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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
Kayshon Boutte Nov 2 8:40am ET
Kayshon Boutte

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte has recently emerged as his team's busiest and most productive player at the position, but even he is still tough to trust heading into Week 9 against the Tennessee Titans. The 22-year-old has played north of 80 percent of offensive snaps in each of his last three games, but he's averaging just 2.3 catches, 46 receiving yards, and 0.3 touchdowns during that span. Even if New England keeps Sunday's game close against a subpar Titans team, Tennesse's solid defense will make it tough for Boutte to be productive. The Titans have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers who play out wide, like Boutte. The second-year receiver also has to deal with uncertainty at the quarterback position where Drake Maye (concussion) is listed as questionable.

From RotoBaller

Rhamondre Stevenson Nov 2 8:30am ET
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson had an impressive showing last Sunday, but he'll get a tougher matchup in the form of the Tennessee Titans during Week 9. The 2024 season has been a mixed bag of results for Stevenson, who is ultimately averaging 60.3 rushing yards, 8.7 receiving yards, and 0.7 touchdowns per game. His reduced work as a pass-catcher is particularly perplexing given how effective he's been as a receiver and blocker in past years. Nevertheless, Stevenson has showcased efficiency and a nose for the end zone this year, allowing him to rank as the overall RB24 so far this season. He'll likely fall a few spots against a Titans defense allowing the sixth-fewest rushing yards to opposing running backs, but he's still worth starting in most leagues.

From RotoBaller

Demario Douglas Nov 2 8:30am ET
Demario Douglas

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas has been ineffective over the last two weeks, averaging just two catches and 13 yards while seeing a reduction in snaps. More than one-third of his season total receiving yards came in just one game (Week 6), making him tough to trust in lineups on a week-after-week basis. This week, Douglas faces the Tennessee Titans, whose defense has quietly been one of the league's stronger units. They've been closer to mediocre against slot receivers like Douglas, allowing the 13th-fewest fantasy points per game to the position. Regardless of whether Drake Maye (concussion) or Jacoby Brissett starts on Sunday, Douglas is avoidable given his tough stretch and less-than-ideal matchup.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Nov 2 8:20am ET
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp looks to return to WR1 form after his solid return in Week 8, even though fellow wideout Puka Nacua (knee) overshadowed him. He caught five passes on eight targets for 51 yards and a receiving touchdown. Week 9 presents a solid matchup against a Seattle Seahawks defense that ranks 16th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers. Nacua's status against Seattle is uncertain, meaning more targets could be heading Kupp's way if Nacua is ruled out. Darius Slayton, Deebo Samuel Sr., and Khalil Shakir have all gone over 100 yards receiving in recent weeks against them. The Rams' offense seems to be back in peak form with all of their weapons back. Expect his target share to continue to go up each week, as history has shown when Matthew Stafford is under center. Kupp should be started with confidence in all lineups and check in as RotoBaller's WR10 in the Week 9 rankings.

From RotoBaller

Roschon Johnson Nov 2 7:50am ET
Roschon Johnson

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson is eager for increased opportunities this week as he takes on the Arizona Cardinals in Week 9. Though he has been primarily used sparingly as a backup, he has established himself as the team's go-to goal-line back, showcasing his potential in that role. Last week, Johnson had a limited outing with just two carries for 6 yards, but he managed to find the end zone on a crucial goal-line carry. As he prepares for the matchup against the Cardinals, Johnson will be looking to capitalize on more red-zone opportunities. A favorable factor for him is that the Cardinals' defense currently ranks 24th in EPA per rush, indicating vulnerability against the run. This could allow Johnson to build on his solid play and become a more impactful contributor to the Bears' offense this week.

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D.J. Moore Nov 2 7:50am ET
D.J. Moore

This week, Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore is a solid WR2/WR3 option. However, there is some downside to consider against the struggling Arizona Cardinals secondary, which currently ranks 30th in EPA per pass this season. Moore's season has been a bit of a rollercoaster, with inconsistent performances that have prevented him from reaching the level of reliability many anticipated, especially given the supposed improvements at quarterback. Last week, he had a quiet outing against the Washington Commanders, managing only two catches for 27 yards without finding the end zone. For the Bears to maximize their offensive potential, it's crucial that they find ways to get Moore more involved in the game plan. With the Cardinals' defensive struggles, this week presents a prime opportunity for him to break out and deliver a more robust performance for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Nov 2 7:50am ET
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen is looking to bounce back this week as he faces a mediocre Arizona Cardinals secondary. After a frustrating performance against an improved Washington Commanders defense last week, where he led the team in targets with seven but only managed to haul in two catches for 39 yards, Allen is eager to regain his rhythm. The Bears need him to be a key contributor, especially given the Cardinals' struggles in pass defense, currently ranking 30th in EPA per pass this season. This matchup presents a prime opportunity for Allen to improve his numbers and reestablish himself as a reliable target in the Bears' offense. With his talent and the favorable matchup, fantasy managers should have their fingers crossed for a significant rebound performance from Allen this week.

