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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
Tanner Hudson Sep 13 1:20pm ET
Tanner Hudson

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tanner Hudson (knee) is likely to be listed as doubtful for the Week 2 contest this Sunday versus the Kansas City Chiefs, according to head coach Zac Taylor. Hudson did not practice on Wednesday but then was upgraded to a limited session on Thursday. He was apparently injured in the Week 1 loss to the New England Patriots, when he had two catches on three targets for only 18 yards. It appears the 29-year-old wasn't able to make enough progress in practice by the end of the week to get the green light to suit up this weekend. With Hudson expected to be inactive on Sunday, look for Drew Sample to have a bigger role alongside starter Mike Gesicki against the Chiefs. Gesicki had three catches for only 18 yards in Week 1 but nearly missed a touchdown and can be considered a sleeper TE2.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Sep 13 1:20pm ET
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara had a strong Week 1, taking all of the high-quality touches out of the Saints' backfield. Kamara faces a much tougher matchup than the running back-friendly Carolina defense this week as New Orleans travels to Dallas on Sunday. Kamara should see a healthy enough volume to be placed in starting lineups, but the Cowboys' defense is a tough matchup for all positions. They surrendered just 54 rushing yards to running backs a week ago. The matchup knocks Kamara into RB2 range for this week.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Sep 13 1:20pm ET
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints receiver Chris Olave was seldom used in Week 1's rout of Carolina, totaling just two targets on the day. He will likely be more involved this week in what projects as a closer game against Dallas on the road. The Cowboys' pass defense looked strong in Week 1's win over Cleveland, which drops Olave into low-end WR2 range this week. The third-year receiver has a low floor, as evidenced by last week's game, and could be sat if you have better options. Game script should allow for more opportunity for the former first-round pick this week.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Sep 13 1:10pm ET
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) is likely to be doubtful to play in Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, according to head coach Zac Taylor. Higgins injured his hamstring last Thursday at practice and didn't play in the season-opening loss to the New England Patriots. After missing more practice time this week, it looks as though fantasy managers will need to keep Higgins on their benches for the second straight week. It's a frustrating situation for a player that also disappointed in 2023 and missed three games due to hamstring issues. With Higgins likely out again this weekend, Ja'Marr Chase should see most of the aerial targets, with Andrei Iosivas expected to serve as the WR2 after he played all 51 of the offensive snaps in Week 1. Behind Iosivas and Chase, Trenton Irwin was third among receivers with 65% of the offensive snaps.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Sep 13 1:10pm ET
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr was unconscious in Week 1, completing 19-of-23 passes for three touchdowns. However, the veteran faces a much tougher opponent this week in a Dallas defense that shut down Cleveland in Week 1. The tough matchup makes it hard to consider Carr as a starting option even in two-quarterback formats. He should not be started in any one quarterback format this week. Carr and the Saints take on Dallas in the early slate on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Nico Collins Sep 13 1:00pm ET
Nico Collins

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (illness) was seen practicing on Friday and is set to play on Sunday night as the Houston Texans face the Chicago Bears, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. Collins was limited in practice on Thursday due to an illness but looks ready to suit up over the weekend. In the season opener, Collins continued his 2023 breakout campaign by catching six passes for 117 yards, which led the team. Fantasy managers should feel confident slotting the 25-year-old into their lineup as he enters Week 2 as a solid high-end WR2 in all formats.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Sep 13 12:50pm ET
Drake Maye

New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye is seeing approximately 30% of the first-team reps at team practices, according to Evan Lazar. This is a significantly higher percentage that backups typically never see. Head coach Jerod Mayo explained that this is part of the development process for the North Carolina product. While fantasy managers should continue to expect Jacoby Brissett to serve as the starting QB, this is a promising sign for Maye's development as he is being given ample opportunities to develop even as a backup. In the season opener, Brissett threw for just 121 yards without a score but led New England to an upset victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Fantasy managers in deeper 2-QB leagues should continue to stash Maye, as he should see playing time later this fall.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Sep 13 12:30pm ET
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) remains questionable heading into Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. General manager John Lynch spoke on KNBR radio and said, "Don't know that answer. Dealing with Achilles tendinitis, could be good one day and then it flares. Been frustrating," when asked about his star running back's status. He further noted that, "We're thinking in long view. We need Christian healthy, fully out there, and don't want to compromise anything." In Week 1, Jordan Mason got the starting nod and looked quite comfortable, as he ran for 147 yards and a touchdown on 28 attempts. If McCaffrey is not deemed ready for Sunday, fantasy managers should feel comfortable starting Mason as an RB1 in all leagues.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Sep 13 12:20pm ET
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) was not practicing on Friday again, according to Ben Baby of ESPN. The 25-year-old wideout also did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday of this week and is now in danger of missing his second straight game. Higgins first hit the injury report with a hamstring on Thursday of last week, which held him out of the opener. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the Cincinnati injury report later on Friday as it will provide clarity on his chances of signing up on Sunday. If the Clemson product is sidelined again on Sunday, fantasy managers should expect Andrei Iosivas and Trenton Irwin to serve as the No.2 and No.3 wideouts opposite of Ja'Marr Chase.

From RotoBaller

Mike Williams Sep 13 12:10pm ET
Mike Williams

New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams is set to see an increase in snaps this weekend, according to Connor Hughes of SNY. The veteran wideout suffered a torn ACL last season and was on a strict 15-snap limit in the season opener. In fact, the 29-year-old logged only nine snaps in Week 1 and ran only four routes. He did not see a target. This allowed Allen Lazard to emerge as the No.2 wideout opposite of Garrett Wilson. Fantasy managers should continue to expect Lazard to be deployed as the No.2 option as Williams continues to get himself accustomed to NFL action. Lazard is worth a look in deeper leagues this weekend and could be a sneaky play in DFS, as he caught six of nine targets for 89 yards and two scores in the season opener.

From RotoBaller

Jonnu Smith Sep 13 12:10pm ET
Jonnu Smith

Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith hauled in 6-of-7 targets for 53 yards in Thursday night's 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He tied running back De'Von Achane for the team lead in targets. It was a rough night for Miami as Buffalo held them in check despite a first-quarter TD. Smith was more involved in this one than last week when Julian Hill (easily) led the Dolphins' TEs in snaps. However, the split was much more, even this Thursday. Smith had one less snap than Durham Smythe's 33 and just five more than Hill (28). This is beginning to feel like a tight-end-by-committee situation for Miami, which might not be fruitful for fantasy. Regardless, it will be tough to trust any Dolphins skill player next Sunday in Week 3 if quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) can't suit up. Skylar Thompson will start for the team if so.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Sep 13 12:00pm ET
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle caught 4-of-4 targets for 41 yards in the team's 31-10 defeat Thursday against the division-rival Buffalo Bills. He also rushed once for four yards. The Dolphins struggled to get anything going after they scored a touchdown in the first quarter, and their offense stalled indefinitely when quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) was forced to leave the contest early. Waddle and Tyreek Hill combined for just 65 yards through the air, as it was the first game since 2022 that neither wideout led the team in receiving. Although the severity of Tagovailoa's injury -- and how much time he might miss -- is currently unknown, we're expected to learn more over the coming days. In his stead, Skylar Thompson would man the helm for Miami. If that is how it shakes out, it would be tough to trust any Miami WR when they take on the Seattle Seahawks in a road matchup in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Sep 13 11:50am ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill brought in 3-of-6 targets for 24 yards in the team's 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He also rushed once for a gain of 12 yards. The Dolphins had trouble getting anything going after their first scoring drive of the game early in the first quarter. Hill would finish the night third on his team in targets while quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) tossed three interceptions and was forced from the game early. It was the first time since Week 18 of 2022 that neither Hill nor Jaylen Waddle led the team in receiving yards. Skylar Thompson will start for the team if Tagovailoa misses extended time and would be a downgrade for all offensive skill players -- including the ninth-year veteran. Fortunately, the Dolphins have ten days before their next contest -- a road matchup with the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Sep 13 11:50am ET
Malik Nabers

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) was added to the injury report on Thursday due to a knee issue, but it seems that this isn't too much of a concern to head coach Brian Daboll. He stated on Friday that Nabers will be "ready to play" on Sunday in their Week 2 matchup against the Washington Commanders. The rookie wideout caught five of his seven targets for 66 yards in his first-ever regular season NFL game. Without Nabers, the Giants' offense doesn't seem able to do much at all, so the fact that he's playing is big news for fantasy managers and the Giants' entire offense. Nabers finished in the flex range as WR32 in Week 1, but against one of the worst defenses in the league, Nabers garners WR2 value heading into this game against the Commanders.

