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.
Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 17
The Jacksonville Jaguars defense/special teams unit is a decent streaming option in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans. Last time they faced the Titans in Week 14, they only gave up 6 points and got two sacks. The Titans offense has been one of the friendliest to fantasy defenses this season, so the Jaguars D/ST is a better option than usual for fantasy championships. Unfortunately the defense is one of the worst in the NFL, so their upside is limited, but against the Titans turnover-prone offense, anything is possible. As long as they can stop the running game and force Mason Rudolph to beat them, they have a good shot of at least producing a solid fantasy day. However, there are definitely better defenses to start in fantasy championships in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller was the odds-on favorite to assume the role as the team's featured back after Alvin Kamara (groin) was declared out before Week 16. Unfortunately for Miller, that game turned into a blowout early on and the coaching staff pivoted to a two-minute offense that involved a surprisingly heavy dose of Jordan Mims. Miller finished the game with a 40% snap share to Mims' 43% and logged just 10 touches for a total of 31 yards from scrimmage. Miller is expected to sit atop the depth chart again in Week 17 but seeing how quickly the Saints moved away from him last week should give fantasy managers pause before entrusting him with a starting spot in the final week of fantasy football. Additionally, New Orleans will be missing starting linemen Erik McCoy (elbow) and Lucas Patrick (knee). Managers hoping to lock up a championship this weekend should weigh their alternatives before locking Miller in.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Jordan Mims was the team's unexpected leader in targets in Week 16, seeing eight passes come his way. That translated to merely 16 yards on five catches as rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler could do little but check down to the backup to spot starter Kendre Miller. Alvin Kamara (groin) is out another week, meaning Miller is likely to be in the RB1 slot once again with Mims and Jamaal Williams as the alternatives out of the backfield. Despite outsnapping Miller in Week 16, Mims can't be counted on to do the same on Sunday in the Saints' game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi clarified that Mims' involvement was due to the game getting out of hand so early, forcing the team to run a two-minute offense to give themselves a chance at keeping up. The Raiders don't pose the same threat which means we should see less of Mims in Week 17. He can remain on the wire.
From RotoBaller
The New Orleans Saints have listed wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest) as questionable for their Week 17 meeting with the Las Vegas Raiders. If he misses the game then the Saints' motley crew of other receivers including Kevin Austin Jr., Dante Pettis, and tight ends Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau are among the contenders to see some extra targets. Chris Olave (concussion) is also listed as questionable and if he makes his return on Sunday then he would immediately retake his position at the top of the depth chart. If MVS does play, he offers little upside for fantasy teams looking to lock up a championship this weekend. Spencer Rattler will get another start as Derek Carr (hand) is listed as out for the second straight week. Rattler's erratic performance in his handful of starts this year makes it hard to trust any of the Saints receivers in Week 17. Valdes-Scantling is an easy sit in the final week of the fantasy season.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end tied for the team lead in receptions in Week 16. That he did so with all of two catches should say something about how the offense fared last week. Moreau also led the team outright in receiving yards with 33, giving him roughly one-third of quarterback Spencer Rattler's 153 passing yards in the 34-0 loss at the hands of the Green Bay Packers. With Derek Carr (hand) out for another week, Rattler will draw another start on Sunday against Moreau's former team, the Las Vegas Raiders. In Rattler's five starts this season, Moreau has averaged two catches for 32.8 yards on 2.4 targets per game, leaving little hope that the rookie will look to his tight end for anything more than an occasional chunk gain. While this may be a "revenge game" for Moreau, he is unlikely to make an impact in fantasy. Managers vying for a championship this weekend would be wise to look elsewhere if they are in need of a tight end.