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
Minnesota Vikings tight end Johnny Mundt is penciled in as the backup tight end heading into the Week 1 matchup against the New York Giants. The 29-year-old will likely be the second string option for a few weeks while T.J. Hockenson (knee) recovers from injury. Josh Oliver is listed as the starter, but the two of them could split up the role. However, neither of them are likely to see a significant role with wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison being the primary options on offense. Mundt has finished with less than 20 receptions in each of his last two seasons. He can be ignored in fantasy formats for Week 1, but could be an option if Oliver goes down.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill was reportedly detained by police while heading to the stadium. The stop was for a driving violation, so it doesn't sound too serious. Hill's agent Drew Rosenhaus says that Hill will play today during the Week 1 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned about this as it seems like a minor issue. Stay tuned for more updates, but Hill should be a locked in WR1 for Week 1 as long as he plays.
From RotoBaller
ESPN reporter Adam Schefter is reporting Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill was detained by police today entering the stadium for a driving violation. Hill is still expected to play in today's game but keep an eye on the inactives to be sure.
ESPN reporter Adam Schefter is reporting Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill was detained by police today entering the stadium for a driving violation. Hill is still expected to play in today's game.
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson (calf) is expected to receive a lot of treatment prior to Week 1's game versus the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Sept. 8, and then will test his injured calf during pregame warmups before a final decision is made on his status.
Fantasy Spin: Wilson had been listed as questionable on the injury report after being a limited participant in Pittsburgh's final two practice sessions during the week. He said he would be able to play against Atlanta but the Steelers may decide to err against the side of caution and start QB Justin Fields instead. If Wilson is unable to play, Fields could be viewed as a QB2 option with QB1 upside because of his mobility.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson will open the season as the third wideout in this offense. He's set to start behind Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua during the season opener against the Detroit Lions. The 29-year-old beat out Tutu Atwell for the third wideout spot in camp, but he probably won't have a significant role. Both Kupp and Nacua figure to see the bulk of the targets. Last season, Robinson finished with 26 receptions for 371 yards and four touchdowns. There is still some big-play potential here, which makes Robinson a possible WR4 in deeper leagues.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins Pro Bowl defensive back Jalen Ramsey (hamstring) will try to play through his hamstring injury in Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He may be limited in the number of snaps he takes to help reduce the risk of re-aggravating the injury, though, and it's yet to be seen how many. Ramsey missed time last year after suffering a meniscus tear; the Dolphins handed him a three-year, $72.3 million deal. It's safe to assume he can still play at a high level. Ramsey will turn 30 this year, so his best days are likely behind him. However, defensive cornerstone Jaelan Phillips is returning from an Achilles tear, and there are many new pieces and a new defensive coordinator, so there are better D/STs to start this week over the Dolphins.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney will step into the WR2 role for this offense to open the season. The 26-year-old reportedly looked good in camp and continued to make plays when called upon. Drake London opens the season as the primary passing option, but Mooney shouldn't be far behind him on the depth chart. It's worth noting that tight end Kyle Pitts and running back Bijan Robinson should also be involved in the receiving game. Mooney has spent the last four seasons with the Chicago Bears. His best season came in 2021 when he recorded 81 receptions for 1,055 yards and four touchdowns. He's worth stashing in most fantasy formats and should be on the WR4 radar heading into the opener.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (ankle) has been cleared to suit up for Sunday's Week 1 matchup against the New York Giants. Nailor was able to log in a full practice to close out the week after being limited earlier in the week. He's expected to be the third wideout on this roster behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Sadly, there probably won't be a ton of targets left for Nailor with those two likely seeing the bulk of them. Nailor should be considered a desperation play in deep leagues heading into Week 1. The third-year wideout is unlikely to have a huge role while Jefferson and Addison are healthy.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent QB Ryan Tannehill (Titans) received interest from several NFL teams during the offseason, according to multiple sources. However, he would only be interested in returning to the league to play for a playoff contender with the need for a quarterback, a strong offensive line and multiple offensive weapons, if the money was right.
