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 DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) was carted to the locker room after the first half of Sunday's matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. He won't return. The wideout took a shot to his right leg in the first half, and it was apparent immediately that he was hurt. He'll finish the day with two catches for 23 yards. With Deebo Samuel Sr. (illness) under the weather and Jauan Jennings (hip) ruled out before the contest, the 49ers may need to rely on George Kittle, Ricky Pearsall, and Jacob Cowing for the remainder of Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed was a limited factor in the Packers' 24-22 victory against the Houston Texans in Week 7. Reed, who has been one of the most volatile wide receivers in the league from a fantasy perspective, didn't help his cause today as he caught just 2-of-4 targets for 10 yards. He also added a carry for no gain on the afternoon, as the offensive flowed through a host of other targets on the Packers' offense. Despite Reed's disappointing Week 7, that doesn't diminish the fact that he's a key part of the Packers' passing attack. In Week 8, the Packers will travel to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars. Reed should be a mid-range fantasy WR2 for that matchup with a fantasy-points floor is a bit lower than we'd like to admit, but sizeable fantasy upside.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold went 22-for-27 for 259 yards, one touchdown and one interception against the Detroit Lions in Week 7. He also rushed for 39 yards on four carries during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Darnold has slowed down a bit after an outstanding start to the season but threw for at least 250 yards for the third time this season. He will be on a short week against the Los Angeles Rams and probably should only be an option in two-quarterback leagues.
From TheHuddle
Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones rushed for 93 yards and one touchdown on 14 carries against the Detroit Lions in Week 7. He also caught three passes for 23 yards during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Jones has been dealing with a hamstring injury, but it did not limit him against the Lions. He should be weekly starting option in fantasy leagues as long as he is able to play.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns RB D'Onta Foreman had just two runs for five yards in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals, and he had no receptions or targets.
From TheHuddle
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks was a solid contributor to the Packers' 24-22 win over the Houston Texans in Week 7. Wicks (shoulder) was a game-time decision for the Packers after leaving in Week 6 with a shoulder injury. After three limited practices during the week, Wicks was good to go for Week 7 as he caught 3-of-6 targets for 48 yards and a 30-yard touchdown on a beautiful throw by Jordan Love. Wicks was second on the Packers in targets (6) and his touchdown was one of three touchdown scores on the day for Love. With the many pass-catchers on the Packers, it can be hard to find consistent footing each week, but the Packers continue to involve Wicks in the offense despite some issues with drops this season. The Packers will head south to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars in Week 8, where for fantasy, Wicks should be a low-end flex play with upside in that contest.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (ribs) won't return to Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. He'll finish the day by throwing for six yards off 2-for-2 passing, adding 50 yards off three carries. There wasn't much information surrounding his condition after he exited. However, the signal-caller returned to the sidelines in the second half with a smile. Considering the Commanders built a decisive lead, it's unknown if Daniels could have returned. With that in mind, his condition will be monitored closely for the Week 8 meeting with the Chicago Bears. If he can't suit up for that one, Marcus Mariota will presumably be under center.
From RotoBaller
Updating a previous report, Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson (Achilles) is believed to have suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals. It was a non-contact injury in the second quarter. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Sunday, Oct. 20, that Watson would go for further testing just to make sure. To make matters worse, QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson suffered a finger injury, so QB Jameis Winston finished up.
Fantasy Spin: With Watson all but done, it appears that Winston might be the starting signal caller in Week 8 against the Baltimore Ravens, although the situation is certainly fluid. Either way, the Cleveland offense is sure to be a mess, even more so than it has been to date.
From TheHuddle
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (knee) exited Sunday's matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. He was carted to the locker room, so things didn't look promising. However, head coach Mike Macdonald downplayed the condition, stating the wideout "banged his knee a little bit," adding, "it doesn't look too bad." Metcalf will likely need more tests to determine the severity of the injury. He might also miss some practices heading into the Week 8 clash with the Buffalo Bills. If Metcalf can't go for that one, it will likely mean more attention for Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions RB David Montgomery rushed for 31 yards on nine carries against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7 but also lost a fumble during the game. He also caught three passes for 39 yards against the Vikings.
Fantasy Spin: Montgomery missed some time during the game because of an injury but returned to post 70 total yards. He will be involved in the running and passing game next week and can be at least a flex option in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown caught eight passes for 112 yards and one touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7. He was targeted eight times during the game.
Fantasy Spin: St. Brown posted his second 100-yard game of the season and has a touchdown in each of the last four games. He is a weekly starting option in all leagues as long as he is healthy.
