X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Join the Best Live Fantasy Chat Community!

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
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 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

 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Maikel Garcia19 mins ago

Leading Off For Kansas City
Mike Ford34 mins ago

Signs Deal With Reds
Edouard Julien37 mins ago

Riding Pine On Opening Day
Duncan Robinson39 mins ago

Heat Rule Out Duncan Robinson Friday
Bryan Reynolds42 mins ago

In Opening Day Lineup
Connor Joe46 mins ago

Leading Off For The Pirates
Jimmy Butler49 mins ago

Probable Against Portland
Onyeka Okongwu1 hour ago

Remains Out Thursday
Dejounte Murray2 hours ago

Questionable With Back Soreness
Kyle Farmer2 hours ago

Starting At Second On Opening Day
Jordan Romano2 hours ago

Not Expected To Be Out Long
Gerrit Cole2 hours ago

Yankees Put Gerrit Cole On 60-Day Injured List
Elly De La Cruz3 hours ago

Batting In Six-Hole On Opening Day
Marco Luciano3 hours ago

Giants Option Marco Luciano, Blake Sabol
Anthony DeSclafani3 hours ago

Goes On 60-Day Injured List
Anthony Rendon3 hours ago

Hitting Leadoff On Opening Day
Robert Stephenson3 hours ago

Angels Officially Place Robert Stephenson On Injured List
Wander Franco3 hours ago

