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 2
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis completed 19-of-28 passes for 192 yards, one touchdown and one interception in a 24-17 loss to New York. He also rushed four times for 38 yards while losing a fumble in the defeat. Levis once again showed flashes of brilliance, but was doomed by inconsistent play and turnovers that lowered his fantasy numbers considerably. The constant pressure didn't help, but Levis accounted for three turnovers for the second consecutive week, which led to 10 points for the Jets. The QB did make some splash plays, including a 40-yard TD to Calvin Ridley, but struggled to connect with any other receiver in the game. Levis will have another tough test next Sunday with the Packers coming to town in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley caught four passes for 77 yards and a touchdown, adding a 10-yard rushing touchdown in a loss vs. the New York Jets. It was a monster afternoon for the sixth-year pro, who was able to get in the end zone twice while battling one of the toughest secondaries in the NFL. His 40-yard touchdown reception from Will Levis was a thing of beauty, as Ridley made an incredible grab with First-team All-Pro corner Sauce Gardner right on his back. The former Pro Bowler once again led the Titans in receiving as the clear cut top option in a not-so-great passing attack. Even with quarterback Will Levis' struggles, Ridley should be started in all formats on a weekly basis given his role in the offense. He will look to keep the momentum going against the Packers stiff defensive unit in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard rushed 17 times for 62 yards, also securing five passes on six targets for 40 yards in a 24-17 loss to New York. For the second straight week, Pollard was the clear lead back for this Titans offense, out-touching Tyjae Spears 22-8 in Week 2. Although Spears left the game late with an ankle injury, Pollard was still dominating the time on the field up to that point and was more effective when given the ball. He was also tied for the team lead in targets with six, proving he still has a role carved out for him in the passing game even with Spears' ability in that department. With how much this coaching staff seems to trust Pollard, he should be locked into lineups moving forward as a mid-tier RB2 with a tinge of upside. Up next is the Packers vulnerable run defense in a Week 3 home matchup.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins caught one pass for nine yards in a 24-17 loss to the Jets in Week 2. It was the second straight near-dud for the veteran receiver, who could not get anything going on a day that where his teammate Calvin Ridley scored over 20 fantasy points. It's possible that Hopkins is still a bit slow to come back from the MCL injury, but it's concerning to record only two targets in an offense that is struggling to move the bar through the air. Levis and Hopkins showed some great chemistry last season, but Ridley seems to have snatched the crown from him in the Titans pecking order. With not many yards to go around, this is not a good sign for his rest-of-season outlook. Hopkins will look to rebound in Week 3 vs. Green Bay.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) left the Week 2 game against the Arizona Cardinals, and he was unable to return. After the game, Kupp was in a walking boot on his left leg.
Fantasy Spin: We'll watch Kupp's practice status during the week before making a determination for Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers. If he cannot go, it appears Demarcus Robinson would be the No. 1 wideout, with Tyler Johnson as the No. 2, and Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington as the others. Stay tuned.
From TheHuddle
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott struggled in the home opener, throwing two interceptions in a blowout 44-19 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Prescott went 27-for-39 with 293 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions while rushing for 12 yards on two attempts. The Cowboys seemed to have plenty of momentum heading into Week 2 after Prescott agreed to a lucrative contract extension, and the team secured a win over the Cleveland Browns. However, Prescott looked completely out of sync, throwing two first-half interceptions and getting sacked three times. While it's still too early to overreact, Prescott has a good chance to bounce back next week against the Rams, who just surrendered 266 yards and three passing touchdowns to the Arizona Cardinals.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (ankle) had a solid outing in Sunday's narrow win over the Bengals. Pacheco ran the ball 19 times, amassing 90 yards. He added five catches for 21 yards. However, the 25-year-old suffered an ankle injury late in the contest, with head coach Andy Reid stating the back would undergo further testing. Without question, Pacheco is featured in nearly every fantasy lineup imaginable. But he'll likely appear on the injury report heading into the Week 3, Sunday Night Football showdown with the Atlanta Falcons. If Pacheco can't suit up for that one, Carson Steele, who had seven touches for 24 yards, could be the preferred runner, with Samaje Perine potentially handling most of the pass-catching duties out of the backfield.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens TE Mark Andrews posted four receptions for 51 yards on five targets in Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Fantasy Spin: It still wasn't a giant stat line which we've come to expect from the TE1, but he is rounding into form after being nearly invisible in Week 1. Andrews is making his way back from a major injury, and he should be just fine as he settles into the season. The Ravens travel to meet the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3.
