Fri May 31 10:52am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Lamb could top last season
Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the receiver 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 receivers last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the receivers with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the receivers that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.
| WR SOS | ||
| 1. | Denver Broncos | 531.34 |
| 2. | Los Angeles Chargers | 536.08 |
| 3. | Miami Dolphins | 537.31 |
| 4. | Kansas City Chiefs | 549.96 |
| 5. | Las Vegas Raiders | 552.89 |
| 6. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 554.85 |
| 7. | New England Patriots | 555.93 |
| 8. | Buffalo Bills | 556.13 |
| 9. | Houston Texans | 561.75 |
| 10. | San Francisco 49ers | 565.73 |
| 11. | New Orleans Saints | 566.06 |
| 12. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 566.19 |
| 13. | Cincinnati Bengals | 566.32 |
| 14. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 570.07 |
| 15. | Baltimore Ravens | 571.77 |
| 16. | Seattle Seahawks | 573.41 |
| 17. | Minnesota Vikings | 573.91 |
| 18. | Philadelphia Eagles | 574.46 |
| 19. | Carolina Panthers | 575.49 |
| 20. | Los Angeles Rams | 575.79 |
| 21. | Washington Commanders | 575.91 |
| 22. | Detroit Lions | 576.36 |
| 23. | Atlanta Falcons | 577.76 |
| 24. | New York Jets | 577.99 |
| 25. | Tennessee Titans | 578.06 |
| 26. | Indianapolis Colts | 578.18 |
| 27. | Cleveland Browns | 583.5 |
| 28. | Arizona Cardinals | 586.09 |
| 29. | New York Giants | 586.93 |
| 30. | Chicago Bears | 601.21 |
| 31. | Dallas Cowboys | 608.4 |
| 32. | Green Bay Packers | 610.22 |
The Packers have the easiest fantasy schedule for receivers. Jayden Reed and Christian Watson could be setup for career best seasons with this schedule. These are guys you can get a little later come draft day and mid-round options that could be difference makers for fantasy owners.
CeeDee Lamb is considered the No. 1 overall fantasy receiver for many and his schedule helps make that claim even stronger. Lamb has the second most favorable schedule for receivers. Lamb was huge last year and could improve on that even more, especially since the Cowboys could struggle to run the ball with their current options.
The Bears, Giants and Cardinals also round out the top-five most favorable receiver schedules. Chicago has a great trio of receivers with D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen and rookie Rome Odunze. These guys could produce big as long as rookie Caleb Williams gets the job done at quarterback in year one. Moore has more to compete with for targets this year, but you still have to like his chances for a big season in year two with the Bears.
The Giants and Cardinals both have some question marks at receiver, but a couple rookies lead the way for both teams. Malik Nabers and Marvin Harrison could have big rookie seasons with their new teams. These guys both have a chance to lead all rookie fantasy receivers in scoring.
On the opposite side of things, the Broncos have the most challenging schedule for receivers. The Broncos have all sorts of questions at receiver outside of Courtland Sutton. This is a unit of receivers you just might want to avoid come draft day. This schedule won’t make anything easier for this group.
The Chargers are a similar team to the Broncos, having openings and questions at receiver. So once again, it might be best to let someone else put Chargers receivers on their roster. Plus, the Chargers could be a lot more run heavy with a new coach running the show. The tough schedule and new offense make taking any Chargers receiver a bit of a risk.
There are two really good offenses on the list that have tough schedules for receivers. Both the Dolphins and Chiefs have a top-five least favorable schedule for receivers. The Dolphins have one of the best receiver duos in football, so it is tough to fade them because of this schedule. Both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle should be able to produce big numbers once again in this offense.
The Chiefs are a little more concerning. This offense is a little matchup proof, but don’t have that elite receiver on their roster. Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown lead the way. Brown hasn’t been great in recent seasons and Rice is facing a suspension. These guys will carry some risk come draft day, especially after seeing this schedule.
Davante Adams is usually another star receiver that is matchup proof, but you have to wonder a little this year. He has some question marks at quarterback, which could hurt his production when you pair it with this schedule. Adams is dealing with the fifth toughest fantasy schedule for receivers.
