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FFL: Week 9 | NFL: Week 9

TE Strength of Schedule

Tue Jun 11 11:11am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

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Bowers could have big year one


Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the tight end 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 tight ends last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the tight ends with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the tight ends that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.

  TE SOS  
1. Cincinnati Bengals 186.39
2. Miami Dolphins 193.98
3. Philadelphia Eagles 196.38
4. Washington Commanders 197.75
5. Houston Texans 198.15
6. Pittsburgh Steelers 199.18
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 199.68
8. New York Giants 201
9. Dallas Cowboys 201.18
10. Los Angeles Rams 201.38
11. Buffalo Bills 201.39
12. Chicago Bears 201.66
13. Arizona Cardinals 201.76
14. New York Jets 202.56
15. Jacksonville Jaguars 202.86
16. Baltimore Ravens 203.04
17. Denver Broncos 203.95
18. Los Angeles Chargers 204.02
19. Atlanta Falcons 204.25
20. Cleveland Browns 204.59
21. New Orleans Saints 205.62
22. Seattle Seahawks 205.73
23. San Francisco 49ers 206.80
24. Indianapolis Colts 206.89
25. Detroit Lions 207.92
26. New England Patriots 208.23
27. Kansas City Chiefs 210.92
28. Tennessee Titans 211.44
29. Green Bay Packers 212.07
30. Minnesota Vikings 212.23
31. Carolina Panthers 213.66
32. Las Vegas Raiders 213.81


A rookie led fantasy tight ends in scoring last year and the top rated rookie tight end this year gets the easiest fantasy schedule for tight end. Brock Browers and the Raiders have the most favorable schedule for tight ends. Sam LaPorta showed last year that a rookie can make an immediate fantasy impact, so don’t discount Browers to have big-time success in year one. He certainly looks the part of an elite tight end.

Another rookie with a good chance to start has the second easiest schedule for tight ends. Panthers tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders will compete with Tommy Tremble to start, but should emerge and be the top pass-catching tight end. He is looking like a good late-round gamble for fantasy teams.

The Vikings, Packers and Titans round out the top-five most favorable schedules for tight ends. T.J. Hockenson would be looking like a great pick if he wasn’t returning from a major injury. He is no sure thing to play early in the year. But once he is healthy, he could help fantasy teams in a big way once again.

Green Bay is likely to have Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft split a lot of the work at tight end, hurting both their value. They could produce some big games along the way, though, making them decent No. 2 fantasy tight ends this season. Both produced well in an expanded role last year.

Lastly, Chin Okonkwo didn’t quite have the breakout season many hoped last year, but he wasn’t bad by any means. Maybe he gets a few more chances this year and has some bigger games along the way with this favorable schedule. He is another decent tight end to grab as your backup.

The teams that top the list for toughest fantasy tight end schedules are teams that haven’t really utilized the tight end much in recent seasons. The Bengals have the toughest schedule followed bye the Dolphins. Mike Gesicki is the starter for the Bengals, but probably isn’t worth the risk with this schedule and the Bengals recent track record with tight ends.

Miami uses their tight ends to block more than anything in their offense. They have the occasional big game, but Jonnu Smith is going to be a risky weekly fantasy play. He would have looked much better landing with a different team.

There are a couple big-time fantasy tight ends that have unfavorable schedules. Dallas Goedert has the third toughest schedule. Goedert can be a little hit or miss to begin with in this offense, so this schedule gives him a little more concern. You might want to pass on him come draft day and go with another elite tight end with a better schedule and more consistency.

Dalton Schultz is the other elite tight end with a top-five unfavorable schedule. Schultz had a big first season with the Texans, becoming a favorite target of C.J. Stroud. He should get the targets this year. But he has a challenging schedule and more to compete with for targets, so his consistency might be a little off this year compared to last. 

We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy tight ends. 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 tight ends with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big-money contests.

