2023 Strength Of Schedule Who Has The Toughest Path To Success? The Easiest?

The strength of the schedule gives an owner a look at what individual players will be facing throughout the season. How stiff, weak or middle-of-the-road each week’s competition will be. Obviously, the easier the team’s defense is, the more success the player should have when facing them. To formulate the rushing schedule, I took rushing yards, forced fumbles, first downs and points allowed. I took statistics from passing yards, interceptions, sacks and scores that allowed for the difficulty of the passing schedule. The NFL cleaned up by having bye-weeks during the fantasy playoffs. Week 14 is the last bye for any team.

Passing

Green Bay (Jordan Love)

The new era has begun as Love takes over for future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay drafted three receivers in 2023, including Jayden Reed in the second. He will team up with Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs while rookies Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft take over at tight end.

Indianapolis Colts (Anthony Richardson)

It is unclear who will start the season at quarterback, as Richardson and Gardner Minshew both have an opportunity. The Colts have Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce and rookie Josh Downs to help the quarterback, while Jonathan Taylor should be a beast again. The Colts also have one of the easiest passing schedules this season (31st).

New Orleans Saints (Derek Carr)

New Orleans brought in Carr as the Raiders chose to release him. Carr has good weapons in Chris Olave and Michael Thomas. The tight end position is their weakest link (Juwan Johnson). Carr will enjoy the 30th-most manageable passing schedule.

Baltimore Ravens (Lamar Jackson)

Jackson finally got his bag, while the Ravens drafted Zay Flowers and brought in Odell Beckham and Nelson Agholor to help boost the receiver group. The word is that Baltimore wants Jackson to run less.

Los Angeles Chargers (Justin Herbert)

Not the season many expected out of Herbert, as he finished as the eighth-best fantasy quarterback. The Chargers still have Keenan Allen and Michael Williams; however, they also drafted Quentin Johnston in the first round.

Chicago Bears (Justin Fields)

Fields continues to improve, and the Bears are finally getting a receiver core that consists of D.J. Moore, Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool. Chicago has the 27th-most manageable passing schedule to bolster Fields’ growth.

Cincinnati Bengals (Joe Burrow)

The Cincinnati Bengals’ offense didn’t change much as Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd and Joe Mixon remain. There was a change at tight end, with Irv Smith Jr. replacing Hayden Hurst. Cincinnati has the 26th-most manageable passing schedule, as if Burrow needs more help.

Pittsburgh Steelers (Kenny Pickett)

Pickett improved in his 13 games last season but still struggled throughout. He will look to continue to develop and has Diontae Johnson, George Pickens and Allen Robinson to help his progression. Pat Freiermuth looks to be a solid tight end as well.

Kansas City Chiefs (Patrick Mahomes)

Another excellent season for Mahomes and another Super Bowl victory. Mahomes finished as the top fantasy quarterback with 41 touchdowns and 5,250 yards passing. Trading away Tyreek Hill may have helped. Travis Kelce, Kadarius Toney, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Skyy Moore returned and they added Rashee Rice in the draft. Mahomes should have another great season with the 24th-most manageable schedule.

Carolina Panthers (Bryce Young)

The rookie Young should start out the gate. If not him, Andy Dalton will begin the season. The Panthers brought in Adam Thielen and DJ Chark while drafting Jonathan Mingo in the second round. Miles Sanders comes over from the Eagles to be their starting running back, and the Panthers have the 23rd-most manageable passing schedule to assist Young.

Cleveland Browns (Deshaun Watson)

Watson did not look like his former self in 2022 and will hope to change things around. Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones return. The Browns also brought in Elijah Moore in a trade from New York.

Houston Texans (C.J. Stroud)

Stroud should start the season at quarterback, but his offense around him lacks top-tier talent. He has Nico Collins and John Metchie, while draft choices Tank Dell and Xavier Hutchinson back them up. Veteran Robert Woods comes over from Tennessee. The Texans have the 21st-most manageable passing schedule to make things easier on the rookie.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Baker Mayfield)

Mayfield made the rounds last season, going from Cleveland to Carolina to the Rams. Now in Tampa, he will have top-notch receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Russell Gage makes a solid third receiver, and Cade Otton will be in his second season.

Seattle Seahawks (Geno Smith)

Smith surprised most of everybody in 2022. He finished fifth as a fantasy quarterback. Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf returned and the offense should be better with rookies Jaxson Smith-Njigba and Zach Charbonnet. Smith will be tested to see if he is a better quarterback or a one-year wonder.

