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FFL: Week 10 | NFL: Week 10

TE Strength of Schedule

Tue Jun 11 11:11am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

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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Player Notes
Calvin Ridley Nov 11 9:01am ET
Calvin Ridley

Dynasty | Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley had five catches for 84 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to the Chargers. Dynasty Analysis: Ridley now has 32 targets over his last three games after complaining about his role in the offense. While his production is bound to be spotty (he has just one 100-yard game this year), the Titans have little choice but to get him the ball. On the plus side, Will Levis did look a lot better today than he has in most weeks, so there's that. Ridley will be a plus WR2 moving forward and his dynasty value has evened out over the past couple of weeks.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling Nov 11 9:01am ET
Marquez Valdes-Scantling

Dynasty | Saints receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling had three catches for 109 yards and a touchdown in a win against Atlanta. Dynasty Analysis: Well, OK then. MVS is traditionally pretty streaky and this one came out of nowhere. The challenge here is the fact he did all his damage on only three catches and three targets. A boom or bust player if there ever was one, he'll look to keep things going on a team in dire need of pass catchers with Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave both on the shelf. MVS is roster worthy, but we're going to see a lot more before recommending him in lineups.

Javonte Williams Nov 11 9:00am ET
Javonte Williams

Dynasty | Broncos running back Javonte Williams had one rushing yard, two catches and six receiving yards in a loss to Kansas City. Dynasty Analysis: Meanwhile, Audric Estime had 14 carries in the game. It's hard to say if this is going to be a permanent move to the rookie, but Williams saw just 16 snaps in a game that was close all the way through. Sean Payton is notoriously hard to read, but Williams should be on fantasy benches moving forward until it shakes out. His dynasty value is starting to tank and today may speed that up.

Tyreek Hill Nov 11 9:00am ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) was unable to practice on Friday or Saturday this week and came into the Monday night contest as questionable. Ian Rapoport now reports that the superstar wideout is a "true" game-time decision as he aggravated a wrist injury that he's technically been dealing with since the preseason. The Dolphins want to salvage their season as they sit at 2-6 on the year, so Hill will be desperately needed for their success. Fantasy managers that stuck with Hill in their lineups will want a backup plan just in case such as Odell Beckham Jr. or Malik Washington who should see extra targets.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Nov 11 8:40am ET
D'Andre Swift

On Sunday, Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift had a rather underwhelming performance in the team's Week 10 loss to the New England Patriots. Despite getting 16 carries, Swift managed just 59 yards on the ground, averaging a modest 3.7 yards per carry, and could not find the end zone. His involvement in the passing game was minimal, catching just one pass for six yards. The Bears' offense struggled to move the ball, punting on eight of their eleven possessions and turning it over on downs twice. Swift's opportunities were limited, as the offense was constantly playing from behind and unable to sustain drives. Looking ahead, Swift and the Bears offense will have a chance to bounce back next week against the Green Bay Packers, a defense that will be well-rested after their bye week and primed for a strong performance.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Nov 11 6:10am ET
Rome Odunze

In Week 10, Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze struggled to make an impact in the team's 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots. Odunze finished the game with just three receptions for 23 yards, failing to find the end zone. His performance was indicative of the Bears' overall offensive woes, as the team only managed 120 yards passing throughout the game. Behind a battered offensive line that allowed nine sacks, Odunze and his fellow receivers had little opportunity to get into rhythm. The Bears' offense could barely sustain drives, punting eight times and turning the ball over on downs twice. While Odunze showed flashes of potential earlier in the season, this performance was a reminder of how difficult it can be for any skill player to thrive when the offense is struggling. Odunze and the Bears will look to bounce back next week against the well-rested Green Bay Packers defense.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Tavion Sanders Nov 11 5:00am ET
Ja'Tavion Sanders

Carolina Panthers rookie tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders only had two receptions for eight yards in Sunday's 20-17 win over the New York Giants, but one of those receptions was a five-yard touchdownthe first of Sanders' career. The score came on a nifty Bryce Young scramble, which froze the defense and left Sanders alone in the back of the end zone. The fourth-round pick was due for his moment after recording 51 yards per game in Carolina's previous four weeks. Still, Sanders has had fewer than 10 yards in two of his last three games, making him a risky streaming option. Carolina has a bye in Week 11 and will take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12 coming off the bye.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Coker Nov 11 4:50am ET
Jalen Coker

Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Jalen Coker led all Panthers wideouts with 41 yards on three receptions against the New York Giants. Coker has received increased snaps since his 68-yard performance in Week 5 and garnered a team-high eight targets in this matchup. While the Panthers' passing attack has been anything but electric this season, the rookie from Holy Cross has managed to find his footing in the NFL. His talent and production likely contributed to the decision of Carolina's front office to trade wide receiver Jonathan Mingo to the Cowboys at the NFL deadline. While he'll rest on a bye next week, seeing how Coker develops throughout the season will be interesting. Coker will look to build on Sunday's performance when the Panthers face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12, coming off the bye.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Legette Nov 11 4:50am ET
Xavier Legette

Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette recorded three receptions for 40 yards in Carolina's 20-17 win over the New York Giants in Munich, Germany. It was Legette's second-most receiving yards in a game this year, as he has only eclipsed the 50-yard mark once. The rookie, who has emerged most as a red-zone threat, did not receive a target in that area of the field. While Carolina has a Week 11 bye in the future, Legette remains a touchdown-dependent streaming option in deep leagues. The Carolina passing attack is not dynamic enough to properly feed the mouths they have, making Legette a flex play against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12 coming off the bye.

From RotoBaller

Bryce Young Nov 11 4:40am ET
Bryce Young

For the first time in his career, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has initiated a winning streak as the Panthers defeat the New York Giants 20-17. While not spectacular, Young played his role and didn't turn the ball over, contributing 126 yards, a touchdown, and a 60% completion rate. The 23-year-old also added 30 rushing yards on two attempts in Sunday's win. Since taking over for veteran Andy Dalton, Young has a 4:3 touchdown-to-interception ratio, and the Panthers are (2-1). Carolina has a Week 11 bye and will face the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs in late November. Head coach Dave Canales declined to name Young the foreseeable starting quarterback, but given the win streak and serviceable play, he would be expected to continue manning the helm.

From RotoBaller

Chuba Hubbard Nov 11 4:40am ET
Chuba Hubbard

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard set a career-high with 153 rushing yards while catching four of six targets for 16 yards in Sunday's 20-17 win against the New York Giants in Munich, Germany. He achieved the feat on 28 rush attemptsa season-highand tied a career-high in missed tackles with nine. Hubbard also recorded his seventh touchdown of the season. It was a European trip to remember for the Panthers' leading rusher, who signed a four-year contract extension earlier this week. He's remained a consistent, high-value fantasy player throughout the season, outproducing his ADP. The Panthers have a bye in Week 11 before returning to face the mighty Kansas City Chiefs on November 24.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Nov 11 3:40am ET
Keenan Allen

On Sunday, Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen had a frustrating and underwhelming performance in the team's Week 10 loss to the New England Patriots. Allen finished the game with just five receptions for a modest 44 yards, a far cry from the dynamic playmaker he was last season. Throughout the contest, he struggled to gain separation from the Patriots' defensive backs, who were able to neutralize him for much of the game. This lack of production was symptomatic of the Bears' overall offensive struggles, as the team managed just 120 passing yards behind a battered offensive line that allowed nine sacks. Beyond a lone field goal drive, the Bears punted on eight of their ten possessions and turned the ball over on downs twice, leaving little opportunity for Allen or any other receiver to make a significant impact. Looking ahead, Allen and the Bears' offense will have a chance to rebound next week against the well-rested Green Bay Packers defense, coming off their bye week.

From RotoBaller

Cole Kmet Nov 11 3:40am ET
Cole Kmet

In Week 10, Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet had a frustratingly quiet performance in the team's 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots. Kmet finished the game with just two receptions for 13 yards, a far cry from many expectations for him heading into the matchup. What made his lack of involvement even more baffling was that Kmet didn't see a target until midway through the third quarter, despite the Bears' offense struggling to move the ball all game. This performance was particularly disappointing for fantasy managers. Kmet has shown flashes of potential as a red-zone target earlier this season, but he remains a boom-or-bust player. The Bears managed only 120 yards passing, with a battered offensive line allowing nine sacks, which made it difficult for any of the receivers, including Kmet, to get into a rhythm. Kmet and the Bears will look to bounce back in Week 11 against the well-rested Green Bay Packers defense coming off their bye.

