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.
Several teams have contacted the Houston Texans to inquire about trading for wide receiver John Metchie III, given the team's crowded receiver lineup. The Texans currently have a solid trio of starters in Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, and Tank Dell, and also feature veterans Robert Woods, Noah Brown, and Xavier Hutchinson. While it's uncertain whether the Texans will trade Metchie III, interest from other teams is growing. The former second-round pick from Alabama had ten catches for 100 yards and a touchdown during the preseason. Although Metchie III was drafted by the Texans in 2022, his rookie season was delayed due to a leukemia diagnosis. A trade could give him more opportunities to play and potentially impact fantasy football if he lands in a favorable situation.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Bryce Oliver hauled in three passes for 52 yards and two touchdowns in the last preseason win over New Orleans. It was a mini breakout for the undrafted pass-catcher out of Youngstown State, who was having a quiet game until quarterback Malik Willis started looking his way in the fourth quarter, which led to two scores, along with the game-winner with 1:25 remaining. Oliver was not expected to compete for an active roster spot, but this performance definitely gives general manager Ran Carthon something to think about. Even so, with Calvin Ridley, DeAndre Hopkins, Treylon Burks, Tyler Boyd, Kyle Philips, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine having locked up roster spots at WR, it's tough to see a situation in which Oliver ends up on the active 53-man roster for the Titans. He is nowhere near any fantasy radar heading into the 2024-25 season.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis only threw four total passes in a preseason week 3 win over New Orleans, but two of them went for touchdowns. The third-year QB was 3-4 on the day for 51 yards including the game winning score to rookie receiver Bryce Oliver, threading the ball in a tight window for the five yard TD. Willis also added 29 yards on three rushing attempts, showcasing his elite speed on numerous occasions. Willis' future in Nashville has been a major question all offseason, with the Titans bringing in Mason Rudolph to back-up starting QB Will Levis. The Liberty product put on an extremely gutsy performance in the last preseason game with two fourth quarter touchdowns, but it's still tough to see Tennessee keeping three quarterbacks on the active roster for the 2024 season ahead. Willis remains a prime cut candidate, and could see being scooped up by another team if the Titans decide to go that route. Either way, he is non-viable for fantasy barring multiple injuries.
From RotoBaller
Good news for the Cleveland Browns, as starting offensive tackle Jack Conklin (knee) has passed his physical and is coming off the Physically Unable to Perform list. Conklin was a 2016 first-round pick of the Titans out of Michigan State. He signed a four-year, $60 million extension with the Browns back in December 2022. In 2023, Conklin played one game at right tackle for the Browns last season before suffering a severe knee injury. In the season opener, he tore two ligaments when Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson rolled into his knee after Conklin had finished a block. Hendrickson was inadvertently pushed into Conklin by Browns left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr., and Conklin had to be carted off the field. As a two-time All-Pro, Conklin's return significantly boosts the Browns' real-life performance and fantasy football prospects.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb (knee) will not be activated from the Physically Unable to Perform List before the season kicks off. As reported by Ari Meirov, the star edge rusher will be forced to miss at least the first four games of the new season since he hasn't progressed enough to be activated from the PUP list. Chubb tore his right ACL during the team's Week 17 contest against the Baltimore Ravens last season which was just three seasons after tearing his left ACL while he was still a member of the Denver Broncos. He played a big part in the Dolphins' success on defense last year, so it remains to be seen how this will effect him and the team's pass-rush moving forward.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard got into the end zone for his first score of the preseason in the final game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. The veteran back finished the game with five carries for 17 yards and a touchdown while collecting 27 yards through the air on two receptions. He may not have the most efficient game to end the preseason, but getting the goalline carry is a good sign. Tyjae Spears is likely to steal at least a handful of snaps every game, but Pollard seems to have at least established a sizeable chunk in the offense. Right now, he's ranked as the 26th running back in half-PPR leagues in the RotoBaller rankings. If he can regain the passing work he once received in Dallas, he may be in for a better year, but it's hard to rely on that heading into the start of the season.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis almost put together a perfect passing day in the team's 30-27 win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. He completed seven of his eight passing attempts while leading the team to a touchdown and a field goal in the first two drives. He ended with 118 yards through the air while the touchdown came from Tony Pollard on the ground. Levis looked poised and found some room for big plays like a 33-yard completion to Calvin Ridley. After this showing, he seemingly has give the Titans more confidence in letting him be the full-time starter, but until he proves he can consistently produce, he'll be a shaky fantasy asset at quarterback for 12-team leagues.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk caught two of three targets for 33 yards through the air during Sunday's preseason finale against the Washington Commanders. Polk, a rookie, will make the initial 53-man roster but was still competing for opportunities on Sunday. The depth chart isn't finalized yet and it's still unclear exactly what role he'll have in his rookie campaign, but there's a decent chance he could start alongside Demario Douglas. His usage could also depend on whether New England starts Jacoby Brissett (shoulder) or Drake Maye at quarterback in Week 1. As it stands, Polk is a solid dynasty target but can be avoided in most redraft leagues.
Cleveland Browns RB Nick Chubb (knee) is expected to remain on the Physically Unable to Perform list to start the season, which would make him ineligible for the first four games.
Fantasy Spin: No surprise here as Chubb was being drafted as a stash option. Jerome Ford's ADP of 111 is likely to increase with the news. He'll make a solid flex option early in the year and could have roster viability all season.
From TheHuddle
Free-agent WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (Patriots) agreed to an undisclosed deal with the Kansas City Chiefs Monday, Aug. 26.
Fantasy Spin: Marquise Brown is recovering from a dislocated clavicle and JuJu will provide depth to a suspect receiving corps. Target him as a WR5, but after 28 catches last year, temper your expectations.
