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
TFC Champion is Crowned
Dynasty | Wide receiver Deebo Samuel has been traded to the Washington Commanders in exchange for a fifth-round pick. Dynasty Analysis: Samuel was destined to be on the move for some time and now it's official. The price tag for Washington is more than palatable as a fifth-round pick seems more than reasonable. He'll slot in alongside Terry McLaurin to create a solid duo for star quarterback Jayden Daniels. As for Samuel's dynasty value, that's still tough to assess. There's no doubting his talent, but he's also three years removed from that magical 2021 season where he posted over 1,400 receiving yards and 365 rushing yards (both career highs). His allure as a WR1 has long since faded, but his status as a WR2 should be safe.
The Philadelphia Eagles' interest in trading for Cleveland Browns All-Pro pass-rusher Myles Garrett is real, sources have told The Athletic's Dianna Russini. "Garrett could be this year's version of Saquon Barkley for Howie (Roseman)," one NFL general manager said. "He's an impact add and isn't a free-agent overpay. Howie's not afraid to try stuff, and it fits where they are as a team." The only way to make it work for Philadelphia would be if they were to let key members of their Super Bowl-winning group walk, including linebacker Zack Baun. In addition to Baun, edge rusher Josh Sweat, defensive tackle Milton Williams and guard Mekhi Becton headline the Eagles' free-agent class, and bringing them all back would prove difficult if they added Garrett, who could easily become the highest-paid defensive player in the league on his next contract.
Dynasty | The Rams have agreed to a restructured contract with quarterback Matthew Stafford. Dynasty Analysis: Matthew Stafford will be the starter for the Rams next season as he agreed to a restructured contract. This was always the expected outcome but Stafford was able to at least dip his toes into the market to see if there was something better out there for him. This is the first domino to fall in the a quarterback carousel that should feature Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins, Justin Fields, and Sam Darnold all possibly find new homes. Los Angeles won't be one of those. As for Stafford, he'll remain a low-end QB1 for at least next season as his career really is a year-to-year thing at this point.
Minnesota Vikings impending free-agent RB Aaron Jones is a player the Vikings are interested in re-signing this offseason.
Fantasy Spin: Jones rushed for a career-high 1,138 yards this past season and probably will receive most of the work at running back if he stays with the Vikings. He can be at least a No. 3 running back in all fantasy leagues next season.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers impending free-agent WR Chris Godwin is a player the New England Patriots are interested in this offseason but members of the organization do not believe he is leaving the Buccaneers, sources told The Boston Herald's Andrew Callahan and Doug Kyed.
Fantasy Spin: Godwin likely will receive interest from several teams if he hits the free-agent market, but the Buccaneers seem to be the leading candidate for Godwin. He will be a weekly starting option in fantasy leagues next season.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams impending free-agent WR Demarcus Robinson indicated that he wants to re-sign with the Rams this offseason.
From TheHuddle
New York Jets WR Davante Adams has been made available to teams in a trade, and Jets are receiving calls about Adams, according to sources. Adams is expected to be released if they are not able to find a trade.
Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players should monitor the situation to see if a team decides to acquire Adams or if teams will wait until he hits the free-agent market. He is still a productive receiver and will be a starter no matter where he plays. Adams likely will be a weekly starting option in fantasy leagues in 2025.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions impending free-agent CB Carlton Davis likely will receive interest from the Jacksonville Jaguars during free agency, according to ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler.
From TheHuddle
Both ESPN's Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler are expecting the Carolina Panthers to be aggressive this offseason in pursuing upgrades on the defensive side of the ball, and they will have plenty of salary cap space in which to work from. The Panthers could be in on the top free-agent safeties in Jevon Holland and Camryn Bynum, among others and also might be willing to spend big on Eagles free-agent defensive tackle Milton Williams. As they look to add edge-rushing depth, Chase Young will be one of the more intriguing options on the free-agent market. In house, Fowler writes that the Panthers want to sign star cornerback Jaycee Horn to an extension before the cornerback market blows up. Carolina could surely use the help on the defensive side of the ball, as they allowed the most points per game (31.4) and the most total yards per game (404.5) in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Both ESPN's Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler write that the Cleveland Browns continue to insist they aren't open to trading All-Pro pass-rusher Myles Garrett under any circumstances. And even if the Browns were open to trading him, they'd likely wait until after June 1, as a trade would jump Garrett's 2025 salary cap number from $19.7 million to a dead-money hit of $36.2 million. Waiting until after June 1 would allow Cleveland to spread that charge out over two seasons. It's looking like the Browns won't seriously entertain trading the 29-year-old until they're convinced he'd be willing to miss regular-season games in 2025. Fowler writes that he thinks the Browns are very dug in and willing to wait Garrett out. If the Browns get serious about trading him, the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles are expected to be two of the most aggressive suitors.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals impending free-agent TE Mike Gesicki is a priority for the Bengals to re-sign this offseason, according to director of player personnel Duke Tobin.
Fantasy Spin: Gesicki posted 665 receiving yards and two touchdowns this season and was targeted at least five times in eight games this past season. He will be part of one of the better offenses in the NFL if he stays with the Bengals and could be a low-end No. 1 tight end in some leagues.
