RB Strength of Schedule
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.
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The Paur Report
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 6
Denver Broncos running back Audric Estime (ankle) was activated from the IR heading into Sunday's divisional clash with the Chargers. The 21-year-old rookie made his only appearance of the 2024-25 campaign in Week 1 versus Seattle. Estime had only two carries for 14 yards in that one. He also injured his ankle, putting him on the shelf. With that in mind, Estime's fantasy potential is severely limited in Week 6, assuming he sheds his questionable designation, considering Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin are the top options out of the backfield. However, the Broncos offense has struggled this season, so anyone on that side of the ball is hard to trust.
From RotoBaller
The Arizona Cardinals elevated kicker Chad Ryland from the practice squad heading into the Week 6 meeting with the Packers. With Matt Prater (knee) questionable, the team may look to Ryland to handle the kicking duties. He looked good in Week 5 against the 49ers, making three of his four field goal attempts, one of which secured the win for the Cardinals. However, with rain and wind in the forecast in Green Bay, fantasy managers in need of a kicker may want to look elsewhere.
From RotoBaller
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) "could wind up staying" with the team. Schefter didn't elaborate. However, it adds another dynamic to what has already been a volatile situation. The wideout will miss another game on Sunday due to a hamstring injury, with many still believing his days with the Raiders are over. But at this point, fantasy managers aren't as concerned with who he is playing for as long as he gets back on the field. As far as the Week 6 meeting with the Steelers is concerned, Jakobi Meyers (ankle) is doubtful, so it could be a rough day for Aidan O'Connell. Still, the door is open for Tre Tucker and DJ Turner, who both logged over 50 snaps in Week 5, to get more involved. Alex Bachman and Tyreik McAllister may also enter the equation, although Brock Bowers still has the best chance of being the top fantasy pass-catcher for Vegas in Week 6.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings had just three catches for 27 yards in a win against Seattle Thursday night. Dynasty Analysis: Much like his teammate Brandon Aiyuk, Jennings has had one blow-up game (11/175/3) and four clunkers that have resulted in just 14 catches for 229 scoreless yards. Jennings is looking like a boom or bust player each week and dynasty managers are going to need to feel pretty desperate to trust him on a weekly basis at this point.
Dynasty | Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker had 32 rushing yards, eight catches and 37 receiving yards with one touchdown in a loss against the 49ers. Dynasty Analysis: The yardage totals for Walker weren't good but eight catches and a touchdown made his night a good one, at least in PPR leagues. Even better, Walker continued to dominate backfield touches as he had 22 compared to the six from Zach Charbonnet. Walker is a prime trade target for a contending dynasty team as he's become one of the more consistent running backs in the game.
Dynasty | Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf had three catches for 48 yards in a loss against the 49ers on Thursday night. Dynasty Analysis: Metcalf had 11 targets, but he and Geno Smith are just not on the same page. After three straight 100-yard games, Metcalf now has just seven catches for 103 scoreless yards over his last two games. He did have a long touchdown called back because of a penalty, but things seem to be going sour for Seattle in a hurry as they've lost three straight and seem to be losing their way a bit. Metcalf will likely bounce back but this is notable in future weeks as lineup decisions are being made.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) plans to play Sunday in the team's Week 6 road matchup against the Tennessee Titans. A few days ago, there was talk that Pittman could miss multiple weeks with a back injury and began the week with back-to-back non-participant designations at practice. His fortune changed on Friday when he was able to log a limited session, and he is reportedly traveling with the team to Nashville ahead of the divisional tilt, per Stephen Holder of The Athletic. It's excellent news for the Colts, who should also have second-year wide receiver Josh Downs (toe) and quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) active for the contest as well. Reports are that the 27-year-old will "play through" the nagging back injury, so it's possible he is operating at less than 100% and could have his snap count monitored. Tennessee's defense has been difficult for opposing offenses this season, so expectations should be tempered due to his health and the poor matchup.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (toe) is expected to be active for the team's Week 6 road matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Despite logging two DNPs this week and being listed as questionable, the second-year wideout will reportedly suit up, according to Stephen Holder of The Athletic. Teammate Michael Pittman Jr. (back) traveled with the team and also plans to play in the contest against the Titans. Downs has been a PPR monster over the last two weeks, racking up 17 catches, 151 yards, and a touchdown on 21 targets. However, it's worth noting that most of this production came with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco under center in stead of second-year QB Anthony Richardson (oblique). Richardson is also slated to be active for Sunday's outing, so the 23-year-old wideout could return to a lower-volume role. Still, he could see more work than usual with Pittman dinged up. Regardless, the Titans' defense has been one of the more staunch units against opposing offenses, so look for Indy's unit to have their hands full.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions and running back David Montgomery have agreed to a two-year $18.25 million extension, locking the veteran RB up through the 2027 season, per Adam Schefter. Montgomery had two years remaining on the three-year $18 million deal he inked in 2023, but the team saw fit to extend an integral part of their offense. The new contract includes $10.5 million in new guaranteed money, and Detroit handcuffs him and backfield mate Jahmyr Gibbs for the foreseeable future. Since 2019, the former third-round pick's 43 rushing scores are good for ninth-most in the league. The 27-year-old has been one of the more consistent fantasy backs this season despite fluctuating yardage outputs, scoring a touchdown in each of his first four outings. He'll look to keep that streak going in Week 6 on the road against the Cowboys.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (knee) is scheduled to make his 2024 debut next Sunday when his team hosts the Cincinnati Bengals in a home matchup, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. It will be his first regular-season action since Week 2 of last season when he was forced from the Browns' contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers after suffering a gruesome, complex knee injury. It's unclear what capacity that will be in, and it is fair to wonder whether or not he'll be on a snap count, but it's a remarkable feat for the 28-year-old. For one more week, it will be running backs D'Onta Foreman and Jerome Ford shouldering the load in the backfield before the former second-round pick's return. When that comes to pass, Chubb will likely make this backfield a three-man rotation until he is healthy -- or effective -- enough to siphon touches away from his teammates. That duo will face an Eagles squad in Week 6 that's let up the eighth-fewest yards on the ground to opposing defenses (515) but the third-most yards per carry (5.0).
