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FFL: Week 6 | NFL: Week 6

TE Strength of Schedule

Tue Jun 11 11:11am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

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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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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 6

Player Notes
Kayshon Boutte Oct 14 1:00am ET
Kayshon Boutte

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte caught all three of his targets for 59 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's loss to the Houston Texans. The highlight of his performance was a 40-yard catch that represented not only Boutte's first career touchdown reception but also rookie quarterback Drake Maye's first career touchdown pass. It was promising to see the second-year receiver demonstrate a quick rapport with Maye as the quarterback made his first NFL start. Boutte ended up playing a career-high 83 percent of offensive snaps and ran 32 routes; both of those marks were the highest among Patriots pass-catchers in Week 6. Going forward, Boutte, who was previously off the fantasy radar in all leagues, may start to generate some speculative buzz in dynasty formats.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Lynn Polk Oct 14 1:00am ET
Ja'Lynn Polk

New England Patriots wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk converted four targets into just one catch for four yards during Sunday's Week 6 loss to the Houston Texans. It was an underwhelming showing from Polk, who had started to generate significant buzz after playing 100 percent of offensive snaps last Sunday and commanding 13 targets over his previous two games. Instead, Polk took a step back this week, registering just the one catch while falling behind Kayshon Boutte in terms of both snap share (65 percent) and routes run (29). Interestingly, he operated ahead of Douglas in terms of snaps and routes but was drastically out-produced by him, too. Going forward, fantasy managers should view Polk as an inconsistent wide receiver option in fantasy football. He is worth stashing in dynasty leagues but can probably be dropped in most 12-team redraft formats.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Goodson Oct 14 1:00am ET
Tyler Goodson

Indianapolis Colts running back Tyler Goodson carried the ball eight times for 51 yards in the team's 20-17 win over the Tennessee Titans. He also caught four of his five targets for another 14 yards through the air. Goodson once again played a secondary role to running back Trey Sermon, getting out-carried 18-to-eight. That being said, Goodson was the much more efficient and productive back in the matchup and was the only back to see any work in the receiving game. Goodson could make for a decent start in Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins if Jonathan Taylor (ankle) is inactive, but likely won't see much action if Taylor is a go.

From RotoBaller

Troy Franklin Oct 14 12:50am ET
Troy Franklin

Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin finished Denver's 23-16 Week 6 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday with two catches on three targets for 31 yards and his first career NFL touchdown. He added one carry for a five-yard pickup. Franklin came into the contest with just five catches on 12 targets for 29 yards in his first five games. The 21-year-old only saw three targets and had a very modest three grabs and 31 yards, but his touchdown is a reminder that both he and fellow rookie pass-catcher Devaughn Vele, who led the Broncos with 78 receiving yards, will see more opportunities with Josh Reynolds (finger) on Injured Reserve and missing at least three more games. The best thing that Franklin has going for him as a dynasty/keeper stash is his chemistry with rookie quarterback Bo Nix, dating back to their days playing together for the Oregon Ducks in college.

From RotoBaller

Trey Sermon Oct 14 12:50am ET
Trey Sermon

Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon carried the ball 18 times for just 29 yards in the team's 20-17 win over the Tennessee Titans. He was also not targeted at all in the receiving game. Sermon once again saw the bulk of the work in Jonathan Taylor's (ankle) absence but was inefficient with the opportunities, averaging just 1.6 yards per carry. Sermon out-touched running back Tyler Goodson 18-to-eight, but Goodson was able to turn his eight carries into 51 total yards. It's unclear when Taylor will return from his injury, but with Tyler Goodson having another strong outing, fantasy managers can expect him to continue to eat into the workload between these two backs. Sermon is off the radar in Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins if Taylor is a go, and is at best an RB3/4 option if Taylor is once again inactive.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Oct 14 12:50am ET
Drake Maye

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed 20 of 33 passes for 243 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions during his first career start in Week 6 against the Houston Texans. He also rushed for 38 yards, took four sacks, and lost a fumble. The No. 3 overall pick played far from perfect football on Sunday, but he showed numerous flashes of potential while leading scoring drives and converting down-and-distance opportunities against a relentless Texans pass rush. He also showed confidence and touch when throwing his deep ball as he connected with Kayshon Boutte for a 40-yard score. Going forward, Maye has the arm talent and rushing ability needed to survive both as an NFL starter and in fantasy football. He'll jump into the low-end QB2 tier ahead of next week's clash with the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.

From RotoBaller

Demario Douglas Oct 14 12:50am ET
Demario Douglas

New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas caught six of nine targets for 92 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Week 6 loss to the Houston Texans. The touchdown reception was the first of Douglas' career and came on a fourth-quarter catch-and-run thrown to him by rookie quarterback Drake Maye. While Douglas' large role within the Patriots' offense isn't necessarily anything new, it's very promising to see him lead the unit in targets, catches, and receiving yards even after the Patriots switched quarterbacks from Jacoby Brissett to Maye. Evidently, Douglas is a central piece of the Patriots' offensive game plan week in and week out. With his high-volume role and an apparent quarterback upgrade, Douglas has suddenly become a solid WR3 option in fantasy football. He's worth starting in many 12-team leagues next week versus the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.

