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FFL: Week 11 | NFL: Week 11

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.

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 11

Player Notes
Tyjae Spears Nov 15 6:50pm ET
Tyjae Spears

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears avoided the injury report for the first time since Week 6 and will take on the Vikings in Week 11 action. Spears missed Weeks 7-9 with a hamstring injury but returned for last week's contest vs. the LA Chargers, playing a healthy 46% of snaps. The shifty back still ran behind Pollard in opportunity share, but was able to garner 10 in the game, averaging his highest YPC mark of the season at 6.7. Unfortunately he faces an even tougher run-stopping unit this Week in Minnesota, who are fourth-best at limiting opposing backs. The only saving grace here is that the Vikings are middle-of-the-pack in receptions allowed to RBs, which is a strength of Spears' game. Even so, Spears has a small share of a dysfunctional offense that will have a tough time moving the ball this weekend. He is merely a desperation play in deeper formats, with a slight upgrade in full-PPR.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Nov 15 6:50pm ET
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (illness) returned to a full practice on Friday after being held out of the first practice of the week on Thursday. The Cowboys play the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football in Week 11, and Ferguson should be ready to roll by then. There's a good chance he'll be removed from the final injury report entirely on Saturday if he can put in another full practice. The real concern for Ferguson's fantasy managers shouldn't be his illness, but rather the fact that quarterback Cooper Rush is now leading Dallas' offense with Dak Prescott (hamstring) out for the season. In Rush's first game under center in last week's blowout loss to the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, Ferguson caught four of five targets for only 24 yards. Ferguson is now more of a low-upside, touchdown-dependent TE2 rather than a weekly TE1 option.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Ridley Nov 15 6:40pm ET
Calvin Ridley

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley will take on the Minnesota Vikings in a Week 11 matchup. It's been a roller coaster season for the 29-year old who has been the most negatively impacted by the Titans inept offense from a fantasy standpoint, ranking as the WR60 through the first seven weeks. After Hopkins was shipped off to Kansas City, Ridley has been an all-star fantasy asset as the WR2 since Week 8, highlighted by a two-touchdown performance last week against a tough Chargers defense. While Ridley always carries a fair bit of risk given the poor play of the Titans offense overall, he's become a must-start player after commanding 31 targets over the past three weeks. Minnesota is a formidable defensive unit, but are much more susceptible through the air, ranking as the 3rd-worst defense at limiting opposing WRs. Consider Ridley a risky WR2 with some upside this week.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Nov 15 6:40pm ET
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight ends Noah Fant (groin) and Brady Russell (foot) have been ruled out for Sunday's game against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers in Week 11. It will be the second straight game that Fant has missed after suffering a groin injury in practice two weeks ago. The bye in Week 10 apparently wasn't enough to get him back on the field. With Fant missing another contest, the Seahawks will likely elevate either Tyler Mabry or the recently signed N'Keal Harry from the practice squad to provide depth behind rookie AJ Barner and Pharaoh Brown. Barner played over 90 percent of the offensive snaps in Week 9 against the Los Angeles Rams with Fant out and caught four of his seven targets for 27 yards in his first career NFL game. Barner will once again be a TE2 sleeper with Fant out again in Week 11 against the Niners.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Nov 15 6:40pm ET
Davante Adams

