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.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (shoulder) is reportedly likely to suit up for the Week 1 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. The star pass rusher was able to return to practice last week. He was also on the field on Sunday, which is good news heading into Thursday's opener. Jones suffered a shoulder injury in early August and missed all of the preseason as a result. However, the five-time Pro Bowler shouldn't need too much time to get ready. Over the last two seasons, Jones has recorded 26 sacks in 33 games, so his presence on the field is huge for this defense. Fantasy managers should check back for another update on Monday when the injury report is released.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice figures to be someone coming off fairly early in fantasy drafts. However, Rice is reportedly not being taken until sometimes the seventh or eighth round, according to the New York Post. There was some concern about Rice being suspended, but that won't happen this season. That means, fantasy managers in redrafts formats have nothing to worry about with Rice. It doesn't sound like Marquise Brown (shoulder) is going to be ready for the beginning of the season. The loss of Brown should only increase the value of Rice heading into the opener. Last season, Rice saw 102 targets during his rookie season with the team. The team hasn't added much competition, so Rice should remain the favorite wide receiver to quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs do have Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy, but Rice should still be a strong WR2 in basically all fantasy formats.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (knee) is currently working his way back from an injury that cost him most of last season. The team has already placed the star back on the physically unable to perform list, which means he'll miss the first four games of the season. The hope is that Chubb would return to the field shortly after that, but that might not be the case. Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com says the goal should be getting Chubb back by mid-season. It's worth noting that the organization did not say this, but Cabot believes it'll take Chubb longer than expected considering he tore both his ACL and MCL last season. The Browns do have Jerome Ford who proved himself to be a viable option without Chubb last season. That being said, the Browns might play it safe and ride with Chubb until he feels fully healthy to return. At the end of the day, Chubb is going to return when he's ready, so fantasy managers expecting him to suit up in Week 5 might be disappointed.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (oblique) was back on the practice field on Sunday. Goedert picked up the injury about two weeks ago. The 29-year-old has been eased back into activities and should be fully ready for the season opener against the Green Bay Packers. Goedert is looking to bounce back after a down year in 2023. The good news is Goedert saw 83 targets last season in a fairly loaded Philly offense. That being said, Goedert should once again be heavily involved in the offense which should make him a viable TE2.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Johnny Wilson (concussion) is back on the practice field on Sunday. This is good news considering Wilson has been sidelined since mid-August while in concussion protocol. The 23-year-old was forced to miss both practices and preseason games due to this injury. Despite that, Wilson should be ready in time to play in the season opener against the Green Bay Packers. The sixth-round pick looks like he could be a solid red zone target, but he doesn't have much fantasy value out of the gate. The Eagles are fairly loaded at wide receiver, so it would take an injury or two for Wilson to see significant looks on this offense.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry is looking forward to the Week 1 Thursday night matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. "I'm excited," said Henry while speaking to the media on Sunday. "It's gonna be fun, so I'm looking forward to it." The 30-year-old has spent his entire career with the Titans, running for 9,502 yards and 90 touchdowns off 2,030 carries, adding 155 grabs for 1,458 yards and three touchdowns. While most assume Henry will have a tough time remaining an elite fantasy option in a Baltimore offense loaded with talent, a change of scenery could give the veteran enough motivation to become the NFL's top rusher once again. Regarding his fantasy potential versus the defending champs, Henry has amassed 447 yards and six touchdowns off 78 carries in four games versus the Chiefs throughout his career.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb recently agreed to a lucrative contract extension with the team. He hadn't been practicing during the stand-off. However, it appears Lamb is still in better shape than ever, with head coach Mike McCarthy stating that the wideout looks "jacked," referring to a noticeable increase in muscle mass from the end of last season. The 25-year-old had a monster season in 2023-24, amassing career-highs in catches (135), targets (181), receiving yards (1,749), and touchdowns (12). While the contract dispute was concerning for fantasy managers, it didn't cause his fantasy stock to drop in most leagues. With that said, Lamb will probably see more attention than ever during fantasy drafts after the latest update regarding his physique.