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Rome Odunze Nov 2 7:50am ET
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze has the potential for a strong performance this Sunday as he faces a vulnerable Arizona Cardinals secondary. Last week, Odunze led all Bears receivers with 41 yards against the Washington Commanders, a reflection of the team's overall struggles in the passing game. However, his six targets indicate that he is starting to carve out a role in the offense, which is often the case for rookie wideouts who gain traction as the season progresses. Given the Cardinals' defensive strugglesranking 30th in EPA per pass this seasonOdunze has a prime opportunity to capitalize on his targets. If he can continue to earn looks and leverage the matchup, he could emerge as a valuable asset for fantasy managers. This week, all eyes will be on Odunze to see if he can take advantage of the favorable conditions and elevate his game.

From RotoBaller

Cole Kmet Nov 2 7:50am ET
Cole Kmet

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet is positioned as a solid starter this week, largely due to a favorable matchup against the Arizona Cardinals secondary. Kmet faced challenges in Week 8 against the Washington Commanders, managing only one reception for 14 yards and failing to score. His performances this season have been characterized by a boom-or-bust nature, which is often the reality at the tight end position in fantasy football. However, the opportunity for a breakout game looms large this week, especially against a Cardinals defense that ranks 30th in EPA per pass. If Kmet can capitalize on Arizona's defensive weaknesses, he could significantly contribute to fantasy lineups. With the potential for increased targets and a favorable matchup, Kmet is a player to watch closely, making him a valuable asset for fantasy managers this week.

From RotoBaller

Cairo Santos Nov 2 7:50am ET
Cairo Santos

Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos is a solid yet somewhat unexciting fantasy option for Week 9 as he prepares to face the Arizona Cardinals. In his last outing, Santos had a minimal role, managing to get on the field only for one extra point, as the Bears' offense struggled significantlyparticularly in the passing gamewhich resulted in no field goal attempts. With the game's over/under set at a modest 44.5 points, it seems likely to be a low-scoring affair. Fantasy managers might find other kickers on the waiver wire who offer more upside this week, making them potentially more appealing options. However, it's important to note that Santos has been reliable and consistent when given opportunities. While more attractive alternatives may be available, if you're in a pinch, you can feel comfortable including Santos in your lineup as a backup option.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Nov 2 7:40am ET
Caleb Williams

This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams presents a compelling fantasy option as he faces off against the Arizona Cardinals. Williams is eager to bounce back after a disappointing outing against the Washington Commanders in Week 8, where he completed just ten of 24 passes for 131 yards without any touchdowns. While the growing pains of a rookie quarterback often include fluctuating performances, a mere 131 passing yards is far from ideal. Fortunately for Williams, he'll be up against a Cardinals defense that currently ranks 30th in EPA per pass this season, providing a favorable matchup. While there are certainly more reliable quarterbacks to consider this week, don't overlook the potential for Williams to surprise and finish as a QB1. His talent and the Cardinals' defensive struggles could create the perfect storm for a strong fantasy performance.

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D'Andre Swift Nov 2 7:40am ET
D'Andre Swift

On Sunday, Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift had an outstanding game against the Washington Commanders, recording 18 carries for 131 yards and a touchdown. He made a game-changing 56-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, sparking a stagnant Bears offense at a crucial moment. Swift demonstrated his ability to create explosive plays when provided with solid blocking and space to operate. Although it was disappointing that he finished without any receptions, given that Caleb Williams only completed ten passes overall, there's optimism that Swift will see more opportunities in the passing game moving forward. Additionally, it was concerning for Swift's fantasy owners to see Roschon Johnson take goal-line carries, which must be monitored. Swift will aim to maintain his momentum against a vulnerable Arizona Cardinals defense next week.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Nov 2 6:10am ET
Joe Burrow

The Las Vegas Raiders face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9. Las Vegas' defense will be tasked with stopping the 11th ranked offense in points per game in 2024. They haven't been particularly effective at stopping anyone this season, and rank poorly in turnovers forced, severely limiting their upside. LV's D/ST ranks 31st in fantasy football this season, second-to-last in the NFL, and it's unlikely things will change. They typically face uphill battles, as the Raiders offense isn't good at sustaining drives and often loses the time of possession battle with opponents. Bengals QB Joe Burrow, WR Ja'Marr Chase, and RB Chase Brown will present significant challenges on Sunday. This D/ST shouldn't be started in any leagues.

