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
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New York Jets running back Braelon Allen carried the ball five times for 13 yards and added a 15-yard catch in a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London in Week 5. Allen and Breece Hall both struggled against a fierce Minnesota run defense in the loss while Aaron Rodgers dropped back to pass a season-high 54 times in the close loss. Allen has been quiet over the past two weeks, having run for 47 scoreless yards and catching just two passes over that span. The rookie running back remains a quality stash as a handcuff in fantasy moving forward but he can't be trusted as a flex option in starting lineups until the Jets get their running game back on track. Allen will face off against the Buffalo Bills in Week 6's Monday night game.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) won't play in the team's Week 5 contest while he deals with a hamstring issue, but as trade talks start to "ramp up," he's expected to be healthy by next week. Ian Rapoport says that his sources are telling him that Adams is already nearing full health and the Raiders are starting to get into some intense trade talks over the superstar wideout. So far, the New Orleans Saints have been the most aggressive, but the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers have been calling and making offers as well. However, his old friend Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets remain on the top of Adams' list. According to Rapoport, the deadline to get a deal done is Tuesday, so his trade status will be something to monitor over the next couple of days.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson caught 13 of his 22 targets for 101 yards and a touchdown in a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London in Week 5. Wilson easily set season highs across the board while drawing a ridiculous 22 targets against a leaky Minnesota secondary, although his 101 receiving yards still come in as a bit of a disappointment considering how much work he got. Wilson's touchdown came midway through the fourth quarter and put the Jets down just four points, but it wasn't enough as they were able to find the end zone again. Wilson will look to build upon his strong outing in Week 6's Monday night game against the Buffalo Bills.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets running back Breece Hall struggled for a second straight game in a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5 in London. Hall gained just 23 yards on nine carries while adding three catches for 14 yards in the close loss to Minnesota. The Jets opted for an extremely pass-heavy offense against a Vikings defense that has shut down opponents' running games but has struggled to slow the pass, which hurt Hall in the final box score. Hall has now run for just 27 scoreless yards over his past two games after scoring three times over the first three weeks of the season. Worth kicking the tires on as a buy-low this upcoming week, Hall will look to bounce back in Week 6's Monday night game against the Buffalo Bills.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (concussion) won't return to Sunday's matchup with the New England Patriots. He wasn't on the field long before suffering a concussion, so he'll finish the day with only three carries for 18 yards. With Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) on the shelf, the Dolphins can't afford any more injuries on that side of the ball. With that in mind, Raheem Mostert (chest), who returned for Week 5 after missing the fins' previous three games, will likely handle the bulk of the carries out of the backfield for the remainder of contest.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 29 of his 54 passes for 244 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions in a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London in Week 5. Rodgers threw a season-high 54 times as the Jets tried to take advantage of a leaky Minnesota pass defense but he also wound up throwing a season-high in interceptions along the way, including one that was returned 63 yards for a touchdown. The veteran quarterback did suffer a scare in the third quarter as he came up holding his left leg after taking a big hit but he ultimately didn't miss any snaps. He later told reporters that he suffered a sprained lower ankle. Now sitting on seven touchdowns and four interceptions through five games, Rodgers will begin preparing to take on the Buffalo Bills at home in Week 6's Monday night game.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) is questionable to return to Sunday's matchup with the Buffalo Bills. The wideout was on a roll before going down with a hamstring injury, catching two passes for 78 yards and a touchdown. There should be an update on his status soon. But in the meantime, Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell will remain the top receiving options for C.J. Stroud.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones (hip) rushed for 29 yards on seven carries against the New York Jets in Week 5 before he left the game because of a hip injury. He also caught one pass for 24 yards during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players will need to monitor Jones' practice participation this upcoming week to see if he has a chance to play in Week 6. He is a starting option in all fantasy leagues when healthy, but players will need other options ready in case he sits out.
From TheHuddle
According to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer, the Colts could get quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) back in the lineup for the Week 6 matchup with the Titans. The signal-caller suffered an oblique injury during the Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fortunately, Glazer indicated the injury isn't expected to keep him out for long. In the meantime, veteran Joe Flacco, who got the start in Week 5 versus Jacksonville, will operate under center and is worth adding to multi-quarterback fantasy formats as long as Richardson remains on the shelf.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets WR Mike Williams caught two passes for 25 yards against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5. He was targeted four times during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Williams has been eased back into the offense so far this season but has not been targeted more than five times in any game in 2024. He seems to be behind Allen Lazard on the depth chart and probably can be avoided in most leagues.