We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy receivers. 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 receivers with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.
| WR PLAYOFF SOS | ||
| 1. | Los Angeles Rams | 501.93 |
| 2. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 515.53 |
| 3. | Kansas City Chiefs | 519.43 |
| 4. | New York Giants | 521.63 |
| 5. | Miami Dolphins | 532.77 |
| 6. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 534.53 |
| 7. | Houston Texans | 538 |
| 8. | Buffalo Bills | 540.87 |
| 9. | Las Vegas Raiders | 541.9 |
| 10. | Carolina Panthers | 549.33 |
| 11. | Cincinnati Bengals | 552.17 |
| 12. | Detroit Lions | 553.73 |
| 13. | Arizona Cardinals | 555.27 |
| 14. | Cleveland Browns | 555.4 |
| 15. | Minnesota Vikings | 560.93 |
| 16. | New England Patriots | 573.03 |
| 17. | Los Angeles Chargers | 573.1 |
| 18. | Tennessee Titans | 575.17 |
| 19. | Baltimore Ravens | 581.27 |
| 20. | Seattle Seahawks | 585.08 |
| 21. | New York Jets | 585.5 |
| 22. | Denver Broncos | 587.2 |
| 23. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 587.8 |
| 24. | Philadelphia Eagles | 589.73 |
| 25. | Green Bay Packers | 590.85 |
| 26. | Washington Commanders | 591.57 |
| 27. | New Orleans Saints | 604.13 |
| 28. | Dallas Cowboys | 609.73 |
| 29. | Indianapolis Colts | 614 |
| 30. | San Francisco 49ers | 641.53 |
| 31. | Atlanta Falcons | 644.93 |
| 32. | Chicago Bears | 647.98 |
The Bears and Cowboys are the teams that make both the top five easiest receiver schedules for both the regular season and playoffs. Chicago has the easiest for the entire playoffs. Once again, their top trio of receivers are looking pretty good come draft day.
Lamb continues to make his case to be the first receiver selected come draft day. He could have a monster season and finish strong as well with the fifth easiest schedule for the playoffs. Lamb might be the most surefire first-round pick come draft day.
The Falcons, 49ers and Colts also have a top-five favorable playoff schedule for receivers. Atlanta receivers were looking up to begin with, getting a legit quarterback throwing them passes this year. And this schedule makes their options look even better, especially Drake London. He could have a breakout season.
San Francisco has great options at receiver in Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. They are pretty safe picks come draft day. And they get a very favorable playoff schedule that could make them even more appealing to fantasy owners. These guys both have really solid floors come draft day in this offense.
Michael Pittman keeps getting it done as the No. 1 option for the Colts. If Anthony Richardson can become that true No. 1 at quarterback for Indy, Pittman would look even better. Pittman has produced in recent year despite having some quarterback issues. His game could go to a higher level this year if Richardson breaks out. Pittman could be a league winner if everything breaks his way in 2024.
The Chiefs and Dolphins are two of the best offenses in football but also the only two teams to make the top five most unfavorable receiver schedules for both the regular season and playoffs. This is a tad concerning for both teams, Again, it is tough to bet against Hill, but maybe you drop him down your rankings just few spots behind the other elite guys because of this. You hate to use an early round pick on a receiver to see him maybe not produce what he should come playoff time.
And as mentioned with the Chiefs, their top two receivers already face a few question marks, so maybe their tough schedules make them players to let someone else draft. Both Brown and Rice could be a little erratic.
The Rams actually have the toughest playoff schedule for receivers. They are another team with two of the best receivers in football. It is tough to bet against either Puka Nacua or Cooper Kupp, but the playoff schedule is a little scary, especially for Kupp. He seems to be trending down at this stage of his career.
The Jaguars and Giants are the two other teams with a top-five unfavorable fantasy schedule for the playoffs. The Jags have Christian Kirk and Gabriel Davis as their top two receivers. Kirk is normally pretty steady but Davis can be boom or bust. Seeing his playoff schedule should bump him down a few spots in your rankings. It could be more of the same for Davis with his new team.
And the Giants are an outlier here, having an easy schedule for receivers during the regular season but the fourth toughest for the playoffs. This makes it tough come draft day. Their receivers could be good values for the regular season but disappoint when it counts. You do have to just make the playoffs, though, so we aren’t sure we shy away from Giant receivers just because of their tough playoff schedule. You still might be able to get good value with their options that help you win during the season.
