TE Strength of Schedule
Tue Jun 11 11:11am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Bowers could have big year one
Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the tight end position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to tight ends last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the tight ends with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the tight ends that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.
| TE SOS | ||
| 1. | Cincinnati Bengals | 186.39 |
| 2. | Miami Dolphins | 193.98 |
| 3. | Philadelphia Eagles | 196.38 |
| 4. | Washington Commanders | 197.75 |
| 5. | Houston Texans | 198.15 |
| 6. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 199.18 |
| 7. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 199.68 |
| 8. | New York Giants | 201 |
| 9. | Dallas Cowboys | 201.18 |
| 10. | Los Angeles Rams | 201.38 |
| 11. | Buffalo Bills | 201.39 |
| 12. | Chicago Bears | 201.66 |
| 13. | Arizona Cardinals | 201.76 |
| 14. | New York Jets | 202.56 |
| 15. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 202.86 |
| 16. | Baltimore Ravens | 203.04 |
| 17. | Denver Broncos | 203.95 |
| 18. | Los Angeles Chargers | 204.02 |
| 19. | Atlanta Falcons | 204.25 |
| 20. | Cleveland Browns | 204.59 |
| 21. | New Orleans Saints | 205.62 |
| 22. | Seattle Seahawks | 205.73 |
| 23. | San Francisco 49ers | 206.80 |
| 24. | Indianapolis Colts | 206.89 |
| 25. | Detroit Lions | 207.92 |
| 26. | New England Patriots | 208.23 |
| 27. | Kansas City Chiefs | 210.92 |
| 28. | Tennessee Titans | 211.44 |
| 29. | Green Bay Packers | 212.07 |
| 30. | Minnesota Vikings | 212.23 |
| 31. | Carolina Panthers | 213.66 |
| 32. | Las Vegas Raiders | 213.81 |
A rookie led fantasy tight ends in scoring last year and the top rated rookie tight end this year gets the easiest fantasy schedule for tight end. Brock Browers and the Raiders have the most favorable schedule for tight ends. Sam LaPorta showed last year that a rookie can make an immediate fantasy impact, so don’t discount Browers to have big-time success in year one. He certainly looks the part of an elite tight end.
Another rookie with a good chance to start has the second easiest schedule for tight ends. Panthers tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders will compete with Tommy Tremble to start, but should emerge and be the top pass-catching tight end. He is looking like a good late-round gamble for fantasy teams.
The Vikings, Packers and Titans round out the top-five most favorable schedules for tight ends. T.J. Hockenson would be looking like a great pick if he wasn’t returning from a major injury. He is no sure thing to play early in the year. But once he is healthy, he could help fantasy teams in a big way once again.
Green Bay is likely to have Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft split a lot of the work at tight end, hurting both their value. They could produce some big games along the way, though, making them decent No. 2 fantasy tight ends this season. Both produced well in an expanded role last year.
Lastly, Chin Okonkwo didn’t quite have the breakout season many hoped last year, but he wasn’t bad by any means. Maybe he gets a few more chances this year and has some bigger games along the way with this favorable schedule. He is another decent tight end to grab as your backup.
The teams that top the list for toughest fantasy tight end schedules are teams that haven’t really utilized the tight end much in recent seasons. The Bengals have the toughest schedule followed bye the Dolphins. Mike Gesicki is the starter for the Bengals, but probably isn’t worth the risk with this schedule and the Bengals recent track record with tight ends.
Miami uses their tight ends to block more than anything in their offense. They have the occasional big game, but Jonnu Smith is going to be a risky weekly fantasy play. He would have looked much better landing with a different team.
There are a couple big-time fantasy tight ends that have unfavorable schedules. Dallas Goedert has the third toughest schedule. Goedert can be a little hit or miss to begin with in this offense, so this schedule gives him a little more concern. You might want to pass on him come draft day and go with another elite tight end with a better schedule and more consistency.
Dalton Schultz is the other elite tight end with a top-five unfavorable schedule. Schultz had a big first season with the Texans, becoming a favorite target of C.J. Stroud. He should get the targets this year. But he has a challenging schedule and more to compete with for targets, so his consistency might be a little off this year compared to last.
