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.
TFC Champion is Crowned
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely will regain a big role in the offense as they head to Buffalo to take on Josh Allen and company in the divisional round. Likely was tied for the most targets against the Steelers last week, and led the wide receivers and tight ends in receptions and yards. In Week 4, the running backs dominated both on the ground and through the air for the Ravens, but the Bills have changed considerably since then. Likely will probably take on a bigger role as a pass-catcher with Mark Andrews helping on the offensive line and Zay Flowers (knee) listed as doubtful. Likely could be a sneaky option in DFS tournaments.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman scored his first career postseason touchdown in the big win over the Pittsburgh Steelers during the Wild Card round. It's likely going to be a bit more difficult against the Buffalo Bills as they roll into freezing cold weather with a chance of a bit of snow. Derrick Henry and company dominated in Week 4 while Bateman saw just one target and caught it for 23 yards. That seems to be all Bateman needs, however, as he had two catches for 24 yards and the touchdown last week. With Zay Flowers (knee) listed as doubtful, Bateman could serve as the outlet outside of the backfield and tight ends.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews will have to step up yet again in both the blocking game and through the air as the team travels to Buffalo in freezing cold weather. He only received one target in Week 4 against the Bills because the ground game went wild and they coasted to a win. While they'll look to get going with Derrick Henry, the game won't likely go the same way which means Andrews will have to step up with Zay Flowers (knee) listed as doubtful. Isaiah Likely and Andrews led the team in targets against the Steelers, and they're headed for more of the same in the divisional round.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has produced his best season yet and goes into Buffalo to take on the other MVP candidate in a rematch from Week 4. In that first matchup, Jackson posted 156 yards and two touchdowns on 13-for-18 throwing, and six carries for 54 yards and another touchdown. Both teams have changed considerably since then, but the Ravens' run game definitely hasn't slowed down. The game is supposed to be one of the coldest that Jackson has ever played in which means it could turn to more of a running script again, but it's hard to get better than Jackson in DFS formats. The option should be featured quite heavily while Rashod Bateman can find himself open for a deep strike.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry is fresh off of a ridiculous 186-yard game with two touchdowns in the Wild Card round, and he sets his sights on the Buffalo Bills. The last time these two teams faced off was in Week 4 when Henry registered 199 yards and a score on 24 carries to go along with three catches for 10 yards and another touchdown. He had a ridiculous 8.29 yards per carry average, and he'll likely be heavily involved once again in a freezing game in Buffalo. At kickoff, the temperature should be around 19 degrees Fahrenheit with a windchill that could reach the single digits. Everything about it signals a heavier ground game where Henry can dish out punishment.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen calls running back Ty Johnson "the best third-down back in football." The veteran was utilized that way in the Wild Card victory over Denver, tallying 11 touches for 70 yards and a touchdown. An increase in snaps was, in part, due to running back Ray Davis suffering a concussion. The rookie hadn't cleared concussion protocol as of Friday and is questionable Sunday. The Bills should pass more often to avoid slamming into Baltimore's top rush defense, which could lead to more snaps for Johnson. He's a sneaky DFS player and could see several targets on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir continues to be Josh Allen's most-trusted wide receiver but it's not translating to massive fantasy success. The slot receiver led the team with six targets and six receptions in Buffalo's Wild Card victory. However, five other receivers saw three targets. Allen's tendency to spread the love in the passing game has prevented any Buffalo receiver from truly breaking out. Shakir is reliable for a double-digit PPR performance but there isn't a high ceiling for him in the divisional matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills Amari Cooper (back) saw one of his lowest snap shares since he joined the team in mid-October last week. Granted, Buffalo did blow out the Broncos, but the starters played most of the fourth quarter. Cooper played just over one-third of the snaps. That led to two catches for eight yards. The veteran has been below 50% of the snaps in over half of his games as a Bill. As has been the case for the last few weeks, a back issue has placed him on the injury report but he doesn't carry an injury designation into the weekend. He shouldn't be used in any fantasy lineups against Baltimore.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman, who appeared to be separating himself from the pack before his wrist injury, is now a part of the problem. The Bills have a crowded wide receiver room and Josh Allen tends to spread the football around. Coleman has caught eight passes in the last five games, and just one for five yards in the Wild Card victory over the Denver Broncos. Still, the rookie may be the most dangerous downfield threat of the bunch. He is tied for the team lead for receptions longer than 25 yards (six) and trails Mack Hollins in receiving touchdowns (four). Coleman is a boom-or-bust DFS option with a low output more likely.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) continues to be underutilized in the Buffalo offense. It's a season-long trend, despite the belief the former first-round pick would break out in his second season. Kincaid caught three passes against Denver in the Wild Card round. It's the 12th time he's logged four receptions or fewer this season. Kincaid's recurring appearance on the injury report with a knee ailment is a non-issue. He's fully practiced for weeks. However, it's difficult to envision a spot for him in DFS lineups given his subpar play.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen delivered his worst fantasy football performance of the season against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4. It's the only game this season (and first since Week 9 of the 2021 season) that Allen failed to throw or run for a touchdown. It was also the only game in which he scored fewer than double-digit fantasy points. While Baltimore's pass defense, the league's worst at the time, has improved, it's still smarter for offenses to attack the secondary rather than the front seven. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady should keep the football in Allen's hands more often than not. Allen has a great chance to finish as the QB1 for the week and can be utilized in any fantasy game.
