TE Strength of Schedule
Tue Jun 11 11:11am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Bowers could have big year one
Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the tight end position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to tight ends last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the tight ends with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the tight ends that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.
| TE SOS | ||
| 1. | Cincinnati Bengals | 186.39 |
| 2. | Miami Dolphins | 193.98 |
| 3. | Philadelphia Eagles | 196.38 |
| 4. | Washington Commanders | 197.75 |
| 5. | Houston Texans | 198.15 |
| 6. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 199.18 |
| 7. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 199.68 |
| 8. | New York Giants | 201 |
| 9. | Dallas Cowboys | 201.18 |
| 10. | Los Angeles Rams | 201.38 |
| 11. | Buffalo Bills | 201.39 |
| 12. | Chicago Bears | 201.66 |
| 13. | Arizona Cardinals | 201.76 |
| 14. | New York Jets | 202.56 |
| 15. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 202.86 |
| 16. | Baltimore Ravens | 203.04 |
| 17. | Denver Broncos | 203.95 |
| 18. | Los Angeles Chargers | 204.02 |
| 19. | Atlanta Falcons | 204.25 |
| 20. | Cleveland Browns | 204.59 |
| 21. | New Orleans Saints | 205.62 |
| 22. | Seattle Seahawks | 205.73 |
| 23. | San Francisco 49ers | 206.80 |
| 24. | Indianapolis Colts | 206.89 |
| 25. | Detroit Lions | 207.92 |
| 26. | New England Patriots | 208.23 |
| 27. | Kansas City Chiefs | 210.92 |
| 28. | Tennessee Titans | 211.44 |
| 29. | Green Bay Packers | 212.07 |
| 30. | Minnesota Vikings | 212.23 |
| 31. | Carolina Panthers | 213.66 |
| 32. | Las Vegas Raiders | 213.81 |
A rookie led fantasy tight ends in scoring last year and the top rated rookie tight end this year gets the easiest fantasy schedule for tight end. Brock Browers and the Raiders have the most favorable schedule for tight ends. Sam LaPorta showed last year that a rookie can make an immediate fantasy impact, so don’t discount Browers to have big-time success in year one. He certainly looks the part of an elite tight end.
Another rookie with a good chance to start has the second easiest schedule for tight ends. Panthers tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders will compete with Tommy Tremble to start, but should emerge and be the top pass-catching tight end. He is looking like a good late-round gamble for fantasy teams.
The Vikings, Packers and Titans round out the top-five most favorable schedules for tight ends. T.J. Hockenson would be looking like a great pick if he wasn’t returning from a major injury. He is no sure thing to play early in the year. But once he is healthy, he could help fantasy teams in a big way once again.
Green Bay is likely to have Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft split a lot of the work at tight end, hurting both their value. They could produce some big games along the way, though, making them decent No. 2 fantasy tight ends this season. Both produced well in an expanded role last year.
Lastly, Chin Okonkwo didn’t quite have the breakout season many hoped last year, but he wasn’t bad by any means. Maybe he gets a few more chances this year and has some bigger games along the way with this favorable schedule. He is another decent tight end to grab as your backup.
The teams that top the list for toughest fantasy tight end schedules are teams that haven’t really utilized the tight end much in recent seasons. The Bengals have the toughest schedule followed bye the Dolphins. Mike Gesicki is the starter for the Bengals, but probably isn’t worth the risk with this schedule and the Bengals recent track record with tight ends.
Miami uses their tight ends to block more than anything in their offense. They have the occasional big game, but Jonnu Smith is going to be a risky weekly fantasy play. He would have looked much better landing with a different team.
There are a couple big-time fantasy tight ends that have unfavorable schedules. Dallas Goedert has the third toughest schedule. Goedert can be a little hit or miss to begin with in this offense, so this schedule gives him a little more concern. You might want to pass on him come draft day and go with another elite tight end with a better schedule and more consistency.
