Why, you might ask, should wide receivers with tough 2017 Fantasy Strength of Schedules matter to you? After all, last year’s NFL schedule shouldn’t have anything to do with a team’s ability to throw the ball better this year, right?
Wrong!
Well, at least as far as I’m concerned. A quick look at the past couple years shows that SIX of the top 10 pass defenses from 2015 also became top-10 pass defenses in 2016, and 10 pass defenses were among the top 10 in at least two of the past three years.
Remember, though, just because these wide receivers are going up against very good pass defenses should completely change your Fantasy rankings, but they can help you break some tiebreakers in your rankings. Just bump these guys up a couple spots in your rankings.
By the time the NFL Preseason rolls around, we’ll have covered all these Fantasy Strength of Schedules:
We’re not going to point out those wide receivers you were already drafting really high. For instance, just because the Raiders have the third-toughest Fantasy Strength of Schedule for wide receivers, you’re not going to avoid drafting superstar Amari Cooper.
We’re also not going to point out wide receivers you were never thinking about starting, either. For instance, we’re only going to mention the Fantasy starters, not the backups you weren’t drafting as starters anyway.
3 Tough 2017 Fantasy Strength of Schedules For Wide Receivers
We’ll be taking our Fantasy Strength of Schedules from the research done over at FFToolbox.com. I used the Fantasy SoS for Weeks 1-16, since that’s the normal length for Fantasy Football leagues.
Currently, the former Cal receiver has a top-50 Average Draft Position, despite the fact he’s coming back from a torn ACL, has only played in nine games over the past two seasons, and the Chargers brought in one of the best college football WRs in Clemson’s Mike Williams.
Now, add those notes to the fact that the Chargers face the Broncos a couple times, Kansas City, New England and Buffalo, giving them the toughest Fantasy Strength of Schedule for wide receivers in 2017.
Photo Credit: AP Images/ TUSP, Jay Biggerstaff
Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs
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Sure, Hill was a physical dynamo last season, as one of the fastest playmakers in the game in his debut season. However, there are just too many factors going against him this year, including the third-toughest Fantasy Strength of Schedule for WRs.
Plus, he has suddenly been thrust into the No. 1 WR role, which means more targets, of course, but it also means much more attention by opposing defenses. Also, sophomore seasons can be tough for rookie success stories at the position, and who knows when the Chiefs make a change at quarterback to Patrick Mahomes.
Photo Credit: AP Images/Charlie Riedel
Michael Crabtree, Oakland Raiders
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While we can’t suggest avoiding Cooper, who should really be able to overcome a tough schedule, we can point out that Crabtree could be the one whose Fantasy value takes the biggest dip. Also, the Raiders should have more success running the ball, which could limit the veteran WRs ability to post a lot of Fantasy points this season.
The Raiders get the Patriots, Bills and Dolphins this season on the schedule, while also being forced to play against the Broncos, and Chiefs defenses twice.
Currently, the former Cal receiver has a top-50 Average Draft Position, despite the fact he’s coming back from a torn ACL, has only played in nine games over the past two seasons, and the Chargers brought in one of the best college football WRs in Clemson’s Mike Williams.
Now, add those notes to the fact that the Chargers face the Broncos a couple times, Kansas City, New England and Buffalo, giving them the toughest Fantasy Strength of Schedule for wide receivers in 2017.
Photo Credit: AP Images/ TUSP, Jay Biggerstaff
2/3
Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Sure, Hill was a physical dynamo last season, as one of the fastest playmakers in the game in his debut season. However, there are just too many factors going against him this year, including the third-toughest Fantasy Strength of Schedule for WRs.
Plus, he has suddenly been thrust into the No. 1 WR role, which means more targets, of course, but it also means much more attention by opposing defenses. Also, sophomore seasons can be tough for rookie success stories at the position, and who knows when the Chiefs make a change at quarterback to Patrick Mahomes.
Photo Credit: AP Images/Charlie Riedel
3/3
Michael Crabtree, Oakland Raiders
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
While we can’t suggest avoiding Cooper, who should really be able to overcome a tough schedule, we can point out that Crabtree could be the one whose Fantasy value takes the biggest dip. Also, the Raiders should have more success running the ball, which could limit the veteran WRs ability to post a lot of Fantasy points this season.
The Raiders get the Patriots, Bills and Dolphins this season on the schedule, while also being forced to play against the Broncos, and Chiefs defenses twice.