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (foot) carries no designation heading into the team's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Johnson was a limited participant in practice on Thursday and listed as such in Wednesday's estimated report. He was able to participate in full on Friday. Quarterback Derek Carr (hand) will miss another week meaning rookie Spencer Rattler will be back under center. The inexperienced signal-caller might be expected to use his tight end as a safety net but in Rattler's five starts this year Johnson has averaged 2.6 receptions for 30.6 yards on 3.6 targets per game. The Raiders have given up the fifth-most yards and touchdowns to opposing tight ends in 2024 but the Saints' inability or unwillingness to work Johnson into a more consistent role makes him hard to trust as a starter in the final week of fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe was blanked in Week 16. It wasn't that he missed any kicks, it was the fact that the offense was never in a position to get him on the field in a 34-0 shellacking at the hands of the Green Bay Packers. When Grupe last saw scoring opportunities, in Week 15, he went two-for-two on field goals (from 41 and 51 yards out) and nailed his lone extra point. In Week 17, Grupe and the Saints face the Las Vegas Raiders, who have given up the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing kickers. Still, Grupe remains a risky option in fantasy football's championship round. With Derek Carr (hand) and Alvin Kamara (out) the Saints' offense could still be stuck in the mud come Sunday. New Orleans has averaged 12.8 points per game in rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler's five starts thus far. With most fantasy leagues whittled down to their final two teams, there should be safer alternatives on the wire to stream in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
With Derek Carr (hand) out another week, rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler has been named the starter by the New Orleans Saints for their Week 17 meeting with the Las Vegas Raiders. In five starts this season, Rattler has two touchdowns to three interceptions and has averaged 171.8 passing yards per game. He has also lost three fumbles. Rattler clearly needs more seasoning before he can truly take the reins of an NFL offense and the Saints are using this opportunity to get him some live reps. Despite a matchup against one of the worst teams in the league and the potential return of Chris Olave (concussion), there is no reason to roll the dice on Rattler suddenly putting it together. Even in two-QB leagues, Rattler should be avoided in fantasy football's championship round.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little should not be heavily considered by managers in fantasy championships in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans. The rookie kicker has had a solid season, but his fantasy output has been greatly limited by the Jaguars offense. When the Jaguars faced the Titans back in Week 14, they only scored 10 points, leading to a middling fantasy output for Little. He just lacks the proper upside fantasy managers should be looking for in a kicker. He has only hit double digits in three weeks, which came in Weeks 4, 5, and 15. While fantasy kickers are generally not taken seriously, every player matters when trying to win a fantasy championship. Given the inconsistent offense with Mac Jones under center and a tough defensive divisional matchup, there are many better options than Little in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington does not get the targets or have the big-play ability to be considered a reliable fantasy option in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans. The young receiver flashed back in Week 13 against the Houston Texans with a six catch, 103 yard, and a touchdown performance. Other than that, he hasn't done much this season even with injuries to Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis, and Evan Engram. Last week, Washington did put up six catches for 54 yards, but he isn't relied on enough by the already underwhelming Mac Jones. Washington seems to be competing for the second passing option behind Brian Thomas Jr. with Brenton Strange and Travis Etienne Jr. In an already limited offense, Washington lacks the consistent volume and upside to be worthy of starting in fantasy championships in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. is a decent start, but not ideal in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans. The 25-year-old back gets a slight boost in PPR, as his role while playing with Tank Bigsby seems to be the passing down back along with a random number of carries. Given how the Jaguars have oscillated between who gets more touches out of the backfield, it is hard to trust both Etienne Jr. or Bigsby. For example, when the Jaguars faced the Titans in Week 14, Etienne Jr. only got four carries, but the following week he got 14. The volume just isn't there for him to have much upside, making him not a great option for teams competing for a championship. While he has a chance for a decent fantasy day, Etienne Jr. is not an ideal flex option in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby has decent potential as a flex option, but is a bit touchdown reliant in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans. The second-year back out of Auburn has had an up-and-down season, having some big games and some letdown games. The main road block he has faced, besides small injuries, is the presence of Travis Etienne Jr. Bigsby has been the more explosive back and better by the goal line, but Etienne Jr. eats into his carry total and passing work. Bigsby has gotten double digit carries in each of his last three games, including 18 against the Titans in Week 14. He only averaged 3.1 yards per carry that game, but he did find the endzone. If Bigsby can improve his efficiency and find the endzone again, he could make for a decent