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.
Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 10
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (shoulder) was upgraded to a full participant during Thursday's practice session. Levis hasn't played in a game since Week 6, so it's nice to see him back on the practice field. Head coach Brian Callahan said he's hopeful that Levis can play this weekend against the Los Angeles Chargers. Before going down, Levis was struggling with seven interceptions and only 699 passing yards across five contests. He won't be a recommended fantasy option even if he's healthy and ready to start in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (foot) was absent from Thursday's practice session. Pollard missed two practices last week, but still managed to play against the New England Patriots. He rushed for 128 yards during the overtime victory. Afterwards, head coach Brian Callahan said he plans to reduce Pollard's workload because they don't want him to get overworked. That being said, it's not shocking to see the Titans being light with Pollard in practice. He should be fine ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Although, fantasy managers should check back on Friday to see what Pollard does in practice. His fantasy value is likely to take a hit with the Titans limiting Pollard going forward.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (hamstring) was able to get through a limited practice session on Thursday. Gano has been out since suffering an injury during the opening kickoff in Week 2. Since then, the Giants have been using Greg Joseph (abdomen) at kicker, but he was placed on the injured reserve last week. Jude McAtamney took over the kicking duties in Week 9 and connected on his lone field goal attempt. Afterwards, McAtamney headed back to the practice squad with Gano possibly returning in Week 10. Whoever is the kicker for the Giants might actually have streaming appeal against the terrible Carolina Panthers defense this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (finger) was once again limited in practice on Thursday. The veteran back has now opened the week with back-to-back limited practice sessions due to a finger injury. Conner is coming off his third 100-plus yard rushing game of the season. He has been tough to stop on the ground and will be an important piece of this offense against the New York Jets in Week 10. If he sits, Trey Benson and Emari Demercado would split up the carries in the backfield. Although, it seems like Conner should be good to go and should be a solid RB2 this weekend.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (knee, back) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. This marks back-to-back days that Johnson has been limited due to multiple injuries. Normally, Johnson isn't much of a factor in the offense, but he's coming off his best game of the season last week. He hauled in three of his six targets for 51 yards and a touchdown during the Week 9 loss to the Washington Commanders. The Giants are banged up right now, so Johnson could continue seeing more targets going forward. He could be on the TE2 radar if active for the Week 10 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
From RotoBaller
The New York Giants have officially ruled out wide receiver Darius Slayton (concussion) for Sunday's game in Munich, Germany, in Week 10 against the Carolina Panthers and he won't travel with the team to Europe. Slayton was unable to clear the league's concussion protocol after suffering a concussion in the Week 9 loss to the division-rival Washington Commanders and will now hope to after the Week 11 bye to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 12. Rookie Malik Nabers and Wan'Dale Robinson will continue to serve as quarterback Daniel Jones' top targets, with Jalin Hyatt and rookie tight end Theo Johnson also having more opportunities this weekend in the passing game with Slayton out. However, the Panthers defense has stiffened against opposing wideouts in the last three weeks, allowing the fourth-fewest half-PPR points per game.
From RotoBaller
After being limited in Wednesday's practice, Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (quadriceps) returned to a full practice a day later on Thursday. Hunt was also limited by a quad injury last week but ended up playing in the Monday night overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and went over 100 rushing yards with the walk-off touchdown. There shouldn't be any concerns over whether the 29-year-old will suit up as KC's lead back for a big divisional matchup against the visiting Denver Broncos. The Broncos defense has been pretty stingy against RBs in 2024, but they did give up over 100 rushing yards and two scores to Ravens RB Derrick Henry in Week 9. Because of significant volume that he's been receiving as the Chiefs' lead back with Isiah Pacheco (leg) on Injured Reserve, Hunt has been a solid RB2 for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (toe) remained a limited participant in Thursday's practice. Irving is dealing with a toe injury that he could have to manage for the rest of his first season the NFL, but he should be good to play this Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 10. Tampa's three-headed backfield that also includes Rachaad White and Sean Tucker limits Irving's weekly upside as an RB3/flex. However, the 22-year-old has the most fantasy upside of the trio and is extremely dangerous in space as a runner and pass-catcher. With receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) expected to miss a third straight game this weekend and with Chris Godwin (ankle) out for the year, look for Tampa to try and lean more heavily on their trio of RBs against San Francisco. Irving has averaged 5.0 yards per carry and 7.6 yards per catch in his nine games in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) was listed as a non-participant in practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week. Evans was working off to the side with a trainer on Wednesday but he's just not ready to return in Week 10 to face the San Francisco 49ers and is fully expected to miss a third straight game. The Bucs are hoping the 31-year-old future Hall of Famer will be ready to roll in Week 12 after the Week 11 bye. Chris Godwin (ankle) is out for the year, and now Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and Sterling Shepard (hamstring, hip) are in danger of missing this Sunday after not practicing yet this week. Depending on the statuses of McMillan and Shepard for this weekend, Trey Palmer could act as the team's top wideout against the 49ers, with tight end Cade Otton being heavily targeted by quarterback Baker Mayfield (toe) yet again.
