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.
Free agent wide receiver Kadarius Toney completed his visit with the Seahawks and did not leave with a contract according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Fowler reports that Toney will likely take at least one more visit as he weighs his free agency options. Toney had 27 catches for 169 yards and a touchdown last season for the Chiefs. The former first-round pick out of Florida will look to catch on with a team soon after he was released by Kansas City this offseason.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Devin White has been ruled out for Friday night's opener against the Green Bay Packers in Brazil with an ankle injury. White joined the Eagles from Tampa Bay this season after making the Pro Bowl for the Buccaneers in 2022. He is expected to have a big role this year in Philadelphia as a middle linebacker but will have to wait until Week 2 at the earliest for his Eagles debut.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II has signed a four-year, $96 million extension with $77.5 million guaranteed, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The new deal makes Surtain the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history. The two-time Pro Bowl corner saw his contract negotiated by Tory Dandy of CAA. Surtain was the ninth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Alabama. He was first-team All-Pro in 2022 and has seven interceptions in his three-year NFL career.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase could need to practice on Wednesday in order to play on Sunday according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Chase is still without a new deal as of Wednesday morning and today is a big day in the contract negotiations in relation to Chase's availability for Week 1 according to Russini's report. Chase is a long-time Bengal and has a long-standing connection with Joe Burrow so he could get by with less practice time than others, but Russini believes a Wednesday practice could be a key sign whether or not Chase will be on the field for the Bengals against the Patriots on Sunday. Chase would be locked and loaded as a WR1 in fantasy any time he is on the field.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans backup quarterback Davis Mills has signed a one-year contract extension according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The deal features $5 million per year in new money and keeps Mills with the Texans through 2025. There are also playing time incentives written into the contract extension. The 2021 third-round pick is locked in as the backup to C.J. Stroud and the new extension provides a bit of job security in the near future. This shouldn't have fantasy implications unless something were to happen to Stroud.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner is the 'bell cow in that (running back) room,' according to offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
Fantasy Spin: In case some of Trey Benson's biggest supporters needed to hear it from the play-caller himself. It is not a fantasy football season unless Conner is underrated. This year, managers have been hesitant to invest too much into Conner for two reasons: 1) a potential challenge from Benson and 2) the 29-year-old's durability issues. Conner managers should not hesitate to pick up Benson whenever and wherever possible, but it seems as though the rookie's value in 2024 will be mostly as a handcuff. It should also be noted that Conner was the highest-scoring non-quarterback in fantasy from Weeks 13-18, which is about the same time Kyler Murray started to look comfortable with his knee following his recovery from a torn ACL.
From TheHuddle
Houston Texans RB Joe Mixon (quad) 'displayed explosiveness during a (recent) joint practice session against the Los Angeles Rams and appears to be fully recovered from the quad injury that caused him to miss the majority of the preseason, according to KPRC's Aaron Wilson. 'Joe will be doing what he's done his entire career. I don't think you'll see anything different. He's a strong, physical back. He's going to get yards. So, I'm excited about seeing Joe run the ball behind our offensive line,' head coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters on Tuesday, Sept. 4.
Fantasy Spin: Mixon was not an efficient back in Cincinnati despite the Bengals' ridiculous talent in the passing game, but the 28-year-old will get another crack to anchor a ground game attached to a dynamic passing attack. Ryans' comments would suggest he will get his usual 300-plus touches, which will be enough to keep him firmly in the high-end RB2 conversation at worst.
From TheHuddle
Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Adonai Mitchell and Alec Pierce will both have roles on offense this season, according to JJ Stankevitz of the team's official website. He noted that Mitchell has displayed impressive size, speed, and athleticism while getting extra reps in the slot with Josh Downs (ankle) sidelined. Meanwhile, Pierce has earned plenty of high praise from the coaching staff after consistently making plays on short, intermediate, and deep passes. Head coach Shane Steichen mentioned that he hopes Pierce's consistency will continue into the regular season while general manager Chris Ballard said that the receiver had his best camp yet. These two pass-catchers won't be able to touch Michael Pittman Jr. on the depth chart, but it sounds like they'll both still get involved as early as Week 1. However, with a little bit of competition and some lingering questions about Anthony Richardson's passing upside, it's best to hold off on pursuing Mitchell or Pierce in fantasy football for now.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told the media that he "can't say enough" about the consistency exhibited by wide receivers Van Jefferson and Scotty Miller this summer. Both receivers were new additions this offseason and appear to have earned some praise from the coaching staff. Jefferson caught 20 passes for 209 yards last year while Miller tallied 11 catches, 161 yards, and a pair of touchdowns. It's unclear exactly what role they will have in 2024, but Tomlin's praise gives them some extra credibility and favor as the Steelers sort through their depth behind George Pickens. With that said, they can both be avoided in fantasy football for the time being.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (quadriceps) is fully healthy, according to KPRC's Aaron Wilson. Mixon reportedly dealt with an undisclosed issue throughout the preseason, which we now know was a quadricep injury. He didn't suit up for any of the Texans' preseason games, but that may have been a result of his veteran status rather than any real injury concerns. Regardless, we now know that Mixon is fully healthy and should not have any limitations when he makes his Texans debut against the Colts on Sunday. The veteran appeared in all 17 games for the Bengals last season, registering 1,034 rushing yards, 376 receiving yards, and 12 total touchdowns. If he can continue to produce at this pace, he'll be a low-end RB1 in fantasy football this year.