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FFL: Week 10 | NFL: Week 10

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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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 10

Player Notes
D'Wayne Eskridge Nov 9 2:10pm ET
D'Wayne Eskridge

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Dee Eskridge (personal) will not travel with the team and has been ruled out for Monday's contest against the Los Angeles Rams. Eskridge did not participate in practice on Thursday due to a personal matter and will now set his sights on returning in Week 11 to face the Las Vegas Raiders. Eskridge has been operating as a depth option in the Miami wide receiver room and caught just one pass over the past two weeks. In addition, Tyreek Hill's (wrist) status is also up in the air for Monday's game. This could potentially leave Jaylen Waddle and Odell Beckham Jr. as the lone wideouts for Miami on Monday.

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George Kittle Nov 9 2:10pm ET
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle will take on the Buccaneers in Tampa for the team's Week 10 contest on Sunday. In Week 8 against Dallas, Kittle had a week-winning game, catching six of seven targets for 128 yards and a touchdown. The book on Kittle in fantasy has been boom/bust for years, but in 2024 it's been all boom. After a six-point game in Week 1, Kittle has outperformed projections in each subsequent game. He is now averaging 15.2 half-PPR points per game, while the second-ranked TE Brock Bowers sits at 11.2 PPG. It remains to be seen what the effect of an active Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) will be on Kittle's target share, but even if he takes a slight hit, he'll remain an elite option at an otherwise frustrating position. The Bucs present an excellent opportunity to keep the good times rolling, having allowed the third-most TE fantasy points this year. Unsurprisingly, Kittle is projected as the overall TE1 coming into Week 10.

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Cooper Kupp Nov 9 1:40pm ET
Cooper Kupp

Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland (hand, knee) is optimistic that he will be able to play on Monday Night Football in Week 10 against the Los Angeles Rams, according to head coach Mike McDaniel. While Holland is hoping to be able to play, he said on Friday that he'll be a game-time decision on Monday. The 24-year-old defensive back injured his knee in the Week 8 loss to the Arizona Cardinals and was not active for last week's loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills. After missing practice on Thursday this week, Holland put in a limited session on Friday, giving him a chance to return on Monday. The Dolphins defense could surely use Holland back on the field against a high-octane Rams passing attack that has both receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua back. In six games this year, Holland has 26 tackles (18 solo), two pass breakups and a forced fumble.

From RotoBaller

Laquon Treadwell Nov 9 1:30pm ET
Laquon Treadwell

The Indianapolis Colts elevated wide receiver Laquon Treadwell from the practice squad to the active roster for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills after the team ruled out Michael Pittman Jr. (back) for Week 10. It will be the first week that Treadwell has been active for the Colts in 2024, and he'll be unlikely to make any noise in fantasy as receiver depth for Indy. With Pittman inactive, Josh Downs should serve as quarterback Joe Flacco's favorite target, with Alec Pierce and rookie Adonai Mitchell also seeing more opportunities. Treadwell, 29, only played in five games last year with the Baltimore Ravens and caught just one of three targets for a 16-yard gain. The previous year he caught six of 10 targets for 42 scoreless yards in six contests with the Seattle Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Nov 9 1:20pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins right tackle Austin Jackson (knee) will not play in the Monday night game against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 10. Head coach Mike McDaniel said Jackson popped up with a knee injury after the Week 9 loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills. It's unknown if Jackson will need surgery, but thankfully his injury doesn't appear to be season-ending. With Jackson sidelined on Monday, veteran Kendall Lamm and rookie Patrick Paul are both options to replace him on the right side of the offensive line against the Rams. Miami comes into Week 10 action riding a three-game losing streak despite quarterback Tua Tagovailoa back in the starting role under center the last two weeks. The Dolphins currently sit at 2-6 and are 2.5 games behind the Denver Broncos for the seventh seed in the AFC.

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Christian McCaffrey Nov 9 1:20pm ET
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles), who is listed as questionable to play in Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, said he feels great and is ready to make his 2024 debut on Sunday. McCaffrey missed the first eight games with bilateral Achilles tendonitis but completed his first full week of practice and will be activated from Injured Reserve on Saturday. CMC also dealt with a calf strain in early August and missed most of training camp in the summer. Now that the reigning Offensive Player of the Year is back, fantasy managers want to know how effective he'll be against Tampa and how much work he'll get. While McCaffrey should operate as San Fran's lead back on Sunday, he'll more than likely have his workload monitored, which will make him a more risky RB1. Jordan Mason will now lose most of his fantasy value as he reverts to a backup role.