New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams (illness, wrist) was a full-go in practice on Friday but is listed as questionable to play on Sunday against the visiting Indianapolis Colts in Week 11. Adams was under the weather this week and didn't practice on Wednesday or Thursday, and he's also dealing with a minor wrist injury. Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich said on Friday that Adams is expected to play, so fantasy managers should keep the 31-year-old All-Pro wideout in their lineups and check back on Sunday morning to make sure he's officially active. Adams has a strong matchup this weekend, too, as he'll be facing a Colts defense that has surrendered the sixth-most half-PPR points to receivers in the last three weeks, including three touchdowns. In four games since joining the Jets, the six-time Pro Bowler has a 20-206-1 line on 39 targets.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Nov 15 6:30pm ET
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (hip) and left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) are both listed as questionable to play in Week 11 versus the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. Bosa did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday but put in a limited session on Friday, giving him a chance to suit up this weekend. Williams did not practice all week but was merely being rested, so he should be available to protect quarterback Brock Purdy's blind side on Sunday. The 27-year-old Bosa was able to play through his hip injury in the Week 10 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and had four tackles, including a sack, which brings him to a disappointing 5.5 sacks through nine games on the season. If active, though, he's a must-start defensive lineman in IDP leagues against a Seahawks offense that will be getting receiver DK Metcalf (knee) back.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Nov 15 6:30pm ET
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (knee) practiced in full all week and has been cleared to face the division-rival San Francisco 49ers in Week 11 on Sunday. It's excellent news for a Seahawks offense that struggled in the two games that Metcalf missed leading up to their Week 10 bye. Metcalf had been sidelined since suffering an MCL sprain in the Week 7 win over the Atlanta Falcons but will be back in action as quarterback Geno Smith's top target in the passing game. Fantasy managers should ignore the fact that the 26-year-old only caught three of 11 targets for 48 yards and no touchdowns in the Week 6 loss to the Niners. The matchup against San Fran's defense isn't the friendliest for fantasy purposes, but when healthy, Metcalf has been the WR13 in half-PPR points scored per week in 2024 at 13.2. Now that he's back, return him to your starting fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Nov 15 6:20pm ET
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle) was removed from Friday's final Week 11 injury report and will be available to play on Sunday when the team takes on the division-rival Seattle Seahawks at Levis Stadium. Jennings popped up on the injury report on Thursday after being limited in practice, putting his availability for Sunday's game in question. The 27-year-old is now in the clear, though, and could have another big role in San Fran's passing attack against Seattle after leading the team in targets (11) and receiving yards (93) in the Week 10 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jennings had missed the two previous games due to a hip injury. With Brandon Aiyuk (knee) done for the year, Jennings' elevated role should be secure the rest of the year. The Seahawks D has allowed the second-most half-PPR points to receivers in their last two games.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Nov 15 6:10pm ET
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (hamstring) is listed as questionable for the Week 11 divisional game on Sunday versus the Seattle Seahawks. Kittle is dealing with a little hamstring irritation and did not practice on Wednesday before putting in limited sessions on Thursday and Friday. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said he wasn't too worried about Kittle's status for this weekend, so fantasy managers should leave him in all starting lineups, even with the Niners and Seahawks kicking off in the late window on Sunday. The 31-year-old leads all tight ends in fantasy points through 10 weeks and has found the end zone seven times in his eight games this year. Oh, and he also caught five passes for 58 yards and two touchdowns in the first meeting against Seattle back on Oct. 10. Kittle will be a must-start for the rest of the year in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Nov 15 6:10pm ET
Tony Pollard

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard takes on the Minnesota Vikings and their stout run defense this upcoming Sunday. With Tyjae Spears returning to the lineup last week, Pollard played a season low in snaps at 54% and only received nine carries in the game. The positives were that Pollard received more work in the passing game than Spears and was more efficient, but the latter's stock is definitely on the decline. This week against a Vikings defense that is fourth-best against fantasy running backs and is No. 1 in the league in yards allowed, Pollard is demoted to a low-end flex. The former Cowboy is still in the mix given his role in the offense, but if he doesn't score a touchdown it will likely be a disappointing performance for fantasy managers given Minnesota's propensity to shut down their oppositions ground game.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Hockenson Nov 15 6:00pm ET
T.J. Hockenson

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson will be a top play at the position this Sunday when his team lines up against the Tennessee Titans. The former eighth-overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft was back to a staple option in the Vikings offense in just his second game back from a devastating knee injury, racking up eight receptions and 72 yards on nine targets. Perhaps even more impressively, he did so on less than half the team's snaps (46%). Hockenson will get his toughest test thus far in a Titans defense that has stifled their opponent's passing games in 2024. Tennessee has let up an average of just 4.3 fantasy points per game to the TE position and is allowing an abysmal 5.3 yards per pass attempt. However, the 27-year-old's involvement should keep him in the conversation as one of the better performers at tight end this weekend. He's RotoBaller's PPR TE5 in this week's ranks.

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Nov 15 6:00pm ET
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis will start against the Minnesota Vikings in a cross-conference showdown this Sunday. Last week against the Chargers, Levis had his first turnover-free performance, putting up a season-high 19.1 fantasy points which included a career-high 41 rushing yards. The Kentucky product looked a bit more comfortable in the offense, but was still sacked seven times on the afternoon, which figures to be a major issue for this upcoming matchup against defensive coordinator Brian Flores and his aggressive scheme. This game also features the lowest over/under on the day at 39.5 with the Titans implied team total sitting at 17 points. While the Vikings are easier to beat through the air as opposed to on the ground, Levis cannot be trusted even in 2QB formats given his play this season and the tough matchup.

