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FFL: Offseason | NFL: Week 18

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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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 17

Player Notes
Spencer Rattler Dec 30 3:40am ET
Spencer Rattler

It was a tale of two halves for New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler in Sunday's 25-10 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Before halftime, Rattler was 11-for-13 with his only incompletions being a drop on his first pass attempt of the game and a throwaway at the end of the second quarter. In the second half, he completed just nine of his 23 pass attempts, threw two interceptions, and was sacked three times. His final result for the day was a 20-for-36 effort for 218 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. Rattler also led the Saints in rushing yards with 46 on three carries. Rattler's lone touchdown pass came on a trick play at the start of the second quarter that culminated in a 30-yard bomb to tight end Foster Moreau. He nearly had another long score later in the second quarter, but a holding penalty negated his 40-yard pass to Juwan Johnson. If Derek Carr (hand) is held out of the Saints' season finale then Rattler will likely get the start against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

From RotoBaller

Jamaal Williams Dec 30 3:40am ET
Jamaal Williams

New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams had two carries for 12 yards and caught his lone target for 12 more yards through the air in Sunday's 25-10 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Williams was largely irrelevant despite the team designating Alvin Kamara (groin) out and losing fill-in starter Kendre Miller (head) to a possible concussion in the second quarter. Williams did see his highest snap count since Week 8 but was outdone in that regard by recent signee Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who was promoted from the practice squad on Saturday. CEH led the Saints' running backs with six total touches for 30 scrimmage yards. If Miller and Kamara are both out for Week 18's matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Williams might see increased usage in a timeshare with Edwards-Helaire. Given his underwhelming production in the Saints' limited utilization, not much should be expected from him in the season finale.

From RotoBaller

Clyde Edwards-Helaire Dec 30 3:40am ET
Clyde Edwards-Helaire

New Orleans Saints running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire led the team in carries in Sunday's loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Edwards-Helaire needed just five rushing attempts to accomplish the feat in a game where New Orleans all but abandoned the ground game, calling just four run plays in the entire second half. He finished with five carries for 20 yards and caught two of his four targets for 10 receiving yards. Cut by the Chiefs on December 16 and claimed by the Saints two days later, New Orleans elevated the four-year veteran from the practice squad on Saturday after listing Alvin Kamara (groin) out the day before. CEH was involved nearly as much as starter Kendre Miller (head) before Miller left the game in the second quarter due to a possible concussion. Up to that point, Edwards-Helaire had seen five snaps to Miller's seven and three touches to Miller's four. If Miller is forced to miss Week 18 and Kamara doesn't return for a meaningless season finale, Edwards-Helaire could draw the start against the Buccaneers.

From RotoBaller

Juwan Johnson Dec 30 3:40am ET
Juwan Johnson

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson led the team in receptions, targets, and yards in Sunday's 25-10 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Johnson had six catches for 66 yards on 10 targets, establishing new season-highs in each category. His big day could have been a lot bigger had it not been for some miscues. Johnson dropped Spencer Rattler's first pass of the game which would have resulted in a 20-yard gain. Late in the second quarter, Johnson caught a 40-yard pass on the goal line but the play was negated by a holding penalty at the line. Finally, Johnson's own offensive pass interference penalty wiped out a 16-yard reception in the fourth quarter. Injuries have robbed the Saints of several playmakers for much of the season but until today Johnson has had little to show for his constant presence. He should remain a top target in Week 18 assuming New Orleans keeps Chris Olave (concussion) and Alvin Kamara (groin) on the sideline for the season finale.

From RotoBaller

Foster Moreau Dec 30 3:40am ET
Foster Moreau

New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau had caught three of his five targets for 47 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 25-10 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Quarterback Spencer Rattler hit Moreau in the end zone from 30 yards out to cap off a trick play that involved running back Kendre Miller at the start of the second quarter. Moreau finished with the second-most targets on the team after fellow tight end Juwan Johnson's ten. Perhaps the most surprising thing about the surge in volume is that it hadn't been tried before given the fact that New Orleans has been missing multiple playmakers due to injury for most of the season. Marquez Valdes-Scantling (back) was the latest wide receiver to suffer an injury, leaving in the fourth quarter after getting drilled attempting a catch over the middle. It is too soon to tell his status for Week 18 but if he does miss the season finale, then Moreau might see more attention once again.

