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
Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill has struggled to produce over the last few weeks. The 27-year-old had a couple big fantasy performances, but has mostly been quiet this season. Hill has been barely involved in the rushing game, so his best chance to do damage is in the receiving game. Fellow back Keaton Mitchell figures to be in the mix for the Week 11 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. It's hard to imagine Hill having a significant role in the offense with Derrick Henry healthy. Hill is still worth stashing in certain formats, but won't be a starting option for Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 11 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Pacheco continues to work his way back from a broken leg he suffered in Week 2. He was limited in practice this week, so it sounds like he's trending in the right direction. The expectation is that Pacheco will return in Week 12 against the Carolina Panthers. This would give the young back a plus matchup for his first game back on the field. It's uncertain if the team plans to put him on a snap count if he plays next week. Until then, Kareem Hunt will continue being the lead back in KC for at least one more week.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey has taken a value hit after his hot start to the season given the current state of the offense without quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring). Aubrey's chances to score points are limited with the offense's recent struggles, and that should not change ahead of Monday night's matchup with the Houston Texans. He drilled two field goals last week against Philadelphia, scoring the Cowboys' only points in the game. Look elsewhere for a kicker in Week 11 given Aubrey's low ceiling.
From RotoBaller
The Dallas Cowboys' defense has been one of the worst units in the league this season, even after getting linebacker Micah Parsons back last week. They surrendered 34 points to Philadelphia last week and are averaging 34.5 points given up per game in the previous four games. They play Houston on Monday night in what is a perfect get-right game for an offense that is getting healthy with receiver Nico Collins expected to return to action. Even after stuffing the stat sheet with five sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception last week, the Dallas defense should be avoided until proven otherwise.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd (back) appears to be trending in the right direction ahead of the Week 11 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Boyd was a late addition to the injury report as he was added on Saturday due to a back issue. It sounds like the organization is hopeful that Boyd can play, but he hasn't done much on the field lately anyway. Boyd hasn't drawn a target since Week 8 and is barely on the fantasy radar for Week 11. If he sits, Calvin Ridley and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine would see more involvement in the offense on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush is entrenched as the starter for another week heading into Monday night's matchup with the Houston Texans. It is a mid-range matchup, as Houston ranks 19th against opposing quarterbacks, but Rush grades as a QB3 given how inefficient he has been this season and the potential of Trey Lance replacing him at any given moment. Rush was a full participant in practice all week with a neck injury. It is also worth noting that CeeDee Lamb (back) popped up on Saturday's injury report. While Mike McCarthy noted that Lamb's injury should not impact his game status, he still has a questionable tag which further downgrades Rush's outlook for Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott has been a non-factor from a fantasy standpoint in 2024, and that should not change ahead of Monday night's matchup with the Houston Texans. Head coach Mike McCarthy stated earlier this week that the backfield is no longer a committee with Rico Dowdle operating as the main back. This should result in even less touches for Elliott, who was already averaging just 7.6 touches per game. In an inefficient Dallas offense, Elliott is not a fantasy option this week.
