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
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 4
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell had a team-high 82 receiving yards with four grabs in Sunday's loss to the Bears. Jordan Whittington had more receptions. However, Atwell was arguably the Rams' top wideout in Week 4. It's apparent he'll remain more involved while Puka Nacua (knee) and Cooper Kupp (ankle) remain sidelined, so he has some value as a flex option when Los Angeles meets the Packers in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels went 26-for-30 for 233 yards and a score through the air on Sunday. He added 47 rushing yards and another score on eight carries. Even though the rookie sensation took a step back from a fantasy standpoint this weekend, he continued to develop as a passer, leading the Commanders to a third straight victory. Washington leaned on their rushing attack in this one which took the ball out of Daniels' hands. However, he salvaged his fantasy day with a nine-yard TD run in the third quarter and a 10-yard TD pass to Terry McLaurin late in the fourth quarter. Fantasy managers should continue to confidently start Daniels even though he faces a tough Cleveland Browns defense next week.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. led the way on the ground on Sunday afternoon as he totaled 101 yards and a score on 21 carries. He added 12 yards on three catches through the air. The Alabama product saw the lion's share of opportunities on the ground as Austin Ekeler (concussion) could not suit up for this game. This was the first time this season Robinson saw more than 20 carries. As the Commanders began to pull away, Jeremy McNichols saw most of the fourth-quarter attempts. Fantasy managers should continue to view Robinson as a solid RB2 going forward, as the Washington offense is humming on all cylinders.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jordan Whittington amassed 62 receiving yards off a team-high six catches in Sunday's loss to the Bears. With Puka Nacua (knee) and Cooper Kupp (ankle) out of commission, others have gotten more involved. Demarcus Robinson has struggled to remain relevant. However, Whittington had his best showing of the season in Week 4. With that said, he has a way to go before he earns a spot in most fantasy lineups, which applies to Week 5 against the Packers. But if the 23-year-old continues to produce from a volume standpoint, that could change for PPR managers, assuming Kupp and Nacua aren't back in the lineup soon.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols served as the No.2 running back on Sunday with Austin Ekeler (concussion) sidelined and enjoyed a career game as he punched in two scores with 75 total yards. McNichols tallied 68 of those on the ground, with the other seven coming through the air. Even though Brian Robinson Jr. saw most of the attempts, McNichols shined on the eight carries he saw as he scored on an impressive 27-yard run and found the end zone again later on a seven-yard carry. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Ekeler's status throughout the weekend, as McNichols could be a low-end flex play next weekend if he reclaims this No. 2 role next week.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams had 94 yards off 19 carries in Sunday's loss to the Bears. He added four catches for 10 yards. While the 24-year-old didn't have the three touchdowns he had in Week 3, he found the end zone once in Week 4. With at least one score in each of the Rams' four contests this season, Williams is a must-start in Week 5 versus the Packers, considering he'll remain even more involved while Puka Nacua (knee) and Cooper Kupp (ankle) remain on the shelf.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 224 yards and a pick off 20-for-29 passing in Sunday's loss to the Chicago Bears. While the signal-caller had another accurate outing, he continued to struggle. It's very apparent the injuries to Puka Nacua (knee) and Cooper Kupp (ankle) have significantly decreased Stafford's fantasy potential. With that in mind, he's not an ideal fantasy option for the challenging matchup versus the Packers in Week 5. Keep him out of the starting lineup.
From RotoBaller
The Buffalo Bills have declared OT Michael Edwards, CB Taron Johnson, LB Terrel Bernard, LB Edefuan Ulofoshio and C Will Clapp inactive for Week 4.
From TheHuddle
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette had six receptions for 66 yards in Sunday's loss to the Bengals. He also scored a touchdown, the first of his career, finding the end zone off an eight-yard toss from Andy Dalton. The rookie was quiet in the Panthers' first three games. However, with Adam Thielen (hamstring) on the injured reserve list, Legette should benefit, giving him value as a flex option in Week 5 against the Chicago Bears.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jacob Cowing (shoulder) is questionable to return to Sunday's meeting versus the New England Patriots. The rookie hasn't done anything to benefit fantasy managers. However, his potential absence isn't ideal for a Niners' offense that has dealt with plenty of injuries over the last few weeks. With that said, there should be an update on his condition soon.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers LB Fred Warner (ankle) left the Week 4 game against the New England Patriots due to an ankle injury. He had seven total stops, four solo tackles, a pass defensed and a 45-yard interception return for touchdown before departing. He is questionable to return.
