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FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

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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Micah Parsons Sep 27 2:20pm ET
Micah Parsons

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons (ankle) could end up missing some time after suffering an injury during Thursday's win over the New York Giants. The superstar pass rusher has reportedly suffered a high-ankle sprain. The organization hasn't yet given a timetable for Parsons, but it wouldn't be shocking if he does miss time. Luckily, the Cowboys do have 10 days off before they play the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5. Parsons has been off to a slow start with only 14 tackles and one sack through the first four games. However, his absence would be a significant blow to this defense going forward.

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Marshawn Kneeland Sep 27 2:20pm ET
Marshawn Kneeland

Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) could be in danger of missing some time after suffering an injury during Thursday's game against the New York Giants. This is bad timing for the Cowboys with Micah Parsons (ankle) also picking up an injury during that game. The team hasn't given a timetable for Parsons, but they expect Lawrence to miss multiple weeks due to a foot injury. Not good news considering Lawrence has been a solid contributor for the Cowboys. He has 14 tackles, three sacks, and four tackles for loss through four games. Chauncey Golston or Marshawn Kneeland are next in line to see increased snaps with Lawrence likely out a few weeks.

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Diontae Johnson Sep 27 2:00pm ET
Diontae Johnson

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (groin) is listed as questionable to face the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday in Week 4. Johnson popped up on the Week 4 injury report after missing practice on Thursday, but he was able to return to the practice field on Friday, giving him a shot to play this weekend. Johnson's status looms even larger after Carolina placed fellow wideout Adam Thielen (hamstring) on Injured Reserve earlier this week. If Johnson is limited or out in Week 4, that takes out the Panthers' top two receiving options for veteran Andy Dalton. Even if Johnson suits up on Sunday, rookie Xavier Legette should be in for an expanded role, making him worth a look as a WR4/flex play in deeper fantasy leagues against a Bengals defense that isn't scaring anyone. Jonathan Mingo would serve as Carolina's No. 2 WR if Johnson isn't given the green light.

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Nico Collins Sep 27 1:40pm ET
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Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) was seen at practice on Friday and is trending toward playing in Week 4 on Sunday versus the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Collins was added to the Week 4 injury report after putting in a limited practice on Thursday. Fantasy managers should check back to see what Collins' official status is for the weekend, but even if he's questionable, it appears that he's on the right side of questionable after not missing any practice time this week. The 25-year-old pass-catcher should be in all starting fantasy lineups against a porous Jags defense if he's active, especially with fellow wideout Tank Dell (chest) unlikely to play. Collins went over 100 yards receiving in each of the first two weeks despite the addition of Stefon Diggs in the offseason, and he currently leads the league with 112.7 yards per game.

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Jordan Addison Sep 27 1:30pm ET
Jordan Addison

After missing the last two games with an ankle injury, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) plans to play in a big Week 4 divisional game at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers. After a second straight day of limited practice on Thursday, Addison said that he's "ready to go" and expects to play on Sunday. Fantasy managers will want to check Minnesota's final injury report on Friday, but all signs are pointing towards Addison making his return this weekend, which is certainly good news for the 3-0 Vikings. It's bad news for anyone that has plucked Jalen Nailor off the waiver wire in recent weeks, though, after he has scored a touchdown in each of the team's first three games of 2024. Addison, who had 911 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie in 2023, caught just three of four targets for 35 yards in the season-opening win over the New York Giants.

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Tank Dell Sep 27 1:30pm ET
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Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (chest) was not seen at the portion of Friday's practice that was open to the media. Dell also missed the first two practices of the week and is considered unlikely to play in Week 4 against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Dell also injured his hand/wrist at the end of the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, but the good news is that none of his injuries are considered long-term. Check back later for Houston's final injury designations, but fantasy managers should be moving Dell to their benches for the week. Nico Collins (hamstring) also popped up on the injury report this week, but he appears to be fine to play. Both Collins and Stefon Diggs will have higher ceilings and floors this week if Dell is officially ruled out, as will struggling tight end Dalton Schultz. Dell has been the clear WR3 this year and has nine catches for 99 yards through three weeks.

