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FFL: Week 9 | NFL: Week 9

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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Player Notes
Cooper Rush Nov 4 9:20am ET
Cooper Rush

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush entered Sunday's game in the fourth quarter after Dak Prescott (hamstring) left with an injury and did not return. The longtime Cowboys' backup looked solid in the comeback attempt, completing 13-of-25 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown pass to Jalen Tolbert. It is unclear whether Prescott will miss any further time, as he is set to have an MRI on Monday. If Prescott misses time, Rush would be an intriguing QB2 option in multiple-quarterback leagues.

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Grant Calcaterra Nov 4 9:20am ET
Grant Calcaterra

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Grant Calcaterra caught all five of his targets for 30 yards during the team's 28-23 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The third-year tight end was involved early in the game having four grabs before halftime, but did little after. Next week will mark the fourth since starter Dallas Goedert (hamstring) was injured against Cleveland and will be his first real shot at making a return to the field. Fantasy managers will need to monitor practice reports during the week, but Calcaterra may move back to his role as the No. 2 option if Goedert is able to put in any practice time this week.

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Dak Prescott Nov 4 9:20am ET
Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) suffered a hamstring injury late in their game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. He left the game while Cooper Rush took over, and is now in doubt for Week 10. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said that he was concerned and Ian Rapoport reported that Prescott will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of the injury. The Cowboys' offense has already been disappointing, so if Rush has to take over for a week or more, the entire offense would get a big downgrade until Prescott is healthy. A clearer picture should come into focus after the MRI.

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Rico Dowdle Nov 4 9:20am ET
Rico Dowdle

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle was productive in the 27-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. The 26-year-old saw most of the running back work with Ezekiel Elliott (healthy scratch) missing the game due to disciplinary reasons. Dowdle rushed 12 times for 75 yards while also securing five receptions for 32 yards and a touchdown on an impressive grab in the endzone. Dowdle appears to remain set as the lead back in Dallas and is an RB2 moving forward.

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Jake Ferguson Nov 4 9:20am ET
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson led the way through the air on Sunday in the 27-21 loss to Atlanta. Ferguson was targeted 10 times, securing seven receptions for 71 yards. The performance was Ferguson's second-highest receiving yardage total of the season. The third-year tight end still has not found the end zone in the 2024 campaign, but remains a key part of Dallas' passing offense and is still a top option at the bleak tight end position.

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Jake Elliott Nov 4 9:20am ET
Jake Elliott

Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott made one of two field goal attempts and converted his lone extra point attempt during the team's 28-23 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. After his best week of the season, the 29-year-old came back to earth in Week 9 and missed a long field goal attempt late in the game that would have given the Eagles an eight-point lead rather than a five-point one. It went on not to matter in the end, but the up-and-down season for Elliott continues. At this point, fantasy managers need to consider him a boom-or-bust streaming option who only needs to be started in plus matchups. That applies next week when the Eagles take on a reeling Cowboys team.

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Trey Benson Nov 4 9:10am ET
Trey Benson

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson scored his first career touchdown in the 29-9 win over the Chicago Bears. Starting running back James Conner had to check himself out after a hard fall, which opened the door for Benson to enter the game and take the Cardinals' goal-line carries, during which he found his way into the end zone. With the Cardinals taking a commanding lead and Conner getting a little banged up, Benson saw an increase in workload, finishing the game with eight carries for 37 yards, one touchdown, and one reception for 18 yards. It was expected that at some point in the season, the Cardinals would try to get Benson more involved to lower Conner's snap count and keep him healthy, and that happened in Week 9. This was Benson's most impressive game of the season, and the rookie looks like he's starting to find his footing in the NFL. While Benson could be viewed as a handcuff for James Conner, he is not necessarily a viable option when the Cardinals host the New York Jets in Week 10.

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DeVonta Smith Nov 4 9:10am ET
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith caught four of six targets for 87 yards and scored in the team's 28-23 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The former Heisman winner found the end zone for the second week in a row, making one of the year's best catches on a one-handed 25-yard grab in the back of the end zone in the fourth quarter. Smith was pivotal for the offense in the second half with A.J. Brown (knee) leaving early in the third quarter. The 25-year-old had a few rough outings after the Eagles Week 5 bye but has since gained 85 or more yards and has found the end zone in each game recently. Smith will be a set-it-and-forget-it WR2 again in Week 10 when Philadelphia takes on a banged-up Dallas team.

