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
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) was limited at practice on Thursday due to a hamstring injury, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the NFL. Collins was not on Wednesday's initial injury report, so fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status during Friday's practice as it should provide clarity as we approach the weekend. The 25-year-old has continued his impressive 2023 breakout campaign by averaging 112.7 yards per game through the early part of the season with 18 total catches and one score. If Collins is able to suit up on Sunday, he should be viewed as a solid WR1 with a favorable matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson (ribs) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, according to Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post. Thompson left last week's game early due to a rib injury and remains in questionable status. The Dolphins do not play until Monday this week against the Tennessee Titans, so Thompson will have an additional day to recover from his injury. Filling in for Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) last week, Thompson completed just 13 of his 19 attempts for 107 yards and no scores. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Thompson's status throughout the week, as Tim Boyle or Tyler Huntley could be called upon to start Monday's game.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (shoulder) was a full participant in Thursday's practice and should be expected to see a full workload on Sunday when the Bengals face the Carolina Panthers. Chase would have been labeled as a limited participant on Wednesday, but the Bengals only held a walkthrough. Seeing Chase return to practice without limitations is a great sign and suggests the shoulder injury was minor and nothing serious. After being contained through the first two weeks of the season, the former national champion enjoyed a big game on Monday night as he caught six passes for 118 yards and two scores against the Washington Commanders. Chase should be viewed as a high-end WR1 every week and should never leave your starting lineup. When asked about his shoulder, Chase said, "I'm great."
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers defense is a risky fantasy play in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bolts defense got the season off to a good start, scoring 14 fantasy points in Week 1 against the Raiders and 11 in Week 2 against the Panthers. They followed that up with a solid on-field performance against the Steelers in Week 3, but it only amounted to five fantasy points for the week. Week 4 against the Chiefs will be the toughest matchup so far, and with the Chargers offense expected to be limited even if starting quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) does play, the Chargers DST is well outside of the top-12 for the week.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (ankle) did not practice on Thursday due to an ankle injury, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The sophomore tight end suffered a low-ankle sprain in last week's game against the Arizona Cardinals and was forced to leave the game early. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the injury report throughout the week as it should provide clarity on his status heading into the weekend. However, the Lions will face the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night which will provide the Iowa product an additional day to recover. Even though he has had a disappointing start to the season, the former second-round pick should still be viewed as a TE1 given his excellent rookie campaign. If LaPorta happens to miss Monday's game, Brock Wright should be viewed as a TE2 with upside.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (shoulder) was limited during Thursday's practice, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The 22-year-old was not on Wednesday's injury report, so this situation is worth monitoring closely, as the Texas standout could enter the weekend in questionable status depending on Friday's injury report. The former eighth-overall pick has been deployed as a workhorse running back through the first three games, seeing at least 14 carries and two catches in every game. Last weekend, he carried the ball 16 times and caught both of his targets for a combined 52 yards and a score. He remains a high-end RB1 simply due to the heavy volume he will see weekly and should remain locked into all lineups.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) could return to practice as early as next week, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. The 27-year-old suffered a torn ACL and MCL last season and has been on the PUP list since the beginning of the 2024 season. Earlier this afternoon, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that the team is loosely targeting a Week 7 return for the Iowa product. Seeing that he could return to practice next week is a great sign and suggests a Week 7 return could be possible. Before the season-ending injury, Hockenson was on pace to smash previous career highs in 2023 and could be in store for a strong second half, given how potent the Minnesota offense has looked early into the season.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker is a safe option in Week 4 fantasy lineups. Dicker was extremely accurate in his rookie season last year and has remained that way three weeks into his sophomore season. The only downside to Dicker's fantasy prospects is a slow moving Chargers offense going against a strong Kansas City Chiefs team this week. Dicker has one of the higher floors among fantasy kickers, but his ceiling is somewhat limited. He's made six field goals and four extra points through the first three weeks of the season.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze (hip) was limited during Thursday's practice due to a hip injury, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS. The Washington product was not on Wednesday's initial injury report, but seeing that he was only limited suggests it might not be a serious injury. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report as it should provide clarity on the 22-year-old's status heading into the weekend. After two quiet outings in his first two professional games, the ninth-overall pick enjoyed a nice breakout last weekend as he caught six passes for 112 yards and a score. Odunze should be considered a WR3 with upside if he is a "full-go" against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears S Kevin Byard (back), TE Marcedes Lewis (rest), DL Zacch Pickens (groin), DB Terell Smith (hip), DL Darrell Taylor (knee, illness) and DL Andrew Billings (knee) did not practice on Thursday, Sept. 26. OT Darnell Wright (back), WR Keenan Allen (heel), FB Khari Blasingame (hand, knee), OT Braxton Jones (knee) and WR Rome Odunze (hip) were limited. OG Nate Davis (groin) and DE Montez Sweat (elbow) practiced in full.
