Mon Jun 6 10:10am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Brown could have best season yet
Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the wide 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 wide receivers last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the wide receivers with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season.
2022 WR SOS | ||
1. | Miami Dolphins | 559.9 |
2. | Baltimore Ravens | 560.1 |
3. | New York Jets | 561.6 |
4. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 566.3 |
5. | Cleveland Browns | 573.1 |
6. | Kansas City Chiefs | 573.2 |
7. | Los Angeles Rams | 573.7 |
8. | Minnesota Vikings | 573.9 |
9. | New England Patriots | 574.1 |
10. | Tennessee Titans | 575.1 |
11. | Cincinnati Bengals | 576 |
12. | Arizona Cardinals | 578.5 |
13. | Las Vegas Raiders | 581.9 |
14. | Detroit Lions | 582 |
15. | Atlanta Falcons | 584 |
16. | San Francisco 49ers | 588.4 |
17. | Denver Broncos | 589.1 |
18. | Seattle Seahawks | 591.3 |
19. | Houston Texans | 592.1 |
20. | New Orleans Saints | 592.2 |
21. | Buffalo Bills | 592.3 |
22. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 592.5 |
23. | Chicago Bears | 592.8 |
24. | Los Angeles Chargers | 594.2 |
25. | Indianapolis Colts | 595.5 |
26. | Carolina Panthers | 596 |
27. | Green Bay Packers | 596.5 |
28. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 598 |
29. | Washington Commanders | 599.5 |
30. | New York Giants | 603.4 |
31. | Dallas Cowboys | 606.4 |
32. | Philadelphia Eagles | 615.8 |
A.J. Brown was traded to the Eagles and gets the benefit of the easiest fantasy schedule for receivers. He lands in a great spot for his fantasy value, moving to a team that will throw the ball more and gets a very easy schedule for his fantasy production. Things are looking up for Brown. The entire NFC East should beat up on each other through the air. The Cowboys, Giants and Commanders also are in the top-five for easiest fantasy receiver schedules. You have to love CeeDee Lamb this coming year, getting a chance to be the clear No. 1 for Dallas and an easy receiver schedule. The Jaguars are the last team that rounds out the top five for easy receiver schedules. Christian Kirk can be had pretty cheap come draft day and seems likely to lead the Jaguars in targets in year one with his new team. He might be a good late-round target for fantasy teams.
Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are going to be a top duo for the Dolphins at receiver, but getting the most challenging fantasy schedule for receivers is a bit of a concern. You might want to move them down a few spots in your rankings, having some of the top cornerbacks in the game shadowing them a lot of weeks. Many have high hopes of Rashod Bateman as the new No. 1 for the Ravens, but you might want to temper those a little, having the second toughest fantasy schedule for receivers. The Jets, Steelers, Browns, Chiefs and Rams are in the top 10 for difficult receiver schedules. There are some players with high ceilings on these teams, but might have a harder time reaching those than first thought. One guy that you have to wonder about some is Cooper Kupp. Can he possibly repeat or come close to one of the greatest seasons ever for a receiver?
Take a close look at this entire ranking when figuring out your fantasy rankings for the coming season.
We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy wide receivers. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Weeks 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the wide receivers with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.
2022 WR PLAYOFF SOS | ||
1. | Miami Dolphins | 499.9 |
2. | Cincinnati Bengals | 513.4 |
3. | Chicago Bears | 524 |
4. | Los Angeles Rams | 539.3 |
5. | New York Jets | 549.6 |
6. | Kansas City Chiefs | 563.4 |
7. | Baltimore Ravens | 565.5 |
8. | Arizona Cardinals | 566 |
9. | New Orleans Saints | 566.5 |
10. | Las Vegas Raiders | 569.4 |
11. | Carolina Panthers | 575 |
12. | Seattle Seahawks | 578.9 |
13. | San Francisco 49ers | 581.5 |
14. | Buffalo Bills | 582.8 |
15. | Washington Commanders | 583 |
16. | Tennessee Titans | 583.6 |
17. | Philadelphia Eagles | 586.7 |
18. | New England Patriots | 589.1 |
19. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 592.5 |
20. | Minnesota Vikings | 597.1 |
21. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 597.4 |
22. | Detroit Lions | 603.6 |
23. | Atlanta Falcons | 603.8 |
24. | Indianapolis Colts | 605.1 |
25. | Dallas Cowboys | 605.7 |
26. | Cleveland Browns | 616.9 |
27. | New York Giants | 617.2 |
28. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 621.2 |
29. | Denver Broncos | 621.4 |
30. | Houston Texans | 631.3 |
31. | Green Bay Packers | 632.3 |
32. | Los Angeles Chargers | 632.9 |
Some big name-receivers have favorable playoffs schedules, including Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Brandin Cooks and Courtland Sutton. When you are in big-game contests, getting a quarterback/receiver combo can be a great move come draft day. Having those big combos during the playoffs can be difference makers in fantasy championships.
