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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

Related photo caption below

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
Roschon Johnson Nov 4 5:30am ET
Roschon Johnson

On Sunday, Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson had a limited role in the offense during their game against the Arizona Cardinals. He saw the ball just three times, finishing with a modest total of 13 rushing yards. Additionally, Johnson contributed in the passing game with two receptions for eight yards, but overall, his impact was minimal. The Bears needed help establishing a consistent offensive rhythm, significantly reducing their opportunities in the red zone. As a result, Johnson missed out on the goal-line opportunities he had capitalized on in previous weeks, leaving fantasy managers disappointed. With the Bears facing challenges in their offensive execution, it will be crucial for the coaching staff to find ways to involve Johnson more in upcoming games, particularly as they seek to enhance their effectiveness in the red zone and maximize his potential as a dynamic playmaker.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Nov 4 5:30am ET
D.J. Moore

In Week 9, Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore experienced a notably quiet performance during the matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. He concluded the game with only four receptions for a total of 33 yards and failed to find the end zone, leaving fantasy managers and fans wanting more. Throughout the contest, the Bears' offense appeared disjointed and out of sync, struggling to establish any rhythm. This lack of cohesion hindered Moore's ability to make impactful plays, a hallmark of his game in previous weeks. Despite his usual talent and playmaking ability, he didn't seem at his best, making it difficult for him to contribute significantly to the team's offensive efforts. As the Bears look to bounce back next week against the New England Patriots, fans will be eager to see Moore return to form and regain his status as a key playmaker in the passing game.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Nov 4 5:30am ET
Keenan Allen

On Sunday, Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen had a disappointing outing in the matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, finishing the game with just four receptions for a modest total of 38 yards. Throughout the contest, Allen struggled to find separation from the Cardinals' defensive backs, a stark contrast to his previous season when he consistently found ways to get open and make impactful plays. Despite leading the team with ten targets, the lack of completed passes to him highlighted an apparent disconnect in the Bears' offensive execution. This inefficiency raises concerns about the chemistry between Allen and the quarterback, as well as the overall performance of the offensive line, which may have contributed to the struggles. As the Bears move forward, it will be crucial for Allen to regain his form and the coaching staff to find ways to utilize his skills in future games better. Allen will get a chance to bounce back against the New England Patriots next week.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Nov 4 5:30am ET
Rome Odunze

In Week 8, Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze delivered an impressive performance against the Arizona Cardinals, showcasing his potential with five catches for 104 yards despite not scoring a touchdown. Among his receptions was a standout 44-yard play, which represented one of the few explosive moments for the Bears' offense throughout the game. Since the Bears' bye week, Odunze has experienced a notable uptick in his production, a common trend for rookie wide receivers as they gain confidence and familiarity with the game at the professional level. His performance against the Cardinals further solidified his role within the offense, as he received seven targets, indicating that he has quickly become one of quarterback Caleb Williams's preferred options. As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how Odunze continues to develop and contribute to the Bears' passing attack. Fantasy managers hope he continues his breakout against the New England Patriots next week.

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Cole Kmet Nov 4 5:30am ET
Cole Kmet

In Week 9, Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet experienced a frustrating outing against the Arizona Cardinals, finishing the game without a single reception. This performance was particularly disappointing, but Kmet has often been a boom-or-bust player throughout the season. Given that the Cardinals' defense is regarded as below average, Kmet's inability to contribute at all was unexpected and troubling for both fans and fantasy managers. Even more surprising was the fact that Kmet did not receive any targets during the game, leaving many to question the offensive game plan and his role within it. To add to the disappointment, Kmet's backup, Gerald Everett, managed to catch one pass for five yards, further highlighting Kmet's struggles. As the Bears move forward, it will be crucial for the coaching staff to address these issues and find ways to better utilize Kmet's talents in upcoming matchups, starting next week against the New England Patriots.

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Caleb Williams Nov 4 5:20am ET
Caleb Williams

This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams faced a challenging matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. In Week 9, Williams completed only 22 of 41 passes for 217 yards and failed to throw a touchdown. This performance marks a second consecutive week of struggles for the young quarterback, which is particularly concerning against a defense that hasn't been regarded as formidable. Despite the disappointing stats, it's important to note that Williams was under constant pressure throughout the game. His offensive line struggled to provide adequate protection, leading to hurried throws and limited offensive production. To add insult to injury, Williams also tweaked his ankle late in the 4th quarter, so his health will need to be monitored moving forward. While fantasy managers had hoped for a breakout performance, the ongoing issues with the offensive line have made it difficult for Williams to find his rhythm. Addressing these protection issues as the Bears prepare for their next matchup against the New England Patriots will be crucial for Williams' development and fantasy viability.

