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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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Fantasy Preview: Week 2

Player Notes
Justin Fields Sep 14 10:00am ET
Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields is in line to start this Sunday against the Denver Broncos, and the team is also preparing for him to start in Week 3, according to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Fields has been the Steelers' primary quarterback lately with Russell Wilson (calf) nursing an injury. Fields didn't score a touchdown in Week 1, but he was still solid, completing 74 percent of his passes for 156 yards through the air and also rushing 14 times for 57 yards on the ground. Furthermore, he wasn't responsible for any turnovers. The former first-round pick helped lead Pittsburgh to victory over the Falcons and their respectable defense, so he's poised for a strong showing against a less-intimidating Broncos defense in Week 2. Fields' rushing upside puts him in the fringe top-12 quarterbacks range.

From RotoBaller

Boston Scott Sep 14 10:00am ET
Boston Scott

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released running back Boston Scott from their practice squad, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. The veteran running back is now looking for his third team of the year after failed stints with the Steelers and Los Angeles Rams. His veteran presence and previous production in Philadelphia should help him earn a practice squad opportunity. His effectiveness has taken a step back in recent years, but he's still only a few seasons removed from providing the Eagles with 450-plus scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns. Regardless of where Scott's career takes him next, he's off the radar in all fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Joey Slye Sep 14 9:50am ET
Joey Slye

New England Patriots kicker Joey Slye will have his production limited in Week 2 due to the Patriots' reduced scoring impact. For example, DraftKings has the Patriots scoring around 17 points against the Seattle Seahawks, which leaves very few kicking chances for Slye. Given the state of the Patriots' offense, he'd likely need one or two longer field goals in order to even get on the fantasy radar. It's certainly possible Slye exceeds expectations like he did last week when he converted three field goals, but that's true for every kicker. With kickers' fantasy points being so dependent on consistent scoring opportunities, Slye can be left on waivers in most formats.

From RotoBaller

Demario Douglas Sep 14 9:40am ET
Demario Douglas

New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas should be avoided in most fantasy leagues ahead of the team's home opener against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. Douglas has been one of the Patriots' most reliable pass-catchers since the middle of the 2023 season, but his volume has taken a hit with New England relying on its rushing attack and defense to keep them competitive. Jacoby Brissett isn't being asked to throw a lot, which means Douglas and his fellow receivers should continue to prepare for minimal value. In last week's season opener, for example, he registered just 12 yards on a pair of receptions. Until we see any sort of higher-level production out of Douglas, he can be left on fantasy waivers.

From RotoBaller

K.J. Osborn Sep 14 9:40am ET
K.J. Osborn

New England Patriots wide receiver K.J. Osborn started on offense and led the team's receivers in snaps, targets, and catches last Sunday, but he's still off the fantasy radar heading into Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks. Last week, the Patriots emphasized a reliance on their defense and rushing attack to keep them competitive, and that shouldn't change against Seattle. Therefore, with reduced volume in the passing game, Osborn might not get enough looks to put him even near the fantasy radar. For the time being, it's tough to trust any Patriots receiver in fantasy football, including Osborn.

From RotoBaller

Hunter Henry Sep 14 9:40am ET
Hunter Henry

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry has struggled to produce consistent fantasy points during his time with the team, including last week's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Now, in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks, Henry remains far from a lock to see meaningful volume. The Patriots have placed an emphasis on letting their defense and rushing attack carry them, which leads to fewer looks for all receivers in the passing game. At this point, we can't expect Henry to get more than a few catches every game, especially with Austin Cooper seemingly stealing a decent portion of opportunities. Henry is heavily touchdown-dependent and can be avoided in most fantasy leagues this week, even despite injuries at the position necessitating plenty of lineup adjustments.

From RotoBaller

Rhamondre Stevenson Sep 14 9:30am ET
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson is coming off a dominant season-opening performance and has entered must-start territory ahead of Week 2 versus the Seattle Seahawks. Stevenson rushed 25 times for 120 yards last week, with the vast majority of his yardage coming after contact. He also found the end zone and caught three short passes. Stevenson continues to have a very firm grasp on the lead-back role in New England, and he should continue to see significant volume this week, especially in a somewhat favorable matchup against the Seahawks. Seattle doesn't have a great run defense, and New England has shown a clear commitment to pounding the rock on the ground. Stevenson is a high-end RB2 with RB1 upside.

