, in the Week 8 win over the Carolina Panthers. He also played the second-most snaps among Denver's wideouts behind Sutton. The 26-year-old is a desperation, boom/bust flex play in the deepest of fantasy leagues, although there's boom potential in Week 9 versus a Baltimore Ravens secondary that is allowing the most passing yards per game in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jaleel McLaughlin Nov 2 5:10pm ET
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin has more total touchdowns (three) than backfield mate Javonte Williams in eight games in 2024, but that doesn't mean he's a recommended fantasy play heading into a Week 9 road date against the Baltimore Ravens. McLaughlin had eight carries for a team-high 47 yards while catching his lone target for a nine-yard touchdown reception (his second of the year) in last week's win over the Carolina Panthers. The 24-year-old's 56 scrimmage yards were a season-high in an excellent matchup, proving exactly why he has such low fantasy floor. Denver's offense has improved of late, but McLaughlin just isn't getting enough volume to be considered as more than an RB4/flex in deeper fantasy leagues. McLaughlin will also be facing a Ravens defense that has allowed the fewest rushing yards per game this year at 69.9.

From RotoBaller

Jamaal Williams Nov 2 5:10pm ET
Jamaal Williams

New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams (groin) won't play on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. The veteran was doubtful, so most had already assumed he wouldn't be on the field for the divisional clash. But with Kendre Miller (hamstring) landing on the Injured Reserve list, Alvin Kamara should see more than his usual allotment of carries, which makes him an even bigger threat against a Panthers defense that has struggled all year. There's also a chance Taysom Hill and Jordan Mims get some action out of the backfield, giving them some value for those in need of a desperation streaming option.

From RotoBaller

Courtland Sutton Nov 2 5:10pm ET
Courtland Sutton

Can Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton stack back-to-back big games in Week 9 against the Baltimore Ravens after catching a season-high eight of 11 targets for a season-high 100 receiving yards in last Sunday's 28-14 victory over the Carolina Panthers? We think so. He'll be a strong WR3/flex option for fantasy managers this Sunday against a Ravens defense that has allowed the second-most half-PPR fantasy points to receivers per game this year and the most passing yards per game. The 29-year-old got the squeaky-wheel treatment after not seeing a single target in the Week 7 win over the New Orleans Saints. With quarterback Bo Nix playing the best football of his first NFL season, look for him to target Sutton early and often against a shaky Ravens secondary in a game in which the Broncos may need to open it up through the air to keep up on the scoreboard.

From RotoBaller

Austin Ekeler Nov 2 5:00pm ET
Austin Ekeler

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. was elevated off the practice squad ahead of Sunday's NFC East meeting with the New York Giants. The promotion to the main roster doesn't mean fantasy managers should rush to add the 25-year-old. Instead, it could mean Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) won't be on the field in Week 9. Of course, there is still time for Robinson to turn it around and play. But if Robinson isn't available, Austin Ekeler would draw a favorable matchup versus a Giants defense that has struggled against opposing running backs in the last few weeks, with Jeremy McNichols likely to get his scraps out of the backfield.

From RotoBaller

Christian Kirk Nov 2 5:00pm ET
Christian Kirk

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk (collarbone) was placed on the Injured Reserve list on Saturday. The wideout was already in line to miss the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign, so the latest move is just a formality. Kirk will officially finish the year by catching 27 passes for 379 yards and one touchdown. But after totaling eight touchdowns in 2022-23, his production has significantly declined over the last few seasons. With the injury and decrease in statistical output, his fantasy value will likely take a substantial hit entering 2025-26, no matter what uniform he is wearing. At any rate, to fill the void, the Jaguars elevated Austin Trammell and Elijah Cooks from the practice squad, although Brian Thomas Jr. (chest), who is questionable for Week 9 against the Eagles, should continue to lead the way offensively, barring further injury.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Chark Nov 2 4:40pm ET
D.J. Chark

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark (groin) was activated from the injured reserve list on Saturday. The veteran wideout has been sidelined since the preseason because of a groin injury. However, even though there is potential for Chark to get work versus the Cleveland Browns, fantasy managers may want to pump the brakes before putting him in the lineup, especially with Quentin Johnston (ankle) back in the mix after missing time with an ankle injury.

