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
Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 5
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (thigh) was a limited participant on Wednesday. Given that the Seahawks only held a walkthrough, Lockett's participation status is merely an estimation. The reliable veteran receiver has caught 18 passes for 199 yards through four games, but he's still looking for his first touchdown of the 2024 season. Lockett's job has gotten tougher as DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba both continue to impress and earn more looks from quarterback Geno Smith. Lockett has seemingly fallen to the No. 3 role in Seattle and should be treated as a fantasy WR4 going forward.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) has left an impression on teams that he's "focused on engineering a trade to the Jets," according to Albert Breer of the MMQB. However, the Raiders have also fielded calls from the Bills and Steelers. Adams, who recently requested a trade and is expected to miss Week 5 with a hamstring injury, has expressed significant interest in reuniting with Aaron Rodgers, his quarterback in Green Bay who now commands the Jets' offense. Through three games this season, Adams has 18 catches, 209 yards, and one touchdown. He would give New York (or any other team) a productive, veteran pass-catching reinforcement early in the season. From a fantasy perspective, there are few situations less favorable than playing with Gardner Minshew II. Joining forces with someone like Rodgers could bump Adams back up to the mid-range WR1 tier.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave (ankle) did not participate in Wednesday's team practice. The second-year tight end recorded two limited sessions last week while tending to a quad issue ahead of the Packers' 31-29 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He would ultimately suit up for the contest -- playing 33% of snaps -- but the ankle injury is new. The fact that he was not designated as even a limited participant does not bode well for his status, but his value was trending in the wrong direction anyway, with teammate Tucker Kraft dominating the team's TE snaps 227-to-108. The former second-round pick will have two more opportunities to upgrade his participation before the team's final injury report is revealed. Green Bay has a tantalizing matchup this Sunday when they hit the road to take on a Los Angeles Rams team, allowing the second most points per game. Still, Musgrave can be avoided for fantasy purposes, even if he plays.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (knee) was listed as a limited participant on the team's first injury report of the week. The fifth-year tight end was the team's second-leading receiver (34 yards) in their 24-18 win over the Los Angeles Rams, participating in 90% of the snaps. He apparently picked up an injury sometime between now and then, though when and how severe it might be are currently unknown. It's a good sign for Kmet that he could at least get in a limited practice. The former second-round pick saw his usage spike in Week 3, with the team sans wide receiver Keenan Allen and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams attempting 52 passes. However, that came cratering back down upon the veteran wideout's return and a run-heavy game plan. He and the Bears will get a favorable matchup this Sunday at home against the Carolina Panthers. Despite this, Kmet will be an unrecommended volatile option.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo had his best game of the season in Week 4 against the New Orleans Saints. Koo nailed field goals from 53, 44, 42, and 58 yards. He's one of the best kickers in the league and has been perfect during the season so far. He is now impressively 5-for-5 on field goals of 40+ yards. The 30-year-old will look to continue his hot streak against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday. He is capable of nailing kicks in the clutch, and given the nature of the Falcons offense, it's likely they may need his help again. It's tough to say how many opportunities he'll be afforded, as kicker production is one of the hardest things to predict in the NFL, but he can be trusted to consistently hit from long distances. Koo is a must-start in fantasy leagues with kickers. He has a history of success, and the offense has given him enough kicks to succeed in fantasy. He should be locked into lineups when the Falcons take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Thursday Night Football.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier showed he deserves a more significant proportion of the Falcons' backfield opportunities when they face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5. His performance in Week 4 was his best of the season. He turned just eight carries into 60 yards (7.5 yards per carry) and caught two passes for 20 yards, good for 10.0 PPR fantasy points. The backup running back is highly efficient, averaging 6.15 yards per carry, and had proven his ability to be a solid lead back through the last four games of 2022 before lead back Bijan Robinson (hamstring) was drafted. The Bucs have struggled to stop the run this year, too. Robinson has struggled so far, and Allgeier's runs have been much more successful on average. He shouldn't be started yet, but he is a must-have handcuff for Bijan managers and a fine speculative bench stash. Should Tyler's role continue to grow, he could be start-worthy at some point.
From RotoBaller
Reporters again questioned New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh on Wednesday about the team's running back usage, but he might have hinted that not much will change moving forward. Specifically, Saleh was asked about rookie running back Braelon Allen and whether or not he'd be further integrated into New York's scheme. "He's already been integrated," said Saleh, "I feel like he gets a lot of run every week." The comments come a few days after the Jets head coach was suggested to use Allen more extensively in short-yardage and goal-line situations. He also remarked on how he believed Breece Hall's subpar performance against the Denver Broncos in Week 4 to be an "outlier" and credited the Broncos' defense for holding up. "Breece was batting 1.000 in goal-line situations this year. He's been doing great in short-yardage situations also." It would appear that fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief as the 20-year-old should not further eat into Hall's workload. Still, they must be disappointed at the division of touches thus far. He and the Jets will have another tough matchup this week when they take on the Minnesota Vikings in London.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater (knee) was listed as a non-participant for the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Evidently the 40-year-old veteran came out of Sunday's 42-14 loss to the Washington Commanders a bit dinged up. Interestingly enough, Arizona held tryouts last Friday for kickers Anders Carlson and Chad Ryland, while Prater did not garner a designation. The Cardinals signed Ryland to their practice squad on Wednesday. Prater will need to get in at least one limited session over the next few days to boost his chances of suiting up in Week 5. However, if he can't, it would seem that Ryland would appear in his stead. The journeyman kicker has yet to miss a field goal or extra point attempt this season. Arizona will hit the road to take on their division-rival San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders WR Davante Adams (hamstring) is not expected to play in the Week 5 game because of his hamstring injury, according to sources.
