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 Starts/Sits: Week 2
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (ankle) is inactive for Week 2 against the Denver Broncos. Wilson had been listed as questionable after logging a limited practice on Friday. The rookie didn't up last week either, so he's still looking to make his NFL debut. With Wilson sidelined, Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek should earn more opportunities behind George Pickens, Van Jefferson, and Calvin Austin III.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver David Bell (hip) won't return to Sunday's matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The wideout had three catches for 27 yards. Unfortunately, he suffered a hip injury on his last catch of the day. With David Njoku (ankle) ruled out ahead of Week 2 and Pierre Strong Jr. (hamstring) exiting Sunday's contest, the Browns continue to deal with injuries on the offensive side of the ball. Fantasy managers should expect more work for Elijah Moore, Jerry Jeudy, Jerome Ford, and D'Onta Foreman for the rest of the game.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back Pierre Strong Jr. (hamstring) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and will not return. At the time of his departure, he had 10 rushing yards, 25 kick return yards, and -5 receiving yards. Despite some speculation that Strong may operate as the Browns' primary backup running back this week, he was ultimately out-produced by both Jerome Ford and D'Onta Foreman before he exited the contest. Strong will remain off the fantasy radar even if he's healthy enough to play in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) is officially inactive for Sunday's AFC showdown with the Chiefs. There is no surprise here, considering the wideout missed Week 1 and was doubtful heading into Week 2. Fortunately, Joe Burrow has Ja'Marr Chase as his primary pass-catcher. There's also room for Andrei Iosivas, Trenton Irwin, and Mike Gesicki to enter the flex conversation in 12-team fantasy leagues and up.
From RotoBaller
According to NFL insider Jay Glazer, Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) is on the "doubtful side" for Sunday's game against the Texans. The veteran wideout was classified as a game-time decision. However, it appears the Bears will be without Allen, who caught just 4 of 11 targets for 29 yards in Week 1. With Rome Odunze (knee) also in danger of missing the Week 2 festivities, DJ Moore and Cole Kmet could see more attention from Caleb Williams. There's also potential for Velus Jones Jr. and DeAndre Carter to get more involved. Yet, Jones or Carter shouldn't be viewed as anything more than a desperation addition to any fantasy lineup.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (shoulder) is questionable to return to Sunday's matchup with the Cleveland Browns. The 23-year-old took a hard shot while returning a kick, with many assuming he suffered a concussion. However, it appears a shoulder injury is jeopardizing his availability for the remainder of Week 2. Bigsby had 12 carries for 73 yards in Week 1 versus the Dolphins. Yet, he has been quiet on Sunday. At any rate, fantasy managers could see D'Ernest Johnson backing up Travis Etienne Jr. for the remainder of the contest.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (groin) returned to Sunday's meeting with the Detroit Lions. He exited the contest briefly due to a groin issue and was listed as questionable to return. However, while it's good to see White back on the field, fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised to see him receive a reduced workload, with Bucky Irving potentially in line to see more work for the remainder of Week 2. There's also a good chance White appears on the injury report ahead of Tampa's Week 3 clash with the Denver Broncos, meaning fantasy managers should plan in advance.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley (foot) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Titans. The veteran suffered a foot injury. But his day is likely over, considering he was transported to the locker room on a cart. He finished last season by totaling 151 tackles, one of the highest marks of his career. Unfortunately, the situation doesn't look promising regarding Mosley's availability moving ahead. Nonetheless, IDP managers will likely get an update soon.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (head) cleared concussion protocol and returned to Sunday's NFC East battle with the Commanders. The rookie wideout took a shot to the head, resulting in a trip to the blue medical tent for an evaluation. Fortunately, fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief. He popped up on the injury report earlier in the week due to a knee injury. However, he was cleared to suit up after practicing in full on Friday. Without question, the Giants can't afford an injury, considering kicker Graham Gano (groin) left the contest with a groin injury.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (groin) is questionable to return to Sunday's matchup with the Detroit Lions. It's a tough blow for fantasy managers, considering the injury came early in the contest. He'll finish the game with three carries for 12 yards if he can't return. At any rate, there should be an update on White's condition soon. In the meantime, Bucky Irving should handle most of the snaps out of the backfield.