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FFL: Week 2 | NFL: Week 2

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
Will McDonald IV Sep 15 10:30pm ET
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The New York Jets defense played well in a 24-17 win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 2. New York forced two turnovers and notched four sacks while holding the Titans to 300 yards of total offense in the close win. The Jets got three sacks from Will McDonald IV while the fourth one came from Solomon Thomas. They did lose top linebacker C.J. Mosley to a toe injury in the game, which will be something worth monitoring with the team's next game coming on Thursday night against the New England Patriots. For what it's worth, head coach Robert Saleh sounded hopeful that Mosley will be able to play this week. Stay tuned.

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Jalen Nailor Sep 15 10:30pm ET
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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor caught 3-of-4 targets for 54 yards and one touchdown in Sunday's 23-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. It's the second week in a row with a TD for the 25-year-old, as despite him drawing just one target last week -- he made it count with a 21-yard score. Nailor saw his playing time tick up in Week 2 with the news that teammate Jordan Addison (ankle) was ruled out with a nagging injury. It was a solid performance by the former sixth-round pick as he builds off a strong preseason where he was one of the most productive Vikings' skill players. Addison's timetable for return is not exactly clear. However, he does still face potential disciplinary action from the league stemming from a Jul. 11 incident in which he fell asleep at the wheel while driving under the influence of alcohol. His court date is Oct. 7. Nailor seems to be the next man up and will be an intriguing asset if Addison is forced to miss more time. Minnesota will square up against the Houston Texans in Week 3.

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Kyren Williams Sep 15 10:30pm ET
Kyren Williams

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams turned in a decent performance, all things considered, in the team's 41-10 loss at Arizona on Sunday afternoon. The Rams' lead back scored a touchdown, which ended up aiding him to a so-so outing in a disastrous day for L.A. in the desert. Williams carried 12 times for 25 yards and a touchdown and caught four passes for 27 yards on five targets out of the backfield. The involvement in the passing game is a good sign moving forward. The 2.1 yards per carry is not a good look for Williams. Backup running back Blake Corum (eight carries for 28 yards), while also inefficient, was more involved this week. The Rams' offense has been bit heavily by the injury bug, with top receivers Puka Nacua (knee) and Cooper Kupp (ankle) banged up. Williams will likely be the focal point of the depleted offense now with the team potentially down its top two receivers moving forward.

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Derek Carr Sep 15 10:30pm ET
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New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr torched the Dallas defense in Week 2's 44-19 blowout win. Carr has been on fire to start the season, quarterbacking the team's hottest offense to an average of 45.5 points per game. Carr only had to throw 16 passes in the win, completing 11 for 243 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. He also rushed once for one yard. The veteran quarterback is now firmly in the streaming conversation as New Orleans gears up for next Sunday's game against Philadelphia.

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Isaiah Likely Sep 15 10:30pm ET
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Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely couldn't replicate the same magic from Week 1 as he came up with a disappointing performance in the 26-23 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. The third-year tight end recorded two receptions for 26 yards on three targets and was doubled up by Mark Andrews in receptions and almost in yards. Likely's fantasy value is going to be volatile as the passing game seems to have a different hot hand each week. On top of that, there will be changing tight end priorities while the offensive line goes through a rough patch to start the year. Likely will look to create more separation in Week 3 when the Ravens take on the Dallas Cowboys in a big road game.

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Chase Brown Sep 15 10:30pm ET
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Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown had a rough showing in Sunday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. After an uneventful performance in Week 1 versus the Patriots, Brown finished Week 2 with just four carries for 31 yards. He also was held without a catch. Zack Moss was still the top rusher out of the backfield, with the 26-year-old going for 34 yards off 12 touches. While Moss may find himself in the doghouse at some point if he doesn't turn things around, Brown will need to prove his value to managers before working his way back into fantasy lineups. Keep him on the bench in Week 3 versus the Commanders.

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Alvin Kamara Sep 15 10:30pm ET
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New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara had himself a day on Sunday in the 44-19 win over the Dallas Cowboys. The veteran rushed 20 times for 115 yards and three touchdowns, adding two catches for 65 yards and an additional touchdown through the air. It was a vintage Kamara performance, as the 29-year-old has looked reignited in Klint Kubiak's offense. In the second quarter, he showcased his explosiveness on a 57-yard touchdown reception to go up 21-6. Despite the matchup being tough on paper, Kamara still finished as the RB1 on the day. He should be in all lineups next week against Philadelphia.

