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 running back Isiah Pacheco (fibula) is "getting close" to a return to practice, according to Adam Teicher of ESPN. Teicher further noted that his return is unlikely to happen this week. The former seventh-round selection is still recovering from a fractured fibula he suffered during Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, as he could be quickly approaching a return. In his limited play this season, the Rutgers product averaged an impressive 16.0 PPR points per game across the first two weeks. For now, fantasy managers should continue to expect Kareem Hunt to operate as the lead back but to eventually cede those duties to Pacheco when he returns to action.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) is expected to practice on Wednesday, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic. In addition, Standig reported that the coaching staff is "really going to push it this week." Fantasy managers should monitor his status throughout the week, but this is a positive sign for his availability for this weekend's tilt against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Last weekend, Robinson was a game-time decision but was eventually ruled out. In his absence, Austin Ekeler and Chris Rodriguez Jr. saw the majority of carries out of the backfield. If Robinson were to miss his second straight game, Ekeler should be viewed as a solid RB2, with Rodriguez becoming a viable flex option in deeper formats.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry remains atop the position in fantasy this season and it doesn't look like he'll be letting go of that lead any time soon. The King faces off against the Cincinnati Bengals in a short week, but the last time these two teams faced off, Henry was able to find the end zone while compiling 92 yards on 15 carries. The game turned into a shootout, so he wasn't involved the whole way through. While that could happen again, Henry receives opportunities early and often, and he has a solid history on Thursday night as he's registered 685 yards and nine touchdowns on 134 carries in eight career Thursday night games.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (ankle) is expected to practice in full on Wednesday according to Adam Teicher of ESPN. Mahomes suffered an ankle injury during last Monday's victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but did not have to miss any action. Fantasy managers should monitor the 29-year-old's status throughout the week in case he faces a setback but he should be expected to start on Sunday against the Denver Broncos. Last Monday, Mahomes scored a season-high 27.5 PPR points as he threw three scores with 291 yards. This was his first time this season that he tallied three scores in a single game. Despite his mediocre showings throughout this season, fantasy managers should continue to view him as a top-12 option going forward.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (hamstring) has been ruled out for Thursday's tilt against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Likely was unable to participate in any practice sessions this week and will set his sights on returning in Week 11 to face the Pittsburgh Steelers. Last weekend, the 24-year-old was held off the box score and saw just one target his way. Since Week 6, the tight end has averaged a mere 4.3 PPR points per game, which is a stark contrast to the 10.4 PPR points he averaged during the first five weeks of the season. Fantasy managers should expect Mark Andrews to see the vast majority of snaps at the position and be viewed as a solid TE1 and a strong flex option in DFS contests.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (knee) is off the injury report and expected to start on Thursday evening against the Cincinnati Bengals. Jacksons was sidelined during Tuesday's practice but was able to log a full session on Wednesday. The 27-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic first half to the 2024 campaign as he has averaged an impressive 29.1 PPR points per game and remains a favorite to claim back-to-back NFL MVP honors. Last weekend in their victory over the Denver Broncos, Jackson tossed three scores with 280 passing yards. On Thursday, he should be viewed as a high-end QB1 facing a Cincinnati defense that has allowed the 29th-most PPR points to opposing QBs.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) was not seen at Wednesday's practice according to James Boyd of The Athletic. The USC product has been dealing with a lingering back injury throughout the past month but has yet to miss any games due to it. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week but given his track record, he should be expected to return to practice later in the week. Pittman had another disappointing showing last weekend as he brought in just one of his four targets for just 14 yards. Since Week 7, Pittman has not eclipsed double-digit PPR points in a single game and has caught just one pass in two of those weeks. If the 27-year-old suits up this weekend, he should be viewed as a risky WR3 facing a tough Buffalo secondary who have allowed the sixth-fewest PPR points to opposing wideouts.