From RotoBaller

Marquise Brown Sep 13 11:40am ET
Marquise Brown

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve on Friday. The veteran receiver suffered a shoulder injury early in the preseason. After missing the Week 1 win over the Baltimore Ravens, Brown was expected to play against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Unfortunately, he needs surgery to repair the injury. With Brown going on injured reserve, the Chiefs will be without their big-name free-agent addition for at least the next four games, if not longer. Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy will continue to see an uptick in targets and snaps with Brown out of the lineup.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Sep 13 11:30am ET
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane rushed 22 times for 96 yards and scored in Thursday night's 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He had an additional 69 yards through the air, catching all seven of his targets. With Raheem Mostert (chest) sidelined for the matchup, the second-year back received 29 touches as Mike McDaniel's clear lead-back. Achane played 62% of snaps and was largely effective despite Miami having trouble getting their offense on track against a Bills' team that looked like they had something to prove. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) was forced to exit the game early after a scary-looking collision with defender Damar Hamlin. He's day-to-day for now, with Tagovailoa to undergo further testing to determine the severity of his injury. If he cannot go in Week 3, Skylar Thompson will suit up for Miami's first road game of the season against the Seattle Seahawks. Achane would tick down the rankings if that were the case, but would still be a strong play on the back of his athleticism and projected volume.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Sep 13 10:40am ET
Deshaun Watson

The Jacksonville Jaguars defense/special teams unit is a great starting option in Week 2 against Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns. The Browns offense looked out of sorts in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys defense, who scored 17 fantasy points, aided by a punt return touchdown. The Jaguars limited the high-powered Miami Dolphins offense to just 20 points, but only produced four fantasy points. The key to a great fantasy outing for the Jaguars D/ST will be to generate sacks and turnovers. The Browns will likely try to run the ball as much as possible to limit the Jacksonville pass rush, so making the most of the plays Watson drops back to pass is important. The Cowboys mustered six sacks against the Browns, meaning the Jaguars have a good chance of generating sacks of their own. Add on a pick-six or return touchdown, and the Jaguars D/ST has the potential to put up double-digits in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Skylar Thompson Sep 13 10:30am ET
Skylar Thompson

Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson entered Thursday night's game near the end of the third quarter when Tua Tagovailoa left the game with a concussion. Thompson completed eight of his 14 passing attempts for 80 yards and one carry for four yards. While the team evaluates Tagovailoa further on Monday, head coach Mike McDaniel said that Thompson is the "next man up." The amount of time that Tagovailoa will have to miss is still to be determined, so we'll see how the offensive game plan might change accordingly. Thompson last appeared in seven games for the Dolphins in 2022 and he posted 534 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions on 60-for-105 throwing. The biggest fantasy value increase could be the ground game if Tagovailoa has to miss extended time.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aubrey Sep 13 10:10am ET
Brandon Aubrey

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey remains one of the top kicking options heading into a Week 2 matchup with the New Orleans Saints. The 29-year-old went 4-for-4 in field goals and 3-for-3 in extra points in Week 1, with his longest kick of the day clocking in at 57 yards. In a lot of formats, he put up 20+ fantasy points. Now, with a home matchup, and an offense that will still be able to move the ball into kicking range, Aubrey remains a must-start. In 2023, Aubrey made all 21 of his field goal attempts at home and knocked through 28 of his 29 extra points. Fantasy managers can be confident starting Aubrey each week as long as the Cowboys offense is moving the ball down the field.

From RotoBaller

Brandin Cooks Sep 13 9:50am ET
Brandin Cooks

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks put together a solid Week 1 finishing in the top 24 receivers in the WR2 range. His touchdown was a big part of that finish, but he also saw a good bit of volume against what was expected to be a solid defensive unit in the Cleveland Browns. Now, the Cowboys get a home game against the New Orleans Saints. The Saints posted a big performance against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1, and their secondary isn't one to scoff at. Cooks should still receive close to the same target share (21.8%), but going up against Tyrann Mathieu, Paulson Adebo, and Marshon Lattimore is going to prove to be more difficult. Currently, Cooks sits in the mid-flex area since CeeDee Lamb will be the one to deal with Lattimore the most.

From RotoBaller