TE Strength of Schedule
Tue Jun 11 11:11am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Bowers could have big year one
Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the tight end position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to tight ends last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the tight ends with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the tight ends that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.
| TE SOS | ||
| 1. | Cincinnati Bengals | 186.39 |
| 2. | Miami Dolphins | 193.98 |
| 3. | Philadelphia Eagles | 196.38 |
| 4. | Washington Commanders | 197.75 |
| 5. | Houston Texans | 198.15 |
| 6. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 199.18 |
| 7. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 199.68 |
| 8. | New York Giants | 201 |
| 9. | Dallas Cowboys | 201.18 |
| 10. | Los Angeles Rams | 201.38 |
| 11. | Buffalo Bills | 201.39 |
| 12. | Chicago Bears | 201.66 |
| 13. | Arizona Cardinals | 201.76 |
| 14. | New York Jets | 202.56 |
| 15. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 202.86 |
| 16. | Baltimore Ravens | 203.04 |
| 17. | Denver Broncos | 203.95 |
| 18. | Los Angeles Chargers | 204.02 |
| 19. | Atlanta Falcons | 204.25 |
| 20. | Cleveland Browns | 204.59 |
| 21. | New Orleans Saints | 205.62 |
| 22. | Seattle Seahawks | 205.73 |
| 23. | San Francisco 49ers | 206.80 |
| 24. | Indianapolis Colts | 206.89 |
| 25. | Detroit Lions | 207.92 |
| 26. | New England Patriots | 208.23 |
| 27. | Kansas City Chiefs | 210.92 |
| 28. | Tennessee Titans | 211.44 |
| 29. | Green Bay Packers | 212.07 |
| 30. | Minnesota Vikings | 212.23 |
| 31. | Carolina Panthers | 213.66 |
| 32. | Las Vegas Raiders | 213.81 |
A rookie led fantasy tight ends in scoring last year and the top rated rookie tight end this year gets the easiest fantasy schedule for tight end. Brock Browers and the Raiders have the most favorable schedule for tight ends. Sam LaPorta showed last year that a rookie can make an immediate fantasy impact, so don’t discount Browers to have big-time success in year one. He certainly looks the part of an elite tight end.
Another rookie with a good chance to start has the second easiest schedule for tight ends. Panthers tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders will compete with Tommy Tremble to start, but should emerge and be the top pass-catching tight end. He is looking like a good late-round gamble for fantasy teams.
The Vikings, Packers and Titans round out the top-five most favorable schedules for tight ends. T.J. Hockenson would be looking like a great pick if he wasn’t returning from a major injury. He is no sure thing to play early in the year. But once he is healthy, he could help fantasy teams in a big way once again.
Green Bay is likely to have Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft split a lot of the work at tight end, hurting both their value. They could produce some big games along the way, though, making them decent No. 2 fantasy tight ends this season. Both produced well in an expanded role last year.
Lastly, Chin Okonkwo didn’t quite have the breakout season many hoped last year, but he wasn’t bad by any means. Maybe he gets a few more chances this year and has some bigger games along the way with this favorable schedule. He is another decent tight end to grab as your backup.
The teams that top the list for toughest fantasy tight end schedules are teams that haven’t really utilized the tight end much in recent seasons. The Bengals have the toughest schedule followed bye the Dolphins. Mike Gesicki is the starter for the Bengals, but probably isn’t worth the risk with this schedule and the Bengals recent track record with tight ends.
Miami uses their tight ends to block more than anything in their offense. They have the occasional big game, but Jonnu Smith is going to be a risky weekly fantasy play. He would have looked much better landing with a different team.
There are a couple big-time fantasy tight ends that have unfavorable schedules. Dallas Goedert has the third toughest schedule. Goedert can be a little hit or miss to begin with in this offense, so this schedule gives him a little more concern. You might want to pass on him come draft day and go with another elite tight end with a better schedule and more consistency.
Dalton Schultz is the other elite tight end with a top-five unfavorable schedule. Schultz had a big first season with the Texans, becoming a favorite target of C.J. Stroud. He should get the targets this year. But he has a challenging schedule and more to compete with for targets, so his consistency might be a little off this year compared to last.