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk recently agreed to a four-year, $120 million contract extension, which included $76 million guaranteed. Although ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that was the same deal that "had been on the table," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler stated Aiyuk's decision to sign was based on wanting to get on the field. "Aiyuk wanted to play in games," said Fowler while appearing on NFL Live. "He didn't want to sit out and hold out of that portion of it. And then he was comfortable with the contract." The 26-year-old appeared in 16 games for the Niners last season, amassing a career-high 1,342 receiving yards with 75 catches and seven touchdowns. Without question, the end of the lengthy contract dispute has already resulted in Aiyuk seeing more attention during fantasy drafts heading into the 49ers' Week 1 meeting with the New York Jets.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (chest) was released from the hospital on Sunday. The rookie wideout was the victim of a robbery attempt on Saturday, resulting in a gunshot wound to the chest. Fortunately, the bullet missed his vital organs. Pearsall, the No. 31 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, likely has some hurdles to clear before he even considers returning to the field. But once he does, he'll have an uphill climb before he's relevant for fantasy managers outside of dynasty formats, considering the 49ers offense currently features Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk, and Deebo Samuel Sr.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) returned to practice on Sunday. The 23-year-old had been battling a hamstring injury, although he avoided entering the 2024-25 campaign on the injured reserve list. Josh Jacobs is the No. 1 running back on the depth chart. But with backup AJ Dillon (neck) out for the year, Lloyd and Emanuel Wilson will be looking to get routine snaps throughout the season. However, unless Jacobs were to suffer an injury ahead of the Week 1 meeting with the Eagles, neither player can be trusted from a fantasy standpoint.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that he expects running back Samaje Perine, who was just signed this week after being released by the division-rival Denver Broncos, to play in the Week 1 regular-season opener on Thursday night against the Baltimore Ravens in a rematch of last year's AFC Championship. Although Perine will eventually have an opportunity to carve out a nice role on third downs for KC, the Chiefs won't overload him in the season opener, and he's currently listed as the RB4 on the depth chart behind starter Isiah Pacheco, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and rookie Carson Steele. Perine's signing with the defending Super Bowl champions immediately gave him more upside in deep PPR leagues, but he's still only worth a bench stash, at best. Perine's addition to KC's backfield should also slightly worry Pacheco's fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that wide receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) is the only player not practicing on Sunday. This shouldn't come as much of a surprise, as Reid said earlier this week that the Chiefs aren't expecting Brown to suit up to kick off the 2024 regular season this Thursday night against the Baltimore Ravens. The 27-year-old suffered a shoulder injury in the team's preseason opener and missed the rest of the preseason and training camp. It remains to be seen if he has a shot to make his Chiefs debut in Week 2 against the visiting Cincinnati Bengals, but he'll need to get back on the practice field in some capacity first. Brown is still worth stashing as a WR4/flex with upside in upcoming fantasy drafts, but just know he could miss several weeks to open the season. For however long he's out, more targets will be coming for Rashee Rice, rookie Xavier Worthy, and Justin Watson, among others.
From RotoBaller
Sports Illustrated's Tim Weaver suggests that the Carolina Panthers could consider signing new wide receiver Diontae Johnson to a long-term contract extension to create more salary cap space heading into Week 1 of the 2024 regular season. The Panthers already gave up cornerback Donte Jackson and a sixth-round draft pick to acquire Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason. If they don't sign Johnson to an extension, they could see him walk next March in free agency. If Carolina decides to extend Johnson, they could save up to $7.1 million against this year's cap. The 28-year-old missed some time in training camp this summer with minor injuries but played in the preseason finale and caught one of two targets for 17 yards. Johnson is expected to be the top pass-catcher in Carolina this year for what should be an improved offense. Fantasy managers should target him as a WR3/flex.