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A.J. Brown Nov 4 9:10am ET
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee) was forced to leave Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a knee injury and didn't return in the second half. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the superstar wideout avoided "anything serious and is expected to be fine." This comes as huge news for both the Eagles and fantasy managers who had to endure three games without him already this year. His status should still be monitored throughout the week to see if he may need to miss a game or not though.

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Jahan Dotson Nov 4 9:10am ET
Jahan Dotson

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jahan Dotson caught his lone target for a 36-yard gain during the team's 28-23 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The catch came in the second half after A.J. Brown (knee) left the game early in the third quarter. It was an impressive grab near the sideline but it is just his seventh reception of the year through nine weeks. There have been plenty of chances for the former Washington Commander to stand out in this offense, but quarterback Jalen Hurts does not look his way at the moment. He will remain waiver wire fodder in redraft leagues and a hold in dynasty heading into Week 10.

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Emari Demercado Nov 4 9:00am ET
Emari Demercado

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado got involved in the Week 9 win over the Chicago Bears with an impressive 53-yard rushing touchdown right before halftime, giving the Cardinals a 21-9 lead. Demercado has impressed throughout the season in his limited playing time, which has frequently come on third downs. His final stat line was four carries for 59 yards and one rushing touchdown, along with two catches for 21 yards. It's unclear whether Demercado's role will increase, making him not an option for fantasy managers when the Cardinals play the Jets in Week 10.

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Saquon Barkley Nov 4 9:00am ET
Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley took 27 carries for 159 yards and a touchdown, added three receptions for 40 yards and an additional score, and lost a fumble during the team's 28-23 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 27-year-old's 199 scrimmage yards were his most in a single game this season, and he posted his best numbers as a receiver this year as well. Quarterback Jalen Hurts did not take any goal line opportunities away from Barkley this week, and got things started for the Eagles and threw a 20-yard score to the star back to give Philadelphia its first points scored in the first quarter all season. The Eagles may be without A.J. Brown (knee) for the second time in 2024, but regardless of his status next week the Eagles will likely lean on Barkley again as they face a struggling Dallas team.

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James Conner Nov 4 8:40am ET
James Conner

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner recorded his fourth 100-yard rushing game of the season in the 29-9 win over the Chicago Bears. Conner finished the game with 18 carries for 107 rushing yards and added three receptions for 12 yards. The Cardinals' rushing attack was dominant, and the offensive line frequently created lanes for the running backs. Conner did take a hard fall in the second quarter, landing on his hip and needing to check himself out after the play. However, that does not seem to be a lingering issue, as he returned to the game in the second half before the Cardinals put their backups in and went into cruise control. Although Conner did not find the end zone, he remains the focal point of the Cardinals' rushing attack, and fantasy managers should be happy with how his season has gone. He remains a likely starter for fantasy managers heading into their Week 10 matchup with the New York Jets.

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Ja'Tavion Sanders Nov 4 6:10am ET
Ja'Tavion Sanders

Carolina Panthers rookie tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders set a career-high in Week 9 with 87 receiving yards on four receptions against the New Orleans Saints. Sanders again received the bulk of offensive snaps as veteran tight end Tommy Tremble (back) was inactive, missing his third game in the last four weeks. In Week 8, the one game Tremble was active for in October, Sanders played just 36% of the snaps and recorded one reception for seven yards. While the rookie certainly offers waiver wire value, there remains concern that the coaching staff has preferred Tremble when healthy. Regardless, Sanders could have an opportunity further to cement himself against a weak Giants defense in Germany.

