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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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Player Notes
Tommy Tremble Oct 9 5:40pm ET
Tommy Tremble

Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (concussion) was held out of the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Tremble suffered a scary-looking concussion in the Week 5 loss to the Chicago Bears and is in the league's concussion protocol this week. He still has two more days to improve, but just based on how he looked on Sunday, it would be a surprise if he suited up this weekend against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. Tremble being inactive in Week 6 would open up more playing time for rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders, but fantasy managers should be able to find better TE2 streaming options. Ian Thomas (calf) practiced in full on Wednesday and could come off Injured Reserve to play this weekend, but he, too, should be avoided in fantasy. In four games in 2024, Tremble has only seven receptions for 59 yards. He's off the fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Oct 9 5:30pm ET
Diontae Johnson

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) was listed as a limited participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Johnson was also limited with his ankle injury last week but still played in the Week 5 loss to the Chicago Bears and caught only three passes for 23 yards against a strong Bears defense. Unless the 28-year-old suffers a setback later this week, he should be fine to play in a Week 6 tilt against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. Ever since quarterback Andy Dalton took over for Bryce Young in Week 3, Johnson has a total of 18 receptions on 33 targets for 228 yards and two touchdowns. Despite his disappointing showing in Week 5, Johnson should be trusted as a solid WR2 for fantasy managers this Sunday in a much better matchup against the Falcons defense.

From RotoBaller

Trey Sermon Oct 9 5:20pm ET
Trey Sermon

Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon (collarbone) popped on the Week 6 injury report after not practicing on Wednesday. In addition to Sermon, Jonathan Taylor (ankle) also missed practice and could be in danger of missing his second straight game in Week 6 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans. If Sermon is indeed in danger of missing this weekend's game, the Colts could be down to Tyler Goodson and Evan Hull in their backfield against Tennessee if both Taylor and Sermon cannot suit up. The 25-year-old Sermon was a great plug-and-play flex for fantasy managers that threw him into their lineups in the Week 5 loss to the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars, as he saw a season-high 10 carries for 38 yards and his second touchdown of the year while adding six receptions for 25 yards through the air. Fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on the practices statuses of both Sermon and Taylor the rest of the week.

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Drake Maye Oct 9 5:13pm ET
Drake Maye

Dynasty | The Patriots are starting quarterback Drake Maye this week. Dynasty Analysis: The Patriots chose to start the season with Jacoby Brissett at the helm and the results turned out to be about as expected. New England is 1-4 and have a real chance of seeing their season spiral out of control, so they're turning to the rookie. It's a best-case scenario for Maye as he shouldn't be under too much pressure as the team has simply looked anemic. Still, there is a real lack of offensive talent on this team, so it's fair to wonder just how this is going to go. Maye's dynasty value should rise with some solid performances.

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Tank Dell Oct 9 5:13pm ET
Tank Dell

Dynasty | The Texans have placed wide receiver Nico Collins on injured reserve. Dynasty Analysis: Collins has gone from an afterthought, to a serviceable receiver, to a possible lineup staple, to a WR1, to perhaps the best receiver in fantasy leagues over the past three years. This is a major buzzkill as he has been flat-out dominant. Savvy owners who aren't competing right now could make a "buy low" play for his services to a team desperate to win, but you're not likely to get him. Unfortunately, he's going to be out for at least four weeks and that should open up targets for Tank Dell, Stefon Diggs, Dalton Schultz and others.

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Aidan O'Connell Oct 9 5:13pm ET
Aidan O'Connell

Dynasty | The Raiders will replace Gardner Minshew at quarterback with Aidan O'Connell. Dynasty Analysis: The Raiders are 2-3 and while Minshew hasn't been awful, he also hasn't done anything to make anyone believe this looks like a playoff team. With Davante Adams likely on the way out, this is starting to look a little like a lost season for Las Vegas, so it makes sense for them to see if O'Connell can provide a spark. In his 11 games last year, he threw for 2,218 yards with 12 touchdowns and seven interception looking relatively average most Sundays. At this point, the Raiders are likely going to be scouting the college scene pretty hard in search of who may be their next signal caller. If O'Connell falls on his face, they could also scour the trade market (Russell Wilson could be available). Minshew can be dropped in dynasty leagues while O'Connell is back on the map.