From TheHuddle
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (groin) finished Sunday's loss to the Bengals by amassing a team-high seven catches for 83 yards. He also scored, finding the end zone off a 21-yard pass from Andy Dalton in the third quarter. The wideout struggled during the first two weeks of the 2024-25 campaign. However, he has thrived since Dalton took over for Bryce Young. With at least seven catches and a touchdown in each of Johnson's last two games, he should be starting in all fantasy lineups when the Panthers meet the Bears in Week 5, assuming Dalton remains under center.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard finished the Week 4 loss to the Bengals by totaling 104 yards and a touchdown off 18 carries. He added four grabs for 17 yards. The 25-year-old didn't do much in the Panthers' first two games. However, with Andy Dalton now under center, Hubbard has thrived. With his added level of involvement, he's at least a flex option in Week 5 versus the Chicago Bears.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold went 20-for-28 for 275 yards, three touchdowns and one interception against the Green Bay Packers in Week 4. He also rushed for 15 yards on seven carries during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Darnold has thrown at least two touchdowns in every game this season and was able to connect with multiple targets in the passing game this week. He can be a possible low-end No. 1 quarterback in deeper leagues or a bye week replacement next week.
From TheHuddle
Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones rushed for 93 yards on 22 carries against the Green Bay Packers in Week 4. He also caught four passes for 46 yards during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Jones has been involved in both the running and passing game in every game this season and should continue to be a big part of the offense moving forward. He should be a starting option in all fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton finished Sunday's loss to the Bengals by throwing for 220 yards, two touchdowns, and one pick off 25-for-40 passing. He added three carries for nine yards. The veteran signal-called has played well since taking over for Bryce Young. The offense has also operated more efficiently. While things could change regarding the Panthers' quarterback plans, Dalton has earned a spot in multi-quarterback formats for the Week 5 clash with the Chicago Bears, assuming he remains under center.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (ribs) returned to Sunday's meeting with the Patriots. The veteran didn't play in Week 3 against the Rams because of a hamstring injury, so the team is certainly happy to see him back on the field. Of course, with Kittle back in the mix, Eric Saubert's level of involvement will decrease significantly.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs earned eight targets in the Packers' narrow 31-29 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings in Week 4. Despite Doubs' targeted involvement from returning starting quarterback Jordan Love, Doubs could only bring in four of those eight targets for 39 receiving yards. The Packers threw the ball a whopping 54 times and Doubs was on the field for 65-of-76 snaps per PFF's Nathan Jahnke, but Doubs could not find the end zone or provide some relief for fantasy managers that started him. The injury to Christian Watson (ankle) could condense some targets for the Packers if Watson misses time, but with the Packers heading west to face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5, Doubs is a middle-of-the-road flex option.
From RotoBaller
According to Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, wide receiver Rashee Rice's knee injury "is not good." He revealed this during a halftime interview of Sunday's matchup with the Chargers, although he declined to provide specifics. Of course, fantasy managers are expecting the worst, hoping that Rice won't miss a significant amount of games. He'll likely undergo further testing soon, including an MRI. But with Rice likely out of the mix moving ahead, Skyy Moore, Xavier Worthy, and Travis Kelce should see added attention from Patrick Mahomes.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Bears running back D'Andre Swift had 93 rushing yards, seven catches, 72 receiving yards and a touchdown in a win against the Rams. Dynasty Analysis: Swift jumped off milk cartons across the country in this one and finally posted a decent game for the Bears. He had just 68 yards in the previous three games, so this was a much needed "get right" game for Swift as many dynasty managers had already bailed on him. Swift will need to string together a few solid performances before restoring confidence with many, but this was certainly a step in the right direction. He remains a dynasty hold as one game likely won't increase his value too much.
