Tue May 28 9:03am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
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.
The Los Angeles Rams are signing defensive end Neville Gallimore, according to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler. The 2020 third-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys signed with the Miami Dolphins at the start of free agency, but he was surprisingly released ahead of the 53-man roster cutdown deadline on Tuesday. Gallimore played in 52 games for Dallas from 2020 to 2023 and racked up 90 total tackles (40 solo), four sacks, three pass deflections, and 12 run stuffs during his tenure. He'll now join the Los Angeles 53-man roster and a young defensive line that is tasked with replacing future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets pass rusher Haason Reddick was dealt to the organization from the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason, but he made it clear he wanted a long-term deal, and the Jets have not signed him to one. This has led to Reddick requesting another trade, but the team is still holding out hope that he will play in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers. "I'm assuming he's in phenomenal shape," head coach Robert Saleh said. "He's a veteran. He knows what he needs to get ready. He's had success in multiple buildings and multiple schemes with multiple coaching staffs, so he's going to know what he needs to do to be ready for Week 1." Reddick has sneakily been one of the most productive pass rushers in the NFL, ranking fourth in total sacks (50.5) since 2020 despite playing for three different teams during that stretch. The New York defense was already one of the best units in the NFL last season, so getting Reddick on the field could make the team even more dangerous in 2024. The Jets are looking to go all in for a Super Bowl, so they should be motivated to work something out for the two-time Pro Bowler.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent outside linebacker Tyus Bowser visited with the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday and is scheduled to meet with the Tennessee Titans next, according to Adam Caplan. Bowser was released by the Baltimore Ravens after missing the entire 2023 season due to a knee injury. The 2017 second-round pick out of Houston played in 89 games for the Ravens and tallied 152 tackles, 19.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, four interceptions, and 16 pass deflections. NFL squads can never have enough depth on the edge, and Tennessee has not been shy about bringing in pieces for its revamped defense. Tennessee's defensive additions include cornerbacks L'Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie, safeties Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs, and linebackers Kenneth Murray and Ernest Jones, among others. If Bowser signs with Tennessee, he could serve as the first edge rusher off the bench behind Harold Landry and Arden Key.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson signed with the organization on a three-year, $22.5 million deal this offseason following four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. The former fourth-round pick out of Stanford caught 57 passes for 618 yards and four touchdowns in his first 54 career games. With veteran Tyler Higbee (knee) still recovering from a torn ACL, Parkinson will serve as the team's TE1 in 11-personnel packages to begin the season, according to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic. While the 25-year-old is unlikely to see a healthy target share while competing with Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp for targets, he could be a factor in the red zone early in the 2024 campaign. Fantasy managers shouldn't count on him as an every-week starter, but he could be in streaming contention in favorable matchups.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb ended his holdout on Monday after signing a four-year, $136 million contract extension, making him the second-highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL. Lamb has been away from the team for most of the offseason and preseason, but he is not worried about returning to form quickly. When asked if he could play 60-plus snaps in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns, Lamb said, "Yes, bro. No question. I'll be ready." While there remains at least a small risk that Lamb could get out to a slow start, he has plenty of chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott, and he maintains his target hog role. The former first-round pick out of Oklahoma caught 135 passes (most) for 1,749 yards (2nd) and 12 touchdowns (3rd) last year and finished as the overall WR1. Dallas did not add any impact pass-catchers this offseason, and with Brandin Cooks getting a year older, Lamb should be set up to post monster numbers again in 2024.
From RotoBaller
The Cincinnati Bengals and Ja'Marr Chase are still in contract negotiations, and if the two sides reach a new deal, it could make him the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the contract talks are centered around reaching a deal that matches or surprises Chase's former college teammate, Justin Jefferson. The Vikings All-Pro signed a four-year, $140 million extension this offseason, so that's the ballpark Chase is reportedly looking to be in. The good news is head coach Zac Taylor said he feels confident that Chase will play in Week 1, so fantasy managers can continue to consider him in the top five of fantasy drafts in all scoring formats. Despite playing with an injured Joe Burrow or backup Jake Browning last year, Chase tallied 100 receptions for 1,216 yards and seven touchdowns. If Burrow is at full health in 2024, the superstar wideout could be in contention to finish as the overall WR1.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Arizona Cardinals have cut running back Michael Carter. Dynasty Analysis: The fact Emari Demercado is on the initial 53 for Arizona is a bad sign for Carter's future for sure. It also means Trey Benson is the clear handcuff to James Conner moving into the season. Carter could land on his feet as a third down or change-of-pace back somewhere but he's way off the dynasty radar at this point.
Dynasty | The Jaguars have waived quarterback CJ Beathard. Dynasty Analysis: Beathard gets an injury settlement and Jones gets to be Trevor Lawrence's backup. This was a close battle but a late preseason injury to Beathard pretty much sealed the deal. Jones will now look to continue his development behind Lawrence and hope for a shot as a starter again elsewhere. The former first rounder is a tough hold on a dynasty roster, however.