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Michael Pittman Jr. Oct 9 5:10pm ET
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice. In addition to Pittman, Josh Downs (toe) also popped on the Week 6 injury report and didn't practice. It's not a great start to the week for Pittman and Downs, but they still have two days left to get back onto the practice field. Given his injury and the fact that we still don't know if quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) will play this Sunday against the division-rival Tennessee Titans, Pittman's fantasy outlook is a bit up in the air. He had 11 receptions for 88 yards and no touchdowns in the first three weeks with Richardson at the helm but has exploded for 11 catches for 150 yards and his first touchdown of the year in the last two weeks with Richardson injured. Pittman's fantasy upside may actually be higher if Richardson misses another week.

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George Kittle Oct 9 5:00pm ET
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (ribs) is good to go on Thursday night, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Kittle was a limited participant during the first two practice sessions of the week but was able to upgrade to full participation on Wednesday. The 31-year-old should be locked into all starting lineups as he faces a Seattle defense that has allowed the 19th-most points to opposing tight ends. Kittle has found the end zone in each of the past three games he has played in and averaged 61.7 yards and 6.3 receptions during this span. He should be viewed as a TE1 and should also be considered as a solid flex option in all DFS formats on Thursday evening.

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Jaylen Warren Oct 9 4:50pm ET
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (knee) was limited during Wednesday's practice, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. The 25-year-old has been sidelined since Week 3 after suffering a knee injury early in that game. The 25-year-old was initially deemed doubtful for this weekend's game, according to his head coach, Mike Tomlin, but seeing him participate in practice early in the week is a promising sign. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week. If Warren can suit up against the Las Vegas Raiders, he should be viewed as a solid flex option in PPR formats, given his pass-catching ability. If he cannot play, Najee Harris should see a heavy workload with Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) already ruled out.

From RotoBaller

Zack Moss Oct 9 4:50pm ET
Zack Moss

Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss (foot) did not practice on Wednesday, according to Mike Petraglia. Petraglia further noted that the running back did walk out in his uniform but could not participate in any drills. The 26-year-old suffered the injury in Sunday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Before the injury, Moss logged nine carries for 24 yards and added three catches for 28 yards. Through the early part of the season, Moss has been deployed as the lead back in Cincinnati, with Chase Brown serving as the No.2 option. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Moss' status during the week, as he could be in danger of missing Sunday's game. After totaling just over 40 yards through the first two weeks of the season, Brown has tallied at least 50 all-purpose yards in each of the past three games and could be a high-end RB2 on Sunday if Moss were to be held out of action.

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Russell Wilson Oct 9 4:40pm ET
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) was a full participant in practice for the first time in over a month on Wednesday, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Wilson suffered a calf injury before the season opener, which allowed Justin Fields to take over starting duties. While fantasy managers should still expect Fields to remain the starting QB for the time being, Wilson could eventually take over the job in the coming weeks, given that he is now at full strength. Last week, Fields went 15-for-27 in their loss to the Dallas Cowboys and threw for just 131 yards. Fantasy managers in superflex formats should consider stashing Wilson, as he could move to the top of the depth chart if Fields continues to struggle.

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Dameon Pierce Oct 9 4:30pm ET
Dameon Pierce

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) is expected to return this weekend, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. The 24-year-old has been sidelined since the opening week of the season with a hamstring injury. Cam Akers took over No.2 duties in his absence and eventually became the starter when Joe Mixon (ankle) suffered an injury following Week 2. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring Joe Mixon's status, as Pierce could be the top option out of the backfield if Mixon is kept out of action. Since breaking out in his rookie campaign with an impressive 939 yards, Pierce has been stuck in a reserve role. However, he is worth a speculative add this week as he could be a solid flex option if he gets the starting nod against the New England Patriots.

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A.J. Brown Oct 9 4:20pm ET
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) was seen at Wednesday's practice, according to Brooks Kubena of The Athletic. This is a great sign, as Brown missed the past three games due to a hamstring injury after injuring his hamstring during a Week 2 practice. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the 27-year-old's status throughout the week, but seeing him at practice early in the week is promising. In the season opener, Brown caught five of his ten targets for 119 yards and a score. If Brown can suit up on Sunday, he should be viewed as a high-end WR1 facing the Cleveland Browns.

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DeVonta Smith Oct 9 4:20pm ET
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (concussion) will practice on Wednesday according to Jeff McLane of the Inquirer. McLane further noted that the 25-year-old is still in concussion protocol but still has time to be cleared before Sunday's game. The former first-round pick suffered a concussion in Week 3 against the New Orleans Saints. Before the injury, Smith caught at least seven passes in the first three weeks and averaged 79.7 yards per game with one total score. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week. If Smith can suit up, he should be viewed as a low-end WR1 facing the Cleveland Browns, who have allowed the 21st most points to opposing wideouts.

