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
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said that the knee is not a concern for quarterback Kyler Murray (knee), calling him "all good" for the Week 2 contest against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. Murray found himself on the Cardinals' Week 2 injury report but has practiced in full all week and is not in any danger of missing this weekend's game. It's surely something to watch moving forward, though, especially for a QB like Murray who relies on his legs often. The 27-year-old was inconsistent in the Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills and wasn't on the same page with high-profile rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., connecting with him just once for four yards. Murray finished 21-for-31 passing for 162 yards and a touchdown and also had five carries for 57 yards with a lost fumble. He'll look to bounce back in Week 2, where he'll be a midrange QB1 play for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill saw seven opportunities in Week 1's win over Carolina. The gadget player will likely remain involved in the game plan all season long, especially in the red zone. While this week's matchup with Dallas is not great on paper, Hill is a touchdown-dependent option at tight end and can be started if you lack a top option. The veteran projects as a low-end TE1 this week.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Jeff Wilson Jr. (oblique) didn't suffer a serious injury in the blowout loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills on Thursday night, according to a source. Wilson became a more attractive deep-league flex play for fantasy managers this week when it was announced on Wednesday that Raheem Mostert (chest) wasn't going to play. The 28-year-old didn't see a single carry while catching both of his targets for 12 yards, though, before he exited the game and was ruled out with a minor oblique injury. Rookie Jaylen Wright did very little as well, seeing five carries for four yards in his NFL debut. It remains to be seen how long Mostert will be out, but as things look now, Wright is the more attractive upside stash in fantasy leagues for managers that are looking for additional RB depth. It remains to be seen if Wilson will be available for Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson made the most of his three targets in Week 1, as he landed in the end zone in the blowout victory. Johnson split snaps and targets with Foster Moreau (concussion), who appears to be healthy going into Week 2 after suffering a concussion last week. Neither is a trustworthy fantasy play as long as both tight ends are available. Keep Johnson on the bench in a tough matchup against a stout Dallas defense.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe was on fire in Week 1's win over Carolina. The second-year kicker drilled all five extra point attempts, along with all four field goal attempts. Two of his field goals came from 50+ yards out, showcasing improvement from last year. Grupe is a tougher start this week against the Dallas Cowboys, who gave up just 17 points last week to Cleveland. Despite his strong Week 1 performance, look elsewhere for a kicker in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tanner Hudson (knee) is likely to be listed as doubtful for the Week 2 contest this Sunday versus the Kansas City Chiefs, according to head coach Zac Taylor. Hudson did not practice on Wednesday but then was upgraded to a limited session on Thursday. He was apparently injured in the Week 1 loss to the New England Patriots, when he had two catches on three targets for only 18 yards. It appears the 29-year-old wasn't able to make enough progress in practice by the end of the week to get the green light to suit up this weekend. With Hudson expected to be inactive on Sunday, look for Drew Sample to have a bigger role alongside starter Mike Gesicki against the Chiefs. Gesicki had three catches for only 18 yards in Week 1 but nearly missed a touchdown and can be considered a sleeper TE2.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara had a strong Week 1, taking all of the high-quality touches out of the Saints' backfield. Kamara faces a much tougher matchup than the running back-friendly Carolina defense this week as New Orleans travels to Dallas on Sunday. Kamara should see a healthy enough volume to be placed in starting lineups, but the Cowboys' defense is a tough matchup for all positions. They surrendered just 54 rushing yards to running backs a week ago. The matchup knocks Kamara into RB2 range for this week.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints receiver Chris Olave was seldom used in Week 1's rout of Carolina, totaling just two targets on the day. He will likely be more involved this week in what projects as a closer game against Dallas on the road. The Cowboys' pass defense looked strong in Week 1's win over Cleveland, which drops Olave into low-end WR2 range this week. The third-year receiver has a low floor, as evidenced by last week's game, and could be sat if you have better options. Game script should allow for more opportunity for the former first-round pick this week.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) is likely to be doubtful to play in Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, according to head coach Zac Taylor. Higgins injured his hamstring last Thursday at practice and didn't play in the season-opening loss to the New England Patriots. After missing more practice time this week, it looks as though fantasy managers will need to keep Higgins on their benches for the second straight week. It's a frustrating situation for a player that also disappointed in 2023 and missed three games due to hamstring issues. With Higgins likely out again this weekend, Ja'Marr Chase should see most of the aerial targets, with Andrei Iosivas expected to serve as the WR2 after he played all 51 of the offensive snaps in Week 1. Behind Iosivas and Chase, Trenton Irwin was third among receivers with 65% of the offensive snaps.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr was unconscious in Week 1, completing 19-of-23 passes for three touchdowns. However, the veteran faces a much tougher opponent this week in a Dallas defense that shut down Cleveland in Week 1. The tough matchup makes it hard to consider Carr as a starting option even in two-quarterback formats. He should not be started in any one quarterback format this week. Carr and the Saints take on Dallas in the early slate on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (illness) was seen practicing on Friday and is set to play on Sunday night as the Houston Texans face the Chicago Bears, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. Collins was limited in practice on Thursday due to an illness but looks ready to suit up over the weekend. In the season opener, Collins continued his 2023 breakout campaign by catching six passes for 117 yards, which led the team. Fantasy managers should feel confident slotting the 25-year-old into their lineup as he enters Week 2 as a solid high-end WR2 in all formats.