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Beer League Specialist Est. 2014
FFL: Week 8 | NFL: Week 8

RB Strength of Schedule

Tue May 28 9:03am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Robinson setup for big season


Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the running back position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to running backs last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the running backs with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the running backs that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.

  RB SOS  
1. Green Bay Packers 356.01
2. Houston Texans 361.46
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 361.46
4. Las Vegas Raiders 361.48
5. Seattle Seahawks 362.28
6. Buffalo Bills 363.19
7. Arizona Cardinals 363.76
8. Dallas Cowboys 363.9
9. Jacksonville Jaguars 364.51
10. Washington Commanders 364.86
11. Chicago Bears 364.89
12. Indianapolis Colts 365.41
13. San Francisco 49ers 365.86
14. New Orleans Saints 366.49
15. New York Jets 368.23
16. Detroit Lions 368.49
17. Philadelphia Eagles 369.05
18. Minnesota Vikings 369.06
19. Carolina Panthers 369.88
20. Cleveland Browns 370.34
21. Kansas City Chiefs 371.71
22. New York Giants 372.21
23. Los Angeles Chargers 373.19
24. Denver Broncos 373.32
25. Cincinnati Bengals 373.66
26. Los Angeles Rams 374.09
27. Baltimore Ravens 374.16
28. New England Patriots 375.60
29. Atlanta Falcons 376.19
30. Miami Dolphins 377.49
31. Tennessee Titans 378.2
32. Pittsburgh Steelers 378.72


The two teams with the easiest fantasy schedules for running backs are the Steelers and Titans, which is interesting because both teams could platoon running backs. The Steelers split the work between Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. And the Titans are likely to use both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. All four backs could be setup for solid seasons with favorable schedules. It is always scary to take a back that might split work but seeing these positive schedules could make pulling the trigger on them a little easier come draft day. All four could be top flex plays for fantasy teams.

The Dolphins had huge success running the ball last year and could have similar solid production this season with the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs. Devon Achane is really looking good in year two. He is expected to get more work and likely lead the backfield in touches. Raheem Mostert had a career season last year and a great schedule but he carries a little more risk. He is 32 years old and now has rookie Jaylen Wright pushing him for playing time. Just something to keep in mind come draft day.

The Falcons are another team with a top-five favorable running back schedule, making Bijan Robinson a very intriguing pick this year. Robinson had a bit of a disappointing rookie season, but a new coaching staff and really favorable schedule make Robinson a huge breakout candidate. He is moving up draft rankings in a hurry and is capable of finishing first overall in fantasy running back scoring because of his skill set.

Rhamondre Stevenson is a possible rebound candidate. He was slowed by injury last year but is back healthy and with the fifth easiest schedule for running backs. Stevenson has shown in the past he can be a big-time fantasy back. Things are looking up for him this year, making him a good buy-low candidate.

The Packers had the easiest fantasy schedule for quarterbacks but get the toughest for running backs. This isn’t great news for new back Josh Jacobs. It is hard to bet against the productive back, though. You just might want to temper expectations for him this coming year. Jacobs could have a few down weeks, especially for his standards.

The Texans signed Joe Mixon to shore up their running back spot, but he carries some concerns. He wasn’t highly productive the last few seasons besides all his scores and now gets the second toughest schedule for running backs. Plus, the Texans are likely to be a pass heavy team, which could limit his workload a little. Mixon could end up being a boom or bust player.

Tampa also has a unfavorable fantasy schedule for running backs. Rachaad White had a big season last year but padded his numbers because of all his work in the passing game. That might be a similar scenario for him, having a tough time to run with this schedule. The positive for White is he is very good in the passing game. You have to worry about his rushing totals, though.

The Raiders haven’t really settled on a starting running back, but Zamir White is likely to get first shot at the job. That is great news for his fantasy value but the not so great news is his tough fantasy schedule. This could limit the ceiling of White a little. He has risk to begin with because it isn’t 100 percent certain he wins the job. This makes him a bit of a scary pick for fantasy teams.