From RotoBaller

Devin Singletary Oct 9 4:10pm ET
Devin Singletary

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (groin) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, according to Dan Salomone of Giants.com. Singletary was held out of action last weekend due to a groin injury. The veteran running back was able to log a limited session last Friday but was ultimately kept sidelined. However, seeing him log a limited session early in the week is a positive sign for his status for this weekend's game. In his absence, fifth-round rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. led the way last Sunday, totaling 129 yards on the ground in their victory over the Seattle Seahawks. If Singletary can suit up, he should be viewed as a high-floor RB2 facing the Cincinnati Bengals.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Oct 9 4:00pm ET
Malik Nabers

New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (concussion) did not practice on Wednesday as he is still in concussion protocol. Nabers was seen working with the coaching staff earlier on Wednesday but did not participate enough to be deemed limited. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status throughout the week, as Thursday's and Friday's injury reports should clarify his availability for this weekend. Before suffering a concussion in Week 4, the LSU standout was enjoying an impressive campaign as averaged 96.5 receiving yards per game with three total touchdowns. If Nabers is able to suit up on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, he should be viewed as a high-end WR1. If not, Wan'Dale Robinson should be in line for increased opportunities.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Oct 9 3:10pm ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (toe) was not spotted at Wednesday's practice and is reportedly dealing with a toe injury, according to Colts reporter Nate Atkins. The second-year pass-catcher out of North Carolina missed the first two games of the 2024 campaign with an ankle injury but has heated up in his last two contests with Joe Flacco at quarterback. He posted at least 15.9 PPR points against the Steelers and Jaguars. Downs' status is worth monitoring for the rest of the week, but the Colts are set to face the Tennessee Titans, who have allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to wideouts this season. No wide receiver has eclipsed 67 yards or caught a touchdown against Tennessee's revamped secondary. If Anthony Richardson (oblique) starts on Sunday, all of the Colts' pass-catchers have lower ceilings and floors in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Aidan O'Connell Oct 9 3:00pm ET
Aidan O'Connell

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell will start against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6, according to ESPN's Paul Gutierrez. Veteran Gardner Minshew has struggled as the team's starter, passing for 1,014 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions in five games. The Raiders are out to a 2-3 start and are rumored to be looking to trade All-Pro wideout Davante Adams (hamstring), so things are turning south in the Sin City quickly. O'Connell is now a must-add option in two-QB or Superflex leagues, but it would be surprising if he performs well enough to become a viable starter in single-QB formats. Without Adams, the Las Vegas skill group featuring Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker, and Brock Bowers is decent, but it's a bottom-half supporting cast in the NFL. O'Connell played in 11 games last year and posted 2,218 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

From RotoBaller

Rhamondre Stevenson Oct 9 2:50pm ET
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (calf) did not practice on Wednesday due to a calf injury, according to Patriots beat reporter Taylor Kyles. The 26-year-old didn't appear to be injured following the Week 5 loss to the Miami Dolphins, but nonetheless, his status is now worth monitoring. Last week, head coach Jerod Mayo said the team would start Antonio Gibson at running back following Stevenson's four fumbles in four games, but Stevenson still led the team in touches and rushed 12 times for 89 yards and a touchdown. He should continue to be viewed as the RB1 in New England, but if he can't play on Sunday, Gibson will become an attractive RB2 option. New England faces a Houston Texans' defense that has allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs this season, but the former Washington Commanders' ball carrier could see 20-plus touches and be leaned on in rookie quarterback Drake Maye's first start. If Stevenson plays, he's a solid RB2 option.

From RotoBaller

Chris Moore Oct 9 2:40pm ET
Chris Moore

The Arizona Cardinals released wide receiver Chris Moore on Wednesday, according to NFL.com. This move comes after veteran wideout Zay Jones was reinstated from his five-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. Moore entered the NFL in 2016 with the Baltimore Ravens and has played in games for the Ravens, Houston Texans, and Tennessee Titans. He did not earn a target or catch a pass for the Cardinals this season. Overall, the 31-year-old has caught 138 passes for 1,710 yards, and eight touchdowns in 106 career games. Another franchise might be interested in signing him, but it would be a surprise if he ends up on the fantasy football radar this season.

From RotoBaller