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said on Wednesday that pass-rusher DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) is progressing but isn't ready to have his 21-day practice window opened so that he can return from Injured Reserve. Lawrence has already missed the required four games on IR, but it doesn't look like he's going to be ready to face off against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles this weekend in Week 10 while he recovers from a foot injury. The good news for Dallas' defense is that All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons (ankle) is back at practice and is expected to play on Sunday. Still, until Lawrence returns, the Cowboys' pass rush won't be at full strength against Philly. The 32-year-old Lawrence is a four-time Pro Bowler and has three sacks and a forced fumble in his four games played in 2024.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receivers Chris Olave (concussion) and Cedrick Wilson Jr. (shoulder) were not seen at Wednesday's practice according to Ross Jackson of the Locked On Network. Olave suffered his second concussion of the season last weekend after sustaining a hard hit. The Ohio State product was carted off the field and currently remains in the league's concussion protocol. Wilson left last weekend's game early with a shoulder injury but was eventually able to return to the field. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their progress throughout the week as they both may be fighting an uphill battle to suit up this weekend to face the Atlanta Falcons. With both wideouts sidelined, fantasy managers should expect Mason Tipton to serve as the top wideout for the time being.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that the team opened the 21-day practice window on Wednesday for running back Gus Edwards (ankle) to return from Injured Reserve. While Edwards would be eligible to play in Week 10 against the Tennessee Titans if he's activated from IR by Sunday's game, the Chargers now have 21 days to officially return him to their active 53-man roster. If the 29-year-old does enough in practice this week and is activated by Saturday, he'd be returning to game action for the first time since getting hurt back in Week 4. He hadn't really moved the fantasy needle this year in his first season with the Bolts after going for a career-high 13 touchdowns in 2023 with the Ravens. Edwards will likely return to taking a back seat behind J.K. Dobbins after averaging just 3.0 yards per carry on 38 carries and 113 yards on the ground in his first four games.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that quarterback Bryce Young will make his third straight start on Sunday in Week 10 in Munich, Germany, against the New York Giants. The Panthers are taking it week-to-week right now at the QB position. Young, who has been a huge bust so far as the top overall pick in 2023, was benched for veteran Andy Dalton after the first two weeks of the season. But Dalton sprained his thumb in a car accident several weeks ago, leading to Young making the last two starts. The 23-year-old hasn't done anything incredible the last two games, but he did lead the team to their second win last Sunday against the Saints, going 16-for-26 for 171 yards with a TD and interception. He's going to need to play well to hold off the recovering Dalton for the starting job and will be a low-end QB2 in fantasy in Week 10 against a Giants defense that leads the NFL in sacks.
From RotoBaller
The Cincinnati Bengals listed wide receiver Tee Higgins (quadriceps) as doubtful to play on Thursday Night Football in Week 10 against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. In addition, receiver Charlie Jones (groin) is doubtful to play. Higgins was listed as a non-participant in practices on Monday and Tuesday and clearly hasn't made enough progress after injuring his quad in practice last week and then not playing in the Week 9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Fantasy managers will obviously need to leave the 25-year-old on their benches for another week. With Higgins out last Sunday, tight end Mike Gesicki had 100 yards even through the air and scored twice. In four games that Higgins has missed in 2024, Gesicki has 22 receptions for 282 yards and two touchdowns, so fantasy managers should consider him a strong TE1 play again in Week 10 with Higgins unlikely to suit up.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) will be activated to the 53-man roster on Wednesday, according to Panthers insider Joe Person. The rookie running back has been on the PUP (Physically Unable To Perform) list all year as he works his way back from a November ACL tear at Texas, but he has been practicing for the last few weeks. Brooks turned in a full practice on Wednesday, but head coach Dave Canales has not committed to him playing in Week 10 against the New York Giants in Germany. Brooks, the first ball carrier selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, is expected to eventually take over a workhorse role in Carolina, but it might not happen in his rookie season given the success of veteran Chuba Hubbard this season. Fantasy managers should wait to see if Brooks will play on Sunday, but his role and fantasy football outlook have a wide range of outcomes when he makes his NFL debut.