Kenneth Walker didn’t have quite the breakout second season many hoped but was fairly productive with his work. And the good news is Zach Charbonnet didn’t really put a big dent in his workload. The Seahawks seem happy with Walker as the lead back. The unfortunate news for Walker is he has the fifth toughest fantasy running back schedule. Walker might fail to reach his lofty expectations once again in year three.

We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy running backs. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the running backs with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.

  RB PLAYOFF SOS  
1. San Francisco 49ers 291.43
2. Washington Commanders 325.2
3. Houston Texans 327.8
4. Pittsburgh Steelers 332.03
5. New York Jets 337.57
6. Cleveland Browns 340.8
7. Las Vegas Raiders 341.1
8. Miami Dolphins 348.27
9. Chicago Bears 350.37
10. Buffalo Bills 350.53
11. Arizona Cardinals 352.8
12. Dallas Cowboys 358.87
13. Detroit Lions 359.7
14. New York Giants 365.67
15. Kansas City Chiefs 366.53
16. Green Bay Packers 368.97
17. Seattle Seahawks 370.23
18. Carolina Panthers 377.15
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 378.37
20. Los Angeles Chargers 380.73
21. Jacksonville Jaguars 381
22. Baltimore Ravens 381.43
23. Cincinnati Bengals 383.50
24. Philadelphia Eagles 391.07
25. New England Patriots 397.95
26. Indianapolis Colts 398.40
27. Denver Broncos 399.53
28. Tennessee Titans 401.63
29. Los Angeles Rams 403.92
30. New Orleans Saints 406.33
31. Minnesota Vikings 407.87
32. Atlanta Falcons 422.4

 

There are two teams with a top-five favorable schedule for fantasy running backs for both the regular season and playoffs. Those teams are the Falcons and Titans. Atlanta actually has the easiest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. Robinson was looking good even before hearing this news but looks even better now. He is making a strong case to be the second running back off the board come draft day.

And Pollard and Spears are intriguing running back options with schedules that could produce big for both during the regular season and playoffs. You just have to worry about one back emerging to grab most of the work. If that happens, one of these backs could end up being a bust.

Minnesota has the second easiest playoff schedule for running backs. Aaron Jones has some injury concerns after the last few seasons, but he could be setup for a big workload with an unsettled quarterback situation in Minnesota. Jones has some good upside with his new team, especially during the playoffs.

One other team to mention for the playoff is New Orleans. Alvin Kamara isn’t getting any younger but remains the lead back and still productive. He still seems to have something left in the tank and could be a big fantasy factor for at least one more season, especially when it matters most in the playoffs. He could be a difference maker, having the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs.

Houston is the lone team in both the top five for the toughest regular season and playoff fantasy running back schedules. This is an obvious concern for Mixon. He is looking more and more like a player you might to avoid come draft day. He might have some big games along the way in this great offense, but you have to wonder about his consistency and playoff performance.

So the top rated fantasy back, Christian McCaffrey, also has the toughest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. You aren’t fading McCaffrey because of this. He is one of those rare backs that it doesn’t really matter who he plays. McCaffrey will produce. We still think he is the clear No. 1 fantasy back. He can still get it done in the playoffs.

Washington has Brian Robinson and Austin Ekekler likely splitting the work at running back, which hurts both their fantasy values. They also get the second most difficult playoff schedule for running backs. We wouldn’t reach too early for either back because of this.

The Steelers have the easiest fantasy running back schedule during the playoffs but fourth toughest for the playoffs. This is a tough one. Both backs have potential for good things, showing they can co-exist last year and produce well for fantasy teams. You just have to wonder if fading in the playoffs will make all that good work during the regular season all for nothing.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 8

