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.
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 10
Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (back) is inactive for Week 10 against the New York Giants. He had been listed as questionable after logging a full practice on Friday. Despite his improved practice status, Tremble will miss his second game in a row and fourth game in the last five weeks. His absence creates additional opportunities for rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders, who has 16 catches over his last four games.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith enters Week 10, coming off a five reception 46-yard performance last against the Buffalo Bills. The 29-year-old has maintained a decent target share despite all of the pieces in the Miami offense. This week, he gets a matchup against a Los Angeles Rams defense that gives up the sixth-highest fantasy points to tight ends per game. Another factor to consider is that Miami could be without Tyreek Hill (wrist), who is questionable for Monday Night Football. If he were to be ruled out, Smith would surely be in line for a more significant role in this game. Even if Hill plays, Miami will likely have to throw considerably to keep up with the red-hot Rams offense. If you have a bye week or injury at the tight end position, consider Smith a streaming option for week 10, as he ranks as the TE16 in this week's RotoBaller rankings.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has been a headache for fantasy managers in 2024. He has caught 28 of 38 targets for 310 yards and one touchdown over eight games this season. He hasn't received more than 45 yards since back in Week 5 against the New England Patriots when he had 46. That could all change in Week 10. Miami will travel to play the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football. The Ram's defense gives up the 10th most fantasy points per game and ranks 18th in red zone points per game to wide receivers. Also in question is the status of fellow wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Hill (wrist) missed practice on Saturday and is questionable for Monday night. Waddle should receive a healthy dose of targets this week in a game that has shootout written all over it. He checks in as RotoBallers WR33 and is worth rolling the dice on in Week 10
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert has effectively run the ball in 2024. Besides Week 1, where he left early, he's averaging 4.1 yards per carry and has two touchdowns. However, he has had trouble holding onto the ball in recent weeks. He lost a fumble last week against the Buffalo Bills, which cost Miami in the long run. He gets a matchup this week against a somewhat vulnerable Los Angeles Rams defense. They rank 16th in fantasy points per game allowed to running backs and give up an average of 109.4 yards to running backs. There's potential in this game for a lot of scoring, which could mean goal-line touches for Mostert. He's a formidable flex play in Week 10 and comes in as RotoBallers RB31.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) has looked solid since returning in Week 8. He's completed 53 of 66 passes for 465 yards and a 3-to-0 TD/Int ratio. Despite two straight losses, Miami's offense has scored 27 points in each game and accumulated over 370+ yards of total offense. They are now traveling to play the Los Angeles Rams in Week 10, and the stage is set for a potentially high-scoring affair with an O/U that currently sits at 50. The Los Angeles defense ranks 18th in fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Miami's defense has looked porous over the last two games, while the Rams offense looks to build off their momentum with their two stud wide receivers back. Look for this offense to try and keep pace. Tyreek Hill (wrist) is uncertain to play on Monday night. Despite Hill's status being in question, Tagovailoa ranks as the QB12 in this week's RotoBaller rankings and still has a high ceiling in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane has looked like the RB1 everyone hoped when they drafted him since the return of Tua Tagovailoa (concussion). In the last two games, he's averaging 29.4 fantasy points per game and has three touchdowns. Achane and the Dolphins now travel to Los Angeles on Monday night to take on the Rams. The Los Angeles defense ranks 16th in fantasy points per game to running backs. Achane looks to pace the Miami backfield again in touches, with Raheem Mostert continuing to have fumble issues. His continued involvement in the passing game also gives him a safe floor. With the offensive line looking much better, he should have plenty of room to run once again. Achane comes in as RotoBallers RB6 in this week's rankings and should be started in all league formats.
From RotoBaller
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) won't play in Sunday's contest against the Minnesota Vikings. Most had already expected this would be the case. However, the next question is if the signal-caller will be able to return in Week 11 against the Lions. But considering Lawrence has struggled during the 2024-25 campaign, throwing for 2,004 yards, 11 touchdowns, and six picks while completing just 61.3% of his attempts, not many will be looking to start him until he shows signs of consistency moving ahead. At any rate, Mac Jones will try his best versus a tough Vikings defense. Fortunately, the former Patriot is expected to have Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) and Gabe Davis (shoulder) in his arsenal. Still, that won't make him worthy of a starting spot in most fantasy setups.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (rib, oblique) is expected to suit up for Sunday's matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The wideout was limited in practice throughout the week. However, it appears Samuel is in line to play, which is more great news for the 49ers, a team that is also expected to get Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) and Jauan Jennings (hip) back on the field. But as far as Samuel is concerned, he's caught only 24 passes for 406 yards and a touchdown this season. Yet, with Brandon Aiyuk (knee) sidelined for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign, Samuel should see an uptick in attention from Brock Purdy moving forward.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder) is anticipated to suit up for Sunday's matchup against Minnesota. The former Bill injured his shoulder in the Week 9 loss to the Packers and was limited in practice during the week. However, barring a setback, he is expected to shed his questionable tag for the meeting with a tough Vikings defense. With that in mind, Davis has only 18 catches for 217 yards and two touchdowns throughout the 2024-25 campaign. With Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) also in line to play, Davis may have a tough time getting involved enough to justify his presence in fantasy lineups.