From TheHuddle
Chicago Bears WR Keenan Allen (heel) was limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 26.
Fantasy Spin: Allen appears to have a decent chance to play this week after sitting out the Week 3 game. He should see a decent amount of targets if he is active and could be at least a flex option in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions TE Sam LaPorta (ankle), S Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle), C Frank Ragnow (pectoral) and OT Dan Skipper (ribs) did not practice on Thursday, Sept. 26. Also, DB Brian Branch (concussion), DL Alim McNeill (shoulder), DL Levi Onwuzurike (knee) and CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (hamstring) were limited and LB Alex Anzalone (concussion) practiced in full.
From TheHuddle
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (groin) did not practice on Thursday due to a groin injury, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. Meirov further reported that Carolina expects Johnson to return to practice tomorrow. As a result, fantasy managers should see this as a precautionary measure as it does not look too serious. However, Friday's injury report will clarify any potential designation the former Steeler might have heading into the weekend. After catching just five passes across the first two weeks of the season, Johnson enjoyed a breakout game last weekend as he caught eight passes for 122 yards and a score. Much of this was credited to Andy Dalton stepping into the starting QB role in favor of Bryce Young. If Johnson sees his expected workload on Sunday, he should be considered a high-end WR3 in PPR formats.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos S JL Skinner (ankle) did not practice on Thursday, Sept. 26. TE Nate Adkins (shoulder) was limited. WR Josh Reynolds (Achilles) practiced in full.
From TheHuddle
Denver Broncos WR Josh Reynolds (Achilles) fully participated in practice Thursday, Sept. 26.
Fantasy Spin: Reynolds has been a good option in the passing game for the Broncos this season and should see a few targets this week against the New York Jets. He can be a possible flex option in deeper leagues.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston will look to make it three weeks in a row with a touchdown when the Chargers face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4. Johnston scored twice in Week 2 and followed it up with another trip to the end zone in Week 3. The scores and a few long gains have shot the sophomore pass catcher up to an overall WR21 ranking through the first three weeks. Some of his underlying metrics aren't all that pretty, but results count and he's making things happen on the field. A matchup against a strong Kansas City secondary will be a good test for QJ, who leads the Chargers with a 31.6% first read share. There's a concerning floor, but an enticing ceiling as well, leaving him somewhere in the WR3 ranks as long as Justin Herbert (ankle) is able to start under center.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers RB Jaylen Warren (knee), LB Alex Highsmith (groin), TE MyCole Pruitt (knee), DT Cameron Heyward (rest), S Miles Killebrew (rest) and RB Cordarrelle Patterson (rest) did not practice on Thursday, Sept. 26. QB Russell Wilson (calf) and OG Isaac Seumalo (pectoral) were limited. WR Roman Wilson (ankle), WR Van Jefferson (eye), RB Najee Harris (rest), S DeShon Elliott (quad), CB Donte Jackson (rest), LB T.J. Watt (rest) and DL Larry Ogunjobi (rest) practiced in full.
From TheHuddle
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson (calf) was limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 26.
Fantasy Spin: The Steelers continue to be cautious with Wilson because Justin Fields is playing well as the starting quarterback. Wilson probably will not be cleared to play until Fields struggles in a game or two, so fantasy players can continue to avoid Wilson.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey could end up with a good game in Week 4 despite a tough matchup against a strong Kansas City Chiefs defense. McConkey has been the top receiving option for the Chargers offense, logging a 25.8% target share and a 30.7% air yard share, both leading the team. He's also second on the squad in first read share at 28.9%. The Chiefs secondary has limited most opposing receivers, but they have been somewhat exploited by slot routes, with Kansas City allowing the fourth most receptions to slot receivers so far this season. With quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) likely to be limited if he even plays, all Chargers pass catchers should be downgraded somewhat, but McConkey is the safest bet to still produce a high floor, and he has some clear upside this week as well.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins will look to bounce back in a Week 4 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Dobbins was outstanding in Weeks 1 and 2, averaging 20.5 fantasy points per game before slowing down to a 6.9 point performance in Week 3. He still played on 65% of the team's offensive snaps in Week 3, it was just a down week in general for the Chargers offense. Dobbins is having an excellent start to the season, ranking fourth in explosive run rate and sixth in missed tackles per attempt. He's involved as a runner and as a pass catcher, and is firmly in the RB2 conversation despite a tough Chiefs run defense in Week 4.
From RotoBaller