  TE PLAYOFF SOS  
1. Atlanta Falcons 175
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 182.37
3. Philadelphia Eagles 184.73
4. Arizona Cardinals 187.67
5. Jacksonville Jaguars 187.77
6. New England Patriots 189.83
7. Miami Dolphins 190.37
8. New Orleans Saints 191.3
9. Los Angeles Rams 192.17
10. Pittsburgh Steelers 192.43
11. Cincinnati Bengals 196.1
12. Detroit Lions 196.12
13. Houston Texans 196.2
14. Indianapolis Colts 198.97
15. Buffalo Bills 199.63
16. Kansas City Chiefs 203.03
17. New York Jets 204.13
18. Carolina Panthers 205.7
19. Baltimore Ravens 205.9
20. Green Bay Packers 207.7
21. Chicago Bears 213.73
22. New York Giants 214.27
23. Seattle Seahawks 214.72
24. Cleveland Browns 214.97
25. Dallas Cowboys 215.8
26. Las Vegas Raiders 219.4
27. Washington Commanders 220.13
28. Denver Broncos 220.8
29. Minnesota Vikings 221.72
30. Tennessee Titans 223.73
31. San Francisco 49ers 225.53
32. Los Angeles Chargers 228.53


The Titans and Vikings are the only two teams with the most favorable fantasy schedule for tight ends during the regular season and playoffs. Hockenson is the intriguing one because he might not be fully healthy until late in the season. So while he might not be a huge fantasy factor for the regular season, Hockenson might be a difference maker in the playoffs.

Okonkwo is looking like a player worth grabbing as a No. 2 fantasy tight end, especially if you have an established starter ahead of him. Okonkwo has a high fantasy ceiling for the coming year because of a schedule that could facilitate a breakout season for him.

The Chargers actually have the best fantasy playoff schedule for tight ends. Donald Parham is the likely starter and has some potential in an offense looking for playmakers in the passing game. This could be his best season to date, making him an intriguing late-round gamble.

George Kittle is the biggest name on the list for top-five favorable fantasy tight end playoff schedules. He is going to produce big and could be even better down the stretch with a schedule setup for success.

The Falcons have the most challenging playoff schedule for fantasy tight ends. This is not good news for Kyle Pitts. He is already a polarizing fantasy player, so this schedule won’t do him any favors to get in good graces with more fantasy owners. Many think he could finally turn things around this year with a new coaching staff in place, but nothing is certain with this situation. Pitts could be a boom or bust pick once again.

The Eagles are the only team on both the top five most difficult fantasy schedules for tight ends for the regular season and playoffs. Goedert is looking like a player you might want to let someone else grab come draft day. There are a lot of good, young options at tight end this year. Going with one of those guys over Goedert might be the play on draft day.

Trey McBride is a favorite for many fantasy owners this year for a breakout season. He had a huge finish to last year and is shooting up draft boards. We wouldn’t avoid him come draft day because he has the fourth toughest fantasy playoff schedule. It is a little bit of a concern, but not a huge red flag for the talented tight end. Maybe just prepare for his numbers to dip a tad during the playoffs.

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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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 9

Player Notes
Tony Pollard Nov 3 1:40am ET
Tony Pollard

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (foot) is expected to play in Sunday's game versus the New England Patriots. The former Cowboy didn't practice all week, so most had assumed he wouldn't be available. However, it appears he's moving in the right direction, which is good news for fantasy managers. Pollard has struggled this season, amassing only 494 yards and three touchdowns off 114 carries. Still, with Tyjae Spears (hamstring) sidelined, Pollard could be more involved. Yet, his presence could mean a lower ceiling for Julius Chestnut, who has gained waiver attention throughout the week.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Boyd Nov 3 1:40am ET
Tyler Boyd

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd (Shoulder) is in line to suit up for Sunday's matchup versus the New England Patriots. With the Titans recently dealing DeAndre Hopkins to the Chiefs, Boyd has a chance to get more involved on the offensive end. Unfortunately, that has yet to happen, with the 29-year-old most recently accumulating just three catches for 14 yards in Week 8 versus the Lions. With that in mind, until Boyd shows signs of life, which may not happen with Mason Rudolph or Will Levis (shoulder) under center, fantasy managers should leave him on the bench.