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.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Darius Cooper recorded his first career stats this past week against the Dallas Cowboys, catching both of his targets for a total of seven yards. The undrafted rookie had his second-most snaps in a game this season, being on the field for 13 offensive plays. While these still aren't numbers that jump off the stat sheet, it does show that Cooper has the potential to see some more looks over the course of the final six games of the regular season. He's played with the first team and has some trust from Jalen Hurts. And now with DeVonta Smith on the injury report, this could be the perfect storm for Cooper to show more of what he has to offer. Hopes shouldn't get too high, as he's still not worthy of a fantasy roster spot, but it will be interesting to watch how Cooper gets involved the rest of the way.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert let down once again last week, tallying his fifth straight performance with fewer than 50 yards. In fact, Goedert has only eclipsed that number once this season-in Week 6 when he finished with 110 yards. His once-remarkable touchdown streak now feels like a distant memory as he has failed to find the end zone in three consecutive games. What's also concerning is his lack of targets; Goedert has recorded three or fewer looks in three of his last five outings. He has become a rather untrustworthy player lately, so it's difficult to be optimistic about him this week, even against a Bears defense giving up the seventh-most fantasy points to tight ends. Goedert has some work to do to be considered elite again, and for now is only valuable if he starts seeing more red zone work. He's a high-risk, high-reward TE2 in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott just gave fantasy managers whiplash, going from his highest-volume performance of the season in Week 11 to missing his lone field goal attempt in Week 12. Elliott will kick at home in his upcoming game against the Bears, who give up the sixth-most points per game (26.5) in the NFL this season. While Chicago's defense should allow for plenty of scoring opportunities for Philly, Elliott has gotten just 14 tries at field goals this year and missed three of them. He isn't given consistent chances and isn't exactly automatic when his number is finally called. There are better kickers to roster in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (groin) was limited at practice on Wednesday. Barkley had his worst performance on the ground so far this season last week in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys, finishing with 22 yards on 10 attempts. Luckily for fantasy managers, he was able to find success in the passing game by catching seven balls for 52 yards, further proving how he can be efficient in more ways than one. Barkley shouldn't have the same run struggles on Friday as he faces a lackluster Bears defense allowing 138.1 rushing yards per game this year. Philly's offense fell stagnant in the second half against Dallas and is unlikely to do the same in what will be a hotly contested battle atop the NFC. Expect Barkley to get back to around 20 carries and be far more productive running the ball this week, and probably get a decent amount of targets through the air as well. His injury on a short week is something to keep an eye on, but if he's good to go he's a solid RB1.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby could get his breakout moment this Friday if Saquon Barkley (groin) is unable to suit up. Bigsby is the only Philly RB besides Barkley to get any carries in the last two weeks, and would likely get his number called as the next man up should the Eagles' primary backfield option miss the game against Chicago. While the former Jaguar hasn't seen a ton of action since being traded to Philadelphia earlier this season, he has shown promise with his limited opportunities. In 10 games, Bigsby has carried the ball 18 times for 164 yards for an average of 9.1 yards per carry. The Eagles offensive live is always going to be a huge benefactor to whoever gets the handoffs, and fellow RB Will Shipley would probably be used more in the passing game. If he does get the starting nod, Bigsby should be seen as at least a mid-level RB2 against a Bears defense allowing the 14th-most fantasy points to RBs.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown caught his fourth touchdown of the season and his first in three weeks last Sunday against the Cowboys, while also setting a season high for receptions (8) and eclipsing 100 yards for the third time this year. Brown has racked up 21 targets over his last two outings, and could be in for another big day this week with DeVonta Smith (shoulder/chest/illness) possibly being sidelined. Even if his fellow star receiver is out there, Brown looked like the WR1 he's expected to be versus Dallas and should continue this momentum. He'll face the Bears on Friday whose defense allows the 11th-most fantasy points to WRs this season. This may be the start of a late-season surge for Brown, and he should be considered a mid-level WR2 in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell delivered another productive performance in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears, posting 10 carries for 92 yards while adding six receptions (six targets) for 30 yards. Gainwell's receiving workload in recent weeks has made him a viable fantasy option in PPR leagues. It's also been a consistent part of the former Philadelphia Eagle's scoring profile on the season, with four games of at least six receptions, tied with Bijan Robinson for the third most by a running back this season and only trailing De'Von Achane (five games) and Christian McCaffrey (nine). The Pittsburgh backfield has essentially been an even split between Jaylen Warren and Gainwell over the past three weeks. Gainwell holds a slight edge in snap share at 54.7% compared to Warren's 41.9%, though it's worth noting Warren left Week 11 early with an ankle injury. Gainwell has maintained his role in the passing game and could be the preferred option moving forward between the two.