From RotoBaller
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be in dire straights at the wide receiver position in Week 10 against the San Francisco 49ers. Mike Evans (hamstring) is likely to miss his third straight game, Chris Godwin (ankle) is out for the year, and Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and Sterling Shepard (hamstring, hip) are in danger of sitting out this weekend after two straight missed practices on Wednesday and Thursday. McMillan didn't play in the Week 9 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. If neither McMillan nor Shepard are able to play this Sunday, Trey Palmer and Marquez Valdes-Scantling would be quarterback Baker Mayfield's (toe) top receiving targets, as well as tight end Cade Otton, who has gone off the last several weeks with Evans and Godwin out. Check back on Friday for more clarity on McMillan's and Shepard's statuses.
From RotoBaller
For a second straight day this week on Thursday, the San Francisco 49ers listed kicker Jake Moody (ankle) as limited in practice. Moody has missed the last three games due to a high-ankle sprain but is on track to return in Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after coming off last week's bye. The 49ers already cut fill-in kicker Anders Carlson on Tuesday, so all signs point to the 24-year-old booter returning on Sunday as one of the better fantasy options at the position. In addition, the Niners are getting All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) back, which should only make the offense more productive. Before spraining his ankle, Moody made 13 of his 14 field-goal attempts while making all 12 of his extra-point tries for the Niners.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receivers Deebo Samuel Sr. (oblique, rib) and Jauan Jennings (hip) were both limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Chris Conley (hamstring) missed another practice. While Samuel is still hurting from injuries he suffered in the Week 8 win over the Dallas Cowboys, he's still up in the air to play in Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers despite having last week's bye to rest up. We'd still be surprised if he's not active this Sunday. Samuel is a must-start fantasy wideout when active, especially with Brandon Aiyuk (knee) out for the year. Jennings missed Weeks 7 and 8 due to his hip ailment but could make it back this weekend, where he'd likely serve as the No. 2 behind Samuel, giving him upside as a WR4/flex for fantasy managers in a good matchup.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) is expected to make his 2024 season debut on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 10, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. The 49ers are coming off their bye and McCaffrey has been pain-free after two straight limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday. Achilles tendonitis in both of his legs has kept CMC out all year to this point, so fantasy managers that likely drafted him first overall will finally be able to deploy him this weekend, albeit as a more volatile RB1 than usual with the Niners likely to be mindful of his workload in his debut. Jordan Mason (shoulder), who was a must-start RB1 in fantasy with McCaffrey sidelined the first eight weeks, will take a huge hit in value with last year's leading rusher returning to the fold for the 49ers.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton was inactive in the Week 9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders after missing some meetings. However, Burton was much-improved this week, and the Bengals are expecting him to be a factor for Thursday night's divisional clash against the Baltimore Ravens with Tee Higgins (quadriceps) missing his third straight game. Charlie Jones (groin) is also out for the Bengals, so the 23-year-old Burton is likely to work as the No. 3 wideout in Week 10 behind Ja'Marr Chase and Andrei Iosivas. Burton, a third-rounder in April of this year, has real skills as a deep threat but has plenty of maturing to do off the field. Tight end Mike Gesicki will remain heavily involved as a pass-catcher, too, so Burton is more of a DFS long shot on Thursday night. He has only two catches for 88 yards in his first seven NFL games.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens rookie running back Rasheen Ali (ankle) is officially out for Thursday night's divisional tilt against the Cincinnati Bengals after entering the contest with a questionable tag. Meanwhile, second-year back Keaton Mitchell (knee) is fully recovered from a torn ACL suffered last year and will make his 2024 debut on Thursday. Ali, a fifth-rounder out of Marshall this year, was active for just one game so far this year (Week 6) but didn't play any offensive snaps. Now that Mitchell is back in the fold in Baltimore's backfield, Ali will most likely be a healthy scratch on game days moving forward once he reaches full health. In addition to Mitchell, the Ravens have the NFL's leading rusher in Derrick Henry and pass-catching specialist Justice Hill.