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FFL: Week 6 | NFL: Week 6

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 6

Player Notes
Trey Palmer Oct 12 9:40am ET
Trey Palmer

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Trey Palmer (concussion) will miss his second straight game this weekend due to a concussion. The sophomore wideout was unable to participate in any team practices this week and will now set his sights on returning in Week 7. After catching only one pass through the first three weeks of the season, Palmer enjoyed a nice bounce-back performance in Week 4 when he caught three passes for 26 yards and a score. Fantasy managers should expect rookie wideout Jalen McMillan (hamstring) to serve as the No.3 option this weekend if he is able to suit up. If not, veteran Sterling Shepard will take that role and could be worth a look as a high-risk option in DFS as he found the end zone last week.

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Braelon Allen Oct 12 9:40am ET
Braelon Allen

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen has been quiet over the past two games, rushing for 47 scoreless yards while catching just two passes. It isn't just Allen as Breece Hall has also struggled to find room to run over that same span. The Jets and Allen will look to change that in Week 6's Monday night game against the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo can be beaten on the ground as they are allowing the 15th-most fantasy points per game to running backs this season. That is in stark contrast to their lockdown pass defense, which is allows the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to receivers. The Jets could lean heavily on their running backs in Week 6, giving Allen a good shot at seeing double-digit touches for the first time since Week 3. That places him on the map as a solid flex option heading into Monday night.

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Curtis Samuel Oct 12 9:30am ET
Curtis Samuel

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel (toe) remained a limited participant in Friday's practice. Samuel was limited during Thursday's initial session with a toe injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during Saturday's practice as it should provide clarity on his availability for Monday's game. However, seeing him participate in a limited capacity earlier in the week is a promising sign that he might be able to suit up. No.1 wide receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) and No.1 running back James Cook (toe) have not participated in a practice session this week which could open the door for Samuel to see more opportunities. If Samuel sees an increase in playing time due to the other injuries, he could be worth a look as a flex option in deeper formats on Monday evening.

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Garrett Wilson Oct 12 9:30am ET
Garrett Wilson

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson turned in his best game of the season against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5, catching 13 of his 23 targets for 101 yards and a touchdown. He will look for another big performance in Week 6's Monday night game against the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo's secondary should provide more resistance for Wilson than Minnesota's as they have been tough against wide receivers, allowing the 26th-most fantasy points per game to the position. Tough matchup aside, Wilson reinforced last week that he is still the top target in New York despite Aaron Rodgers' strong rapport with Allen Lazard. Fantasy gamers should temper expectations for the entire Jets passing game in Week 6 but Wilson can still be started as a mid-range WR2.

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Chauncey Golston Oct 12 9:20am ET
Chauncey Golston

Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons (ankle) will not suit up this weekend when the Cowboys face the Detroit Lions. Parsons suffered a high-ankle sprain in their Week 4 victory over the New York Giants and will now miss his second consecutive game. Fantasy managers in IDP leagues should continue to monitor his status as the star edge rusher could be eligible to return in Week 8 as the Cowboys are off on a bye in Week 7. This weekend, DeMarvion Overshown and Erik Kendricks should see most of the linebacker snaps while Chauncey Golston and Tyrus Wheat will be deployed on the line. With both DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) and Parsons not playing, the Detroit offense should have much easier time moving down the field.

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Breece Hall Oct 12 9:20am ET
Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall has struggled greatly over the past two weeks, rushing for just 27 yards on 19 carries over that span. He will look to turn things around against the Buffalo Bills in Week 6's Monday night game. The Bills have been average against running backs this season, allowing the 15th-most fantasy points per game to the position through five games. Buffalo is also very tough against the pass, which could lead to a more run-heavy game plan for the Jets heading into Monday night. Hall hasn't been great for fantasy of late but he's still an explosive player who does plenty of damage in the passing game. That keeps him in the conversation as a low-end RB1 in fantasy in Week 6.

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Matt Prater Oct 12 9:10am ET
Matt Prater

Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers. Prater was kept sidelined during last weekend's game with a knee injury. However, he was able to log three consecutive limited practice sessions this week which is a promising sign for his status as he was only able to log one heading into Week 5. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status ahead of kickoff. If Prater is able to suit he should be started in all formats given his offensive situation. If Prater is unable to play, Chad Ryland will likely be activated from the practice squad and is a worth a look as a deep league streamer.