From TheHuddle
Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold went 14-for-31 for 179 yards, zero touchdowns and one interception against the New York Jets in Week 5. He also rushed for 11 yards on five carries during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Darnold was held without a touchdown for the first time this season and did not have much success during the second half of the game. He may be involved in a high scoring game against the Detroit Lions next week and could be a low-end No. 1 quarterback in some deeper leagues.
From TheHuddle
New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers completed 29-of-54 passes for 244 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions in Week 5 against the Minnesota Vikings.
Fantasy Spin: The Jets found themselves down 17-0 in the second quarter, which explains why Rodgers had to throw so often versus Minnesota. Rodgers' three interceptions were his most since a Week 9 loss to the Detroit Lions in the 2022 season, when he also threw three picks as a member of the Green Bay Packers. He will look to rebound from this performance in Week 7 versus the Buffalo Bills and should continue to be viewed as a QB2 option in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jack Conklin (hamstring) has been ruled out for the Week 5 contest on Sunday against the Washington Commanders, while left tackle Jedrick Wills (knee) is active. Conklin made some progress at practice this week, but he remains out of action and will be hoping to make his 2024 debut in Week 6 against the Philadelphia Eagles. The good news is the Browns' offensive line will get their left tackle back after he hurt his knee in Week 3 and was forced to sit out of the Week 4 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. The Browns' offense has been well below average through the first four weeks of the season, but they have an opportunity to be successful this weekend against a porous Commanders secondary. The return of Wills should be seen as good news for quarterback Deshaun Watson as they look to get back into the win column.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets star cornerback Sauce Gardner (head) was removed from the Week 5 game in London against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter and was being evaluated for a concussion. Gardner was taken to the locker room for evaluation and came back out onto the field. He has been on the sidelines with his helmet on but hasn't gone back into the game. The 24-year-old is most likely questionable to return. He injured himself while colliding with teammate Quincy Williams. If Gardner goes into the league's concussion protocol after this game, he'll be up in the air to face the division-rival Buffalo Bills in Week 6, although he'll also have extra time to recover. At this point with time winding down in the fourth quarter in London, it seems unlikely that Gardner will be allowed to return to the field. Before leaving, Gardner had just one tackle.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard (pectoral) is officially active for the Week 5 contest against the Houston Texans on Sunday. Bernard was listed as questionable to play with a pectoral injury, but he will be active as the Bills look to bounce back from a blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4. Cornerback Taron Johnson (forearm) and safety Taylor Rapp (concussion) have been ruled out, so an already thin Bills defense will have some question marks in their secondary against a strong Texans offense. Bernard will be returning to the field for the first time since suffering a pectoral injury in Week 2 against the division-rival Miami Dolphins. The 25-year-old has 11 combined tackles in his two games played and is back on the radar in IDP fantasy leagues now that he's back in action for Buffalo. The Bills' defense/special teams unit should be faded on the road in Week 5 against Houston.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) is officially inactive for Week 5 against the visiting Buffalo Bills on Sunday, while wide receiver Robert Woods (foot) is active. Pierce has been making progress with his hamstring injury in recent weeks, but he will now miss his fourth straight game after being injured in the Week 1 win over the Indianapolis Colts. With Joe Mixon (ankle) having already been ruled out, the Texans will once again roll with Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale in their backfield this weekend against a beat up Buffalo defense. Akers hasn't exactly impressed anyone the last two weeks with Mixon and Pierce out, but just from a volume standpoint alone, he's in play as an RB3/flex in Week 5. Woods shouldn't be on the radar for a starting fantasy spot on Sunday, especially with Tank Dell (chest) returning from a one-game absence. Woods has only three catches for 28 yards so far this year.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram (hamstring) will not play in Week 5's game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Fantasy Spin: Engram had been listed as questionable on the injury report after logging three limited practice sessions during the week but will miss his fourth consecutive game. TE Brenton Strange is likely to be the Jaguars' starter and can be viewed as a TE2 option in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Updating a previous report, Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones (hip) will not return to the Week 5 game because of his hip injury.
Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players will need to keep an eye on the situation to see how long Jones may be sidelined. Ty Chandler likely will receive most of the work at running back if Jones misses time and can be at least a flex option in most fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku (ankle) is active for Week 5's game against the Washington Commanders.
Fantasy Spin: Njoku had been listed as questionable on the injury report after participating in two out of three of the team's practice sessions during the week on a limited basis. Although he will likely be on a snap count this afternoon, he is likely to be a better option than anyone that you can pick up off waivers to stream.
From TheHuddle
Miami Dolphins WR Odell Beckham Jr. (knee) is officially active for the Week 5 game.
Fantasy Spin: Beckham will be making his season debut this week, so he may be eased back into the offense. His fantasy value will also be affected by the team's quarterback situation. Fantasy players probably should see him play in a game or two before considering him for their lineups.
From TheHuddle
