One key to fantasy football success comes from looking at strength of schedule. It shouldn't be the only way you build a winning squad Jim Plunkett Jersey , but matchups help make sure you're playing meaningful games in December rather than looking ahead to baseball.

Based on the NFL's scheduling formula, the Houston Texans enter the regular season with the easiest docket. Houston's opponents for 2018 had a combined .453 winning percentage last season. That alone has been a reason why quarterback Deshaun Watson has climbed into the top 40 picks in most fantasy drafts, and is also a cause of renewed hope in running back Lamar Miller. The Texans play each of the five teams that made the first six picks in this year's NFL draft.

A healthy J.J. Watt extends into the deeper phase of fantasy drafts, especially if Watt returns to the Hall of Fame-caliber player he had been from 2012-15. Houston's defense has been among the first six taken off fantasy draft boards and would be a bargain of sorts should Watt re-emerge as the game's best defender.

Another team with a beneficial schedule is the loaded Steelers offense, which will play a schedule of opponents with a .477 winning percentage. Anyone in position to draft either running back Le'Veon Bell or receiver Antonio Brown now has more fodder, while receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster_who also has risen draft boards this month_sits on the outer edge of being a top 35-40 selection.

Looking for easier schedules can also help when seeking a sleeper pick. Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota flies under the radar yet could be fantasy gold as Tennessee has the second-easiest schedule (.465). Wideout Mike Williams' appeal is bolstered by the Chargers and their 24th-ranked docket (.480), while the Broncos' defense has the chance to return to their dominant ways with a schedule tied for 25th (.477).

On the flip side, those looking at Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford should tread lightly Jaleel Scott Jersey , as Detroit has the second-toughest schedule (.535). A schedule with a .523 winning percentage (tied for fifth-highest) is enough to slow down the lofty talk of a Browns revival, along with requiring a second look at the likes of receiver Josh Gordon and running back Carlos Hyde.

Again, strength of schedule isn't a be-all, end-all when considering a player. The Packers have the league's toughest schedule (.539), but Aaron Rodgers is consistently the first quarterback off the board, while the bevvy of offensive talent the Saints have stockpiled will still go high despite their third-toughest schedule.

OSUNA CLOSING AGAIN

Controversial closer Roberto Osuna is now the full-time stopper for the Astros after earning his first save for the World Series champions on Wednesday. The decision to elevate him in the ninth inning coincides with Houston snapping out of a funk to take two of three in a critical series against the Mariners, leaving Houston one game ahead of Oakland in the American League West.

The combination of his devastating arsenal and the potential for high-leverage situations could see him approach double digits in saves along with enhancing the strikeout category by season's end.

RASKY BUSINESS

Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask may no longer be a top-five player at his position, but don't expect regression this season despite his 5-7 record and .903 save percentage in the postseason.

Rask enters 2018-19 with five straight 30-win seasons and while his save percentage has crested since his .930 mark in 2013-14 Tedy Bruschi Jersey , he remains a reliable net-minder who could become a value pick if he dips past the 80th overall pick in fantasy drafts.

NAPA, Calif. (AP) Oakland Raiders cornerback Gareon Conley is dealing with another training camp injury and is expected to miss at least two weeks because of a hip strain.

Conley has not practiced since the first day of training camp last week and only made a brief appearance Monday while the rest of the team worked out in pads.

Raiders coach Jon Gruden did not specify how long Conley’s recovery will take, but it seems certain that the 24th overall pick in 2017 will at least sit out the team’s first preseason game against Detroit on Aug. 10.

”I don’t have a time frame,” Gruden said. ”I think that (two weeks) would be a fair assessment, yes.”

For the 23-year-old Conley, it has to feel like deja vu after missing all of training camp as a rookie because of shin injury that lingered into the regular season.

Oakland’s first-round draft pick a year ago, Conley played in only two games last season and showed his potential when he made a stellar leaping breakup of a pass against the Jets in Week 2. But he never fully recovered from the injury and was placed on injured reserve in November.

Conley arrived in Napa last week hopeful of claiming a starting spot in Oakland’s revamped secondary. In a tweet the night before the first practice, he wrote: ”Praying for a healthy camp and a healthy season for me and all my brothas.”

Conley got off to a good start Johnny Townsend Jersey , making an athletic play Friday to break up a pass in 7-on-7 drills after initially getting beat on an inside move. He left practice not long after that and has yet to return.

His absence comes as the Raiders are installing a new system under defensive coordinator Paul Guenther.

Guenther said he was optimistic that Conley won’t be out too long and noted that his absence has opened up opportunities for other players.

”We have a lot of guys working out there at corner. It’s going to be a good battle to see who come out of it,” Guenther said. ”We’re going to try to get him back on the field and make sure he’s in the meeting room taking notes and understanding that he’s not getting behind with the techniques of what we’re teaching.”

While Conley recovers, Daryl Worley has been practicing at right cornerback with the starting defense. Veteran Rashaan Melvin is on the left side.

Asked if he was concerned about Conley’s injury, Gruden paused.

”I don’t know if concerned is the word. I think disappointed is the word,” Gruden said. ”He comes out to start training camp, he’s in superb shape, he makes a great play and he gets a setback. Hopefully he comes back sooner than later. Disappointed is the big word I think. His heart is broken. He’s put a lot into this and he knows he has to stay healthy and get out there for us because we need him.”

NOTES: RB Jalen Richard missed a second consecutive practice with a calf injury, although it’s not considered serious. … G Ian Silberman got extensive work at right tackle with both the first- and second-team offenses. … RT Donald Penn Brett Favre Jersey , second-round pick P.J. Hall, DT Eddie Vanderdoes, RB Chris Warren and G Cameron Hunt were held out of practice.

—

Adidas Mats Zuccarello Jersey