From RotoBaller

Ray-Ray McCloud Dec 30 1:30am ET
Ray-Ray McCloud

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III caught his lone target for 13 yards and gained 14 additional yards on a rushing attempt in Sunday's 30-24 loss to the Commanders. It was an underwhelming performance from the 28-year-old, although his 14-yard run kept alive the game-tying fourth-quarter touchdown drive and got the Falcons down to the Washington five-yard line. But the offense doesn't typically support both he and Kyle Pitts, and Sunday was Pitts' night as he caught four passes including one for a touchdown. After catching no less than two passes in every game through Week 14, McCloud now has two one-catch games in the last three weeks. The Clemson product and the entire Falcons offense have a chance to end the regular season on a high note in Week 18, as they draw the Panthers at home in a game they need to win in order to have a shot at the playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Darnell Mooney Dec 30 1:20am ET
Darnell Mooney

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney could snag just two of his five targets in Sunday's 30-24 overtime loss to the Commanders, totaling 37 yards on his receptions. A week after leading the Falcons in receiving yards, the 27-year-old faded from the offense, but such is the case with a rookie quarterback. There will be ups and downs, but Mooney's down was an untimely one, letting many fantasy managers who put their faith in him down at the most crucial time of the fantasy season. Still, it has been a banner year for the fifth-year pro, who is just eight yards away from logging his second 1000-yard season, the last coming back in 2021 for the Bears. He has a good chance to hit that milestone in Week 18 against the Panthers, although he posted just a 3-38-0 line against them earlier this season.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Pitts Dec 30 1:10am ET
Kyle Pitts

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts caught his first touchdown pass since Week 8 in Sunday night's 30-24 overtime loss to the Commanders, hauling in four of five targets for 44 yards and the score. It has been yet another disappointing season for the former first-round draft pick, but perhaps this can be the beginning of some rapport with his rookie quarterback that, if he can muster another decent outing next week, could build some momentum heading into next season. It's probably a long shot, though, but the 24-year-old does draw a favorable matchup next week against the Panthers in a must-win game for the Falcons. Carolina is one of the worst teams in allowing production to tight ends, although they allow production to all positions, so the Falcons should have multiple paths to victory.

From RotoBaller

Michael Penix Jr. Dec 30 12:50am ET
Michael Penix Jr.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. nearly led his team to a win on Sunday Night Football, getting the team into position for a potential game-winning field goal, but the kick fell short and the Falcons ultimately lost 30-24 to the Commanders in overtime. The former first-round draft pick completed 19-of-35 passes for 223 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Some passes were clearly off-target, but others displayed the 24-year-old's talent level, including the game-tying touchdown pass to Kyle Pitts late in the fourth quarter. The rookie will get a chance to end the season on a high note and send the Falcons -- with some help from the Saints -- to the playoffs with a win against the Panthers in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Drake London Dec 30 12:30am ET
Drake London

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London led the Falcons in receiving in Sunday's 30-24 overtime loss to the Commanders, hauling in seven of 13 targets for 106 yards, although he was unable to find the end zone. Michael Penix Jr. frequently looked London's way, with no other receiver getting more than five targets, but the lefty QB missed London streaking across the end zone late in the game with an off-target throw. Still, it was a strong showing from the former first-round draft pick, with the yardage total putting him over 1,000 yards receiving on the season, the first 1,000-yard season of his three-year career. The 6-foot-4 wideout gets a favorable home matchup against the Panthers in Week 18, a defense he put a 6-74-1 line on earlier this season.

From RotoBaller

Robert Spillane Dec 30 12:20am ET
Robert Spillane

The Las Vegas Raiders defense/special teams allowed 10 points, forced two turnovers, and registered four sacks during Sunday's Week 17 win over the New Orleans Saints. Vegas' two turnovers were both interceptions, with one apiece from Jack Jones and Thomas Harper. Elsewhere on the stat sheet, six different players recorded at least half a sack. Robert Spillane was the Raiders' defensive leader once again with his eight tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, and two passes defended. This Vegas unit had a productive outing against a poor Saints offense, but they'll get a tougher test in Week 18 when they face the Los Angeles Chargers. Fantasy managers in leagues with 14 or fewer teams can leave the Raiders on waivers as the season wraps up.

From RotoBaller

Terry McLaurin Dec 30 12:20am ET
Terry McLaurin

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin hauled in just one of his seven targets during their victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday evening. His lone catch went for just five yards. McLaurin had a tough time getting open facing standout Atlanta defensive back A.J. Terrell who shadowed him all evening. Instead, No.2 wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus and tight end Zach Ertz did most of the damage through the air while Jayden Daniels added over 100 yards on the ground. This was only the fourth-time this season McLaurin tallied less than double-digit PPR points in a single game. Coming into this contest, the Ohio State product averaged 22.9 PPR points per game over his past four contests and found the end zone an impressive six times over this stretch. Despite the poor showing, McLaurin remains a must-start WR1 heading into a Week 18 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.