From RotoBaller

Michael Pittman Jr. Oct 14 12:40am ET
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. caught three of his five targets for 35 yards and a touchdown in the team's 20-17 win over the Tennessee Titans. Pittman was tied for second in targets with running back Tyler Goodson and finished third in total receiving yards for Indy. While Pittman didn't jump off the box score from a yardage perspective, it was an encouraging performance given the Titans' secondary was allowing the fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. On top of that, Pittman looks to be in the clear from the back injury that initially looked like it was going to sideline him for multiple games. It's still unclear who Indianapolis' starting QB will be moving forward, with Joe Flacco getting the start today and Anthony Richardson serving as the QB3. All in all, Pittman is considered a W2/3 option again in Week 7 when the Colts take on the Miami Dolphins.

From RotoBaller

Bijan Robinson Oct 14 12:40am ET
Bijan Robinson

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (hamstring) took advantage of a weak Carolina run defense in Sunday's 38-20 victory, rushing 15 times for 95 yards and two scores. Robinson did most of his damage in the first half, including both scores, and the second-year back also tacked on three catches for 10 yards. Whatever was wrong with his hamstring that caused him to pop up on Thursday's injury report was clearly not an issue in this game, although he ultimately ceded 10 of the team's final 12 rush attempts to fellow backfielder Tyler Allgeier in the fourth quarter who looked strong too, racking up an 18-105-1 line himself. The 22-year-old has rushed for 61 or more yards in four of six games in 2024, now with 380 yards and three TDs on the year while averaging 3.5 receptions per game to boot. The former first-round draft pick gets a favorable matchup versus the Seahawks in Week 7, a rush defense that has yielded big games to the New England backfield (177 yards) in Week 2, the Detroit backs in Week 4 (118), and even the Giants' Tyrone Tracy in Week 5 (129). Next week's matchup boasts one of the highest expected totals as well, so there should be plenty of offense and Robinson stands to benefit again.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Oct 14 12:40am ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs caught seven of his nine targets for 66 yards and a touchdown in the team's 20-17 win over the Tennessee Titans. Downs led all Colts in targets, receptions, and yards in the matchup. Downs has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of Joe Flacco's starting in Indy, seeing nine-plus targets in each of his last three games. While it's unclear who the starter at QB will be for the Colts moving forward, Downs is a clear favorite in the offense, and fantasy managers can prioritize him as such. He'll look to keep the momentum going in Week 7 when the Colts take on the Miami Dolphins.

From RotoBaller

Mike McCarthy Oct 14 12:30am ET
Mike McCarthy

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones refused to entertain the idea of a coaching change following Sunday's 47-9 blowout loss to the Detroit Lions at home. "I haven't even considered it," Jones said. "I'm not considering that. So you're clear, I'm not considering that." The owner's comments suggest that head coach Mike McCarthy's job is safe for the time being. Indeed, it would be bold for the Cowboys to relieve their head coach with a 3-3 record after six weeks, but there's also no denying that the Cowboys have underperformed. They're currently third in the NFC West, and Sunday's defeat at the hands of Detroit was the Cowboys' worst home loss during Jones' 34-year stint as the franchise's owner. The road doesn't get any easier for the Cowboys, who head into a Week 7 bye but then play their next five games against the 49ers, Falcons, Eagles, Texans, and Commanders.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Allen Oct 14 12:20am ET
Jonathan Allen

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (pectoral) exited during the third quarter of Sunday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens and was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the contest. He finished Week 6 with two tackles, bringing his season total up to 15. The 29-year-old is known for being an impact player on defense for Washington, so the Commanders suddenly find themselves shorthanded without both him and Dorance Armstrong (ribs).

From RotoBaller

Courtland Sutton Oct 14 12:20am ET
Courtland Sutton

Things weren't looking great for Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton's fantasy managers for most of the Week 6 contest against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday until late in the fourth quarter. Sutton's final line was four catches on six targets for 53 yards and his second touchdown reception of the year. The 29-year-old's 37-yard TD grab was a highlight-reel catch near the back of the end zone in which he laid out and initially caught the ball one-handed. If not for the amazing catch, though, he would have finished with another very mediocre fantasy day. Sutton will likely continue to be more of a touchdown-dependent WR4/flex for fantasy managers, but the good news is that rookie quarterback Bo Nix has shown improvement in the last five weeks with five touchdowns and only one pick. Sutton will be looking to keep the positive momentum and score for the second straight game in a Week 7 Thursday night clash against the Saints.

From RotoBaller

Devaughn Vele Oct 14 12:10am ET
Devaughn Vele

Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Devaughn Vele came out of nowhere to lead the Broncos with 78 receiving yards in the 23-16 Week 6 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Both Vele's four receptions and six targets were tied with Courtland Sutton for the team lead on a day in which the Broncos' offense did all of its damage in the fourth quarter in comeback mode down 23 points. In his NFL debut in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks, he caught all eight of his targets for 39 yards before missing time with an injury and then being a healthy scratch the last several weeks. The 26-year-old seventh-rounder out of Utah appears to have some nice chemistry with fellow rookie QB Bo Nix, and more opportunities will remain with Josh Reynolds (finger) missing at least the next three games while on IR. However, Vaughn should only be a deep-league waiver-wire consideration in Denver's low-scoring offense.

