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.
Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 11
Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen will be looking to bounce back in Week 11 as he faces off against a challenging Green Bay Packers secondary. After a frustrating performance in Week 10 against the New England Patriotswhere Allen saw six targets but only hauled in five catches for 44 yardshe's eager to get back on track, especially now that he's adjusting to his new team. This week, a significant shift for the Bears is the firing of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, who was just nine games into his tenure. The Bears promoted passing game coordinator Thomas Brown to take over as offensive coordinator, hoping this change will spark a more dynamic and productive offense, which should benefit Allen in the long run. However, Chicago's offensive line is still dealing with key injuries and is unlikely to be at full strength on Sunday, which could limit the overall effectiveness of the offense. While you may be stuck starting Allen due to a lack of better options, managing expectations is essential. This week could be a pivotal moment to see how the coaching change affects the Bears' offense and how Allen fits into the new scheme.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze could be in for a solid performance in Week 11 as he faces the Green Bay Packers' defense. After a quiet outing last week, where he recorded just 23 receiving yards in a lackluster offensive showing against the New England Patriots, Odunze will be looking to rebound and make an impact. The Bears' offense is undergoing significant changes, beginning with the firing of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, who was dismissed after just nine games. The team has promoted passing game coordinator Thomas Brown to take over as the new offensive coordinator, hoping his fresh approach will lead to a more productive offense and open up opportunities for Odunze to break out. However, the Bears' offensive line is still dealing with key injuries and likely won't be at full strength this Sunday, which could affect the offense's overall efficiency. While you might find yourself in a position where starting Odunze is necessary, it's important to manage expectations this week. Ideally, you'll have other options, but this game could offer insight into how the coaching change impacts Odunze's role and the offense moving forward.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet is a risky fantasy start in Week 11, given his limited involvement in recent games and a tough matchup against the Green Bay Packers' defense. Kmet has been a secondary option in the Bears' offense, which has struggled to find consistency, making him a volatile play this week. However, there has been a significant change in Chicago's offensive structure: the Bears fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron just nine games into his tenure. In his place, the team promoted passing game coordinator Thomas Brown, hoping that his new approach would spark a more efficient offense and, in turn, lead to a more significant role for Kmet. While the potential for improvement is there, it's important to note that the Bears' offensive line still deals with critical injuries, which could limit the offense's overall effectiveness. If you're in a pinch and need to start Kmet, be cautious with your expectations. Ideally, it would be best to explore other options, but this week will provide insight into how the coaching change might impact Kmet's involvement moving forward.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos is a solid, if somewhat unexciting, fantasy option for Week 11 as he prepares to face the Green Bay Packers. Santos had a reasonably typical performance in his most recent outing, converting his only field goal attempt from 33 yards out. While Santos didn't have a game-changing performance, he remains reliable in accuracy and consistency. This week, there is a significant shake-up in Chicago's offense, as the team fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron just nine games into his tenure. The hope is that the change in leadership will spark a more productive offense, which could result in more scoring opportunities for Santos. Santos should see more chances for field goals and extra points if the Bears' offense improves. While he's still a somewhat average fantasy kicker, the potential for increased usage could make him a slightly more appealing option in Week 11, especially if the coaching change leads to an uptick in overall offensive efficiency.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson is a speculative play in Week 11 as he faces the Green Bay Packers. With the Bears continuing their limited backfield rotation, Johnson is more of a dart throw for fantasy managers in deeper leagues or those looking for a potential sleeper. This week, the Bears made a significant change by firing offensive coordinator Shane Waldron on Tuesday, just nine games into his tenure. The team promoted passing game coordinator Thomas Brown to take over as offensive coordinator, hoping this coaching change will help improve the offense's overall efficiency. Ideally, a more productive offense would increase goal-line opportunities for Johnson, who has flashed potential when given chances. However, the Bears' offensive line is still dealing with significant injuries and is unlikely to be at full strength this Sunday, which hurts the offense as a whole. Given these concerns, Johnson should be viewed as a deep-league desperation play, with his best hope being a touchdown or two to salvage his fantasy value.
From RotoBaller
This week, Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore is a risky WR3 option in fantasy football. After a frustrating performance in Week 10 against the New England Patriots, where Moore posted just three catches for 24 yards and seemed visibly frustrated with his role in the offense, he'll be looking to rebound. This week, a significant change for the Bears is the firing of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, who was just nine games into his tenure. In his place, the team promoted passing game coordinator Thomas Brown to take over the offensive reins, hoping his fresh approach would spark a more efficient and dynamic offense. This could lead to more opportunities for Moore, but the offensive line still deals with injuries. It likely won't be at full strength on Sunday, a significant concern for the Bears' offensive production. To make matters worse, Moore will face a tough matchup against the Green Bay Packers, where he'll likely see star cornerback Jaire Alexander shadowing him throughout the game. While Moore's talent remains undeniable, his usage and production are uncertain this week, and if you're stuck starting him, you'll be hoping for a turnaround under the new offensive scheme. Ideally, you should consider other options if available and use this week as a chance to see how the coaching change impacts Moore's role moving forward.