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (shoulder/chest/illness) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, making it the second consecutive day that he's missed. Smith was able to find his rhythm again last week, being targeted 11 times for six catches and 89 yards, so it would be an unfortunate shot to any momentum he's built if he's forced to sit out. If he plays against Chicago on Friday, he'll be up against a defense that has allowed 22 receiving touchdowns in 11 games. Given their track record this season, you never know when an Eagles receiver might boom or bust, but it seems like the corps as a whole has been hitting its stride recently. Consider Smith a low-end WR2/FLEX option if he's available.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington looks like an impactful find off the waiver wire for fantasy managers who scooped him up a few weeks ago after injuries to Travis Hunter (knee) and Brian Thomas Jr. (ankle). Since Week 7, Washington has played a full-time role for the Jaguars, amassing 22 receptions for 266 yards and two touchdowns on 35 targets, averaging 12.4 PPR points per game and ranking as the WR28 in that time. The 23-year-old has operated mostly out of the slot and has developed a good connection with quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The trade deadline acquisition of Jakobi Meyers has taken away some of the target volume, and the return of Brenton Strange in Week 12, along with the expected return of Thomas in Week 13, could complicate things and limit Washington's upside. Washington ranks as RotoBaller's WR41 in PPR leagues for Week 13
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts' Week 12 game against the Cowboys was the second time this season he's had multiple rushing touchdowns in a single game-the other being in Week 1 against the Cowboys. He could resort to using his legs some more in his upcoming meeting with the Bears on Friday, as Chicago allows the fifth-most rushing yards per game this season (138.1). The Bears are also tied for the third-most passing touchdowns allowed, giving up 22 in 11 contests. Hurts may be without star receiver DeVonta Smith (shoulder/chest/illness) this week, but he tends to spread the ball around anyway. In an effort to bounce back from the recent loss and with the high stakes of being up against a top threat in the NFC, Hurts should be on his A-game in this favorable matchup. He's a high-end QB1 in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (illness) was absent during Wednesday's practice due to an illness, but it shouldn't affect his status for Sunday Night Football against the Denver Broncos. Rodriguez has established himself as Washington's primary ball carrier in recent weeks with the struggles of rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt. The third-year back out of Kentucky led the backfield with a 45.3% snap share in Washington's Week 11 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Madrid, handling a career high 15 carries for 79 yards to go with one reception (one target) for six yards as a receiver. He won't add much value as a receiver as Jeremy McNichols handles the pass-down responsibilities, but he should receive the majority of the early down work with Croskey-Merritt mixing in. Rodriguez has a tough matchup in Week 13 against Denver, but should get enough volume to profile as a low-end RB3.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson has scored in three consecutive games and has been a real piece of the offense, playing 61.9% of the offensive snaps and totaling 10 receptions (11 targets) for 96 yards and three touchdowns. Parkinson ranks as the TE3 in total PPR points (37.6) in that span. The 26-year-old has taken advantage of his opportunity with Tyler Higbee (ankle) on injured reserve, posting the third-highest route share (39.6%) on the team behind Davante Adams and Puka Nacua in Weeks 10 through 12. He hit a season high of 50% in Week 12, and that number could tick up more with how productive he's been. Head coach Sean McVay has expressed the desire to get rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson more involved, but that hasn't happened just yet. Fantasy managers desperate for tight end production could look at Parkinson for Week 13. He ranks as RotoBaller's TE27 in PPR formats.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki made his return from a stint on the Injured Reserve list for the Week 12 loss to the New England Patriots. While he didn't do much for fantasy managers, he didn't play horribly, finishing with four grabs for 35 yards. Of course, Ja'Marr Chase wasn't available for that one due to suspension. However, with Tee Higgins (concussion) sidelined, there should be more targets up for grabs from quarterback Joe Burrow (toe), who will make his return after being sidelined since the Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Granted, the expectation is for Burrow and Chase to connect often. However, Gesicki's ceiling is still slightly higher than usual on Thanksgiving Night without Higgins in the lineup, giving him some credibility for those in desperate need of a tight end in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (knee) doesn't have an injury designation heading into Thanksgiving's game against the Dallas Cowboys. Pacheco has missed three straight games since suffering an MCL sprain during Kansas City's Week 8 win over the Washington Commanders. The 26-year-old logged three full practices this week, and it will be interesting to see how the running back touches will be distributed in his return on Thursday. Kareem Hunt has handled a big workload in Pacheco's absence, and just recorded a career high 30 carries in last week's win over the Indianapolis Colts. Rookie Brashard Smith has held a small role, mostly on designed touches. Pacheco was the Chiefs' leading rusher before getting injured, but he will likely be eased back into action and split touches with Hunt. He is ranked as RotoBaller's RB41 in PPR leagues for Thanksgiving's game against the Cowboys.