flex in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is a must-start in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans. The rookie receiver has been sensational as of late, not caring how difficult his opponent is or who is throwing him the ball. Against the Titans in Week 14, BTJ put up eight catches for 86 yards. He didn't find the end zone, but he got double digit targets, which he has now gotten in four straight games. His big play ability combined with the huge talent gap between him and his target competition means his floor and ceiling are both high. As long as Mac Jones continues to pepper him with targets, the LSU product will remain a stud despite a difficult matchup. Out of all Jaguars offensive players, BTJ is easily the best one to have in lineups in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell led his team to their third win of the 2024-25 campaign by defeating the Jaguars in Week 16. However, it still wasn't the best fantasy showing, with the 26-year-old throwing for 257 yards while not finding any of his receivers in the end zone. With the Saints on tap for Week 17, O'Connell is hoping for a strong finish to the season in his next two appearances. Unfortunately, with only four touchdowns (and three interceptions) this season, O'Connell shouldn't be anywhere near a fantasy lineup in Week 17. That will remain the same for Week 18 as well.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones is not a great start in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans. The former Patriot had a solid outing last week against the Raiders, but he struggled mightily the last time he faced the Titans in Week 14. He threw two interceptions and no touchdowns, leading the team to just 10 points. Jones has flashed in some weeks, but the Titans stout pass defense is not likely to be one of those weeks. On the bright side, Jones does have exceptional rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. to throw the ball to, who happens to be a big play waiting to happen. If one of those plays were to happen, maybe Jones could have a decent fantasy day. Despite that, Jones is just too difficult to trust with fantasy championships on the line in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger hasn't had a great year. He's appeared in 15 games, catching only 12 passes for 116 yards. The 24-year-old also hasn't found the end zone since his rookie campaign. With Malik Nabers (toe) questionable for Sunday's game against the Colts, there's a good could be a few extra targets up for grabs. However, Bellinger isn't likely to be a beneficiary, and his outlook is even worse with Drew Lock under center.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson has already had the best season of his career. He's appeared in 15 games, catching 78 passes for 585 yards and two touchdowns. While the wideout has improved, he still hasn't been a productive fantasy option. However, with Malik Nabers (toe) questionable, Robinson may be in line for more work in Sunday's game against the Colts. When Nabers missed two games this season, Robinson combined for 11 catches. Granted, Darius Slayton was more productive in those contests. Yet, Robinson has flex potential if Nabers is ruled out, although his outlook isn't as favorable with Drew Lock under center.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton has had a down year. In 14 appearances, he has 38 catches for 541 yards and one touchdown. However, with Malik Nabers (toe) questionable for Sunday's meeting with the Colts, there's a good chance Slayton could get more involved. Nabers missed two games this season back in October. In those contests, Slayton combined for 22 targets. Granted things are much different at this point in the season for the Giants, with Drew Lock now under center. Yet, fantasy managers can consider Slayton at least a flex option if Nabers is ruled out, although his presence in fantasy lineups still wouldn't be without risk, especially with Lock playing so poorly.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary began the year as the team's No. 1 option out of the backfield. However, as the season progressed, he found himself behind Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle). With Tracy moving in the right direction, at least it seems, for Sunday's matchup with the Colts, there may not be enough room for Singletary to get involved. Granted, Tracy likely won't be fully healthy if he plays, so there's a chance Singletary could steal some touches. But with or without the rookie on the field, Singletary can't be trusted to occupy a spot in fantasy lineups in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick spent his entire career in Denver before injuries led him to his current team. While he was more productive with the Broncos, he has still played better than expected with the Lions. The 31-year-old has appeared in 14 games during the 2024-25 campaign, totaling 31 catches for 379 yards. But after amassing three touchdowns combined in meetings with the Packers and Bills, Patrick went cold against the Bears by failing to catch his only target. It's obvious Patrick can still play well. However, with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams on the field, Patrick could struggle to get anything going on Monday night versus the 49ers, making him an extremely risky fantasy option.
From RotoBaller