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FFL: Week 7 | NFL: Week 7

TE Strength of Schedule

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

Related photo caption below

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
Dontayvion Wicks Oct 20 6:00pm ET
Dontayvion Wicks

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks was a solid contributor to the Packers' 24-22 win over the Houston Texans in Week 7. Wicks (shoulder) was a game-time decision for the Packers after leaving in Week 6 with a shoulder injury. After three limited practices during the week, Wicks was good to go for Week 7 as he caught 3-of-6 targets for 48 yards and a 30-yard touchdown on a beautiful throw by Jordan Love. Wicks was second on the Packers in targets (6) and his touchdown was one of three touchdown scores on the day for Love. With the many pass-catchers on the Packers, it can be hard to find consistent footing each week, but the Packers continue to involve Wicks in the offense despite some issues with drops this season. The Packers will head south to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars in Week 8, where for fantasy, Wicks should be a low-end flex play with upside in that contest.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Oct 20 6:00pm ET
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (ribs) won't return to Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. He'll finish the day by throwing for six yards off 2-for-2 passing, adding 50 yards off three carries. There wasn't much information surrounding his condition after he exited. However, the signal-caller returned to the sidelines in the second half with a smile. Considering the Commanders built a decisive lead, it's unknown if Daniels could have returned. With that in mind, his condition will be monitored closely for the Week 8 meeting with the Chicago Bears. If he can't suit up for that one, Marcus Mariota will presumably be under center.

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D.K. Metcalf Oct 20 5:50pm ET
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (knee) exited Sunday's matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. He was carted to the locker room, so things didn't look promising. However, head coach Mike Macdonald downplayed the condition, stating the wideout "banged his knee a little bit," adding, "it doesn't look too bad." Metcalf will likely need more tests to determine the severity of the injury. He might also miss some practices heading into the Week 8 clash with the Buffalo Bills. If Metcalf can't go for that one, it will likely mean more attention for Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

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Aidan O'Connell Oct 20 5:40pm ET
Aidan O'Connell

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (thumb) exited Sunday's matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. The signal-caller didn't last long in Week 7 and will finish the contest by throwing for 52 yards off 6-for-10 passing. Unfortunately, there is concern that O'Connell suffered a broken thumb, which would presumably put him on the shelf for a while. But fantasy managers will need to wait for the results of impending tests on Monday. If the worst is confirmed, Gardner Minshew II will likely be back under center, although his track record this season won't make him a viable fantasy asset in any format.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Oct 20 5:40pm ET
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs was excellent in his second-consecutive game for the Packers as the team edged the Houston Texans 24-22 in Week 7. Doubs led the Packers with 10 targets, eight receptions, and 94 receiving yards as he was a key component of Jordan Love's passing attack. While Dontayvion Wicks, Tucker Kraft, and Josh Jacobs scored the touchdowns through the air for the Packers, Doubs was very efficient and was the only consistent target-earning for quarterback Jordan Love and the Packers on the afternoon. With so many quality pass-catchers for Love in this excellent Packers' passing attack, Doubs has an emphasis for the Packers following a one-game suspension a couple of weeks ago. With this emphasis on Doubs being a focal point of the offense, consider Doubs a low-end WR3 for the Packers' Week 8 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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Sam Darnold Oct 20 5:30pm ET
Sam Darnold

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold threw for 259 yards, one touchdown, and one pick off 22-for-27 passing in Sunday's narrow loss to the Lions. He added four carries for 39 yards. The signal-caller was coming off a horrid performance in the Week 5 overseas loss to the New York Jets. While he played better on Sunday, it still wasn't enough, resulting in the Vikings first loss of the 2024-25 campaign. Minnesota won't have much time to sulk, as the team will meet the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night. Granted, Darnold was more productive earlier in the year. Still, he's worth starting in most fantasy setups.

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Jaylen Waddle Oct 20 5:30pm ET
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle caught 1-of-2 targets in Sunday's 16-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The numbers are all season-low marks for the fourth-year wideout, and the first time in his young career he registered fewer than four targets. No Dolphins pass-catcher recorded more than three targets or two receptions in the contest aside from tight end Jonnu Smith, who led the team with seven catches and 96 yards on seven targets. It's a significant disappointment for Waddle's managers in an excellent matchup. It's anticipated that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will practice ahead of the team's Week 8 outing and might make his return when the Dolphins host the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday. If not, it could be another week of Tim Boyle calling signals with Tyler Huntley (shoulder) forced from Sunday's loss in the second half.