From TheHuddle
Free agent wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is heading back to Kansas City for a reunion with Andy Reid and company. According to Jordan Schultz, the reigning Super Bowl champs are adding the seven-year veteran to their receiver corps. Smith-Schuster last played for the Chiefs in 2022 when they beat the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl for the first half of their back-to-back wins. Last year, the 27-year-old experienced the worst season of his career with the New England Patriots when he caught just 29 of 47 targets for 260 yards and one touchdown across 11 appearances. Then, he was cut by the Patriots this offseason which led to him being available for the Chiefs to scoop up. It's unclear how many opportunities he'll see, but the chemistry with Patrick Mahomes is already there. He'll still have to compete with Travis Kelce, Xavier Worthy, Rashee Rice, and eventually Marquise Brown (shoulder) for targets.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (knee) is expected to remain on the Physically Unable to Perform List to start the season. According to Adam Schefter, the Browns are not ready to activate the star back and that means he will miss at least the first four games of the regular season. This doesn't come as too big of a surprise since Chubb's major injury last season, but now it becomes a waiting game. With Chubb on the sidelines for at least four games, Jerome Ford will likely take on the bulk of the workload again while Pierre Strong Jr., D'Onta Foreman, and maybe even Nyheim Hines (knee) battle for reps behind him.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back Tony Jones took seven carries for 29 yards in Sunday's preseason finale. He also caught two passes for 14 yards. The Cardinals went to the fourth-year veteran early and often, getting Jones a touch on five of their first seven offensive plays. Jones was knocked out of his final audition for the team early when he suffered a shoulder injury after getting tackled in the second quarter. Broncos linebacker Justin Strnad's blow also knocked the ball out of Jones's possession, the first of two red zone turnovers committed by Arizona in the game. James Conner is locked in as the Cardinals' starting running back with Trey Benson drafted to be his understudy. Even if Jones makes the final 53-man roster on Tuesday, he will not have the opportunity to provide fantasy value and can be ignored.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back Hassan Hall led the team in rushing attempts and yardage in Sunday's loss to the Denver Broncos. Hall was given 19 carries and rushed for 59 yards and a touchdown. He also had four receptions for another 28 yards through the air. Hall also showed a penchant for blocking, on one play intercepting a blitzing safety then popping up to throw to more blocks ahead of a scrambling Clayton Tune. Hall's solid performance in the preseason finale might have earned him a spot on Arizona's final roster. Even if he makes the cut, he will be buried on the Cardinals' depth chart.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune went 12-for-18 for 119 passing yards and an interception in Sunday's preseason loss to the Denver Broncos. Tune drew the start and was swapped out for Desmond Ridder at halftime. Unfortunately, Ridder was forced to exit with a head injury late in the fourth quarter, requiring Tune to resume signal-calling duties. On Tune's first play back, he gave up an interception that linebacker Levelle Bailey returned 94-yards for a touchdown. Assuming Tune makes the final roster on Tuesday, he will merely be Kyler Murray's backup and can be dismissed in fantasy drafts.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley had his best game of the preseason on Sunday evening as he caught four passes for 37 yards. This starkly contrasts the previous two games, as he was held off the scoresheet against the Jets and caught only two passes for eight yards last week against the Dolphins. While he did not stand out during the first two games, his performance on Sunday evening may have earned him a spot on the final roster. Tinsley made the Washington roster as an undrafted free agent last summer after a big preseason but made only three minor appearances during the regular season. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to who will emerge as the No.2 wideout opposite of Terry McLaurin during the early parts of the season, as that role is still unknown as we enter the opening week of the regular season.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders kicker Cade York went 2-for-2 on field goal attempts and 1-for-1 on extra-point attempts on Sunday evening. York joined the Commanders via a trade from the Cleveland Browns on Thursday in exchange for a seventh-round pick. The Commanders waived Riley Patterson, who had struggled this preseason, which left York as the only kicker on the roster for Sunday's game. The 23-year-old was perfect on Sunday evening and should be expected to serve as the primary kicker in Washington going forward. York was selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft but only saw attempts in that season as he was waived before the 2023 season after struggling in his rookie campaign. While York will be left on the waiver wire in most leagues, he could be worth a look as a streaming option as the season progresses, especially if Jayden Daniels adjusts quickly to the professional level.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders quarterback Trace McSorley shined in the second half as he threw for 125 yards with a passing score and added 40 yards on the ground. The former Penn State product led the Commanders to all of their 20 points in the second half. McSorley tallied his passing score in the final minutes of the game on a four-yard pass to Martavis Bryant. Jeff Driskel got the starting nod as he is currently listed as the No.3 quarterback on the depth chart, but McSorley's performance does put him in the conversation to take over that role. McSorley appeared in six games in the 2022 season and got the start in a Week 16 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and threw for 217 yards. While his performance on Sunday evening may have earned him a spot on the final roster, he will only be fantasy-relevant if the quarterback room suffers numerous injuries.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Javon Baker was targeted seven times during Sunday's preseason finale against the Washington Commanders, but he finished the game with just two catches for 33 yards through the air. The fourth-round pick will make the initial 53-man roster, but his exact slot on the depth chart isn't yet confirmed. He's unlikely to crack the starting lineup and therefore can be avoided in most redraft leagues. Managers could justify selecting him in deeper dynasty leagues, though.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III completed just five of his 17 pass attempts for 78 yards through the air during Sunday's preseason finale against the Washington Commanders. He finished the game with zero touchdowns and zero interceptions. Although Milton's stats were far from promising, he should still hold on to the third-string quarterback role given that his main competition, Bailey Zappe, didn't enter until the final drive Sunday. As long as Jacoby Brissett (shoulder) and Drake Maye are active on gameday, Milton will ride the bench as the emergency third-string quarterback during his rookie campaign.
From RotoBaller