From RotoBaller

Tyquan Thornton Sep 14 9:30am ET
Tyquan Thornton

New England Patriots wide receiver Tyquan Thornton did start on offense in Week 1, but his No. 3 receiver role in an offense with minimal passing volume keeps him off the fantasy radar for the time being. Quite simply, the Patriots will rely on their defense and rushing attack to win games, and their passing attack will merely be a secondary component. There aren't nearly enough targets to go around to support any major fantasy performances from the receivers, and that includes Thornton ahead of Week 2 versus Seattle. He can be left on waivers in all redraft leagues.

From RotoBaller

Luke Schoonmaker Sep 14 9:20am ET
Luke Schoonmaker

Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker is expected to start in Week 2 after Jake Ferguson (knee) was listed as doubtful to play. There had been some speculation that Ferguson might not miss any games after injuring himself last week, but it looks like he'll end up being held out for at least one contest. On a positive note, he should be able to avoid an IR stint. Ferguson's short-term absence means that Schoonmaker should see additional volume against the New Orleans Saints. He might not take 100 percent of Ferguson's snaps and targets, but he'll definitely get more looks from Dak Prescott. As a result, his fantasy value is slightly elevated this week. He's a low-end TE2 heading into the clash with New Orleans.

From RotoBaller

Jacoby Brissett Sep 14 9:20am ET
Jacoby Brissett

New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett is one week removed from leading his team to a big upset victory on the road. Even after the Patriots' impressive win, Brissett is not a reliable option in fantasy football heading into Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks. New England won last game largely thanks to its defense, Rhamondre Stevenson's production after contact, and Brissett's poise and veteran presence. Unfortunately, you don't get fantasy points for being calm in the pocket, and Brissett didn't exactly produce major yardage or touchdowns. The passing game is expected to remain relatively quiet this Sunday, so while Brissett is always a candidate to notch a touchdown, his role in this low passing volume offense drops him outside the top 24 fantasy quarterbacks for Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Ben Skowronek Sep 14 9:10am ET
Ben Skowronek

The Pittsburgh Steelers have elevated wide receiver Ben Skowronek from the practice squad to the 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. The 27-year-old was elevated last week, too, but only played on special teams. Pittsburgh will rely on its running game and defense to win games this year, so there isn't much room for the Steelers' depth receivers to make a significant impact. Skowronek remains off the fantasy radar heading into Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Sep 14 6:30am ET
Jayden Daniels

The New York Giants defense will be facing the Washington Commanders in Week 2, and it's shaping up to be a favorable matchup. After allowing 28 points in Week 1 to the Vikings, the Giants' defense looks like a possible streaming option against rookie QB Jayden Daniels and a Commanders offense that did not score a passing touchdown against the Buccaneers. Washington's offensive line struggled mightily against the rush, allowing two sacks to Tampa Bay. Advanced metrics like the Giants' 20% pressure rate and Washington's bottom-10 ranking in offensive line efficiency make this a prime opportunity for sacks and turnovers.

From RotoBaller

Trent McDuffie Sep 14 5:10am ET
Trent McDuffie

The Kansas City Chiefs defense will face off against the Cincinnati Bengals offense in Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season. The Chiefs defense had a tough test in Week 1, facing the dangerous Baltimore Ravens, but this matchup should be much more manageable. The Bengals are coming off a loss to the New England Patriots, who held them to just 10 points in their season opener. The Bengals will also be without one of the primary weapons of offense, wide receiver Tee Higgins. Higgins will miss their Week 2 matchup with a hamstring injury. The absence of Higgins leaves Ja'Marr Chase as the only star receiver for Cincinnati. With All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie anchoring the Kansas City secondary, the Bengals should have a tough time passing the ball. Things will not be much easier for Cincinnati on the ground, as the Chiefs just held Derrick Henry to 46 rushing yards on 13 carries. The Kansas City Chiefs defense is a strong start this week against the Bengals and should continue to be a strong start most weeks.