Miami is at the top of the receiver list for both the regular season and playoffs. Again, this is a concern for fantasy teams. It is tough to ignore Tyreek Hill come draft day, but it might be a good idea this year. The Bengals are another team with a challenging playoff schedule for receivers. Cincinnati was huge in the fantasy playoffs last year, but a repeat performance might be tough. The Bears, Rams and Jets round out the top five toughest fantasy receiver playoffs schedules.
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 [email protected] Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
An MRI exam confirmed that Cleveland Browns center Dawson Deaton (knee) suffered a torn ACL in training camp practice on Monday, according to sources. It's a tough break for the Browns at an important position after starter Nick Harris (knee) went down the other day with a likely season-ending injury. Ethan Pocic, Brock Hoffman and Hjalte Froholdt are the remaining players at the position for Cleveland, with Pocic likely to be the starter heading into the 2022 regular season. Deaton, a rookie out of Texas Tech, will miss all of this year. It's more bad news for a Browns offense that continues to wait on a potential season-long suspension for quarterback Deshaun Watson.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Ronald Jones could fall off the 53-man roster, according to Nate Taylor of The Athletic. The former second round pick was expected to compete for a backup role during training camp. Jones managed only one rushing yard on four attempts during their preseason opener. It sounds like the 25-year-old is struggling and could fall off the depth chart completely. Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon should be on the rise after the first preseason matchup. Neither player is a great option, but are better late-round choices than Jones right now.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers defensive back Jimmie Ward (hamstring) is currently questionable to suit up for Week 1. Head coach Kyle Shanahan mentioned it was a bad hamstring injury, so the team will wait and see how Ward progresses over the next few weeks. The former first round pick has been a reliable option for the 49ers over the last three seasons. He struggled with injuries earlier in his career, but has been fantastic lately. The loss of Ward would be a significant hit to the 49ers defense. George Odum and Tarvarius Moore would likely be in line for more playing time, assuming Ward does miss time.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Falcons rookie running back Tyler Allgeier was listed as a riser in a recent camp report Dynasty Analysis: The rookie rushed for 25 yards on three carries in his first preseason action and also had a nice blitz pickup showing that he is picking up more than just yardage on the field. As noted in the attached link, the team is going to have a make a tough cut at some point at running back but Allgeier is certain to remain. He's still expected to play behind hybrid player Cordarrelle Patterson. He's listed as DLF's RB56 and is an intriguing second-round dynasty rookie draft selection.
Dynasty | Falcons running back Damien Williams was listed as a "faller" in a recent training camp report Dynasty Analysis: Williams only managed 10 yards on three carries in the team's first preseason game and it's likely too early to make any calls on his ability to stick on the roster. The team is going to have to make a tough cut or two at the position and it means Williams or Qadree Ollison could be the first to go. Given Ollison's better performance, Williams would seem to be more on the bubble. He's very sparsely ranked as DLF's RB79.
Dynasty | Vikings running back Kene Nwangwu was listed as a "riser" in a recent camp report Dynasty Analysis: Nwangwu looked decisive and agile in his first preseason action as he rushed for 41 yards on seven carries while converting both of his targets for 18 yards. Fellow backfield mate Ty Chandler rushed for more yardage and also looked strong but it was Nwangwu who looked more decisive and agile. With Dalvin Cook aging and Alexander Mattison a free agent in 2023, there's change on the horizon. Nwangwu, DLF's RB76, is a well valued dynasty stash for 2023 and beyond.