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Dak Prescott Nov 9 1:10pm ET
Dak Prescott

Although the move isn't yet official, the Dallas Cowboys will put quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) on Injured Reserve, which means he'll be required to miss at least the next four games, according to executive vice president Stephen Jones. Multiple sources said Prescott is expected to need six to eight weeks of recovery for the partial avulsion of his hamstring that he suffered in the Week 9 loss to the Falcons. If he need surgery, Prescott would miss the rest of the regular season. If he doesn't have surgery and recovers quickly, Prescott would be eligible to return on Dec. 9 against the Bengals in Week 14. However, the prevailing sentiment is that Prescott will likely need more time than that to recover. It's a huge blow to the already disappointing 3-5 Cowboys. Their offense will now be led by backup QB Cooper Rush, who will be no better than a low-end QB2 in superflex fantasy leagues moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Nov 9 1:10pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) is "doing everything possible" in order to play on Monday night against the Los Angeles Rams after he was added to the Week 10 injury report after missing practice on Friday, according to head coach Mike McDaniel. The head coach said Hill's wrist injury has been "heating up," and the team wants to give it a chance to "cool down." Miami is taking things day-to-day with Hill, who sounds likely to get a questionable tag on Saturday's final injury report. For what it's worth, McDaniel is optimistic Hill will be able to play. The Cheetah leads all Dolphins players with 446 receiving yards in 2024, but he has just one TD and it's his worst statistical start since coming to Miami in 2022. The good news is he has averaged 76 yards in the last two games with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa back. If Hill can't play, it will put Jaylen Waddle in the No. 1 role against LA.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Nov 9 12:30pm ET
Patrick Mahomes

The Denver Broncos defense/special teams unit is tied for third in the league with the Chicago Bears in overall fantasy points, but they represent a shaky fantasy option as they head into a tough Week 10 matchup against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes. While KC's offense hasn't been as explosive as in years past, they are definitely more dangerous now after trading for receiver DeAndre Hopkins. And while Denver's D has been one of the stingier units in 2024 -- they're allowing the third-fewest points per game (17.9) -- the Ravens proved last week that they can still be dominated. The Chiefs offense hasn't been perfect with 12 giveaways on the season, but they also haven't been an ideal matchup for opposing defenses, allowing only 5.0 fantasy points per game. There just isn't a ton of upside for Denver's D/ST on the road against the defending Super Bowl champs.

From RotoBaller

Devaughn Vele Nov 9 12:20pm ET
Devaughn Vele

Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Devaughn Vele probably isn't going to break out in the team's Week 10 matchup on the road against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs, a defense that has allowed the eighth-fewest half-PPR fantasy points to opposing receivers this year. The seventh-round pick out of Utah has some intriguing long-term upside working with quarterback Bo Nix in Denver, but he's just not anywhere near the fantasy radar in single-year leagues. In just five games played in his first year in the NFL, Vele has 18 catches on 23 targets for 176 yards and no touchdowns. Courtland Sutton, the clear WR1 in Denver, is really the only fantasy relevant receiver that the Broncos have to offer in 2024. Even with Josh Reynolds (finger) on Injured Reserve, Vele just hasn't managed to stand out while competing for targets with Lil'Jordan Humphrey and fellow rookie Troy Franklin.

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Wil Lutz Nov 9 12:20pm ET
Wil Lutz

Fantasy managers should be able to find more reliable kicking options in Week 10 than Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz, who has been disappointing each of the last two weeks. Lutz checks in as the No. 7 kicker in overall fantasy points entering a Week 10 showdown against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs, but he's managed just one field goal and five extra points in Weeks 8 and 9 against the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens, respectively. The 30-year-old has been one of the most accurate in the league, missing just one of his 19 field-goal attempts on the year while making all 17 of his extra points, but volume may be hard to come by on Sunday in a hostile environment against a KC defense that has allowed just 18.4 points per game, fourth-fewest in the NFL. Lutz has been money when given opportunities in 2024, but there's minimal fantasy upside for him this weekend.

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Lil'Jordan Humphrey Nov 9 12:10pm ET
Lil'Jordan Humphrey

Denver Broncos wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey simply cannot be trusted in fantasy for a Week 10 divisional matchup this Sunday on the road against the 9-0 Kansas City Chiefs. Humphrey ranks third on the Broncos in targets (32), receptions (21) and receiving yards (188), but the lack of production speaks for itself, and he has yet to get into the end zone in nine games played. The 26-year-old does have some impressive yards-after-the-catch skills, but he's only gone over four catches in a game once this year and still has yet to eclipse 50 yards in a game. Denver's offense could struggle to move the ball for the second straight week against a Chiefs defense that has allowed the eighth-fewest half-PPR points to opposing pass-catchers this season. There's no reason for Humphrey to be rostered in 12-team fantasy leagues.