From RotoBaller

Javonte Williams Oct 14 12:00am ET
Javonte Williams

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams had the best game of his season in last week's win over the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders but followed it up with a miserable performance in the 23-16 Week 6 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers. Williams finished with six carries for only 23 yards and a lost fumble, adding three catches on six targets for 13 receiving yards. He had as many carries as quarterback Bo Nix, and his nine touches tied a season low. About the only positive on the day was that his six targets tied for the team high. Outside of Williams' 111-yard scrimmage day in Week 5, he has done very little for fantasy managers and just hasn't looked explosive at all as Denver's lead back. Through six weeks, the 24-year-old has also yet to find the end zone. It won't get any easier on a quick turnaround next Thursday on the road in a hostile environment against the Saints. Williams will be a low-upside, low-floor RB3/flex for that one.

From RotoBaller

Jaleel McLaughlin Oct 14 12:00am ET
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin had season-low-tying three carries for eight yards in the 23-16 Week 6 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, adding two catches on two targets for 17 yards through the air. Rookie Audric Estime, who was activated from Injured Reserve to make his NFL debut on Sunday, had two carries for 13 yards. McLaughlin has found the end zone twice in six games, but he's had double-digits in carries just once (back in Week 1) and hasn't topped 46 yards on the ground. It's been a theme this year so far of the Broncos' ground game being stuck in the mud, and that theme returned against a tough Bolts defense. Now that Estime is in the fold as the RB3 in Denver's backfield, it will be even harder for McLaughlin to return any fantasy value in deeper formats. RotoBaller won't be recommending the second-year back for starting lineups in Week 7 against the Saints.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Oct 13 11:50pm ET
Bo Nix

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix began his NFL career without throwing a single touchdown pass in his first three games, but in the last three games, he has five TD tosses, including two more in the 23-16 Week 6 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers. A lot of Nix's production -- he went 19-for-33 passing for 216 yards, two TDs and an interception -- came late in the second quarter with the Broncos in rush mode while down by 23 points. The 12th overall pick also used his legs to pick up some big chunk gains for first downs, running six times for a season-high 61 yards to lead Denver in rushing. It certainly wasn't pretty for most of this game, but Nix turned it on late to finish with a respectable performance. He has a 5:1 TD-to-interception the last three weeks and has shown progress running the offense. The 24-year-old's fantasy needle is pointing up slightly as a low-end QB2 in superflex leagues heading into next Thursday's matchup against the Saints.

From RotoBaller

Drake London Oct 13 11:50pm ET
Drake London

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London drew 10 targets in Sunday's 38-20 victory over the Panthers, converting those looks into six catches for 74 yards and a touchdown. That makes three consecutive games with double-digit targets and five straight with at least six receptions after beginning the season with a 2-15-0 line in Week 1. The 23-year-old also has TDs in four of his last five games. The former first-round draft pick now has 428 yards on 44 receptions and four touchdowns through six games and is among the league leaders in each of those categories, making him a WR1 for fantasy. The USC product will take on Seattle at home next week, a defense that has allowed big games recently to receivers Deebo Samuel Sr. in Week 6 (3-102-10) and Darius Slayton (8-122-1) in Week 5. With the Falcons favored (-3) and the matchup having one of the highest expected totals on the board (49.5), London should keep rolling in Week 7 as a WR1 for fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Tavion Sanders Oct 13 10:20pm ET
Ja'Tavion Sanders

Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders caught 5-of-7 targets for 49 yards in Sunday's loss to their division-rival Atlanta Falcons. It was the most productive outing of Sanders' young career thus far, and he's performed well in the stead of teammate Tommy Tremble (concussion). The rookie tight end's five targets in Week 5 were more than Tremble had racked up in any contest this season, and he might have made a case for a more prominent role even when the injured Tremble returns to the lineup. It's a case worth monitoring, though the future of this offense is murky. For now, Andy Dalton is the quarterback, but for how long has yet to be determined. The 21-year-old could be busy again in Week 7 when he lines up against a Washington Commanders squad that came into this Sunday averaging the most points in the NFL. However, he'll be tough to trust as a viable source of fantasy output, especially if Tremble is active.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Allgeier Oct 13 10:13pm ET
Tyler Allgeier

Dynasty | Falcons running back Bijan Robinson had 95 rushing yards, three catches, ten receiving yards and two touchdowns in a win against Carolina. Dynasty Analysis: That's the good news. The bad news is the fact Tyler Allgeier had 18 carries (Robinson had 15) and scored a touchdown of his own. At this point, it is what it is - Robinson is a committee back who is going to be stuck in somewhere around a 60/40 touch-share with Allgeier for the foreseeable future. While he'll have RB1 days like this, he's also a player who has a lower floor than many had expected. Robinson's dynasty value is slipping a touch while Allgeier's is rising.

From Dynasty League Fantasy