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye is seeing approximately 30% of the first-team reps at team practices, according to Evan Lazar. This is a significantly higher percentage that backups typically never see. Head coach Jerod Mayo explained that this is part of the development process for the North Carolina product. While fantasy managers should continue to expect Jacoby Brissett to serve as the starting QB, this is a promising sign for Maye's development as he is being given ample opportunities to develop even as a backup. In the season opener, Brissett threw for just 121 yards without a score but led New England to an upset victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Fantasy managers in deeper 2-QB leagues should continue to stash Maye, as he should see playing time later this fall.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) remains questionable heading into Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. General manager John Lynch spoke on KNBR radio and said, "Don't know that answer. Dealing with Achilles tendinitis, could be good one day and then it flares. Been frustrating," when asked about his star running back's status. He further noted that, "We're thinking in long view. We need Christian healthy, fully out there, and don't want to compromise anything." In Week 1, Jordan Mason got the starting nod and looked quite comfortable, as he ran for 147 yards and a touchdown on 28 attempts. If McCaffrey is not deemed ready for Sunday, fantasy managers should feel comfortable starting Mason as an RB1 in all leagues.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) was not practicing on Friday again, according to Ben Baby of ESPN. The 25-year-old wideout also did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday of this week and is now in danger of missing his second straight game. Higgins first hit the injury report with a hamstring on Thursday of last week, which held him out of the opener. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the Cincinnati injury report later on Friday as it will provide clarity on his chances of signing up on Sunday. If the Clemson product is sidelined again on Sunday, fantasy managers should expect Andrei Iosivas and Trenton Irwin to serve as the No.2 and No.3 wideouts opposite of Ja'Marr Chase.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams is set to see an increase in snaps this weekend, according to Connor Hughes of SNY. The veteran wideout suffered a torn ACL last season and was on a strict 15-snap limit in the season opener. In fact, the 29-year-old logged only nine snaps in Week 1 and ran only four routes. He did not see a target. This allowed Allen Lazard to emerge as the No.2 wideout opposite of Garrett Wilson. Fantasy managers should continue to expect Lazard to be deployed as the No.2 option as Williams continues to get himself accustomed to NFL action. Lazard is worth a look in deeper leagues this weekend and could be a sneaky play in DFS, as he caught six of nine targets for 89 yards and two scores in the season opener.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith hauled in 6-of-7 targets for 53 yards in Thursday night's 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He tied running back De'Von Achane for the team lead in targets. It was a rough night for Miami as Buffalo held them in check despite a first-quarter TD. Smith was more involved in this one than last week when Julian Hill (easily) led the Dolphins' TEs in snaps. However, the split was much more, even this Thursday. Smith had one less snap than Durham Smythe's 33 and just five more than Hill (28). This is beginning to feel like a tight-end-by-committee situation for Miami, which might not be fruitful for fantasy. Regardless, it will be tough to trust any Dolphins skill player next Sunday in Week 3 if quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) can't suit up. Skylar Thompson will start for the team if so.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle caught 4-of-4 targets for 41 yards in the team's 31-10 defeat Thursday against the division-rival Buffalo Bills. He also rushed once for four yards. The Dolphins struggled to get anything going after they scored a touchdown in the first quarter, and their offense stalled indefinitely when quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) was forced to leave the contest early. Waddle and Tyreek Hill combined for just 65 yards through the air, as it was the first game since 2022 that neither wideout led the team in receiving. Although the severity of Tagovailoa's injury -- and how much time he might miss -- is currently unknown, we're expected to learn more over the coming days. In his stead, Skylar Thompson would man the helm for Miami. If that is how it shakes out, it would be tough to trust any Miami WR when they take on the Seattle Seahawks in a road matchup in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill brought in 3-of-6 targets for 24 yards in the team's 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He also rushed once for a gain of 12 yards. The Dolphins had trouble getting anything going after their first scoring drive of the game early in the first quarter. Hill would finish the night third on his team in targets while quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) tossed three interceptions and was forced from the game early. It was the first time since Week 18 of 2022 that neither Hill nor Jaylen Waddle led the team in receiving yards. Skylar Thompson will start for the team if Tagovailoa misses extended time and would be a downgrade for all offensive skill players -- including the ninth-year veteran. Fortunately, the Dolphins have ten days before their next contest -- a road matchup with the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) was added to the injury report on Thursday due to a knee issue, but it seems that this isn't too much of a concern to head coach Brian Daboll. He stated on Friday that Nabers will be "ready to play" on Sunday in their Week 2 matchup against the Washington Commanders. The rookie wideout caught five of his seven targets for 66 yards in his first-ever regular season NFL game. Without Nabers, the Giants' offense doesn't seem able to do much at all, so the fact that he's playing is big news for fantasy managers and the Giants' entire offense. Nabers finished in the flex range as WR32 in Week 1, but against one of the worst defenses in the league, Nabers garners WR2 value heading into this game against the Commanders.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve on Friday. The veteran receiver suffered a shoulder injury early in the preseason. After missing the Week 1 win over the Baltimore Ravens, Brown was expected to play against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Unfortunately, he needs surgery to repair the injury. With Brown going on injured reserve, the Chiefs will be without their big-name free-agent addition for at least the next four games, if not longer. Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy will continue to see an uptick in targets and snaps with Brown out of the lineup.
From RotoBaller
