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
Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7
Cleveland Browns running back D'Onta Foreman (groin) has been removed from the injury report ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. This is good news for the Browns backfield that will be without Jerome Ford (hamstring) this weekend. However, Nick Chubb (knee) should be back in the mix and be the primary back for Week 7. It's worth noting that this would be Chubb's first game back since suffering that horrible season-ending knee injury last year. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Browns limit Chubb during his first game back. That being said, Foreman and Pierre Strong Jr. should both be in the mix in the backfield. Foreman has seen 19 carries over the last two weeks, which is solid for a backup. However, he hasn't offered much fantasy value, so fantasy managers should consider him a desperation option in deep leagues.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III saw his stats take a dip during last week's matchup against the Carolina Panthers. McCloud finished with a season-high 66 yards in Week 5, but was only able to haul in three receptions for 30 yards last week. He remains third or even fourth on the pecking order, which doesn't guarantee solid weekly value. McCloud should still see a handful of targets as he has been thrown to five times or more in four of his first six games this season. Fantasy managers should consider McCloud a low-end flex option for Week 7 against the Seattle Seahawks.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Trey Palmer (concussion) is currently listed as questionable ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Palmer suffered a concussion in Week 4 and as a result he has missed each of the last two games. It sounds like Palmer still needs to clear concussion protocol, so fantasy managers should prepare to be without him for at least one more game. Sterling Shepard figures to move into the WR3 role if Palmer is unable to play. He has seven receptions for 78 yards and one touchdown over the last three games. However, Shepard won't be a recommended fantasy option for Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (hamstring) is currently listed as questionable ahead of Monday's Week 7 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Vea popped up on the injury report on Saturday due to a hamstring issue. The loss of Vea would be a significant hit to this defensive unit. The 29-year-old is one of the better run stopping tackles in the league. He has 12 tackles, five tackles for loss, and three sacks in five games this season. Greg Gaines would likely be asked to step in and start if Vea is unable to go. The Bucs are likely going to wait until Monday to decide on whether or not Vea will play.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons (hamstring) is expected to suit up for Week 7 despite being listed as questionable coming into this game. Simmons has missed time in practice this week, but appears to still be in good enough shape to play. The All-Pro safety has 23 tackles, one tackle for loss, and one interception in six games this season. The absence of Simmons would likely mean that Richie Grant would get the start at strong safety. The loss of Simmons would be a significant hit to this secondary, but it sounds like Simmons is in line to play.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) is not expected to play in Week 7's game against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to multiple sources. However, he is still likely to participate in pregame warmups before the team makes a final decision about him.
Fantasy Spin: Kupp had been listed as questionable on the injury report after being a limited participant in all three of the team's practice sessions during the week. He is one of the league's better receivers when healthy and should be a starting lineup option in fantasy leagues if he is cleared to play.
From TheHuddle
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet has taken a backseat in the backfield over the last few games. Charbonnet has rushed the ball five times or less in each of the last three games. The 23-year-old has seen a limited role with Kenneth Walker III healthy right now. Charbonnet has been able to get involved in the receiving game, but it's not enough to save his fantasy value. He's unlikely to see a significant role against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7. Charbonnet is worth stashing but really only has reliable fantasy value if Walker misses time.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones (hamstring) is expected to play in Week 7's game against the Detroit Lions, according to a source.
Fantasy Spin: Jones had been listed as questionable on the injury report after participating in two of the team's three practice sessions during the week on a limited basis. He can be a starting option in all fantasy leagues if he is cleared to play.
From TheHuddle
Kansas City Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is expected to play in Week 7's game against the San Francisco 49ers, according to a source.
Fantasy Spin: Smith-Schuster had been listed as questionable on the injury report after being a limited participant in the team's final two practice sessions of the week. He is only two weeks removed from a performance where he had seven catches for 130 yards so fantasy owners should feel good about using him as a WR3 option in their lineups.
