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
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones heads into Week 10 against the Carolina Panthers looking to build on a solid performance in Week 9, where he rushed for his first touchdown of the season and threw for two scores in a 27-22 loss to the Commanders. Jones has tallied 1,880 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions this season, but he's still without a 300-yard game. Facing Carolina's 25th-ranked pass defense, which allows 232.6 passing yards per game and has surrendered 18 touchdown passes on the season, Jones has a favorable matchup for fantasy production. Although Jones ranks 27th in fantasy points per game (16.21), the Panthers' defense has allowed an average of 19.28 points per game to opposing quarterbacks, suggesting a potential opportunity for Jones to deliver a strong fantasy outing in Munich.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (finger) is a high-end RB2 in Week 10 when the Cardinals host the New York Jets. Conner has been dealing with a finger injury that limited his practice participation earlier in the week; however, he practiced in full on Friday and appears to be good to go for Sunday. Conner is a workhorse back, and his volume has translated into a high number of touchdown opportunities. While there are concerns that his volume might decrease due to the injury and the emergence of rookie running back Trey Benson, his snap count should remain high enough to warrant RB2 consideration. Conner still possesses significant touchdown upside and should receive enough volume to remain a solid RB2 in Week 10 against the Jets.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams will make his first appearance for the team in a Week 10 showdown with the 7-2 Washington Commanders. Williams was unable to get on the same page as quarterback Aaron Rodgers in New York but will hope to quickly establish chemistry with Russell Wilson. The Steelers have been linked to Williams since the offseason and should be eager to get him on the field to work opposite George Pickens. While the veteran's role in the offense will be worth monitoring, Williams cannot be expected to immediately garner more opportunities than fellow wideouts Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III. Fantasy managers would be wise to leave Williams on the waiver wire in most redraft formats for the time being.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker (concussion) has again been ruled inactive for Sunday's home matchup against the New England Patriots. Brisker hasn't appeared in a game since the team's Week 5 36-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers, missing the ensuing three outings. More so, -- and even more concerning -- the 25-year-old has yet to even sniff a practice since sustaining the injury, logging a DNP in each opportunity he's gotten. It's an unsettling development for the Penn State alum, as hopefully, he'll be able to at least get in a limited session ahead of Week 11. Safety Elijah Hicks will again get the start, filling in for the injured Brisker.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell is a top-three fantasy scorer at his position this season and will hope to stay productive against the Washington Commanders in Week 10. It's worth noting that the Commanders' defense is much improved from last season and is surrendering the third-fewest fantasy points per contest to opposing kickers. Nonetheless, Boswell is one of the most consistent kickers in the NFL and offers more upside than he did to start the campaign with quarterback Russell Wilson now leading Pittsburgh's offense. Fantasy managers that held onto Boswell through the Steelers' Week 9 bye or managed to add him from free agency should feel confident putting him right back in starting lineups on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (toe/hip) was listed as a limited participant in the team's Friday practice. Robinson picked up a toe injury in the team's thrilling 26-20 OT win over the Seattle Seahawks despite being the hero of the contest. Interestingly enough, he's listed with a hip ailment as well, but when and where that occurred is unclear. Head coach Sean McVay didn't seem too bothered about the 30-year-old wideout's status when asked about him on Thursday but did note they're being cautious with the veteran's toe. He'll have one more opportunity to elevate his practice status before Los Angeles must give him a designation for their Monday night home tilt against the Miami Dolphins. If Robinson can't go, teammates Tutu Atwell and Tyler Johnson project to pick up some extra snaps for the matchup on Monday Night Football. Keep an eye on his status.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton has been nearly unstoppable on the field over the last few weeks. Over the last three games, Otton has hauled in 25 receptions on 30 targets for 258 yards and three touchdowns. The Bucs don't have many reliable pass-catchers right now, so they continue to go to Otton and it's working. The expectation is that the San Francisco 49ers defense will plan around holding Otton in check, but fantasy managers should still play him as a TE1 for Week 10. Otton has been too great lately, so ride with him until he gives you reason not to trust him.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates remains a reliable, high-floor option in Week 10 against the Houston Texans. While Bates benefits from Detroit's high-scoring offense, he has limited upside as Lions head coach Dan Campbell often opts to go for it on fourth down in opposing team territory, reducing Bates' field goal attempts. However, he's attempted just 12 field goals this seasonmaking all of themwhile converting 30 of 31 extra points over eight games. Facing a Texans defense that allows the fifth-fewest fantasy points to kickers, Bates' scoring potential may be capped. However, his connection to Detroit's prolific offense keeps him streamable, especially in leagues with limited kicker options.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (hamstring) is currently listed as questionable ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. The rookie wideout sat out during last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. McMillan is still dealing with the same injury and is in danger of missing another game. If active, McMillan would be a shaky flex option given him and quarterback Baker Mayfield haven't been on the same page this season. There's decent upside with McMillan, but he's probably not worth the risk against the 49ers defense. Sterling Shepard and Trey Palmer figure to see more attention if McMillan is unable to play.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth was a solid contributor to begin the season but has been incredibly quiet for fantasy since Week 6. He'll hope to get back on track against the Washington Commanders on Sunday. The Commanders allow the 14th-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, making this a middle-of-the-road matchup for Freiermuth. He is yet to display much chemistry with quarterback Russell Wilson outside of a 30-yard reception the duo connected on in Week 7. Fantasy managers should not be relying on Freiermuth in most formats this week.