The Strength of Schedule takes the results from all defensive performances last season and then applies the stats allowed against quarterbacks, running backs and receivers to determine who will have the easier schedule. This is determined by taking the best and worst venues for offenses to face and comparing those statistics allowed against the current NFL schedule for each team. Unlike strength of schedules used during the regular season which only considers the 32 defenses, this look back at last year considers the 64 venues that can happen – facing each defense either home or away.

To remove the effects of the really bad or good odd game, defensive performances last year have their best and worst game removed before determining their average fantasy points allowed for each position.

Three different views are given below – Weeks 1 to 6 show what players will face as they start the season. Weeks 1 through 16 are shown for a full season view and weeks 14 to 16 show the most common weeks for fantasy playoffs. Below that is the NFL schedule marked for each team to show when they have good (green) or bad (red) match-ups. Bye weeks are considered a bad matchup since the player is unavailable for your fantasy team that week. This is important especially considering the Dorey Rule – “draft as if the season only lasted the first six weeks”.

This analysis considers both tight ends and wide receivers awarded 0.1 points per received yard and six point touchdowns.

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Best Schedules:

Giants – The Giants need a rebound after a 6-10 season and gain the best schedule for receivers. Nice timing since Odell Beckham Jr. didn’t really start until mid-season in 2014 and yet laid down eye-popping stats. With a mish-mash of running backs, Eli Manning will again turn to the pass and gets Victor Cruz back as well. While some players suffer sophomore slumps, Beckham already looks better than that and gets a sweet schedule for his first full season.

Cowboys – DeMarco Murray returned the offense to a rush-heavy attack last year with great success. But now he’s an Eagle and the Cowboys start over with backfield assignments. The offensive line remains formidable and any back in the offense is going to do well. That will – at least by plan – depress the amount of throwing that Tony Romo does but at least he gets an easier schedule than last year and Dez Bryant remains one of the top wideouts in the NFL.

Saints – Losing Jimmy Graham and Kenny Stills seems to strongly support the stated plan to move back towards a more balanced offense and more rushing. But the aging Marques Colston (32) will always figure in and the second-year wideout Brandin Cooks should be the major beneficiary of both an increased workload and a lighter schedule.

Worst Schedules:

Broncos – While it is always bothersome to have the worst schedule in the league, the reality is that at most it will impact secondary receivers much more than Demaryius Thomas who will always figure in prominently. The Broncos say they want to pass less this year anyway and a better rushing effort takes the pressure off the receivers. The schedule has to be at least a minor concern for all but Thomas.

Steelers – This is much like the Broncos in that the primary wideout – Antonio Brown – really has little to worry about and the Steelers have a tough schedule every season anyway thanks to playing in the AFC North. It is worth noting that the Steelers end their year with @CIN, DEN and @BAL. That is not going to help Martavis Bryant or Markus Wheaton.

Vikings – An unusually tough schedule looms for the Vikings and that should challenge Teddy Bridgewater to take a big step up this year. Mike Wallace comes over as the veteran presence and Charles Johnson surprised last year. But Cordarrelle Patterson has been a bust so far and the schedule isn’t going to help any of these wideouts.

Week – By – Week