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
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) was spotted with a walking boot on his right foot after the team's 33-17 defeat at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys. Before his exit, Njoku amassed 44 yards on 4-of-5 receiving. Not many things went right for Cleveland on Sunday, and just when it looked like they were turning it around, disaster struck. In the middle of the third quarter, the eighth-year TE took a Deshaun Watson pass for a 29-yard catch and run but came up hobbling after the play and was escorted to the blue medical tent on the sideline. The severity of his injury is unclear at this time, but his reportedly being in a walking boot is not a positive development for his outlook. With any luck, Njoku might have avoided a high-ankle sprain, but he'll be someone to monitor over the coming days. Veteran Jordan Akins is the only healthy tight end on Cleveland's roster. He'll receive all the work he can handle in Week 2 when the Browns take on the Jacksonville Jaguars if Njoku is unable to suit up.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers had a nice outing on Sunday against the Denver Broncos. Myers connected on both of his field goals and both of his extra points on Sunday en route to 10 fantasy points. The Seahawks offense started off slow and was forced into two early field goals which was beneficial for Myers. As the season wears on, the offense should continue to improve and put Myers in more positions to secure points in fantasy.
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The Seattle Seahawks D/ST was a significant contributor in fantasy in Week 1. The unit constantly harassed rookie quarterback Bo Nix on Sunday. Nix threw two interceptions and was sacked twice and running back Jaleel McLaughlin lost a fumble. The Seahawks D/ST kept the team in the game until the offense was able to get going in the second half. While this unit will not get a rookie quarterback every week, new head coach Mike Macdonald may be coaxing something out of these personnel. The Seahawks D/ST get a Patriots offense in Week 2 devoid of high-end playmakers.
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Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore caught three of his six targets for nine yards in a 33-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1. Moore barely made a dent in the yardage department but his six targets were good for the fourth-most on the team. Unfortunately his lack of downfield usage issue continued over from the 2023 season as the Browns have tended to keep him close to the line of scrimmage since he joined them before last season. Moore also has to contend with newcomer Jerry Jeudy, who finished second on the team with eight targets. Moore does not need to be rostered in redraft leagues moving forward as his ceiling won't be very high as the No. 4 option in the offense.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (knee) is slated to undergo an MRI on Monday when the team returns to Dallas. Ferguson left the team's 33-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns in the third quarter after he landed awkwardly attempting to go over the top of a Cleveland defender. Before his exit, he caught 3-of-5 targets for 15 yards. The third-year TE was seen with his left knee wrapped in ice after leaving the team's locker room post-game, and we expect to get an update on him after his imaging tomorrow. For what it's worth, Ferguson was quoted as hoping "it's just hyper-extended" and said that he felt he could have played through it. It's always alarming when a player crops up with a knee issue, but his sentiment towards the injury is at least encouraging. He'll be a player to monitor over the next 24 hours. The Cowboys will square off against the New Orleans Saints in their home opener next Sunday in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins made his lone field-goal attempt and added two extra points in a 33-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1. Hopkins knocked down a 51-yard field goal for the Browns in the first quarter but was held without another field-goal attempt for the remainder of the game. The veteran has shown a big leg since joining the Browns in 2023, having now hit all nine of his attempts from 50+ yards. The Cowboys have a tough defense, so Hopkins should see more chances to score points moving forward.
From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf had a quiet outing in Week 1. The Denver Broncos limited Metcalf to three receptions for 29 yards on Sunday. The Seahawks offense had a difficult time getting much going until the third quarter. Additionally, Patrick Surtain II blanketed Metcalf for much of the day. Better days are ahead for Metcalf who drew a tough matchup with Surtain to kick off the season. If the Seahawks offense can play like they did in the second half consistently, then Metcalf will be just fine in fantasy.
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From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a disappointing outing in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos. Smith-Njigba started hot with two receptions for 19 yards in the first quarter. However, Smith-Njigba only earned one more target for the rest of the game. The Seahawks offense as a whole was quiet for the first two quarters and a half. Once the offense got going, it was the Tyler Lockett show in the passing game. Smith-Njigba has a lot of promise in 2024. If the Seahawks offense can play like it did in the second half of Sunday's game, then Smith-Njigba should begin to display solid flex value.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan made his NFL debut against the Washington Commanders on Sunday. The rookie wideout won the No. 3 spot behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin to start the season. He was the clear third receiver on this offense during Sunday's game. McMillan hauled in one of his three targets for 32 yards and a touchdown in the win. It appears Evans, Godwin, and even running back Rachaad White are above McMillan on the pecking order for passing. McMillan is worth stashing in deep leagues, but he isn't a viable option on a weekly basis right now.