From TheHuddle
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (illness) has been added to the injury report ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Benson popped up on the injury report on Saturday due to an illness and is now uncertain to play on Monday. The rookie back has been quiet this season outside of one 50-yard performance. If active, Benson still isn't a viable fantasy option for Week 7. However, his absence would likely mean that Emari Demercado takes over as the primary backup to James Conner. Fantasy managers shouldn't rush to the waiver wire to add Demercado considering Conner is likely going to see the bulk of the carries.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back Tyson Campbell (hamstring) is active ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the New England Patriots. Campbell has missed the last four games while being on the injured reserve due to a hamstring issue. Luckily, Campbell was able to practice this week and has been activated ahead of this contest in London. The 24-year-old has been limited to one game this season, but is a difference maker when healthy. Campbell should resume his role as the top defensive back on this team which should give the Jaguars defense a boost on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Browns have activated running back Nick Chubb. Dynasty Analysis: Chubb will make his much-anticipated return in week seven against the Bengals. His presence will be a welcome one by a Browns team that's 1-5 and flailing miserably. Cleveland traded Amari Cooper this week and Deshaun Watson looks like an absolute shell of himself, so anything the Browns get from Chubb will be important. Dynasty managers should be cautious as his role is likely not going to be a huge one for a few weeks. Still, it will certainly be nice to see him back after last year's gruesome injury.
Dynasty | The Jets are planning on Davante Adams playing at full strength this week. Dynasty Analysis: Adams was traded to the Jets this week and apparently the plane flight magically cured his injury. Dynasty managers won't complain as Adams has reportedly looked great in practice and is excited to be reunited with Aaron Rodgers. The Jets still have major problems and Adams is going to still need to build chemistry in the offense, so he should be viewed as more of a WR2 at the moment. Stay tuned.
Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon is expected to play the majority of the offensive snaps again in Week 7 with Jonathan Taylor (ankle) inactive. Sermon has been the Colts' lead back for each of their last two games, and he expects to remain in that role this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. The 25-year-old has commanded 34 touches over the last two weeks, but he has just 67 rushing yards and 25 receiving yards during that span (average of 2.7 yards per touch). On the other hand, backup Tyler Goodson has actually been more productive on fewer opportunities, tallying 122 scrimmage yards during that same two-week range (average of 6.1 yards per touch). This week against a modest Dolphins run defense, Goodson has higher upside in PPR leagues while Sermon is more of a touchdown-dependent FLEX play.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (hamstring) is not expected to play in Week 7 against the New York Jets, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Wilson had been listed as questionable after logging back-to-back limited practices. The 23-year-old made his NFL debut against the Las Vegas Raiders last weekend, playing just seven percent of snaps and failing to command a target. Now, he's sidelined once again, giving way to a receiving corps of George Pickens, Calvin Austin, and Van Jefferson, among others. Pickens is an appealing WR3/FLEX play against a respectable Raiders secondary.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) is expected to play against the Detroit Lions in Week 7 despite being listed as questionable, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Jones picked up the injury during Week 5 in London, but a conveniently placed bye last week allowed the veteran running back to recover for Sunday's game against Detroit without missing any time. He has been quite productive through five games this season, tallying 350 rushing yards, 167 receiving yards, and two total touchdowns. He typically ranks as a low-end fantasy RB1, but the Lions' strong run defense could drop him to the RB2 tier.
From RotoBaller
The New Orleans Saints will host wide receiver Marques Valdes-Scantling for a workout on Monday, and if all goes well, they could sign him, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Valdes-Scantling was recently released by the Buffalo Bills, for whom he caught just two passes through six games. The Saints are starving for reinforcements at the wide receiver position with Chris Olave (concussion) sidelined and Rashid Shaheed (knee) done for the year. While Olave figures to return soon, New Orleans still needs to add depth to a wide receiver room that currently contains just Olave, Bub Means, Cedrick Wilson Jr., Mason Tipton, and Jermaine Jackson.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Bills) is scheduled to work out for the New Orleans Saints Monday, Oct. 21.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jordan Whittington (shoulder) is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders despite being listed as questionable, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Whittington had been limited in practice this past week. The 24-year-old has taken advantage of injuries to Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) lately, catching 13 of 18 targets for 151 yards over his last two games combined. The rookie is still searching for his first career NFL touchdown, but in the meantime, he'll continue to operate as the Rams' top receiver while ranking as a WR3/FLEX play in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
The New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers have decided to pause trade talks surrounding wide receiver Mike Williams and will resume negotiations after the two teams face each other on Sunday night in Week 7, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Williams has become a popular name on the trade market after the Jets acquired Davante Adams. The former Los Angeles Chargers receiver has been quiet in his first season with New York, catching just 10 passes for 145 yards through six games. However, he could have more of a role if traded to a different team, such as the Steelers. Pittsburgh's wide receiver corps is headlined by George Pickens, who has delivered inconsistent production. Williams could certainly join the Steelers and immediately compete with their current No. 2 receiver, Calvin Austin III.
From RotoBaller