Detroit Lions (Jared Goff)

It happened to be Goff’s best touchdown season since 2018 when he threw 32. He finished as the ninth-best fantasy quarterback in 2022. The Lion’s offense will look relatively the same with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Josh Reynolds returning. However, they added Marvin Jones.

San Francisco 49ers (Brock Purdy, Trey Lance)

It is unknown who will start Week 1 for the 49ers or who will be the future starter. However, San Francisco still has talent in Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey.

Minnesota Vikings (Kirk Cousins)

Cousins had a strong season as he finished sixth among fantasy quarterbacks. Cousins will miss Adam Thielen (Carolina) but has rookie Jordan Addison taking his place. Super stud Justin Jefferson will continue to thrive, while TJ Hockenson will have his first full season as a Viking.

Atlanta Falcons (Desmond Ridder)

Ridder got a nod from the organization when they didn’t draft a quarterback. However, they did bring in Taylor Heinicke. They also helped Ridder in the running game by getting Bijan Robinson in the first round. The receiver group is still shaky, with only Drake London and Kyle Pitts.

Denver Broncos (Russell Wilson)

It was a brutal season for Wilson, but they still finished as the 14th-best fantasy quarterback. It should be better for him in 2023 with Sean Payton as the head coach. He is surrounded by talent in Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy while adding Marvin Mims in the draft.

Las Vegas Raiders (Jimmy Garoppolo)

Garoppolo will helm the quarterback position as long as his medical clears. Brian Hoyer and rookie Aidan O’Connell are next in line. There are plenty of weapons as Davante Adams returns and Jakobi Meyers arrives from New England. Also, Hunter Renfrow is back.

Tennessee Titans (Ryan Tannehill)

Tannehill had his least productive touchdown (13) season since his rookie year (12). He only played in 12 games, his least since 2018. The good news was his interceptions were down to only six. He is 34 years old, and the offense around him is not stellar. Treylon Burks leads the receivers as the only viable option.

Arizona Cardinals (Kyler Murray)

Murray won’t start the season, so the passing game will be left to Clayton Tune or Colt McCoy. Throw in the 11th-most challenging passing schedule and things don’t look favorable for the Cardinals. Also, DeAndre Hopkins was released.

Jacksonville Jaguars (Trevor Lawrence)

Lawrence made a huge progression in his second season. He finished as the seventh-best fantasy quarterback. The offense didn’t change much as Christian Kirk and Zay Jones returned. They will also have Calvin Ridley back from his suspension. Evan Engram will be back.

New York Jets (Aaron Rodgers)

The Jets had enough of the erratic Zach Wilson and brought in future Hall of Famer Rodgers. There are plenty of weapons and some familiar faces for Rodgers. New York brought in Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb. They also have Garrett Wilson, Corey Davis and Mecole Hardman.

Washington Commanders (Sam Howell, Jacoby Brissett)

Howell and Brissett will have a quarterback battle to see who starts the season. The offense is solid with Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel. Logan Thomas is a threat when healthy.

Dallas Cowboys (Dak Prescott)

Per games played, Prescott finished as the 11th-best fantasy quarterback. He will have another target to throw to (Brandin Cooks) while also targeting CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup. Dalton Schultz left via free agency. The Cowboys have the seventh-most challenging passing schedule as a road bump.

Philadelphia Eagles (Jalen Hurts)

Hurts put himself firmly on the map as an excellent fantasy option as he finished third among quarterbacks. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith make a great duo at wide receiver and Dallas Goedert has come into his own at tight end. Hurts will have to deal with the sixth most demanding passing schedule.

Los Angeles Rams (Matthew Stafford)

Stafford didn’t have his best season last year but looks to bounce back. There wasn’t much change to the offense, as Cooper Kupp will continue spearheading the lackluster group. To make matters worse, the Rams have the fifth most challenging passing schedule.

Buffalo Bills (Josh Allen)

Allen got a new toy in the draft with Dalton Kincaid and the usual suspects in Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis and Dawson Knox. The running game will have a new face as Damien Harris replaces Devin Singletary (Houston). Buffalo has the fourth most demanding passing schedule, but Allen should still be himself.

