TE Strength of Schedule
Tue Jun 11 11:11am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
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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The Paur Report
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- Week 10 Inactives
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith enters Week 10, coming off a five reception 46-yard performance last against the Buffalo Bills. The 29-year-old has maintained a decent target share despite all of the pieces in the Miami offense. This week, he gets a matchup against a Los Angeles Rams defense that gives up the sixth-highest fantasy points to tight ends per game. Another factor to consider is that Miami could be without Tyreek Hill (wrist), who is questionable for Monday Night Football. If he were to be ruled out, Smith would surely be in line for a more significant role in this game. Even if Hill plays, Miami will likely have to throw considerably to keep up with the red-hot Rams offense. If you have a bye week or injury at the tight end position, consider Smith a streaming option for week 10, as he ranks as the TE16 in this week's RotoBaller rankings.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has been a headache for fantasy managers in 2024. He has caught 28 of 38 targets for 310 yards and one touchdown over eight games this season. He hasn't received more than 45 yards since back in Week 5 against the New England Patriots when he had 46. That could all change in Week 10. Miami will travel to play the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football. The Ram's defense gives up the 10th most fantasy points per game and ranks 18th in red zone points per game to wide receivers. Also in question is the status of fellow wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Hill (wrist) missed practice on Saturday and is questionable for Monday night. Waddle should receive a healthy dose of targets this week in a game that has shootout written all over it. He checks in as RotoBallers WR33 and is worth rolling the dice on in Week 10
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert has effectively run the ball in 2024. Besides Week 1, where he left early, he's averaging 4.1 yards per carry and has two touchdowns. However, he has had trouble holding onto the ball in recent weeks. He lost a fumble last week against the Buffalo Bills, which cost Miami in the long run. He gets a matchup this week against a somewhat vulnerable Los Angeles Rams defense. They rank 16th in fantasy points per game allowed to running backs and give up an average of 109.4 yards to running backs. There's potential in this game for a lot of scoring, which could mean goal-line touches for Mostert. He's a formidable flex play in Week 10 and comes in as RotoBallers RB31.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) has looked solid since returning in Week 8. He's completed 53 of 66 passes for 465 yards and a 3-to-0 TD/Int ratio. Despite two straight losses, Miami's offense has scored 27 points in each game and accumulated over 370+ yards of total offense. They are now traveling to play the Los Angeles Rams in Week 10, and the stage is set for a potentially high-scoring affair with an O/U that currently sits at 50. The Los Angeles defense ranks 18th in fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Miami's defense has looked porous over the last two games, while the Rams offense looks to build off their momentum with their two stud wide receivers back. Look for this offense to try and keep pace. Tyreek Hill (wrist) is uncertain to play on Monday night. Despite Hill's status being in question, Tagovailoa ranks as the QB12 in this week's RotoBaller rankings and still has a high ceiling in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane has looked like the RB1 everyone hoped when they drafted him since the return of Tua Tagovailoa (concussion). In the last two games, he's averaging 29.4 fantasy points per game and has three touchdowns. Achane and the Dolphins now travel to Los Angeles on Monday night to take on the Rams. The Los Angeles defense ranks 16th in fantasy points per game to running backs. Achane looks to pace the Miami backfield again in touches, with Raheem Mostert continuing to have fumble issues. His continued involvement in the passing game also gives him a safe floor. With the offensive line looking much better, he should have plenty of room to run once again. Achane comes in as RotoBallers RB6 in this week's rankings and should be started in all league formats.
From RotoBaller
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) won't play in Sunday's contest against the Minnesota Vikings. Most had already expected this would be the case. However, the next question is if the signal-caller will be able to return in Week 11 against the Lions. But considering Lawrence has struggled during the 2024-25 campaign, throwing for 2,004 yards, 11 touchdowns, and six picks while completing just 61.3% of his attempts, not many will be looking to start him until he shows signs of consistency moving ahead. At any rate, Mac Jones will try his best versus a tough Vikings defense. Fortunately, the former Patriot is expected to have Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) and Gabe Davis (shoulder) in his arsenal. Still, that won't make him worthy of a starting spot in most fantasy setups.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (rib, oblique) is expected to suit up for Sunday's matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The wideout was limited in practice throughout the week. However, it appears Samuel is in line to play, which is more great news for the 49ers, a team that is also expected to get Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) and Jauan Jennings (hip) back on the field. But as far as Samuel is concerned, he's caught only 24 passes for 406 yards and a touchdown this season. Yet, with Brandon Aiyuk (knee) sidelined for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign, Samuel should see an uptick in attention from Brock Purdy moving forward.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder) is anticipated to suit up for Sunday's matchup against Minnesota. The former Bill injured his shoulder in the Week 9 loss to the Packers and was limited in practice during the week. However, barring a setback, he is expected to shed his questionable tag for the meeting with a tough Vikings defense. With that in mind, Davis has only 18 catches for 217 yards and two touchdowns throughout the 2024-25 campaign. With Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) also in line to play, Davis may have a tough time getting involved enough to justify his presence in fantasy lineups.