From TheHuddle
Buffalo Bills DE Dawuane Smoot (toe) has been downgraded from questionable to out for Week 1's game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
From TheHuddle
The Green Bay Packers are going to be without starting quarterback Jordan Love (knee) for a few weeks. Love suffered a Grade 1/2 MCL sprain, which could force him to miss three or four games. Malik Willis came into the game in the final seconds after Love went down during Friday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite that, the Packers haven't committed to Willis being the starting quarterback in Week 2. Willis has only been with the team for a few weeks, so he might not be quite ready for this type of role yet. Sean Clifford is currently on the practice squad and has been with the team since 2023. Those are two are their primary options unless they want to go outside of the organization. Free-agent quarterback Ryan Tannehill has been a rumored name, but wants to join a contending team and be paid well. Regardless of who starts, none of these players are going to be viable fantasy options in most formats.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) appears to have avoided a season-ending injury. Love went down in the final moments of Friday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He needed to be helped off the field and further evaluation revealed an MCL sprain. The Packers only expect Love to miss a few weeks, which could be three or four games. Fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief that it wasn't an ACL tear that would force Love to miss the entire season. The assumption is that Malik Willis will start for a few weeks, but free-agent quarterback Ryan Tannehill has also been rumored to be an option. Whoever starts is going to be a downgrade over Love under center.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Trenton Irwin could be in line for a heavier workload during Sunday's Week 1 matchup against the New England Patriots. Fellow wideout Ja'Marr Chase (illness) is trending in the right direction, but is still uncertain for the season opener. If he sits, Tee Higgins and Andrei Iosivas would move up the depth chart. Also, Irwin could be in line to be the third starter considering he was competing for the WR3 role in camp. His value hinges on the status of Chase, which might not be known until closer to game time. Irwin could be a desperation play in deep leagues if Chase does end up sitting out.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins CB Jalen Ramsey (hamstring) will attempt to play in Week 1's game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to multiple sources. He had been listed as questionable on the injury report after logging just one limited practice session during the week. Ramsey will not be at 100 percent and is hoping to be able to play on a pitch count.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Calijah Kancey (calf) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 1 matchup against the Washington Commanders. Kancey was a late addition to the injury report on Friday due to a calf injury. It looks like the Bucs are going to play it safe and hold him out of the season opener. The first-round pick from last year recorded four sacks and 10 tackles for loss last season. He was mostly a part-time player, but Kancey has a chance to be a real difference maker on defense. Kancey figures to start on the Bucs defense this season, but Mike Greene is likely to get the opening week start.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears WR Keenan Allen (heel) is expected to play in Week 1's game versus the Tennessee Titans, according to head coach Matt Eberflus.
Fantasy Spin: Allen had been listed as questionable on the injury report after logging two limited practice sessions and one full session during the week. He is expected to receive his normal workload and can be viewed as a WR3 or flex option in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions DT D.J. Reader (quadriceps) is not expected to play in Week 1's game versus the Los Angeles Rams, according to multiple sources. He had been listed as questionable on the injury report after being a limited practice participant throughout the week but it is believed that he has a more realistic chance to play in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
From TheHuddle
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (illness) woke up ill on Saturday but started to feel better later in the day, according to ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler. Chase is currently listed as questionable for Week 1 versus the Patriots with his illness, but his availability could also be impacted by the absence of a contract extension. The star wide receiver has mentioned that he could skip or be limited during Sunday's game since he didn't accept an extension offer before his self-imposed Week 1 deadline. Based purely on health alone, it sounds like Chase is feeling better and could be well enough to play. Add in the contract factor, though, and this situation is incredibly murky. To further complicate matters, Tee Higgins (hamstring) is not expected to suit up. Therefore, we could see increased opportunities for Andrei Iosivas, Jermaine Burton, and Trenton Irwin against New England.
From RotoBaller
Free agent quarterback Ryan Tannehill is waiting for the perfect opportunity before signing with an NFL team, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. His ideal landing spot would be a playoff contender with a strong offensive line, significant offensive weapons, and the need for a quarterback. He has reportedly been staying in shape and throwing to local receivers, keeping himself ready in case he gets the call. Rapoport notes that there's been some interest in Tannehill around the league, but evidently, his desired opportunity hasn't presented itself yet. One team to keep an eye on is the Green Bay Packers, who are contenders but are also preparing for a multi-week absence from Jordan Love (knee).
From RotoBaller
