Guest of the League
Appleton Papermakers Blue Est. 2004
FFL: Week 3 | NFL: Week 3

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.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 3

Player Notes
Jalen Nailor Sep 18 10:20am ET
Jalen Nailor

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor has impressed head coach Kevin O'Connell so far this season with Jordan Addison (ankle) missing time and allowing Nailor to see more time on the field. O'Connell specifically was pleased with the speed Nailor has shown and the separation he has been able to get on his routes against man coverage. Nailor was targeted four times and caught three passes for 54 yards in Week 2 against the 49ers. Justin Jefferson (quad) is also a little banged up so there is an opportunity for Nailor to continue to see targets in this offense. He is a sneaky speculative waiver-wire pickup this week as the Vikings' injury situation at wide receiver continues to play out.

From RotoBaller

Ryan Tannehill Sep 18 10:10am ET
Ryan Tannehill

Free agent quarterback Ryan Tannehill's name has come up as a potential replacement for Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) with the Dolphins. But NFL Network's Ian Rapoport believes that Tannehill is looking for a situation where he can come in and be the starter for the rest of the season. With Tagovailoa recently going on IR and expressing a desire to return to competition, that might not be the case in Miami. Because of that Rapoport says the Dolphins don't appear to be the right fit for the former Tennessee Titans quarterback as he evaluates whether to return to an NFL field this season.

From RotoBaller

Denzel Mims Sep 18 9:50am ET
Denzel Mims

Free agent wide receivers Miles Boykin and Denzel Mims worked out for the Seattle Seahawks, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. The Ravens drafted Boykin in the third round of the 2019 draft and he also spent time with the Steelers. The Jets drafted Mims as a second-rounder in 2020 and he has since spent time with the Lions, Jaguars, and Steelers. With the trio of DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle is pretty set at the top of its wide receiver depth chart but either Boykin or Mims could add to the wide receiver room if given a chance with the Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Ian Book Sep 18 9:40am ET
Ian Book

The Seattle Seahawks worked out quarterback Ian Book, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports. The Saints drafted Book as a fourth-round pick in the 2021 draft and he has since spent time with the Eagles, Patriots, and Chiefs. With Geno Smith and Sam Howell solidified as the starter and backup at the quarterback position, the Seahawks likely view Book as a depth option. He should not be fantasy-relevant even if he were to sign with Seattle.

From RotoBaller

Anders Carlson Sep 18 9:20am ET
Anders Carlson

The Buffalo Bills brought in kickers Anders Carlson and Cade York for workouts according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Bills starting kicker Tyler Bass has made 3-of-4 field goal attempts so far this season, but the team is looking at other options after Bass missed by a wide margin on his lone failed attempt. Bass has also struggled with the new kickoffs at times this season. Carlson had some success as the Packers kicker and York had stints with the Browns and Commanders.

From RotoBaller

Kareem Hunt Sep 18 8:21am ET
Kareem Hunt

Dynasty | The Chiefs have signed running back Kareem Hunt to their practice squad. Dynasty Analysis: This is reunion few ever saw happening after the Chiefs unceremoniously cut him in his second season after a domestic violence video featuring Hunt surfaced. Apparently time heals all wounds as Hunt is all the way back where it started after spending most of his career as the "B" to Nick Chubb's "A" in Cleveland. Hunt is nowhere near the player he was in his first run with the Chiefs but he could make an impact if he impresses on the practice squad. He's roster worthy again but shouldn't be a huge priority on this week's waiver wire run, especially since it's being reported he underwent sports hernia surgery this off-season.

Tua Tagovailoa Sep 18 8:20am ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Dynasty | The Dolphins have placed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve. Dynasty Analysis: This seemed like a near certainty after Miami signed Tyler Huntley yesterday. Tua will now miss at least the next four weeks, but it's also anyone's guess as to when we'll see him again. On the plus side (at least for dynasty purposes), he said this week he has no plans to retire, despite the latest of his scary looking concussions. Tagovailoa will remain a hold in dynasty leagues as we await his future.