From RotoBaller
The Buffalo Bills elevated wide receiver K.J. Hamler to the active roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Colts. Keon Coleman (wrist) was already ruled out days ago. However, with Amari Cooper (wrist) questionable, the Bills likely made the move for insurance purposes. But even if Cooper isn't on the field in Week 10, Josh Allen will presumably turn to Khalil Shakir, Dalton Kincaid, Mack Hollins, and Curtis Samuel to pick up the slack, leaving little room for Hamler to get involved.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. The 22-year-old was limited in practice throughout the week and currently carries a questionable designation. But it appears the Jaguars will have their primary receiving options, with Gabe Davis (shoulder) also anticipated to suit up in Week 10. Thomas has played well throughout the 2024-25 campaign, amassing 35 catches for 595 yards and five touchdowns. As a result, he's established himself as a capable fantasy starter. However, Thomas may suffer without Trevor Lawrence (shoulder), who isn't anticipated to play, versus a challenging Vikings defense.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is out for the season with a hamstring injury. Dynasty Analysis: Prescott will reportedly have surgery to repair his hamstring that has apparently torn off the bone. It's the latest blow to a Dallas team that has had very few things go their way this season. Prescott will end the season with a very pedestrian 1,978 passing yards with just 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions in eight games this season. His absence will hurt the short-term value of every offensive player in Dallas, but his long-term health shouldn't be affected. Still, his ADP and ranking is surely going to fall as Prescott has had a hard time stringing two elite-level seasons together thoughout his career and looks more like a high-end QB2 than an elite player to build a dynasty franchise around.
The New York Giants have activated kicker Graham Gano (hamstring) from the injured reserve ahead of their Week 10 outing against the Carolina Panthers. The 37-year-old hasn't appeared in a game since picking up the ailment while attempting a tackle on the opening kickoff against Washington in Week 2. Before his injury, he connected on his only two field goal attempts in Week 1. Upon his return, Gano will immediately slot back in as the team's primary placekicker and is gifted with a juicy matchup this Sunday morning across the pond. Carolina has allowed the second-most fantasy points in the league thus far to opposing kickers and could be a useful fantasy option if the Giants' offense can get it together in Munich.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals S Budda Baker leads the NFL with 58 solo tackles, and he has recorded at least seven total stops in all nine games, logging 12-plus tackles in four of his last six games.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson will square off against the Miami Dolphins this Monday night in one of the tougher matchups of Week 10. Parkinson looked like he was picking up some steam heading into the team's Week 6 bye, but he's totaled a meager four catches and 49 yards in the three contests since. The Dolphins' defense has been excellent against opposing pass-catchers this season, and tight ends are no exception, with the sixth-fewest fantasy points allowed to the position. Additionally, last weekend marked the first time the 25-year-old did not lead LA's tight end room in snaps in 2024, with that honor going to second-year TE Davis Allen. Whether or not Allen has surpassed Parkinson in the pecking order remains to be seen. Still, he's not a recommended option for the matchup on Monday Night Football. The former Stanford Cardinal ranks as RotoBaller's PPR TE27 in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (toe/hip) is designation-free for the team's Monday night matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Head coach Sean McVay didn't make a big deal when asked about Robinson's ailments leading up to Week 10's tilt, and it's nice to see the veteran come through. The former fourth-round pick was the hero in last week's OT win over the Seattle Seahawks but will face a stiffer task this Monday against a solid Dolphins defensive unit. Miami has been staunch against the pass this year, allowing the fourth-fewest passing yards per game (183.1) and the fifth-fewest touchdowns through the air (8). Additionally, fellow wideout Puka Nacua will presumably play the entire contest this weekend, so long as he doesn't get himself ejected again. With the Rams' wide receiver corps intact, the 30-year-old is little more than a FLEX play with touchdown upside for the contest. He's RotoBaller's PPR WR47 in this week's rankings.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua will line up against the Miami Dolphins in Week 10 on Monday Night Football. Between a knee injury that won't go away and some suspect behavior (throwing a punch at a Seahawks defender in Week 9 only to get ejected), the second-year wideout has had a tough time formulating any consistency this season. The good news is he did not appear on the Rams' injury report this week, so maybe he's past the ailment that's robbed him of five contests and part of another. The bad news is that Miami's secondary is no joke, as they've afforded their opponents the fourth-fewest passing yards per game in the league (183.1). Still, the 23-year-old will occupy his usual role as a top-two option in LA's passing attack and should be started by fantasy managers despite the less-than-ideal matchup. The BYU alum ranks as RotoBaller's PPR WR8 for this weekend's slate.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones is averaging 18.9 touches and 101.3 yards from scrimmage per game this season.
Fantasy Spin: The only thing that has been missing for Jones has been regular trips to the end zone, but a Week 10 matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars could fix that. Jacksonville's defense is allowing the second-most yards per game and has allowed the fifth-most rushing touchdowns. Jones has RB1 upside.
From TheHuddle
Indianapolis Colts LB Zaire Franklin leads the NFL with 10.7 tackles per game, and he has recorded at least eight tackles in all nine games.
From TheHuddle
The Washington Commanders have acquired kicker Zane Gonzalez ahead of their matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday. With the news that Austin Seibert (hip) had been downgraded to out with a hip ailment, the team signed Gonzales to their practice squad and then promptly elevated him to the active roster a day later. Week 10 will be the veteran's first taste of action since 2021, when he appeared in 12 games and hit on 22-of-23 extra point attempts and 20-of-22 field goal tries for the Carolina Panthers. Seibert has been excellent this year for Washington, connecting on 92.6% of his three-point attempts (25-of-27) and knocking in all 22 extra-point opportunities. We'll see how long he is out of the lineup. In the meantime, Gonzalez will slot in in his stead.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp is coming off a tremendous performance during last week's win over the Seattle Seahawks. Kupp hauled in 11 of his 14 targets for 104 yards as he torched that secondary all game long. The veteran wideout missed four games due to injury, but is back now and hasn't missed a beat. Kupp figures to continue being a focal point on offense after playing in 92 percent of the snaps last week. He heads into a matchup against the Miami Dolphins who have struggled at times to contain the passing game. Fantasy managers shouldn't be worried about Kupp losing a step as he should be plugged in as a strong WR1 for this weekend.
From RotoBaller