Fantasy Spin: Adams is dealing with the injury and could be on the trade block as well, so he may be in a new uniform when he is cleared to play again. Fantasy players will need a backup plan ready while Adams is sidelined.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin has been impressive early in the season. He connected on both his field goals last week and converted 3-of-4 extra point attempts during last week's win over the Philadelphia Eagles. McLaughlin has yet to miss a field goal attempt this season and has been one of the more effective kicker so far. The hope is that his leg continues to be strong for Thursday's Week 5 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs offense has been able to produce 20 points or more in three of the first four games of the season. McLaughlin should continue getting chances and should be on the streaming radar for Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams WR Demarcus Robinson (hip) was limited during practice Wednesday, Oct. 2.
Fantasy Spin: Robinson has only caught five passes over the last three games and is has posted at least 50 yards in only one of the four games this season. He probably will see a few targets if active this week but can be avoided in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 2. DE Larrell Murchison (forearm) and CB Darious Williams (hamstring) were limited during practice.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard has been signed to the active roster ahead of the Thursday night matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The veteran wideout was elevated last week with the Bucs being shorthanded at wideout. He hauled in three receptions for 51 yards in the win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Shepard could once again be asked to play a bigger role with Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and Trey Palmer (concussion) ruled out for Week 5. It's worth noting that both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are ahead of Shepard on the pecking order. That being said, Shepard could still end up with a quiet night despite being the third wideout on the roster. He's worth a look as a low-end flex option for fantasy managers in deep leagues for Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers CB Jaire Alexander (groin), DT Kenny Clark (toe), OG Elgton Jenkins (knee), TE Luke Musgrave (ankle) and DT Devonte Wyatt (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 2. CB Carrington Valentine (ankle), OT Jordan Morgan (shoulder) and LB Edgerrin Cooper (hip) were limited during practice.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle (ribs) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 2.
Fantasy Spin: Kittle probably will be able to practice later in the week and should be available for the Week 5 game. He can be a starting option in all fantasy leagues if active.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers WR Chris Conley (oblique), WR Jacob Cowing (shoulder), DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee), LB Fred Warner (ankle) and LB Dee Winters (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 2. DT Jordan Elliott (knee), LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf), DT Kevin Givens (triceps), S Talanoa Hufanga (ankle) and OT Trent Williams (non-injury) were limited during practice. DT Kalia Davis (knee) and FB Kyle Juszczyk (shoulder) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (knee) said that his 2024 season is over. Phillips will require reconstructive knee surgery and will not be able to rejoin the team for the rest of the year. It's a major blow for the Dolphins defense the rest of the way. The 25-year-old Phillips also suffered a season-ending Achilles injury halfway through the 2023 season. The 18th overall pick in 2021 out of Miami, Phillips picked up six tackles (two solo), a sack, one tackle for loss and two QB hits while defending two passes in four games this year before his knee injury. Fantasy managers in single-year IDP formats can obviously drop Phillips now. The Dolphins will be asking a lot more out of Emmanuel Ogbah at the linebacker position with Phillips out for the rest of the season. The Dolphins defense/special teams unit is in play as a streaming option for the second week against a punchless Patriots offense in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin has been off to an extremely hot start to begin the season. Godwin has six receptions or more in every game with over 53 yards or more in each of those contests. The veteran wideout has also scored three touchdowns as the move back to the slot has done great things for his career. The biggest problem for Godwin's value is that he continues to battle with fellow wideout Mike Evans for targets. Luckily, the Bucs have gone pass-heavy early on which has given both receivers solid value most weeks. Godwin should once again be in the WR1 conversation for the upcoming matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (knee), who is officially listed on the Week 5 injury report with a knee injury, practiced in full on Wednesday. Fellow wideouts Braxton Berrios (ankle) and Malik Washington (quadriceps) were listed as limited. Beckham's knee injury caused him to be placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin the 2024 season, but his 21-day practice window has now been opened and he could be activated and make his Dolphins debut as early as this Sunday versus the division-rival New England Patriots. Fantasy managers in most leagues can leave the 31-year-old veteran on the waiver wire given the fact that Miami's offense has taken a nosedive with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) on Injured Reserve. When he's ready, OBJ will be battling for playing time in a reserve role behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The three-time Pro Bowler (2014-16) had 35 catches for 565 yards and three TDs in 14 games for Baltimore in 2023.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders WR Davante Adams (hamstring) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 2.
Fantasy Spin: Adams is dealing with and injury and may also be the subject of trade talks, so his availability for Week 5 is uncertain at this point. Fantasy players should keep an eye on the situation because Adams is a starting fantasy option when healthy.
From TheHuddle