Miami Dolphins (Tua Tagovailoa)

After two severe concussions, Tagovailoa has returned. He played good football and was the 10th-best fantasy quarterback per game before he was injured for the season. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle make the passing offense hum. It will be rough for Tagovailoa to face the third most demanding passing schedule.

New England Patriots (Mac Jones)

Jones had another disappointing season and finished as the 22nd fantasy quarterback. The Patriots brought JuJu Smith-Schuster to help the offense but lost Jakobi Meyers (LV). Devante Parker and Kendrick Bourne returned, but they have the second most challenging schedule.

New York Giants (Daniel Jones)

Jones finally played like a first-round draft choice in 2022. He finished as the 12th-best fantasy quarterback and drove the Giants to the playoffs. Outside of Saquon Barkley, the offense is lackluster, with Parris Campbell, Isaiah Hodgins and Darius Slayton at wide receiver. Darren Waller at tight end should be beneficial.

Running Backs

Carolina Panthers (Miles Sanders)

The Panthers landed Sanders via free agency and he was successful in his final season with Philadelphia (RB15). He may share time with Chuba Hubbard, but he is the unquestionable starter.

Detroit Lions (David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs)

Montgomery will take over the Jamaal Williams role, while rookie Jahmyr Gibbs will take over for the recently traded D’Andre Swift (PHI). Detroit has the second-easiest rushing schedule.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Rachaad White)

Tampa has faith in White, as they didn’t draft a running back and let Leonard Fournette hit free agency. Chase Edmonds comes over from Denver but should have a limited role.

Minnesota Vikings (Dalvin Cook)

Unless Cook leaves, the combined duo of Cook and Alexander Mattison will continue. Cook finished the 2022 season as the RB10. Mattison finished as the RB52 but has always been steady when subbing for Cook.

Atlanta Falcons (Bijan Robinson)

The Atlanta Falcons drafted Robinson in the first round and he should be their primary back. Tyler Allgeier will spell some relief from the all-purpose runner in Robinson. Plus, the Falcons have a cakewalk running schedule (28th).

Chicago Bears (D‘Onta Foreman, Khalil Herbert)

Foreman has played for six teams in six seasons and should take over for David Montgomery (DET). Herbert has been impressive since getting his start a few seasons ago.

New Orleans Saints (Alvin Kamara)

Kamara is in legal trouble but has not faced any consequences. Last season, Kamara finished as the RB16 as the Saints’ offense sputtered. Watch for Kendre Miller if Kamara is suspended.

Green Bay Packers (Aaron Jones, A.J. Dillon)

Both Jones and Dillon were excellent while sharing time in 2022. Jones finished as the RB7, while Dillon was the 27th. Jones had 217 carries to Dillon’s 186. The split should continue.

Tennessee Titans (Derrick Henry)

Henry continued to prove he is a top-5 running back by finishing as the RB4. Henry scored 13 touchdowns and rushed for over 1,500 yards. Rookie Tyjae Spears backs up Henry, but this will be Henry’s backfield.

Denver Broncos (Javonte Williams)

Williams only played in four games before tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and posterolateral corner (PLC). Denver must believe in his recovery, as Samaje Perine is his backup.

Los Angeles Rams (Cam Akers)

Akers got better at the end of the season and finished as the RB34. The Rams only have Kyren Williams backing Akers up, so he should get most of the carries.

New York Giants (Saquon Barkley)

Barkley proved he could remain healthy and finished as the RB5. He rushed for over 1,300 yards and scored 10 touchdowns while catching 57 passes. Barkley will continue to be the bell cow, and the Giants have the 21st softest schedule.

Arizona Cardinals (James Conner)

Conner finished 19th in PPR and rushed for 782 yards and seven touchdowns. He also caught 46 passes for another 300 yards. He missed four games but is still the top back with little competition. Conner will also face an easy schedule (20th).

Las Vegas Raiders (Josh Jacobs)

Jacobs surprised most with his RB3 finish. He also played in all 17 games and rushed for 1,653 yards and 12 touchdowns. Jacobs was also a factor in the passing game with 53 receptions.

Washington Commanders (Brian Robinson Jr., Antonio Gibson)

Both Robinson and Gibson will share the workload with Robinson getting the carries and Gibson getting the targets. Washington drafted Chris Rodriguez, but his role will be limited.

Jacksonville Jaguars (Travis Etienne)

Last season the Jaguars gave Etienne the bulk of the carries. He finished as the RB17. Jacksonville drafted Tank Bigsby in the third round, and he may steal some opportunities from Etienne.

