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.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pick Em Picks: Week 6
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 6
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 6
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 6
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 6
- Broncos CB Patrick Surtain II (concussion) exits vs. Chargers
- CB Darius Slay among three Eagles starters out with injuries
- Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. out with concussion
- Saints WR Chris Olave (concussion) ruled out vs. Bucs
- Colts' Joe Flacco to start vs. Titans
- Ravens vs. Commanders: Betting Trends, Prop Picks, Prediction
- Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers downgraded to doubtful
- Chargers put CB Asante Samuel Jr., RB Gus Edwards on IR
- Lions sign RB David Montgomery to extension through 2027
- Jets rule out CB Michael Carter II, LB C.J. Mosley could return
- Roger Goodell talks kickoff rules, Super Bowl outside U.S.
- Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) out vs. Ravens
- Steelers RB Jaylen Warren in vs. Raiders; DE DeMarvin Leal on IR
- Jaguars owner on Doug Pederson, GM: 'I still believe in them'
- Bills coach: RB James Cook (toe) to be questionable vs. Jets
- Giants to sign P Matt Haack as injury sub
- 49ers WR Ricky Pearsall returning to practice after shooting
- NFL, NFLPA back Josh Allen's concussion check
- Robert Kraft: Jabril Peppers "gone" if domestic violence allegations are true
- Packers WR Romeo Doubs addresses suspension
- Fantasy Six Pack: Dynasty Football Early Rookie Check-Up | Jayden Daniels and Brock Bowers Excelling
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Players to Stash Week 6 | Shake Rattler and Roll
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Week 6 Preview
- Fantasy Life: Best Bets for Sunday Night Football: Giants vs. Bengals
- Fantasy Life: Week 6 Best Bet: Are You on Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos?
- Fantasy Life: Week 6 Fantasy Football Injury Roundup: Anthony Richardson Sits
- Fantasy Life: Injuries Force More Week 6 Start/Sit Decisions
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Basketball Centers for 2024: Targets and Fades
- Fantasy Life: Sunday Blitz 2.0: Notes For The Week 6 4 PM Slate
The Paur Report
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 6
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin was seemingly unstoppable on the field during Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. The veteran wideout had taken a backseat to Mike Evans lately, but had another breakout performance this weekend. Godwin hauled in 11-of-13 targets for 125 yards and two touchdowns in the win. Godwin has been a consistent option all season long with five receptions or more in every game. He has also posted 53 receiving yards or more in all six games. The move back to the slot as done a tremendous amount of good to Godwin's game. He'll be a WR1 for next week's game against the Baltimore Ravens.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving made his first career start during Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. The rookie back did a nice job in place of lead back Rachaad White (foot) on Sunday. He rushed 14 times for 81 yards and a touchdown in the win. He was outshined by fellow back Sean Tucker who rushed for 136 yards with two scores. Despite that, Irving has made a strong push to be the full-time starter, but White and Tucker should both remain in the mix. Irving continues to impress on a weekly basis and should be in the RB2 conversation for next week's matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft was the odd man out from the big production in the Packers' 34-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6. Kraft, who had been the overall TE1 the last two weeks in fantasy football, was kept to a relatively quiet day, bringing in just two receptions on four targets for 13 yards. He also added a rushing attempt for two yards as he watched Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, and Jayden Reed score receiving touchdowns from quarterback Jordan Love, who had four touchdown throws on the day. With the returning weapons back in the lineup for the Packers, it was possible that the targets would be spread out once again and that's exactly what happened as 10 Packers notched at least one target. Even after a quiet game from Kraft, he's still a low-end TE1 option when the Packers stay home to face the Houston Texans in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker shocked everybody with his incredible performance on the ground during Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. The Bucs decided to split up the running back role on Sunday with Rachaad White (toe) being inactive. Both backs played well, but Tucker was nearly unstoppable on the field. He rushed 14 times for 136 yards and a touchdown in the win. He also added three receptions for 56 yards and an additional score through the air. Tucker was fairly unknown coming into this game, but will now be one of the most popular adds on the waiver wire. It's unclear if White will be back next week, but regardless he has struggled on the ground. Tucker has earned his way into the rotation, but Bucky Irving isn't going away anytime soon. Tucker is worth adding for fantasy managers in desperate need of help, but it's unlikely he tops this performance anytime soon.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed led the Packers with six targets and put a touchdown on the board as the Packers handled the Arizona Cardinals 34-13 in Week 6. Reed scored the first points of the game with five-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Jordan Love. In the first half, Reed hurt his ankle, was deemed questionable to return but came back into the game. Reed caught all six of his targets for 28 yards plus a score and had a rushing attempt for no gain. While Reed didn't have an extraordinary day on the stat sheet, he saved his day with that first-quarter touchdown and should have a better day when the Packers host the Houston Texans in Week 7. Consider Reed a low-end WR1 for that matchup.