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Xavier Legette Nov 4 6:10am ET
Xavier Legette

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette recorded a rather pedestrian stat line in Week 9 with four receptions, 33 yards, one touchdown, and one drop in Sunday's 23-22 win over the New Orleans Saints. The 23-year-old also rushed for six yards on one rushing attempt. His drop resulted in a Saints interception, but his touchdown gave Carolina an early lead. Legette's 26-yard reception on 3rd and 10 set up Chuba Hubbard's game-winning run. While having yet to crack a 70-yard game, Legette has four touchdowns on the season and has scored in consecutive weeks with Bryce Young at quarterback. His fantasy value is still erratic, as you'd expect from a rookie in a dysfunctional situation. Still, Xavier Legette has undeniable traits and will look to extend his scoring streak in Germany against the New York Giants.

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Bryce Young Nov 4 6:00am ET
Bryce Young

In his second consecutive start, Bryce Young led the Carolina Panthers to a 23-22 divisional win over the New Orleans Saints. It was Carolina's second win of the season. Young finished the day 16-for-26 with 171 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. The interception came from a drop by wide receiver Xavier Legette. En route to the victory, Young kickstarted Carolina's game-winning drive with a 26-yard dart over the middle to Legette on 3rd and 10. The second-year quarterback looks more comfortable in head coach Dave Canales's system and has showcased more confident decision-making. Despite Carolina not naming a starting quarterback for Week 10, Young played well enough to get the starting nod in Week 10 as the Panthers head to Germany to face a reeling Giants squad.

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Chuba Hubbard Nov 4 6:00am ET
Chuba Hubbard

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard rushed for two touchdownsincluding a game-winning 16-yard scamperin Carolina's Week 9 victory over the New Orleans Saints. It was Hubbard's first game this season scoring multiple touchdowns. He added 72 yards and two receptions to go along with the scores. After a disappointing Week 8 outing at Denver, this performance was a strong response and shows why he remains a valuable weekly flex option. Heading to Germany to face the New York Giants in Week 10, rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) is expected to make his NFL debut and could take valuable touches away from Hubbard. Despite Brook's potential return, Hubbard remains a flex option against the Giants next week.

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Roschon Johnson Nov 4 5:30am ET
Roschon Johnson

On Sunday, Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson had a limited role in the offense during their game against the Arizona Cardinals. He saw the ball just three times, finishing with a modest total of 13 rushing yards. Additionally, Johnson contributed in the passing game with two receptions for eight yards, but overall, his impact was minimal. The Bears needed help establishing a consistent offensive rhythm, significantly reducing their opportunities in the red zone. As a result, Johnson missed out on the goal-line opportunities he had capitalized on in previous weeks, leaving fantasy managers disappointed. With the Bears facing challenges in their offensive execution, it will be crucial for the coaching staff to find ways to involve Johnson more in upcoming games, particularly as they seek to enhance their effectiveness in the red zone and maximize his potential as a dynamic playmaker.

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D.J. Moore Nov 4 5:30am ET
D.J. Moore

In Week 9, Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore experienced a notably quiet performance during the matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. He concluded the game with only four receptions for a total of 33 yards and failed to find the end zone, leaving fantasy managers and fans wanting more. Throughout the contest, the Bears' offense appeared disjointed and out of sync, struggling to establish any rhythm. This lack of cohesion hindered Moore's ability to make impactful plays, a hallmark of his game in previous weeks. Despite his usual talent and playmaking ability, he didn't seem at his best, making it difficult for him to contribute significantly to the team's offensive efforts. As the Bears look to bounce back next week against the New England Patriots, fans will be eager to see Moore return to form and regain his status as a key playmaker in the passing game.

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Keenan Allen Nov 4 5:30am ET
Keenan Allen

On Sunday, Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen had a disappointing outing in the matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, finishing the game with just four receptions for a modest total of 38 yards. Throughout the contest, Allen struggled to find separation from the Cardinals' defensive backs, a stark contrast to his previous season when he consistently found ways to get open and make impactful plays. Despite leading the team with ten targets, the lack of completed passes to him highlighted an apparent disconnect in the Bears' offensive execution. This inefficiency raises concerns about the chemistry between Allen and the quarterback, as well as the overall performance of the offensive line, which may have contributed to the struggles. As the Bears move forward, it will be crucial for Allen to regain his form and the coaching staff to find ways to utilize his skills in future games better. Allen will get a chance to bounce back against the New England Patriots next week.

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