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Trey Palmer is an avoidable streaming option ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. The expectation was that Palmer would see increased involvement in the offense with the Bucs banged up at wideout. That hasn't really been the case as Palmer hauled in two of his four targets for 33 yards during last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He only played 49 percent of the offensive snaps and that's with fellow wideout Jalen McMillan (hamstring) sidelined as well. Palmer could be worth a stash in dynasty leagues, but isn't a starting option right now.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (toe) has been cleared to play ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Irving has been playing through a toe issue lately, but it doesn't seem to be something that is going to impact his performance. He rushed seven times for 24 yards while hauling in all three of his targets for 10 yards during last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bucs continue to use a committee approach in the backfield which is mainly Rachaad White and Irving. Neither of them are great fantasy options, but both are on the flex radar for Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams returns from a two-game PED suspension just in time for a Week 10 matchup against the Houston Texans on Sunday Night Football. Known for his boom-or-bust production, Williams has delivered some big games this season (16, 17.7, and 24.4 PPR points) but also has two outings under two points, which has frustrated fantasy managers. Despite his elite speed and role in Detroit's high-powered offense, Williams' target volume has dipped significantly since Week 2. With six deep targets and five red zone looks over six games, Williams still offers a high ceiling in deeper leagues, especially with a modest WR3/FLEX designation in 12-team formats. Facing a Texans defense that has given fits to some receiving corps, Williams may still have enticing upside in smaller leagues
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has slowly been seeing more utilization within the team's offense and will return from a bye to take on the 7-2 Washington Commanders in Week 10. While the Commanders have fared well against pass-catching backs, they surrender the most yards per carry to the position in the NFL. Warren earned three targets in both of his appearances with Russell Wilson under center and should continue to get opportunities through the air as well as on the ground. Although backfield mate Najee Harris has much more touchdown upside than Warren, the latter could still find success in this contest. He is not a dependable starting option but Warren can be viewed as a possible flex play on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (hamstring, hip) has been cleared to play ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Shepard was only able to practice once this week, but it was good enough to get removed from the injury report ahead of this game. Last week, Shepard hauled in four of his five targets for 48 yards in the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bucs are still banged up at wideout, so Shepard figures to remain a top passing option. That being said, Shepard will slide onto the flex radar ahead of this Week 10 showdown.
From RotoBaller
The Dallas Cowboys plan on star defensive end Micah Parsons (ankle) returning to action this weekend, but defensive backs Trevon Diggs (calf) and DaRon Bland (foot) have been ruled questionable and out, respectively. Parsons has been out of the team's lineup since their Week 4 win over the New York Giants, and although he's questionable -- the team expects to have him. On the other hand, Diggs opened the week with back-to-back limited sessions but was downgraded to a non-participant on Friday, so it would appear he's on the wrong side of his designation -- trending toward not playing. Bland has yet to appear in a game this season and has not practiced since the team activated his window on Oct. 30 as he works his way back from a stress fracture in his foot. While Parsons may return, Dallas could be in danger of their defense being severely short-staffed.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has flashed massive potential with Russell Wilson at quarterback and will look to make the most of his opportunities in a Week 10 clash with the Washington Commanders. Pittsburgh traded for veteran wideout Mike Williams earlier this week, which could prove to be beneficial for Pickens' fantasy output. At this point in his career, Williams is not expected to earn a significant target share, but he should be able to draw some attention away from Pickens. While Washington has not surrendered a ton of passing yards this season, it is tied for the fifth-most touchdowns given up to receivers through nine weeks. Fantasy managers should continue to feel comfortable deploying Pickens as a WR2 with plenty of upside on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White was able to salvage his fantasy value with a trip to the end zone last week. White only saw three rushing attempts for 19 yards and a score during last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He also hauled in three receptions for an extra 16 yards through the air. It was an extremely quiet night for White outside of the touchdown. The Bucs have gone to a committee approach at running back, which has meant less rushing attempts for White. Lately, White has been able to save his value in the receiving game, but fantasy managers can't always count on that. Fantasy managers should consider White a flex option for the upcoming Week 10 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
From RotoBaller
The Philadelphia Eagles defense will take on the Cooper Rush-led Dallas Cowboys in Week 10. Starting quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) landed on IR this week after suffering the injury last week in a loss to the Atlanta Falcons. With no Prescott, star receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) planning to play through injury, and a slew of injuries on defense, the Cowboys are struggling to say the least. Philadelphia's defense on the other hand has been improving over the past month and now gets to play against a backup quarterback they are familiar with. The fantasy scoring floor for the Eagles' defense is low, but if the hold Dallas to a low point total and can generate a turnover or two, it should be a good fantasy outing for Philly and fantasy managers looking for a spot start.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley (neck) has been ruled inactive for Week 10's outing against the Arizona Cardinals. Mosley has been working through a neck ailment that's kept him out of the lineup since New York fell 37-15 to the Pittsburgh Steelers back in Week 7. It's of little surprise that he'll miss another game after stringing together three DNPs leading up to this Sunday. With fellow linebacker Chazz Surratt (heel) deemed questionable for the contest after a week of limited sessions, teammate Sam Eguavoen figures to handle most of the duties for the team. He recorded three tackles on 20 snaps in last weekend's win over the Houston Texans.
From RotoBaller