Wide Receivers - Full Season

Comparing a schedule to wide receivers is admittedly a spotty proposition. This is largely since unlike quarterbacks and runningbacks, each team will typically employ three main receivers and one or two of them will be the most significant. Tough defenses may shut down all receivers, it may only shut down all but the "go to" guy. In some cases, they will do everything to shut down the #1 guy and take their chances on the others.

The Rams get the top spot in ease mostly thanks to an NFC West that has been unlucky with cornerbacks. Tampa Bay gets the next easier schedule and that may be significant given the tough rushing schedule and lack of credible ground game. Thrown in every team gunning for the 2003 Champs and the Buccaneers may need a bit more action from Keyshawn and company.

The three main offenses which face the toughest times for receivers are New England that sputtered in the air the second half of last season, the Chargers who have a new receiver in David Boston to play with and the Texans who no one is expecting to "go Oakland" this season anyway.

Wide Receivers - First Six Weeks

The first six weeks should be easier for the Rams and Broncos, with St. Louis having the easiest schedule even with a bye week included. Houston and Cincinnati open against a tough set of opponents for receivers and both teams throw in a bye to ensure that their initial numbers are lower. The Chargers not only get no games against the easiest dozen defenses against receivers, they have three road games and a bye to contend with while Drew Brees searches for Boston over the middle.

Wide Receivers - Weeks 14, 15 and 16

The Panthers receiving crew gets the easiest schedule during fantasy playoffs though two are on the road. The Buccaneers play weeks fifteen and sixteen at home against accommodating defenses. The worst schedule, but with two home stands, belongs to the Bills who will be trying to pretend Josh Reed is as good as Peerless Price was while facing three straight defenses that were tough on wide outs for 2002.

The most notable aspect to receivers and their schedules is the importance they have to their team. Good passing schedules may mean big numbers for the studs, but they could just as easily mean big numbers to share with other receivers who finally get in on the act. Keep an eye out for the schedule, but never allow it alone to determine whether to start a receiver.