From TheHuddle
Names on the Indianapolis Colts' radar as they look to bring in competition for quarterback Anthony Richardson include Daniel Jones, Justin Fields, Trey Lance and Jacoby Brissett, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Jones' name has come up more than once in regards to the Colts this offseason. Indianapolis hasn't given up on Richardson as their starter under center moving forward, but it will also be telling how they approach free agency at the position. Veteran Joe Flacco served as the backup to Richardson last year and even started six games in 2024, but it remains to be seen if the Colts will re-sign him. Jones, a former first-rounder, was a bust for the New York Giants and was cut last year after throwing for 2,070 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions in 10 games. With Sam Darnold potentially leaving the Vikings, Minnesota could look to re-sign Jones as insurance for J.J. McCarthy (knee).
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott (hamstring) does not want to put a timetable on his return from his hamstring injury but indicated that he will be ready for the 2025 season.
Fantasy Spin: Prescott does not need to do much during offseason workouts and should have plenty of time to be ready for training camp. He is one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL when healthy and probably will be a No. 1 fantasy quarterback in most leagues.
From TheHuddle
Dallas Cowboys impending free-agent DE DeMarcus Lawrence said he would like to re-sign with the Cowboys this offseason but the decision is up to the team.
From TheHuddle
The sense that ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has gotten is that quarterback Justin Fields has an edge over veteran Russell Wilson in the Pittsburgh Steelers' free-agent QB pecking order this offseason. Fowler goes on to write that there is sentiment for Fields in the building, and both sides would be open to a return. However, the team isn't ruling out Wilson, and they still have another week before deciding how to move forward in free agency. Even if the Steelers don't bring Fields back, he'll have options on the open market. The New York Jets are expected to gauge his market, and he could also be a nice fit for the Las Vegas Raiders. Although Wilson gave the Steelers more offensive upside when he took over under center in 2024, Fields is a more dynamic athlete at this point and is younger. The 25-year-old went 4-2 with 1,106 passing yards, five TDs and a pick in his six starts while also running for 289 yards and five TDs.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings impending free-agent quarterback Daniel Jones (knee) is expected to be on the Cleveland Browns' radar this offseason, according to people that ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has talked to. Because the Browns still owe injured quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) $92 million over the next two years, they will understandably consider cost when it comes to the QB market. They are also fully expected to stay in the No. 2 spot in the upcoming NFL draft and take a signal-caller. Cleveland could also be interested in Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins if he becomes available, but the Falcons might not just outright cut him. Fowler also mentions Carson Wentz as a possible target for the Browns. Jones, 27, completed 63.3% of his passes for 2,070 yards, eight TDs and seven interceptions in 10 games before being released by the Giants in 2024. He then latched on with the Vikings but didn't see any action. With Sam Darnold likely to walk in free agency, don't rule out the Vikings re-signing Jones as insurance for former first-rounder J.J. McCarthy (knee).
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers impending free-agent QB Justin Fields appears to be the more likely candidate for the Steelers to re-sign this offseason than impending free-agent QB Russell Wilson, in the opinion of ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler.
Fantasy Spin: The Steelers have indicated they would like to sign either Fields or Wilson, but it seems like Fields has more momentum at this point. Fantasy players should monitor the situation over the next few weeks, but neither quarterback will likely be more than a No. 2 fantasy quarterback at this point.
From TheHuddle
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler continues to hear that the Minnesota Vikings won't mortgage their future to re-sign impending free-agent quarterback Sam Darnold. Fowler also says that there wasn't much momentum coming out of the NFL Combine this week that the Vikings will use the franchise tag on Darnold, who should have multiple suitors if he reaches the open market. The New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers could all be involved for a QB that won 14 games for the Vikes in 2024 and is the best option at the position on the market by a wide margin. Aside from Darnold, there's a real possibility Minnesota re-signs Daniel Jones (knee) as insurance for J.J. McCarthy (knee) in case last year's first-rounder needs more time. Fowler also points out that the Vikings interviewed Miami's Cam Ward at the Combine. All signs are pointing to Darnold not returning to Minnesota in 2025.
From RotoBaller
The New York Giants have been a team to watch on multiple fronts as they try to find an answer at quarterback, especially after striking out on Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford, according to league sources. One avenue for the Giants could be to trade up into the No. 1 overall draft spot to ensure they can secure their favorite QB option this year. The Tennessee Titans currently own the No. 1 pick, but there has been plenty of interest from teams wanting to move up into the top spot. If the G-Men don't outbid other teams to secure the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NFL draft, New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers is another option. The Giants have already spoken to Rodgers' representation about playing for their team once he's officially released by the Jets as a post-June 1 cut. There has been plenty of speculation that New York could draft a QB this year while also adding a veteran bridge signal-caller.
From RotoBaller
The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports that while the Cincinnati Bengals have made an offer to All-Pro wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, the two sides remain far apart in extension talks for now. Chase is fully expected to reset the non-QB market after he and the Bengals were unable to agree on an extension before the start of the 2024 season, but Cincinnati appears to be prioritizing an extension with Tee Higgins first this offseason. Cincinnati is trying to keep all three of Chase, Higgins and defensive end Trey Hendrickson, but if they can't get deals done with all three, Hendrickson is most likely to be the odd man out. The 25-year-old Chase had the league's receiving Triple Crown in 2024 by leading the NFL in catches (127), receiving yards (1,708) and receiving touchdowns (17), making him deserving of being the highest-paid non-QB. He'll be the first receiver off the board in the first round in 2025 fantasy drafts.
From RotoBaller
