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
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 11
Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston completed 30 of his 46 passes for 395 yards and two touchdowns while adding an eight-yard run in a 35-14 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 11. The game was actually closer than the final score indicates as Winston and the Browns went into the fourth quarter tied with the Saints at 14-14 but New Orleans scored three straight touchdowns in the final quarter to seal the game. It was a strong showing from Winston, who found Jerry Jeudy for an 89-yard touchdown and Elijah Moore for a 30-yard score. Sitting on seven touchdowns and three interceptions this season, Winston will remain on the map as a QB2 heading into Week 12 against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Thursday night game.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (forearm) was ruled out prior to the conclusion of Sunday's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 30-year-old picked up the injury while tackling Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. late in the first half of Week 11. He finished the contest with five tackles, including one for loss. Anzalone was replaced in the lineup by Ben Niemann and Trevor Nowaske.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders running backs Zamir White (quad) and Alexander Mattison (ankle) both exited during Sunday's loss to the Miami Dolphins. The two running backs were listed as questionable in the waning minutes of the contest. White finished Week 11 with just five carries for nine yards and did not get involved as a receiver. Mattison also rushed five times, picking up 19 yards on the ground. He also caught all three of his targets for 50 yards through the air. Moving forward, Mattison is the only Raiders running back worth rostering in 12-team fantasy leagues. Even then, he's tough to trust in starting lineups given the weakened state of the Raiders' offense. Fantasy managers should, of course, continue to monitor both running backs' injury statuses ahead of Week 12 against the Denver Broncos.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (head) was taken to the locker room for concussion evaluation during the fourth quarter of Sunday's Week 11 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. At the moment, the Titans have not disclosed whether Spears was officially diagnosed with a concussion. Operating as the backup to Tony Pollard on Sunday, Spears registered three carries for zero yards on the ground. He also caught two of his three targets for an additional gain of eight yards through the air. Fantasy managers should monitor Spears' status going forward, but Pollard continues to be the only Tennessee running back worth starting in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring) has been ruled out for the remainder of Week 11 versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. This is a crushing loss for the Ravens given that Smith led the team in total tackles and tackles for loss at the time of his departure on Sunday. The veteran defender finishes the divisional battle with 13 total tackles, including two tackles for loss. Malik Harrison projects to earn more snaps for the duration of Smith's absence.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (cramps) exited during the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans and is officially questionable to return. At the time of his departure, he had caught three of his eight targets for 61 yards and one touchdown. Even if Addison doesn't return in Week 11, fantasy managers should feel confident about his ability to recover and be available for the Vikings next weekend in Chicago. He continues to rank as an intriguing WR3/FLEX option in most fantasy leagues. In the meantime, Jalen Nailor will step up as the Vikings' No. 2 wide receiver behind Justin Jefferson.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans linebacker Jack Gibbens (ankle) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's Week 11 contest against the Minnesota Vikings. Gibbens was carted off the field in the third quarter. He had not registered a tackle prior to his departure. Jerome Baker should see increased defensive snaps for the duration of Gibbens' absence.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (knee) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions. Davis finished Week 11 with three targets, one catch, and three receiving yards. The Jaguars are shorthanded on offense with Trevor Lawrence (shoulder), Tank Bigsby (ankle), and Christian Kirk (sidelined), and now Davis joins that list. Brian Thomas Jr. and Parker Washington will step up as Jacksonville's top receivers until the 25-year-old can return.
From RotoBaller
Updating a previous report, Green Bay Packers CB Jaire Alexander (knee) will not return to the Week 11 game because of his knee injury.
From TheHuddle
Buffalo Bills WR Amari Cooper (wrist) is officially active for the Week 11 game.
Fantasy Spin: Cooper likely will see a handful of targets this week against the Kansas City Chiefs and can be at least a flex option in most fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) left Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears with a knee injury, and the team has listed him as questionable to return. With the injury coming in the second half, the team could play it safe and keep him on the sidelines. Corey Ballentine is the next man up on the depth chart and will try to secure a division win.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiverAmari Cooper(wrist) is officially active for Sunday's Week 11 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Cooper had been listed as questionable and was seen wearing a cast prior to kickoff, but the expectation was that he'd be able to play. We previously heard from ESPN's Adam Schefter that Cooper would be active but might have a reduced workload in his return from a two-game absence. As a result, fantasy managers should feel comfortable deploying Cooper as nothing more than a WR3/FLEX. He has been productive when healthy, but a potential snap count or partial decoy role could limit some of his upside on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
The San Francisco 49ers have declared DT Kevin Givens, DT Khalil Davis, OG Ben Bartch, WR Ronnie Bell, CB Charvarius Ward and TE George Kittle inactive for Week 11.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle (hamstring) has been declared inactive for the Week 11 game.
Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players should keep an eye on the situation to see how long Kittle will be sidelined. Players could not consider starting any of the other 49ers tight ends this week, but Ricky Pearsall may see a boost in value and could be a possible flex option in some leagues.
From TheHuddle
Updating a previous report, Cleveland Browns CB Denzel Ward (chest) has been able to return to the Week 11 game after missing some time because of a chest injury.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (hamstring) is officially deemed inactive for the Week 11 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks. He was already not expected to play, so it doesn't come as too much of a surprise. That leaves Eric Saubert as the next man up. Deebo Samuel Sr., Jauan Jennings, and Christian McCaffrey could also see some added targets.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) and edge rusher Nick Bosa (hip) have both been ruled active ahead of their Week 11 matchup against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. Williams has constantly been a key piece to the offensive line and the pass protection for quarterback Brock Purdy, while Bosa is just as important on the other side of the ball for the defense. Having two major pieces ruled active is a big relief for a 49ers team that will be without tight end George Kittle (hamstring) on offense.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions LB Alex Anzalone (forearm) suffered a forearm injury during the Week 11 game and is considered questionable to return.
From TheHuddle
Green Bay Packers CB Jaire Alexander (knee) suffered a knee injury during the Week 11 game and is considered questionable to return.
From TheHuddle
The Atlanta Falcons have declared CB Antonio Hamilton, LB JD Bertrand, CB Dee Alford, LB Troy Andersen, OT Brandon Parker, CB Mike Hughes and TE Charlie Woerner inactive for Week 11.
From TheHuddle