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (shoulder) didn't return to Sunday's meeting with the Arizona Cardinals. After the game, the wideout reported that while he was in pain, he just had issues moving it after the injury. Fortunately, he classified himself as "day to day" with a "sprain," adding he's "going to be good" for the Week 7 matchup versus the Houston Texans. Of course, fantasy managers will monitor his condition throughout the week. But if he can't suit up, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Romeo Doubs will likely split the leftover targets from Jordan Love.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield had a rollercoaster of a game during Sunday's contest against the New Orleans Saints. Mayfield marched down the field on tossed a touchdown to Chris Godwin on the opening drive. The Bucs returned a fumble for a touchdown and Mayfield led his team to a field goal on the next drive. After that, Mayfield threw three interceptions on the next four drives. He settled down in the second half and picked apart the Saints defense to help salvage his fantasy value. Mayfield completed 24-of-36 passing attempts for 325 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions in the win. It wasn't a pretty game for Mayfield, but he still gave fantasy managers a solid outing. He'll need to clean it up for the Week 7 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Mayfield should remain in the QB1 conversation for that one.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (ankle) was questionable on the injury report this week but played, led the Packers in receiving yards, and added a touchdown reception as the Packers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 34-13. Watson reeled in three receptions on four targets for a team-leading 68 yards, including a 44-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter where Watson dusted his defender and quarterback Jordan Love put the ball on him for an easy touchdown. Watson has a lot of competition for targets and the production falls to different players each week. Because of that, that puts Watson into low-end flex territory for fantasy managers as the Packers host the Houston Texans in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
The Cleveland Browns D/ST turned in a solid effort in a 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. Cleveland notched one sack and got a 50-yard touchdown return from Rodney McLeod Jr. on a blocked field goal. The Browns were solid against a good Eagles offense, holding them to two touchdowns and two field goals in the close loss. The Browns were led by McLeod, who in addition to scoring the team's only touchdown, notched eight solo tackles and also broke up a pass. The Browns defense will have another tough task on hand in Week 7 as they welcome the Cincinnati Bengals to Cleveland.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs found the end zone twice in the Packers' 34-13 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6. After a Week 5 where Doubs was suspended for one game for conduct detrimental to the team, Doubs put up a three-catch, 49-yard effort on four targets plus two touchdown catches from quarterback Jordan Love in Week 6. Doubs' first score came in the second quarter with a 10-yard snag on the sideline where he dove to get the ball across the goal line. The second touchdown came on a pressured blitz where Love throw a pass on his back foot and Doubs adjusted to make the catch and get across the goal line. With the Packers staying home and hosting the Houston Texans in Week 7, consider Doubs a flex option for fantasy lineups.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku caught five of his seven targets for 31 yards in a 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. Njoku has dealt with ankle and knee injuries this season but he ultimately suited up while leading the team in targets and catches in the close loss to Philly. The Browns haven't gotten much out of any of their receivers this season so the opportunity for Njoku to become a big part of the Cleveland offense is there. Njoku will look to keep it going in Week 7 when he heads back home to take on the Cincinnati Bengals.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins made three of his four field goals and added an extra point in a 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. Hopkins hit field goals from 43, 49, and 31 yards out while missing from 52 yards out in the close loss. The veteran kicker has been a reliable source of points for the Browns in 2024, hitting 10 of his 12 field-goal tries and adding seven extra points. Hopkins will look to keep it going in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals at home.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert went 3-for-4 on attempts and 2-for-2 on extra points in their Week 6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Seibert converted on his first 50+ yard attempt as a Commander from 55 yards out. Seibert's only miss was from 52 yards out, as the kick was blocked. The 27-year-old journeyman has missed only one field goal attempt since moving to the DMV in Week 2. Given how productive the Commanders offense has been, Seibert is worth adding in all formats, as he should have another productive afternoon next weekend, facing the Carolina Panthers.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II (concussion) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. He initially exited early in the first quarter and did not return. At the time of his departure, he had registered one pass defended. Surtain has been dominant so far this year, so his absence is bad news for Denver in this week's divisional battle with the Chargers. Tremon Smith and Levi Wallace should see additional opportunities for the remainder of Week 6 and until Surtain can return to the mix.
From RotoBaller
Upon returning from a hamstring injury, Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce had his best game in more than a year during a 41-21 victory at New England, finishing with 76 rushing yards and a touchdown on just eight carries. The third-year back also added one catch for one yard, but compiled most of his fantasy points on a 54-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter. Sunday marked the Florida product's highest rushing total since going for 81 yards in Week 4 of the 2023 season. Running back Joe Mixon is still the clear top option in Houston, so Pierce's usage with a big lead against a bad team could be an aberration. Houston will take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (ankle) exited during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. He is officially listed as questionable to return. At the time of his departure, the young pass-catcher had caught two passes for 14 yards. Josh Palmer and Ladd McConkey should see additional opportunities with Johnston sidelined.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels went 24-for-35 with 269 yards and two scores in their loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He added 22 yards on six rushing attempts and did not throw an interception. This was a season-high passing total for the former second-overall pick, but he could not win his fifth-straight game. Daniels found his top wideout, Terry McLaurin, for two scores in the red zone. Fantasy managers should continue to start Daniels in all formats as he takes on the Carolina Panthers next weekend, who have allowed the 25th-most points to opposing QBs.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler had a poor showing on the ground as he ran for only 21 yards on nine carries in Week 6. Ekeler was pushed to the top of the depth chart with Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) inactive but did not produce a high rushing total. Fortunately, Ekeler salvaged his fantasy day in the receiving game as he caught four passes (off of five targets) for 47 yards. Even as the lead back, Ekeler showcased his value in PPR formats but remains a tough player to trust in standard leagues. Fantasy managers should continue to view the 29-year-old as a low-end flex player in PPR leagues heading into Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love accounted for all four touchdowns as the Packers handily defeated the Arizona Cardinals 34-13 in Week 6. Love tossed four touchdowns and was 22-of-32 for 258 yards while adding 13 rushing yards on the ground. Love got the scoring started with a five-yard touchdown to Jayden Reed in the first quarter, and then got the returning Romeo Doubs involved with a 10-yard touchdown. With a 44-yard strike to Christian Watson and a second touchdown to Doubs in the third quarter, Love was on the money with his wide receivers all day and fantasy managers had to be smiling. With Love's quality outing, there's no doubt that he should be considered anything other than a must-start fantasy option as the Packers stay home to host the incoming Houston Texans in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin caught six of his seven targets for 53 yards and two scores in their Week 6 loss. McLaurin had a modest day from a yardage standpoint but made an impact in the red zone as he caught both a seven and a six-yard pass for scores. After getting off to a slow start to the season, the Ohio State product has now eclipsed double-digit PPR points in every game since Week 3 and has emerged as a solid WR2. McLaurin should remain locked into all lineups heading into Week 7, as he faces a Carolina defense that has surrendered the 26th-most points to opposing wideouts.
From RotoBaller