From RotoBaller

Brian Robinson Jr. Nov 3 1:30am ET
Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) is anticipated to play in Sunday's NFC East matchup with the New York Giants. The Commanders elevated Chris Rodriguez Jr. off the practice squad on Saturday, with many believing the move meant Robinson wouldn't be on the field. However, it appears he'll be out there, which is great news for fantasy managers. The 25-year-old has had a fantastic 2024-25 campaign, accumulating 461 yards and six touchdowns off 101 carries. He's a must-start in Week 9, although his expected participation in Sunday's contest will likely result in lower production from Austin Ekeler.

From RotoBaller

Mason Rudolph Nov 3 1:30am ET
Mason Rudolph

Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph is expected to start on Sunday versus the Patriots. Will Levis (shoulder) is still working his way back, so the team will lean on Rudolph once again to handle things under center. But the 29-year-old hasn't played well during the 2024-25 campaign, throwing for 566 yards, two touchdowns, and three picks while completing 58.9% of his attempts. While Rudolph had some quality starts during his time in Pittsburgh, fantasy managers will be taking a gamble by putting him in the lineup in Week 9.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Legette Nov 3 1:10am ET
Xavier Legette

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (toe) is expected to suit up for the Week 9 clash with the New Orleans Saints. The Panthers offense has struggled throughout the 2024-25 campaign. However, with Diontae Johnson now a Baltimore Raven and Adam Thielen (hamstring) listed as doubtful, fantasy managers are excited about Legette's potential moving ahead, even more so because he's found the end zone in two of the Panthers' previous three contests. With that in mind, the rookie should be considered at least a flex option, assuming he gets the green light to get on the field.

From RotoBaller

Puka Nacua Nov 3 1:00am ET
Puka Nacua

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) will "try to play" in Sunday's divisional encounter with the Seattle Seahawks. The wideout spent time on the IR because of a knee issue before returning for the Week 8 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings, finishing with seven grabs (nine targets) for 106 yards. Unfortunately, he re-aggravated the injury during practice and is listed as questionable for Week 9. There are other reports suggesting he'll be out there on Sunday. However, fantasy managers should monitor things throughout the day. If Nacua isn't out there, Cooper Kupp's ceiling will rise even higher. It may also mean more targets for Tutu Atwell. Of course, Kyren Williams would be even more of a factor on the offensive end if Nacua ends up back on the shelf.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Nov 3 1:00am ET
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (ankle) is expected to suit up for Sunday's NFC North clash with the Lions. The veteran didn't practice on Wednesday, although he logged limited sessions on Thursday and Friday. However, it wasn't enough to prevent him from earning a questionable tag for Week 9. The 26-year-old is coming off a strong showing, amassing 25 carries for 127 yards and two scores in the Week 8 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Unfortunately, Jacobs will have a challenging matchup against a Lions defense that has held opposing running backs in check this season, so fantasy managers could see him finish below expectations. With that said, he's still a must-start in all formats.

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Tank Bigsby Nov 3 1:00am ET
Tank Bigsby

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (ankle) plans to play on Sunday versus the Eagles. He was limited in practice throughout the week, resulting in a questionable designation for the meeting with Philadelphia. However, barring a setback, he should be good to go. The 22-year-old has played better than expected during the 2024-25 campaign, totaling 493 yards and four touchdowns off 85 carries. While that kind of production already earns him a spot in fantasy lineups, he may be more impactful if Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) is ruled out.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Nov 3 12:50am ET
Jordan Love