From RotoBaller

Jalen McMillan Nov 2 4:30pm ET
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (hamstring) is questionable for Monday night's encounter with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bucs are hurting, with Chris Godwin (ankle) and Mike Evans (hamstring) on the shelf. To make matters worse, Bucky Irving (toe) and Sterling Shepard (hamstring) may be sidelined for Week 9. With that in mind, McMillan has a chance to see more attention from Baker Mayfield versus the Chiefs, especially if Irving or Shepard don't play. Yet, if McMillan can't suit up, Trey Palmer, Ryan Miller, and Cade Otton would draw starting fantasy consideration.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Nov 2 4:20pm ET
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (toe) is questionable for Monday night's matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. He missed a few practices throughout the week and returned for a limited session on Saturday. The 22-year-old has played relatively well this season, amassing 395 yards and three touchdowns off 76 carries, adding 20 catches for 164 yards. While Irving should continue to split time out of the backfield with Rachaad White, the injuries to Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (ankle) could continue to get him more attention from Baker Mayfield. Fantasy managers will be taking a chance by keeping him in the starting lineup, considering the Bucs and Chiefs will meet well after all of the Week 9 games have been played. But if he's out there, he's at least a flex option, especially for those participating in PPR formats.

From RotoBaller

Sterling Shepard Nov 2 4:00pm ET
Sterling Shepard

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (hamstring) is questionable for the Week 9 meeting with the Kansas City Chiefs. Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (ankle) are on the shelf, so there are opportunities for others to get involved. However, Shepard may not be one of them, with the veteran wideout missing a few practices throughout the week after tweaking his hamstring in Sunday's loss to the Atlanta Falcons. If Shepard plays, he could be rostered for streaming purposes, although he'll be a risky option for fantasy managers. But if he doesn't, Cade Otton, Jalen McMillan, and Trey Palmer would be the favorites to see more attention from Baker Mayfield.

From RotoBaller

Javonte Williams Nov 2 3:50pm ET
Javonte Williams

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams didn't take advantage of a plus matchup in the Week 8 win over the Carolina Panthers, rushing 17 times or 44 yards, although he did have a season-high 21 touches. Meanwhile, Jaleel McLaughlin led in rushing and scored again. Williams' best game of 2024 came the week prior against the New Orleans Saints, when he scored his first two touchdowns of the year. Denver's offense has improved under rookie QB Bo Nix of late, but Williams' big Week 8 performance could prove to be more of an outlier. The Broncos could be forced to pass often against Baltimore's strong defense this weekend, although Williams has been plenty involved in the passing attack in 2024, catching at least three passes in each of the last four weeks. He's in play as an RB3/flex in fantasy against a Baltimore defense that has been more vulnerable on the ground recently.

From RotoBaller

Ezekiel Elliott Nov 2 3:40pm ET
Ezekiel Elliott

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott won't play on Sunday versus the Atlanta Falcons. He didn't travel with the team, with the Cowboys declaring him inactive due to disciplinary reasons. The 29-year-old hasn't been productive during the 2024-25 campaign, totaling only 149 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, meaning there aren't many who will be directly impacted by the news. Rico Dowdle (illness) will be back in the mix after missing Sunday night's meeting with the 49ers, so he'll lessen most of the blow caused by Elliott's absence. Dalvin Cook, elevated off the practice squad on Saturday, should also get some work in Week 9, although not enough to be relevant in most fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Nov 2 3:40pm ET
Bo Nix

Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix heads into a Week 9 showdown on the road against the Baltimore Ravens after throwing for a season-high 284 yards and three touchdowns to take advantage of a cushy matchup versus the Carolina Panthers. Facing the Ravens on the road surely won't be an easy task, but Nix does line up for another plus matchup from a fantasy perspective, as Baltimore's struggling defense has allowed the third-most fantasy points to QBs in 2024 and the most passing yards per game (291.4). Nix and Denver's offense started the year off very slow and inconsistent, but they've found their footing as Nix continues to show improvement in his first year. The 24-year-old from Oregon is suddenly the QB10 in overall fantasy scoring after eight weeks and has thrown just one interception in the last six weeks after throwing four in his first two games in the league.

From RotoBaller

Chigoziem Okonkwo Nov 2 3:00pm ET
Chigoziem Okonkwo

Tennessee Titans tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo projects to be a risky option heading into Week 9 when he faces the New England Patriots. The 25-year-old has yet to eclipse double-digit PPR points this season and has averaged a mere 5.0 PPR points per game. However, he did a season-high five targets last weekend but could only bring in two of them. However, with wide receiver Tyler Boyd (shoulder) listed as questionable, Okonkwo could emerge as the No.3 option in the passing attack behind Calvin Ridley and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Even though he could see a modest workload, he is best off leaving out of your lineup given his inconsistencies this season.

From RotoBaller