Royce Freeman Sep 18 8:20am ET
Royce Freeman

Dynasty | The Browns have signed running back Royce Freeman to their practice squad. Dynasty Analysis: Freeman will attempt to impress the Browns enough to elevate him to compete with what has been an underwhelming duo of Jerome Ford and D'Onta Foreman to start the season. With Nick Chubb nearing a return, this mess is likely to be cleaned up soon. However, Freeman should be on watch lists as we evaluate this backfield on a week-to-week basis.

David Bell Sep 18 2:00am ET
David Bell

The Cleveland Browns have placed wide receiver David Bell (hip) on injured reserve after he was carted off the field following a hit early in the third quarter, with trainers lifting his right leg for support. Before his injury, Bell had three receptions for 27 yards in Sunday's victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, before he suffered a dislocated hip. A third-round pick in 2022, Bell has accumulated 41 catches for 408 yards and three touchdowns across 32 games, including eight receptions for 54 yards in last season's playoff loss to the Texans. Fantasy managers can anticipate increased roles for Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, Jerome Ford, and D'Onta Foreman going forward. Additionally, the Browns have signed receiver Jaelon Darden and running back Royce Freeman to their practice squad.

From RotoBaller

Feleipe Franks Sep 18 1:40am ET
Feleipe Franks

The Carolina Panthers have promoted tight end Feleipe Franks from the practice squad to the active roster. Franks saw limited action in Sunday's 26-3 loss to the Chargers, playing just one offensive snap as starting tight end Tommy Tremble was active. A one-year starter at Arkansas, Franks spent three years at the University of Florida before signing with the Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2021. After playing quarterback, he transitioned to tight end in 2022. Atlanta waived him in 2023, then joined the Panthers in 2024. Franks started the season on the active roster, was briefly released, and then signed to the practice squad, where he contributed as a standard elevation last week. He has already made his mark on special teams, and with Ian Thomas (calf) on IR until early October and Jordan Matthews released, Franks is poised to take on a depth role for Carolina.

From RotoBaller

Royce Freeman Sep 18 1:20am ET
Royce Freeman

The Cleveland Browns have signed free-agent running back Royce Freeman to their practice squad. Freeman, a seven-year veteran, was released by the Dallas Cowboys in August and now joins the Browns. A third-round draft pick by the Denver Broncos in 2018, he has also played for the Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, and Los Angeles Rams. Last season, Freeman appeared in 14 games with the Rams, accumulating 319 yards and two touchdowns. With Nick Chubb and Nyheim Hines sidelined, the Browns have been thin at running back, and as of Tuesday, Pierre Strong Jr. is listed as "week to week" with a hamstring injury. Jerome Ford and D'Onta Foreman have been handling the majority of the carries. Freeman must establish a significant role before fantasy managers consider adding him to their rosters. He could have an opportunity to contribute as soon as this Sunday against the Giants.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Nailor Sep 18 1:00am ET
Jalen Nailor

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell praised wide receiver Jalen Nailor, highlighting his speed and versatility: "I just was really, really happy just how fast he played. Even on routes he wasn't targeted, you could see the separation and his ability to win against man coverage." In the Vikings' 23-17 victory over the 49ers, Nailor caught three of four targets for 54 yards and a touchdown, finishing second in receiving yards behind Justin Jefferson (quadriceps). His 10-yard touchdown grab in the third quarter marked his second touchdown in as many weeks. With Jordan Addison sidelined due to an ankle injury, Nailor played 93% of offensive snaps, becoming a key contributor. Despite flying under the radar, he's only minimally rostered in leagues but could be a valuable speculative add if Jefferson or Addison miss time. In a potential high-scoring Week 3 matchup against the Texans, Nailor could step in as the No. 2 wideout for Sam Darnold.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Sep 18 12:13am ET
Justin Fields

Dynasty | The Steelers are prepping for this week's game with Justin Fields as their starting quarterback. Dynasty Analysis: Russell Wilson is nearing a return but it's hard to see him taking over Fields as long as the Steelers keep winning. While Fields has been far from dominant as a passer, he's kept the team moving, followed a game script and, most importantly, avoided mistakes. When you consider Fields is also making plays with his legs that Wilson presumably could not, this looks like a done deal at the moment. Fields is no more than a QB2 at the moment and the dynasty candle for Wilson is simply starting to burn out.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