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Sam LaPorta Sep 27 1:20pm ET
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After missing practice on Thursday, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (ankle) was back at practice on Thursday. LaPorta was likely a limited participant, but either way, the fact that he's back on the practice field is a great sign and will give him a chance to suit up in Week 4 on Monday night against the visiting Seattle Seahawks. However, if LaPorta is ultimately questionable and up in the air to play, it will present fantasy managers with a difficult decision with Detroit's game this week coming on Monday. The 23-year-old was carted to the locker room after injuring his ankle in the Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals but eventually returned. LaPorta has disappointed with only eight catches for 94 yards and no touchdowns in three games in 2024, but if he's on track to play, he needs to remain locked into all fantasy lineups. If LaPorta cannot play against Seattle, Brock Wright would again see a role boost.

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Marvin Harrison Jr. Sep 27 1:20pm ET
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Deebo Samuel Sep 27 1:10pm ET
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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) has a chance to return in Week 4 against the New England Patriots a week earlier than expected, but a lot is riding on his practice status on Friday. Samuel did not practice on Wednesday before returning to a limited session on Thursday. "The best athletes seem to heal at a little better rate... The reason he's on the field is because he hit all the markers," general manager John Lynch said. Fantasy managers will want to check back for Samuel's official injury designation for the weekend. The 28-year-old will likely be questionable, at best, and even if he does suit up on Sunday, he could be on a pitch count. After initially injuring his calf, Samuel was expected to be out for two to three weeks. Jauan Jennings went off for 175 yards and three touchdowns in the Week 3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams with both Samuel and tight end George Kittle (hamstring) out.

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DeVonta Smith Sep 27 1:10pm ET
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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (concussion) was not seen at the portion of Friday's practice open to the media. Smith also didn't practice on Wednesday or Thursday, so he's trending towards being ruled out for the Week 4 contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday after suffering a concussion on a cheap shot in the Week 3 win over the New Orleans Saints. Fantasy managers will want to check back for the 25-year-old's official status later in the day, but there's a good chance they won't have him available this weekend. A.J. Brown (hamstring) returned to practice on Friday after missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but it's still unknown if he'll play against Tampa. If both Brown and Smith are unable to go, tight end Dallas Goedert could be in line for another monster game.

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Jake Ferguson Sep 27 1:00pm ET
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Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson caught all seven of his targets for 49 yards in Thursday's victory over the New York Giants. This was another strong outing for the 25-year-old as he caught six of his 11 targets for 95 yards last week against the Baltimore Ravens. After missing the second game of the season due to an MCL sprain, the tight end has bounced back quite well and should be viewed as a safe TE1 going forward. Ferguson has established himself as the clear No.2 pass-catching option behind CeeDee Lamb and should see a consistent amount of targets on a weekly basis. Ferguson should be locked into all starting lineups next weekend even though he will face a tough Pittsburgh Steelers defense.

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Joe Mixon Sep 27 12:50pm ET
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Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) was seen at Friday's practice, according to DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN. Mixon did not practice during the first two sessions earlier this week, so this could open the door for the 28-year-old to return to action this weekend. Mixon sat out last Sunday's game due to an ankle injury. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report, as it should provide clarity on Mixon's status heading into the weekend. If he were to miss his second straight game, fantasy managers should expect Cam Akers to lead the backfield once again against the Jacksonville Jaguars, as No.2 running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) has not yet practiced this week.

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A.J. Brown Sep 27 12:50pm ET
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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) returned to practice on Friday, according to Jimmy Kempski of the Philly Voice. The standout wide receiver has been sidelined over the past two weeks due to a hamstring injury. This is a great sign to see Brown back at practice and could open the door for him to return this weekend after his two-game absence. Fantasy managers should monitor the injury report later, as Brown will likely carry a designation into the weekend. The 27-year-old would be a welcome addition to the wide receiver room this weekend as No.2 wideout DeVonta Smith (concussion) has not yet practiced this week due to a concussion. If Brown is able to suit up on Sunday, he should be viewed as a high-end WR1. If he misses his third-straight game, fantasy managers should expect tight end Dallas Goedert to serve as the 'go-to' option for Jalen Hurts.