From RotoBaller
The Buffalo Bills elevated wide receiver K.J. Hamler to the active roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Colts. Keon Coleman (wrist) was already ruled out days ago. However, with Amari Cooper (wrist) questionable, the Bills likely made the move for insurance purposes. But even if Cooper isn't on the field in Week 10, Josh Allen will presumably turn to Khalil Shakir, Dalton Kincaid, Mack Hollins, and Curtis Samuel to pick up the slack, leaving little room for Hamler to get involved.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. The 22-year-old was limited in practice throughout the week and currently carries a questionable designation. But it appears the Jaguars will have their primary receiving options, with Gabe Davis (shoulder) also anticipated to suit up in Week 10. Thomas has played well throughout the 2024-25 campaign, amassing 35 catches for 595 yards and five touchdowns. As a result, he's established himself as a capable fantasy starter. However, Thomas may suffer without Trevor Lawrence (shoulder), who isn't anticipated to play, versus a challenging Vikings defense.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is out for the season with a hamstring injury. Dynasty Analysis: Prescott will reportedly have surgery to repair his hamstring that has apparently torn off the bone. It's the latest blow to a Dallas team that has had very few things go their way this season. Prescott will end the season with a very pedestrian 1,978 passing yards with just 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions in eight games this season. His absence will hurt the short-term value of every offensive player in Dallas, but his long-term health shouldn't be affected. Still, his ADP and ranking is surely going to fall as Prescott has had a hard time stringing two elite-level seasons together thoughout his career and looks more like a high-end QB2 than an elite player to build a dynasty franchise around.
The New York Giants have activated kicker Graham Gano (hamstring) from the injured reserve ahead of their Week 10 outing against the Carolina Panthers. The 37-year-old hasn't appeared in a game since picking up the ailment while attempting a tackle on the opening kickoff against Washington in Week 2. Before his injury, he connected on his only two field goal attempts in Week 1. Upon his return, Gano will immediately slot back in as the team's primary placekicker and is gifted with a juicy matchup this Sunday morning across the pond. Carolina has allowed the second-most fantasy points in the league thus far to opposing kickers and could be a useful fantasy option if the Giants' offense can get it together in Munich.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals S Budda Baker leads the NFL with 58 solo tackles, and he has recorded at least seven total stops in all nine games, logging 12-plus tackles in four of his last six games.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson will square off against the Miami Dolphins this Monday night in one of the tougher matchups of Week 10. Parkinson looked like he was picking up some steam heading into the team's Week 6 bye, but he's totaled a meager four catches and 49 yards in the three contests since. The Dolphins' defense has been excellent against opposing pass-catchers this season, and tight ends are no exception, with the sixth-fewest fantasy points allowed to the position. Additionally, last weekend marked the first time the 25-year-old did not lead LA's tight end room in snaps in 2024, with that honor going to second-year TE Davis Allen. Whether or not Allen has surpassed Parkinson in the pecking order remains to be seen. Still, he's not a recommended option for the matchup on Monday Night Football. The former Stanford Cardinal ranks as RotoBaller's PPR TE27 in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (toe/hip) is designation-free for the team's Monday night matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Head coach Sean McVay didn't make a big deal when asked about Robinson's ailments leading up to Week 10's tilt, and it's nice to see the veteran come through. The former fourth-round pick was the hero in last week's OT win over the Seattle Seahawks but will face a stiffer task this Monday against a solid Dolphins defensive unit. Miami has been staunch against the pass this year, allowing the fourth-fewest passing yards per game (183.1) and the fifth-fewest touchdowns through the air (8). Additionally, fellow wideout Puka Nacua will presumably play the entire contest this weekend, so long as he doesn't get himself ejected again. With the Rams' wide receiver corps intact, the 30-year-old is little more than a FLEX play with touchdown upside for the contest. He's RotoBaller's PPR WR47 in this week's rankings.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua will line up against the Miami Dolphins in Week 10 on Monday Night Football. Between a knee injury that won't go away and some suspect behavior (throwing a punch at a Seahawks defender in Week 9 only to get ejected), the second-year wideout has had a tough time formulating any consistency this season. The good news is he did not appear on the Rams' injury report this week, so maybe he's past the ailment that's robbed him of five contests and part of another. The bad news is that Miami's secondary is no joke, as they've afforded their opponents the fourth-fewest passing yards per game in the league (183.1). Still, the 23-year-old will occupy his usual role as a top-two option in LA's passing attack and should be started by fantasy managers despite the less-than-ideal matchup. The BYU alum ranks as RotoBaller's PPR WR8 for this weekend's slate.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones is averaging 18.9 touches and 101.3 yards from scrimmage per game this season.
Fantasy Spin: The only thing that has been missing for Jones has been regular trips to the end zone, but a Week 10 matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars could fix that. Jacksonville's defense is allowing the second-most yards per game and has allowed the fifth-most rushing touchdowns. Jones has RB1 upside.
From TheHuddle
Indianapolis Colts LB Zaire Franklin leads the NFL with 10.7 tackles per game, and he has recorded at least eight tackles in all nine games.
From TheHuddle
The Washington Commanders have acquired kicker Zane Gonzalez ahead of their matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday. With the news that Austin Seibert (hip) had been downgraded to out with a hip ailment, the team signed Gonzales to their practice squad and then promptly elevated him to the active roster a day later. Week 10 will be the veteran's first taste of action since 2021, when he appeared in 12 games and hit on 22-of-23 extra point attempts and 20-of-22 field goal tries for the Carolina Panthers. Seibert has been excellent this year for Washington, connecting on 92.6% of his three-point attempts (25-of-27) and knocking in all 22 extra-point opportunities. We'll see how long he is out of the lineup. In the meantime, Gonzalez will slot in in his stead.
From RotoBaller