X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

NFC East: Strength of Schedule Analysis & Players to Target or Avoid

We've previously published an article series analyzing and grading all the NFL defenses, division by division. Now we're going to look at the strength of schedules of each NFL team, division by division, to help you identify players with the best matchups vs. the league's weakest defenses.

Today we provide NFC East strength of schedule analysis. For each team, we will identify players that we like and don't like. You will see four categories: players to target, players to avoid, players to buy and players to sell. Let's get to it.

Editor’s Note: Be sure to read more about fantasy football strength of schedule (SOS) analysis, broken down by division and team, to prepare for your drafts and dominate your leagues. 

 

NFC East - Strength of Schedule Breakdown

NFC East Opponents in 2015: NFC East, NFC South, AFC East

 

Dallas Cowboys - Players to Target & Avoid

The Cowboys offense must be in heaven with what they will see with their first six games. The Cowboys open with the Giants, and when they play each other, they usually make it a shootout. The last time these two teams scored a total of less than 28 points was in 2008. In week 2 the Cowboys get another divisional test at Philadelphia, which promises to be a high scoring affair. Weeks 3 and 4 are when you should be playing every single Dallas Cowboy you own. The Saints and Falcons are terrible on defense, so don’t do a double take if the Cowboys players put up whopping numbers. Dez Bryant, fresh off his new contract, will be having a lot of fun in those weeks and so will Tony Romo and Co. Bryant must be hoping he gets to go against Bradley Fletcher again when New England comes to Big D in week 5. He's looking to score heavily against Fletcher, after embarrassing him last season on national television. The Cowboys only face one great defense in the first half of the season, week 8 against Seattle.

The Cowboys have a very difficult fantasy football postseason against three tough defenses. Green Bay always plays tough at home and it will be frigid in December, and the Jets are expected to be a top-notch defense. To make matters worse, the Cowboys travel to freezing cold Buffalo in week 16 to take on a Ryan defense, which is championship week in the fantasy football world. Good luck producing high numbers against those top-tier defenses.

Players to Reach For

Joseph Randle could produce amazing numbers behind the Cowboys superb offensive line.

Players to Avoid

Darren McFadden is projected to have a 73% chance of getting injured this season. The Cowboys will also limit his touches to keep him healthy. I also don’t like Terrance Williams. Dallas News writer Tim Cowlishaw mentioned that Cole Beasley will be getting more catches in the slot which could hinder Williams’ production.

Players to Look to Buy Low

It will be tough to buy low on any Cowboys early on in the season. If Jason Witten becomes available for cheap, then jump on it. Witten is a very reliable tight end.

Players to Look to Sell High

After the first six weeks Bryant has a great chance as being the number one wide receiver in fantasy. Expect the Cowboys to have a really strong offense against the terrible defenses they face.

 

New York Giants - Players to Target & Avoid

The Giants open up with the Cowboys, a game where you’ll want to own every Giant. Manning has had some huge games in Dallas and I wouldn’t be surprised if he has another one to start the season. The Giants then get Atlanta and Washington, two of the worst ranked passing defense unit per DVOA last season.

Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz are looking at a great first three fantasy weeks. Shane Vereen may also get off to a fast start in those first three weeks so look to move him early on, as his value could jump to huge heights. Eli Manning will be targeting his big tight end, Larry Donnell, early on with the plethora of red zone opportunities the Giants should get.

In week 14 the Giants play in Miami, a defense on the rise that could put up a strong force against them. In week 15 the Giants are home against Carolina, which, again is another defense on the rise. The Giants play the Vikings in week 16 in Minnesota during the brutal cold time of December, and is also another defense on the rise. Basically, the Giants playoffs schedule are a swinging pendulum, three defenses looking better than last year but giving us no way of knowing whether they're going to get better or stay the same. 

Players to Reach For

Odell Beckham Jr. will have a monster year with his rookie season behind him.

Players to Avoid

Rueben Randle may have to battle for targets with Cruz, OBJ, and Donnell. 

Players to Look to Buy Low

Unfortunately, it doesn't look like any Giants player will be sitting in the buy low category. The entire offense starts off with an easy schedule across the board.

Players to Look to Sell High

A weak early schedule will make many Giants players look a lot better than they are. A second option like Cruz could be a big sell high if his numbers go through the roof.

 

Philadelphia Eagles - Players to Target & Avoid

I already wrote at length about the Eagles offense this season with Sam Bradford and even included glimpses of each player’s projection on offense. This could be a truly dominant offense and they begin their season with the putrid Falcons defense. Look for them to roll in that one and put up some monster numbers. Week 2 has the Eagles playing the Cowboys, and week 3 has them traveling to New York to play the Jets. The Jets will be a tough test for any offense this season.

Once the fantasy playoffs kick in, the Eagles might have some problems with Buffalo in week 14. They travel to warm Arizona in the wintery time of week 15, and return home to face Washington the week after. The Cardinals are a stingy defense, but I believe they will regress without Todd Bowles as defensive coordinator. The Eagles week 16 game is against Washington, a high scoring bonanza for any Eagles player. The Redskins defense might be one of the most undermanned units in the NFL.