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (groin) is expected to play (and start) in Sunday's NFC North showdown with the Lions. The signal-caller injured his groin in the Week 8 matchup with Jacksonville, ending his day prematurely. While there were reports indicating that the injury wasn't as serious as initially believed, he didn't practice on Wednesday before logging limited sessions on Thursday and Friday. Fortunately, all signs are pointing toward his availability for the pivotal matchup, barring a setback. Without question, Love's anticipated participation in Sunday's contest is great news for fantasy managers. However, he has been mediocre versus Detroit over the years, throwing for 648 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions while completing 64.7% of his attempts. Granted, Love is still a must-start, but fantasy managers may not see him at his best, especially since he may have lingering issues related to the injury.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Nov 2 11:00pm ET
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9. The Chiefs rookie receiver has seen his target volume increase following the team's bye week in Week 6. Worthy has caught seven passes for 56 yards and a touchdown on 16 targets in the last two games. Fantasy managers would like Worthy to catch more of the balls thrown his way, but seeing how involved he is in the Kansas City offensive game plan is encouraging. The rookie will take on the Buccaneers, who rank 28th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. If Worthy sees the same target volume he has seen in the past two games, he should be able to turn those opportunities into fantasy success. One factor to keep an eye on will be the involvement of DeAndre Hopkins in the Chiefs offense. Hopkins only played 32% of the snaps last week, so his time on the field will likely go up in this contest. More Hopkins could eat Worthy's volume but could also help divert the defense's attention toward Hopkins. Worthy is ranked as WR36 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings this week, so despite the uncertainty with Hopkins joining the fold, Worthy should still find his way into lineups as a WR3/flex option this week.

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Harrison Butker Nov 2 11:00pm ET
Harrison Butker

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9. Butker had no issues in last week's contest, as he nailed all five attempts. The Chiefs kicker knocked through three extra-point attempts and two field goal attempts, with his longest kick coming from 42 yards out. The Kansas City Chiefs are heavy home favorites in this Monday night matchup, which could mean a decent amount of Butker in this game. Butker is ranked as the sixth-best kicker in our RotoBaller rankings this week, so start him confidently.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Nov 2 10:50pm ET
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9 on Monday night. The Buccaneers rank 32nd in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, meaning Mahomes will have the most favorable matchup at the position this week. Mahomes is ranked as QB8 in our RotoBaller rankings this week, given the matchup. Coming off his best game of the season from a fantasy perspective, the Chiefs quarterback will look to build on that performance in a primetime matchup. The newest Chiefs receiver, DeAndre Hopkins, should be more involved in this contest, which bodes well for Mahomes' fantasy outlook. Mahomes has been very disappointing this season, scoring only 14 points per game in a four-point per passing touchdown league. Still, a favorable matchup and gifted pass catcher addition should be enough to make him a viable fantasy asset this week.

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Travis Kelce Nov 2 10:50pm ET
Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9. Kelce had his best game of the season last week against the Las Vegas Raiders, totaling 10 catches on 12 targets for 90 yards and one touchdown. Kelce had his most catches, targets, and receiving yards this season in that one game against the Raiders, and now he has an even better matchup. The Buccaneers rank 27th in fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends this season, meaning Kelce has a top-5 matchup at the position this week. The Chiefs tight end has already established himself as the top pass catcher in the absence of Rashee Rice, and the matchup raises his ceiling even further. DeAndre Hopkins should be more involved in the Kansas City passing attack, but Kelce should still get enough volume. Kelce is ranked as TE1 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings this week and should be started every week.

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Kareem Hunt Nov 2 10:50pm ET
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9. Hunt has been heavily involved in his time as the team's lead back, garnering at least 20 carries and a touchdown in the last three games. Hunt was a limited participant in Thursday's practice but logged back-to-back full practices on Friday and Saturday. The Chiefs running back is officially off the injury report and ready for the game. Now Hunt will face the Buccaneers, who rank 25th in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season. With Isiah Pacheco still not ready to return to practice, the runway is set for Hunt to take off. The Chiefs are nearly nine-point home favorites in this week's Monday night matchup, so Hunt should be heavily involved in running out the clock. Hunt is ranked RB17 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings this week, so he deserves a place in fantasy lineups.

