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.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (undisclosed) was back at training camp practice on Monday and was wearing a non-contact jersey. It's good news that Waddle is back on the practice field, but it appears the Dolphins are easing him back in. With just under two weeks to go until the Week 1 regular-season opener, Waddle should have plenty of time to get up to speed to face the Jacksonville Jaguars. We'll keep a close eye on the 25-year-old's status along the way, though. But as long as he's active in Week 1, he should be a must-start in all fantasy formats. Fantasy managers would have liked to have seen Waddle visit the end zone more than just four times (a career-low) in 14 regular-season games in 2023, but he also finished with more than 1,000 yards receiving for the third straight season to begin his career. He also had a robust 14.1 yards per catch. As long as his injury doesn't extend into the regular season, Waddle should be considered a strong WR2 in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
The 49ers released running backs Matt Breida and Ke'Shawn Vaughn on Monday. Both players had signed with the team this offseason and were fighting for a roster spot. Breida was signed following the injury to Christian McCaffrey (calf) earlier this preseason. With McCaffrey returning to individual drills Monday, he seems to be on his way back toward playing healthy. Breida and Vaughn will look to sign with a practice squad as the roster cuts continue throughout this week.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (knee) is expected to miss multiple weeks with a sprained MCL and could be placed on Injured Reserve. Nwosu had been playing lights out during training camp after a down year in 2023. The injury led to the Seahawks trading for Jaguars outside linebacker Trevis Gipson in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick. The Seahawks are hoping their defense can take a step forward with promising head coach Mike Macdonald coming over from Baltimore. Nwosu figures to be a big part of the defensive scheme.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions released running back Zonovan Knight on Monday. Knight spent his rookie season in 2022 with the Jets and 2023 with the Lions, albeit primarily on injured reserve. During the preseason, Knight had 24 carries for 75 yards and no touchdowns. He ran an inefficient 3.1 yards per carry during the preseason. Knight only carried the ball three times for 13 yards in 2023. He was not projected to see much work in the running game with the Lions in 2024. For now, Knight will have to hope to sign with a practice squad or an active roster in need of a running back.
From RotoBaller
Former Denver Broncos wide receiver Phillip Dorsett was released by the team on Monday. With the Broncos already planning to move on from wide receiver Tim Patrick, they continued their overhaul of their wide receiving core with Dorsett's release. Dorsett was buried on the depth chart and unlikely to be much of a factor. He had not caught a pass during the 2024 preseason, and he has not caught a pass in the regular season since 2022. With the Broncos moving forward with a younger receiving core, the former-first-round pick will have to find a new home.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (undisclosed) will return to practice on Tuesday. Njoku had been limited for the past couple of weeks and was described as "sore" by head coach Kevin Stefanski. With little information available about the injury, fantasy managers can begin to breathe a sigh of relief with draft season in full swing. The 28-year-old hauled in 81 passes for 882 yards and six touchdowns in 2023. He finished as the TE6 and was dominant down the stretch of the season. Look for Njoku to pursue a similar stat line in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Former Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis was traded to the Green Bay Packers for a 2025 seventh-round pick on Monday. With roster cuts underway, the Titans were able to recoup some value on Willis while also clearing a roster spot. The Titans signed Mason Rudolph this offseason and he appears to have won the backup quarterback job. Willis is already listed as the No. 2 quarterback for the Packers. The Packers did not get much out of quarterbacks Sean Clifford or Michael Pratt this preseason. With most teams carrying a maximum of three quarterbacks, either Pratt or Clifford appears to be on the chopping block. Willis gives the Packers a mobile option behind starter Jordan Love. This move does not impact fantasy football unless Love goes down due to injury. However, Willis has valuable starting experience that would be useful if Love were to miss time.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Browns running back Nick Chubb will start the season on the PUP list. Dynasty Analysis: Chubb will miss at least the first four games of the 2024 season as a result. This is hardly a surprise after his awful knee injury during week two last year. Chubb's rehab is apparently ahead of schedule but he won't be ready until October at the earliest. Jerome Ford looks like the early season winner in the backfield but Chubb will be poised to take over upon his return. Chubb remains a possible buy low for a contender even with this news.
Dynasty | The Chiefs are signing wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Dynasty Analysis: This is a reunion of sorts as JJSS played for the Chiefs in 2022, posting a 78/933/3 line in the process. He parlayed that into a two-year deal with the Patriots but that proved to be a bit of a disasters as his 29/260/1 season and subsequent lackluster training camp got him released. This tour of duty with Kansas City may be a little different as he's really being added as insurance for a possible Rashee Rice suspension and not expected to start. Smith-Schuster is a tough add off the waiver wire and looks like a dynasty roster clogger at the moment.
Dynasty | The Texans are fielding calls on the availability of John Metchie. Dynasty Analysis: This comes as no surprise as the Texans already have Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins and Tank Dell as their three mainstays and Metchie is little more than a luxury at the moment. Still, Diggs is on a one-year deal and Houston may choose to keep Metchie, rather than deal him. Managers with him on their roster have to be hoping for a trade considering his strong training camp. Stay tuned as nothing seems imminent. At this point, Metchie simply remains a hold.