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell caught four of his seven targets for 38 yards in the team's Week 5 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite a decent target share, Mitchell saw a very low snap share, playing a total of just 19 in the game. With Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and Josh Downs (toe) trending to play, Mitchell will likely see a similar snap share again in Week 6. On top of that, Mitchell and the Colts will be up against the Titans' secondary, a unit that's allowed the lowest receiving yards/game as well as the fewest fantasy points to opposing WRs. Mitchell is better left on the bench in Week 6.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco had an outstanding Week 5 performance, completing 33 of his 44 passes for 359 yards in the team's loss. Flacco's starting status for Week 6 against the Titans is up in the air, with QB Anthony Richardson (oblique) tracking to play but still a game-time decision. If Flacco were to start, he would make for a deeper streaming option, with the Titans secondary allowing the fewest passing yards this season at a 124/game average. Fantasy managers in 2QB/Superflex leagues should stay up to date on the news on Sunday morning, should they need a last-minute replacement.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce popped in the team's Week 5 loss, grabbing all three of his targets for 134 yards and a touchdown. He'll now gear up for a Week 6 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, the team allowing the fewest points to opposing WRs this season. While Pierce has led the team in yards with 386, he comes in fourth in total target share at 12.1%. On top of that, reports suggest that the Colts will be starting QB Anthony Richardson (oblique) in Week 6, which may lower the team's passing volume as opposed to if they were to start QB Joe Flacco. While there remains the possibility that Pierce can catch a few deep shots like he has in weeks past, it's a hard thing to bank on in such a tough matchup. Fantasy managers can view Pierce as a WR4/5 option in Week 6, with him currently slated as the WR46 in our staff's half-PPR rankings.
From RotoBaller
Updating a previous report, Detroit Lions RB David Montgomery's contract extension is for two years and $18.25 million, with $10.5 million in new guaranteed money, per source on Saturday, Oct. 12. The extension keeps Montgomery with Detroit through 2027.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions RB David Montgomery agreed to a contract extension on Saturday, Oct. 12, that will keep him with the team through 2027, per source. The financial terms of the extension were not immediately disclosed.
From TheHuddle
Tennessee Titans S Jamal Adams (hip) is 'frustrated' with his role after playing just one snap in Week 4, per source on Saturday, Oct. 12.
From TheHuddle
Indianapolis Colts running back Tyler Goodson ran the ball five times for 26 yards in Week 5, also grabbing three targets for 31 yards through the air. Goodson was involved in the absence of Jonathan Taylor (ankle) but played a secondary role to RB Trey Sermon in last week's loss. With Taylor out again in Week 6, Goodson will remain involved in the backfield once again. He is in for a tougher matchup, facing a Titans defense that has allowed the 11th-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs this season. While Goodson may see an increase in volume after a nice showing last week, it's too much of a speculation to start him with confidence in most formats. He is currently the RB48 in this week's staff's half-PPR rankings.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon ran the ball ten times for 38 yards and a touchdown in the team's Week 5 loss. He also reeled in six catches for another 25 yards through the air. Sermon is slated to be Indy's lead back once again when they face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Although he has replaced Jonathan Taylor (ankle) in his absence, running back Tyler Goodson has also seen a sizable role, getting five carries in the team's Week 5 loss. Sermon will face a tougher defense in Tennessee, as they have allowed the 11th least fantasy points to opposing RBs this season. Given the tougher matchup, and what could potentially be a split in opportunities with Goodson, Sermon doesn't make for a strong start in Week 6. Fantasy managers replacing Taylor can look his way, but he should otherwise be viewed as a RB3 option. He is currently the RB31 in our staff's half-PPR weekly rankings.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds (finger) has been placed on the injured reserve ahead of the Week 6 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. The organization was hopeful that Reynolds would only miss one game after having a minor finger surgery. Clearly that wasn't the case as Reynolds will now sit out the next four weeks. The absence of Reynolds should mean more playing time for Lil' Jordan Humphrey, Marvin Mims Jr. and Troy Franklin. Between the trio, Humphrey has the biggest upside after a 48-yard performance last week.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans RB Joe Mixon (ankle) is expected to play in Week 6, per source on Saturday, Oct. 12.
Fantasy Spin: There's been nothing to suggest that Mixon will see a limited workload in his first game back, so fire him up without hesitation. He's an RB1 entering Week 6.
From TheHuddle