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) is progressing well in his recovery from a knee injury, but he is not yet ready to return to practice, according to Cowboys writer Nick Harris. The 31-year-old has not played since Week 4, and it does not sound like he's close to playing in the Week 10 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Cooks hauled in nine passes for 91 yards and a touchdown in four games to begin the season this year, and he looks to be beyond his prime. Additionally, with Dak Prescott (hamstring) expected to miss multiple weeks and potentially go on IR, Cooks' upside would be limited with Cooper Rush under center even if he did return soon. The Cowboys also traded for former Panthers wideout Jonathan Mingo, so Cooks could have limited playing time as Dallas potentially sets its sights on the future. Fantasy managers with empty IR spots can consider stashing him, but it seems unlikely that he will become a key fantasy contributor down the stretch, especially while working his way back from a significant injury.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (hamstring) returned to practice on Wednesday following three consecutive weeks of logging "DNPs". The 29-year-old suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 6 win over the Cleveland Browns and has been sidelined ever since. In the game before his injury, Goedert caught 10 passes for 170 yards, but A.J. Brown was out with a hamstring injury and DeVonta Smith left the game with a concussion. Brown suffered a knee injury in Week 9, but he could play in Week 10. Goedert has spike week upside in any game, but his floor is low while sharing an offense with two star wide receivers. If Goedert returns to action on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys, consider him a high-end TE2 play with a wide range of outcomes. If he plays but Brown does not, he can be upgraded to a low-end TE1 option for Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Micah Parsons (ankle) is practicing on Wednesday, but he is expected to be limited for the first session of the week. This is a promising development, as he did not practice at all last week due to his ankle injury suffered in Week 4. The 2021 first-round pick and three-time All-Pro has registered 41.5 sacks in 54 career games and could provide the Dallas defense a much-needed boost as the organization falls out of the playoff picture. There is optimism he will suit up against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 10, though his practicing participation throughout the rest of the week should provide some clarity on his situation.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee) is practicing on Wednesday ahead of Sunday's NFC East contest against the Dallas Cowboys. Brown left the Week 9 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars early with a knee injury, but hopefully, the team was just taking precautions and he'll be good to go for Week 10. The 27-year-old has averaged 19.95 fantasy points per game in the four contests he started and finished, but he's missed three games with a hamstring injury and half of a game with a knee issue. If Brown is active on Sunday, he remains a must-start in a neutral matchup for wideouts. If he can't play, DeVonta Smith enters must-start territory.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) is expected to practice on Wednesday, though head coach Mike McCarthy said he will be limited. The Pro Bowler suffered a shoulder injury in the Week 9 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, but the fact that he is participating in practice at all is promising. Lamb is the WR4 in half-PPR fantasy points (15.2 FPPG), but he will be without Dak Prescott (hamstring) for at least the next handful of games. Dallas is set to face the Philadelphia Eagles defense that presents a neutral matchup for fantasy wideouts. However, with Cooper Rush under center for the Cowboys, his ceiling and floor could take a hit. Either way, he remains a must-start given his projected target share, assuming he plays. If he's out, Jalen Tolbert would become an attractive flex option, while tight end Jake Ferguson should see extra opportunities.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) has been on the Injured Reserve list since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills. He is eligible to return this week, and the team is still determining whether or not he will play on Sunday Night Football against the Detroit Lions. However, he is not practicing on Wednesday despite passing tests on his hamstring. It's tough to say whether or not he'll be active this week, but more information will come out as Sunday approaches, so fantasy managers should be sure to monitor his latest updates and developments. Collins led the NFL in receiving yards before suffering the unfortunate injury, and although he will carry the risk of being limited if he plays, he's a must-start in a matchup with the Detroit defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to wideouts. If he can't go, Tank Dell becomes a virtual must-start.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is once again not practicing on Wednesday leading up to the Week 10 matchup with the Denver Broncos. The former Pro Bowler with the Pittsburgh Steelers has not played since his 130-yard performance in Week 5. However, the team has not placed him on Injured Reserve, indicating they hoped he would be back by now. That said, even when he does return, he'll likely be relegated to the No. 3 option in the passing game behind tight end Travis Kelce and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. He might even be behind rookie Xavier Worthy. Smith-Schuster is borderline droppable 12-team leagues, but fantasy managers that are in trouble at the wideout spot can hold onto him in hopes he'll make an impact down the stretch.
From RotoBaller