From RotoBaller

Roschon Johnson Nov 11 3:30am ET
Roschon Johnson

On Sunday, Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson had a minimal impact in the team's Week 10 loss to the New England Patriots. With a limited role in the offense, Johnson carried the ball just once and finished with an unfortunate total of negative four rushing yards. His involvement in the passing game could have been more extensive, as he caught just one pass for five yards. The Bears' offense struggled to gain traction throughout the game, punting on eight of their eleven possessions and turning the ball over on downs twice. With the offense unable to sustain drives, Johnson and other skill players had little opportunity to make an impact. Johnson and the Bears offense will look to rebound next week against the Green Bay Packers, who will be coming off a bye week and ready to face the challenge.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Nov 11 3:30am ET
D.J. Moore

In Week 10, Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore had a frustratingly quiet performance in the team's 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots. Moore finished the game with just three receptions for 24 yards, but he failed to reach the end zone, leaving fantasy managers disappointed by his lack of production. Additionally, Moore contributed minimally in the rushing game, recording just one rush for three yards. His struggles were largely due to the Bears' anemic offense, which managed a mere 120 yards passing behind a beleaguered offensive line that allowed nine sacks throughout the game. With the offense unable to sustain drivespunting on eight of their ten possessions and turning the ball over on downs twiceMoore and the rest of the receiving corps found it difficult to generate momentum. Looking ahead, Moore and the Bears will have a chance to bounce back next week against a tough Green Bay Packers defense, which will be well-rested after their bye week.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Nov 11 3:20am ET
Caleb Williams

This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams faced a tough test against the New England Patriots in Week 10. Despite showing flashes of potential, Williams struggled in the face of relentless pressure from the Patriots' defense. He completed 16 of 30 passes for a modest 120 yards and failed to find the end zone, contributing zero passing touchdowns to the scoreboard. To make matters worse, Williams was sacked an astounding nine times, as the Bears' offensive linealready banged upfailed to provide consistent protection. While Williams did lead one scoring drive, the Bears offense was primarily stagnant, punting on eight of their ten possessions and turning the ball over on downs twice. Heading into Week 11, Williams and the Bears offense will look to bounce back against a well-rested Green Bay Packers defense, which will be coming off their bye week and is sure to be prepared for the challenge.

From RotoBaller

Ezekiel Elliott Nov 11 2:53am ET
Ezekiel Elliott

Dallas Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott ran the ball six times for 22 yards in a Week 10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Elliott also fumbled once with the Eagles recovering the ball in the end zone for a touchback to end Dallas' best drive of the day.

Fantasy Spin: Back after a one-game suspension, Elliott had a brutal fumble that ended a long drive when the game was still competitive -- the Eagles led, 7-3, when Elliott fumbled at the goal line. Given where Dallas is, you wonder if Elliott makes it to the end of the season with the club, especially if the losses keep piling up. He has marginal fantasy value at this point.

From TheHuddle

George Kittle Nov 11 2:10am ET
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle scored a touchdown for the seventh time in eight games during a 23-20 victory over the Buccaneers in Tampa on Sunday. He caught three of four targets for 57 yards, including the touchdown. Kittle's score was an important fourth-quarter toe-tapping snag in the corner of the end zone. As we saw Sunday, Kittle's target share will likely take a hit with the return of Christian McCaffrey and the emergence of Jauan Jennings coupled with the evident competence of rookie Ricky Pearsall. Kittle has been by far the most productive tight end in fantasy this year. With many leagues facing the trade deadline this week, the joyful 31-year-old is a sell-high candidate for those looking to bolster at other positions. On the other hand, Kittle has the red zone skills to overcome diminished volume, especially at a perennially thin position. Kittle has a plus matchup in Week 11 when the 49ers host the Seattle Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Kevin Byard Nov 11 1:53am ET
Kevin Byard

Chicago Bears S Kevin Byard tied a season-high with 11 tackles - five solo - and broke up a pass play in Week 10 against the New England Patriots.

From TheHuddle

Carlton Davis Nov 11 1:53am ET
Carlton Davis

Detroit Lions CB Carlton Davis had four solo tackles and two interceptions versus the Houston Texans on Sunday, Nov. 10.

From TheHuddle