From RotoBaller
This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams presents a high-risk, high-reward fantasy option as he prepares to take on the Green Bay Packers. After a tough outing in Week 10 against the New England Patriots, where Williams completed just 16 of 30 passes for a meager 120 yards and failed to throw any touchdowns, he's looking to redeem himself and showcase his potential. Adding to the drama, the Bears made a significant move this week by firing offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, who was just nine games into his tenure with the rookie quarterback. Waldron's struggles to establish an effective offensive game plan prompted the change, and now the Bears are hoping a new direction will help unlock Williams' playmaking ability. The team promoted passing game coordinator Thomas Brown to replace Waldron, which signals a shift in offensive philosophy. However, it's important to note that the Bears' offensive line is still banged up and likely won't be at full strength on Sunday, following a dismal performance where they allowed nine sacks in their previous game. Given the uncertainty surrounding the offense and the ongoing issues with the offensive line, starting Williams this week carries significant risk. Proceed with caution, especially in leagues where you need a more reliable QB option.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift is positioned to be a solid RB2 option in fantasy this Sunday as the Bears face off against the Green Bay Packers. After an average Week 10 performance, in which Swift rushed for 59 yards on 16 carries, he's primed for another productive outing. This week, however, there's a major shake-up in Chicago's offensive strategy. The Bears fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron on Tuesday, just nine games into his tenure, hoping to revitalize the struggling offense. With Waldron out, passing game coordinator Thomas Brown has been promoted to offensive coordinator, and the hope is that his fresh perspective will lead to more balanced play-calling and, ultimately, better overall production. This could help take some of the load off Swift's shoulders and open up more opportunities for him in the red zone. That said, the Bears' offensive line is still dealing with significant injuries and is unlikely to be at full strength, which could limit the team's overall offensive effectiveness. Despite these challenges, Swift should remain a reliable option in all fantasy formats, with the potential for positive regression as the offense adjusts under new leadership.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints jack of all trades Taysom Hill should have another week of modest usage with running back Jamaal Williams (groin) listed as out for the upcoming game against the Cleveland Browns. Hill has operated as the primary backup to Alvin Kamara with both Williams and Kendre Miller (hamstring) sidelined by injuries recently. Over the last three games, Hill has eight receptions for 98 yards and 13 rushing attempts for 53 yards and a touchdown. Last week, Hill was a holding penalty away from adding an 88-yard touchdown reception to his resume. The Browns have not been particularly generous to opposing tight ends this season but Hill does not fit the typical mold for the position. His consistent use out of the backfield (4.5 carries per game) elevates his floor and his touchdown potential keeps him in the running for a top-12 finish week-to-week. Hill makes for a solid play in Week 11 with so much of the Saints' offense ailing.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe was perfect in Week 10, converting both of his field goal attempts and both extra point tries. He scored the first points of the game against the Falcons with a 38-yard field goal in the second quarter and hit another from 26 yards out in the third quarter. On the season he has missed just one of his 19 field goal attempts and is now 21-for-23 on extra points. Grupe offers a solid floor, rarely straying far from his average 7.5 fantasy points per game. In Week 11, the Saints face the Browns, who have offered little to opposing kickers this season, though that may be because they are allowing teams to reach the end zone more often than they are stopping them short, particularly in close range. Cleveland has only seen five field goals attempted at a distance of 39 yards or fewer. They have also had the good fortune of opponents going 8-for-14 from 40 yards out or more, with just one block to their credit. Grupe is 8-for-9 from that range. Grupe isn't an option to get excited about but a top-12 finish isn't out of the question. He is worth a look for fantasy managers seeking a kicker in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Injuries to the New Orleans Saints wide receiver room cleared a path up the depth chart for rookie Mason Tipton. With Chris Olave (concussion), Rashid Shaheed (knee), and Bub Means (ankle) on injured reserve, and Cedrick Wilson Jr. (shoulder) out for Week 10, there seemed to be ample opportunity for Tipton to soak up some targets. Sadly, that wasn't the case as Tipton did not draw a single target in last week's game against the Falcons. Marquez Valdes-Scantling was the main beneficiary of the Saints' lack of receiving talent, catching three balls for 109 yards and two scores against Atlanta, while running back Alvin Kamara was the preferred option on short routes. In Week 11, MVS can be expected to remain the team's deep option and if Wilson shakes his questionable tag, Tipton will have a hard time commanding targets against him or Kamara. He can safely be left on the waiver wire.