Placed On Administrative Leave
Aaron Ekblad3 hours ago

Returning To Panthers Lineup Thursday
Will Benson3 hours ago

Batting Second For The Reds On Thursday
Nikita Kucherov3 hours ago

Establishes New Career High With 42nd Goal
Shane Pinto4 hours ago

Collects Career-High Four Points
Corbin Burnes4 hours ago

Faces Off With Angels On Opening Day
Valeri Nichushkin4 hours ago

Nursing A Lower-Body Injury
Samuel Girard4 hours ago

Battling An Illness
J.K. Dobbins4 hours ago

Visiting With Chargers On Thursday
Oskar Sundqvist4 hours ago

To Miss Rest Of Season With Torn ACL
Ethan Bear4 hours ago

Enters Player Assistance Program
Keita Bates-Diop4 hours ago

To Miss Rest Of Season
Dyson Daniels4 hours ago

Remains Out On Thursday But Nearing Return
LaMelo Ball5 hours ago

Ruled Out For Rest Of 2023-24
Jose Alvarado5 hours ago

Questionable To Face Milwaukee
Jaden Springer5 hours ago

Considered Questionable
Xavier Tillman5 hours ago

Sr. Questionable Thursday
Gabe Vincent5 hours ago

Expected To Return To Action On Sunday
Al Horford16 hours ago

Back On The Injury Report
Derrick White16 hours ago

Off The Injury Report
Kris Bryant17 hours ago

In A "Great Place" Physically
Nick Lodolo17 hours ago

Reds Place Nick Lodolo On 15-Day Injured List
TJ Friedl17 hours ago

Hits 10-Day Injured List
Aaron Gordon17 hours ago

Cleared To Face Phoenix
Michael Porter18 hours ago

Jr. Good To Go Wednesday
Nikola Jokic18 hours ago

Playing Against Phoenix
Jackson Chourio18 hours ago

Will Start In Right Field Friday
Jrue Holiday18 hours ago

Might Return On Thursday
Khris Middleton18 hours ago

Expected To Play On Thursday Night
Joel Embiid18 hours ago

To Return Soon?
Jamal Murray18 hours ago

Out Again On Wednesday
Jake Odorizzi19 hours ago

Starting At Triple-A
Rudy Gobert19 hours ago

Ready To Rock Against Pistons
Mark Hubbard21 hours ago

Coming Off A Career Performance
Davis Thompson21 hours ago

Looking To Pay Off A Stellar Run Of Ball-Striking
Akshay Bhatia21 hours ago

Coming Into Houston With Confidence
Thorbjorn Olesen21 hours ago

Still Trying To Find Footing On U.S. Soil
Patrick Rodgers22 hours ago

Fighting Inconsistencies Heading Into Houston
Malik Nabers22 hours ago

Shines At Pro Day
Carolina Panthers22 hours ago

Jadeveon Clowney Signing Two-Year Deal With Panthers
Wyndham Clark23 hours ago

Battling Back Injury Ahead of Houston Open
San Francisco 49ers24 hours ago

Talanoa Hufanga Expected To Return At Training Camp
Jayden Daniels1 day ago

Raiders To Meet With Jayden Daniels
Tank Bigsby1 day ago

Jaguars Want Tank Bigsby More Involved
Josh Reynolds1 day ago

Signs Two-Year Deal With Broncos
Doug Ghim1 day ago

Looks To Bounce Back At Houston Open
PGA1 day ago

Cameron Davis Seeking Consistency Ahead Of Houston Open
Thomas Detry1 day ago

A Gamble At Houston Open
Ryan Fox1 day ago

Lacks Upside Heading Into Houston Open
Andrew Novak1 day ago

Will Be Chalk At Houston Open
Josh Doan1 day ago

Scores Twice In His NHL Debut
Filip Forsberg1 day ago

Makes History In Big Comeback Win
Jamie Benn1 day ago

Scores In Fifth Consecutive Game
Sidney Crosby1 day ago

Collects Three Points Versus Carolina
Artemi Panarin1 day ago

Continues Scoring Tear With Three Assists
Joey Daccord1 day ago

Shuts Out Ducks
Sahith Theegala1 day ago

Showing Consistency This Season
Wyndham Clark1 day ago

Working Toward Star Status
Scottie Scheffler1 day ago

Heads To Houston At His Best
Sam Ryder1 day ago

Putting The Lights Out Of Late
Joel Dahmen1 day ago

All Systems Go For Joel Dahmen In Houston
Kurt Kitayama1 day ago

Ready For Houston Debut
Ben Griffin1 day ago

Finding Form Heading To Houston
Taylor Moore2 days ago

Continues Made-Cut Streak Heading To Houston
Adam Svensson2 days ago

Hoping For Consistency In Houston
Taylor Montgomery2 days ago

Looks To Bounce Back In Houston
Amon-Ra St. Brown2 days ago

Discussing Extension With Lions
Jared Goff2 days ago

Lions Discussing New Deal
J.K. Dobbins2 days ago

Cleared For Football Activities
Los Angeles Rams2 days ago

Tre'Davious White To Join Rams
PIT2 days ago

Sam Poulin Recalled From AHL
Jack Quinn2 days ago

Could Return Wednesday
Scott Mayfield2 days ago

Undergoes Season-Ending Surgery
TOR2 days ago

Mitch Marner Skates On His Own Tuesday
Trevor Zegras2 days ago

To Return Tuesday
Justus Annunen2 days ago

Inks Two-Year Extension
Nick Chubb2 days ago

Expected To Start Load Running Next Month
D'Andre Swift2 days ago

Bears View D'Andre Swift As Receiving Weapon
Cordarrelle Patterson2 days ago

Signing With Steelers
Sam Howell2 days ago

Seahawks Believe Sam Howell Can Be A Full-Time Starter
Tennessee Titans2 days ago

