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.
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The Paur Report
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 20 of 28 passes for 207 yards with one touchdown in their 23-15 win over the Los Angeles Rams. He also threw an interception and lost a fumble. After an impressive five-play 70-yard first drive, the Dolphin's offense struggled for most of the game. The young Rams defensive line constantly pressured Tagovailoa and sacked him three times. Two of the sacks were due to him holding the ball too long instead of throwing it away. This was not a good showing for the offensive line, and with the news of tackle Austin Jackson (knee) landing on IR, it doesn't look to get any better. Tagovailoa and the Miami offense will look to get back on track in Week 11 when they host the Las Vegas Raiders.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle caught three of six targets for 57 yards in Monday's 23-15 win over the Los Angeles Rams. He held the team lead in targets, receptions, and yards. Waddle continues to struggle to get on the same page as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The offense struggled overall to get anything going after their first drive ended in a touchdown. He had yet another drop in this game on a crucial third-down play that would've easily moved the chains. Nonetheless, the Dolphins got a much-needed win to climb back into the AFC playoff picture. It will be hard to trust Waddle down the stretch into the playoffs, with Miami throwing the ball much less than in previous years. He will look to bounce back in Week 11 when he returns to Miami to take on the Las Vegas Raiders.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane carried the ball 12 times for 37 yards and caught all five of his targets for 15 yards in Monday's 23-15 win over the Los Angeles Rams. It was disappointing from his two best performances of the season in Weeks 8 and 9. The Rams' defensive line was constantly in the backfield and allowed little to no room to run. The run blocking could be a concern as the Miami offensive line is dealing with a multitude of injuries. The latest was tackle Austin Jackson (knee) landing on IR before the game. One positive was that he out-touched all other Miami running backs 17 to 7. It looks as though Raheem Mostert's fumbling troubles are starting to affect his snaps and touches. Achane will look to return to RB1 form next week at home against the Las Vegas Raiders.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams tight end Davis Allen converted six targets into five catches for 34 yards during Monday's Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The 23-year-old has taken on a larger role lately, playing 55 percent of snaps last week. That rate jumped to 87 percent this week. While it's too early to run to the waiver wire and spill FAAB on Allen, he's a name worth monitoring as bye weeks and injuries continue to hit the tight end position.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua converted 14 targets into nine catches for 98 yards during Monday's Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The 23-year-old has played in four games this season, and while he's still searching for his first touchdown of 2024, he did set a season-high target total on Monday night. Nacua and Kupp form an impressive one-two punch in Los Angeles, and both are fringe top-12 fantasy receivers heading into a favorable matchup against the New England Patriots next weekend.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp hauled in all seven of his targets for 80 yards during Sunday's Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He played 90 percent of offensive snaps but saw his second-lowest target total of the season. Although he was out-produced by Puka Nacua on Monday, both players are dependable options in fantasy football, ranking as fringe WR1 options at the moment. Kupp is averaging 18.4 fantasy points per game (PPR) this season and should be started in all leagues heading into next weekend's clash on the East Coast versus the New England Patriots.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams rushed for 62 yards on 15 carries during Monday's Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He also caught five of his six targets for an additional 20 receiving yards, boosting his production in PPR leagues. With that said, Williams lost a fumble and failed to find the end zone in Monday's loss. The 24-year-old's nine-game touchdown streak came to an end last week, and now, he has gone two games without crossing the goal line. This is the first time since his rookie campaign in 2022 that Williams failed to score a touchdown in back-to-back games. Perhaps he'll bounce back next week in a game against the New England Patriots that figures to be run-heavy.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams kicker Joshua Karty went 5-for-6 on field goals but did not attempt an extra point during Monday's Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He converted kicks from 22, 31, 34, 53, and 55 yards in the effort. His lone miss was a 57-yard attempt that sailed wide right. The miss puts only a small blemish on the rookie's performance as five made field goals (including two from beyond 50 yards) is nothing to scoff at. Karty had been one of the worst kickers in terms of fantasy points entering Week 10, but Monday night's showing could give him some real streaming appeal ahead of a favorable matchup versus the New England Patriots next weekend.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 32 of 46 passes for 293 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception during Monday's Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He also took four sacks and fumbled twice, but both loose balls were recovered by Los Angeles. Stafford has now failed to throw for a touchdown in more than 44 percent of his games this season, but Monday's scoreless effort is particularly concerning given the Rams' favorable matchup, negative game script, and Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp both being healthy. Even with another favorable matchup on tap against New England, Stafford is not a dependable fantasy option, especially in single-quarterback leagues.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins CB Kendall Fuller (concussion) was ruled out of the Week 10 game on Monday, Nov. 11, after being placed in the concussion protocol.