From RotoBaller
The New Orleans Saints have been rocked by injuries over the last several weeks. Wide receivers Chris Olave (concussion), Rashid Shaheed (knee), and Bub Means (ankle) are all on injured reserve, and Cedrick Wilson Jr. (shoulder) has missed two of the team's last three games and has a questionable tag for Sunday. With so many pass catchers ailing, one would expect that it would provide others ample opportunity for a bump in production. Unfortunately, that has not been the case for tight end Juwan Johnson. Over the last three weeks he has seven catches for 111 yards on nine targets. His last trip to the end zone came in Week 1 and his odds to change that against the Browns on Sunday are slim. In 2024, Cleveland has allowed just one touchdown to opposing tight ends and the third-fewest receptions to the position. Johnson can stay on the wire in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara is in line for another week of heavy usage in Week 11 against the Cleveland Browns. As injuries have chipped away at the Saints' depth at both wide receiver and running back, the team's reliance on Kamara has only grown stronger. Over the last three weeks he has been targeted on 41.9% of routes run and has 18.7 carries per game, compared to 25.3% and 15.9 over the first seven weeks of the season. The Browns have allowed the fewest receptions to opposing running backs this season but, given the lack of other options, the Saints will try to extend Kamara's streak of at least five receptions which goes back to Week 4. Kamara has not made it into the end zone since Week 6 but that could change against the Browns, who have allowed nine touchdowns on the ground in 2024, including three in the two games prior to their Week 10 bye. As usual, Kamara is a must-start in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram is still a starting-caliber option in fantasy lineups, but with Mac Jones at quarterback, his upside is limited against the Detroit Lions. After six catches for 40 yards in Week 10 against the Vikings, unless Engram scores a touchdown, it is hard to imagine the veteran tight end having a big day. After just seven points against the Vikings, it is hard to imagine the Jaguars offense as a whole performing well. The Lions are better against the pass against the run, but it is likely the defensive line causes problems for Jones just as the Vikings line did. Engram should still be started in fantasy lineups, but he is a bit more touchdown-reliant in fantasy than usual this week against the Lions.
From RotoBaller
One of the biggest surprises of Week 10 was Marquez Valdes-Scantling. In his second game with the New Orleans Saints, the speedy veteran caught three passes for 109 yards and two touchdowns. MVS has pushed up the depth chart thanks to the glut of injuries dealt to the Saints' wide receiver room. Of the five wide receivers that started the season on the team's active roster only rookie Mason Tipton was left standing last week. The situation might remain the same in the upcoming matchup against the Browns, with Cedrick Wilson Jr. (shoulder) tagged as questionable. Tipton was not targeted at all last week as quarterback Derek Carr focused most of his attention on running back Alvin Kamara and utilized MVS as his field stretcher. The 30-year-old journeyman has a chance for a repeat performance against the Browns, as they have struggled against the deep ball and have given up 11 touchdowns to opposing wideouts in 2024. MVS is worth a look in deeper leagues with 14 or more teams.
From RotoBaller
In his second game back following a multi-week absence due to an oblique injury, New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr passed for a season high 269 yards against the Atlanta Falcons. Carr found success going deep, hitting wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling for gains of 40 yards (and a touchdown) and 67 yards. The duo also connected for a two-yard touchdown pass. The performance was reminiscent of Carr's work earlier this season with deep threat Rashid Shaheed (knee). In Week 11, Carr is going against the Cleveland Browns, who have struggled against the deep ball in 2024, allowing the fifth-most receptions of 20 air yards or more. It is hard to trust Carr as a starter in standard leagues but he should be a solid option in two-quarterback or superflex formats.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. has a chance for a work-horse role in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions. Tank Bigsby is out with an ankle injury after not practicing all week. Etienne Jr.'s only competition for touches this week is D'Ernest Johnson, who also happened to be limited at practice all week with a hamstring injury. The Lions are much weaker against the pass than the run, so the Clemson product may have an inefficient day on the ground, but he can salvage his fantasy day if he can get involved in the passing game. With Mac Jones at the helm, the box will be stacked more than usual, and Jones will likely need to rely on the short passing game. Etienne Jr. has a wide range of outcomes given his potential volume in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones is difficult to trust as a fantasy option in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions. After a tough performance last week against the Minnesota Vikings, Jones shouldn't be on the fantasy radar. The Lions are a plus matchup, but after putting up just seven points last week, it's hard to fathom Jones as a good fantasy option in his second start of the season. The good news is that Brian Thomas Jr. and Evan Engram are good to go, while Travis Etienne Jr. should be the primary back with Tank Bigsby out. Jones has decent weapons at his disposal, but until he shows he can lead a competent offense, he shouldn't be considered in fantasy lineups. Leave Jones on the bench in Week 11 against the Lions.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is having arguably his best season to date. The wideout has been on a roll and is coming off a potent Week 10 showing against the Ravens, when he caught 11 of his 17 targets for 254 yards and three touchdowns. While Tee Higgins (quadriceps) is cleared to return for Sunday's meeting with the Los Angeles Chargers, Chase's ceiling is higher than ever, despite a difficult game on the horizon. Keep him starting, obviously.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has had an MVP-caliber season. While the Bengals are sitting at a disappointing 4-6, the signal-caller has shined, leading the league in completions (246), yards (2,672), and touchdowns (24). Cincinnati can still make waves in the AFC, but the team will need a win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night. Fortunately for Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase has also thrived during the 2024-25 campaign. The same can be said for Chase Brown. Even better, Tee Higgins (quadriceps) will be back on the field in Week 11. With nine touchdown throws in the last two games, Burrow remains a must-start, despite a challenging matchup on tap.
From RotoBaller