Tag: elijah moore

2024 Fantasy Football Strength of Schedule: Receivers

Cardinals and Bears looking at a sweet schedule for the receivers

The strength of schedule for receivers lumps wide receivers and tight ends together since each team uses the positions differently. While overall averages are interesting, no position is as sensitive to individual matchups as are receivers facing particular defensive backs. This makes the analysis less accurate than that for running backs and quarterbacks. The best receiver for an offense invariably draws the best coverage defender, if not more than one on most plays.

The analysis also considers the venue. There is a difference between how defenses respond either home or away, and that creates 64 “different defensive matchups” depending on where the game is played.

SEE ALSO: Quarterbacks | Running Backs

The average passing fantasy points allowed by defenses for receivers last year is at the bottom of this page.

Total Points

For fantasy contests and some leagues, only total points matter. Below are the total points for each passing offense according to their schedule using the averages allowed by those defenses in 2023 .

PHI CHI DET ARI GB ATL SF NYJ IND CLE HOU
781 774 768 766 754 746 745 745 743 733 731
CAR DAL LV NO WAS BUF BAL SEA NE MIN
728 726 724 723 723 719 718 717 716 713
TEN KC NYG TB PIT CIN LAR DEN MIA LAC JAC
711 707 703 701 700 698 697 693 690 689 687

 

Weekly Play

Three different views are below. Week 1 to 17 is the full-season fantasy strength of schedule. “The Dorey Rule” says to draft like the season only lasted the first six weeks for a hot start. Finally, Weeks 15 to 17 represent the most common fantasy playoffs. “Good” games were when they faced one of the top 22 venues from last year; “Bad” was when they played in one of the worst 22.

Wk 1-17 SOS Good Bad First 6 Gms SOS Good Bad Playoffs SOS Good Bad
CHI 5 8 3 HOU 3 4 1 CHI 3 3 0
ARI 5 8 3 NYJ 3 3 0 SF 3 3 0
DET 4 7 3 SEA 3 4 1 CIN 2 2 0
GB 3 6 3 ARI 2 3 1 CLE 2 2 0
SF 3 6 3 TB 2 4 2 TEN 2 2 0
NYJ 3 6 3 IND 2 2 0 ATL 1 2 1
BUF 2 5 3 CHI 2 3 1 LAC 1 2 1
NE 2 7 5 NE 2 3 1 GB 1 1 0
IND 1 5 4 DET 2 3 1 NO 1 1 0
BAL 1 5 4 WAS 1 2 1 MIN 0 1 1
ATL 0 6 6 GB 0 2 2 LV 0 1 1
CLE 0 6 6 SF 0 1 1 WAS 0 1 1
HOU 0 6 6 DEN 0 1 1 JAC 0 1 1
DAL 0 6 6 BAL 0 2 2 NE 0 1 1
TEN 0 6 6 BUF 0 2 2 DEN 0 1 1
CAR -1 5 6 MIA 0 1 1 NYJ 0 1 1
LV -1 4 5 PHI -1 1 2 BUF 0 1 1
NO -1 5 6 CLE -1 2 3 PHI -1 1 2
SEA -1 5 6 CAR -1 2 3 KC -1 0 1
PHI -2 5 7 ATL -1 1 2 BAL -1 0 1
WAS -2 4 6 NYG -1 2 3 ARI -1 0 1
MIN -2 3 5 KC -1 1 2 DAL -1 1 2
MIA -2 2 4 LAR -1 1 2 DET -1 0 1
KC -3 4 7 PIT -2 2 4 LAR -1 0 1
NYG -3 5 8 NO -2 2 4 CAR -1 0 1
CIN -3 4 7 DAL -2 1 3 HOU -1 1 2
LAR -3 3 6 JAC -2 1 3 MIA -1 0 1
TB -4 4 8 LAC -2 0 2 IND -2 0 2
PIT -4 5 9 MIN -2 0 2 TB -2 0 2
LAC -4 3 7 LV -3 0 3 PIT -2 0 2
JAC -4 4 8 CIN -3 1 4 NYG -3 0 3
DEN -5 2 7 TEN -3 1 4 SEA -3 0 3

Best schedule strength

DJ Moore/Keenan Allen (CHI) – The Bears feature the top quarterback from the 2024 draft and that throws risk into the equation even for an elite talent. DJ Moore was new last year and succeeded but now has the young quarterback and will share with Keenan Allen. Caleb Williams still needs to prove his talent, but he has two competent receivers enjoying the lightest schedule strength in the NFL.