From TheHuddle
Washington Commanders defensive back Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) was listed as a non-participant during Monday's practice estimation. Lattimore suffered a hamstring injury and has yet to make his team debut for Washington. The four-time Pro Bowl corner should be a significant upgrade for this secondary once he's healthy enough to play. He'll likely need to get through a few limited practice sessions in order to have a chance at suiting up against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday. The Commanders defense could certainly use the help, but they also aren't going to rush Lattimore back to the field.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) isn't expected to get back on the practice field this week. Head coach Kyle Shanahan doesn't expect to open Greenlaw's 21-day practice window yet. Greenlaw is working his way back from a torn left Achilles he suffered during the Super Bowl in February. That injury caused him to be placed on the physically unable to perform list to begin the season. The 49ers believe Greenlaw can contribute this season, but aren't going to rush him back to the field. Once he returns, Greenlaw should give this defensive unit a nice boost.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Chris Conley (hamstring) is expected to practice this week, according to David Lombardi. Conley sat out of Sunday's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a hamstring injury. He suffered that injury during the Week 8 contest against the Dallas Cowboys. The return of Conley gives this team depth with Brandon Aiyuk (knee) done for the season. Conley hasn't done much this season and is unlikely to contribute right now with this offense mostly healthy.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Darius Slay Jr. (ankle) wasn't available to open up the practice week on Monday. This comes a day after Slay was forced to exit early during Sunday's win over the Dallas Cowboys. Slay left in the first quarter due to an ankle issue, but he did return in the second half. He missed Monday's practice, but that could be the Eagles giving him a rest day. His status will be something to follow throughout the week with the Eagles taking on the Washington Commanders on Thursday.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons CB Mike Hughes (neck) has been cleared after an MRI on his neck injury, head coach Raheem Morris revealed on Monday, Nov. 11.
From TheHuddle
Denver Broncos RB Audric Estime ran well during the Week 10 game and will continue to see receive touches during games, according to head coach Sean Payton.
Fantasy Spin: Estime rushed for a season-high 53 yards in the last game and will continue to have a role in the running game. He is a risky option because it is not known how many carries he will receive but could be a possible flex option in deeper leagues if he continues to receives a majority of work at running back.
From TheHuddle
Denver Broncos rookie running back Audric Estime will "continue to get more reps," according to head coach Sean Payton. The Broncos said early last week that they wanted to get Estime more involved in their backfield before giving him a team-high 14 for 53 yards in the Week 10 loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. He played 45% of the offensive snaps, with Javonte Williams playing 29% of the snaps and seeing only three touches. Payton was encouraged by Estime's performance against the Chiefs, which means he could once again lead Denver's backfield in a Week 11 contest against the Atlanta Falcons. The 21-year-old fifth-round pick out of Notre Dame has been efficient on his 29 carries in six games, averaging 5.1 yards per tote, and is worth waiver-wire consideration for any fantasy managers in need at the RB position. Williams' fantasy stock could be on life support soon.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd (ankle) will return to practice this week and be designated to return from Injured Reserve. The Packers will now have 21 days to officially activate Lloyd from IR, but he's now eligible to potentially return to the field this Sunday to face the division-rival Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The 23-year-old third-round pick hasn't played since suffering an ankle sprain in Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts, but he's nearing a return and certainly could take over lead backup duties behind Josh Jacobs by the end of the season. Lloyd isn't a bad deep-league stash, especially if you have Jacobs rostered, but you should also temper expectations. He missed most of training camp as well due to an injury and has lots of catching up to do. Emanuel Wilson has been Jacobs' primary backup for most of the year.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales is non-committal on who will start at quarterback when the team returns off their Week 11 bye to face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12. Bryce Young has started the last three games with veteran Andy Dalton tending to a sprained right thumb and has led the team to back-to-back wins. However, following a bye this week, Dalton could be fully recovered from an injury he sustained in a car accident. Although young has posted modest numbers the last three weeks, the 23-year-old former first overall pick has shown improvement over his dreadful rookie season in 2023, going 55-for-88 (62.5%) for 521 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions while rushing nine times for 45 yards. At this point, it would be a surprise if Carolina went back to Dalton. Young will have a difficult matchup coming out of the bye against KC if he's named the starter, though.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (ribs) could be limited in practice early in the week after injuring his ribs in the Week 10 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, but head coach Kevin O'Connell said he feels good about having Jones available for this Sunday's Week 11 game at the Tennessee Titans. Jones got X-rays, which came back negative, on his chest in the second half of the game against the Jags but eventually returned and should be fine to play this coming weekend against the Titans. Don't be surprised if the 29-year-old veteran does a whole lot in practice this week, though. He's quietly having a strong season in his first year in Minnesota and is currently the RB15 in half-PPR scoring with 142 carries for 653 rushing yards and two touchdowns, adding 28 receptions for 258 yards and another score.
From RotoBaller