We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy tight ends. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the tight ends with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big-money contests.
| TE PLAYOFF SOS | ||
| 1. | Atlanta Falcons | 175 |
| 2. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 182.37 |
| 3. | Philadelphia Eagles | 184.73 |
| 4. | Arizona Cardinals | 187.67 |
| 5. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 187.77 |
| 6. | New England Patriots | 189.83 |
| 7. | Miami Dolphins | 190.37 |
| 8. | New Orleans Saints | 191.3 |
| 9. | Los Angeles Rams | 192.17 |
| 10. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 192.43 |
| 11. | Cincinnati Bengals | 196.1 |
| 12. | Detroit Lions | 196.12 |
| 13. | Houston Texans | 196.2 |
| 14. | Indianapolis Colts | 198.97 |
| 15. | Buffalo Bills | 199.63 |
| 16. | Kansas City Chiefs | 203.03 |
| 17. | New York Jets | 204.13 |
| 18. | Carolina Panthers | 205.7 |
| 19. | Baltimore Ravens | 205.9 |
| 20. | Green Bay Packers | 207.7 |
| 21. | Chicago Bears | 213.73 |
| 22. | New York Giants | 214.27 |
| 23. | Seattle Seahawks | 214.72 |
| 24. | Cleveland Browns | 214.97 |
| 25. | Dallas Cowboys | 215.8 |
| 26. | Las Vegas Raiders | 219.4 |
| 27. | Washington Commanders | 220.13 |
| 28. | Denver Broncos | 220.8 |
| 29. | Minnesota Vikings | 221.72 |
| 30. | Tennessee Titans | 223.73 |
| 31. | San Francisco 49ers | 225.53 |
| 32. | Los Angeles Chargers | 228.53 |
The Titans and Vikings are the only two teams with the most favorable fantasy schedule for tight ends during the regular season and playoffs. Hockenson is the intriguing one because he might not be fully healthy until late in the season. So while he might not be a huge fantasy factor for the regular season, Hockenson might be a difference maker in the playoffs.
Okonkwo is looking like a player worth grabbing as a No. 2 fantasy tight end, especially if you have an established starter ahead of him. Okonkwo has a high fantasy ceiling for the coming year because of a schedule that could facilitate a breakout season for him.
The Chargers actually have the best fantasy playoff schedule for tight ends. Donald Parham is the likely starter and has some potential in an offense looking for playmakers in the passing game. This could be his best season to date, making him an intriguing late-round gamble.
George Kittle is the biggest name on the list for top-five favorable fantasy tight end playoff schedules. He is going to produce big and could be even better down the stretch with a schedule setup for success.
The Falcons have the most challenging playoff schedule for fantasy tight ends. This is not good news for Kyle Pitts. He is already a polarizing fantasy player, so this schedule won’t do him any favors to get in good graces with more fantasy owners. Many think he could finally turn things around this year with a new coaching staff in place, but nothing is certain with this situation. Pitts could be a boom or bust pick once again.
The Eagles are the only team on both the top five most difficult fantasy schedules for tight ends for the regular season and playoffs. Goedert is looking like a player you might want to let someone else grab come draft day. There are a lot of good, young options at tight end this year. Going with one of those guys over Goedert might be the play on draft day.
Trey McBride is a favorite for many fantasy owners this year for a breakout season. He had a huge finish to last year and is shooting up draft boards. We wouldn’t avoid him come draft day because he has the fourth toughest fantasy playoff schedule. It is a little bit of a concern, but not a huge red flag for the talented tight end. Maybe just prepare for his numbers to dip a tad during the playoffs.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
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The Paur Report
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest) logged a limited practiced on Wednesday ahead of the Week 18 game against Tampa Bay. The veteran receiver has been an extreme boom-or-bust option who surprised with a WR2 finish in Week 10 and caught touchdowns in three straight weeks earlier in the season, but bottomed out with no catches on two targets last week. With the Saints likely to play out the string without quarterback Derek Carr (left hand) and running back Alvin Kamara (groin), MVS is a low-end WR5 option on an offense that isn't worth trusting.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (concussion) did not practice on Wednesday prior to the Week 18 finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If Miller can't clear concussion protocol by Sunday, newly acquired back Clyde Edwards-Helaire seems likely to lead the backfield again, though he drew only five carries last week against Las Vegas. With the Saints way out of the playoff picture and quarterback Derek Carr (left hand) and running back Alvin Kamara (groin) still not practicing, the entire offense looks to be avoidable in any format that still plays Week 18.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (knee) practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday prior to the Week 18 finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The veteran tight end is coming off his best game of the year and led the team in receiving, but times are bleak for the Saints. Johnson has a nice matchup against a Tampa Bay defense that ranks in the bottom 10 against fantasy tight ends, but with Derek Carr (left hand), Alvin Kamara (groin), and Chris Olave (head) all dealing with injuries and the Saints having little incentive to go all out, Johnson should be viewed as a TE2 option if he plays.