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals new running back Khalil Herbert, who was acquired from the Chicago Bears at the deadline on Tuesday, is officially active on Thursday night to make his debut with the team against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. The Bengals made the move to land Herbert for more backfield depth behind starter Chase Brown after Zack Moss suffered a season-ending neck injury in the Week 9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Herbert should have a bigger role in Cincinnati the rest of the way than he did in Chicago -- he had only eight carries for 16 yards and a touchdown in six games with the Bears -- but he probably won't have as much standalone fantasy appeal as Moss did while working alongside Brown. If anything, RB3 Trayveon Williams might see more run as a change-of-pace option in the Bengals' backfield as Herbert learns the offense.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (shoulder) was limited in practice on Thursday after he had no restrictions on Wednesday. It's a downgrade for Mason, but the Niners could just be resting him coming out of their bye week as they prepare to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday. Mason was a must-start RB1 for fantasy managers through the season's first nine weeks with Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) on Injured Reserve, but McCaffrey is in line to return in Week 10. San Fran could ease McCaffrey back into their backfield against the Bucs, but an active CMC will automatically make Mason more of an RB4/flex in fantasy lineups. Mason sprained his left shoulder in Week 6 and aggravated it in Week 8 before getting the bye in Week 9 to heal up. With McCaffrey on the verge of his return, Mason should still be stashed in most fantasy leagues as a handcuff.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) was limited in practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week as he tries to make his 2024 debut in Week 10 this Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was reported on Wednesday that McCaffrey was pain-free while putting in a limited session. CMC hasn't officially been activated from Injured Reserve, but that's expected to come later this week in order to debut this weekend. Because there's a chance the Niners ease the All-Pro RB into the fold on Sunday versus Tampa Bay, he'll be a more volatile low-end RB1 for fantasy managers that have been stashing the talented back all year. Jordan Mason (shoulder) has been practicing in full this week, so he looks more than ready to help shoulder the load for CMC if he makes his return in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receivers Chris Olave (concussion) and Cedrick Wilson Jr. (shoulder) both missed a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday. Olave suffered his second concussion of the year in the Week 9 loss to the division-rival Carolina Panthers and had to be carted off. The 24-year-old has met with specialists this week and doesn't appear ready to return for Week 10 versus the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. Fantasy managers may want to prepare for a multi-week absence from Olave. With Wilson also trending in the wrong direction for the weekend, rookie Mason Tipton could be quarterback Derek Carr's top target in addition to Marquez Valdes-Scantling and tight end Juwan Johnson. Expect the Saints to lean more heavily on running back Alvin Kamara and tight end Taysom Hill with Olave looking unlikely to play.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee) returned to a full practice on Thursday after he was listed as limited on Wednesday. Brown was considered day-to-day earlier this week after undergoing an MRI exam on Monday following a knee injury in the Week 9 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The fact that the 27-year-old is back to full practice is a good sign for his availability this Sunday against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys unless he suffers a setback. Brown is a must-start in fantasy lineups when he's active, but his ceiling could be higher if DeVonta Smith (hamstring) is limited or out this weekend. The three-time Pro Bowler has caught 23 of his 34 targets for 444 yards and three touchdowns in the five games he's played in this year, his third in Philly. The Cowboys secondary has been more vulnerable against opposing wideouts in recent weeks.
From RotoBaller