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FFL: Week 2 | NFL: Week 2

TE Strength of Schedule

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

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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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Fantasy Preview: Week 2

Player Notes
Ricky Pearsall Sep 13 10:30pm ET
Ricky Pearsall

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed Friday that wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has begun working out again. It's excellent news for the rookie -- who traveled with the team to Minnesota -- as he can now shift his focus to returning to the field for his NFL debut. "He started working out again," said Shanahan. "I think it was a weight room workout yesterday. He's back to conditioning, getting back into football shape, and getting back to healthy." Pearsall is just 13 days removed from narrowly escaping with his life after he was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery. The bullet exited his back, near his armpit -- miraculously missing bones and vital organs alike. The former first-round pick will presumably need time to get back up to speed, considering that he saw no preseason action due to a shoulder subluxation that has nagged him since the spring. San Francisco will square off against the Vikings this Sunday in their first road matchup of the season.

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Greg Zuerlein Sep 13 10:20pm ET
Greg Zuerlein

New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein was quiet in a Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, attempting just one extra point in the Monday night game. He will look to get it going in Week 2's road matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee's defense was generous to fantasy kickers in 2023, allowing the most fantasy points per game to the position. That trend continued in Week 1 this season as they gave up three field goals to Cairo Santos, including a 50-yarder. Thanks to his plus matchup, Zuerlein can be trusted as a top-10 fantasy kicker against the Titans.

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Jaleel McLaughlin Sep 13 10:20pm ET
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin surprisingly out-touched Javonte Williams 15 to nine in the Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but his 15 touches (10 carries, five receptions), only led to 28 total yards in a day where the Denver offense was stuck in the mud under rookie quarterback Bo Nix in his first career start. McLaughlin also played only 35% of the offensive snaps. The Broncos could look to stick with the running game longer in a Week 2 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which would favor both McLaughlin and Williams, but it sets up as another difficult day for the Broncos' offense after the Steelers D shut down the Falcons in Week 1. While McLaughlin isn't a recommended fantasy starter this weekend, his touch total in the season opener bodes well for his continued involvement in what looked more like a committee to begin the year.

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Will Levis Sep 13 10:20pm ET
Will Levis

The New York Jets defense struggled to slow down the San Francisco 49ers in their Week 1 loss, coughing up 32 points while notching three sacks. They should play better in a Week 2 road matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee turned the ball over three times while allowing Will Levis to get sacked three times in a Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears. The Jets have talented players throughout their defense and should have a productive fantasy day against Tennessee in Week 2. Treat them as a top-10 option on Sunday.

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Justin Tucker Sep 13 10:10pm ET
Justin Tucker

Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker hasn't put up the big fantasy numbers that managers have grown accustomed to in recent seasons. Especially when it comes to 50-yard field goals, Tucker has missed five of his last six dating back to the 2023 season. The Ravens offense should be able to move the ball against the Raiders and Tucker returns to home field where he's made 88.8% of his field goals throughout his career. He should see plenty of opportunities for both field goals and extra points in this contest. The worry about Tucker falling from fantasy grace shouldn't kick in unless he strings together multiple bust weeks in a row. So, for now, managers can consider him a mid-to-high-level kicking option in Week 2.

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Javonte Williams Sep 13 10:10pm ET
Javonte Williams

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams had a pretty lackluster showing in the season-opening loss to the Seattle Seahawks, playing just over half the offensive snaps while carrying the ball eight times for 23 yards (2.9 yards per carry) and catching one of his two targets for no gain. Williams was out-touched by backup Jaleel McLaughlin 15-9, which was perhaps most concerning, on a day in which the Broncos couldn't really get anything going on offense in a hostile environment with rookie quarterback Bo Nix making his NFL debut. McLaughlin really did nothing to stand out, either, and Williams should be Denver's primary back heading into Week 2 against the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers. The 24-year-old Williams faces a below-average matchup and should be considered a low-upside RB3/flex in another tough matchup in which Denver's offense could struggle to move the ball consistently.

