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
Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 9
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Eric Kendricks (shoulder) is expected to play against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9 despite being listed as questionable, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The 32-year-old defender played through the injury last week, registering nine tackles and bringing his season total to 61. He also has two sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception this year.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (calf) is expected to be a game-time decision against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Even though Diggs is listed as questionable and didn't practice this week, the Cowboys are leaving the door open for him to suit up against Atlanta. The 26-year-old defender is off to a quieter start this season, amassing 28 tackles and just one interception through seven games so far. If he can't suit up, Caelen Carson and Andrew Booth would earn additional opportunities on defense.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) has been ruled out for Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints. Although Thielen did practice earlier this week, he was sidelined Friday and ultimately downgraded to out on Saturday. Sunday will represent his sixth consecutive absence, leaving Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker in line to operate as the Panthers' top receivers.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks won't make his NFL debut on Sunday. The rookie has been ruled out for Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints. He'll have to wait at least one more week before getting back into a game for the first time since tearing his ACL at the University of Texas last year. Chuba Hubbard will continue to lead the Carolina backfield for the duration of Brooks' absence.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) is expected to play against the Philadelphia Eagles despite being listed as questionable, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Etienne has missed the Jaguars' last two games, and during that time, he lost significant ground to Tank Bigsby in the competition for the starting role. It's unclear what the backfield splits will look like this Sunday, but Bigsby figures to get first dibs on the majority share of carries while Etienne nestles into a supplementary role. For the time being, Etienne is not a reliable starter in leagues with 12 or fewer teams.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) is expected to play in Week 9 against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. There were concerns about the severity of Thomas' injury when he suffered it last weekend, but in the end, it looks like the rookie will be able to avoid missing any games. Instead, he'll play in a favorable matchup against the Eagles, and he figures to see a little extra volume with Christian Kirk (collarbone) done for the year. Thomas ranks as a low-end fantasy WR2 this week.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder) appears to be a longshot to play in Week 9 versus the Philadelphia Eagles, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Davis picked up the injury last Sunday when he exited before commanding a target. Jacksonville is suddenly hurting at wide receiver with Christian Kirk (collarbone) done for the year and Davis temporarily sidelined. In their absences, Brian Thomas Jr. and Evan Engram should see large target shares while Parker Washington also earns extra opportunities.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (foot) is expected to play in Sunday's game versus the New England Patriots. The former Cowboy didn't practice all week, so most had assumed he wouldn't be available. However, it appears he's moving in the right direction, which is good news for fantasy managers. Pollard has struggled this season, amassing only 494 yards and three touchdowns off 114 carries. Still, with Tyjae Spears (hamstring) sidelined, Pollard could be more involved. Yet, his presence could mean a lower ceiling for Julius Chestnut, who has gained waiver attention throughout the week.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd (Shoulder) is in line to suit up for Sunday's matchup versus the New England Patriots. With the Titans recently dealing DeAndre Hopkins to the Chiefs, Boyd has a chance to get more involved on the offensive end. Unfortunately, that has yet to happen, with the 29-year-old most recently accumulating just three catches for 14 yards in Week 8 versus the Lions. With that in mind, until Boyd shows signs of life, which may not happen with Mason Rudolph or Will Levis (shoulder) under center, fantasy managers should leave him on the bench.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) is anticipated to play in Sunday's NFC East matchup with the New York Giants. The Commanders elevated Chris Rodriguez Jr. off the practice squad on Saturday, with many believing the move meant Robinson wouldn't be on the field. However, it appears he'll be out there, which is great news for fantasy managers. The 25-year-old has had a fantastic 2024-25 campaign, accumulating 461 yards and six touchdowns off 101 carries. He's a must-start in Week 9, although his expected participation in Sunday's contest will likely result in lower production from Austin Ekeler.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph is expected to start on Sunday versus the Patriots. Will Levis (shoulder) is still working his way back, so the team will lean on Rudolph once again to handle things under center. But the 29-year-old hasn't played well during the 2024-25 campaign, throwing for 566 yards, two touchdowns, and three picks while completing 58.9% of his attempts. While Rudolph had some quality starts during his time in Pittsburgh, fantasy managers will be taking a gamble by putting him in the lineup in Week 9.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (toe) is expected to suit up for the Week 9 clash with the New Orleans Saints. The Panthers offense has struggled throughout the 2024-25 campaign. However, with Diontae Johnson now a Baltimore Raven and Adam Thielen (hamstring) listed as doubtful, fantasy managers are excited about Legette's potential moving ahead, even more so because he's found the end zone in two of the Panthers' previous three contests. With that in mind, the rookie should be considered at least a flex option, assuming he gets the green light to get on the field.