Player Notes
Mason Rudolph Oct 28 12:20pm ET
Mason Rudolph

Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph had his team looking competitive early on in Sunday's matchup with the Lions, leading two touchdown drives with the score knotted at 14 apiece a minute into the second quarter, but ultimately lost 52-14 after failing to score the rest of the game. The 29-year-old finished 22 of 38 passing with 266 yards, one TD pass, and two interceptions, plus he added four rushes for 29 yards and a rush TD of his own. Much to Calvin Ridley's delight, Rudolph gave him 15 looks and was able to connect on 10 of them for 143 yards. The Titans have a winnable matchup at home versus the Patriots in Week 9, but it is uncertain whether Will Levis will be ready or not by then. Neither one would realistically be a viable streaming option, but for Ridley managers at least, it seems Rudolph would at least be a slight upgrade for his fantasy prospects.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Oct 28 12:10pm ET
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze had a modest performance against the Washington Commanders in Week 8, finishing with three catches for 41 yards and no touchdowns. It's challenging for any receiver to shine when the quarterback manages only ten completions for a total of 131 yards. Odunze's 41 yards unfortunately led all Bears receivers, highlighting the limited offensive production. He was targeted six times, indicating that quarterback Caleb Williams views him as a go-to option, even if some passes were off-target. Odunze will aim to bounce back next week in a favorable matchup against the weaker Arizona Cardinals defense.

From RotoBaller

Cole Kmet Oct 28 12:10pm ET
Cole Kmet

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet had a tough outing against the Washington Commanders in Week 8, finishing with just one reception for 14 yards and no touchdowns. It's challenging for a tight end to have a productive game when the quarterback completes only ten passes for a total of 131 yards. After some strong performances recently, it was disappointing to see Kmet's lack of production. He was even out-targeted by backup tight end Gerald Everett, who had two targets compared to Kmet's one, which is discouraging for fantasy owners who expected Kmet to dominate the tight end targets. On National Tight End Day, when many tight ends across the league excelled, the Bears unfortunately fell short. Kmet will aim to bounce back next week in a favorable matchup against the weaker Arizona Cardinals defense.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Oct 28 12:00pm ET
D.J. Moore

In Week 8, Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore had a quiet performance against the Washington Commanders, finishing with just two catches for 27 yards and no touchdowns. It's tough for a receiver to shine when the quarterback completes only ten passes for a total of 131 yards. Moore also contributed with two rushes for seven yards as the Bears tried various ways to get their star wideout the ball in space. He briefly left the game due to pain after a hard landing while making a catch but fortunately returned. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on his injury status this week. Moore aims to rebound next week in a promising matchup against the weaker Arizona Cardinals defense.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Oct 28 12:00pm ET
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen had a lackluster outing against the Washington Commanders this Sunday, finishing with just two catches for 39 yards. It's challenging for any receiver to excel when the quarterback completes only ten passes for a total of 131 yards. Coming off his best performance of the season in Week 6 against the Jaguars, it was disappointing to see Allen unable to build on that momentum. Quarterback Caleb Williams did target Allen a team-high seven times, but many of those passes needed to be more on-target or uncatchable. Allen will aim to rebound next week in a promising matchup against the weaker Arizona Cardinals defense.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Oct 28 11:40am ET
Caleb Williams

This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams struggled in his game against the Washington Commanders. In Week 8, he completed just ten of 24 passes for 131 yards without any touchdowns. It was disappointing to see him regress after a productive recent stretch and following the bye week to prepare. While it seemed like Williams and the offense were starting to find their rhythm, they instead took a step back this week. He had some inaccurate throws and was also hampered by an injury to his left tackle, which led to poor offensive line performance. On a positive note, Williams added 41 rushing yards on ten attempts, demonstrating his ability to evade defenders and pick up first downs when given the chance. Fans hope Williams and the Bear's offense can bounce back next week against a more favorable matchup with the Arizona Cardinals defense.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Oct 28 11:40am ET
D'Andre Swift

On Sunday, Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift had an outstanding game against the Washington Commanders, recording 18 carries for 131 yards and a touchdown. He made a game-changing 56-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, sparking a stagnant Bears offense at a crucial moment. Swift demonstrated his ability to create explosive plays when provided with solid blocking and space to operate. Although it was disappointing that he finished without any receptions, given that Caleb Williams only completed ten passes overall, there's optimism that Swift will see more opportunities in the passing game moving forward. Additionally, it was concerning for Swift's fantasy owners to see Roschon Johnson take goal-line carries, which must be monitored. Swift will aim to maintain his momentum against a vulnerable Arizona Cardinals defense next week.