Dynasty | The Commanders have released running back Chris Rodriguez. Dynasty Analysis: Rodriguez had some nice moments last year but was caught up in a numbers game after Washington traded for Austin Ekeler. With much of the "deep sleeper" bloom off the rose now with his release, it's going to be tough for dynasty managers to hold on to Rodriguez.
Dynasty | The 49ers have released wide receiver Robbie Chosen. Dynasty Analysis: The Chosen one will not be suiting up for the 49ers after all. With Brandon Aiyuk likely staying (at least at the moment), San Francisco didn't have a need for the speedster. After spending time with the Panthers, Jets, Cardinals, Dolphins and now the 49ers, it's fair to wonder if this may be the last we see of him. He's not worth a dynasty roster spot, unless you're in a league that rewards for multiple in-season name changes.
Dynasty | Packers running back AJ Dillon has been placed on season-ending IR. Dynasty Analysis: Wow. The Packers brought him back this year to back up Josh Jacobs and it seems he's not going to be recovered enough from last year's neck injury to do that. MarShawn Lloyd may have the inside track to back him up but Jacobs is in line for a monster workload. As for Dillon, this is going to be a tough time to justify keeping him on a dynasty roster.
Kansas City Chiefs RB Emani Bailey, LB Swayze Bozeman, TE Baylor Cupp, DT Neil Farrell, OT Chukwuebuka Godrick, CB Kamal Hadden, RB Keaontay Ingram, LB Curtis Jacobs, DE Truman Jones, DT Fabien Lovett Sr., CB D.J. Miller, OT Lucas Niang, QB Chris Oladokun, WR Cornell Powell, RB Louis Rees-Zammit, WR Nikko Remigio, WR Justyn Ross, CB Keith Taylor and WR Montrell Washington were waived on Tuesday, Aug. 27. The Chiefs also waived S Tyree Gillespie (undisclosed) with an injury designation and released S Deon Bush, LB Cole Christiansen and DT Matt Dickerson.
From TheHuddle
Free-agent QB Mike White (Dolphins) is expected to sign with the Buffalo Bills' practice squad, according to sources.
From TheHuddle
Dynasty | The Denver Broncos have released running back Samaje Perine. Dynasty Analysis: This comes as no surprise as reports circulated yesterday indicating Perine was on the trade block. It's also notable the Broncos kept four running backs - Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime, and Blake Watson. Perine himself should have little problem landing a backup job but he's a hard sell as a dynasty asset.
Dynasty | The Broncos have released Tim Patrick and he's subsequently signing with the Detroit. Dynasty Analysis: Patrick expects to be on the practice squad in the short term but the expectation is he's signed to the active roster shortly. It's a decent landing spot for him, though it's tough to see him carving out real value in the short term. His injury history is troublesome and he's looking like more of a roster clogger than anything else at the moment.
Dynasty | The Minnesota Vikings have released tight end Robert Tonyan. Dynasty Analysis: This is a bad sign for Tonyan's career considering TJ Hockenson is still out with an injury. Tonyan had a great stretch with the Packers early in his career but he just hasn't been able to rekindle that magic over the past few years. He looks like dynasty waiver wire fodder at the moment.
Dynasty | The 49ers have placed running back Elijah Mitchell on season-ending IR. Dynasty Analysis: This is significant for a couple of reasons. First, Mitchell is clearly not worth a dynasty roster spot at this point. Second, Jordan Mason clearly is. While Christian McCaffrey is going to get virtually every touch for the 49ers, Mason would be a huge difference maker should he miss time. Hmm. Interesting.
Dynasty | The Tennessee Titans have released wide receiver Kyle Phillips. Dynasty Analysis: Philips has just not panned out for the Titans, despite having multiple opportunities. He battled a hamstring injury and could wind up on another team but his dynasty shine is clearly dimming and it's hard to make a case for keeping him on a dynasty roster.
Dynasty | The Dallas Cowboys have cut running back Royce Freeman. Dynasty Analysis: Freeman looked to have an inside track at a job but ended up being cut along with Malik Davis in favor of both Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn. With Dalvin Cook also a possibility of being signed after his visit this week, this depth chart looks like a bit of a mess. Freeman is starting to run out of chances, despite performing relatively well when he's had chances.
Free-agent quarterback Mike White is signing with the Buffalo Bills' practice squad, per Adam Schefter. White has also been a member of the Jets and most recently, the Dolphins, where he's played 14 regular season games, throwing for 2,219 yards, nine touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. This will be White's third AFC East team in as many seasons, but as far as a fantasy asset in 2024, White shouldn't be drafted in any format. As a member of the practice squad, White would have to be activated ahead of time if he were to get any action on the field in the event of a Josh Allen and Mitch Trubisky injury. If White does get the opportunity to start, he has looked the part in his limited time on the field.
From RotoBaller