Dynasty | The Dallas Cowboys have signed wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to a contract extension. Dynasty Analysis: Lamb gets a monster four-year, $136 million extension that makes him the second highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history and includes a $38 million signing bonus and $100 million in guaranteed money. Yep. That'll do it. This was always the expected outcome with Lamb, who was clearly not happy playing out the season on his fifth-year option. This contract keeps Lamb in Dallas long-term and cements his status as a WR1, if not THE WR1 in dynasty leagues.
Dynasty | The Buccaneers have released wide receiver Sterling Shepard. Dynasty Analysis: Shepard was reunited with former Oklahoma teammate Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay but alas, it wasn't meant to be. Ravaged by injuries over the past few years, the former Giant will now look to latch on with a receiver-needy team, though that's far from a done deal. At 31 years old, he may be running out of time. Regardless, Shepard doesn't belong on a dynasty roster at this point.
The Denver Broncos are exploring trade possibilities for wide receiver Tim Patrick, according to Broncos reporter Mike Klis. Patrick suffered a torn ACL during training camp in 2022 and a torn Achilles before the 2023 season, so he has not played in a regular-season contest since 2021. After entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2017, Patrick racked up 143 receptions for 2,009 yards and 12 touchdowns in 55 games. Denver is likely to release him if they do not reach a deal to trade him ahead of Tuesday's roster cutdown deadline. Courtland Sutton, Josh Reynolds, and Marvin Mims Jr. are expected to start in three-wide sets for Denver, but Patrick's potential departure could clear the way for rookies Troy Franklin and Devaughn Vele to play in reserve roles in 2024.
From RotoBaller
The Denver Broncos are expected to move on from veteran running back Samaje Perine, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The organization is engaged in trade conversations, but if they do not reach a deal before Tuesday's 4 p.m. EDT roster cutdown deadline, he could be released. This move was expected by many following the acquisition of former Notre Dame running back Audric Estime in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Denver backfield is crowded with Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Estime, so Perine has been viewed as the odd man out. Although Perine is unlikely to have a ton of fantasy value somewhere else, he could affect another running back and negatively impact their standing on the depth chart.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers rookie first-round wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (shoulder) returned to the practice field on Monday, but he was wearing a blue non-contact jersey. The rookie first-round pick out of Florida has been out of action for a few weeks, causing him to miss valuable reps in the absence of Brandon Aiyuk (holdout). Pearsall's role is already tough to analyze in Year 1 with the Niners, but his injury could take him even longer to get acclimated to his new offense. If Aiyuk re-signs with the 49ers, it would be a surprise if Pearsall is on the fantasy radar in 2024. If Aiyuk is traded or does not play early in the season, Pearsall could have deep-league flex value, but veteran Jauan Jennings (oblique) could play ahead of him. Ultimately, Pearsall is an intriguing dynasty stash, but his projected redraft value is likely to be limited.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans linebacker Chance Campbell (knee) suffered a torn ACL in the preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints, effectively ending his 2024 season. Campbell was projected to be a reserve linebacker behind Kenneth Murray and Jack Gibbens, so the team might look to add a veteran inside linebacker for depth purposes. The 2022 sixth-round pick out of Ole Miss played in four games last year and racked up three total tackles.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (calf) was on the practice field on Monday doing side work as he continues to recover from a calf injury. Last week, head coach Kyle Shanahan said he is not concerned with CMC missing all of training camp, and his return to the field in some capacity is great news for his Week 1 availability against the New York Jets. Last season's NFL Offensive Player of the Year was dominant in fantasy football in Year 2 with the Niners, racking up just under 1,800 yards from scrimmage and 21 total touchdowns. The 28-year-old is still in the conversation to be the No. 1 overall pick in all redraft formats, and he's a must-start option all season - regardless of matchup.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions are releasing wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Peoples-Jones was dealt to the Lions at last year's trade deadline from the Browns in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He caught just five passes for 58 yards in eight games for Detroit. Overall, the Michigan product has tallied 122 receptions for 1,895 yards and eight touchdowns in 58 games since entering the NFL as a sixth-round pick in 2020. While his chances of becoming a legitimate starter seem to be dwindling, another organization might sign him after teams cut down to 53 players by Tuesday's 4 p.m. EDT deadline.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Ainias Smith (ankle/hamstring) reported discomfort in his ankle and hamstring following Saturday's preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The rookie fifth-round pick out of Texas A&M is getting an MRI, but his Week 1 status is in some doubt. With Johnny Wilson and newly-acquired Jahan Dotson on the roster, Smith was already unlikely to have a significant role on offense early in the season, but he was an excellent punt returner in college, so he could be in the mix there. For now, he can be safely ignored in 2024 fantasy football redraft leagues, and dynasty managers should monitor his status.
From RotoBaller
The Baltimore Ravens are releasing wide receiver Russell Gage, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Gage missed all of last season with a torn patellar tendon that he suffered in training camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he is now being let go by Baltimore after signing with the team earlier this month. Since being selected in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of LSU, Gage has racked up 244 receptions for 2,491 yards and 14 touchdowns. He had big moments with the Atlanta Falcons and Buccaneers earlier in his career, but his major injury from last year could be affecting him in 2024. Either way, there's a chance another organization will give the veteran a shot as teams cut down to 53 players by Tuesday at 4 p.m. Eastern.
From RotoBaller