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D'Andre Swift Nov 4 5:20am ET
D'Andre Swift

On Sunday, Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift had a tough outing against the Arizona Cardinals, resulting in what can only be described as an average performance. He recorded 16 carries for just 51 yards, failing to reach the end zone, which was disappointing for those relying on him in fantasy leagues. However, he managed to contribute in the passing game by adding six receptions for 31 yards, which provided some relief for fantasy managers seeking points. Unfortunately, Swift's struggles were compounded by a struggling offensive line that had a particularly rough day, failing to create adequate running lanes and making his job significantly more challenging than in previous weeks. Additionally, Swift encountered difficulties in pass protection, notably picking up a blocking penalty in the end zone that resulted in a safety, further hindering the Bears' offensive momentum. Overall, it was a tough day for Swift, but his versatility as a receiver offers hope for better performances ahead.

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Matthew Stafford Nov 4 4:00am ET
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 25 of his 44 pass attempts for 298 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in Sunday's 26-20 win over the Seattle Seahawks. The interception was a double whammy in that it set up a Seahawks touchdown just before halftime and also inadvertently led to the disqualification of Puka Nacua, who was ejected for throwing a punch at the end of the play. Stafford recovered, though, connecting with Demarcus Robinson for a touchdown once in the third quarter and again in overtime to secure the Rams' victory. Stafford faced heavy pressure throughout the game which affected his accuracy, though he was never sacked. Stafford is back in play as a streaming option in fantasy and will face the Miami Dolphins on Monday night in Week 10.

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Kyren Williams Nov 4 4:00am ET
Kyren Williams

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams gained 69 rushing yards on 22 carries and had another 26 yards on his lone reception (on three targets) in Sunday's 26-20 win over the Seahawks. Williams also committed a fumble but was fortunate that Cooper Kupp fell on the ball to recover. It was the first game since Week 14 of the 2023 season that he did not record a touchdown. It was tough sledding for Williams against an aggressive Seattle front seven. He did break a few big gains but half of his carries went for two yards or fewer. One of the few bell cows in the league, Williams was on the field for 76 of the Rams' 77 offensive snaps in a game that went to overtime. He is a must-start in Week 10 when Los Angeles takes on a Miami Dolphins defense that has been especially vulnerable against the run this year.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Nov 4 4:00am ET
Cooper Kupp

It is safe to say that the high ankle sprain that kept Cooper Kupp sidelined for five weeks (including a bye) is no longer an issue. In the Rams' 26-20 win over the Seahawks on Sunday the wide receiver had 11 catches on 14 targets for 104 yards, leading the team in each category. Kupp was heavily favored by quarterback Matthew Stafford even before Puka Nacua's ejection just before halftime, collecting nine targets in the first half alone. Also encouraging was seeing his snap share leap up another week removed from his injury. After participating in just over half of the Rams' plays last week against the Vikings, Kupp was on the field for 63 of 77 offensive snaps in the Rams' overtime victory. Los Angeles gets Miami in Week 10 and even though the Dolphins have been more susceptible to the run than the pass this year, Kupp's rapport with Stafford keeps him in must-start territory.

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Demarcus Robinson Nov 4 4:00am ET
Demarcus Robinson

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson secured six of his nine targets for 94 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's win over the Seattle Seahawks. His first touchdown came in the third quarter and brought the Rams' within three points of their division rivals. The second score came in overtime and won the game for Los Angeles. The play, which ended up as the Rams' longest of the game, was a 39-yard bomb that Robinson brought in with his right arm while he was fending off a defender with his left. Robinson's increased role was likely the result of the ejection of Puka Nacua just before halftime. Sunday's effort marks the second consecutive game in which Robinson has had two touchdowns. Despite the deluge of scoring, he will be hard to depend on in fantasy as he will revert to his status as the Rams' third wide receiver when Nacua returns in Week 10.

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Foster Moreau Nov 4 2:40am ET
Foster Moreau

New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau had just one catch in Week 9 but it was good for a 17-yard touchdown. His only other target was another shot in the end zone that came in too low for Moreau to secure. Moreau's effort on his score in the fourth quarter was impressive. The 250-lb tight end turned in stride and made a leaping catch while twisting in midair then kept his feet and legs in bounds as he fell to the ground near the side of the end zone. When Moreau rose from the turf he held the ball aloft with both hands, demonstrating he never lost possession despite his defender's best efforts to pull it loose as they collided. The grab was Moreau's third score of the year but just his twelfth reception overall. Primarily used as an extra blocker, Moreau shouldn't be depended on in fantasy in Week 10 when the Saints face the Atlanta Falcons.