From RotoBaller
The Athletic's Alec Lewis believes a Week 5 (Oct. 6) return for Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) is a fair projection when he was asked when we should expect to see Hockenson back on the field in 2024. It's when Hockenson will be eligible to return from the Physically Unable to Perform list. He'll be able to practice through the first four weeks of the season while on the PUP list, and he's already sprinting and running routes on side fields. If the Vikings really wanted to, they probably could have pushed Hockenson to be ready for the first couple weeks of the regular season. This news certainly should make fantasy managers more willing to snag the 27-year-old in upcoming drafts, granted your league has IR spots to stash him. Before tearing both his ACL and MCL late in December, Hockenson was having a career year. Still, with Kirk Cousins gone and coming off a serious knee injury, fantasy managers should have reservations about Hockenson when he does return to the field in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Veteran running back Dalvin Cook signed with the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad on Wednesday and is eager to contribute in any way he can to the team's offense in 2024. "Obviously I feel like this is a great opportunity for me to come in and help a great organization to win football games," Cook said. "And as I look around and I look at the running back room, it's a bunch of guys that I can go in there and run the football with. Although he has plenty of experience as a bell-cow RB in the NFL -- he averaged 18.5 carries per game in his last four seasons with the Vikings from 2019-22 -- but he started just one game with the New York Jets in 2023 and had 67 carries for 214 yards rushing. Cook's first goal is to work his way up to the active roster from the practice squad to eventually add depth alongside Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle. Dallas also has second-year back Deuce Vaughn, so Cook will be part of a committee if/when he joins the active roster.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert rushed five times for seven yards during the preseason. He did not command a target through the air. Although Mostert opened last year as the Dolphins' top running back, he has since lost that title to up-and-coming sensation De'Von Achane. With Achane expected to lead the backfield this year, Mostert will settle into the No. 2 running back role. That's not necessarily a death spell for the veteran given that there were five games last year in which both Mostert and Achane were top-36 fantasy running backs (out of the nine games they played together). There's evidence that the two speedy backs can co-exist, which keeps Mostert in the RB3/FLEX range at the moment.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane rushed for 10 yards on two carries during the 2024 preseason. He also had a significant impact through the air, catching two passes for an additional 34 yards. Achane came on incredibly strong last year, using his receiving skills and elite speed to completely fluster opposing defenses. He proved to be a league-winner in 2023, but he also showed that he and Raheem Mostert can co-exist in Miami's offense, even from a fantasy football perspective. Achane should be treated as a low-end RB1 heading into this year's fantasy drafts.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary rushed for 20 yards on 10 carries during the 2024 preseason. He did not get involved in the passing game. Singletary signed with the Giants this year after spending one season in Houston. As a Texan, he took over the No. 1 running back job from Dameon Pierce but wasn't exactly a gamechanger, struggling with efficiency there, too. Unfortunately for Singletary, he's playing against a Giants offensive line that has proven to be a liability. If his efficiency was already low, it's due to dip even more while running back a weak protection unit. Nevertheless, Singletary should see a boatload of volume, both on the ground and through the air. That'll be enough to push him into high-end RB3/FLEX territory.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins did not register a touch in his first preseason with the team. This was likely due to his veteran status, familiarity with Greg Roman's offensive system, and an extensive injury history that the Chargers' didn't want to add to before he takes his first regular season snap. After all, Los Angeles wants its top running backs healthy and ready to go for Week 1. It should be noted that Gus Edwards was also held out of the preseason. Both backs are listed jointly at the No. 1 spot on the Chargers' depth chart. There were suspicions a few months ago that Edwards would be the lead back, but it appears to be heading toward more of a true split. Los Angeles may certainly decide to just ride the hot hand in 2024. As long as both are healthy, Dobbins and Edwards are nothing more than RB3/FLEX plays.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back Gus Edwards did not register a touch in his first preseason with the team. This was likely due to his veteran status and familiarity with Greg Roman's offensive system. Letting Edwards rest not only preserved his health but also gave additional opportunities to running backs with far less job security. It should be noted that J.K. Dobbins was also held out of the preseason. Both backs are listed jointly at the No. 1 spot on the Chargers' depth chart. There were suspicions a few months ago that Edwards would be the lead back, but it appears to be heading toward more of a true split. Los Angeles may certainly decide to just ride the hot hand in 2024. As long as both are healthy, Dobbins and Edwards are nothing more than RB3/FLEX plays.
From RotoBaller