From RotoBaller

Roschon Johnson Oct 28 11:40am ET
Roschon Johnson

On Sunday, Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson made the most of his limited chances against the Washington Commanders. He recorded just two carries for 6 yards but found the end zone on a goal-line carry. Johnson was also in on the previous possession's goal-line attempt. However, the Bears opted for a handoff to a backup lineman playing fullback, which resulted in a fumble and a Washington recovery. While it was disappointing that Johnson missed out on scoring in that moment, it was encouraging to see him establish himself as the Bears' goal-line back, indicating a defined role in the offense. Johnson is a valuable fantasy handcuff with flex potential going forward. Given his red-zone usage, if the Bears find themselves in a high-scoring game, he could be a viable option. Next week, facing a weaker Arizona Cardinals defense could present an excellent opportunity to utilize the Bears' backup, especially if injuries and bye weeks complicate your lineup.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Carlson Oct 28 10:40am ET
Daniel Carlson

Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson hit both of his field goal attempts and two extra points in the Raiders' 20-27 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8. He nailed attempts of 54 and 32 yards and was perfect on both of his extra point attempts. It was a solid fantasy performance, and he remains one of the better kickers in the NFL due to his accuracy and range, but remains limited in ability to score points due to the ineffectiveness of the Raiders offense. Carlson has now hit 15 of 17 FG attempts this season, an 88.2% clip, and has yet to miss an XP try. He's a decent starting option in deeper leagues when Las Vegas takes on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9. They boast a much softer defense.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Allgeier Oct 28 10:40am ET
Tyler Allgeier

Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier recorded double-digit carries for the second time in three weeks in Sunday's 31-26 win over the Buccaneers, but was able to gain just 33 yards on his 12 totes. His 2.8 yards per carry was a far cry from the 5.7 YPC he averaged heading into the game and it was the first time since Week 3 that he failed to attract even a single target in the passing game. Bijan Robinson was the preferred option there, hauling in all six of his targets for 37 yards while gaining 63 yards on the ground on 13 attempts (4.8 YPC), just one more carry than Allgeier. The involvement in the rushing game is promising, but unless he finds the end zone, the 24-year-old back is nothing more than a low-end Flex option and handcuff for Robinson managers.

From RotoBaller

Jakobi Meyers Oct 28 10:30am ET
Jakobi Meyers

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers looked healthy against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8, his first game back from a two-week absence due to an ankle injury. He was targeted seven times by his quarterback, Gardner Minshew II, and hauled in six of those passes for 52 yards and the game's only non-garbage-time touchdown. He played reasonably well in the WR1 role left vacant by the departure of Davante Adams. He's the clear lead receiver for the team moving forward, though he faces substantial target competition from tight end Brock Bowers. He's a solid WR3/FLEX option with WR2 upside, depending on how the offense fares overall, ahead of a Week 9 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals.

From RotoBaller

Tre Tucker Oct 28 10:30am ET
Tre Tucker

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker touched the ball just three times in his Week 8 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He was targeted only three times, catching two passes for 26 yards, while rushing one time for seven yards. It was a brutal matchup against one of the league's best defenses in which his team mustered just 158 yards of offense outside of a garbage-time touchdown drive. Tucker is the clear second wide receiver on this offense, but his upside is capped by target-hogging tight end Brock Bowers. He should be viewed as a bench-stash in deeper leagues in his upcoming Week 9 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. They're a much softer defense, but Tucker is a risky start for now.

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Alexander Mattison Oct 28 10:20am ET
Alexander Mattison

Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison seemed to have wrested control of the lead running back role for his team in their Week 8 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He was highly inefficient with his touches, though. He carried the ball 14 times for 15 yards (a paltry 1.1 yards per carry), and caught five passes on five targets for 29 yards. Most notably, he rushed for two yards, no gain, and negative-two yards after Las Vegas took possession due to an interception by opposing QB Patrick Mahomes II. The goal-line stand took away Mattison's best chance at scoring a touchdown. The majority of his fantasy value appears to be tied to PPR points from high target volume, but he'll have an easier matchup in Week 9 against the Cincinnati Bengals and profiles as a FLEX option in deeper leagues.