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Cam Little Nov 9 12:00pm ET
Cam Little

Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little isn't a great option this week in fantasy against the Minnesota Vikings. The Jaguars are dealing with a lot of injuries on offense, including quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who seems likely to be replaced by Mac Jones. With the offense's upside lower than usual, the already mid-tier fantasy kicker is even worse of a fantasy option than he has been this season. To top it all off, the Vikings defense has been one of the best defenses in fantasy against kickers. If all of the banged up receiving options, such as Brian Thomas Jr. and Gabe Davis, are healthy, he could have a decent day, but the upside for fantasy points is extremely limited. Unless fantasy managers believe in Mac Jones, Little is best left out of lineups in Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Parker Washington Nov 9 11:50am ET
Parker Washington

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington will be tasked with stepping up once again against the Minnesota Vikings. In Week 9, Washington had just three catches for 41 yards on six targets last week in relief of Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis. Brian Thomas Jr. was a game-time decision but played. Kirk is out for the rest of the season and Davis and Thomas Jr. are questionable once again, so Washington should have a similar role against the Minnesota Vikings. His main competition is tight end Evan Engram, the healthiest receiving option currently on the team. Washington will have to deal with Mac Jones potentially taking over for Trevor Lawrence as well this week due to an injury of his own, but the two did play together a bit during preseason. It's risky, but Washington is a potential deep league flex play once again in Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Nov 9 11:00am ET
Drake Maye

The Chicago Bears' defense and special teams are looking to rebound in Week 10 as they face off against the New England Patriots. After a somewhat strong showing in Week 9, where they kept things competitive despite a tough loss to the Arizona Cardinals, the Bears now turn their attention to rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Maye has been impressed, managing a solid performance despite working with a below-average group of skill players. The Bears' defense will need to key in on Hunter Henry, his top weapon in the passing game if they hope to neutralize the Patriots' attack. Rhamondre Stevenson will be a key focus on the ground, especially after the Bears were gashed by the Cardinals' rushing attack last week. While the Bears' defense is still a startable fantasy option in Week 10, their floor is lower than expected, and fantasy managers should be cautious, given the potential for big plays from Stevenson and Henry. With Maye showing poise and the Patriots having some weapons, the Bears could be in for a more challenging outing than anticipated.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Nov 9 11:00am ET
Kyler Murray

The New York Jets defense/special teams will head on the road to take on the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10. New York's pass rush was a problem in a Week 9 win over the Houston Texans as they notched eight sacks in the win. They will look to keep it going against Kyler Murray and company this weekend. The Cardinals have been a tough matchup for fantasy defenses this season, however, as they are allowing the 12th-fewest fantasy points per game to the position thus far. The Jets settle in as a top-15 fantasy defense heading into Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby Nov 9 11:00am ET
Tank Bigsby

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby will have to hold off Travis Etienne Jr. once again against the Minnesota Vikings. He was limited in practice all week due to an ankle injury but is fully off the injury report after Friday's practice. Bigsby had a big Week 7 against the New England Patriots with Etienne Jr. out but had a down week in Week 9 against the Philadelphia Eagles with Etienne Jr. back. This week could be a bit different, as with the receiving core banged up and Mac Jones replacing Trevor Lawrence, the running backs could be relied on more than usual both on the ground and in the passing game. Especially with a blitz-heavy defense from Brian Flores, the short passing game specifically could be a large part of the game plan. Bigsby serves as an interesting flex play in Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Nov 9 11:00am ET
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram should still be viewed as a TE1 in Week 10 but should be slightly downgraded against the Vikings. That is due to starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence likely being out due to injury this Sunday, and Mac Jones potentially being at the helm instead. While it's possible Engram is fine with a different QB, the change would make him a riskier fantasy option than usual. Given the volatile nature of the tight end position in fantasy, managers shouldn't bench him, but expectations should be tempered slightly. He had 10 targets last week, but only caught five of them for 45 yards. That is around the level he should be at against the Vikings in what should be a similar game script. Engram is still a starting fantasy tight end but has less upside than usual in Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Nov 9 10:30am ET
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. will look to take back control of the backfield in Week 10 against the Minnesota Vikings. He was questionable earlier in the week due to a hamstring injury but is no longer on the injury report after Friday's practice. Etienne Jr. only earned 31% of the snaps and five touches last week after missing the previous two games. He came into the season as the clear lead back, but due to a combination of underwhelming play and the emergence of backup Tank Bigsby, the backfield situation in Jacksonville is now at best an even split. However, with Trevor Lawrence and the receiving core banged up, both Etienne Jr. and Bigsby could be more involved than usual against the Vikings. Etienne Jr. should be viewed as a solid flex option in Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Mac Jones Nov 9 10:20am ET
Mac Jones

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones seems likely to start this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings in place of the injured Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence is dealing with a left shoulder injury from last week's matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles and practiced in a limited fashion all week. The former first round pick of the New England Patriots has a decent matchup against the Vikings, who have been hit or miss against offenses in fantasy so far. Brian Flores, who also happens to be a former New England Patriot, loves to blitz, which can be difficult for quarterbacks who aren't ready for it, but can also mean great fantasy games for those who are ready for it. Fantasy owners should definitely hold off on starting Jones unless they are desperate given Week 10 would be his first start of the season.

From RotoBaller