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FFL: Week 2 | NFL: Week 2

TE Strength of Schedule

Tue Jun 11 11:11am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

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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Fantasy Preview: Week 2

Player Notes
Tyjae Spears Sep 13 5:50pm ET
Tyjae Spears

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears takes on the New York Jets in Week 2 action on Sunday. Spears played second-fiddle to Tony Pollard in Week 1, logging eight touches (32 yards) to Pollard's 19 (94 yards). This was quite surprising given Titans OC Nick Holz's recent comments that the backfield would be split 50/50. However, Spears should see an uptick in playing time moving forward based on head coach Brian Callahan saying that he wants the backfield to be "more even" between the two. The Jets were just absolutely torched by the 49ers backup running back Jordan Mason for 147 yards and a score in Week 1, so there should be some open running lanes for Spears to take advantage of. Especially with how strong the Jets secondary is, if Spears does see more playing time he should be able to produce enough for a viable flex option in 12+ team leagues.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Sep 13 5:50pm ET
Tony Pollard

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard will face the New York Jets this Sunday for the team's home opener. The former Cowboys was a lone bright spot for the Titans offense against Chicago last week, producing 94 yards from scrimmage and touchdown. He was heavily featured on the ground with sixteen total carries compared to his backfield mate Tyjae Spears' 4, but Titans head coach Brian Callahan did say he would like the split to be "more even" after the game. Even if Spears does see a bit more work, the team clearly views Pollard as the superior runner and the guy who will receive most of the 'between the tackles' rushing. The utilization for these two backs is likely going to come down to game script on a week-to-week basis, but the coaching staff definitely trusts Pollard and so should fantasy managers with their RB2/flex spot headed into a matchup with the Jets and their soft-ish run defense.

From RotoBaller

Derrick Henry Sep 13 5:40pm ET
Derrick Henry

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry is primed for a bigger performance entering Week 2 after a promising first drive to his Ravens tenure led to fewer opportunities as the game went on. The veteran back didn't quite perform up to expectations despite scoring a touchdown in the beginning of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He only finished with 46 yards on 13 yards while Lamar Jackson called his own number 16 times and gained 122 yards in comparison. Now, Henry sets his sights on the Las Vegas Raiders who just gave up 135 yards and a score to J.K. Dobbins in Week 1. A lot of Dobbins' yards were untouched at that. Henry will likely be fed early and often again, and he'll make the Raiders defense pay a lot like Dobbins. Henry remains in RB1 territory heading into this matchup.

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Sep 13 5:40pm ET
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis faces the New York Jets in the team's home opener on Sunday. Week 1 was quite a struggle for Levis, who only threw for 127 yards and virtually gave the game away with two fourth quarter interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. While the Bears defense is a force to be reckoned with, New York boasts an almost equally intimidating unit, especially in the secondary. Levis will have Pro Bowl receiver DeAndre Hopkins healthier after being limited in Week 1, but that is likely not enough reason to start the sophomore QB, even in superflex leagues.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Sep 13 5:30pm ET
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson posted a QB1-worthy performance on the opening night of the NFL's regular season and he'll aim to be even better in the team's first home game against the Las Vegas Raiders. The two-time MVP will get plenty of running opportunities on top of a bit of an easier matchup to throw the ball. The game script in Week 1 consisted of a lot of short throws, especially to Zay Flowers, but after shaking off some rust, the Ravens offense should be able to find some more open avenues down the field. His average target depth clocked in at 7.5 yards in Week 1 which was down a bit from 8.9 yards per game last season. Look for the passing attack to get in a better rhythm while Jackson's ground game continues to thrive against a weaker run defense. Fantasy managers can consider him a QB1 heading into Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Schultz Sep 13 5:20pm ET
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (ankle) fully practiced on Friday and doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday Night Football's showdown against the Chicago Bears. He has been dealing with an ankle injury this week but is all systems go for Sunday night. The 28-year-old played nearly 80 percent of Houston's snaps last week, an encouraging sign for someone in the low-end TE1 range. However, with just three targets, he was tied for fourth on the team with running back Joe Mixon. The former Dallas Cowboy was behind receivers Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, and Tank Dell in the pecking order in Week 1. Schultz has three red flags two red-zone targets in his past eight games, heavy competition for targets, and an injury that should have fantasy managers exploring other options for a tight end streamer.