Marvin Harrison Jr./Trey McBride (ARI) – The Arizona receivers also face the same best-case schedule for 2024, but unlike the Bears, their quarterback is the veteran, and the wideout is the top-drafted in his position this year. Trey McBride was a breakout second-year tight end who returns to the same quarterback, coaches and scheme. Marvin Harrison Jr. is in a very advantageous position with marginal competition from the other Cardinal wideouts and also faces the softest schedule.

Amon-Ra St. Brown/Sam LaPorta (DET) – This is an interesting development. The Lions return the same scheme and players including Amon-Ra St. Brown, who was No. 2 in receptions last year (119) and Sam LaPorta who was the top fantasy tight end despite being a rookie. Now, all that greatness from 2024 is pitted against the third-best schedule strength. The only marginal downside is that there are no light matchups left after Week 13.

Garrett Wilson/Mike Williams (NYJ) – Can it finally be the Jets’ year? Garrett Wilson shined regardless of the otherwise mediocrity at quarterback last season. He gets, assumedly, a healthy Aaron Rodgers and a lighter schedule to boost his 2024 potential. Mike Williams has to learn a new offense and return from his ACL tear but at least face a lighter slate of defensive venues. The rookie Malachi Corley could also figure in if Williams is slow to return to form.

Worst schedule strength

Courtland Sutton/Josh Reynolds (DEN) – As if the coin flip between Bo Nix and Zach Wilson wasn’t scary enough, the Broncos are looking at the cruelest schedule for receivers with just two light matchups. They have a stretch during the season where eight games contain six bad venues and no good ones.

Christian Kirk/Brian Thomas (JAC) – The Jaguars lost Calvin Ridley but replaced him with Brian Thomas Jr., which should be a wash, if only eventually. The only saving grace to their rough outlook with eight poor matchups is that they had one of the worst schedules last year, and 2024 may be bad, but it is slightly better than 2023.

Joshua Palmer/Quentin Johnston (LAC) – It was already scary enough losing Mike Williams and Keenan Allen. And bringing in a far more conservative offensive scheme that seeks to run more and pass less. But the Chargers have one of the weakest pair of starters going against one of the worst schedule strengths which include only three lighter matchups all year.

George Pickens/Van Jefferson/Roman Wilson (PIT) – The Steelers imported the Falcons offense when they hired OC Arthur Smith who is fresh from the crash-and-burn of the Atlanta passing game the last couple of seasons. Russell Wilson and/or Justin Fields learn that new run-heavy scheme with sketchy receivers outside of George Pickens and face an NFL-worst nine games facing the toughest venues.

2024 weekly grid 

Fantasy points allowed per game to WRs

These are the values applied to this year’s schedule to determine strength of schedule for wide receivers and tight ends.

@PHI @MIN NYG DET CHI TB LAC DEN @WAS WAS JAC PHI @CIN LAR SEA @TEN
62.2 58.6 57.3 56.6 56.2 55.9 55.2 54.1 53.9 53.2 52.1 51.6 51.5 51.5 50.6 49.9
@DET @IND @MIA CIN MIA KC @SF @LAR ATL CLE @HOU @TB TEN @GB LVR HOU
49.8 49.4 48.7 47.8 47.8 47.7 47.7 47.0 46.9 46.6 46.2 45.9 45.9 45.4 45.3 45.1
PIT @LAC @JAC BUF NE @PIT @ARI @SEA SF NO ARI @DAL MIN @DEN BAL GB
45.0 44.9 44.8 44.8 44.5 44.4 44.3 44.1 43.8 43.8 43.4 43.0 43.0 42.5 42.3 41.9
@LVR @NO @BAL @NYG IND @NE @ATL CAR @CAR @BUF DAL @NYJ @CHI NYJ @KC @CLE
41.7 41.4 41.2 40.5 39.9 39.5 38.8 38.4 36.8 36.7 35.5 34.6 34.3 32.9 30.2 29.2

 

Browns Injury Report: Ogbo Okoronkwo, Elijah Moore return to practice as Bengals, playoffs near

Here is the lowdown on Wednesday’s injury report.