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Tyreek Hill Oct 20 5:20pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill caught 1-of-2 targets for eight yards in the team's 16-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He added five rushing yards on his only attempt. Ouch. It's an enormous letdown in a promising matchup for Hill, with Miami coming off a bye in Week 6. The 30-year-old had quarterback troubles again on Sunday when Tyler Huntley (shoulder) left the game and was ruled out in the second half. Tim Boyle entered in relief, but the Dolphins went with a run-heavy game script, attempting just 26 passes to 40 rushes. The ground game was working in their defense, but Hill and wideout Jaylen Waddle combined for just four targets, two catches, and 19 yards. With QB Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) set to practice ahead of Week 8, the team could see its arrow pointing up in anticipation of a home matchup against the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday.

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Josh Jacobs Oct 20 5:20pm ET
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was solidly effective for the Packers as he capped off his afternoon in Week 7 with a touchdown reception in the Packers' 24-22 victory. Jacobs averaged over 6.0 yards per carry, totaling 72 rushing yards on just 12 carries. Jacobs also caught 5-of-5 targets for 16 yards, including an eight-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Jordan Love in the third quarter. That touchdown grab was the first of his career and ended his streak of 211 receptions without a receiving touchdown; the longest in NFL history. While the passing game was on display for the Packers for much of the game, Jacobs was plenty involved and had a quality day for fantasy purposes. He'll look to continue that momentum as the Packers head south to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 8, where Jacobs should be considered a low-end RB1 for that matchup.

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Jonnu Smith Oct 20 5:10pm ET
Jonnu Smith

Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith reeled in all seven of his targets for 96 yards and a touchdown in their 16-10 Week 7 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. It was a career day for the 29-year-old veteran, who set a new personal best with his seven receptions. His marks in the matchup were all team-highs, too, as no other Miami pass-catcher recorded more than three targets. It was an excellent performance from Smith, with the 96 yards being his most since he posted 100 in Week 9 last season as a member of the Atlanta Falcons. With quarterback Tua Tagovailoa potentially returning in Week 8, the Dolphins' offensive outlook could be on the rise. However, that is nowhere near a guarantee. Miami will now turn their attention to next Sunday when they'll host the visiting Arizona Cardinals.

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Jordan Love Oct 20 5:10pm ET
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love tossed three touchdown scores for most of the Packers' scoring on the afternoon as the Packers' edged the Texans 24-22 in Week 7. Love had an up-and-down game with 24-of-33 passing for 220 yards with three touchdown passes and two interceptions. A touchdown pass to Tucker Kraft kicked off the scoring on a beautiful diving play. Minutes later, Love found Dontayvion Wicks for a 30-yard touchdown with a perfect touch pass over the top. The final touchdown pass was Josh Jacobs' first receiving touchdown of his career; an eight-yard dump-off. Love was very good for fantasy production on the afternoon as he continued his streak of multiple-touchdown games in all five games Love has played this season. The Packers head south to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars, where Love will be a locked-in QB1 for that pristine matchup in Week 8.

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Dalton Schultz Oct 20 5:00pm ET
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz started his day with a first-quarter catch for 28 yards, but that accounted for all of his receiving production in a 24-22 loss at Green Bay. The 28-year-old tight end actually led the team in receiving, but only because Houston threw for a paltry 86 passing yards against the Packers. Schultz was targeted just twice in the game, his lowest total of the 2024 season thus far. The veteran will look for a better day in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts.

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Aidan O'Connell Oct 20 5:00pm ET
Aidan O'Connell

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (thumb) exited during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams and was taken to the locker room for further evaluation. He is officially listed as questionable to return, but head coach Antonio Pierce told the CBS broadcast that "it doesn't look like he'll be back." O'Connell suffered the injury while grazing his hand on a defender during a pass attempt. Gardner Minshew II has entered the game in his place. At the time of his departure, O'Connell had completed six of 10 passes for 52 yards, zero touchdowns, and zero turnovers. It's been a tumultuous start to the year for the Las Vegas quarterback room. Minshew opened the year as the starter, was benched for O'Connell due to poor performance, and is now back in the lineup due to his teammate's injury. Based on Pierce's comments, it sounds like Minshew will stay in the game as Las Vegas' quarterback for the rest of Week 7.