L'Jarius Sneed Agrees On Four-Year Contract With Titans
Dak Prescott2 days ago

No Indication A Deal Is Coming For Dak Prescott
Calvin Ridley2 days ago

To Have Big Role In Tennessee
Josh Jacobs2 days ago

To Be Used More In Passing Game
Brandon Saad2 days ago

Gets Another Goal In Monday's Loss
Logan Thompson2 days ago

Stretches Winning Streak To Three Games
Pittsburgh Steelers3 days ago

Cameron Heyward Expected To Be Healthy For Training Camp
Zach Wilson3 days ago

Jets Could End Up Keeping Zach Wilson
Amanda Ribas3 days ago

Takes Decision Loss
Rose Namajunas3 days ago

Snaps Losing Streak
Edmen Shahbazyan3 days ago

Scores Vicious Comeback Knockout
AJ Dobson3 days ago

Knocked Out In The First Round At UFC Vegas 89
Fernando Padilla3 days ago

Gets Back On Track With Submission Win
Luis Pajuelo3 days ago

Submitted In UFC Debut
William Byron3 days ago

Dominates For Victory At COTA
Ty Gibbs3 days ago

Grabs Another Solid Finish At COTA
Chris Buescher3 days ago

Texas Native Chris Buescher Finishes Eighth At COTA
Christopher Bell3 days ago

Kyle Busch Confronts Christopher Bell Following A Top-10 Finish At COTA
Justin Haley3 days ago

Disqualified After Strong COTA Run
Martin Truex Jr4 days ago

. Rounds Out Top Ten At COTA
NASCAR4 days ago

A.J. Allmendinger Worms Way Up To Sixth At COTA
Shane Van Gisbergen4 days ago

Shane van Gisbergen Comes Down to Earth After Mediocre COTA Run
Ross Chastain4 days ago

Ran Well at COTA as Usual Despite Late-Race Fade
Christopher Bell4 days ago

Furious Charge Falls Just Short at COTA
Tyler Reddick4 days ago

Scores Strong Finish of Fifth at COTA
Chase Elliott4 days ago

Finishes 16th at COTA After Lackluster Performance
Billy Quarantillo4 days ago

Suffers Submission Loss At UFC Vegas 89
Youssef Zalal4 days ago

Gets Submission Win In Return To The UFC
Cameron Saaiman4 days ago

Gets Knocked Out At UFC Vegas 89
Payton Talbott4 days ago

Scores KO Win At UFC Vegas 89
Justin Tafa4 days ago

Drops To .500 In The UFC
Karl Williams4 days ago

Remains Undefeated In The UFC
Kyle Larson4 days ago

Is One Of The Optimal DFS Options For COTA
Denny Hamlin4 days ago

Should Denny Hamlin Be Rostered For DFS Lineups At COTA?
Kaz Grala4 days ago

Is A Serviceable DFS Play For COTA
Shane Van Gisbergen4 days ago

Will Start 12th In First COTA Cup Start
Todd Gilliland4 days ago

Is A Sneaky DFS Play With Upside For COTA
William Byron4 days ago

Is One Of The Top Favorites To Win At COTA
Christopher Bell4 days ago

Is A Comfortable DFS Play For COTA
Tyler Reddick4 days ago

the Favorite to Win at COTA
Ty Gibbs4 days ago

Looking for First Career Win at COTA

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 

2024 NFL Draft: Bold Predictions and Potential Surprises for Round 1

Football never sleeps at RotoBaller! With the 2024 NFL Draft fast approaching, we're digging into what might transpire on draft night. RotoBaller analyst LaQuan Jones previews the 2024 NFL Draft and makes some BOLD Predictions about possible surprises and potential landing spots for the first round of the draft. Win MORE in 2024 with RotoBaller!... Read More


George Pickens - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Early Look At Wide Receivers In 2024 Fantasy Football Drafts

The upcoming NFL Draft is less than a month away. While everyone is excited for the NFL Draft, fantasy players are looking forward to the regular season. While we won’t have meaningful NFL football for months, it’s never too early to prepare for your fantasy football drafts. Last year, the fantasy football world saw multiple... Read More


Spencer Rattler, College Football Transfers

Underrated Rookie Draft Targets - Early 2024 Sleepers for Dynasty Fantasy Football

We are a month out from the NFL Draft, meaning if you are here, you are probably looking for draft content and reading up on prospects. You probably have all of the information you need on stud prospects like Caleb Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr. That’s not what you’re here for.  Rookie draft season for... Read More


Breece Hall - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2024 NFL Free-Agency Winners and the Fantasy Football Impact - Part II