From RotoBaller
Head coach Doug Pederson appears to be on the hotseat after a horrendous start to the season. The Jaguars are 2-8 heading into a tough matchup against the Detroit Lions in Week 11. It sounds like another loss on Sunday could mean Pederson is let go from his coaching duties. The Jaguars have a bye week after playing the Lions, so in theory that would be the best time to make a change if they were going to do it mid-season. Nothing seems to be going right in Jacksonville and they're a double digit underdog for Sunday's game against the Lions. To be fair, Mac Jones is under center for Trevor Lawrence (shoulder), but the team has played poorly no matter who is under center.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jonathan Mingo is set to make his debut on Monday night against the Houston Texans. The second-year receiver was acquired from Carolina at the trade deadline. With CeeDee Lamb (back) listed as questionable, Mingo could see a larger role than he would typically have this week. Houston's defense is susceptible to receivers, although with the uncanny situation in Dallas there are not many intriguing options from a fantasy standpoint. Mingo should not be on the fantasy radar, although his usage on Monday night should be monitored.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (illness) was uncertain coming into this game, but appears ready to go after getting in a full practice session on Friday. Fantasy managers might be hesitant to start Ferguson during this Week 11 matchup against the Houston Texans. The entire Cowboys offense has taken a hit with quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) being done for the season. Last week, Ferguson hauled in four of his five targets for 24 yards in the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Cooper Rush hasn't looked good under center, so Ferguson shouldn't be considered anything more than a TE2.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III saw a season-high six targets during last week's win over the Washington Commanders. Sadly, Austin was only able to haul in two of those six targets for 20 yards. It was nice to see Austin getting more targets in the offense, but that might not remain the case for long. Newly acquired wideout Mike Williams figures to have a bigger role in Week 11 after making his team debut last week. Austin has struggled throughout most of the season, so fantasy managers shouldn't take the risk and keep him on the bench until he gives reason to start him.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle (hamstring) is facing an uphill battle to play in Week 11's game against the Seattle Seahawks, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Fantasy Spin: Kittle had been listed as questionable on the injury report after participating in two of the team's three practice sessions during the week on a limited basis. If he is held out of action this afternoon, Eric Saubert would likely be San Francisco's starting tight end but he would not be a recommended fantasy option in any format.
From TheHuddle
Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders is coming off his best performance of the season. Last week, Sanders knocked down all three field goal attempts, including a 50-yard kick in the win over the Los Angeles Rams. He also connected on both extra point attempts in what was a busy day for the veteran kicker. Sanders will once again have a plus matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11. The Dolphins should have little issues moving the ball against the Raiders defense which should give Sanders plenty of chances. Fantasy managers in need of a kicker should take a look at Sanders this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III put together his best game of his career during last week's loss over the Detroit Lions. Metchie hauled in five of his six targets for 74 yards and a touchdown in the three-point loss. The 23-year-old recorded a career-high in both receptions and receiving yards during this game. However, Metchie is likely to see a smaller role in the offense with Nico Collins (hamstring) returning for Monday's game against the Dallas Cowboys. The return of Collins means that Metchie will fall to third in the pecking order. Metchie was barely involved all season until last week, so fantasy managers shouldn't count on another strong performance in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson (personal, neck) is expected to travel to Los Angeles in order to play in Week 11's game against the Los Angeles Chargers, according to head coach Zac Taylor. He had been listed as questionable on the injury report because of a neck issue and a personal matter.
From TheHuddle
New York Jets WR Davante Adams (illness, wrist) is expected to play in Week 11's game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Fantasy Spin: Adams had been listed as questionable on the injury report after missing two practice sessions during the week, although he was a full practice participant Friday, Nov. 15. He has been targeted 24 times over the last two games and should see a decent workload again this afternoon. Adams can be a starting option in all fantasy formats.
From TheHuddle
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert has been quiet on the field over the last few weeks. The loss of quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) has downgraded this entire offensive unit. Last week, Tolbert hauled in three of his five targets for 14 yards in the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. It's worth noting that Tolbert has seen five or more targets in four of his last five games. His involvement in the offense should remain steady especially with CeeDee Lamb (back) banged up heading into Monday's game against the Houston Texans. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect much from Tolbert with Cooper Rush under center for Dallas. Tolbert should be viewed as a low-end flex option for Week 11.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers tight end Eric Saubert is on the fantasy radar for Week 11 after ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that George Kittle (hamstring) is expected to be inactive Sunday. Kittle has only missed one other game this season, but in that contest, Saubert played 86 percent of the offensive snaps and caught two passes for 41 yards. While his production wasn't otherworldly, he clearly earned additional looks on offense, and that should remain true this Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Saubert finds himself ranking as a low-end TE2 at best.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams (illness, wrist) was a full participant in practice Friday and is expected to play versus the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Adams has 38 catches, 415 yards, and two touchdowns this year. This week, he ranks as a high-end fantasy WR2 tier against Indy.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (personal, neck) has traveled to Los Angeles and is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Chargers, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The 29-year-old had been listed as questionable but is now trending in the right direction after the Bengals summoned him to travel separately and join them out west. Hendrickson has 28 tackles and 11 sacks so far this year, putting him near the must-start range in IDP formats.
From RotoBaller