From RotoBaller

John Parker Romo Nov 15 6:00pm ET
John Parker Romo

Minnesota Vikings kicker John Parker Romo will get his second NFL start this weekend when his team travels to Nashville to square off against the Tennessee Titans. The 27-year-old was called upon to replace an injured Will Reichard (quad) last Sunday and responded by knocking in all four of his field goal tries to fell the Jaguars 12-7. The Titans present a difficult matchup for opposing offenses but have been one of the better ones regarding fantasy kickers. Tennessee averages 9.3 fantasy points per game allowed to the position -; tied for the eighth-most in the league through ten weeks. Romo ranks as RotoBaller's K20 ahead of Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Cam Akers Nov 15 5:50pm ET
Cam Akers

Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers will not be a recommended option this Sunday when his team squares off against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville. The former Florida State Seminole garnered his highest touch total of the season in last weekend's victory over the Jaguars when he received 14 of them (13 rushes) with backfield mate Aaron Jones (ribs) briefly tending to an injury. It appears that Akers has taken over Minnesota's RB2 role over the last few weeks, superseding Ty Chandler, who previously held that title. Even with his new-found promotion, the 25-year-old is little more than a handcuff unless Jones is forced to miss time. Akers ranks as RotoBaller's RB42 in PPR formats for Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Nov 15 5:40pm ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has been his team's most reliable fantasy receiver so far in 2024, but with the Colts switching back to Anthony Richardson at quarterback, Downs' fantasy value undoubtedly takes a hit. In three games together this season, Downs caught just eight of 17 targets from Richardson. Still, the 23-year-old leads his team in receptions (45), targets (66), yards per game (60.4), and yards after catch (211) despite playing in only eight of the Colts' 10 games. The schedule affords Downs no favors, however, with the Indy taking on the Jets this week on the road, a defense that has allowed the fewest points to WRs this season. While the former third-round draft pick has been a solid WR2 the last two weeks, his situation and matchup deem him closer to a WR3 in Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Brandon McManus Nov 15 5:30pm ET
Brandon McManus

Green Bay Packers kicker Brandon McManus has been a calming presence for the Packers and their well-publicized kicker woes and McManus looks to keep that up this week as the Packers head to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears. McManus has missed just one kick this season, a 46-yard field goal attempt that may have had some wet weather affecting that kick during the operation. That said, McManus has been everything the Packers have wanted out of the kicker position in his three games, with two game-winning field goals. With a tough defense ahead in Chicago, McManus could have some opportunities to kick if the Packers' offense stalls, so consider McManus a low-end starting kicker in fantasy for Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Nov 15 5:30pm ET
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison is an unenticing fantasy option in Week 11 when his team takes on the Tennessee Titans on the road. The second-year wideout is averaging a paltry three receptions and 42.6 yards per contest through seven appearances. He has been marginally more involved over the prior two weeks, garnering at least five targets in both outings. Still, it won't be easy to trust him this coming Sunday against one of the more effective pass defenses in the league. Tennessee has been committed to shutting down their opponent's air attacks, allowing an average of just 111 yards per game to wideouts and the fewest fantasy points per game to the position (13.6). Addison presents as RotoBaller's PPR WR49 for this weekend's slate of games.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Nov 15 5:20pm ET
Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is in store for his most challenging outing of the season this Sunday when his team travels to Nashville to face the Tennessee Titans. The superstar wideout had his worst outing of 2024 in last weekend's 12-7 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, failing to score at least 15 fantasy points for the first time. He'll get another staunch test in Week 11 in a Titans defensive unit that's allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing WRs this season (13.6 per game). Still, the 25-year-old is the league's second-leading receiver (831), averaging an astounding 92.3 yards per game and remaining a must-start option. Fire him up as RotoBaller's PPR WR2 in this week's rankings.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Nov 15 5:10pm ET
Josh Allen

The Kansas City Chiefs defense will face quarterback Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in Week 11. Kansas City has been a solid unit this season and sealed their most recent victory with a last-second blocked field goal. The Chiefs defense has recovered three fumbles, caught five interceptions, and collected 19 sacks this season. This defensive unit will be tested against the Buffalo Bills offense this week. Josh Allen has only been sacked 13 times this season, making him one of the hardest quarterbacks to take down. The Bills also have an effective run game behind a dynamic running back named James Cook. With both teams jockeying for the top seed in the AFC, this contest could turn into a defensive matchup. Both teams can dominate the time of possession through effective runs and quick passes. That said, both offenses can also run up the score in this contest, giving it a wide range of outcomes. The Chiefs are ranked as the 17th-best defense in our RotoBaller rankings this week, meaning fantasy managers should look for other options.

From RotoBaller

AJ Barner Nov 15 5:00pm ET
AJ Barner

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner looks like he may be filling in for Noah Fant (groin) once again in Week 11. Fant has been ruled out for Week 11. The Seahawks travel to San Francisco to play the 49ers in a game in which they project to pass quite a bit. Barner received seven targets in a starting role with Fant out in Week 9. While he was inefficient with his targets, he could see similar volume this week. The 49ers will likely focus their defensive efforts on stopping the likes of DK Metcalf (knee), Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Tyler Lockett. That could leave receiving lanes open for Barner. The rookie was primarily a blocker before Fant's injury. However, he has displayed an ability to get open, and solid athleticism in the open field. With the tight end position performing so poorly for fantasy in 2024, Barner is a potential option as a plug-in for injured players or players on a bye.

From RotoBaller