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Daniel Carlson Nov 2 6:00am ET
Daniel Carlson

Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson could see another week of solid volume in his Week 9 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati ranks just next to the Kansas City Chiefs, who the Raiders played in Week 8, in fantasy points allowed to opposing teams' kickers. Carlson scored 10 fantasy points as he sent field goals of 32 and 54 yards and two extra point attempts through the uprights successfully. He hasn't missed an extra point so far and has converted on 88.2% of his field goal attempts to this point. He's an excellent kicker, but the problem has always been lack of opportunity. He's a risky start in fantasy lineups due to his inconsistent volume, though. Las Vegas' inability to consistently get within scoring range on offense limits his upside.

From RotoBaller

Tre Tucker Nov 2 5:50am ET
Tre Tucker

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker is looking to bounce back to better production after two lackluster performances in Weeks 7 and 8. He's scored just 7.7 and 5.3 PPR fantasy points in his last two games. The extra defensive attention he's drawn due to the absence of the team's current WR1 didn't benefit him in Week 7, and Week 8 he faced one of the toughest pass defenses in the league in the Kansas City Chiefs. His Week 9 opponent, the Cincinnati Bengals, allow the 14th-fewest PPR fantasy points to opposing wideouts, making them significantly softer than KC's unit. Tucker is a WR4 for this week's contest, so he'll only be viable in very deep leagues.

From RotoBaller

Gardner Minshew II Nov 2 5:40am ET
Gardner Minshew II

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II was actually fringe-startable in his Week 8 loss with the Kansas City Chiefs, but that was mainly due to him authoring a garbage time drive that went for a touchdown. He faces the Cincinnati Bengals this week, though. They boast a high-powered offense that could have the game out of hand before the fourth quarter, which would give him more opportunities for meaningless scores. Still, considering his penchant for turnovers (five of them in the last two games), he's a risky player to set in lineups in 1QB leagues. In 2QB or Superflex leagues, he's a decent start. Unsurprisingly, he appears to play better when his No. 1 wide receiver, Jakobi Meyers (ankle) plays, and he's expected to play Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Zamir White Nov 2 5:40am ET
Zamir White

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (quad) lost his starting job to his former backup, Alexander Mattison, ahead of his Week 8 matchup. He proceeded to rush the ball two times for negative-one yard after playing just 3% of the snaps in the game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He's unlikely to earn his job back. Head coach Antonio Pierce expressed his desire to continue getting White the ball, but it's unlikely he'll earn meaningful touches moving forward after such an ineffective performance. To make matters worse, he's designated as "Questionable" with a quad injury now. He's averaged just 3 yards per carry on the season. He's not startable in any leagues for now.

From RotoBaller

Alexander Mattison Nov 2 5:40am ET
Alexander Mattison

Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison will keep his duties as the lead RB for the Raiders for their Week 9 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. He's been inefficient as a runner, averaging just over 3.1 yards per carry on the season. Most of his value has come from rushing touchdowns and receiving work this season. He rushed 14 times for 15 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8, though they're the toughest run defense in the NFL this year. The Bengals present an easier matchup for him as they're closer to the middle of the pack in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Mattison is an RB3/FLEX in PPR leagues for this matchup.

From RotoBaller

Jakobi Meyers Nov 2 5:30am ET
Jakobi Meyers

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (ankle) was a full participant in practice Thursday and is expected to play in his Week 9 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Meyers continues to be one of the most underrated wideouts in football, likely because of his poor quarterback situation. He caught six passes on seven targets for 52 yards and a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8. He'll face a softer Bengals defenses that isn't quite as lockdown against receivers. He had solid production before garbage time against the Chiefs, making his game more impressive. He's an easy WR3/FLEX starter with WR2 upside in PPR fantasy leagues this week.

From RotoBaller

Brock Bowers Nov 2 5:30am ET
Brock Bowers

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers remains an absolute must-start in all fantasy football leagues ahead of his Week 9 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. The rookie star has racked up 52 receptions for 535 yards and one touchdown through eight weeks of NFL action. He's the TE2 overall in full-PPR fantasy scoring. He seems to be a lock to finish top-5 at his position on the season, though the return of wideout Jakobi Meyers (ankle) could siphon a few targets away from him. With Meyers on the field, double-digit targets for Bowers becomes less likely. Regardless, he won't need many to finish as a TE1 this week, and can't be left out of fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller