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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
D'Andre Swift Sep 14 1:50am ET
D'Andre Swift

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift is a borderline Flex/RB3 for Sunday's matchup against the Houston Texans, who have shown to be a tough opponent for running backs. Swift aims to rebound from a lackluster Week 1, where he managed only 30 yards on ten carries and was targeted only once in the passing gamea notable concern given his past effectiveness as a receiving threat. Compounding the issue was poor offensive line play, with Titans rookie defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat dominating the interior. This situation does not bode well for the Bears' rushing attack going forward. Although the Texans allowed 4.7 yards per carry against the Colts last week, they have been stingy with rushing yards, allowing an average of just 73.6 yards per game to visiting backs since last season and holding Jonathan Taylor to only three yards per rush. With the Texans allowing more than 100 rushing yards to just one player last season, Swift is a risky flex option. Khalil Herbert was out-snapped by Travis Homer, making Swift the only viable running back fantasy option. Of course, only if the Bears can sustain drives and improve their offensive line performance.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Sep 14 1:50am ET
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore remains a solid WR2 option for this week's potential high-scoring matchup. Moore will look to bounce back from a modest Week 1 performance, where he recorded 36 receiving yards on five catches and added a 14-yard rush. With fellow wide receivers Keenan Allen (heel) and Rome Odunze (knee) not practicing and listed as questionable, Moore is poised for an increased target share. The Texans will be fielding rookie corner Kamari Lassiter alongside Derek Stingley, and Moore will likely test the rookie's coverage. The Texans' defense allowed a league-high 9.5 Net Yards per Attempt in Week 1, suggesting opportunities for explosive plays. Their vulnerability was evident in their game against the Colts, where Alec Pierce and Ashton Dulin caught long touchdown passes. Moore, known for his ability to capitalize on deep passes, averaged 14.2 yards per catch over his seven-year career, and he had five different games in 2023 in which he averaged over 16 yards per reception. If the offensive line can provide adequate protection, expect quarterback Caleb Williams to target Moore deep and frequently, mainly if Allen and Odunze are limited or sidelined. Moore should be a major focal point for an offense eager to improve upon its Week 1 performance.

From RotoBaller

Cole Kmet Sep 14 1:50am ET
Cole Kmet

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet is in a timeshare with Gerald Everett, who out-snapped him and ran more routes in Week 1. Kmet was on the field for less than half of the team's offensive snaps and received just one target during those 27 plays. Given that the Bears passed the ball on 57% of their offensive plays, this lack of involvement stems from the playbook rather than the game script. It appears that specific offensive packages are designed to feature Everett over Kmet. Conversely, with wide receivers Keenan Allen (heel) and Rome Odunze (knee) not practicing and listed as questionable, Kmet could see an increase in targets in Week 2. If the Bears continue to ease rookie quarterback Caleb Williams into the game, particularly with two of his top wideouts potentially limited, Kmet may see more action. Expect him to run more routes, potentially catching three to four passes, with a chance for a red-zone opportunity. While Kmet is a risky, touchdown-dependent play in deep leagues, this could be the week to take a chance on him, given the uncertain status of Allen and Odunze.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Sep 14 1:50am ET
Daniel Jones

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones faces an intriguing Week 2 matchup against the Washington Commanders. While Jones struggled in Week 1, scoring just 5.3 fantasy points against the Minnesota Vikings, the Commanders' secondary allowed 289 passing yards in their opener. Jones has a 5-1-1 record in seven career starts and ten total touchdown passes against the Commanders, so this is just the team he needs to face after coming up with a dud in Week 1. Expect Jones to hover around QB2 numbers this week, particularly if the Giants' offensive line holds up, giving him time to exploit mismatches downfield.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Sep 14 1:40am ET
Caleb Williams

This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams presents a high-risk, high-reward option as he faces off against the high-scoring Houston Texans. Williams aims to bounce back from a rough Week 1, where he completed just 14 of 29 passes for 93 yards and failed to throw a touchdown. His average depth of target was 8.0 yards, placing him in the middle tier among quarterbacks for the week. While his debut performance was underwhelming, it's not unexpected for a rookie quarterback, and the presence of a strong defense can be a significant asset for the top pick. However, Williams faces additional challenges this week with key playmakers Keenan Allen (heel) and Rome Odunze (knee) listed as questionable. Williams will have only one reliable target in DJ Moore if both other wide receivers are unavailable. With the spotlight on him in Houston, Williams might struggle to keep pace with C.J. Stroud and could make mistakes under pressure. For now, Williams isn't a strong start outside of superflex leagues. Instead, let him develop on your bench and focus on his long-term potential. As he gains experience, his value could rise, making him a worthwhile investment for the future.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Mason Sep 14 1:30am ET
Jordan Mason

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason will draw another start when the team clashes with the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday. Mason catapulted himself into the forefront of fantasy football conversations by shredding the New York Jets' run defense last week as the replacement for All-Pro starter Christian McCaffrey (Achilles). Mason finished that game with 147 yards on 28 carries and a touchdown while chipping in one reception for five yards. Those looking for an encore to Mason's career day are faced with a Minnesota defense that held New York Giants running backs to 42 yards rushing, 29 yards receiving, and no touchdowns in Week 1. The Vikings were also quite good against the run in 2023 as well, allowing the eighth-fewest points to running backs in half-PPR. Mason is not CMC, but a Top-10 finish is in play this week even against a quality defense, given the 49ers' perennial commitment to the run game and how sharp it looked last week. Treat Mason as a back-end RB1 in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Watt Sep 14 12:50am ET
T.J. Watt

The Pittsburgh Steelers put on a defensive clinic in their season opener and appear primed for another dominant showing against the Denver Broncos in Week 2. Denver's offense managed just 16 points in Week 1 and turned the ball over three times. Broncos quarterback Bo Nix struggled in his debut, and Pittsburgh's relentless pass rush led by T.J. Watt is sure to make it difficult for the rookie to improve on Sunday. Even if the Steelers' defense fails to record prolific counting stats, fantasy managers should feel safe deploying it in what is projected to be a very low-scoring affair. Pittsburgh's DST can be locked in starting lineups of all shapes and sizes this week.

From RotoBaller

Tommy Tremble Sep 14 12:40am ET
Tommy Tremble

Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (hamstring/back) is anticipated to play against the Chargers on Sunday. The 2021 No. 83 overall pick has battled hamstring and back issues for a while, keeping him off the field for the Week 1 loss to the New Orleans Saints. As a result, Ja'Tavion Sanders got more involved, although the rookie finished with only one grab for four yards. While Tremble's expected return for Week 2 is good news for the Panthers offense, he has an uphill battle before fantasy managers can consider him a starting option in any format.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Sep 14 12:40am ET
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will try to pick up a second-straight win in a Week 2 matchup versus the Vikings in Minnesota on Sunday. He'll be going up against a defense that was almost exactly league-average in 2023 for fantasy points per game allowed to opposing quarterbacks, but who held Purdy to 272 yards, two interceptions, and one touchdown last year (albeit without stud tackle Trent Williams and receiver Deebo Samuel). The Vikings made mostly minor changes to their defensive personnel in the offseason, most notably losing standout edge rusher Danielle Hunter and replacing him with first-round pick Dallas Turner. In their opener last week, the Vikings made New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones look horrible but how much credit goes to the defense versus Jones' ineptitude is debatable. Last week, Purdy was solid but rather unhelpful for fantasy managers in a home victory over the New York Jets, with 231 yards passing, 11 yards rushing, and no touchdowns or picks. At any rate, he'll have his whole complement of receivers in this one -- save for running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) -- so Purdy should be in for a decent day, especially with wideout Brandon Aiyuk getting another week of practice under his belt. Look for Purdy to find the end zone in Week 2, as he sits on the fantasy QB1/2 border.

From RotoBaller

Chris Boswell Sep 14 12:30am ET
Chris Boswell

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was incredible in Week 1 and will hope to have another busy outing against the Denver Broncos. Pittsburgh's offense did not show enough last week to be trusted to move the ball consistently, but it may not matter if the defense continues to generate turnovers that give the Steelers great field position. It's important to note that Sunday's contest has been given the lowest projected point total of the week, so the chances of an offensive outpouring are extremely slim. Fantasy managers rolling with Boswell will be chasing a similar game script to what they saw last week, and they could very well get it in this matchup. The 33-year-old can be viewed as a low-end starting option in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Foster Moreau Sep 14 12:20am ET
Foster Moreau

New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau (concussion) will play on Sunday versus the Dallas Cowboys. The veteran caught all four targets for 43 yards and a touchdown in the Week 1 massacre of the Carolina Panthers before exiting the game in the fourth quarter. While he practiced in a limited fashion on Wednesday, he logged full sessions on Thursday and Friday. Without question, his availability is good news for New Orleans. Unfortunately, the Saints have a difficult matchup on the horizon against a talented Cowboys defense. Fantasy managers in all formats should keep Moreau out of the starting lineup.

From RotoBaller

Pat Freiermuth Sep 14 12:10am ET
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth was somewhat quiet to start the 2024 campaign but will be looking to build chemistry with quarterback Justin Fields in a Week 2 bout with the Denver Broncos. This is the perfect matchup for Freiermuth to take advantage of as the Broncos surrendered the most fantasy points to opposing tight ends last season. Furthermore, lockdown cornerback Patrick Surtain II will likely be assigned to receiver George Pickens for most of the contest, which could result in additional opportunities for Freiermuth. Pickens and Freiermuth were the only two Steelers to earn more than two targets in Week 1. Pittsburgh's offense is difficult to get excited about, but fantasy managers should be intrigued by Freiermuth as a low-end TE1 on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