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DeAndre Hopkins Nov 2 10:50pm ET
DeAndre Hopkins

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9. The Chiefs acquired the star receiver last week via trade with the Tennessee Titans. His limited time with the team led to limited snaps in last week's contest against the Las Vegas Raiders. Hopkins only played 32% of the snaps against the Raiders, so he will be more involved in this upcoming matchup. The Buccaneers rank 28th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season, so Hopkins should have no trouble producing against them. His role in the passing attack remains to be seen, but the Chiefs traded for him, so he will likely be a key piece moving forward. Given the uncertainty of his target share and limited rapport with Patrick Mahomes, Hopkins is ranked as WR35 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings this week. Hopkins should step into the Chiefs WR1 role and find his way into fantasy lineups as a WR3/flex play this week.

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Christian Kirk Nov 2 10:13pm ET
Christian Kirk

Jacksonville Jaguars WR Christian Kirk (collarbone) was part of trade conversations with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and until he broke his collarbone in Week 8, there was a reasonable chance that Kirk was going to end up with the Steelers, according to league sources.

From TheHuddle

Colby Parkinson Nov 2 10:10pm ET
Colby Parkinson

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson will face the Seattle Seahawks in a road matchup this Sunday. The 25-year-old has been mostly quiet this season aside from a 13-target, seven-catch game in Week 5's 24-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers. He'll get a middle-of-the-road matchup in Week 9 against a Seahawks D that's letting up 6.1 yards per pass attempt to opposing offenses -- the twelfth-highest figure in the league. It's possible Parkinson sees more work than usual this week, with wide receivers Puka Nacua (knee) and Jordan Whittington (shoulder) questionable for the contest. Still, he'll be difficult to trust as a viable option due to his lack of consistency. The Stanford alum is RotoBaller's PPR TE27 in this week's rankings.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Nov 2 10:00pm ET
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce will get a tough draw on Sunday Night Football when his team squares off against the Minnesota Vikings. Pierce has been the epitome of a boom/bust wideout this season, with three outings of at least 16 fantasy points and five others in the single digits, including a goose egg in Week 6 against the Tennessee Titans on 89% of snaps. With veteran quarterback Joe Flacco now in command of the offense, the outlook of all Colts pass-catchers is on the rise. Additionally, Minnesota has been one of the most stout units in the league this season against opposing rushing attacks, allowing just 3.9 yards per attempt. If they can be beaten anywhere, it's through the air. Still, the 24-year-old is little more than a desperation dart throw for the contest. Pierce is RotoBaller's PPR WR63 for Week 9's slate of action.

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Mike Gesicki Nov 2 9:50pm ET
Mike Gesicki

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki could again see a large target share in Week 9 when his team lines up against the Las Vegas Raiders at home. The 29-year-old veteran hasn't been the most consistent option this season but has produced two useful spike weeks thus far in his first year as a Bengal, correlating with wide receiver Tee Higgins (quad) missing time. With Higgins listed as doubtful for Sunday, the door is again open for Gesicki to see an increased role in the offense. The Raiders have been decent against opposing passing attacks this season, so it isn't exactly the best matchup. Still, Joe Burrow and the Bengals throw the rock 61.4% of the time (sixth-highest in the league), so the opportunities should be there if Higgins fails to suit up. The former Penn State Nittany Lion is RotoBaller's PPR TE17 in this week's ranks.

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Cade Otton Nov 2 9:50pm ET
Cade Otton

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton has seen his usage skyrocket lately. The 25-year-old has 17 receptions for 181 yards and two touchdowns over his last two games. The Bucs are banged up at wide receiver with Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (ankle) both sidelined. They've also got Sterling Shepard (hamstring) and Jalen McMillan (hamstring) on the injury report ahead of Monday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. That being said, Otton could end up seeing a ton of targets with the Bucs limited on options. Fantasy managers should continue to lean on him as a TE1 for Week 9. Otton has been an elite option over the last two games, so fantasy managers should ride the wave.

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