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Jaylen Warren Oct 12 9:00am ET
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (knee) has been upgraded from his questionable status and no longer carries an injury designation for Sunday's game. Warren was dealing with a knee injury and had to miss the past two games. Warren was able to log three consecutive limited sessions during this week's practice and will now make his return on Sunday afternoon. The 25-year-old is coming off a career year where he ran for 784 yards and added 370 yards through the air with four total scores. Even though the 25-year-old has battled injuries this season, he remains a high-upside flex option in PPR formats given his skills as a pass catcher.

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Audric Estime Oct 12 8:20am ET
Audric Estime

Denver Broncos rookie running back Audric Estime (ankle) practiced in full all week but is questionable to play in Week 6 against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Estime must be activated from Injured Reserve on Saturday if he is going to be active for just his second NFL game this weekend. The 21-year-old made his NFL debut in the Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and had two carries for 14 yards before hurting his ankle and being placed on IR. If the fifth-rounder out of Notre Dame does return, he'll merely be the third wheel in a lackluster offense behind Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin, so he won't be on the fantasy radar at all. However, it doesn't mean that Estime can't eventually be a factor in this backfield in 2024, perhaps in a goal-line role as a power back up the middle. It's not as if Williams and McLaughlin have looked great through five weeks. For now, Estime is mainly a stash candidate in dynasty/keeper fantasy leagues.

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Wil Lutz Oct 12 8:00am ET
Wil Lutz

Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz has been a pleasant surprise for fantasy managers that have used him as a streamer at the position -- he's currently tied with Chris Boswell for the sixth-most fantasy points at kicker through five weeks -- but he won't be a recommended streamer in Week 6 versus the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers. Sunday's game figures to be a low-scoring, ground-and-pound battle on both sides, with the Chargers defense allowing a league-low 12.5 points per game and Denver's D right behind at 14.6 points allowed per game. The Bolts also allow the third-fewest fantasy points per game to the kicking position. Combine that with a Denver offense that is scoring fewer than 20 points per game through five contests, and it doesn't seem likely that Lutz will have many kicking opportunities to capitalize on. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere in Week 6.

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Troy Franklin Oct 12 7:50am ET
Troy Franklin

With Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds (finger) sidelined in Week 6 against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers, rookie wideout Troy Franklin should see additional opportunities in the passing attack, albeit in a less-than-favorable matchup. The fourth-rounder from Oregon hasn't played more than 31% of the offensive snaps in any of the first four NFL games he's played in, but that could change this Sunday. He also has only five catches on 12 targets for 29 yards and dropped what would have been his first career touchdown in the Week 5 win over the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. Even though Franklin could serve as the team's WR3 against the Chargers, he won't be a realistic starting option in fantasy in what has been a low-volume, inefficient offense. The Chargers defense has allowed the fourth-fewest half-PPR points per game to pass-catchers through five weeks as well.

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Cole Kmet Oct 12 7:40am ET
Cole Kmet

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet is a borderline starter this week, benefiting from a favorable matchup against the struggling Jacksonville Jaguars secondary. Last week, Kmet had a decent outing for a tight end, recording three catches for 57 yards. While his snap rate has increased, his production has declined since his Week 3 breakout. With only seven targets over his last two games, it's tough to feel confident about Kmet's upside. However, given the ongoing challenges at the tight end position in 2024, he can still be a viable spot starter in this favorable matchup.

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Trevor Lawrence Oct 12 7:40am ET
Trevor Lawrence

The Chicago Bears defense and special teams want to continue their strong early-season performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars this week. The Bears come into the game with a defense on track to finish in the top five in scoring for the first time since 2019. They'll face former No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence, who has struggled in 2024 compared to his usual standards. In Week 5, Lawrence completed 82.4% of his passes for 371 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, but his overall season has been lackluster. Start the Bears' defense with confidence this week, as they will likely create turnovers against Lawrence and the underperforming Jaguars offense.

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Cairo Santos Oct 12 7:40am ET
Cairo Santos

Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos is a reliable fantasy option for Week 6 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He had a mixed performance in his Week 5 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, successfully converting his only field goal attempt from 30 yards but missing one of four extra-point attempts. Santos will likely see plenty of action again this week in London, as the Bears are expected to move the ball effectively against a struggling Jaguars defense.

