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.
Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Divisional Round
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry capped off another fantastic year with a touchdown despite the team getting away from the run when they could have used it the most in the two-point loss to the Buffalo Bills. He finished the game with 16 carries for 84 yards and a touchdown to go along with two targets, but he didn't haul any of those in. The Ravens had short spurts of committing to the run, then they ultimately got away from it as the game went on. In two postseason games, Henry accumulated 270 yards on the ground and three touchdowns. Henry and Lamar Jackson will look for redemption next season while the Ravens look to re-tool on both sides of the ball.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson committed a couple of uncharacteristic turnovers in the first half on Sunday, but almost turned it all around in the second half. During the 27-25 loss to the Bills, Jackson finished with 254 yards and one interception on 18-for-25 throwing while gathering 39 yards on six carries and a fumble. He did a great job shaking off the rough first half to get the team within a two-point conversion of tying the game in the fourth quarter. He went 12-for-15 for 131 yards and a touchdown in the second half, but the third costly turnover from Mark Andrews and a dropped two-point conversion was the nail in the coffin.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown had a subdued performance in the 28-22 Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams, finishing with just two receptions for 14 yards. Over the last three games, Brown has averaged two catches for 20 yards, a surprising dip for one of the league's most elite receivers. The Eagles have leaned heavily on Saquon Barkley and the ground game during this stretch, limiting Brown's opportunities. He hasn't found the end zone since Week 16 against the Cowboys, but his ability to stretch the field and make big plays remains critical to Philadelphia's success. As the Eagles prepare to host the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game, Brown's role in the passing attack will be pivotal.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert paced the team with four receptions for 56 yards, including a 31-yard catch, in the 28-22 Divisional Round victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Goedert's reliability in the passing game has been a consistent asset, especially as defenses focus on containing wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Over his last three outings, Goedert has averaged four receptions for 52.6 yards per game, proving his value as a dependable target for quarterback Jalen Hurts. His ability to create opportunities has been instrumental in keeping the Eagles' offense balanced. As the Eagles gear up to host the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship, Goedert's steady production will remain a key factor in their quest for a Super Bowl appearance.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott had a mixed outing in the 28-22 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. He converted just one of three extra-point attempts, with the snowy conditions playing a significant role in the second attempt. However, Elliott remained reliable on field goals, going three-for-three this game and extending his streak to 10 makes in his last 11 attempts. While Elliott's missed extra points have raised some concernsthis marks the second consecutive game with a misshis consistency on field goals has been crucial for the Eagles during their playoff push. As the Eagles prepare to host the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship, Elliott's ability to deliver under pressure will be vital in what could be another tightly contested playoff matchup.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith contributed four receptions for 27 yards in the team's 28-22 Divisional Round victory over the Los Angeles Rams. While the Eagles relied heavily on Saquon Barkley's dominant ground game, Smith proved reliable when his number was called. The passing attack has taken a backseat multiple times this season as the team leans on Barkley's historic performances. However, Smith's ability to make key catches and move the chains remains a vital part of Philadelphia's offensive strategy. As the Eagles prepare for a grudge match against the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship, Smith's role in complementing the running game with an efficient aerial attack will be crucial in maintaining their postseason success.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts played a pivotal role in Sunday's 28-22 Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams. Hurts completed 15 of 20 passes for 128 yards while adding seven carries for 70 rushing yards, including a 44-yard touchdown run on the opening drive that electrified the snow-covered crowd at Lincoln Financial Field. As for the passing game, Hurts completed 15 passes for 128 yards. Hurts showed resilience despite being sacked seven times and playing with a knee brace in the second half. He should be good to go for next week as the Eagles are set to host the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game. Hurts' ability to adapt and lead through adversity will be critical to Philadelphia's Super Bowl aspirations.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley delivered another historic performance in Sunday's 28-22 Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams. Barkley carried the ball 26 times for 205 yards and two touchdowns, including a 62-yard score in the first half and a game-clinching 78-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. He also added four receptions for 27 yards, showcasing his versatility in the snowy conditions. Remarkably, this was Barkley's second 200-yard rushing game against the Rams this season, bringing his total to an astonishing 534 scrimmage yards against Los Angeles in two meetings. His explosive plays once again proved to be the backbone of the Eagles' offense, accounting for the majority of their points. As the Eagles prepare to host the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game, Barkley's dominance will be key to securing a Super Bowl berth.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens could be traded if the team adds a No. 1 receiver during the offseason, according to Mark Kaboly of 93.7 The Fan. In a post on X responding to fan questions, Kaboly wrote, "Can they land somebody? If so, I do think they will move [Pickens]." It was a turbulent year for the 23-year-old, who drew head coach Mike Tomlin's ire for unsportsmanlike penalties and reportedly showed up late to the team's Christmas Day game. He missed three contests due to injury this year, and his production was somewhat inconsistent when he was healthy. Pickens finished the campaign with 59 receptions, 900 yards, and a career-low three touchdowns. There's no indication that Pittsburgh is done with Pickens or committed to trading him, but Kaboly's post suggests he could certainly be moved.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn "has been at the top of the list" for the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints as they continue to search for their next head coaches, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports. Now that Glenn's Lions have been eliminated from the playoffs, he is available to be hired for any of the league's head coaching vacancies. Even though the Detroit defense struggled on Saturday against the Washington Commanders, Glenn impressed this season by overseeing a unit that consistently remained dominant despite dealing with a multitude of injuries. It's worth noting that although the Jets and Saints both fired defensive-minded head coaches during the middle of the 2024 campaign, it doesn't appear that will stop them from pursuing another defensive coach for their vacancies. Only one head coaching job has been filled so far (New England Patriots), but perhaps Glenn will accept a position soon and kickstart a domino effect of hirings.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (knee) said that he's confident he will be able to play in next Sunday's NFC Championship against the Washington Commanders, according to Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports. Hurts suffered a knee injury during the Divisional Round on Sunday, but he was able to finish the game after missing just one play. Even though the star signal-caller confirmed to the media that he's good to go for next week's contest, fantasy managers and bettors should still monitor his status on the Eagles' injury reports over the next few days.