From RotoBaller

Bijan Robinson Dec 30 12:20am ET
Bijan Robinson

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson handled 17 carries for 90 yards and scored two touchdowns in Sunday night's 30-24 overtime loss to the Commanders, adding three catches for eight yards as well. Robinson had 13 carries by halftime, but with Washington running two seven-minute-plus drives in the second half, the Falcons did not get a chance to run many plays and when they did, they were passing as they tried to play catch-up in the fourth quarter. It could have been an even more lucrative night as Atlanta ran Robinson out of the wildcat, but when they did so on 1st-and-goal from the five-yard line in the fourth quarter, the snap went over Robinson's head for a huge loss, with the drive ending in a 13-yard TD pass to Kyle Pitts instead. Nevertheless, the second-year pro surely helped fantasy managers to some championships on Sunday, and with one game left to go in the regular season, the former first-round draft pick will face the Panthers at home next week, a team he scored two TDs against earlier this season.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Legette Dec 30 12:10am ET
Xavier Legette

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette caught five of his nine targets for just 28 yards during Sunday's Week 17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The rookie receiver returned from a one-week absence to lead the Panthers in targets and receptions, but his yardage output was relatively disappointing. Legette also played just 68.1 percent of the offensive snaps, which is lower than usual but could just be a reflection of the Panthers being cautious in his first game back from injury. Moving forward, Legette should be able to establish himself as Carolina's No. 2 receiver behind Adam Thielen, but that doesn't mean he won't occasionally be out-played by the likes of Jalen Coker and David Moore. Heading into Week 18 against the Atlanta Falcons, Legette ranks as a WR4.

From RotoBaller

Olamide Zaccheaus Dec 30 12:10am ET
Olamide Zaccheaus

Washington Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus caught eight of his nine targets for 85 yards and a score during their victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday evening. Zaccheaus got on the scoresheet early catching the first score of the game on a seven-yard strike from Jayden Daniels. Zaccheaus' targets, receptions, and yards paced all other Washington pass catchers in this contest and was Daniels' go-to option all evening. His longest reception went for 16 yards. With Noah Brown (kidney) and Dyami Brown (hamstring) both sidelined, Zaccheaus has made the most of his opportunities. Over the past two games he has scored three touchdowns and tallied at least 70 yards in each game. He should be viewed as a solid flex option in Week 18 facing the Dallas Cowboys.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Carlson Dec 30 12:10am ET
Daniel Carlson

Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson went 4-for-4 on field goals and also converted his lone extra-point attempt during Sunday's Week 17 win over the New Orleans Saints. His field goals came from 25, 31, 39, and 54 yards out. Carlson has now made four-plus field goals in 25 percent of his games this season, pushing him just inside the top 12 kickers (based on fantasy points) so far. Although his fantasy production has been relatively inconsistent due to the Raiders' developing offense, Carlson remains an intriguing weekly streamer with very high upside. He should continue to be viewed as a fringe top-12 kicking option in fantasy football ahead of Week 18 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

From RotoBaller

Zach Ertz Dec 30 12:10am ET
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz caught six of his seven targets for 72 yards and two touchdowns in their victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night. Ertz had caught just three passes in total over his past two games but was able to snap this cold streak in a big way. The veteran tight end played a crucial role especially in the second half of this contest. Ertz found the end zone for the first time in the third quarter on a ten yard pass from Jayden Daniels. Then, the 34-year-old would play the hero as he hauled in the playoff-clinching score in overtime from two yards out. Despite his recent struggles, Ertz should continued to be viewed as a low-end TE1 playing on a high-octane Washington offense. He remains a solid play in all formats next weekend with Noah Brown (kidney) on the injured reserve as he should continue to see a reliable target share.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Dec 30 12:00am ET
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders center Tyler Biadasz (groin) exited Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Atlanta Falcons and did not return. Washington left the door open for him to re-enter by listing him as questionable, and he did join his teammates on the sideline. However, he stayed off the field while Michael Deiter took over as the Commanders' center. Biadasz's status is worth monitoring given his integral role in snapping the football and protecting Jayden Daniels.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slayton Dec 30 12:00am ET
Darius Slayton

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton caught one of three targets during Sunday's Week 17 win over the Indianapolis Colts. His lone reception wound up being a 32-yard touchdown, giving him double-digit fantasy points in some PPR leagues. The 27-year-old's fantasy production has been minimal ever since the Giants benched and released Daniel Jones, but he was able to display a spark in the penultimate game of the regular season. Moving forward, most redraft managers can avoid Slayton as he remains New York's No. 3 wide receiver behind Malik Nabers and Wan'Dale Robinson.

From RotoBaller

Brian Robinson Jr. Dec 30 12:00am ET
Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. tallied 60 yards on 13 attempts in their victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday evening. Robinson caught both of his targets for nine yards. While Robinson did see most of the rushing attempts he was unable to find the back of the end zone for the third straight contest. Instead, backup running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. was given the red zone work and was able to punch in a score in the fourth quarter. Over his past three contests, Robinson has only eclipsed 60 rushing yards on one occasion and has only tallied more than 100 yards once over his past six contests. With Austin Ekeler (concussion) nearing a return, fantasy managers could expect Robinson to lose some opportunities especially during the playoffs. He should be viewed as a low-end RB2 heading into a Week 18 tilt against the Dallas Cowboys.

From RotoBaller