From RotoBaller

Travis Kelce Sep 13 5:10pm ET
Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2 at Arrowhead Stadium. Kelce is coming off a mediocre game against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1. The Ravens held Kelce to three catches for 34 yards in the season opener. Many middle-of-the-field passes went toward Rashee Rice instead of Kelce against the tough Baltimore defense. The Ravens likely planned to limit Kelce's impact on the Week 1 contest, considering he torched them for 116 yards and a touchdown in their last matchup. The Chiefs tight end will have a much easier opponent in Week 2. The Bengals gave up the most receptions and second-most receiving yards to tight ends in 2023. Kelce should be a focal point of the offense in Week 2, especially considering his pedestrian stat line in Week 1. Mahomes will look to connect with the All-Pro tight end often in this contest. Kelce is still a top-tier TE1 every week, regardless of the matchup.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Sep 13 5:10pm ET
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles/calf) was ruled out for Sunday's game, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The star running back logged two limited practice sessions earlier this week but was not spotted at Friday's practice. The 28-year-old will need at least another week to recover from the injury he suffered during camp. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan told the media on Friday that the team is considering placing McCaffrey on the injured reserve, which could keep him sidelined for at least the next four games. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Jordan Mason to serve as the primary running back this weekend. Mason looked quite comfortable serving as the lead runner in the season opener as he logged 28 carries for 147 yards and a score. He should be viewed as a high-end RB2 going forward.

From RotoBaller

Dameon Pierce Sep 13 5:00pm ET
Dameon Pierce

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) was listed as questionable on Friday's injury report with a hamstring injury, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of NFL.com. The 24-year-old hit the injury report on Thursday after logging a limited practice. He was kept entirely sidelined on Friday, which does not bode well for his status over the weekend. In Week 1, Pierce saw just three rushing attempts on nine snaps while Joe Mixon held the lion's share of work. If Pierce were to sit out on Sunday night, Cam Akers or Dare Ogunbowale should compete for the No. 2 role behind Mixon but should not be relied upon in any fantasy setting.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Sep 13 5:00pm ET
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco will face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season. Last week, Pacheco ran against one of the most formidable defenses in the league, the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens held Pacheco to just 45 rushing yards on 15 carries, but he did manage to find the endzone. The Chiefs starting running back will face an easier test this week against the Bengals, who allowed the seventh-most rushing yards in 2023. The Bengals also allowed the second-most runs of 20 or more yards in 2023. Pacheco had six runs of 20 or more yards in 2023, so he could be in for a few explosive plays in this week's contest. The 25-year-old dominated the backfield carries and was involved in the receiving game in Week 1, which should continue to be the case moving forward. Pacheco is attached to one of the best offenses in the NFL and should be considered a strong start every week he is active.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Sep 13 4:50pm ET
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (knee) was listed as doubtful for Sunday's game on Friday's injury report, according to Bobby Belt of 1053 The Fan. The tight end suffered an MCL sprain in the season opener but fortunately avoided a significant injury. The Dallas coaching staff expressed optimism throughout the week regarding the 25-year-old's status for their Week 2 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. However, seeing him listed as doubtful does not bode well for his chance of suiting up. Fantasy managers should expect Luke Schoonmaker to serve as the lead tight end for Dallas on Sunday. Schoonmaker caught just eight passes in his rookie season last year. However, two of them were in the end zone.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Sep 13 4:50pm ET
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2 at Arrowhead Stadium this Sunday. Mahomes took home last week's victory against the Baltimore Ravens in the season opener. The Chiefs quarterback passed for 291 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the 27-20 win. Mahomes was incredibly efficient, completing 71% of his pass attempts against a stout Baltimore defense. Mahomes will look to continue his success against the Bengals, who allowed the sixth-most passing yards per game in 2023. The Bengals are also coming off a game where they lost to the New England Patriots, so Mahomes and the Chiefs should have no issues handling the Bengals in this contest. The Chiefs also have one of the highest implied team totals of the week at 27 points, so Mahomes should produce this week. Mahomes is a strong QB1 again this week against the Cincinnati Bengals.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Sep 13 4:40pm ET
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. The Michigan State product was held out of practice all week and will now enter the weekend with an outside chance of suiting up. Walker enjoyed a nice season opener as he ran for 103 yards and a score on 20 carries against the Denver Broncos. He added two catches and six yards through the air. With his current status, fantasy managers should expect Zach Charbonnet to serve as the lead runner on Sunday afternoon. Charbonnet saw eight attempts in Week 1 and scored a touchdown through the air. If Walker sits out entirely, Charbonnet is a solid RB2 option this weekend. If Walker participates in a limited capacity, Charbonnet should be considered a flex option.

