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
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 6
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton is a healthy scratch for Sunday night's game against the Giants. The rookie looked good during the preseason. However, he has just one catch through the first five weeks of the 2024-25 campaign. Instead, Trenton Irwin will suit up, although he likely won't get much action with Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Andrei Iosivas in the mix.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson may not have lit up the fantasy scoreboard like he did the past few weeks, but he moved the offense enough for a 30-23 win over the Washington Commanders. The two-time MVP finished the game with 323 yards, one touchdown, and one interception on 20-for-26 throwing while adding 40 yards on the ground with 11 carries. This game marks his second 300-passing-yard game in a row and his fourth in a row with a passer rating of 114 or higher. Jackson and the Ravens will get an extra day of rest as they take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud completed 20 of his 31 attempts for 192 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in a 41-21 victory on Sunday against the New England Patriots. Last year's Offensive Rookie of the Year tossed first-quarter touchdowns to wide receiver Tank Dell and running back Joe Mixon, the first receiving scores of the season for both players, and found wide receiver Stefon Diggs for another touchdown in the third quarter. It was another efficient outing for Stroud, who has spurred a talented offense to a 5-1 start. The second-year quarterback will look to keep the momentum going in Week 7 at Green Bay.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Trenton Irwin is active for Sunday's meeting with the Giants. The 26-year-old has played in just two games this season but has been a healthy scratch in other contests. Instead, Jermaine Burton will take a seat in Week 6. However, with Tee Higgins, Ja'Marr Chase, and Andrei Iosivas on the field, along with Zack Moss (ankle) and Chase Brown (quadriceps) cleared for action, Irwin isn't expected to get much playing time. The same would have been true for Burton.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (quadriceps) is officially active for Sunday Night Football versus the Giants. He's been on a roll of late, amassing three touchdowns in the last two contests. But there was some concern regarding his availability once he appeared on the injury report and was listed as questionable. Fortunately, he's good to go. While Zack Moss (ankle) will also be in the equation, both players have been involved to remain relevant for fantasy managers, making them flex options (at the very least) in Week 6.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin finished with game highs of 11 receptions, 125 yards and 13 targets in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints, and he had touchdowns of four and 55 yards.
Fantasy Spin: Godwin has five or more receptions in all six games this season, he has scored five times, and he has managed two 100-yard games. He has posted low-end WR1 fantasy numbers in most formats. He'll look to keep it going in Week 7 against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns running back Zack Moss (ankle) is officially active for Sunday's game against the New York Giants. The 26-year-old injured his ankle in the Week 5 overtime loss to the Ravens. As a result, he missed practice time during the week. Fortunately, Moss is good to go, and even with Chase Brown (quadriceps) also active, both men are at least flex options in any fantasy format.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (hamstring) stated he is "going to be good" after suffering a hamstring injury in Sunday's loss to the Colts. However, he acknowledged the severity of the injury, indicating that it prevented him from returning even if he wanted to. Spears finished the day by totaling 27 yards off six carries, although Tony Pollard had one of his best games of the season by going for 93 yards and a touchdown off 17 touches. Spears will likely undergo further testing. He may also miss practice time heading into the Week 7 matchup with the Bills. If he can't go for that one, Pollard will likely see more opportunities out of the backfield, with Julius Chestnut picking up the scraps.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield completed 24-of-36 passes for 325 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints, while adding 29 rushing yards on three attempts.
Fantasy Spin: It was Mayfield's second straight game with three or more touchdown throws, and he has totaled three scores in three consecutive outings. He also has a pair of 300-yard showings in the past three contests. Don't look now, but Mayfield can be trusted as a low-end TE1 in most fantasy leagues of 12 or more teams. The Buccaneers host the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night in Week 7.
From TheHuddle
Houston Texans TE Dalton Schultz caught four passes for 27 yards against the New England Patriots in Week 6. He was targeted eight times during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Schultz has been targeted at five times in each of the last four games but has been held to under 35 yards in each of those games. He should see a handful of targets next week but can be benched in fantasy leagues if players have better options available.
From TheHuddle
The Cincinnati Bengals have declared DL Lawrence Guy, TE Tanner McLachlan, OT Andrew Stueber, DT Jay Tufele, WR Jermaine Burton and DE Cedric Johnson inactive for Week 6.
From TheHuddle
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay (knee) didn't return to Sunday's win over the Cleveland Browns. The veteran injured his knee early in the second half and immediately went to the locker room after a brief stop in the medical tent. Slay, one of the team's top defenders, was replaced in the contest by Isaiah Rodgers, who had played just nine defensive snaps this season. The team will likely get an update soon on his condition. But his potential absence isn't ideal for a Philadelphia team that has struggled at times this season.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans WR Tyler Boyd ended up with three receptions for 19 yards on three targets in Week 6 against the Indianapolis Colts.
Fantasy Spin: Boyd is the third receiver on a team with a bad quarterback, and that's never good for fantasy appeal. He should be treated as a more of a WR5 in most fantasy leagues until further notice.
From TheHuddle
Tennessee Titans WR Calvin Ridley was targeted a team-high eight times in Week 6 against the Indianapolis Colts, but he was held without a reception.
Fantasy Spin: Yuck. QB Will Levis tried to get the ball to Ridley early and often, but they were unable to get on the same page at any point. Levis has been pretty bad from a fantasy perspective, and he is killing the appeal of his received like Ridley, DeAndre Hopkins and Tyler Boyd in the process. Unless a change is made under center, Ridley's fantasy ceiling seems rather limited.
From TheHuddle
Houston Texans WR Stefon Diggs caught six passes for 77 yards and one touchdown against the New England Patriots in Week 6. He was targeted seven times during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Diggs has been playing very well over the last month and has posted at least 69 yards in each of the last four games. He should be a weekly starting option in all fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (leg) was carted off the field in Sunday's meeting with the Dallas Cowboys. The 24-year-old entered Week 6 with 6.5 sacks, the most in the National Football League. He recorded another on Sunday. Unfortunately, his latest sack may cost him some time, especially since he immediately grabbed his leg afterward and was placed in an aircast before leaving the field. This isn't a good situation for the Lions, so IDP managers will anxiously await an update, which will likely come soon.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans RB Joe Mixon rushed for 102 yards and one touchdown on 13 carries against the New England Patriots in Week 6. He also caught two passes for 30 yards and one touchdown during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Mixon returned to the lineup this week after missing multiple games because of injury. He was productive in both the running and passing games against the Patriots and should be a weekly starting option in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Tennessee Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins went for 54 receiving yards on four catches on six targets in Week 6 against the Indianapolis Colts.
Fantasy Spin: Hopkins did pretty well considering his quarterback threw for less than 100 yards. You can imagine what the stats for the other receivers look like. Hopkins still has plenty left in the tank, but the clock is ticking, and he is wasting away in Nashville with a less-than-stellar QB. He remains more of a WR3 in most fantasy leagues heading into Week 7 against the Buffalo Bills.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hayden Hurst (groin) won't return to Sunday's matchup with the Denver Broncos. The veteran suffered a groin injury and will finish the week without a catch. Considering he hasn't done anything relevant this season, his departure likely won't cause panic for most fantasy managers. But his absence could at least allow Will Dissly to see a few more targets during the game.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens WR Nelson Agholor caught one pass for 25 yards against the Washington Commanders in Week 6. He was targeted three times during the game.
From TheHuddle