We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy tight ends. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the tight ends with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big-money contests.
| TE PLAYOFF SOS | ||
| 1. | Atlanta Falcons | 175 |
| 2. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 182.37 |
| 3. | Philadelphia Eagles | 184.73 |
| 4. | Arizona Cardinals | 187.67 |
| 5. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 187.77 |
| 6. | New England Patriots | 189.83 |
| 7. | Miami Dolphins | 190.37 |
| 8. | New Orleans Saints | 191.3 |
| 9. | Los Angeles Rams | 192.17 |
| 10. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 192.43 |
| 11. | Cincinnati Bengals | 196.1 |
| 12. | Detroit Lions | 196.12 |
| 13. | Houston Texans | 196.2 |
| 14. | Indianapolis Colts | 198.97 |
| 15. | Buffalo Bills | 199.63 |
| 16. | Kansas City Chiefs | 203.03 |
| 17. | New York Jets | 204.13 |
| 18. | Carolina Panthers | 205.7 |
| 19. | Baltimore Ravens | 205.9 |
| 20. | Green Bay Packers | 207.7 |
| 21. | Chicago Bears | 213.73 |
| 22. | New York Giants | 214.27 |
| 23. | Seattle Seahawks | 214.72 |
| 24. | Cleveland Browns | 214.97 |
| 25. | Dallas Cowboys | 215.8 |
| 26. | Las Vegas Raiders | 219.4 |
| 27. | Washington Commanders | 220.13 |
| 28. | Denver Broncos | 220.8 |
| 29. | Minnesota Vikings | 221.72 |
| 30. | Tennessee Titans | 223.73 |
| 31. | San Francisco 49ers | 225.53 |
| 32. | Los Angeles Chargers | 228.53 |
The Titans and Vikings are the only two teams with the most favorable fantasy schedule for tight ends during the regular season and playoffs. Hockenson is the intriguing one because he might not be fully healthy until late in the season. So while he might not be a huge fantasy factor for the regular season, Hockenson might be a difference maker in the playoffs.
Okonkwo is looking like a player worth grabbing as a No. 2 fantasy tight end, especially if you have an established starter ahead of him. Okonkwo has a high fantasy ceiling for the coming year because of a schedule that could facilitate a breakout season for him.
The Chargers actually have the best fantasy playoff schedule for tight ends. Donald Parham is the likely starter and has some potential in an offense looking for playmakers in the passing game. This could be his best season to date, making him an intriguing late-round gamble.
George Kittle is the biggest name on the list for top-five favorable fantasy tight end playoff schedules. He is going to produce big and could be even better down the stretch with a schedule setup for success.
The Falcons have the most challenging playoff schedule for fantasy tight ends. This is not good news for Kyle Pitts. He is already a polarizing fantasy player, so this schedule won’t do him any favors to get in good graces with more fantasy owners. Many think he could finally turn things around this year with a new coaching staff in place, but nothing is certain with this situation. Pitts could be a boom or bust pick once again.
The Eagles are the only team on both the top five most difficult fantasy schedules for tight ends for the regular season and playoffs. Goedert is looking like a player you might want to let someone else grab come draft day. There are a lot of good, young options at tight end this year. Going with one of those guys over Goedert might be the play on draft day.
Trey McBride is a favorite for many fantasy owners this year for a breakout season. He had a huge finish to last year and is shooting up draft boards. We wouldn’t avoid him come draft day because he has the fourth toughest fantasy playoff schedule. It is a little bit of a concern, but not a huge red flag for the talented tight end. Maybe just prepare for his numbers to dip a tad during the playoffs.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
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The Paur Report
Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 11
The Tennessee Titans have released safety Mike Edwards, according to Jim Wyatt of the team's official website. Edwards signed with the Titans just one week ago after being granted his release by the Buffalo Bills. While Edwards sought a fresh opportunity elsewhere, his stint in Tennessee proved to be quite short-lived. He was inactive during his only game as a Titan last weekend, and prior to that, he had only played seven snaps for the Bills in 2024. Edwards will now hit free agency for the second time this month.