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase will return from a one-game absence for the Thanksgiving AFC North showdown versus Baltimore. The wideout remains a top fantasy option at the position. Although he has only five touchdowns, he has made up for it by totaling 79 catches for 861 yards, doing so without Joe Burrow (toe) for most of the season. Fortunately, Burrow will be back after suffering a toe injury in the Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. While the 25-year-old and Joe Flacco (shoulder) appeared to have a good thing going, Burrow is considered an upgrade, even if he struggled in his brief time on the field this season. The absence of Tee Higgins (concussion) might make Chase even more productive despite the expectation of increased attention from the Ravens defense, giving him plenty of upside for fantasy managers on Thursday night.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas took on a bigger role in the Week 12 meeting with the New England Patriots due to the suspension of Ja'Marr Chase. While he had only four catches, he still led the team in receiving yards (61) and targets (seven). With Tee Higgins (concussion) out for the Week 13 AFC North clash with the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night, Iosivas has an opportunity to remain more involved. However, with Joe Burrow (toe) back on the field after being sidelined since the Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, most are expecting an even bigger day from Chase. Still, that doesn't necessarily mean Iosivas won't get attention from Burrow, but he's far from a safe fantasy option, making him a risky flex option on Thanksgiving night.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (toe) was activated from the Injured Reserve list and will suit up for an AFC North clash with Baltimore on Thanksgiving. The signal-caller had been on the shelf after suffering a toe injury in the Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, resulting in surgery. Naturally, fantasy managers are glad to have him back in the lineup. However, there are still some concerns, considering Burrow threw for only 189 yards and two touchdowns while completing 58.3% of his attempts before going down. He'll also be returning versus the Ravens, winners of their last five contests, and doing so without Tee Higgins (concussion). Fortunately, Ja'Marr Chase will be back from his one-game suspension, which will certainly help make things easier. Chase Brown is also a capable pass-catcher out of the backfield, and Andrei Iosivas has been known to turn up the volume at times in his brief career. With that said, although Burrow may have some residual rust from the lengthy layoff, he can be plugged back into all fantasy formats in Week 13 against a Ravens defense that hasn't looked the best this season when facing a few of the top quarterbacks from around the National Football League.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown surpassed the 100-yard mark for the second time this season in the Week 12 loss to the New England Patriots. Although he didn't find the end zone, fantasy managers were still mostly satisfied with the result. With a productive showing in the rear-view mirror, Brown and company will look to pick up a much-needed win over the Ravens in Week 13. Fortunately, Joe Burrow (toe) will be back after being sidelined since the Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Ja'Marr Chase will also return after serving a one-game suspension. However, the Bengals will be without Tee Higgins (concussion), so there will be extra targets up for grabs. Naturally, Burrow should look in Chase's direction often. Andrei Iosivas could also be in line for more attention. Still, Brown might see even more pass-catching chances than usual, giving him a higher ceiling for fantasy managers on Thanksgiving.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey has struggled as of late, averaging around six fantasy points over his last four games. Aubrey has shown he is one of the best kickers in the NFL and should get back to producing like the elite kicker he is in fantasy very soon. The Cowboys are set to face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 13, which should be one of the highest-scoring games of the week. With an implied scoring total of 52.5 points, look for Aubrey to have plenty of scoring opportunities in a high-scoring matchup. RotoBaller currently has Aubrey as the fourth-ranked kicker in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Across the first 11 games of his NFL career, Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (hand) has hauled in four catches for 65 yards and two touchdowns on nine targets. He's also been limited in practice this week by a hand injury and is officially listed as questionable to play in his team's Week 13 matchup against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Day. However, if TeSlaa is active in Week 13, he could see a sizable increase in playing time and target share. Wide receiver Kalif Raymond (ankle) has been ruled out, and the Lions will also be without top pass-catching tight ends Sam LaPorta (back) and Brock Wright (neck). Still, Green Bay is a very difficult matchup for opposing pass games. Through 12 weeks, the Packers are allowing the fewest yards per pass attempt (5.9) in the NFL. Even with the projected boost in snap share, TeSlaa should remain off fantasy radars in Week 13.
From RotoBaller