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 9
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 9
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Injury Status: Week 9
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Lineup Prep: Week 9
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 9
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 8
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 8
- Seahawks WR DK Metcalf, TE Noah Fant ruled out vs. Rams
- Top 10 Player Props for NFL Week 9
- Titans QB Will Levis (shoulder) questionable for Sunday vs. Patriots
- Texans G Kenyon Green (shoulder) out for season
- Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs game-time decision vs. Falcons
- Bengals WR Tee Higgins, OT Orlando Brown Jr. doubtful vs. Raiders
- Patriots QB Drake Maye (concussion protocol) could play vs. Titans
- Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (back, knee) returns to practice
- Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. among GTDs vs. Eagles
- Week 9 NFL Capsules
- Mike Shanahan, Mike Holmgren among 9 coaching candidates for HOF
- Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (back/knee) misses second straight practice
- Cowboys All-Pro Micah Parsons (ankle) likely out vs. Falcons
- Week 9 TNF: Texans-Jets Preview, Props & Prediction
- Field Level Insights: Will Jets show up for second half to tame Texans?
- Packers QB Jordan Love (groin) 'realistic' to not practice, then play vs. Lions
- 49ers GM: Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) could return to practice Monday
- Saints QB Derek Carr (oblique) practices, expected to play vs. Panthers
- Citing 'heart, growth' Lions' coach maintains support of WR Jameson Williams
- Browns LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (neck) out vs. Chargers
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Week 9 Preview
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Start Sit Week 9 | Jump on Ernest Jones
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football WR/CB Matchups Week 9
- Fantasy Life: Will Jonathon Brooks Play This Season?
- Fantasy Life: Week 9 NFL Player Props: All Hail King Henry
- Fantasy Life: Week 9 Underdog and PrizePicks Plays: Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze
- Fantasy Life: Josh Allen, Jayden Daniels, Highlight Early Week 9 NFL Betting Action
- Fantasy Life: NFL Futures Bets: Is Jayden Daniels A Legit MVP Candidate?
- Fantasy Life: Garrett Wilson Grabs Hold of WR1 In New York
The Paur Report
Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 9
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has a banged-up receiving core, making it hard to trust him in a difficult matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. Darius Slay is out for the Eagles, which could mean the secondary is weaker than usual. However, with Christian Kirk out for the season and Brian Thomas Jr. and Gabe Davis potentially out, the only certain reliable option for Lawrence this week is Evan Engram. Even Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby out of the backfield are questionable. The former top pick is coming off a 308-yard performance against the Green Bay Packers, but it is hard to imagine Lawrence improving on that performance with the surrounding uncertainty. Lawrence can be viewed as a solid QB2 with potential for more if all his weapons play in Week 9.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys edge-rusher Micah Parsons (ankle) and defensive back DaRon Bland (foot) have both been ruled out for the team's Week 9 road tilt against the Atlanta Falcons. It's no surprise, as both athletes logged three DNPs ahead of Sunday's outing. Parsons hasn't appeared in a game since sustaining an ankle injury ahead of the team's Week 5 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, while Bland hasn't appeared in any action all season. Dallas did move the cornerback to their 53-man roster this past Wednesday, so it would seem they intend to activate him soon. However, they'll go at least one more week down two key defensive contributors.
From RotoBaller
Per Ian Rapoport, after talking to multiple sources, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) "should be ok moving forward" and reportedly has a chance to suit up for Week 9. Despite being listed as questionable after recording a DNP to close out the week, head coach Sean McVay has not ruled Nacua out for the team's divisional clash against the Seattle Seahawks. It's excellent news for the Rams and fantasy managers, as this most recent flare-up has afflicted the same knee that forced the 23-year-old to miss the prior five weeks. While nothing is set in stone for Sunday's matchup, it doesn't appear to be another long-term issue for the young superstar wideout. Keep an eye on his status over the next 36 hours.