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Lil'Jordan Humphrey Oct 12 7:40am ET
Lil'Jordan Humphrey

Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds (finger) has been ruled out for Week 6 against the Los Angeles Chargers, which will lead to more involvement for receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey. In the Week 5 win over the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, he played the second-most snaps of Denver's receivers and caught both of his targets for 48 yards. Despite the opportunity, we aren't recommending Humphrey to fantasy managers against a Chargers defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest half-PPR fantasy points to opposing wideouts this year. The 26-year-old does have impressive yards-after-the-catch abilities with the ball in his hands, but he's just not very exciting in what has been a low-scoring offense led by a rookie quarterback, especially in a tough matchup. Humphrey has 12 catches for 135 yards and no scores through five games in 2024 and should be left on the waiver wire in standard-sized, 12-team leagues.

From RotoBaller

Roschon Johnson Oct 12 7:30am ET
Roschon Johnson

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson is poised to capitalize on his increased workload from last week as he faces the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6. Last week, he enjoyed his best fantasy performance of the season, rushing ten times for 25 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Since Week 4, Johnson has found the end zone three times, having taken over the goal-line rushing duties for the Bears. If the Bears can establish a lead, Johnson could see additional goal-line opportunities against a struggling Jaguars defense, similar to his performance against the Panthers. Johnson is a worthwhile dart throw for those in need, given his secure role in the Bears' offense.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Oct 12 7:30am ET
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore is a solid WR2 choice this week against the struggling Jacksonville Jaguars secondary. Coming off his best game of the season in Week 5, where he recorded five catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns, Moore looks poised for another strong performance. The Jaguars surrendered 291 total yards and two touchdowns to the Indianapolis Colts' receivers in Week 5, and they have allowed the second-most receiving yards to wideouts this season. Given his recent breakout, Moore is a must-start in this favorable matchup. Add him to your lineup and hope for another standout showing.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Oct 12 7:30am ET
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen is looking to rebound this Sunday in Chicago against a notably weak Jacksonville Jaguars secondary. After a quiet performance last week, where he recorded just three receptions for 33 yards, Allen is hoping for a more impactful outing in Week 6. The Jaguars recently allowed 291 total yards and two touchdowns to the Colts' wide receivers, and they have given up the second-most receiving yards to opponents this season. Allen has been anticipating his breakout game with the Bears, and this matchup presents a great opportunity. While it's reasonable to start Allen if needed, it would be preferable to see him deliver a standout performance before fully committing him to your lineup.

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Courtland Sutton Oct 12 7:30am ET
Courtland Sutton

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton will have a low fantasy ceiling and floor for a Week 6 matchup against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers in Week 6. After going for three catches, 60 yards and his first touchdown of the year in the Week 4 win over the New York Jets, Sutton had a quiet two catches for 32 yards in last week's win over the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. He's currently the WR53 in half-PPR scoring and has gone into double-digit fantasy points (half PPR) just twice in five contests. On top of it, the Chargers defense has allowed the fourth-fewest half-PPR points per game (19.0) to the receiver position through five weeks (four games). The only thing good Sutton has going for him is his 26.3% target share; he currently ranks tied for 12th among wideouts with 41 total targets. But he's caught only 17 of those targets for 224 yards and a touchdown and should be considered a touchdown-dependent WR4/flex in lineups this Sunday against what has been a lockdown defense so far.

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Rome Odunze Oct 12 7:30am ET
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze is poised for a bounce-back performance this Sunday against a vulnerable Jacksonville Jaguars secondary. Last week, he had a quieter outing by his standards, catching five passes for 40 yards against the Carolina Panthers. However, he has a great opportunity to rebound against the Jaguars, who recently allowed 291 total yards and two touchdowns to the Colts' wide receivers in Week 5. The Jaguars have also given up the second-most receiving yards to opposing wideouts this season. Although it's a high-risk play, Odunze has the potential to deliver big numbers against a weak secondary, as he demonstrated against the Colts. If you're dealing with injuries or bye weeks, consider starting Odunze as a borderline flex option in this favorable matchup.

From RotoBaller