While it looked like the Cleveland Browns may have been out two significant contributors for an extended period, both defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo and wide receiver Elijah Moore have returned to practice as they prepare to take on the Cincinnati Bengals.

More important than the Bengals, however, as this game holds no significance to the outcome of the regular season, the Browns are getting these players back in time to make a deep playoff run.

Okoronkwo, who suffered what was diagnosed as a torn pectoral, refused to go on Injured Reserve and vowed to return to the Browns. He was hurt in the win against the Jacksonville Jaguars and has missed three games since then.

Moore left the game against the New York Jets this past Thursday night after suffering a concussion. It did not look pretty on the field, and Moore spent the night in the hospital afterward. However, he appears to be on the right track to clear the concussion protocol.

Whether either player plays against the Bengals, however, is still rather doubtful as the risk is unnecessary with the playoffs less than two weeks away. In addition to Okoronkwo and Moore, here is the full list of players who were either limited in practice on Wednesday or did not practice at all.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=646863720]

Browns Injury Alert: WR Elijah Moore evaluated for a concussion vs. Jets

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore exited the game against the New York Jets for a concussion evaluation after a nasty hit in the second quarter.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore exited the game against his former team, the New York Jets, with a head injury. Moore was injured when tackled after gaining 22 yards through the air. Moore landed directly on his head and grass was stuck in his facemask as he rolled over. He was able to walk off the field under his power. Moore is being examined for a concussion.

Moore was integral to the Cleveland Browns’ offense to start the game. He was the Browns’ number-one wide receiver after Amari Cooper was ruled out an hour before the game. The former New York Jets receiver was very excited to square off against his former team.

Moore had an excellent start to the game. The receiver recorded 61 yards on five catches and one touchdown in the first half. The Jets were unable to stop their former teammate.

The Cleveland Browns need Moore to regain his health. They need to be as healthy as possible for their playoff run. The team has ten days until their next game on Sunday.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1362]

Ex-Jets Elijah Moore, Joe Flacco team up for 6 as Browns go up big

The Flacco/Moore revenge game is upon us!

The New York Jets have been bitten by two of their former players. Quarterback Joe Flacco and wide receiver Elijah Moore have teamed up for yet another touchdown as the Cleveland Browns are taking it to the Jets on Thursday Night Football.

Moore caught four passes against his former team on that drive, capping it off with that eight-yard score. He is up to 39 yards on the day as Flacco is spreading the ball around without top wide receiver Amari Cooper.

Flacco now sits with a whopping 215 yards and two touchdowns with still time to play in the first half. Continuing his hot tenure with the Browns, Flacco is dealing once again in this one. Jets’ head coach Robert Saleh stated this week that he had no regrets about not bringing Flacco back into the building after the injury to Aaron Rodgers. He’s probably rethinking that in real-time right now.

The Browns are now up 27-7 with five minutes to play still in the first half.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=646863720]

3 bold predictions as Browns face the banged up Jaguars at home

Can the Browns continue to defend their home field?

The Browns return to Cleveland trying to shake off a two-game losing streak on the road where the defense did not look good. This week they face a Jacksonville Jaguars team that is banged up and might be without their starting quarterback and is down to their third-string left tackle.

The Browns control their destiny in the playoff race, especially after the Steelers’ loss on Thursday. This game has massive playoff implications and every game the rest of the way is a must-win. Cleveland is likely to get back some key contributors and if Denzel Ward returns to play they have no excuses not to get it done.

Kevin Stefanski declined to name a starting quarterback this week but with Joe Flacco playing well in his debut and taking all the first-team reps it seems like the veteran will get the nod. Here are my bold predictions of the week as Cleveland looks for win number eight.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1361]

Fantasy football sleepers to play in Week 14

Check out these sleepers to play in fantasy football for Week 14.

In most leagues, Week 14 is the final week of the regular season for fantasy football managers. This is their final time to either make that last push for a playoff spot, secure a first-round bye or play spoiler for a team trying to make it.

Fortunately, the majority of teams have now had their bye weeks. The only two teams on a bye in Week 14 include the Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders.