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (knee) did not practice on Wednesday ahead of Week 18's finale against the Arizona Cardinals. The Ohio State product has been an injury report regular this year, but the knee injury was a new designation after oblique and hip issues earlier in the season. With San Francisco already eliminated from playoff contention, there won't be much reason to push the envelope with the star defensive end, so missing the game certainly seems in play for Bosa. For IDP formats still going in Week 18, managers should have a backup plan at the ready.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (illness, chest) was limited in Wednesday's practice, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. The 49ers will conclude the season at Arizona in Week 18 in a meeting of two teams that have been eliminated from playoff contention. The rookie receiver is coming off his career-best game on Monday against Detroit, going for eight catches, 141 yards, and a touchdown, but the 49ers may be without quarterback Brock Purdy (elbow) and a host of other players, too. Against a solid Cards pass defense, Pearsall is a major risk in DFS or fantasy formats that play Week 18.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (right hand) was limited during Wednesday's practice. The rookie reportedly injured one of his fingers during last Saturday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Maye is expected to recover in time for Week 18 against the Buffalo Bills, and he's in line to start after head coach Jerod Mayo indicated all of New England's healthy starters would play. Nevertheless, it's an interesting story to monitor given that the Patriots would clinch the No. 1 draft pick with a loss on Sunday but could drop as low as No. 5 if they win. There has been ongoing speculation that the Patriots could rest Maye to preserve his health and secure the top pick, but as of now, it sounds like Mayo is going to roll out his starters in hopes of a Week 18 victory.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (back) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimation. The second-year quarterback noted that his back injury limited him physically last week, and there were times when he couldn't even walk or stand up. He feels better now, though, and said that he'll do everything in his power to play on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Shane Steichen echoed this sentiment, saying, "We're hopeful [that Richardson plays]. He's working through his rehab and his treatment right now, so we'll see how the week progresses with that." Richardson should rank as a low-end QB1 facing off against a subpar Jaguars defense.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receivers Kayshon Boutte (illness) and Ja'Lynn Polk (shoulder) did not participate in practice on Wednesday. Boutte has been heavily involved lately, commanding 23 targets over his last four games. His absence from practice is concerning, but the good news is that players are typically able to recover from illnesses within a few days, so Boutte has a real chance to recover in time for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Polk's status is a little more murky after he injured his shoulder in the middle of last week's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The rookie has been quite underwhelming, catching just 12 passes for 87 yards and two touchdowns while struggling with drops. Fantasy managers invested in the statuses of either Boutte or Polk should check back Thursday to see if either receiver can improve to limited or full.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (ankle) was limited during practice on Wednesday. The Chiefs are expected to rest key starters, including Mahomes, in Week 18, so his appearance on the injury report isn't something worth worrying about. In his age-29 season, Mahomes threw for 3,928 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while leading his Chiefs to the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Carson Wentz should start at quarterback against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, but there's been speculation that the Chiefs could also give Chris Oladokun some snaps under center.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans kicker Nick Folk (abdomen) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimation. The veteran kicker has missed two consecutive games due to injury and now faces an uphill battle to play in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Houston Texans. It's an unfortunate ending to what had been an otherwise solid season for Folk. Through 14 games, the 40-year-old went 25-for-25 on extra points and 21-for-22 on field goals. Tennessee has no other kickers on its roster after waiving Matthew Wright, so it's unclear who would handle kicking duties if Folk can't suit up in Week 18.