Dalton Schultz is the other elite tight end with a top-five unfavorable schedule. Schultz had a big first season with the Texans, becoming a favorite target of C.J. Stroud. He should get the targets this year. But he has a challenging schedule and more to compete with for targets, so his consistency might be a little off this year compared to last.
We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy tight ends. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the tight ends with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big-money contests.
| TE PLAYOFF SOS | ||
| 1. | Atlanta Falcons | 175 |
| 2. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 182.37 |
| 3. | Philadelphia Eagles | 184.73 |
| 4. | Arizona Cardinals | 187.67 |
| 5. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 187.77 |
| 6. | New England Patriots | 189.83 |
| 7. | Miami Dolphins | 190.37 |
| 8. | New Orleans Saints | 191.3 |
| 9. | Los Angeles Rams | 192.17 |
| 10. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 192.43 |
| 11. | Cincinnati Bengals | 196.1 |
| 12. | Detroit Lions | 196.12 |
| 13. | Houston Texans | 196.2 |
| 14. | Indianapolis Colts | 198.97 |
| 15. | Buffalo Bills | 199.63 |
| 16. | Kansas City Chiefs | 203.03 |
| 17. | New York Jets | 204.13 |
| 18. | Carolina Panthers | 205.7 |
| 19. | Baltimore Ravens | 205.9 |
| 20. | Green Bay Packers | 207.7 |
| 21. | Chicago Bears | 213.73 |
| 22. | New York Giants | 214.27 |
| 23. | Seattle Seahawks | 214.72 |
| 24. | Cleveland Browns | 214.97 |
| 25. | Dallas Cowboys | 215.8 |
| 26. | Las Vegas Raiders | 219.4 |
| 27. | Washington Commanders | 220.13 |
| 28. | Denver Broncos | 220.8 |
| 29. | Minnesota Vikings | 221.72 |
| 30. | Tennessee Titans | 223.73 |
| 31. | San Francisco 49ers | 225.53 |
| 32. | Los Angeles Chargers | 228.53 |
The Titans and Vikings are the only two teams with the most favorable fantasy schedule for tight ends during the regular season and playoffs. Hockenson is the intriguing one because he might not be fully healthy until late in the season. So while he might not be a huge fantasy factor for the regular season, Hockenson might be a difference maker in the playoffs.
Okonkwo is looking like a player worth grabbing as a No. 2 fantasy tight end, especially if you have an established starter ahead of him. Okonkwo has a high fantasy ceiling for the coming year because of a schedule that could facilitate a breakout season for him.
The Chargers actually have the best fantasy playoff schedule for tight ends. Donald Parham is the likely starter and has some potential in an offense looking for playmakers in the passing game. This could be his best season to date, making him an intriguing late-round gamble.
George Kittle is the biggest name on the list for top-five favorable fantasy tight end playoff schedules. He is going to produce big and could be even better down the stretch with a schedule setup for success.
The Falcons have the most challenging playoff schedule for fantasy tight ends. This is not good news for Kyle Pitts. He is already a polarizing fantasy player, so this schedule won’t do him any favors to get in good graces with more fantasy owners. Many think he could finally turn things around this year with a new coaching staff in place, but nothing is certain with this situation. Pitts could be a boom or bust pick once again.
The Eagles are the only team on both the top five most difficult fantasy schedules for tight ends for the regular season and playoffs. Goedert is looking like a player you might want to let someone else grab come draft day. There are a lot of good, young options at tight end this year. Going with one of those guys over Goedert might be the play on draft day.