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (groin) is doubtful to return to Sunday's matchup with the Washington Commanders. The veteran popped up on Saturday's edition of the injury report because of a groin injury. However, he didn't have a game status, so most assumed he was healthy enough to suit up. While that was true at the time, it now appears the issue could keep him out for the remainder of Week 2. Fantasy managers also shouldn't be surprised to see Gano miss time, although it's too early to speculate. The Giants don't have an emergency replacement, meaning New York may need to be more aggressive than usual on the offensive end for the rest of the contest.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions defensive end Marcus Davenport (groin) is officially inactive for Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was trending in the wrong direction after being listed as doubtful. The 28-year-old is coming off his debut with the team in which he registered half a sack. Look for James Houston and Josh Paschal to earn more opportunities in his absence.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga (knee) is inactive for Week 2 versus the Minnesota Vikings. He had been listed as doubtful. Hufanga tore his ACL last season and has not yet appeared in a game in 2024. The 25-year-old had seven interceptions, two forced fumbles, and two sacks through 27 games between 2022 and 2023. George Odum will start in his place this week.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Jamison Crowder (coach's decision) is a healthy scratch for Week 2 against the New York Giants. The veteran had logged just three snaps in the season opener, catching one pass for five yards. Fellow receiver Noah Brown will be active in Crowder's place. Brown had been a healthy scratch in Week 1 as he was still acclimating to the Commanders' offense. Even if this dynamic remains in place for weeks to come (Brown active, Crowder inactive), Brown isn't a reliable fantasy option.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) is officially inactive for Week 2 versus the Dallas Cowboys. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the wrong direction after not practicing on Friday. By Sunday morning, reports emerged indicating that the Saints wanted to be cautious with Lattimore and might hold him out. Indeed, he'll sit out. Lattimore had been slated to cover CeeDee Lamb on Sunday, so this development is great news for the Cowboys' WR1 and fantasy managers who have him on their rosters.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receiver A.T. Perry (coach's decision) is a healthy scratch for Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. The 24-year-old missed Week 1 with a hand injury but was a full participant in practice this week. Now, he's sidelined again, but this time for non-injury reasons. The Saints will enter their second game of the season with Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed atop their depth chart, followed by undrafted rookie Mason Tipton as their No. 3 receiver.
From RotoBaller
Jaguars tight end Evan Engram has been ruled out for the Week 2 game. He suffered a hamstring injury in pregame warmups.
Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jack Conklin (knee), who was considered questionable for the Week 2 tilt against the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road, has officially been ruled out for Sunday's game. With offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee) having already been ruled out earlier this week, Cleveland's offensive line will be missing some key pieces this weekend. The 30-year-old Conklin was limited in practice all of last week and also sat out the season-opening blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys in which the Browns' offense looked like a disaster. With both Conklin and Wills out, expect James Hudson and Dawand Jones to see plenty of playing time on Sunday on the book ends of Cleveland's offensive line. This is more bad news for a Browns offense that has come under a lot of scrutiny already under quarterback Deshaun Watson.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (ankle) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday, but as the weekend progressed, it became clear that he was healthy enough to suit up. Williams is looking to build off a huge Week 1 showing in which he led the team with five catches, 121 yards, and one touchdown. We need to see this type of production on a more consistent basis before ranking Williams as a must-start fantasy weapon, but he's certainly worth consideration in most leagues with 10 or more teams. If he can produce alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta, he has league-winning upside. For Week 2, he should be deployed as a mid-to-high WR3 option.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) has been downgraded to out ahead of Monday Night Football versus the Atlanta Falcons. He had already been trending in the wrong direction after missing practice on Saturday, and now we get confirmation that he won't suit up on primetime television. Fantasy managers will appreciate the timing of this announcement as it gives them roughly one hour to find a replacement for Brown in their lineups before the Sunday 1 p.m. games kick off. The Eagles will move forward with DeVonta Smith as their No. 1 receiver on Monday with additional opportunities for Saquon Barkley and Dallas Goedert. Receivers Olamide Zaccheaus and Jahan Dotson should get more looks, too, but neither of them is even worth rostering in leagues with 14 teams or fewer.
From RotoBaller