Some managers will opt to go for the safer bet this week, but it’s always a good idea to reach for a ceiling in a must-win game. That’s where the sleepers come in.

Don’t forget to check out The Huddle’s weekly PPR projections and rankings to get a better idea of how we feel about the upcoming week as a whole.

Browns Studs and Duds: Who showed up and disappeared in loss vs. Rams?

A look at the five most impactful people in the Cleveland Browns loss to the Los Angeles Rams in week 13 of the NFL season.

The Cleveland Browns return to the city without a win from their two weeks out west, wrapping up the trip against the Los Angeles Rams. The team comes back injured and badly bruised. The injuries became insurmountable as they finished the remaining Browns’ stars: Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward, and Amari Cooper. The team returns home to lick their wounds as they prepare for the Jaguars and a battle for wildcard positioning. Wide receiver Elijah Moore had his best game as a Brown, and guard Wyatt Teller continues to stack weeks.

The Browns were competitive against a well-coached Rams team for the first three quarters. The Browns stuck to their roots and showed an effective play-action passing attack off the backs of an inefficient run game. The Browns were unable to generate much offense outside of those staple concepts. 

Joe Flacco did an admirable job quarterbacking the Browns after signing with the team’s practice squad just weeks ago. However, the unfamiliarity between the quarterback and offense hamstrung the Browns in obvious passing situations. The Browns will need to spend the week deciding if they want to start Flacco or Dorian Thompson-Robinson on Sunday. Flacco played well enough to beg the question as the Browns are desperate for any offense. 

In this week’s studs and duds, we look at five difference-makers in the loss against the Rams.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

PFF’s 10 highest-graded Browns’ offensive players vs. Rams

The passing offense looked as good as it has in awhile

It wasn’t enough to get the win as the defense struggled on the road again but the passing offense looked solid in Los Angeles against the Rams on Sunday. The Cleveland Browns passing offense had failed to push the ball vertically in prior weeks but Joe Flacco showed early and often he wasn’t afraid to push the ball down the field.

The running game struggled at times like they have all year but it was promising to see the successful deep shots in the pass game. Elijah Moore had his best game as a Brown as his past relationship with Flacco was evident. The loss of Amari Cooper loomed all game long and you have to wonder how much better they could have been if he hadn’t gotten injured.

Time will tell if the 38-year-old quarterback will remain the starter and productive with his age but Sunday should give fans hope about the direction of the passing offense.

Here are the 10 best performances on the offensive side of the ball according to PFF.

WATCH: Officials make hilarious ‘butt cheek’ call on Elijah Moore review in Browns vs. Rams

He said what?

The Cleveland Browns are locked in a 10-13 battle with the Los Angeles Rams. The officials at the game, however, broke the tension a bit as the Rams challenged the ruling on the field of a long catch by wide receiver Elijah Moore.

As quarterback Joe Flacco found Moore deep down the field along the sideline for 42 yards, he was able to get a body part in bounds before he went out of bounds. The Rams challenged that he did not establish possession in-bounds, losing the challenge. The call from the official to confirm the call on the field, however? Priceless.

As the Browns look to bounce back after a loss to the Denver Broncos a week ago, they will need continued success from Flacco and Moore. With Amari Cooper in the concussion protocol, the Browns will rely on the connection between the two former New York Jets.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=646863720]

3 bold predictions as Browns look to bounce back vs. Rams

The Browns will look to right the ship on the road vs Rams

Another week for the Cleveland Browns and another starting quarterback as they turn to former Baltimore Ravens and Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco. It’s still weird to say that after all the years of seeing Flacco twice a year as an opponent to have him starting in Cleveland is just different as he gets set to take on the Los Angeles Rams.

Cleveland has been a different team on the road this year than at home and they could desperately use a win to gain some confidence down the stretch as they look to make the playoffs. It will be interesting to see how Kevin Stefanski adjusts his offense to a different quarterback but we will likely see an offense similar to when Baker Mayfield and Jacoby Brissett were starting.

There is a path for the Browns to win on Sunday and as it has all year it will start with their defense. Myles Garrett will play through his injury and with Matthew Stafford under center, they will need to pressure him early and often to get the win.