The NFL's offseason, including trades and free agency, can strongly impact a player's fantasy football value. This effect can be positive or negative. For this series, we're focusing on fantasy football players who have seen their fantasy value increase. This can occur via a player's direct movement, such as a trade or signing with a... Read More


UFL RANKINGS, FANTASY FOOTBALL,

UFL Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 1: QB, RB, WR, TE Rankings and Analysis (2024)

It's finally here: the UFL season is set to kick off with two games on Saturday, March 30 and two games on Sunday, March 31. Saturday's games will be broadcast on Fox Sports while Sunday's matchups will be on ESPN. The most anticipated Week 1 matchup pits the 2023 USFL champion Birmingham Stallions against the... Read More


Jared Goff - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Will the Lions Extend Jared Goff's Contract This Offseason? 2024 NFL Outlook

Jared Goff's career in Los Angeles didn't take off like many expected after his appearance in Super Bowl LIII, and he was traded to the Lions for Matthew Stafford. Goff's first season in the Motor City was terrible, but he has completely turned things around over the last two seasons. In 2022, he almost led... Read More


Kyle Pitts - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2024 NFL Free-Agency Winners and the Fantasy Football Impact - Part I

Free agency symbolizes the start of a new NFL season. It's the first opportunity for NFL clubs to start addressing their weaknesses and considerably impacts how the upcoming season plays out. Just as free agency can improve or worsen a team's outlook, a player's fantasy football value is also impacted. Free agency marks the real... Read More


Malik Nabers - Fantasy Football Rankings, College FB, WR, NFL Draft Sleepers

Coach Knows Ball: Malik Nabers 2024 NFL Draft Film Breakdown of LSU WR

Welcome to Coach Knows Ball, an NFL Draft series analyzing the top prospects in the 2024 class. I'm a college football coach with nine years of NCAA experience and have been scouting NFL Draft prospects for over 15 years. This series will give a deep dive into the film of some of the top players... Read More


Avoid These Running Backs in 2024: Fantasy Football Outlook

Football never sleeps at RotoBaller! The staff is already looking ahead to the 2024 season to help our readers get the jump on their competition. RotoBaller analyst LaQuan Jones discusses five Running Backs that you should AVOID in 2024 fantasy football drafts. Win MORE in 2024 with RotoBaller! Be sure to tune into RotoBaller Radio... Read More


Brock Bowers - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Rookies, Draft Sleepers, NCAA College Football, Prospects

Brock Bowers 2024 NFL Draft Stock Update – When Will the Georgia TE Be Selected?

Georgia tight end Brock Bowers was arguably the top tight end in college football over the past few years. Bowers was outstanding his freshman year, totaling 56 receptions for 882 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Unfortunately, his production slightly slipped in 2022 as defenses started to game plan for the star tight end. Bowers had... Read More


Xavier Worthy 2024 NFL Draft Stock Update – When Will the Texas WR Be Selected?

Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy has been one of the top pass-catchers in college football over the past few years. The explosive receiver was outstanding his freshman year, totaling 62 receptions for 981 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. Unfortunately, his production slipped in 2022. Worthy had 60 receptions for 760 receiving yards and nine touchdowns... Read More


Blake Corum - Fantasy Football Rankings, College FB, RB, NFL Draft Sleepers

Blake Corum 2024 NFL Draft Stock Update - When Will the Michigan RB Be Selected?

Former Michigan running back Blake Corum is one of the most popular prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft class. The 23-year-old is fresh off a College Football National Championship victory and a 2023 campaign consisting of over 1,300 yards from scrimmage. However, given the devaluation of the running back position and Corum not being an... Read More


Brandon Aiyuk - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News

Will The 49ers Trade Brandon Aiyuk?

Brandon Aiyuk had a career year last season, finishing seventh in the league in receiving yards (1342), second in yards per catch (17.9), and catching seven touchdowns. For his efforts, he was named to the Second-team All-Pro. However, despite many expecting them to do so, the 49ers failed to win Super Bowl LVIII and now... Read More