From RotoBaller
The Las Vegas Raiders "are going to make a big push" to hire Ben Johnson as their head coach, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports. Now that Johnson's Detroit Lions have been eliminated from the playoffs, he is available to be hired for any of the league's head coaching vacancies. He's one of the top names on the coaching market, and while the Raiders may not have been on his radar at first, Tom Brady reportedly convinced him to interview with Las Vegas. It's unclear how much the Raiders' vacancy interests Johnson, but the team is clearly prepared to try to hire him. Owner Mark Davis has shown a willingness to hand out enormous coaching contracts before, so perhaps he'll shell out enough money to convince Johnson to become the next head coach of the Raiders. Only one head coaching vacancy has been filled so far (New England Patriots), but Johnson's decision could kickstart a domino effect of hirings.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Ravens tight end Mark Andrews had five catches for 61 yards in a playoff loss to the Bills. Dynasty Analysis: He also dropped the would-be tying two-point conversion attempt and had a brutal fumble to position the Bills to win the game. This one will sting for quite some time as Andrews' mistakes really did cost the Ravens a chance to win. He had a brutal start to the season but came back strong in the second half. While not the elite-level dynasty asset he once was, Andrews should be back as a TE1/2 next season.
Dynasty | Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper had no catches on one target in the Bills playoff win over the Ravens. Dynasty Analysis: Cooper is seemingly healthy, but Buffalo simply doesn't use him. In fact, he was only on the field for 21 of the more than 60 snaps on the day. Cooper will be a free agent at the end of the season and it's fair to wonder just what he may have left in the tank. His usage will again be something to watch next week.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir secured six of seven targets for 67 yards in the team's 27-25 win over the Baltimore Ravens to advance to the AFC Championship game. Shakir led Buffalo in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. The Buffalo passing game was a little underwhelming. Running back James Cook finished with three targets, second on the team. No other receiver had more than two. Shakir will continue to be Josh Allen's favorite target when the Bills face the Chiefs next weekend for the chance to go to the Super Bowl.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid caught one pass for 11 yards in the team's 27-25 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round of the playoffs. Kincaid's lone reception came on the first play of Buffalo's second drive. He was targeted just once more for the rest of the game. Josh Allen threw for 127 yards, a season-low mark, which resulted in poor receiving performances across the board for Buffalo's pass catchers (excluding Khalil Shakir). Kincaid's subpar season continues but the Bills did advance to the AFC Championship game to meet the Kansas City Chiefs.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen completed 16 of 22 pass attempts for 127 yards and carried the ball 10 times for 20 yards and two touchdowns in the team's victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Allen's passing total was the lowest of his 2024-25 campaign. The rushing yardage left a lot to be desired, too. The two short touchdown plunges salvaged his fantasy score but he still finished below 20 points. Allen and the Bills get another shot at defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in the postseason when they travel to Arrowhead for the AFC Championship game.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook rushed 17 times for 67 yards and caught three passes for 15 yards in the team's 27-25 win over the Baltimore Ravens. Cook averaged just a hair under four yards per carry against Baltimore, one of the league's stingiest run defenses. All three of Buffalo's touchdowns came on the ground. Quarterback Josh Allen punched in two of the scores. The other was given to backup running back Ray Davis, despite Cook getting Buffalo to the one-yard line. Another tough run defense is next when the Bills travel to Kansas City for a matchup with the Chiefs.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Eagles running back Saquon Barkley rushed for 205 yards and two touchdowns in the Eagles win over the Rams. Dynasty Analysis: Barkley added four catches and 27 receiving yards, along with touchdown runs of 62 and 78 yards on the day. It was just another day at the office for the NFL's best running back. Barkley wasn't affected by the snowy conditions and broke the back of the Rams on his two long runs. There really isn't much to say at this point. Barkley is going to be the favorite to finish next year as the RB1 and is a prime target for any contending team this off-season.
Dynasty | Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp had five catches for 61 yards in the Rams playoff loss to the Eagles. Dynasty Analysis: Firmly supplanted as the Rams top option by Puka Nacua, it's fair to wonder just what his future holds at this point. Kupp may finally be showing his age at this point and he's under contract for a lot of money moving forward. While the cap hit for cutting him would possibly be too much to endure, it's a possibility moving forward. Kupp's dynasty value is sinking fairly rapidly at this point and he may indeed need a new home.