George Pickens Sep 14 12:00am ET
George Pickens

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens operated as the favorite weapon of quarterback Justin Fields last week and will hope to find continued success against the Denver Broncos in Week 2. Unfortunately for the Steelers and fantasy managers alike, Pickens will likely be shadowed by All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II. Surtain, the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history, held Seahawks wideout DK Metcalf to just 29 yards on three receptions in Week 1. Pickens should still earn a respectable target share given Pittsburgh's lack of proven commodities at receiver, but fantasy managers must keep their expectations in check heading into Sunday's contest. The 23-year-old should be viewed as a WR3 or flex option this week.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Sep 13 11:40pm ET
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren saw only four opportunities last week but will hope to be more involved against the Denver Broncos in Week 2. Although Warren practiced in full leading up to Pittsburgh's season opener, it's fair to wonder if the team planned to limit his usage in his first game action since returning from a hamstring injury. If the 25-year-old gets additional work on Sunday, he could post solid numbers against a Denver defense that has struggled to stop the run since the beginning of the 2023 campaign. His pass-catching skillset gives him some appeal in PPR formats, but fantasy managers should not consider Warren as anything more than a low-end flex option until they see him split touches more evenly with running mate Najee Harris.

From RotoBaller

Najee Harris Sep 13 11:30pm ET
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris dominated touches out of the backfield in Week 1 and should be primed for another heavy workload against the Denver Broncos on Sunday. The Broncos surrendered the third-most fantasy points to running backs in 2023 and the fourth-most to the position just last week. Because Pittsburgh has very few proven weapons in the passing game, it makes sense for offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to lean on the run, especially in this matchup. Jaylen Warren is likely to be given more opportunities as he continues to work his way back from injury, but Harris can be counted on as a volume-based RB2 with some touchdown upside against Denver.

From RotoBaller

Christian Kirk Sep 13 11:10pm ET
Christian Kirk

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk is better left on benches for Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns. Kirk struggled in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins, as did the entire offense, producing just one catch for 30 yards. A dud like that will make it hard for fantasy managers to feel good inserting the Jaguars receiver into lineups, even as a flex. Kirk did tie for the team lead in targets with four, but needs to show more efficiency with his opportunities to be considered a reliable fantasy asset. It's too early to consider dropping the 27-year-old, as the Jaguars wide receiver room has no clear top option, but more underwhelming performances could leave fantasy managers with no choice. A good game against the Browns could boost Kirk back to being the top fantasy receiver on the Jaguars, but for now, he is best left out of starting lineups.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Sep 13 11:00pm ET
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is an okay flex play in Week 2 given his big play ability. However, the Cleveland Browns are a tough matchup for passing offenses going back to last year and held Dak Prescott to just 179 passing yards in Week 1. BTJ put up four catches, 47 yards, and a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins last week, making the most of his four targets. That tied for the team lead with Evan Engram and Christian Kirk, but all three trailed Gabe Davis in receiving yards, who had 62. Trevor Lawrence only managed 162 passing yards in Week 1, meaning there is plenty of room for improvement for the offense as a whole. The rookie receiver seems like the top fantasy receiver for the Jaguars for now, but that could easily change after this week. Fantasy managers who are looking for upside are fine to put BTJ in their flex spot, but don't be surprised if he struggles given the tough matchup and the natural volatility of rookie receivers.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Sep 13 11:00pm ET
Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields is set to make a second consecutive start in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos. Fields was not asked to do much in last week's season opener but looked solid, completing nearly 74% of his passes. Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith finished as the QB7 in Week 1 against the Broncos, who were decimated by Fields in 2023. The former Bear posted arguably the best passing performance of his NFL career when he faced Denver last season, throwing for 335 yards and four touchdowns with one interception. That said, Sunday's contest is projected to be incredibly low-scoring, so fantasy managers would be wise to temper their expectations for Fields and Pittsburgh's offense. Although his rushing ability puts him on the map as a streaming candidate in any format, Fields should be considered a high-end QB2 this week.

From RotoBaller

Ricky Pearsall Sep 13 10:30pm ET
Ricky Pearsall

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed Friday that wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has begun working out again. It's excellent news for the rookie -- who traveled with the team to Minnesota -- as he can now shift his focus to returning to the field for his NFL debut. "He started working out again," said Shanahan. "I think it was a weight room workout yesterday. He's back to conditioning, getting back into football shape, and getting back to healthy." Pearsall is just 13 days removed from narrowly escaping with his life after he was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery. The bullet exited his back, near his armpit -- miraculously missing bones and vital organs alike. The former first-round pick will presumably need time to get back up to speed, considering that he saw no preseason action due to a shoulder subluxation that has nagged him since the spring. San Francisco will square off against the Vikings this Sunday in their first road matchup of the season.

From RotoBaller

Greg Zuerlein Sep 13 10:20pm ET
Greg Zuerlein

New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein was quiet in a Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, attempting just one extra point in the Monday night game. He will look to get it going in Week 2's road matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee's defense was generous to fantasy kickers in 2023, allowing the most fantasy points per game to the position. That trend continued in Week 1 this season as they gave up three field goals to Cairo Santos, including a 50-yarder. Thanks to his plus matchup, Zuerlein can be trusted as a top-10 fantasy kicker against the Titans.

From RotoBaller