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Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet had a solid outing in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos. He finished the game with eight carries for 12 yards and two receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown. Charbonnet squarely played second fiddle to starting running back Kenneth Walker III (abdominal) until Walker went down with an injury. The Seahawks did not get going on offense until the second half. Charbonnet contributed to the Seahawks' barrage of scoring in the fourth quarter on a 30-yard reception where he was left wide open. Charbonnet's lack of contribution prior to Walker's injury demonstrates his entrenchment as the backup. However, if Walker were to miss any time, then Charbonnet would be a must-start.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith threw for 171 yards and one touchdown along with one interception in his season debut. Smith added 30 yards and a touchdown on the ground. His 34-yard run for a touchdown was his best highlight of the day. Smith started the game slow and threw an interception on his second pass of the game. However, Smith rebounded nicely and finished with a 72% completion rate. His rushing baseline carried him to 18.84 fantasy points on Sunday. Smith's fantasy output was similar to his games during his breakout 2022 campaign two years ago. The Seahawks offense clicked in the second half of Sunday's game and Smith capitalized. He will look to carry that momentum into New England in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy caught three of his eight targets for 25 yards and a touchdown in a 33-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1. Jeudy made a decent debut with his new team, catching a six-yard pass for Deshaun Watson's only TD toss of the afternoon. The veteran finished second on the team in targets as he instantly slotted in as the team's WR2 behind Amari Cooper in his first game as a Cleveland Brown. The Cleveland offense struggled greatly against a tough Dallas defense in the loss but Jeudy's early role in the offense is encouraging. He should be treated as a solid WR3/flex option moving forward.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin did everything he could during Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders. The Bucs moved Godwin back to the slot and it paid off for them in Week 1. The veteran wideout hauled in all eight of his targets for 83 yards and a touchdown in the win. Godwin got out of the gate slowly last season and he made sure that didn't happen again. Both Godwin and Mike Evans should have no problem getting the ball in this pass-heavy offense on a weekly basis. Godwin should be a solid WR2 in PPR formats going forward.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau (concussion) is officially in the league's concussion protocol, per head coach Dennis Allen. Moreau picked up the injury in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 47-10 thrashing of the Carolina Panthers. He hauled in all four of his targets for 43 yards and a touchdown on a day where everything fell the Saints' way. The veteran tight end racked up the second-most yards, targets, and receptions on his team and finished the day with just one less target than Taysom Hill and Juwan Johnson combined. Quarterback Derek Carr looked very comfortable in a new Saints' offense, and Moreau will now need to progress through the league's protocol before he is cleared to suit up for New Orleans' Week 2 road matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. If he is not ready to roll, expect Johnson to take on the bulk of the more traditional tight-end duties for the Saints.
From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (knee) was targeted five times in a Week 1 win over the Cleveland Browns. He made three catches and gained 15 yards before having to be helped off the field after a catch in the third quarter. After the game, head coach Mike McCarthy said Ferguson was "in good spirits and moving around well." More information will certainly come out soon, but for now it does not seem like Ferguson will need to miss any significant time. Just in case, Luke Schoonmaker is next up on the Cowboys tight end depth chart.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White was heavily involved in the offense during Sunday's Week 1 matchup against the Washington Commanders. The 25-year-old continued to be the workhorse back in this one. He rushed 15 times for 31 yards as White couldn't get anything going on the ground. Luckily, White was able to salvage his fantasy value with six receptions for 75 yards through the air. His struggles on the ground are a concern, but not too alarming considering how well he does as a receiver. White should continue being a significant part of this offense going forward. Fantasy managers in PPR formats should be able to plug White in as a RB2 for Week 2 against the Detroit Lions.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey made all seven of his kicks in a Week 1 win over the Cleveland Browns. He made four field goals and three extra points, putting up 15 of the Cowboys 33 points. Aubrey's field goals came from 57, 40, 50, and 46 yards out. He was the top-scoring fantasy kicker last season and could very well be on his way to doing that again this year.
From RotoBaller