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Rico Dowdle Sep 27 12:40pm ET
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Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle tallied a season-high 46 yards on 11 carries and added 15 yards and a score on one catch in Thursday's victory over the New York Giants. Dowdle found the end zone for the first time this season on a screen pass just inside the red zone. Dowdle was also given a majority of the running back snaps on Thursday as he saw 24 compared to Ezekiel Elliott's nine. Elliott saw only five attempts and tallied just 19 yards. Both running backs typically split opportunities over the opening games of the season, but it looks like Dowdle is beginning to establish himself as the leader of this backfield. Despite his modest output on the ground, fantasy managers should still view Dowdle as an RB3/flex play with upside heading into Week 5.

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CeeDee Lamb Sep 27 12:40pm ET
CeeDee Lamb

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb caught seven of his eight targets for 98 yards and a score on Thursday evening against the New York Giants. Lamb once again led the Dallas receiving room in total yards and targets but tied Jake Ferguson with a team-high in receptions. The 25-year-old broke free for an impressive 55-yard score in the second quarter. After catching just four passes last week, Lamb got himself back on track with a strong outing on Thursday. Fantasy managers should continue to view the Oklahoma product as a high-end WR1 who has the chance to finish at the top of the position for the second straight season. Next week, he faces a tough Pittsburgh Steelers defense that has allowed the fourth-lowest point totals to opposing wideouts but should remain locked into all starting lineups.

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Dak Prescott Sep 27 12:30pm ET
Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott went 22-for-27 with 221 passing yards and two scores on Thursday evening en route to defeating the New York Giants. The 31-year-old's longest pass of the night came on a 55-yard TD pass to CeeDee Lamb. His other score came off a 15-yard pass to running back Rico Dowdle on a screen. Prescott locked onto his top two targets all game as both Lamb and tight end Jake Ferguson caught seven passes each. After throwing for an impressive 379 yards last weekend, Prescott was more of a game manager on Thursday night and did not have to push the ball downfield too often. Fantasy managers should feel confident starting Prescott as a QB1 going forward, even though he will face a tough Pittsburgh defense next weekend.

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Evan Engram Sep 27 12:20pm ET
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Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) is considered doubtful for Sunday's game, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Engram injured his hamstring during warmups prior to their Week 2 matchup and has been sidelined since. The 30-year-old has not logged a practice yet this week which is not a promising sign for his status this weekend. Fantasy managers should closely monitor Friday's injury report as it should provide clarity on his status heading into the weekend. Engram caught a career-high 114 receptions last season and remains a safe TE1 when he is on the field. If Engram misses his third-straight game on Sunday, fantasy managers should expect Brenton Strange to get the starting nod again. Strange has seen at least five targets in each of the past two games and could be a viable replacement option in deeper formats.

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David Njoku Sep 27 12:10pm ET
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Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) will miss his third straight game as he will not suit up this weekend when the Browns face the Las Vegas Raiders. The tight end suffered a high-ankle sprain in the season-opener against the Dallas Cowboys and has remained sidelined since. However, the 28-year-old returned to practice in a limited capacity on Thursday but is still not cleared to return to game action. Fantasy managers should monitor Njoku's status before their Week 5 match against the Washington Commanders. Fantasy managers should expect Jordan Akins to serve as the lead tight end again on Sunday. He could be a viable play in deeper formats, as he caught four of his seven targets last week.

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Trey McBride Sep 27 12:10pm ET
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (concussion) will not play on Sunday due to a concussion, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. McBride entered concussion protocol following last weekend's game after he took a hard helmet-to-helmet hit. The Colorado State product did not practice this week and will now set his sights on returning in Week 5 when the Cardinals face their division rival, the San Francisco 49ers. McBride has seen at least six targets in each of the first three games this season, with a high of nine in Week 2. Fantasy managers should closely monitor McBride's status next week. Elijah Higgins will now serve as the No.1 tight end in Arizona this weekend and could be a sneaky play in DFS and deeper formats as he faces the Washington Commanders who have one of the worst pass defenses in the sport.

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Daniel Jones Sep 27 10:50am ET
Daniel Jones

New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson was heavily involved (once again) in Thursday night's 20-15 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, hauling in 11 of 14 targets for 71 yards. Despite the high reception total, Robinson averaged just 6.5 yards per catch, with his longest reception going for 11 yards. While he was a reliable short-yardage option for Daniel Jones, Robinson couldn't find the end zone, limiting his fantasy ceiling. Fantasy managers will appreciate the volume, but his low yardage per reception and lack of scoring suggest he'll need more explosive plays to become a consistent fantasy starter.

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