Trey McBride is a favorite for many fantasy owners this year for a breakout season. He had a huge finish to last year and is shooting up draft boards. We wouldn’t avoid him come draft day because he has the fourth toughest fantasy playoff schedule. It is a little bit of a concern, but not a huge red flag for the talented tight end. Maybe just prepare for his numbers to dip a tad during the playoffs.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 2
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Injury Status: Week 2
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Lineup Prep: Week 2
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Fantasy Preview: Week 2
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 2
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Start/Sits: Week 1
- Commanders CB Emmanuel Forbes has surgery, out vs. Giants
- Ravens rookie CB Nate Wiggins out Sunday after car accident
- Bills LB Terrel Bernard has pec strain, avoids tear
- Chiefs WR Marquise Brown needs shoulder surgery
- Ex-NFL player Kellen Winslow II seeks reduction of prison sentence
- Dolphins 'confident' in Skylar Thompson as QB1
- Former Saint, ALS activist Steve Gleason hospitalized, 'stable'
- Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) exits vs. Bills
- Texans TE Dalton Schultz sidelined by sprained ankle
- Alabama continues NFL opening roster dominance
- C Connor McGovern returns to Jets to 'join something special'
- Giants OC: Daniel Jones’ confidence has never wavered
- Browns star DE Myles Garrett (foot) misses practice
- Hall of Famer, Lions legend Joe Schmidt dies at 92
- Thumb surgery to sideline Commanders CB Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
- Deshaun Watson's accuser plans to meet with NFL
- Week 2 TNF: Bills-Dolphins Preview, Props, Prediction
- Week 2 NFL Capsules
- Jaguars place CB Tyson Campbell (hamstring) on IR
- Dolphins RB De'Von Achane to test ankle pregame
- Fantasy Six Pack: ameson Williams Will Build Off Week 1 | 2024 Fantasy Football Sit-Start Week 2
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Start-Sit Week 2 | Get Keion White In Your Lineups
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football WR/CB Matchups Week 2
- Fantasy Life: Anytime Touchdown Bets for Week 2: Trust Zack Moss Again?
- Fantasy Life: Week 2 NFL Prop Bets: Dak Prescott, Najee Harris, and more
- Fantasy Life: The Utilization Score: Understanding Player Roles to Forecast Future Performance
- Fantasy Life: Buffalo Wins Big, But Concern Over Tua
- Fantasy Life: WR Matchups for Week 2: Spots to Target and Avoid
The Paur Report
Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) is listed as questionable ahead of the Week 2 matchup against the Houston Texans on Sunday night. The veteran wideout hasn't practiced all week due to an ongoing heel issue. Head coach Matt Eberflus has downplayed the injury, but Allen still remains questionable for Sunday. His absence would be significant considering he saw 11 targets in the season opener. Fellow wideout Rome Odunze (knee) is also listed as questionable ahead of this game. The absence of both players would put DJ Moore in line for a huge workload. Moore is looking like a fantastic DFS option ahead of Week 2. There is still time for Allen to be cleared to play, but three straight DNPs doesn't give him a good look.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) was placed on the injured reserve on Friday. It's a tough break for the young wideout, who will undergo surgery to repair a shoulder issue on Monday in Colorado. His placement on the IR means he'll miss at least the next four games, but Brown is likely to miss more time than that. Head coach Andy Reid said that Brown's recovery window is measured in months not weeks. That means that fantasy managers might not be seeing Brown on the field until later in the season. Rashee Rice and rookie Xavier Worthy will see increased fantasy value with Brown being sidelined indefinitely.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) has been officially ruled out ahead of the Week 2 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Addison hasn't been able to practice all week as he continues to deal with soreness in his right ankle. He was able to play through the issue in Week 1, but the team wants to take the safe approach now. His absence means that Jalen Nailor will move into the No. 2 role behind Justin Jefferson. Nailor hasn't done enough to prove himself as a viable option, so he shouldn't be viewed as anything more than a low-end deep league option for Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (knee) was unable to suit up for Friday's practice session. Ferguson hasn't practiced all week, but he still has a chance to play on Sunday, according to head coach Mike McCarthy. The head coach said Saturday's practice "will be the final test." It would be a bit surprising to see Ferguson on the field a week after suffering an MCL sprain. There is still another chance for Ferguson to practice on Saturday, which would give him a good shot at playing if he can get back on the practice field. If not, Luke Schoonmaker would be asked to take a on bigger role against the New Orleans Saints this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (hamstring, back) is listed as questionable ahead of the Week 2 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Tremble sat out in Week 1 and hasn't practiced in full all week with only limited sessions thus far. Despite that, head coach Dave Canales says Tremble is expected to suit up this weekend. His return would take away snaps from rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders who played over 70 percent of the snaps in Week 1. The Panthers offense looked atrocious in the season opener, so even a healthy Tremble would still be a shaky fantasy option.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson will start next week's game against Seattle. Dynasty Analysis: This could just be the beginning of a lengthy stretch of time where the Dolphins will be without quarterback Tua Tagovailoa as he recovers from his latest concussion. Miami is clearly going to take things slowly with Tua and we know he'll be out at least next week. This is a truly scary situation with Tagovailoa's short and long-term future in serious question. As for Thompson, he should be viewed as a low-end QB2, despite having elite-level weapons. In short, Miami's offense could be a mess moving forward.