From RotoBaller
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (groin) expects to play on Sunday when the team hosts their division-rival Detroit Lions. Per Rapoport, there have been no setbacks in Love's recovery from a groin injury he suffered in Week 8, and barring something unforeseen, he's tracking to play in the pivotal Week 9 matchup. It's excellent news for the Pack, who, at 6-2, can take control of the NFC North with a win over their 6-1 rivals. Fantasy managers will still want to monitor Love's status ahead of Sunday, as even if the 26-year-old plays, Green Bay could lean on running back Josh Jacobs a smidge more than usual.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (quad) participated fully in the team's Friday practice. The 29-year-old was listed as limited on Thursday, so it's nice to see him able to log a full session just one day later. It's excellent news for Kansas City, as the veteran's quad ailment is the second injury to limit him in back-to-back weeks (hip). So long as Hunt does not suffer any setbacks over the next 24 hours, it would appear he's well on his way to making another start in Week 9 when the team hosts the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The veteran RB has been on a tear, punching in at least one score in three straight contests while out-carrying backfield mate Carson Steele 70-to-13 over that stretch.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates heads into Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers with a reliable fantasy floor, thanks largely to Detroit's high-powered offense. Bates has only attempted 11 field goals across seven games but remains a strong option due to his consistent extra-point volume, converting 27 of 28 PATs this season. With 22 extra points over his last four games alone, he benefits from Detroit's frequent scoring opportunities, even though head coach Dan Campbell's aggressive play-calling on fourth downs sometimes limits his field goal chances. Bates has scored at least eight fantasy points in five of seven games, including three double-digit outings. As the Lions enter Week 9 with a projected team total of 25, Bates is well-positioned to deliver another solid fantasy performance.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta heads into Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers with an expanded role due to Jameson Williams' suspension (PED violation). LaPorta is coming off a strong Week 8 performance, turning six targets into six catches for 48 yards and a touchdown. The Packers' defense has struggled against tight ends, allowing the fifth-most receiving yards to the position, which sets up a favorable matchup for LaPorta. Across his last three games, he's averaged 125 receiving yards with two touchdowns. With the Packers ranking high in fantasy points allowed to tight ends, LaPorta remains a dependable TE1 option with the potential for another productive outing.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond heads into Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers as a potential deep-league fantasy option, with Jameson Williams suspended for one more game (PED violation). Raymond showcased his big-play ability last week, scoring both on a punt return and a receiving touchdown. Competing for targets with other Lions' receivers, he's proven capable of capitalizing on limited opportunities, making him a possible flex option in deeper leagues. The Packers' defense has shown inconsistencies, allowing 12 different players to score a touchdown this season, though no player has managed multiple scores in a single game. Raymond's explosiveness could make him a surprise contributor against Green Bay's vulnerable secondary.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) was again listed as a non-participant at the team's Friday practice. The veteran wideout has been tagged as a DNP for the fifth-straight session as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury he sustained in Kansas City's Week 7 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. With the Chiefs set to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football, Smith-Schuster will have one more chance to elevate his practice participation ahead of Week 9. The last time he played a full game, the 27-year-old had a massive seven-catch, 130-yard performance in Week 5. However, with DeAndre Hopkins now in the fold, his target share becomes less apparent. If the former USC Trojan again can't suit up, wide receivers Xavier Worthy, Justin Watson, Hopkins, and Mecole Hardman will handle the team's wide-receiver duties.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jordan Whittington (shoulder) is listed as questionable for the team's road tilt against the Seattle Seahawks. The rookie wideout was held out of LA's Week 8 matchup after picking up a shoulder injury the week prior in their 20-15 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Whittington was able to log a week of limited sessions ahead of Week 9, though his status is still uncertain for the outing. With fellow wideout Puka Nacua (knee) also questionable for Sunday, it could be wide receivers Cooper Kupp, Tutu Atwell, and Demarcus Robinson shouldering most of the pass-catching duties in the divisional clash.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown will remain a top starting option in Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers. Though he had a quiet Week 8 with just two catches for seven yards, St. Brown extended his touchdown streak to five games. With Jameson Williams out due to PED violation suspension, St. Brown may see even more increased opportunities in an offense that spreads the ball but leans on him as a reliable target. Green Bay's defense ranks 19th in passing yards allowed per game, making this matchup one St. Brown could exploit. Over his last five games, he's recorded 276 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 27 receptions, showcasing his WR1 potential even with variable volume. St. Brown is a must-start with strong touchdown potential against the Packers' secondary.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs offers intriguing upside in Week 9 as he faces the Green Bay Packers. Gibbs showcased his big-play ability last week with a 70-yard touchdown run, extending his streak of at least one 20-yard rush to six games. In his last three games, Gibbs has totaled 306 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 38 carries, along with 78 receiving yards on eight catches. While Green Bay ranks 10th in rushing yards allowed per game, Gibbs' versatility as a dual-threat player makes him a valuable fantasy option. His role may be limited to around 15 touches, but the Lions' high-scoring offense, averaging 43 points in recent games, keeps his RB1 upside intact. Treat Gibbs as a low-end RB1 with big-play potential for Week 9.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin is coming off one of the best games of his season and should be viewed as a low-end WR1 in a divisional tilt against the New York Giants this weekend. Last week, McLaurin posted a season-high 125 yards on just five receptions in their victory over the Chicago Bears. Since totaling just 39 yards across the first two weeks, the Ohio State product has gone on to average 90.0 receiving yards per game with four total scores in his past six games. With how well Jayden Daniels has performed, McLaurin should be locked into all lineups facing the Giants, who have allowed the 15th-most PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.