From TheHuddle
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (thumb) exited Sunday's matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. The signal-caller didn't last long in Week 7 and will finish the contest by throwing for 52 yards off 6-for-10 passing. Unfortunately, there is concern that O'Connell suffered a broken thumb, which would presumably put him on the shelf for a while. But fantasy managers will need to wait for the results of impending tests on Monday. If the worst is confirmed, Gardner Minshew II will likely be back under center, although his track record this season won't make him a viable fantasy asset in any format.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs was excellent in his second-consecutive game for the Packers as the team edged the Houston Texans 24-22 in Week 7. Doubs led the Packers with 10 targets, eight receptions, and 94 receiving yards as he was a key component of Jordan Love's passing attack. While Dontayvion Wicks, Tucker Kraft, and Josh Jacobs scored the touchdowns through the air for the Packers, Doubs was very efficient and was the only consistent target-earning for quarterback Jordan Love and the Packers on the afternoon. With so many quality pass-catchers for Love in this excellent Packers' passing attack, Doubs has an emphasis for the Packers following a one-game suspension a couple of weeks ago. With this emphasis on Doubs being a focal point of the offense, consider Doubs a low-end WR3 for the Packers' Week 8 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff went 22-for-25 for 280 yards and two touchdowns against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7.
Fantasy Spin: Goff has thrown at least two touchdowns in each of the last four games and at least 280 yards in each of the last three games. He will be facing a good Tennessee Titans defense next week but could be a possible starting option in some deeper leagues.
From TheHuddle
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold threw for 259 yards, one touchdown, and one pick off 22-for-27 passing in Sunday's narrow loss to the Lions. He added four carries for 39 yards. The signal-caller was coming off a horrid performance in the Week 5 overseas loss to the New York Jets. While he played better on Sunday, it still wasn't enough, resulting in the Vikings first loss of the 2024-25 campaign. Minnesota won't have much time to sulk, as the team will meet the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night. Granted, Darnold was more productive earlier in the year. Still, he's worth starting in most fantasy setups.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle caught 1-of-2 targets in Sunday's 16-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The numbers are all season-low marks for the fourth-year wideout, and the first time in his young career he registered fewer than four targets. No Dolphins pass-catcher recorded more than three targets or two receptions in the contest aside from tight end Jonnu Smith, who led the team with seven catches and 96 yards on seven targets. It's a significant disappointment for Waddle's managers in an excellent matchup. It's anticipated that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will practice ahead of the team's Week 8 outing and might make his return when the Dolphins host the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday. If not, it could be another week of Tim Boyle calling signals with Tyler Huntley (shoulder) forced from Sunday's loss in the second half.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill caught 1-of-2 targets for eight yards in the team's 16-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He added five rushing yards on his only attempt. Ouch. It's an enormous letdown in a promising matchup for Hill, with Miami coming off a bye in Week 6. The 30-year-old had quarterback troubles again on Sunday when Tyler Huntley (shoulder) left the game and was ruled out in the second half. Tim Boyle entered in relief, but the Dolphins went with a run-heavy game script, attempting just 26 passes to 40 rushes. The ground game was working in their defense, but Hill and wideout Jaylen Waddle combined for just four targets, two catches, and 19 yards. With QB Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) set to practice ahead of Week 8, the team could see its arrow pointing up in anticipation of a home matchup against the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was solidly effective for the Packers as he capped off his afternoon in Week 7 with a touchdown reception in the Packers' 24-22 victory. Jacobs averaged over 6.0 yards per carry, totaling 72 rushing yards on just 12 carries. Jacobs also caught 5-of-5 targets for 16 yards, including an eight-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Jordan Love in the third quarter. That touchdown grab was the first of his career and ended his streak of 211 receptions without a receiving touchdown; the longest in NFL history. While the passing game was on display for the Packers for much of the game, Jacobs was plenty involved and had a quality day for fantasy purposes. He'll look to continue that momentum as the Packers head south to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 8, where Jacobs should be considered a low-end RB1 for that matchup.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith reeled in all seven of his targets for 96 yards and a touchdown in their 16-10 Week 7 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. It was a career day for the 29-year-old veteran, who set a new personal best with his seven receptions. His marks in the matchup were all team-highs, too, as no other Miami pass-catcher recorded more than three targets. It was an excellent performance from Smith, with the 96 yards being his most since he posted 100 in Week 9 last season as a member of the Atlanta Falcons. With quarterback Tua Tagovailoa potentially returning in Week 8, the Dolphins' offensive outlook could be on the rise. However, that is nowhere near a guarantee. Miami will now turn their attention to next Sunday when they'll host the visiting Arizona Cardinals.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love tossed three touchdown scores for most of the Packers' scoring on the afternoon as the Packers' edged the Texans 24-22 in Week 7. Love had an up-and-down game with 24-of-33 passing for 220 yards with three touchdown passes and two interceptions. A touchdown pass to Tucker Kraft kicked off the scoring on a beautiful diving play. Minutes later, Love found Dontayvion Wicks for a 30-yard touchdown with a perfect touch pass over the top. The final touchdown pass was Josh Jacobs' first receiving touchdown of his career; an eight-yard dump-off. Love was very good for fantasy production on the afternoon as he continued his streak of multiple-touchdown games in all five games Love has played this season. The Packers head south to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars, where Love will be a locked-in QB1 for that pristine matchup in Week 8.
From RotoBaller