From RotoBaller
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) will "try to play" in Sunday's divisional encounter with the Seattle Seahawks. The wideout spent time on the IR because of a knee issue before returning for the Week 8 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings, finishing with seven grabs (nine targets) for 106 yards. Unfortunately, he re-aggravated the injury during practice and is listed as questionable for Week 9. There are other reports suggesting he'll be out there on Sunday. However, fantasy managers should monitor things throughout the day. If Nacua isn't out there, Cooper Kupp's ceiling will rise even higher. It may also mean more targets for Tutu Atwell. Of course, Kyren Williams would be even more of a factor on the offensive end if Nacua ends up back on the shelf.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (ankle) is expected to suit up for Sunday's NFC North clash with the Lions. The veteran didn't practice on Wednesday, although he logged limited sessions on Thursday and Friday. However, it wasn't enough to prevent him from earning a questionable tag for Week 9. The 26-year-old is coming off a strong showing, amassing 25 carries for 127 yards and two scores in the Week 8 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Unfortunately, Jacobs will have a challenging matchup against a Lions defense that has held opposing running backs in check this season, so fantasy managers could see him finish below expectations. With that said, he's still a must-start in all formats.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (ankle) plans to play on Sunday versus the Eagles. He was limited in practice throughout the week, resulting in a questionable designation for the meeting with Philadelphia. However, barring a setback, he should be good to go. The 22-year-old has played better than expected during the 2024-25 campaign, totaling 493 yards and four touchdowns off 85 carries. While that kind of production already earns him a spot in fantasy lineups, he may be more impactful if Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) is ruled out.
From RotoBaller
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (groin) is expected to play (and start) in Sunday's NFC North showdown with the Lions. The signal-caller injured his groin in the Week 8 matchup with Jacksonville, ending his day prematurely. While there were reports indicating that the injury wasn't as serious as initially believed, he didn't practice on Wednesday before logging limited sessions on Thursday and Friday. Fortunately, all signs are pointing toward his availability for the pivotal matchup, barring a setback. Without question, Love's anticipated participation in Sunday's contest is great news for fantasy managers. However, he has been mediocre versus Detroit over the years, throwing for 648 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions while completing 64.7% of his attempts. Granted, Love is still a must-start, but fantasy managers may not see him at his best, especially since he may have lingering issues related to the injury.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9. The Chiefs rookie receiver has seen his target volume increase following the team's bye week in Week 6. Worthy has caught seven passes for 56 yards and a touchdown on 16 targets in the last two games. Fantasy managers would like Worthy to catch more of the balls thrown his way, but seeing how involved he is in the Kansas City offensive game plan is encouraging. The rookie will take on the Buccaneers, who rank 28th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. If Worthy sees the same target volume he has seen in the past two games, he should be able to turn those opportunities into fantasy success. One factor to keep an eye on will be the involvement of DeAndre Hopkins in the Chiefs offense. Hopkins only played 32% of the snaps last week, so his time on the field will likely go up in this contest. More Hopkins could eat Worthy's volume but could also help divert the defense's attention toward Hopkins. Worthy is ranked as WR36 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings this week, so despite the uncertainty with Hopkins joining the fold, Worthy should still find his way into lineups as a WR3/flex option this week.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9. Butker had no issues in last week's contest, as he nailed all five attempts. The Chiefs kicker knocked through three extra-point attempts and two field goal attempts, with his longest kick coming from 42 yards out. The Kansas City Chiefs are heavy home favorites in this Monday night matchup, which could mean a decent amount of Butker in this game. Butker is ranked as the sixth-best kicker in our RotoBaller rankings this week, so start him confidently.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9 on Monday night. The Buccaneers rank 32nd in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, meaning Mahomes will have the most favorable matchup at the position this week. Mahomes is ranked as QB8 in our RotoBaller rankings this week, given the matchup. Coming off his best game of the season from a fantasy perspective, the Chiefs quarterback will look to build on that performance in a primetime matchup. The newest Chiefs receiver, DeAndre Hopkins, should be more involved in this contest, which bodes well for Mahomes' fantasy outlook. Mahomes has been very disappointing this season, scoring only 14 points per game in a four-point per passing touchdown league. Still, a favorable matchup and gifted pass catcher addition should be enough to make him a viable fantasy asset this week.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9. Kelce had his best game of the season last week against the Las Vegas Raiders, totaling 10 catches on 12 targets for 90 yards and one touchdown. Kelce had his most catches, targets, and receiving yards this season in that one game against the Raiders, and now he has an even better matchup. The Buccaneers rank 27th in fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends this season, meaning Kelce has a top-5 matchup at the position this week. The Chiefs tight end has already established himself as the top pass catcher in the absence of Rashee Rice, and the matchup raises his ceiling even further. DeAndre Hopkins should be more involved in the Kansas City passing attack, but Kelce should still get enough volume. Kelce is ranked as TE1 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings this week and should be started every week.
From RotoBaller