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Michael Pittman Jr. Oct 28 10:20am ET
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) was able to corral just one of his six targets in Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Texans, gaining a measly 16 yards in the contest. Fellow wide receiver Josh Downs was the only Colt who snared more than one pass from quarterback Anthony Richardson, who completed just 10 of 32 passes in the game. Pittman was a DNP at practice on Friday, but it was Richardson's inefficiency that was more to blame than his lingering back issue as the six targets were the most he'd seen since Week 5. Unless Joe Flacco gets back under center for the Colts, this receiving corps looks poised to be very volatile for the foreseeable future and it will be hard to predict which one of the pass catchers will lead the team each week. Having a Week 9 date with the Vikings on the road in Minnesota likely won't make things any easier near-term, although several receivers have posted solid fantasy performances against that group, but with Richardson at the helm, the 27-year-old is probably nothing more than a boom/bust WR3/4.

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Brock Bowers Oct 28 10:20am ET
Brock Bowers

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers had a quieter day than usual in his team's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8 after he caught all five of his targets for 58 yards. He caught two of those passes, totaling 19 yards, during the garbage-time drive the Raiders put forth near the end of the game. It was a relatively pedestrian day for the breakout superstar. The Chiefs appeared to make it a priority to slow him down, and rightly so, as he's their best offensive weapon. He'll still be a must-start top-5 TE in all fantasy leagues heading into a softer Week 9 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals and their struggling defensive unit.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Oct 28 10:10am ET
Daniel Jones

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones was pulled from the game in the fourth quarter of the Week 7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Heading into Week 8, however, Jordan Raanan reports that the starting QB is not expected to be on a short leash and participated in all of the first-team reps at practice in preparation for this game. Fellow teammates weren't pushing for a change either, but some did note that "it might be different if Tyrod Taylor was still on the roster." Jones will look to get back on track in a tough game on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

From RotoBaller

Gardner Minshew II Oct 28 10:10am ET
Gardner Minshew II

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II completed 24 of 30 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown in the Raiders' 20-27 loss to the rival Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8. He also lost one fumble on a sack. In typical Raiders fashion, they drove down the field and scored on their first drive of the game before their offense stalled. They couldn't get much of anything else going until a garbage-time drive for another touchdown near the end of the game. Minshew looked better than he did in Week 7, when he turned the ball over four times, but he didn't give Las Vegas a spark and padded his stats in the fourth quarter. He'll start again in Week 9 when the Raiders take on the Cincinnati Bengals, and he'll still profile as a starting option in fantasy football only for 2QB leagues.

From RotoBaller

Zamir White Oct 28 10:10am ET
Zamir White

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White wasn't a significant part of the game plan in the Raiders' loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8. He carried the ball just two times for negative-one yard and was not targeted. Las Vegas' coaching staff is likely responding to his ineffectiveness this season by severely restricting his total touches in an effort to help the offense. He now averages just three yards per carry on the season, and it looks like he slid from a bench stash in extremely deep leagues to not worth rostering. While game script could have had something to do with his lack of involvement, he should not be started in any leagues going into his Week 9 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. It looks like the starting job now belongs to Alexander Mattison.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Oct 28 9:50am ET
Drake Maye

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (concussion) was forced to leave Sunday's game with a head injury. Head coach Jerod Mayo said on Monday that the rookie signal-caller has entered the NFL's concussion protocol so his status for their Week 9 matchup against the Titans is now in doubt. Jacoby Brissett stepped in as the QB for Maye and led the team to a 25-22 win over the Jets. If Maye is unable to make it back in time, Brissett will likely be under center again.

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Christian McCaffrey Oct 28 9:30am ET
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) is currently "ramping up" and set to take part in practice during the team's Week 9 bye. According to Ian Rapoport, McCaffrey has targeted Week 10 for his return and he is currently on track to hit that date. The superstar back hasn't played in a regular season game yet this year, and with Jordan Mason (shoulder) getting banged up, it's the perfect time to rejoin the backfield. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status through the bye week and into Week 10 before committing to him in their starting lineup.

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