From RotoBaller

Harrison Butker Sep 14 4:50am ET
Harrison Butker

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker will face off against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. Butker had a productive night against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1. The Chiefs kicker nailed both field goal attempts, nailing a game-long 32-yarder, and went 3/3 on his extra point attempts. Butker only missed two field goals and did not miss a single extra point attempt last season, so he has demonstrated his ability to be one of the most accurate kickers in the league. Being on the Chiefs high-powered offense gives Butker the chance to be a difference-maker for fantasy every week. The Kansas City Chiefs should have many opportunities on offense, and Mahomes should do enough to put the team within field goal range on most drives against the Cincinnati Bengals defense. Butker is one of the most valuable kickers in football and should be a start this week.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Sep 14 4:40am ET
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy will face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. The Chiefs first-round rookie had a massive game in Week 1, scoring two touchdowns, but that production came on just three touches. Worthy will have an easier opponent this week since he faced the Baltimore Ravens stingy defense in his NFL debut. The Bengals allowed the sixth-most receiving yards in 2023, so the rookie wideout should find success in this contest. News also broke that the Chiefs placed fellow wide receiver Marquise Brown on injured reserve, so Worthy should quickly fill the WR2 role in Kansas City for the foreseeable future. The Chiefs will likely incorporate Worthy into the offensive game plan more as the season progresses, so the sky is the limit for the young speedster. Worthy is a worthy flex play with upside this week against the Cincinnati Bengals.

From RotoBaller

Matt Prater Sep 14 4:30am ET
Matt Prater

Week 1 of the 2024 season saw several kickers put up extraordinary amounts of points. Five kickers had multiple field goals from 50+ yards out, three of them also hitting two tries from the 40-49-yard range. Nine other kickers also made good from 50 yards or more. Unfortunately, Matt Prater was not one of them. The 40-year-old veteran did convert all of his attempts though, netting field goals from 29 and 31 yards out and banging home two extra points. In Week 2, the Cardinals host the Rams in their home opener in what is expected to be one of the highest-scoring games of the week. Prater may not have had a chance to kick from distance in the season opener but he has a strong leg and the benefit of playing in a dome in Week 2. Fantasy managers looking for a solution at kicker can fire up Prater on Sunday without worry.

From RotoBaller

Andrei Iosivas Sep 14 4:30am ET
Andrei Iosivas

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas received plenty of hype entering Week 1 against the Patriots due to uncertainty surrounding the availability of Ja'Marr Chase (illness, hold-in) and Tee Higgins (hamstring). Chase was on the field while Higgins was ruled out, leading many to believe Iosivas would still benefit. However, that didn't happen, with the 24-year-old ending the day with three catches for 26 yards. Chase doesn't carry an injury designation ahead of the Week 2 meeting with the Kansas City Chiefs. On the other hand, Higgins will likely remain on the shelf. Unfortunately, too many questions surround the Bengals offense, including the health of Joe Burrow (wrist). As a result, Iosivas shouldn't be considered anything more than a flex option in 12-team fantasy leagues, although nobody can blame anyone for keeping him out of the starting lineup.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Sep 14 4:30am ET
Matthew Stafford

The Arizona Cardinals recorded two sacks and recovered a fumble in Week 1, but it was DeeJay Dallas' 96-yard kick return touchdown that pushed them a surprising top-10 finish in fantasy points scored despite giving up 34 points to the Buffalo Bills. In Week 2, the Cardinals play their home opener against division-rival Los Angeles Rams. The Rams' offensive line has been hit hard by injuries and against any other team, might make for an enticing streaming option. However, Arizona had one of the worst pressure rates in the league last week, getting to Josh Allen just eight times. Unless the Cardinals' pass rush can take advantage of their opponent's personnel issues, they will have a hard time containing the Rams' offense, led by the dynamic duo of Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp. Forget about Arizona's D/ST in Week 2 as nearly any other team would make for a more promising option.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Marr Chase Sep 14 4:20am ET
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase wasn't a lock to play in Week 1 against the Patriots for various reasons. While he wasn't fully healthy due to a lingering illness, he still finished the day by compiling a game-high six catches for 62 yards. With a chaotic week behind him, he'll look to get on track on Sunday versus the Chiefs. Without question, it's never easy for any team to play the defending champs, especially those entering GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. However, Chase is one of the best wideouts in the National Football League, so he must be featured in all fantasy lineups for Week 2. On top of that, Tee Higgins (hamstring) is doubtful, meaning Chase could see even more attention from Joe Burrow.

From RotoBaller

Trey Benson Sep 14 4:20am ET
Trey Benson

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson had as quiet of a debut as they come in the team's season opener last week against the Bills. The third-round pick out of Florida State saw just three rushing attempts to James Conner's 16. Benson gained 13 yards on the ground and caught one pass for another five yards. The rookie didn't take the field until the Cardinals' third drive and was outsnapped by fellow backup Emari Demercado, 14 to eight. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing referred to Conner as the team's "bell cow" in comments to the media ahead of Week 1 and there's little reason to believe they will move away from him in Week 2. Benson is still worth stashing in case the injury bug bites or the team starts utilizing their backs differently, but he should be on fantasy benches on Sunday against the Rams.

From RotoBaller