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Blake Corum Sep 15 10:30pm ET
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Los Angeles Rams rookie running back Blake Corum was more involved during the team's blowout loss to the Cardinals on Sunday afternoon but did little to inspire too much confidence. The Michigan product rushed eight times for 28 yards, which made him the leading rusher in the game for L.A. The 3.5 yards per carry leave something to be desired and he was not targeted in the passing game at all. It should be noted that this game was well out of hand, so Corum's involvement might need to be taken with a grain of salt. But it was a good sign that he got some work in. With Puka Nacua (knee) and Cooper Kupp (ankle) now injured the team could become more of a run-first offense with Kyren Williams and Corum shouldered more of a load. Corum is largely touchdown-dependent as a standalone fantasy option but he could be worth stashing for later in the season.

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Tyler Conklin Sep 15 10:20pm ET
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New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin caught one of his two targets for 10 yards in a 24-17 win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 2. Conklin was quiet in a game where Aaron Rodgers only completed 18 passes against the Titans. The veteran tight end has not been a major part of the New York offense through two games as he has drawn just four targets, turning those into two catches for 16 yards. Conklin should be on waivers in fantasy leagues heading into Week 3's Thursday night game against the New England Patriots.

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Mark Andrews Sep 15 10:20pm ET
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Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews received the second-most targets in the team's three-point loss at home to the Las Vegas Raiders. While he received more work this time compared to Isaiah Likely, he was unable to turn it into that much. He finished with four receptions for 51 yards on five targets but couldn't find the end zone. The fact that Andrews was more involved in this game was encouraging, but the passing game has been lackluster so far outside of one pass-catcher per game. He'll need to be a big part of the offense if the Ravens want to find their first win on the road against a capable Dallas Cowboys defense in Week 3.

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Matthew Stafford Sep 15 10:20pm ET
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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford had a rough afternoon at Arizona after losing his top target Cooper Kupp (ankle) in the team's 41-10 loss on Sunday. Stafford completed 19 of 27 passes for 216 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. He did lose a fumble in the game and was sacked five times. With Kupp exiting after four catches for 37 yards on six targets, Stafford found it tough sledding against the Cardinals' defense. The injuries to the Rams' offensive weapons are piling up and it's fair to wonder how the veteran QB will fare without his top two playmakers in Kupp and Puka Nacua (knee). The extent of Kupp's injury is still unknown but he was seen leaving the locker room in a walking boot. It was a disastrous day for the Rams in Arizona so they'll want to put this one behind them and regroup. Sean McVay and his staff will be busy this week figuring out how to get Stafford going with limited weapons.

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Zack Moss Sep 15 10:20pm ET
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Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss had an underwhelming Week 2 showing versus the Chiefs. After finding the end zone in Week 1, the 26-year-old finished Sunday's contest by amassing 34 yards off 12 carries. With Tee Higgins (hamstring) sidelined, some believed Moss would have a more prominent role, especially as a pass-catcher. Yet, that didn't happen, with the 2020 No. 86 overall pick catching one pass for 13 yards. He still had more carries than Chase Brown, who had four touches for 31 yards. However, fantasy managers will still likely be nervous about Moss' potential in Week 3 against the Commanders. With that in mind, he still deserves at least flex consideration, although the topic can be revisited based on his performance after Monday night's showdown with Washington.

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Greg Zuerlein Sep 15 10:20pm ET
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New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein made his lone field-goal try and added three extra points in a 24-17 win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 2. Zuerlein drilled a 33-yard try in the third quarter, his first field-goal attempt through the first two games of the season. It has been slow going thus far but the veteran kicker should start to see field-goal chances more frequently as the New York offense comes together. He will have a short turnaround as the Jets play the New England Patriots in Week 3's Thursday night game.

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Jordan Mason Sep 15 10:20pm ET
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Marvin Harrison Jr. Sep 15 10:13pm ET
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Dynasty | Cardinals rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr had four catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns in Arizona's demolition of the Rams. Dynasty Analysis: A week after Harrison had just one catch for four yards, he single-handedly roasted the Rams and amazingly did all his damage in the first quarter before the Cardinals went conservative in a blowout win. Harrison reminded everyone just what kind of talent he has and solidified his status as the top overall rookie in dynasty leagues this season. The "buy low" window was pretty quick and Harrison is a "locked and loaded" option moving forward. Dynasty managers can now breathe easy.

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Trey Benson Sep 15 10:13pm ET
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Kyler Murray Sep 15 10:13pm ET
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Blake Corum Sep 15 10:13pm ET
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Patrick Mahomes Sep 15 10:13pm ET
Patrick Mahomes

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Patrick Mahomes Sep 15 10:13pm ET
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