From RotoBaller

Jameson Williams Sep 13 4:30pm ET
Jameson Williams

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (ankle) was listed as questionable for Sunday's game on Friday's injury report, according to Eric Woodyard of ESPN. The 23-year-old wideout was a limited participant throughout the week and will now enter the weekend with an uncertain status. The Alabama product had a slow start to his professional career but enjoyed a massive game in Week 1 as he led the way in the Detroit victory by catching five of his nine targets for 121 yards and a score. If the former first-round selection does not suit up on Sunday, fantasy managers should expect Kalif Raymond to line up as the No.2 wide receiver opposite of Amon-Ra St. Brown.

From RotoBaller

Roman Wilson Sep 13 4:30pm ET
Roman Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. The Michigan product was able to participate in a full practice session on Thursday and looked on track to make his professional debut, but reverted back to a limited session on Friday, according to Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live. The 23-year-old was held out of the season opener due to an ankle injury he suffered during camp. If the former third-round pick from this year's draft suits up on Sunday, he should operate as the No.3/No.4 option in the Pittsburgh passing attack. If he happens to sit out again, Calvin Austin should have a clear hold on the No.3 spot on Sunday afternoon.

From RotoBaller

MarShawn Lloyd Sep 13 4:20pm ET
MarShawn Lloyd

Green Bay Packers rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's match against the Indianapolis Colts. The rookie running back suffered a hamstring injury in August and was held out of the season opener out of precaution. Throughout the week, the USC product has logged three straight limited practice sessions, which is an improvement over the previous week, where he was only able to practice in a limited capacity twice. Lloyd could be setting himself up to make his professional debut this weekend. If he does, fantasy managers should expect him to serve as the No.2 running back behind Josh Jacobs. As the season progresses, he could eventually grow into a more prominent role and is worth stashing on your bench.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Sep 13 4:10pm ET
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (calf/shin) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Reed was not on the injury report earlier this week but logged a limited session on Friday due to calf and shin injuries. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the 24-year-old's status prior to Sunday's game. The Packers are entering this Week 2 matchups with several injuries to their offense, such as quarterback Jordan Love (knee) and No.2 running back MarShawn Lloyd are also listed as questionable. Reed enjoyed a big game in the opening week as he tallied 138 receiving yards and 33 rushing yards with two total scores. If Reed suits up, he will be a solid high-end WR2 in all formats, given his big-play ability.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Sep 13 4:00pm ET
Jordan Love

The Green Bay Packers are officially listing quarterback Jordan Love (knee) as questionable to play in Week 2 at Lambeau Field on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts despite suffering a knee injury in the Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil last Friday. Love didn't practice all week after suffering an MCL sprain in his knee in the season opener last week, so we'd be pretty surprised if the 25-year-old signal-caller actually suited up. However, the Packers continue to leave the door open for Love to return this week, which has all along seemed unlikely. The good news is he hasn't been placed on Injured Reserve, meaning the Packers think there's a good chance he won't miss more than four games. Malik Willis is the likely starter under center for the Packers on Sunday, which will be a big downgrade for all of Green Bay's offensive skills players.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Sep 13 3:40pm ET
Malik Nabers

New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) was a full participant in Friday's practice and doesn't carry an injury designation into the Week 2 divisional matchup against the Washington Commanders on Sunday. Nabers popped up on the team's injury report this week after he was limited in Thursday's practice, but fantasy managers should have no worries now that he's in danger of playing this weekend. The 21-year-old is in a bad offense run by quarterback Daniel Jones, but did draw seven targets in his NFL debut, catching five of them for 66 yards in the Week 1 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Expect the LSU product to continue to have a big target share in an offense that will likely be playing catch-up more weeks than not. Against a shaky Washington secondary, Nabers should be in all starting fantasy lineups as a high-end WR2.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Sep 13 3:20pm ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) will be a game-time decision for the team's Week 2 contest at Lambeau Field on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. Downs suffered a left high-ankle sprain back in training camp in August and wasn't given the green light to suit up for the Week 1 loss to the division-rival Houston Texans. The 23-year-old was limited in practices this week, though, and has a shot to make his season debut in Green Bay this weekend. Downs is certainly worth a stash in 12-team fantasy leagues for wideout depth, but he's probably not a smart play in starting lineups if he's active on Sunday. However, it's worth noting that he was trending as the team's WR2 in camp behind Michael Pittman Jr. before injuring his ankle. The former third-rounder last year had a 68-771-2 line in 17 games in his rookie campaign in 2023.

From RotoBaller