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Taysom Hill Nov 4 2:30am ET
Taysom Hill

Jack of all trades Taysom Hill was again involved as a rusher, receiver, and passer in the Saints' 23-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. In Week 9, Hill gained 19 yards and scored a touchdown on five carries, caught four of his five targets for 41 yards, and threw one pass attempt that fell incomplete. The touchdown was his third of the season and his 60 scrimmage yards represented a new season-high. Five of his touches resulted in first-down conversions. The Saints came into the game with an offense depleted by injury and then lost Chris Olave (concussion) in the first quarter, setting Hill up for increased usage. That trend will likely hold for the Saints' upcoming matchup against the Atlanta Falcons as New Orleans will still be short on skill players. Kendre Miller (hamstring) and Bub Means (ankle) were both placed on injured reserve earlier this week and Olave's concussion is his second in the last four weeks, leaving his status for Week 10 in doubt.

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Alvin Kamara Nov 4 2:10am ET
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara had a whopping 29 carries and ran for 155 yards against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Kamara also led the Saints in receiving in their 23-22 loss, catching six of his nine targets for 60 yards. Already the league leader in touches entering Week 9, it was expected that Kamara would see a heavy workload. Jamaal Williams (groin) and Kendre Miller (hamstring) were both inactive and the Saints' already thin receiving corps lost Chris Olave (concussion) midway through the first quarter, increasing the Saints' reliance on Kamara further. Kamara has been held out of the end zone since Week 6 but now has over 1,000 yards from scrimmage on the season. He will face off against the Falcons in Week 10, against whom he gained 119 total yards and scored a touchdown in Week 4.

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Derek Carr Nov 4 2:00am ET
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr returned to action on Sunday for the first time since exiting Week 5 with an oblique injury. He went 18-for-31 for 236 yards and a touchdown in the 23-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Carr lost the services of Chris Olave (concussion) midway through the first quarter after the receiver was hit hard going up for a pass that left him defenseless. Most of Carr's passes were on short and intermediate routes, perhaps to avoid any further stress as he continues healing. Curiously, one of Carr's few deep shots came on the Saints' last play of the game when he lofted a ball up for a well-covered Cedrick Wilson Jr. when New Orleans needed just four yards to convert on fourth down with 64 seconds left on the game clock. Carr was 1-for-5 on red zone pass attempts with the lone completion being his touchdown pass to tight end Foster Moreau. With a depleted pass-catching corps, Carr will be hard to trust in Week 10 when the Saints host the Atlanta Falcons.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Nov 4 1:13am ET
Tyler Lockett

Dynasty | Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had seven catches for 180 yards and two touchdowns in Seattle's loss to the Rams. Dynasty Analysis: This was a much needed monster game from last year's first round pick. Smith-Njigba has been quiet playing behind Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf over the past year and a half, but took advantage of Metcalf being out today to post a career game. While this may very well be the best game of his year, he's very much lineup worthy again. Unfortunately, the Seahawks have a bye and it's unlikely Metcalf misses more time. Still, Smith-Njigba's dynasty value dip should end after today's performance.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Puka Nacua Nov 4 1:13am ET
Puka Nacua

Dynasty | Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was ejected from Sunday's win against Seattle. Dynasty Analysis: Nacua posted one catch for 11 yards before being tossed after throwing a punch at a defender. It was a disaster for dynasty managers, but certainly not something that's going to linger. Nacua could be fined for the incident, but it's hard to see him being suspended over this. In the end, Nacua should return to his WR1/2 spot when the Rams take the field again.

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Evan Engram Nov 4 1:10am ET
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram caught five of 10 targets for 45 yards during Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. With Christian Kirk (collarbone) and Gabe Davis (shoulder) sidelined, there were extra opportunities available for Jacksonville's pass-catchers. Engram ended up being the biggest benefactor, commanding double-digit targets for the second time in the last four weeks. He'll rank as a mid-to-low TE1 in Week 10 against the Minnesota Vikings.

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Trevor Lawrence Nov 4 1:10am ET
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence completed just 16 of 31 passes for 169 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions during Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He also took two sacks and rushed for eight yards. The 25-year-old has been a high-end fantasy QB2 this season, totaling 11 touchdowns and six interceptions. He should be avoided in single-quarterback leagues ahead of next week's matchup against a difficult Minnesota Vikings defense.

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T.J. Hockenson Nov 4 1:00am ET
T.J. Hockenson

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson caught 3-of-4 targets for 27 yards in the team's 21-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts. It was the former Iowa Hawkeye's first taste of action since tearing his ACL and MCL late last season. The three receptions are slightly disappointing; still, it is excellent to see him escape the outing, seemingly still healthy. As the season progresses. Hockenson's snap count and opportunity share will likely continue rising, and he'll get eased in with another softer matchup his next time out in Week 10. The Vikings will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars next Sunday in what projects to be an easier go against a subpar Jags secondary.

From RotoBaller