From TheHuddle
Baltimore Ravens WR Nelson Agholor had one catch for 13 yards on three targets in Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
From TheHuddle
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb scored his first touchdown of the season with an electrifying 65-yard reception in Sunday's 44-19 loss to the New Orleans Saints. After signing a lucrative contract extension, the All-Pro was out to prove his worth, finishing the game with four receptions for 90 yards and a score. Lamb remained the focal point of the Cowboys' offense, seeing seven targets, the second-most on the team behind Jalen Tolbert's nine. He'll have a great opportunity next week against the Los Angeles Rams, who just gave up 41 points to the Arizona Cardinals. Lamb remains a must-start in all fantasy football lineups.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) won't play against the visiting Chicago Bears on Sunday night. He didn't practice on Friday because of a hamstring injury, so fantasy managers already assumed he wouldn't be available for Week 2. However, with Joe Mixon coming off a 30-carry, 159-yard, one-touchdown performance in the Week 1 win over the Colts, Pierce wasn't expected to be a featured offensive option anyway. With Pierce out, Mixon should see another healthy workload, with Dare Ogunbowale and Cam Akers backing him up.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson completed 21-of-34 passes for 247 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders, while adding five runs for 45 yards.
Fantasy Spin: Well, Jackson isn't going to run for 100 yards every week, and this game looked more like a traditional game, as Derrick Henry led the run game. The Ravens will look to rebound in Week 3 on the road against the Dallas Cowboys.
From TheHuddle
Baltimore Ravens RB Derrick Henry rushed 18 times for 84 yards and a touchdown in Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders, while posting a 12-yard reception on his only target.
Fantasy Spin: That's two games and two touchdowns for Henry. He was much more productive, from a yardage perspective, in this one, too. He might not necessarily be a bona fide RB1 week in and week out, but he remains a fantasy must-start in all formats. He'll look to keep up the scoring ways in Week 3 at Dallas.
From TheHuddle
Baltimore Ravens LB Kyle Van Noy posted three solo tackles, two sacks, three tackles for loss and three quarterback hits in Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
From TheHuddle
Baltimore Ravens LB Roquan Smith was good for a game-high 11 total stops with four solo tackles and a pass defensed in Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
From TheHuddle
Baltimore Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey posted 10 total stops, including eight solo tackles, with a tackle for loss and a pass defensed with an interception in Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (foot) exited Sunday's blowout loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Puka Nacua (knee) is sidelined for the foreseeable future, so Kupp was projected to have a big game. However, he had just four grabs for 37 yards before exiting the contest with a foot injury. Unfortunately, Kupp was observed in a boot after the contest, so his health ahead of the Week 3 meeting with the 49ers will be on the minds of fantasy managers. If the wideout isn't out there for that one, Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell, and Tyler Johnson will do their best to fill the void on the offensive end. Kyren Williams would also presumably see more work than the 12 carries he had in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders RB Ameer Abdullah rushed twice for one yard in Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens, while posting two receptions for one yard on two targets.
From TheHuddle
Chicago Bears wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. is a healthy scratch ahead of Sunday's game against the Houston Texans. There was a chance Jones' services would be needed for this one. However, while Keenan Allen (heel) won't play, the team at least has Rome Odunze (knee) active for Week 2. Either way, Jones likely wouldn't have seen much attention from fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders WR Davante Adams registered game bests with nine receptions, 110 yards and 12 targets while also scoring a touchdown in Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Fantasy Spin: It appeared that the Raiders had a difficult matchup against the Ravens defense, but Las Vegas definitely went beyond projections in the pass game. The Raiders face the hapless Carolina Panthers in Week 3, but that is a double-edged sword. Adams and the pass game could get off to a big start, but if the team takes a giant lead, the offense could be more run-based, too. Still, Adams is always a must-start fantasy option when healthy.
From TheHuddle