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JuJu Smith-Schuster Oct 20 5:00pm ET
JuJu Smith-Schuster

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) exited during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers and is officially questionable to return. He had not been targeted prior to his departure. Smith-Schuster entered Week 7 with a hamstring injury, so while the Chiefs initially cleared him to play, it appears he re-aggravated the issue early during Sunday's contest. As the game continues, the Chiefs' passing attack will funnel through a combination of Travis Kelce, Xavier Worthy, and Mecole Hardman, among others.

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Jayden Daniels Oct 20 4:50pm ET
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (rib) exited during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers and is officially questionable to return. Marcus Mariota has entered in his place. Daniels has been the Rookie of the Year frontrunner and an MVP candidate so far, leading the Commanders to a remarkable 4-2 start. At the time of his departure on Sunday, he had completed each of his two pass attempts for six yards through the air while also adding 50 rushing yards. Mariota is still a capable NFL quarterback, but he represents a clear downgrade from this year's No. 2 overall pick. Look for Washington to place a little more emphasis on the rushing attack until Daniels can return to the lineup.

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Devon Achane Oct 20 4:50pm ET
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane handled 15 carries in the team's 16-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, churning out 77 yards. He added two receptions and eight yards on three targets. Achane ran well Sunday against a porous Colts D as the Dolphins deployed a run-heavy game plan, totaling just 26 pass attempts to their 40 rushing. It's another disappointing outing for the second-year back, as Miami has averaged just nine points a game on offense since Week 2. While his day wasn't very useful regarding fantasy production, he out-carried backfield mate Raheem Mostert by four and out-gained him by 27, while the veteran did not record a target in the passing game. The Fins will square off against the Arizona Cardinals at home in Week 8.

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C.J. Stroud Oct 20 4:50pm ET
C.J. Stroud

The Green Bay Packers defense and special teams unit were in a slugfest with the Houston Texans in Week 7, eventually outlasting the Texans 24-22 by a game-winning field goal. The Packers tallied four sacks on Texans' quarterback C.J. Stroud and held him to just 86 yards passing on the afternoon. Stroud could not get much offense generated on the afternoon, as the Packers held Stefon Diggs to just 23 yards on five receptions and Tank Dell without a catch. The Packers still gave up 22 points as Joe Mixon put up 115 yards rushing and two touchdowns. It wasn't pretty, but the Packers found a way to get it done, even if the fantasy output by Green Bay wasn't exactly fruitful with zero interceptions and zero fumble recoveries. Green Bay heads south to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars, where they will be a locked-in starting D/ST for fantasy managers.

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Geno Stone Oct 20 4:50pm ET
Geno Stone

Cincinnati Bengals safety Geno Stone (left leg) exited late in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the contest. He finished Week 7 with seven tackles, bringing his season total to 37. He also intercepted his first pass of the 2024 campaign. If Stone is forced to miss extended time, Tycen Anderson would presumably earn more snaps at free safety.

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Tim Boyle Oct 20 4:40pm ET
Tim Boyle

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tim Boyle completed 8-of-13 passes for 74 yards in Sunday's 16-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He gained four yards on the ground on his only attempt. Boyle entered the game in the second half after starting QB Tyler Huntley (shoulder) picked up an injury and was deemed out for the remainder of Week 7. It was another disastrous day for the Dolphins' offense, who have yet to find their footing since Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) went down with a brain injury. Of the team's 12 possessions in the contest, just two went for ten or more plays, and it's the fourth time in the last five matchups that they've failed to score more than ten points. With Tagovailoa potentially returning to action in Week 8, Miami's fortune may swiftly change.

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Baylon Spector Oct 20 4:40pm ET
Baylon Spector

Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard (ankle) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans and was subsequently ruled out. He finished Week 7 with eight tackles, bringing his season total to 32. He also registered two tackles for loss and one fumble recovery. Baylon Spector entered the game in Bernard's place and will presumably earn more opportunities if the 25-year-old misses additional time.

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