Dallas Cowboys (Tony Pollard)

The Cowboys said goodbye to Ezekiel Elliot and brought in Ronald Jones. Pollard should get the bulk of the carries, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Jones eat into the timeshare. Pollard finished ninth among running backs last season.

New York Jets (Breece Hall)

Before tearing his ACL in October, Hall looked to be the Rookie of the Year. Reports are saying Hall should be ready for Week 1. It would be surprising to see if either rookie Israel Abanikanda or Michael Carter can carve a meaningful role.

Kansas City Chiefs (Isiah Pacheco)

Pacheco came from being a seventh-round draft choice to starting and excelling with the team. He would finish as the RB37, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Jerick McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire returned, and they will have a role.

New England Patriots (Rhamondre Stevenson)

Stevenson will share some of the load with James Robinson but should have a lot of carries. Stevenson finished as the RB8 last season and forced the Patriots to not sign Damien Harris.

San Francisco 49ers (Christian McCaffrey)

McCaffrey avoided injury and finished as the RB2. He rushed for 1,139 yards and scored 13 touchdowns while catching 85 passes in a Panthers and 49ers uniform. Elijah Mitchell will carve a role.

Baltimore Ravens (J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards)

It’s been an unfortunate group of injuries for the talented Dobbins and Edwards. Dobbins missed nine games last season after missing all of 2021, and Edwards missed eight after all of 2021 himself. However, both were playing at the end of 2022.

Pittsburgh Steelers (Najee Harris)

Harris dropped to RB14 after being the RB3 in his rookie season. His offensive line did him no favors. Jaylen Warren surprised many after being undrafted in 2022. He will continue to have a role, but Mike Tomlin has always been a one-back offense.

Los Angeles Chargers (Austin Ekeler)

Ekeler finished as the RB1 and he did so by 27 points over Christian McCaffrey. He only had 204 carries but caught 107 passes and scored 18 total touchdowns. The Chargers didn’t do much to impact Ekeler’s role unless they want to use Isaiah Spiller more.

Indianapolis Colts (Jonathan Taylor)

Taylor finished as the RB16 on a points-per-game basis. He also missed the last five games. Taylor will be relied on heavily again and should get help from Zack Moss and rookie Evan Hull.

Miami Dolphins (Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, Devon Achane)

The Miami Dolphins’ running back group should be a three-headed monster. The pack’s leader should be Mostert, but rookie Achane has tons of straight-line speed. Wilson always finds a way to be active.

Houston Texans (Dameon Pierce, Devin Singletary)

Pierce did a solid job as a rookie by finishing as the RB25 on the season. However, Singletary joins the group. Both will likely share time and, to make matters worse, the Texans have the sixth-most challenging running schedule.

Buffalo Bills (Damien Harris, James Cook)

Harris will fill the Devin Singletary (HOU) role, while Cook will look to improve last year’s numbers. Harris only played 11 games last season but looked good, sharing time with Rhamondre Stevenson.

Philadelphia Eagles (D’Andre Swift)

The Eagles waved Sanders goodbye and traded for Swift. He has a hard time remaining healthy but did finish as the RB21, which could mean more essential things in a fast Philadelphia offense. He does have Rashaad Penny and Kenneth Gainwell backing him up.

Cleveland Browns (Nick Chubb)

Chubb should have the backfield to himself, as Kareem Hunt is a free agent. Chubb is a top-10 running back, regardless of how many catches he pulls down, and this season should be no different. He is getting to that age (27) that begins to hamper most backs.

Seattle Seahawks (Kenneth Walker III)

Walker was an outstanding rookie, rushing for over 1,000 yards and scoring nine touchdowns. Walker finished as the RB18. Seattle drafted Zach Charbonnet, who will have a role in the offense, but Walker should dominate in carries. Seattle has the second-most challenging schedule

Cincinnati Bengals (Joe Mixon)

Mixon had another successful season as he finished 11th among running backs after finishing fourth in 2021. Mixon was used extensively in the passing game, as he caught 60 passes, the most in his career by far. He would have done more if he didn’t miss three contests.

Receiving

Green Bay Packers (Christian Watson)

Watson hopes to improve his WR41 finish with Jordan Love at quarterback. Watson did miss three games, so his numbers should increase. Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed will play essential roles, but their fantasy value is limited.