MarShawn Lloyd Sep 18 12:13am ET
MarShawn Lloyd

Dynasty | The Packers have placed running back MarShawn Lloyd on injured reserve. Dynasty Analysis: The Packers tried to get Lloyd through his preseason hip and hamstring injuries after they lost AJ Dillon for the season, but Lloyd hurt his ankle this week and it's clear the team had to just throw in the towel for the moment as he'll now be out for at least a month. The Packers signed Chris Brooks off their practice squad this week and he should also be monitored in a backfield that's suddenly very thin behind Josh Jacobs.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Irv Smith Jr. Sep 18 12:13am ET
Irv Smith Jr.

Dynasty | The Texans have signed tight end Irv Smith Jr to their practice squad. Dynasty Analysis: Smith was once a very highly thought of prospect but failed to do much in Minnesota or Cincinnati when given opportunities. After being cut by the Chiefs this off-season, Smith will attempt to impress the coaches enough to get another shot. Still, the Texans have one of the deepest tight end rooms in the league and expecting Smith to do much would be a little foolish. He should remain on the waiver wire for the moment.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Robbie Chosen Sep 18 12:13am ET
Robbie Chosen

Dynasty | The Dolphins have released wide receiver Robbie Chosen. Dynasty Analysis: The Dolphins are finally moving on from Chosen, who signed on back in 2023 and has bounced back and forth from the practice squad to the active roster. Chosen somehow had a 95/1,096/3 season in Carolina back in 2020 but has around 300 catches and 4,000 yards in his other nine plus seasons in the league combined. In short, Chosen was a one-hit wonder who has failed to live up to expectations in stops with the Cardinals and Dolphins after leaving the Panthers. He belongs on the dynasty waiver wire.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

C.J. Mosley Sep 17 10:43pm ET
C.J. Mosley

New York Jets LB C.J. Mosley (toe) did not practice and told ESPN's Rich Cimini on Tuesday, Sept. 17, that he believes his chances of playing Thursday against the New England Patriots are '50-50.' 'I'm still pretty sore. No breaks or cracks. It's not the foot, but a crazy location, just kind of like the tip of my big toe. So it's just hard to push off right now. So it's just really getting the swelling down and pain management,' Mosley said.

From TheHuddle

Irv Smith Jr. Sep 17 10:30pm ET
Irv Smith Jr.

The Houston Texans signed free-agent tight end Irv Smith and former starting center Scott Quessenberry to their practice squad on Tuesday following successful tryouts, according to league sources. Smith, a former second-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings out of Alabama, will give Houston more depth at the TE position behind Dalton Schultz, Brevin Jordan and rookie Cade Stover. He has 109 career receptions for 973 yards and 10 touchdowns in his career with the Vikings, Bengals and Chiefs, but injuries have really held him back from reaching his true ceiling. Texans center Juice Scruggs (groin), who missed the Week 2 win over the Bears on Sunday night, is on track to return this week against the Vikings, but Quessenberry will give the team more depth at the position. Quessenberry started for Houston two seasons ago when Justin Britt stepped away for personal reasons.

From RotoBaller

Marte Mapu Sep 17 9:30pm ET
Marte Mapu

New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers (shoulder) remained as a limited participant during Tuesday's practice session. This is now back-to-back days that Peppers has been limited in practice. This is not a great sign heading into Thursday's Week 3 matchup against the New York Jets. The former first-round pick has been a solid contributor early in the season. Peppers has recorded six tackles in both of the first two games of the season. The absence of Peppers would certainly be a hit to this defensive unit. Marte Mapu would likely be asked to start if Peppers is unable to go on Thursday.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Sep 17 7:13pm ET
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson (calf) isn't expected to fully participate in practice on Wednesday, Sept. 18, head coach Mike Tomlin said.

From TheHuddle