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Allen Lazard Sep 13 10:10pm ET
Allen Lazard

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard turned in one of the more unexpected fantasy outings in Week 1, catching six passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Lazard will look for an encore performance in Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans on the road. The Titans represent a plus matchup for Lazard as they allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers in 2023. It is unclear whether Lazard will remain a major piece of the Jets passing offense moving forward but he was a favorite target of Aaron Rodgers a few years back when both played for the Green Bay Packers. That puts Lazard on the map as a solid flex option heading into Week 2.

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Roquan Smith Sep 13 10:10pm ET
Roquan Smith

The Baltimore Ravens defense/special teams went from taking on one of the best offenses in the league to one in the lower half. Against Patrick Mahomes and company, they produced two sacks and an interception while giving up 353 total yards (only 72 on the ground). The Las Vegas Raiders could only muster 10 points against the Los Angeles Chargers and the Ravens' pass-rush gets a matchup with Gardner Minshew II. Combine that with a knack for creating turnovers with two of the best at their respective positions in Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton, and you get a recipe for a big defensive outing. The Ravens should be a top-10 option in Week 2, especially at home.

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Tyler Conklin Sep 13 10:10pm ET
Tyler Conklin

New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin was quiet in Week 1, catching just one of two targets for six yards in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Conklin will look to carve out a larger role in the offense in Week 2's matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee was tough on tight ends in 2023, allowing just the 29th-most fantasy points per game to the position. Conklin will need to post a big game for the Jets before fantasy managers can feel confident with him in their starting lineups. Treat him as a low-end TE2 in Week 2.

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Xavier Weaver Sep 13 10:10pm ET
Xavier Weaver

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Xavier Weaver (oblique) is officially questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The undrafted rookie wideout is still looking to make his NFL debut, and he has a chance to do so this week after logging three straight limited practice sessions. Weaver performed well in Arizona's preseason finale, reeling in 2-of-4 targets for 56 yards. He also handled two punt and kickoff returns for an additional 81 yards. The Colorado product projects to have difficulty finding consistent playing time in the starting WR rotation behind Marvin Harrison Jr, Michael Wilson, and Greg Dortch -- even when healthy. However, he is someone to monitor regarding his usage on kick returns. If Weaver can gain consistency there, he could be helpful for fantasy managers. Otherwise, he can be safely avoided sans deep dynasty leagues.

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Aaron Rodgers Sep 13 10:00pm ET
Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for 167 yards and a touchdown in a Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The veteran signal-caller will look for more in a Week 2 road showdown against the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee's defense allowed the 19th-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks in 2023 and held Caleb Williams to 93 passing yards without a touchdown in Week 1 this year. That being said, the Titans defense should be a bit more forgiving opponent than the 49ers were, making Rodgers a reasonable fantasy option as a QB2.

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Breece Hall Sep 13 10:00pm ET
Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall turned in a big performance in a Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, running for 54 yards and a touchdown while adding five catches for 39 yards. He will look to find the end zone again in Week 2's road matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee was tough against the run in 2023 and held D'Andre Swift to 30 yards on 10 carries in Week 1 but Hall's extensive usage in the passing game makes him a safe fantasy play even in tough matchups. Fantasy gamers can confidently start Hall as a top-three fantasy running back in fantasy heading into Week 2.

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Garrett Wilson Sep 13 10:00pm ET
Garrett Wilson

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson caught six of his 11 targets for 60 yards in a Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The veteran wide receiver will look to keep it going in a Week 2 road matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee struggled to slow fantasy receivers in 2023, allowing the eighth-most fantasy points per game to the position. Wilson paced the Jets in targets in Week 1 and should continue to operate as Aaron Rodgers' first read moving forward. That puts Wilson on the map as a top-10 fantasy receiver heading into Week 2.

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Dustin Hopkins Sep 13 9:50pm ET
Dustin Hopkins

Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins made a 51-yard field goal, his lone attempt, in a Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Hopkins will now head on the road to face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2. Jacksonville gave up three field-goal attempts to Jason Sanders when they faced the Miami Dolphins back in the season opener. The Cleveland offense didn't show much to evoke optimism in Week 1, so Hopkins might not hear his number called much this weekend if the struggles continue. That leaves him as a low-end fantasy kicker heading into Week 2.