From RotoBaller
The Ravens' dominant run defense has kept running backs in check all season and did just that when Buffalo Bills running back James Cook faced them in Week 4. Cook failed to log double-digit carries in three of 17 games this season, one of which came against the Ravens. The unit has also allowed just eight rushing touchdowns. Cook will need to be utilized in the passing game. The Ravens surrender the fourth-most receiving yards to the position but Ty Johnson has thrived in the pass-catching role for the Bills. Cook is a risky start for DFS lineups.
From RotoBaller
According to Sarah Barshop of ESPN, Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (chest) is off the injury report and good to go for Sunday's playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Higbee exited Monday's wild-card game against the Minnesota Vikings early. Before exiting, Higbee caught all five of his targets for 58 yards. He opened the week as a limited participant and was able to upgrade to a full participant during Friday's session. The 32-year-old made his season debut during Week 16 due to a torn ACL and MCL. Over his first four games, Higbee has scored twice and averaged 31 yards per game. He should be viewed as a low-end option in DFS formats this weekend, as the Eagles have allowed the second-fewest PPR points to opposing tight ends this season.
From RotoBaller
According to the team, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee) is off the injury report prior to their playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams. Brown saw out during the initial session on Wednesday and upgraded to limited participation on Thursday. The top wideout was able to log a full session on Friday and does not carry a designation into the weekend. The 27-year-old has had his practice sessions monitored over the past month due to a lingering knee injury. Last weekend, during their wild-card victory over the Packers, Brown caught just one of his three targets for ten yards. However, Brown scored three touchdowns during Weeks 15 through 17 while averaging 81 yards per game. Fantasy managers should view him as a WR1 in all DFS competitions this weekend despite facing a Los Angeles defense that has allowed the 14th-fewest PPR points to opposing wide receivers.
From RotoBaller
According to the team, Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (illness) is good to go for Sunday's playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams. Goedert popped up on the injury report on Thursday as a non-participant. He was able to log a limited session on Friday but does not carry an injury designation on the final report. The veteran tight end returned from a knee injury during Week 18 and brought in four of his six targets for 55 yards. Last weekend, during their victory over the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round, Goedert caught four passes for 47 yards and a score. Even though he has missed time throughout the season when on the field, the 30-year-old has tallied a solid 10.4 PPR points per game. Facing the Rams, who have allowed the third-most PPR points per game to opposing tight ends, makes Goedert a viable TE1 in DFS competitions.
From RotoBaller
According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (knee) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. Flowers has been sidelined since suffering this knee injury during their Week 18 victory over the Cleveland Browns. During the week, Flowers could not return to practice, which is not a positive sign for his status. However, head coach John Harbaugh noted earlier on Friday that his top wideout will "have a chance" to suit up. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status leading up to Sunday's kickoff. Flowers posted his first 1,000-yard campaign and found the back of the end zone four times this season. If Flowers were to remain sidelined, fantasy managers should expect Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews to operate as the top pass-catchers.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (knee) is currently listed as questionable ahead of Saturday's Divisional Round matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite that, Al-Shaair is expected to suit up for this weekend. Al-Shaair was able to get through limited practice sessions this week after picking up a knee injury during last week's win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The 27-year-old has missed a handful of games this season, but is an impactful player when healthy. He recorded 70 tackles, two sacks, and four passes defended in 11 games in the regular season. If Al-Shaair sits, Devin White would likely see an increased role this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) is reportedly expected to play during Saturday's Divisional Round against the Kansas City Chiefs. The star back suffered an ankle injury and was unable to practice on Thursday. As a result, Mixon is tagged as questionable for this weekend, but it's hard to imagine him sitting out this important contest. The Texans are likely being cautious with Mixon, which is why he missed Thursday's practice. If he sits, Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale would be the primary options in the backfield. Pierce is the better fantasy option between the two backs, but if Mixon plays then neither back would be worth a look. If healthy, Mixon would be one of the best backs for DFS contests for this weekend.
From RotoBaller
The Seattle Seahawks have reportedly interviewed Byron Leftwich for their vacant offensive coordinator job. Leftwich hasn't coached in the NFL since the 2022 season when he was the offensive coordinator with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Leftwich saw plenty of success during his time in Tampa Bay, including a Super Bowl victory in 2020. He recently interviewed for the New England Patriots head coaching job, but the team decided to go with Mike Vrabel instead. Leftwich had some top ranked offenses during his time in Tampa Bay, but it declined during his final year with the team. Leftwich was a pass-heavy coach in Tampa Bay, which might not exactly fit with Seattle, but we'll see what happens.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (illness) is back on the practice field on Friday. That is good news after Goedert was unable to practice on Thursday due to an illness. Luckily, it sounds like a minor issue that shouldn't impact his status for Divisional Round matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Goedert hauled in four of his seven targets for 47 yards and a touchdown during last week's win over the Green Bay Packers. If healthy, Goedert is a fairly reasonable option for DFS contests for this weekend.
From RotoBaller