Greetings! This is the 3rd installment of the 10th Yard Report! Today we are continuing our early look-see at the NFL strength of schedule for fantasy players. We have already considered RB’s and QB’s. For this installment, we will consider the WR’s
In regards to the WR’s, here are the notables;
Redskin’s WR’s
Terrelle Pryor, Jamison Crowder, and Josh Doctson all have proven to be capable and productive WR’s (Doctson was good in collage). Kirk Cousins has also proven he can be a productive QB. Furthermore, they have a lineup of opponents that make them primed to get a great start to the 2017 season
PHI (2nd most points to opponents WR’s)
@ LAR (7th most points to opponents WR’s)
OAK (14th most points to opponents WR’s)
@ KC (12th most points to opponents WR’s)
BYE
SF (5th most points to opponents WR’s)
@ PHI (2nd most points to opponents WR’s)
So, don’t be surprised if the Redskins passing game looks great for the first half of the 2017 season.
Colt’s WR’s
There is question as to Andrew Luck’s health, and whether he will be ready week #1. If Luck is ready to go, T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief not only have one of the game’s best QB’s, they also have several juicy match-ups to start the season.
@ LAR (7th most points to opponents WR’s)
ARI (4th most points to opponents WR’s)
CLE (11th most points to opponents WR’s)
@ SEA (13th most points to opponents WR’s)
SF (5th most points to opponents WR’s)
@ TEN (3rd most points to opponents WR’s)
If they are healthy, they will be wealthy… with fantasy points to start the 2017 season.
Doug Baldwin
Seattle is not typically a high octane passing attack. They want to run it, and are committed to doing so - if they can. But they do have a legit QB who has established a special connection with his #1 WR. Out of Seattle’s WR’s, Doug Baldwin is that one, and he has proven in the past to be a fantasy relevant player. With this year’s schedule, Baldwin has a great opportunity to get revved up early;
@ GB (the most points to opponents WR’s)
SF (5th most points to opponents WR’s)
@ TEN (3rd most points to opponents WR’s)
IND (22nd most points to opponents WR’s)
@ LAR (7th most points to opponents WR’s)
Traditionally, the Seahawks are ugly early, surge late. We’ll see if Baldwin and team can take advantage of these early opportunities.
Pierre Garcon
Like their QB situation, the 49ers WR’s are mostly a conglomerate of “Meh”. The 49er D is not likely to shut anybody down, so they are going to have to throw. And so they are going to have to throw somebody… I guess. Right? Pierre Garcon is no Antonio Brown, but he has made some catches in the NFL. This might need to go in your Blake Bortles file - ugly, but somehow puts up fantasy numbers. It's a volume play. Anyway, the schedule probably isn't going go stop him from being productive;
CAR (9th most points to opponents WR’s)
@ SEA (13th most points to opponents WR’s)
LAR (7th most points to opponents WR’s)
@ ARI (4th most points to opponents WR’s)
Meh
Finally,
Atlanta’s WR’s
You already know about Julio Jones. You also probably know about Matt Ryan. The Falcons had the most potent O last year, and should have similar production in 2017 as well. Julio Jones is a given, but with such offensive power, remember Mohamed Sanu and Taylor Gabriel too. They get a nice jump on 2017 with these games lined up;
@ CHI (6th most points to opponents WR’s)
GB (the most points to opponents WR’s)
@ DET (19th most points to opponents WR’s)
Not bad.
Next up - we'll conclude the look at the SOS with the TE’s
After that, we’ll dive into this year’s rookies to watch out for!
I love Crowder, Baldwin, and Garcon where all of them are going in my mock drafts. I'll be targeting all three.