Dynasty | Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown is being placed on injured reserve. Dynasty Analysis: He'll be eligible to return in week six. Brown will apparently undergo shoulder surgery as rehab was not giving Kansas City (or Brown) the desired results. This is a big blow to Brown, who is trying to re-ignite his career with the Chiefs. It will also cement big-time roles for Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy moving forward. Plan accordingly.
Minneapolis Star Tribune's Ben Goessling writes that it appears that Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) will not play in Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers. Addison isn't practicing for the third straight day on Friday, which typically means a player will not play that weekend. The Vikings haven't officially ruled the 22-year-old second-year wideout out, but it's likely coming. Fantasy managers that have him in their starting lineups need to make the change now. After an impressive rookie campaign, Addison's 2024 season is off to a bad start after he caught just three passes for 35 yards in the Week 1 win over the New York Giants while spraining his right ankle. With Addison looking unlikely to play this weekend, wideouts Jalen Nailor and Brandon Powell will fight for targets behind Justin Jefferson. Nailor is the better sleeper target for DFS lineups, albeit against a tough defense.
From RotoBaller
The New Orleans Saints defense won matchups in Week 1 after toying with Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young en route to a 47-10 win. Along with only surrendering 10 points, New Orleans recorded two interceptions, four sacks, and a fumble. They gave up just 219 total yards of offense in the win. This week, the Saints go on the road to take on a Dallas team that was firing on all cylinders in Week 1. While they may slow the Cowboys down offensively, this is not the type of matchup that you want your fantasy defense playing in. Look to free agency to stream a defense with a stronger Week 2 matchup than New Orleans.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that he will list quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) as questionable for the Week 2 game in Denver against the Broncos. Wilson has been practicing on a limited basis this week, but all signs are pointing to him missing a second straight game to begin his tenure in Pittsburgh after aggravating a calf injury that he dealt with in training camp this summer. Tomlin admitted earlier this week that the team was preparing Justin Fields to start against the Broncos. However, there is a belief that the 35-year-old Wilson will be given the starting job back once he's fully cleared to play in games again, which could come as soon as Week 3 at home against the Los Angeles Chargers. We'll know for sure on Sunday morning, but all signs point to Fields starting. The former Chicago Bears QB profiles as a low-end QB2 for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said that the knee is not a concern for quarterback Kyler Murray (knee), calling him "all good" for the Week 2 contest against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. Murray found himself on the Cardinals' Week 2 injury report but has practiced in full all week and is not in any danger of missing this weekend's game. It's surely something to watch moving forward, though, especially for a QB like Murray who relies on his legs often. The 27-year-old was inconsistent in the Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills and wasn't on the same page with high-profile rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., connecting with him just once for four yards. Murray finished 21-for-31 passing for 162 yards and a touchdown and also had five carries for 57 yards with a lost fumble. He'll look to bounce back in Week 2, where he'll be a midrange QB1 play for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill saw seven opportunities in Week 1's win over Carolina. The gadget player will likely remain involved in the game plan all season long, especially in the red zone. While this week's matchup with Dallas is not great on paper, Hill is a touchdown-dependent option at tight end and can be started if you lack a top option. The veteran projects as a low-end TE1 this week.