From RotoBaller
The Indianapolis Colts will start Joe Flacco under center in Week 9 versus the Vikings. The 39-year-old started three games for the Colts in Weeks 4 through 6, tossing at least two touchdown passes in each of the games, totaling 716 yards with a 7:1 TD:INT. While the Vikings are tough against the run, they can be beaten through the air, allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to QBs on the season, with the last four signal-callers who faced them faring even better, averaging 298 yards passing and three TDs. In a game with a 46.5 over/under and the Colts as five-point underdogs though, it doesn't foretell of a high-scoring game for the Colts, so while Flacco is a massive upgrade over Anthony Richardson, he still looks like a low-end QB2 for fantasy this week with some slight upside.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown remains a high-risk flex option heading into Week 9 when he faces the New York Giants. Despite caching the game-winning Hail Mary pass last weekend, Brown has struggled to find consistency while serving as the No.2 wideout. While Brown has tallied at least 50 yards in three games, he has fallen under 30 yards in the other three he has played in. For now, fantasy managers in deeper 3WR formats should continue to stash Brown, as he may emerge as a consistent option in this passing attack during the second half. This weekend, he remains a high-risk flex option facing the Giants, who have allowed the 15th-most PPR points to opposing WRs.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz has emerged as the No.2 option for Jayden Daniels and should continue to be viewed as a solid TE1 in all formats in Week 9. Since Week 5, Ertz has seen at least five targets in each game, with a season-high of 11 coming last weekend in their victory over the Chicago Bears. During this span, Ertz has scored double-digit PPR points in all but one game. Without a reliable No.2 wideout, fantasy managers should expect Ertz to continue seeing reliable targets weekly. Even though the New York Giants have allowed the fourth-fewest PPR points to opposing TEs, he remains a solid tight end in all formats due to his safe volume.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery remains a solid RB2 option heading into Week 9, taking on a Green Bay Packers defense that ranks 10th in rushing yards allowed per game. Currently ranking as RB11 in fantasy points per game, Montgomery has been dependable, averaging over 15 touches and 79 total yards per game. His consistent red zone usage has helped him score in all but one game this season, showing his role in crucial scoring moments. Although Green Bay's defense has shown improvement against the run, they allow the third-most yards after contact per carry, which plays into Montgomery's strength. Over the past five games, Montgomery has amassed 289 rushing yards and five touchdowns, plus 101 receiving yards. With the Lions' offense generating plenty of scoring chances, Montgomery should retain his value with notable touchdown potential.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert has enjoyed an excellent start to his time in Washington and should continue to be viewed as a high-end kicking option in Week 9. Since joining the Commanders in Week 2, Seibert has averaged 12.6 fantasy points per game. During this stretch, Seibert has gone perfect on all attempts from within 49 yards and on extra points. In addition, he has attempted at least two field goals in all but one game this season. Given how potent the Washington offense has looked under Jayden Daniels. Seibert remains a matchup-proof option going forward.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels should continue to be viewed as a high-end QB1 heading into Week 9 when he faces the New York Giants. Last weekend, the LSU standout was a game-time decision with a rib injury but was able to suit up and lead the Commanders to a thrilling victory. In this game, Daniels threw for a season-high 326 yards and a score that was capped off by a game-winning Hail Mary pass to Noah Brown. This week, he was a limited participant in practice but does not carry an injury designation into the weekend. Fantasy managers should feel confident putting Daniels in their lineup as the Giants have allowed the 20th-most points to opposing QBs this season.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler could see increased usage as No.1 option Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game. Last weekend, Ekeler continued to serve as the clear No.2 option in the backfield, carrying the ball seven times for 52 yards and bringing in two passes for six yards. This was his highest yardage total since Week 6 against Baltimore. Throughout his first eight games as a Commander, Ekeler eclipsed double-digit PPR points in all but two games due to his pass-catching ability. If Robinson plays, Ekeler should be viewed as a flex option in PPR formats but would move up to a solid RB2 in all leagues if he is the lead option facing the Giants, who have allowed the 16th-most PPR points to opposing RBs.
From RotoBaller