Indianapolis Colts (Michael Pittman Jr.)

The Colts had enough of the aging veterans at quarterback and went with Anthony Richardson. Now it will be up to him to deliver the ball to Pittman, who finished as the WR20. Alec Pierce will look to continue to develop from his rookie season. Jelani Woods seems promising.

New Orleans Saints (Chris Olave, Michael Thomas)

Olave had a successful rookie season as he finished as the WR24 with a mixture of quarterbacks at the helm. He should improve in his second season and has Derek Carr at quarterback. Thomas seems to be healthy, but the question is, how much have injuries taken their toll?

Baltimore Ravens (Rashod Bateman, Odell Beckham Jr., Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews)

The hope is that Bateman can stay healthy, as he has been solid on the field. Beckham is coming off an injury and missed all of 2022. The Ravens made Flowers their first-round choice, so he should have a role. Andrews will continue to dominate.

Los Angeles Chargers (Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Quentin Johnston)

The Chargers have a whole arsenal of weapons in Allen, Williams and rookie Johnston. Gerald Everett finished as the TE12 and will have less room for targets now that Johnston is there.

Chicago Bears (D.J. Moore, Darnell Mooney, Chase Claypool, Cole Kmet)

What a year a difference can make. At the start of last season, it was Mooney, Kmet and hardly anyone worth mentioning. Now with Moore and Claypool, the Bears have several targets.

Cincinnati Bengals (Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd)

The power trio returns for another season. Chase finished as the WR11 but only played in 11 games, while Higgins was the WR19 in 14 games and Boyd struggled as the WR40. Burrow and crew will have the 26th softest passing schedule.

Pittsburgh Steelers (Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth)

Johnson was solid. He was sixth in targets, 13th in receptions and 27th in yards. Johnson just didn’t catch any touchdowns forcing him to be the WR27. Pickens finished as the WR39 in his rookie season. Freiermuth continued to be good and was the TE7.

Kansas City Chiefs (Kadarius Toney, Travis Kelce)

It is unclear who the No. 1 wide receiver is, but it’s clear that Kelce is the top target on the team. Toney, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Skyy Moore will likely take turns leading the group. Patrick Mahomes and crew will enjoy the 24th-most manageable passing schedule.

Carolina Panthers (Adam Thielen, Jonathan Mingo, Hayden Hurst)

The Panthers have a lot of options, but the quality is subpar. Thielen is their best target, but he is getting past his prime, and Mingo is just a rookie while Chark, Terrace Marshall and Hurst have not proven much.

Cleveland Browns (Amari Cooper, David Njoku)

Cooper had a solid season bringing in 78 passes for 1,160 yards and nine touchdowns. Cooper finished as the WR10. The Browns lack a significant No. 2, but perhaps Elijah Moore can fill that role? Njoku had a successful season ending as the TE10.

Houston Texans (Nico Collins, Dalton Schultz)

Houston’s receivers won’t set the world on fire, as their No. 1 target will be Collins, Robert Woods, or John Metchie. Unfortunately, the lack of weapons will pressure rookie Stroud, but the 21st softest schedule will help.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Mike Evans, Chris Godwin)

The transition in quarterbacks from Tom Brady to Baker Mayfield will hurt the production of Evans and Godwin. Evans was the WR17 and Godwin the WR18, should both see their rankings drop.

Seattle Seahawks (DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Jaxson Smith-Njigba)

The Seahawks are trying to compete with the three-headed stud at wide receiver with their crew of Metcalf, Lockett and rookie Smith-Njigba. Lockett and Metcalf finished as the WR13 and WR14, respectively.

Detroit Lions (Amon-Ra St. Brown)

The Lions have a rising stud in St. Brown, who finished the season as the WR7 after finishing as the WR22 in his rookie season. There isn’t much depth as Marvin Jones returns to Detroit and Josh Reynolds hasn’t done much in his career. Rookie Sam LaPorta is the tight end.

San Francisco 49ers (Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle)

It wasn’t the season many had hoped for Samuel, as he finished as the WR36. Aiyuk surprised many as the WR15. Kittle continued to do his magic and became the TE3 in 15 games.

Minnesota Vikings (Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson)

Jefferson proved he is the No. 1 fantasy wide receiver by catching 128 passes for 1,809 yards and eight touchdowns. Jefferson also rushed for a score. The Vikings let Adam Thielen walk (Carolina) and drafted Addison. Hockenson will also have a huge role. He finished as the TE2.