Free-agent defensive end Carl Nassib has decided to return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The former third round pick has signed a one-year deal with the organization. The 29-year-old has spent each of the last two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. Although, his best seasons of his career were the two years he was in Tampa Bay. He recorded 63 tackles and 12.5 sacks through 29 games in two seasons with the Bucs. It's uncertain if Nassib can offer that same type of play, but it's worth the risk on a short term deal. This is a nice addition to the Bucs pass rushing group.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon III (foot) returned to Monday's training camp practice and was wearing pads. Gordon had been dealing with a minor foot injury that kept him out since last week, but it looks like he's good to go. It remains to be seen if he'll suit up for the team's second preseason game this Saturday against the Buffalo Bills. The 29-year-old veteran was in a near-even timeshare with Javonte Williams in 2021, and although the new Denver coaching staff is expected to divvy up the backfield playing time again in 2022, Gordon should be viewed as more of the 1B to Williams' 1A this time around. Still, Gordon is worth a late-round pick as a handcuff for Williams or as an RB3/flex in deeper leagues.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back Jaylen Warren saw some first-team repetitions at training camp practice on Monday with Benny Snell Jr. (knee) still out of action. Warren has flashed this summer and had six carries for 34 yards while catching four of his five targets for 30 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks. The undrafted 23-year-old led Pittsburgh in touches and is on track to make the roster heading into the regular season behind Najee Harris, Snell and Anthony McFarland Jr. Warren can be ignored in single-season fantasy formats, but he might be worth a late-round flier in deep dynasty/keeper leagues.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys S Jayron Kearse (back) will not participate in practice this week.
From TheHuddle
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson was repping in James White's role with the starters at training camp practice on Monday during two-minute drills. White announced his retirement last week, but New England's backfield is still crowded with Damien Harris, Stevenson, rookie Pierre Strong Jr. and Ty Montgomery vying for playing time. Stevenson was impressive as a rookie, though, with 133 carries for 606 yards and five touchdowns, adding 14 receptions for 123 yards on 18 targets in 12 games (two starts). The 24-year-old should have a bigger role with White now out of the picture, and as things stand now, he's the best fantasy bet as an RB3/flex type behind Harris.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs PK Harrison Butker (ankle) left practice early Monday, Aug. 15, because of ankle soreness. Head coach Andy Reid said Butker should be fine.
From TheHuddle
Buffalo Bills S Jordan Poyer (elbow) is not expected to play in the second preseason game but may have a chance to be on the field for the final preseason game, according to head coach Sean McDermott.
From TheHuddle
Denver Broncos RB Melvin Gordon III (foot) participated in practice Monday, Aug. 15.
Fantasy Spin: Gordon was sidelined for about a week because of the injury but should be fine moving forward. He will continue to share playing time with Javonte Williams and can be a flex option in most leagues.
From TheHuddle
Free-agent DE Carl Nassib (Raiders) agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Monday, Aug. 15, according to a source. Financial terms were not disclosed.
From TheHuddle
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed running back Patrick Laird to a one-year deal. The 26-year-old has spent each of the last three seasons with the Miami Dolphins. Laird hasn't done much each of the last two seasons, but did make an impact in 2019. On paper, Laird is a capable pass catcher who can also contribute in the running game as well. However, the Bucs have a fairly decent amount of depth right now. It's tough to imagine Laird making an impact unless a few injuries happen. At the moment, fantasy managers can avoid Laird in fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford (elbow) was a full participate in practice Monday, Aug. 15, and will be a full participant again Tuesday, Aug. 15, according to head coach Sean McVay.
Fantasy Spin: Stafford has been limited during camp because of an elbow issue but it seems like he is making some progress. He played well last season and can be a low-end No. 1 quarterback in 2022 if he can stay healthy.
From TheHuddle
Baltimore Ravens RB Corey Clement and CB Robert Jackson were released Monday, Aug. 15.
From TheHuddle
Baltimore Ravens running back Corey Clement has been released by the organization. This doesn't come as a huge surprise considering the amount of depth that the Ravens have at running back. The 27-year-old rushed for 140 yards on 33 attempts through 17 games with the Dallas Cowboys last season. He'll look to catch on as a depth option elsewhere, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect Clement to be relevant anywhere else. The departure of Clement means more reps for players such as Justice Hill, Mike Davis, and Tyler Badie.
From RotoBaller
The New Orleans Saints have reached an agreement with free-agent linebacker Jon Bostic. The former second round pick has bounced around over his eight years in the NFL. Most recently, Bostic played in four games with the Washington Commanders last season. He has a few 100-tackle seasons under his belt, so this is a decent addition for New Orleans. The Saints could use some extra depth at linebacker, so Bostic does have a legitimate shot at making the final roster.
From RotoBaller