Players to Reach For

Jordan Matthews could be in for a big year in this great offense.

Players to Avoid

The running back situation will get very annoying for fantasy owners. Not knowing how the carries will be divided between DeMarco Murray and Ryan Matthews will drive you crazy.

Players to Look to Buy Low

The NFC East in general is just not looking like a division with a lot of easy players to buy for cheap. The luckiest situation is DeMarco Murray struggling as they enter week 3 and almost definitely having a poor game against one of the best run defenses in the league, dropping his value a lot like Eddie Lacy's did last year.

Players to Look to Sell High

On the other hand if Murray or Matthews get off to hot start, you should explore trading them. As described above, it could be a running back carousel.

 

Washington Redskins - Players to Target & Avoid

Washington opens with Miami and St. Louis at home. That's the only hard start this entire division has and the Rams shut out Washington, 24-0 last season. The Redskins then see the Giants in week 3, on a Thursday night. Washington will have 3 days of rest and will have to travel, so look for a low scoring game from Washington. The Giants will be able to take advantage of Washington easily.

Washington takes on the Bears in week 14 who ranked 28th in defensive DVOA last season. That could be a nice game for Washington’s offense, but then in week 15 they get the Bills defense. In week 16, Washington travels to Philly, a poor but improving defense with this offseason seasons moves. Schedule-wise, this is a decently easy set of playoff opponents but the Redskins team might make it hard for themselves.

Players to Reach For

There isn't a player on this offense worth making those kinds of moves for. 

Players to Avoid

Griffin has a 61% chance of getting injured this season. He's already shown his fragility through the preseason, and every other season of his career. It's safe to just let the dream go.

Players to Look to Buy Low

Alfred Morris could have a nice quiet season.

Players to Look to Sell High

Cornerback on Wide Receiver matchups during the first two weeks might end up in DeSean Jackson's favor, and maybe that streak can continue into the Giants. But it's always been DeSean's fantasy M.O. to try be sold high.

 

NFL & Fantasy Football Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-0" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]

 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
NFL

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
Max Scherzer

Cleared to Start on Saturday
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Kodai Senga

Could be "in Play" to Return Before All-Star Break
Ha-Seong Kim

Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim From Injured List
Christian Moore

Placed on Injured List With Thumb Sprain
Luis L. Ortiz

the Subject of Gambling Investigation
Jordan Lawlar

to Miss Multiple Weeks With Hamstring Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Receives Encouraging News on his Hand
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Jacob Monk

Sees Plenty of Work With Starters
Avonte Maddox

has Impressed Dan Campbell
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Chicago Bears

Ruben Hyppolite Shows Notable Improvement
Toronto Raptors

Sandro Mamukelashvili Heading to Toronto
Daron Payne

Commanders Coaches Impressed With Daron Payne
Danny Gray

Makes Impression During Offseason Workouts
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dane Belton

Should Have a Role in 2025
Kaiir Elam

Flashes During Offseason Workouts
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Riley Greene

Homers Twice, Drives in Six on Wednesday
Max Muncy

Exits With Apparent Knee Injury
Christian Moore

Exits Early with Thumb Irritation
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Josh Naylor

Returning to Diamondbacks Lineup
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Oronde Gadsden

an Active Pass-Catcher This Offseason
Brashard Smith

Speed Could be Put to Use
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Pat Bryant

Off to a Good Start
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
Cody Barton

Quickly Becoming a Leader With his New Team
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
Montaric Brown

has Worked With Starters
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
DET

James van Riemsdyk Joins Red Wings on One-Year Contract
Viktor Arvidsson

Traded to Boston
Charlotte Hornets

Spencer Dinwiddie Lands With Charlotte
Josh Jung

Sent to Triple-A
Jurickson Profar

Officially Reinstated and Hitting in Five-Hole on Wednesday
Spencer Schwellenbach

Going on Injured List With Fractured Elbow
Maxwell Hairston

Facing Sexual-Assault Lawsuit
Tai Felton

Rookie Season Likely to be Spent on Special Teams
LeQuint Allen Jr.

to Have Receiving Role for Jaguars?
Justin Walley

Turning Heads Going into Rookie Season
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
Jamari Thrash

Establishing Himself as Reliable Option
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Brandon Woodruff

Likely to Pitch on Sunday in Miami
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
PHI

Dan Vladar Links Up With Flyers on Two-Year Deal
Zac Gallen

Fans 10 in Tuesday's Win
Hunter Goodman

Hits Two More Homers Tuesday
Milwaukee Bucks

Taurean Prince Staying in Milwaukee
Jeff Green

Signs One-Year Deal to Remain in Houston
Los Angeles Lakers

Jake LaRavia Lands with Lakers
Orlando Magic

Tyus Jones Signs One-Year Deal With Magic
Golden State Warriors

Kevon Looney Heads to New Orleans
Milwaukee Bucks

Jericho Sims Staying in Milwaukee
Denver Nuggets

Tim Hardaway Jr. Joins Nuggets
Detroit Pistons

Duncan Robinson Lands With Detroit
Charlotte Hornets

Tre Mann Remaining in Charlotte
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Harris Inks Deal With Bucks
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish