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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- Week 10 Inactives
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) is doubtful to return against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 10. Kincaid exited in the third quarter. Assuming his day is done, Kincaid finishes Sunday's contest with five targets but just two catches and 24 receiving yards. The second-year tight end has been held to single-digit fantasy points in 70 percent of his games this season and will likely fall out of the TE1 tier going forward. Even if he's healthy enough to play next week against the Kansas City Chiefs, fantasy managers can justify benching him.
From RotoBaller
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers believe that left tackle Tristan Wirfs (knee) suffered an MCL sprain during Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Wirfs had only missed three snaps over the first nine weeks of the season, but it now sounds like he's bracing for an extended absence. The good news is that MCL sprains typically aren't season-ending, and depending on the severity, it's possible that he actually avoids an injured reserve stint. Nevertheless, losing Wirfs for any period of time is far from ideal for Baker Mayfield, Rachaad White, Bucky Irving, and the rest of Tampa Bay's offense. With that said, Tampa Bay should have confidence in its backup left tackle, Justin Skule, temporarily taking over on the end of the offensive line.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers defensive ends Khalil Mack (groin) and Joey Bosa (hip) are officially active for Week 10 against the Tennessee Titans. Both players had been listed as questionable. Mack is suiting up despite missing all three days of practice this week. He hasn't missed a game this season, amassing 26 tackles, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery through eight contests. Bosa, meanwhile, was limited in practice all week long. Injuries have held him to reduced snap counts all season long, and he's still looking to return to his Week 1 form. In that season opener, he played 40 percent of the defensive snaps, registering seven tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble. Perhaps this week's game against subpar quarterback Will Levis will be a great opportunity for Bosa to get back on track.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin (ankle) is officially active for Week 10 against the Arizona Cardinals. He had been listed as questionable despite practicing in full all week long. Conklin has appeared in all nine games this season, catching a modest 27 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns. He is 19th in tight-end fantasy points this season and will continue to rank in the TE2 tier on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut (foot) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. He had been listed as questionable after logging a limited practice on Friday. Chestnut saw additional opportunities over the last few weeks with Tyjae Spears (hamstring) inactive. However, now that Spears is healthy, Chestnut will return to the No. 3 running back role in Tennessee, keeping him off the fantasy radar in all leagues.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal (coach's decision) and tight end Stone Smartt (ankle) are both inactive for Week 10 against the Tennessee Titans. Vidal had not appeared on the injury report but is evidently the odd man out now that Gus Edwards has rejoined the backfield following an injured reserve stint. Vidal totaled 93 scrimmage yards and one touchdown in his four-game run as J.K. Dobbins' backup. Smartt, meanwhile, had been listed as questionable after logging three consecutive limited practices. He has just two catches this season, remaining a non-factor in fantasy football. In his absence, Tucker Fisk will step up as the Chargers' No. 3 tight end behind Will Dissly and Hayden Hurst.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back Gus Edwards (ankle) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans. He had been listed as questionable but was expected to play after being activated from injured reserve on Saturday. Edwards spent the minimum four games on injured reserve and is now back for his first contest since Week 4. Through the first four weeks of the season, he had mustered just 38 carries for 113 yards (2.97 YPC) in the No. 2 running back role behind J.K. Dobbins. Edwards is an uninspiring handcuff option and will not have any fantasy appeal as long as Dobbins is healthy.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs (knee) has been ruled out for the remainder of the game against the San Francisco 49ers. The fifth-year All-Pro has been one the most consistently healthy linemen on the team and an important piece to the pass protection. With Wirfs out against one of the better defensive units, it could mean even more trouble for Baker Mayfield with a thin receiver corps. Justin Skule is the next man up on the depth chart.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (calf, illness) and linebacker Micah Parsons (ankle) are officially active for Week 10 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Both players had been listed as questionable. Diggs had missed practice on Friday but was widely expected to play this weekend. He has 31 tackles and one interception this season. The 26-year-old will be tasked with slowing down the connection between quarterback Jalen Hurts and his top receivers, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Parsons, meanwhile, is returning to play in his first game since Week 4 against the New York Giants. The star 25-year-old had amassed 14 tackles and one sack through his first four games. His return provides a major boost to Dallas' defense ahead of this week's divisional contest.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (coach's decision) is inactive for Week 10 against the Philadelphia Eagles. He had not appeared on the injury report. However, given that Mingo was acquired from the Carolina Panthers just five days ago, we can assume that he simply needs more time to learn Dallas' system. CeeDee Lamb and Jalen Tolbert will continue to be the top wide receivers in the Cowboys' Cooper Rush-led offense.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears offensive lineman Teven Jenkins (ankle) is considered questionable to return to their game against the New England Patriots. The fourth-year guard appeared on the injury report leading up to this contest with a knee injury but was cleared to participate until he suffered the ankle injury in the first half. The next left guard on the depth chart is on IR, so they'll have to shuffle around the line who is already struggling to protect Caleb Williams.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) left Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half due to a knee injury. At the time, he accounted for two receptions for 24 yards on four targets. The team has officially deemed him questionable to return to the game, so they'll likely perform some tests through halftime to see if he can take the field in the second half. Dawson Knox should see an uptick in snaps and targets while Kincaid is sidelined.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson led the team in receiving yards in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Munich, Germany, hauling in five catches for 51 yards on eight targets. Robinson averaged a solid 10.2 yards per reception, including a 23-yard catch that showcased he can catch deeper passes. He made a few key first-down catches to keep drives alive, showing his value as a reliable option in the Giants' passing game. While he didn't reach the end zone and finished with 7.6 fantasy points, Robinson's consistent reception totals make him a potential fantasy asset in deeper leagues.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs left tackle Wanya Morris (knee) has been listed as questionable to return against the Denver Broncos with a knee injury on Sunday. The next left tackle on the depth chart is rookie Kingsley Suamataia, but the offensive line has been pretty suspect so far this week. Morris is an important piece to Patrick Mahomes' protection, so it could be tough sledding against a solid Broncos defense if he can't return.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson continued to build on his momentum in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Munich, Germany, catching four passes for 37 yards on six targets. Averaging 9.3 yards per reception with a 13-yard long catch, Johnson showcased his reliable presence in the Giants' offense. Coming off a breakout Week 9 performance that saw him score his first career touchdown, Johnson has emerged as the team's most dependable tight end option. While he didn't reach the end zone this week and finished with only 5.7 fantasy points, his consistent target share and solid yardage suggest a growing role that fantasy managers should keep an eye on as he becomes a go-to option for quarterback Daniel Jones.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. turned in an impressive ground performance in Sunday's 20-17 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers in Munich, Germany, rushing for 103 yards on 18 carries with a touchdown. Tracy's dynamic 5.7 yards per carry, including a 32-yard burst, provided a spark for the Giants' offense and kept them competitive throughout. However, his strong outing was marred by a costly fumble on the Giants' opening drive in overtime, which the Panthers recovered and quickly converted into a game-winning field goal. With 14.9 fantasy points, Tracy showed his potential as a lead back, though his late-game miscue underscores the need for ball security.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones had a challenging day in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Munich, Germany, completing 22 of 37 passes for 190 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. Jones struggled to find a rhythm in the first half, missing multiple open targets and throwing for just 54 yards, including a costly red-zone interception. Despite his rough outing through the air, Jones salvaged some fantasy value with a rushing touchdown and 26 yards on the ground, finishing with 14.2 fantasy points. He took two sacks and averaged only 5.1 yards per attempt, underscoring his difficulties moving the offense. Jones' inconsistency remains a concern for fantasy managers, as turnovers and missed opportunities continue to limit his upside.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann (knee) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Bills. The Colts offense has struggled, with Joe Flacco already throwing two picks in the first half, one which resulted in the Bills defense taking it back for six. In the meantime, Matt Goncalves will presumably take over.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers led the team in receptions during Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Munich, Germany, recording six catches for 50 yards on 10 targets. Nabers averaged 8.3 yards per catch, with his longest reception stretching for 19 yards, though he was kept out of the end zone. Quarterback Daniel Jones missed Nabers on a couple of open looks that could have bolstered his fantasy output, leaving him with 7.8 fantasy points on the day. Early in the fourth quarter, Nabers briefly exited the game for a concussion evaluation after a hard fall, but he returned to the field later in the drive. His heavy involvement and target share suggest a continued role as a top option in the Giants' offense moving forward.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers LB Jadeveon Clowney (leg) exited Week 10's game against the New York Giants in the fourth quarter after sustaining an apparent left leg injury.
From TheHuddle