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Jeff Wilson Jr. (oblique) didn't suffer a serious injury in the blowout loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills on Thursday night, according to a source. Wilson became a more attractive deep-league flex play for fantasy managers this week when it was announced on Wednesday that Raheem Mostert (chest) wasn't going to play. The 28-year-old didn't see a single carry while catching both of his targets for 12 yards, though, before he exited the game and was ruled out with a minor oblique injury. Rookie Jaylen Wright did very little as well, seeing five carries for four yards in his NFL debut. It remains to be seen how long Mostert will be out, but as things look now, Wright is the more attractive upside stash in fantasy leagues for managers that are looking for additional RB depth. It remains to be seen if Wilson will be available for Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson made the most of his three targets in Week 1, as he landed in the end zone in the blowout victory. Johnson split snaps and targets with Foster Moreau (concussion), who appears to be healthy going into Week 2 after suffering a concussion last week. Neither is a trustworthy fantasy play as long as both tight ends are available. Keep Johnson on the bench in a tough matchup against a stout Dallas defense.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe was on fire in Week 1's win over Carolina. The second-year kicker drilled all five extra point attempts, along with all four field goal attempts. Two of his field goals came from 50+ yards out, showcasing improvement from last year. Grupe is a tougher start this week against the Dallas Cowboys, who gave up just 17 points last week to Cleveland. Despite his strong Week 1 performance, look elsewhere for a kicker in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tanner Hudson (knee) is likely to be listed as doubtful for the Week 2 contest this Sunday versus the Kansas City Chiefs, according to head coach Zac Taylor. Hudson did not practice on Wednesday but then was upgraded to a limited session on Thursday. He was apparently injured in the Week 1 loss to the New England Patriots, when he had two catches on three targets for only 18 yards. It appears the 29-year-old wasn't able to make enough progress in practice by the end of the week to get the green light to suit up this weekend. With Hudson expected to be inactive on Sunday, look for Drew Sample to have a bigger role alongside starter Mike Gesicki against the Chiefs. Gesicki had three catches for only 18 yards in Week 1 but nearly missed a touchdown and can be considered a sleeper TE2.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara had a strong Week 1, taking all of the high-quality touches out of the Saints' backfield. Kamara faces a much tougher matchup than the running back-friendly Carolina defense this week as New Orleans travels to Dallas on Sunday. Kamara should see a healthy enough volume to be placed in starting lineups, but the Cowboys' defense is a tough matchup for all positions. They surrendered just 54 rushing yards to running backs a week ago. The matchup knocks Kamara into RB2 range for this week.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints receiver Chris Olave was seldom used in Week 1's rout of Carolina, totaling just two targets on the day. He will likely be more involved this week in what projects as a closer game against Dallas on the road. The Cowboys' pass defense looked strong in Week 1's win over Cleveland, which drops Olave into low-end WR2 range this week. The third-year receiver has a low floor, as evidenced by last week's game, and could be sat if you have better options. Game script should allow for more opportunity for the former first-round pick this week.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) is likely to be doubtful to play in Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, according to head coach Zac Taylor. Higgins injured his hamstring last Thursday at practice and didn't play in the season-opening loss to the New England Patriots. After missing more practice time this week, it looks as though fantasy managers will need to keep Higgins on their benches for the second straight week. It's a frustrating situation for a player that also disappointed in 2023 and missed three games due to hamstring issues. With Higgins likely out again this weekend, Ja'Marr Chase should see most of the aerial targets, with Andrei Iosivas expected to serve as the WR2 after he played all 51 of the offensive snaps in Week 1. Behind Iosivas and Chase, Trenton Irwin was third among receivers with 65% of the offensive snaps.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr was unconscious in Week 1, completing 19-of-23 passes for three touchdowns. However, the veteran faces a much tougher opponent this week in a Dallas defense that shut down Cleveland in Week 1. The tough matchup makes it hard to consider Carr as a starting option even in two-quarterback formats. He should not be started in any one quarterback format this week. Carr and the Saints take on Dallas in the early slate on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