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Isaiah Likely Sep 13 9:50pm ET
Isaiah Likely

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely became the waiver addition of the week after a huge performance against the Kansas City Chiefs. While Mark Andrews helped with the lack of blocking from the offensive line, Likely was finding plenty of separation to the tune of a 100-yard game. Now, the Ravens have a committee at tight end with both of them playing a bigger part in the passing game than a lot of wide receivers. If Andrews has to help out blocking again, Likely could be in line for another big game. The Raiders tight end coverage isn't the best, but they do have Maxx Crosby to worry about. The ultimate decider between Likely and Andrews comes down to the game script, but Likely should be a high-end TE2 even if he doesn't garner 30% of the target share as he did in Week 1.

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Trevor Lawrence Sep 13 9:50pm ET
Trevor Lawrence

The Cleveland Browns defense turned in a rough showing in Week 1's loss to the Dallas Cowboys, allowing 33 points while notching three sacks. They will look to tighten it up in a Week 2 road matchup against Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Lawrence got sacked three times in Week 1's loss to the Miami Dolphins, but Cleveland could be without star pass rusher Myles Garrett (foot) who missed practice on Thursday and was limited on Friday. A Garrett absence would be a big hole for the Browns to fill this weekend. If Garrett ends up playing, Cleveland's defense can be trusted as a fringe top-12 unit in Week 2.

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Bo Nix Sep 13 9:50pm ET
Bo Nix

Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix was a little wobbly, as expected, in the Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on the road, but head coach Sean Payton mostly thinks that the team's offensive weapons need to step up around Nix. The 24-year-old Oregon product finished 26-for-42 for 138 yards and two interceptions while carrying the ball five times for 35 yards and a rushing TD. Thirteen of his completions went for four or fewer yards. At best, Nix will be a low-end QB2 option for fantasy managers in superflex leagues against a swarming Steelers defense. Expect Denver to prioritize the ground game a bit more against Pittsburgh while continuing to mostly give Nix shorter targets to help him succeed and build his confidence. The Steelers held Kirk Cousins to 155 yards passing in Week 1. Nix has a tough opening schedule, so fantasy managers should expect more growing pains.

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JaMycal Hasty Sep 13 9:50pm ET
JaMycal Hasty

New England Patriots running back JaMycal Hasty (knee) has officially been labeled as questionable ahead of the team's Week 2 matchup. The Pats will square off against the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday in their home opener, coming off a surprising 16-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. The 28-year-old popped up on the injury report this past Thursday and logged back-to-back limited sessions leading up to the weekend. Hasty did not receive a touch out of the backfield during Week 1 but was the only Patriot to return a kick in the win. If he were unable to play, rookie wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk would be set to get work on returns alongside backup running back Antonio Gibson. Additionally, New England could decide to sign or elevate another running back to the roster as insurance on game day, with just Gibson and Rhamondre Stevenson the only active players at the position.

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Jerome Ford Sep 13 9:40pm ET
Jerome Ford

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford turned in a solid outing in a Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, catching six passes for 25 yards and rushing for 44 yards and a touchdown. He will look to keep it going in a Week 2 road matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jacksonville allowed the 13th-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs in 2023 and allowed De'Von Achane to run for a touchdown while catching seven passes for 76 yards in Week 1 this season. Ford saw all but four running-back touches last week and should be in for another heavy workload against the Jags, leaving him as a solid RB2 in PPR leagues this weekend.

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Amari Cooper Sep 13 9:40pm ET
Amari Cooper

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper turned in a disappointing Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys, catching just two passes for 16 yards and dropping a long would-be touchdown near the Dallas five-yard line. He will look to bounce back in a much more favorable matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road in Week 2. The Jaguars secondary struggled in Week 1, allowing both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle to post 100-yard games. While the Cleveland offense looked bad in Week 1, Cooper should find more room to operate this weekend, making him a high-end WR3.

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