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle) was estimated as a limited participant on Wednesday. The 27-year-old missed last week's game with a combination of his ankle injury and an illness. His absence allowed Tyjae Spears to take over as Tennessee's starter, but Spears picked up a concussion mid-game, forcing the Titans to rely on third-string running back Julius Chestnut. With Spears expected to miss Week 18, Pollard's return comes at a great time. He's trending toward playing in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Houston Texans, ranking as a low-end RB2 in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (concussion) was estimated as a non-participant in practice on Wednesday. Head coach Brian Callahan previously said that Spears would not play in Week 18, and Wednesday's injury report reflects that sentiment. The 23-year-old has flourished over his last three games, totaling 127 rushing yards, 134 receiving yards, and four touchdowns during that span. If there's anything positive to take away from the Titans' injury report, it's the fact that Tony Pollard (ankle) was able to practice in a limited capacity. There appears to be a strong chance that Pollard plays in Week 18, with Julius Chestnut backing him up.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd (foot) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimation. Boyd has made frequent appearances on the injury report this season, but he hasn't missed a game yet. The 30-year-old has consistently operated as the Titans' No. 3 receiver, totaling 39 catches for 390 yards through 16 games. He's still looking for his first touchdown as a member of the Titans, and he's just one game away from finishing a season without a touchdown for the first time in his career. Given that he's behind Calvin Ridley, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Chig Okonkwo in the pecking order, Boyd remains off the fantasy radar and can be left on waivers in most leagues.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (foot) logged a limited session in the team's first practice of the week. Henry hurt his foot in Week 17's blowout loss -- a 40-7 rout against his former team, the Los Angeles Chargers. He commanded just two targets and participated in only 30 snaps in the loss. Both figures are season-lows, and it was the first outing he did not record a catch all year. That he could at least practice in a limited capacity is a boon to his outlook for Week 18. However, seeing him elevate his practice status over the next few days would be good. The Patriots will host the visiting Buffalo Bills in a divisional clash this Sunday. As the game is meaningless for both squads, it's possible that if the veteran TE is closer to the wrong side of questionable, he's rested anyway. Keep an eye on him as the week closes out.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle (ankle, hamstring) did not practice Wednesday, Jan. 1.
Fantasy Spin: Keep an on Kittle's status over the next couple of days. He is a TE1 if he suits up, but with the 49ers eliminated from playoff contention, it wouldn't be a surprise if he is held out for the finale if he isn't close to full strength.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers DL Robert Beal Jr. (ankle), DE Nick Bosa (knee), OG Spencer Burford (calf), LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf), LB Leonard Floyd (shoulder), CB Deommodore Lenoir (shoulder), OT Colton McKivitz (knee) and CB Isaac Yiadom (pelvis) did not practice Wednesday, Jan. 1. S Ji'Ayir Brown (ankle) was limited, and S Talanoa Hufanga (wrist) was a full participant.
From TheHuddle
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (foot) was listed as a non-participant to kick off this week of practice. The 31-year-old produced the best rushing total of his career in Sunday's 25-10 win against the New Orleans Saints. Unfortunately, Abdullah sustained a foot injury early in the fourth quarter, or he'd have had an even bigger day. While he was initially deemed questionable to return to the contest, he did not. The Nebraska product has been one of the more pleasant surprises late in the season, but he could be in danger of missing Sunday's meeting with the visiting Los Angeles Chargers. If Abdullah can't play, backfield mate Alexander Mattison projects to lead the Raiders' rushing attack with Chris Collier and/or Dylan Laube working in behind him. Abdullah's practice participation over the next two days should give us a better idea of his status for Sunday's bout.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley has topped 100 rushing yards in 11 games this season, the most by any player in their first year with a team in NFL history.
Fantasy Spin: Barkley will sit out the season finale, but his first year in Philadelphia exceeded any reasonable expectations. Not only did he top 2,000 yards rushing, but he was one of the most consistent backs week in and week out.
From TheHuddle
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (ankle, knee) was listed as a limited participant for the second straight day ahead of his team's road meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Clemson product has been dealing with knee and ankle injuries for a few weeks now, though it hasn't stopped him from being effective on the field. Since picking up the first of his injuries in Week 15 (knee), Higgins has gone for 277 yards and five touchdowns across 24 receptions. He's the PPR WR2 over that stretch, averaging a robust 26.6 fantasy points per game. Fantasy managers should continue to keep an eye on him just in case, but it seems unlikely he'll miss the Bengals' divisional clash this Saturday. With Cincinnati still battling for a chance at post-season play, he and the rest of their squad should be all systems go against the Steelers.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff has 17 touchdowns and zero interceptions on passes on third or fourth down this season.
Fantasy Spin: Goff has been firing on all cylinders in recent weeks, throwing at least three touchdowns in four straight games and topping 300 yards in three straight.
From TheHuddle
