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
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- Week 10 Inactives
Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (foot, ankle) is considered doubtful to return for Sunday's Week 10 matchup against the New York Giants. It appears Sanders suffered some type of leg injury during the first half of this game. After further evaluation it sounds like the Panthers are likely going to hold him out for the rest of the game. Before exiting, Sanders rushed the ball twice as the primary backup to Chuba Hubbard. The absence of Sanders should mean a few more snaps for Hubbard during the second half of this game.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) has been activated from the Injured Reserve ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the Detroit Lions. Collins missed the minimum four games on the IR after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 4. The Texans could desperately use Collins on the field with Stefon Diggs (knee) done for the season. Currently, Collins is listed as questionable and considered a game-time decision for Sunday's game. Fellow wideout Tank Dell (back) is also banged up, but is expected to play. If active, Collins would likely be on a snap count and could be a risky option for Week 10.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) will suit up for the Week 10 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McCaffrey is set to make his season debut after missing the few first months due to a lingering Achilles issue. The return of McCaffrey should mean that Jordan Mason falls into the backup role which will decrease his value. There was uncertainty around how many snaps McCaffrey would play during his first game. It doesn't sound like he's going to be limited, so fantasy managers can get McCaffrey back in their lineups ahead of this Week 10 matchup.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass struggled early in the season, but has cleaned it up over the last few weeks. In fact, Bass has six straight field goals and 9-of-10 extra point attempts over the last three games. The 27-year-old knocked down a 61-yard field goal during last week's win over the Miami Dolphins. It appears the early struggles for Bass are behind him. Fantasy managers should restore faith in him ahead of the Week 10 against the Indianapolis Colts.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers appears to have moved into the primary backup role in the backfield. Last week, Akers rushed six times for 46 yards in the win over the Indianapolis Colts. Fellow back Ty Chandler appears to have moved into the third string role now. That means, Akers should see a handful of carries behind Aaron Jones most weeks. Akers is unlikely to have reliable value while being the backup, but is worth holding in deep leagues and dynasty formats as he's only one injury away from being the starter. The 25-year-old can be avoided for Week 10, but is worth a stash.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) is being considered a game-time decision ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Hill re-aggravated a wrist injury earlier in the week and was held out of practice on Friday and Saturday. Now, Hill's status is currently up in the air as they will likely wait until warmups before making a final decision on him. Jaylen Waddle figures to be the primary receiving option if Hill is unable to play. Both Odell Beckham Jr. and Malik Washington see should more snaps as well, but they aren't exactly reliable fantasy options. It sounds like fantasy managers are going to be forced to wait until Monday to know Hill's final injury status.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. could see a decent dose of targets if Tyreek Hill (wrist) is ruled out for Monday night's game against the Los Angeles Rams. Beckham could be a vocal point against his former team if this game turns into a shootout. The Rams defense ranks 23rd in fantasy points allowed per game to wide receivers and allow the 12th most yards per game. Despite Beckham's highest target count being three in any game this season, he could be considered a streaming option if you have any bye week or injury issues. If Hill plays, Beckham likely won't be a fantasy factor. Monitor the status of Hill leading up to Monday Night's contest.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin has been one of the more reliable kicking options in the league this season. The veteran kicker has connected on a career-best 93.3 percent of his field goal this season. McLaughlin has only missed one field goal and one extra point heading into the Week 10 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. The 28-year-old has made three extra points and one field goal in each of the last two games. The Bucs will have a tough challenge against the 49ers defense this weekend. Despite that, McLaughlin is still worth a look as a streaming option for Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers LB Preston Smith will make his debut with the team in Week 10's game against the Washington Commanders. He had been acquired in a trade with the Green Bay Packers Tuesday, Nov. 5.
From TheHuddle
Pttsburgh Steelers WR Mike Williams will make his debut with the team in Week 10's game against the Washington Commanders. He had been acquired in a trade with the New York Jets Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Fantasy Spin: Although it's hard to predict how quickly Williams will learn Pittsburgh's offensive scheme and build chemistry with his teammates, he could become a viable flex option in deeper fantasy leagues over the coming weeks.
From TheHuddle
Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders has seen his workload increase over the last few weeks. This offense looks to be back on track with Tua Tagovailoa under center once again. Last week, Sanders made both of his field goals while converting all three of his extra point attempts in the loss to the Buffalo Bills. He figures to continue having plenty of chances with the Dolphins offense rolling again. They'll get a favorable matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 10. Sanders should be worth a look for fantasy managers seeking a streaming option for Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance could be involved in certain packages during Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Lance has filled a depth role in Dallas ever since being traded by the 49ers, and even with Dak Prescott (hamstring) mulling season-ending surgery, Prescott still remains the Cowboys' No. 2 quarterback behind Cooper Rush. Even if Lance does see the field versus Philadelphia, he's not expected to have a major role. Fantasy managers can continue to leave him on waivers.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams is expected to be active against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Less than one week after being traded from the New York Jets, Williams is slated to make his Steelers debut. The veteran filled a depth role in New York but still managed to offer a solid veteran presence, catching 12 passes for 166 yards along the way. He's off the fantasy radar for the moment.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) is inactive for Sunday's game against the New York Giants in Germany. The rookie was activated from the non-football list earlier this week. While Brooks did log three full practices in a row, the Panthers are being extra cautious and holding him out one more game. He'll get extra time to prepare for NFL action during the Panthers' bye before making his NFL debut in Week 12. Even when Brooks returns, it looks like Chuba Hubbard will be the primary running back in Carolina.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones will start against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 10, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Jones' promotion to the QB1 role comes in the midst of a potentially season-ending injury to Trevor Lawrence (shoulder), who has 14 total touchdowns and six interceptions this season. Sunday will represent Jones' first game as a Jaguar. His tough matchup and reduced skill set drop him outside the fantasy-relevant tiers this week.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) could end up being shut down for the rest of the season, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini. The former No. 1 pick has been diagnosed with an AC joint sprain and is inactive for Week 10 against the Minnesota Vikings, leaving Mac Jones to start in his place. If this is indeed the end of the season for Lawrence, he'll have finished 2024 with 2,004 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, six interceptions, 113 rushing yards, and three rushing scores.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions DE Za'Darius Smith (personal) is not expected to play in Week 10's game against the Houston Texans, according to a source. After coming to the Lions in a trade with the Cleveland Browns Tuesday, Nov. 5, Smith participated in just one of the team's three practice sessions during the week.
From TheHuddle
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (right hamstring) is active for Week 10 against the Carolina Panthers. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after New York activated him from injured reserve on Saturday. The veteran has been sidelined since the season opener, in which he went 2-for-2 on field goals. A favorable matchup against the Panthers gives Gano top-12 appeal this week.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (back) is inactive for Week 10 against the New York Giants. He had been listed as questionable after logging a full practice on Friday. Despite his improved practice status, Tremble will miss his second game in a row and fourth game in the last five weeks. His absence creates additional opportunities for rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders, who has 16 catches over his last four games.
From RotoBaller
The Carolina Panthers have declared DE Charles Harris, OT Ikem Ekwonu, CB Shemar Bartholomew, DT Jaden Crumedy, TE Tommy Tremble, S Jammie Robinson and RB Jonathon Brooks inactive for Week 10.
From TheHuddle