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Harrison Bryant (ankle) did not participate in practice on Wednesday. Bryant has filled a depth role in Las Vegas season, catching just nine passes for 86 yards through eight games. Although the 26-year-old has been serving as the backup to Brock Bowers recently, he'll drop down to No. 3 on the depth chart with the imminent return of Michael Mayer (personal). Between ranking third on the depth chart and battling a significant ankle issue, Bryant can be avoided in all fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler is expected to revert to the No.2 spot on the depth chart on Thursday evening but is still a viable flex option in PPR formats, facing the Philadelphia Eagles. Over the past two weeks, Ekeler has operated as the lead option out of the backfield in Washington. During this small stint, he scored three times, averaging 17.7 PPR points per game. However, with Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) slated to return, fantasy managers should expect Ekeler to return to his third-down role. During Weeks 1 through 8, Ekeler eclipsed double-digit PPR points in five straight games and caught at least two passes in each contest. With a high implied point total (48.5), fantasy managers could expect this game to open up, which could set the 29-year-old up for several pass-catching opportunities, making him a flex option in PPR formats.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin should be poised for another productive showing on Thursday evening against the Philadelphia Eagles. Since Week 3, McLaurin has been one of the top wideouts in fantasy as he has averaged 17.8 PPR points per game during this span while scoring six total touchdowns. In addition, he has seen 6.8 targets per game in the stretch, with 84.0 yards per game. Last weekend, McLaurin tallied over 100+ scrimmage yards for the fourth time this season. Even though he will face a tough Philadelphia secondary that has allowed the 12th-fewest PPR points to opposing wideouts, this game should open up given how explosive both offenses can be, which sets up McLaurin well for another strong outing.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown should be viewed as a risky flex option in Week 11 facing the Philadelphia Eagles. After enjoying two solid showings in Weeks 8 and 9, Brown took a step back last weekend as he tallied only 33 yards and 6.3 PPR points against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite the poor output, Brown has continued to see consistent looks from rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Since Week 6, Brown has seen at least six targets in all but one game and a high of eight. While both the Eagles and Commanders could light up the scoresheet on Thursday, Brown still carries some inherent risk as he has fallen below double-digit PPR points in three of his past five games making him a flex option with risk.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver (hand, wrist) was officially listed as limited in the team's first practice of Week 11. The 27-year-old has dealt with a wrist issue for weeks at this point, but it hasn't forced him to miss any in-game action. However, the hand designation is news as it had not been previously mentioned on the team's injury report. That he could practice in a limited fashion is likely good news for his status this Sunday when the team squares off against the Tennessee Titans. Still, he'll have two more opportunities to elevate his participation before the road tilt. Oliver was used a decent amount in Week 10's 12-7 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars (4/52 on six targets) despite teammate T.J. Hockenson's increased involvement in the offense (8/72 on nine targets). If he can't play this coming Sunday, TE Johnny Mundt figures to pick up more snaps when the team travels to Nashville.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz should be viewed as a low-end TE1 heading into a Week 11 tilt against the Philadelphia Eagles. Last weekend, the veteran tight end saw a team-high in targets, which was an excellent bounce-back showing for him as he saw just one in Week 9. Since Week 6, Ertz has scored double-digit PPR points in three games and caught at least four passes in all but one. With Washington lacking a proven No.2 wideout, Ertz has seen consistent targets throughout the season. Even though he is facing a tough Eagles defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest PPR points to opposing tight ends this season, Ertz should still see a solid workload, making him a low-end starting option in PPR formats.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert (hip) has been ruled out for Thursday's contest, which will likely result in Zane Gonzalez getting the call from the practice squad. Gonzalez also served as the starting option last weekend and hit both of his attempts and all three of his extra points. With how impressive the Washington offense has looked this season, Gonzalez should be given ample scoring opportunities on Thursday. However, given his career 80.9% FG%, he does carry some inherent risk playing on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles. Fantasy managers looking to stream a kicker should look elsewhere this week for a more stable contributor.
From RotoBaller
Per Brooke Pryor of ESPN, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (quad) was officially a non-participant for the team's first practice ahead of Week 11. The fifth-year wideout is a new addition to the injury report, as he seemingly picked up a quad ailment sometime between Sunday's victory over the Washington Commanders and Wednesday. Jefferson may have sustained the injury during the win. However, it did not seem to hamper him as he operated in his typical capacity as Pittsburgh's WR2 despite not recording a reception. The severity of the injury is unknown, but head coach Mike Tomlin did not comment on the 28-year-old, suggesting it might not be that big a deal. If the former Florida Gator can't suit up for this weekend's divisional clash against the Baltimore Ravens, it would open the door for newly acquired wideout Mike Williams to see an uptick in usage.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels should be poised to bounce back on Thursday evening against the Philadelphia Eagles. Last weekend against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Daniels scored a season-low 10.6 PPR points and tallied just 202 passing yards with no scores. However, in his previous two games, the LSU product averaged 23.8 PPR points in each contest, with 267.5 passing yards and 43.5 rushing yards in each game. Even though the Eagles have surrendered the fourth-fewest PPR points to opposing QBs, given the hefty 48.5-point total, the Commanders may need to force the ball downfield to keep up with a potent Philadelphia offense setting up Daniels for a productive showing.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) does not carry an injury designation and is expected to return to the field on Thursday evening to face the Philadelphia Eagles. Robinson has missed the past two weeks with a hamstring injury and ceded No.1 duties to Austin Ekeler. Before his injury, Robinson enjoyed a solid start to the campaign as he tallied six touchdowns in seven contests, averaging 14.1 PPR points per game. Robinson has consistently seen the goal line work all season, putting him high-scoring chances weekly. Even though he is facing a tough Eagles defense that has allowed the second-fewest PPR points to opposing RBs, Robinson should see a heavy workload and prime scoring opportunities.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers defensive back Jaire Alexander (knee) was listed as a limited participant in the team's first practice of the week, as reported by Bill Huber of SI.com. The former first-round pick sat out of the team's 24-14 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 9 after a week's worth of DNPs. However, it appears he's made progress after the Packers' Week 10 bye, at least able to log a limited session ahead of Green Bay's road tilt against the Chicago Bears. It's a good sign for his status this Sunday. If Alexander is forced to miss more time, fellow defensive backs Eric Stokes and Carrington Valentine will continue to see an uptick in snaps. Keep an eye on his status moving forward, as his practice participation over the next few days should give us a better idea of his health.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds (finger) returned to practice on Wednesday, opening his 21-day practice window. Ryan McFadden of The Denver Post reported the news. The 29-year-old wideout was on the shelf for the last month when the Broncos placed him on injured reserve due to a broken finger. Reynolds was also the victim of a shooting not six days later. However, the Texas A&M product was able to log a full session in the team's first practice ahead of Week 11, suggesting that his return could come sooner rather than later. When Reynolds is activated, one of his fellow wideouts, Lil'Jordan Humphrey, Troy Franklin, and Devaughn Vele, will see their playing time cut; though, who that will be remains to be seen.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos practice squad FB Michael Burton was signed to the 53-man roster Wednesday, Nov. 13. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
From TheHuddle
Seattle Seahawks TE Brady Russell (foot), DE Leonard Williams (foot) and C Connor Williams (non-injury) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 13. OT Abraham Lucas (knee) and LB Boye Mafe (knee) were limited during practice. LB Dre'Mont Jones (shoulder) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle (hamstring) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 13.
Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players should monitor the situation to see if Kittle will be available for the Week 11 game. He has caught a touchdown in six of his last seven games and will continue to see a good amount of targets each game. He is a weekly starting option in all leagues.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) was limited during practice Wednesday, Nov. 13.
Fantasy Spin: McCaffrey made his season debut last and finished with 107 total yards. He will continue to be involved in both the running and passing games for the 49ers and should be a weekly starting option in all fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Chargers TE Hayden Hurst (non-injury) and LB Khalil Mack (groin) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 13. LB Joey Bosa (hip), CB Kristian Fulton (hamstring), LB Daiyan Henley (illness), CB Deane Leonard (hamstring), OT Trey Pipkins (ankle) and TE Stone Smartt (ankle) were limited during practice.
From TheHuddle
Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (groin) was unable to practice with the rest of the team on Wednesday in the first practice of the week coming out of the bye. Fant suffered a groin injury in the Week 8 loss to the Buffalo Bills and did not play in the Week 9 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. The 26-year-old most likely would have sat out in Week 10 if the team wasn't on bye, and the fact that he's still not practicing is a bad sign for his availability in this Sunday's divisional contest versus the San Francisco 49ers. Fantasy managers shouldn't be expecting Fant to suit up in Week 11. With Fant sidelined in Week 9, tight end AJ Barner had a bigger role on offense and finished with four catches on seven targets for 27 yards. Barner will once again see more snaps if Fant is inactive, but fantasy managers should consider him a highly volatile TE2.
From RotoBaller
After injuring his ankle in the Week 10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (ankle) was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice. In addition, fellow back D'Ernest Johnson (hamstring) was limited. After re-entering the game on Sunday, Bigsby only saw two offensive snaps the rest of the way and could be in danger of sitting out this Sunday versus the Detroit Lions. The 23-year-old second year back has been more efficient than backfield mate Travis Etienne Jr. this year, averaging 5.5 yards per carry while putting up 519 rushing yards and four TDs in 10 games. However, his injury is now a concern this week and the fantasy upside of all of Jacksonville's offensive weapons will take a pretty big hit as long as quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) is out. Bigsby is currently lining up as a shaky RB3/flex this week for fantasy managers.