Atlanta Falcons (Drake London, Kyle Pitts)

The Falcons didn’t add to the wide receiver group, so it will be down to London and Pitts. London finished as the WR28 and Pitts missed seven contests. Pitts will be in his third season and maybe he can finish inside the top-5?

Denver Broncos (Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy)

After a disastrous season for the Broncos, Sean Payton will hopefully turn the offense around. There is plenty of talent in both Sutton and Jeudy. However, both have struggled to prove themselves. Jeudy did finish as the WR22, so there is still a ceiling, while Sutton was the WR43.

Las Vegas Raiders (Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers)

Adams will continue to be a top-5 receiver regardless of who is throwing him the ball. At this point, It’s Jimmy Garoppolo, but he is still battling an injury. Meyers came over from New England, giving Las Vegas a well-rounded receiving room with Hunter Renfrow in the slot.

Tennessee Titans (Treylon Burks, Chigoziem Okonkwo)

The offensive weapons didn’t change much; they will be Burks and Okonkwo again. Burks finished as the WR81 but only played in 11 games. Okonkwo was the TE25.

Arizona Cardinals (Marquise Brown, Rondale Moore)

Surprisingly the Cardinals released DeAndre Hopkins. The group will consist of Brown, who finished as the WR44, Moore, WR83, and Zach Ertz, TE20. Their rankings suffered primarily due to injuries. They did draft Michael Wilson in the third round.

Jacksonville Jaguars (Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, Evan Engram)

Trevor Lawrence will have Calvin Ridley, who is returning from suspension. It may take him a bit to get back to full-speed play. Kirk was the WR12 last season and Jones the WR26. Engram finally put it together and finished as the TE5.

New York Jets (Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard)

Wilson won the Rookie of the Year by finishing as the WR21 with Zach Wilson at quarterback. Now the Jets will have Aaron Rodgers. Lazard should also benefit from his former teammate in Green Bay.

Washington Commanders (Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson)

McLaurin was successful as the WR16 by catching 77 passes for 1,191 yards and five touchdowns. While rookie Dotson proved why he was a first-rounder by bringing in 35 balls for 523 yards and scoring seven touchdowns in just 12 games.

Dallas Cowboys (CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, Brandin Cooks)

The passing offense revolves around Lamb, while Gallup and Brandin Cooks will play ancillary roles. Lamb finished as the WR6 last season by catching 107 balls for 1,359 yards and nine touchdowns. He was also seventh among wide receivers in rushing attempts.

Philadelphia Eagles (A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert)

Jalen Hurts proved he could be an outstanding starting quarterback in this league and Brown, Smith and Goedert benefitted. Brown finished as the WR5, Smith the WR9 and Goedert the TE11.

Los Angeles Rams (Cooper Kupp)

Matthew Stafford returns after a subpar season, coming off an elbow injury. It didn’t help that Kupp was injured with an ankle issue and missed eight games. Kupp still finished as the WR23 and was the WR1 in points per game (22.6).

Buffalo Bills (Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis, Dawson Knox)

Diggs dominated again as he finished as the WR7 and Davis is a solid wide receiver two. The tight end position is muddy as Knox returned, but the Bills drafted Dalton Kincaid in Round 1.

Miami Dolphins (Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle)

The Miami Dolphins’ receivers are fast, and they are good. Hill finished as the WR2, and Waddle was the WR8. Hill caught 119 passes for 1,710 yards and seven touchdowns, and Waddle brought in 75 passes for 1,356 yards with eight touchdowns. Miami has the third-most challenging schedule.

New England Patriots (JuJu Smith-Schuster)

The Patriots’ passing offense will struggle as Mac Jones and crew are sub-par. The best of the group is Smith-Schuster, who finished as the WR27 with the power offense in Kansas City. Devante Parker, Kendrick Bourne and Hunter Henry returned.

New York Giants (Parris Campbell, Darren Waller)

The Giants’ receiving crew is lackluster as Campbell leads the group. Waller has been dealing with injuries the last two seasons, as he missed 14 games. Perhaps Isaiah Hodgins can continue his upswing, or rookie Jalin Hyatt can be a stud? Valverde is a contributor @FFDiehards, @Rotounderworld, @TheFantasyDRS and @fballabsurdity. Follow Mike on Twitter @RFLRedZone.