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner "is the bell cow in that room," offensive coordinator Drew Petzing told the media on Tuesday. In simpler terms, Conner remains the primary option in Arizona's backfield. After all, there's no reason to reduce his workload given that he excelled in 2023. Last year, despite being 28 years old, he delivered 1,040 rushing yards, 165 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns. Now, entering his age-29 campaign, he remains a solid RB2 option for fantasy purposes. Petzing's comments come amidst speculation that rookie Trey Benson may eat into Conner's workload. While Arizona surely hopes Benson is their future franchise running back and could need him to carry the backfield at a moment's notice, the bell cow role still belongs to Conner for now.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown is listed as the team's primary kick returner heading into the 2024 season. This update coincides with the news that Brown ranks second on the running back depth chart behind Zack Moss. As it stands, Brown may have a slightly smaller role than many managers anticipated; we may see the two of them receive more of a defined starter and backup workload rather than a true 50/50 split. This means that Brown will still get involved out of the backfield, but he's likely headed for fewer opportunities than Moss while also playing a role on special teams. As a result, Brown is difficult to trust in fantasy lineups for Week 1 against the Patriots. He ranks outside the top 36 running backs while Moss is a low-end RB2.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler is expected to return kicks following the latest depth chart update. Chandler is listed as the team's primary kick returner while Brandon Powell handles punt return duties. This development comes in the wake of Minnesota's decision to release talented returner Kene Nwangwu. Chandler has big shoes to fill but is likely up for the challenge after getting a taste of the job last year. He returned four kicks for 97 yards in 2023. Fantasy managers should keep in mind that just because he is returning kicks doesn't mean he won't see snaps out of the backfield. Minnesota is expected to rely on Chandler to take some of the workload off veteran Aaron Jones. Chandler might not see quite enough snaps to warrant any fantasy consideration immediately, but he's an intriguing insurance policy at the very least.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Devin White (ankle) was able to get through a limited practice session on Tuesday. White is currently battling an ankle injury that could sideline him for the Week 1 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. The former first-round pick is heading into his first season in Philly. He collected 566 tackles, 23 sacks, and six fumbles forced during his first five seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His absence would certainly be a hit to this Eagles defense. Nakobe Dean would likely be in line to start at inside linebacker if White is unable to play. That would be a downgrade for this defense, but nothing is official yet.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was named one of the starters ahead of the Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Unsurprisingly, Thomas has been named as a starter after the Jaguars selected him in the first round of this year's draft. Thomas had a breakout season during final year at LSU where he recorded 1,177 receiving yards with 17 touchdowns. There was little doubt that Thomas wouldn't be a starter given Parker Washington and Devin Duvernay were his main competition. Now, Thomas will have to fight for targets with Christian Kirk and newcomer Gabe Davis. The expectation is that Thomas is going to see a solid volume of targets making him worth snagging in just about every fantasy format. The rookie wideout could end up being the best receiving option on the team before the season is done.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins will look to rejuvenate his career with his new team in 2024. The former second-round pick has been held to 24 total games since being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2020. The talent is there as Dobbins has averaged 5.8 yards per carry since joining the league. Sadly, Dobbins hasn't been able to stay on the field due to injuries. Despite that, Ben Solak of ESPN believes Dobbins can be the X-factor on this Chargers roster. He's probably not wrong as Dobbins does have all the talent and big-play ability to be a legitimate option in the league. The Chargers figure to be a run-heavy offense under new head coach Jim Harbaugh. Fantasy managers shouldn't spent a high pick on Dobbins, but he could be worth a look as a late-round option in deep leagues. If healthy, Dobbins could be a difference maker on this offense that doesn't have a true No. 1 back heading into Week 1.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku has been banged up during the preseason, but appears ready to go for the season opener. The 28-year-old will get back on the practice field this week as he prepares for the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys. Njoku surprised fantasy managers last season with 81 receptions for 882 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games. The Browns have done very little with adding any competition at the tight end spot. Right now, Jordan Akins is penciled in as the No. 2 tight end and he's not a threat to take away targets from Njoku. Last season, Njoku saw 123 targets which is a career-high for the veteran tight end. He figures to once again be relied upon in an offense that doesn't have many reliable options outside of Amari Cooper in the receiving game. Njoku finished as the TE6 last season and he should be able to post similar stats again as long as he can stay healthy.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans RB Joe Mixon is fully healthy after a preseason quadriceps injury and is expected to have a heavy workload in the offense, Aaron Wilson of Click2Houston.com wrote on Tuesday, Sept. 3.
Fantasy Spin: Mixon has Dameon Pierce and Cam Akers behind him, but he was always expected to at least lead the group. After finishing as RB11 overall in points per game last season, Mixon stands to receive a heavy workload in an explosive offense that should offer plenty of touchdown chances. He's an RB2 with RB1 upside if everything pans out.
From TheHuddle
The New Orleans Saints have listed quarterbacks Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener as co-backups on their first official depth chart for the 2024 season behind starter Derek Carr. The Saints apparently couldn't decide on either Rattler or Haener as the primary backup behind Carr after they competed all throughout training camp and the preseason. Neither signal-caller stood out over the other during preseason games, so it's anyone's guess who will be active behind Carr this Sunday for the Week 1 regular-season opener against the division-rival Carolina Panthers. Rattler was a fifth-rounder back in April, and the Saints want to develop him for a potential starting role down the line. Haener, 25, was a fourth-round selection back in 2021 but has yet to make his NFL debut.
From RotoBaller
The Houston Texans reached injury settlements with rookie running back Jawhar Jordan (oblique) and defensive tackle Pheldarius Payne (hamstring) on Tuesday, waiving them from Injured Reserve. Jordan was taken in the sixth round this past April out of Louisville by the Texans, but he won't make his NFL debut in Houston. The 25-year-old will need to prove his healthy before potentially joining another organization, most likely on the practice squad. Jordan lacks size and physicality, but he could eventually develop into a third-down back somewhere if he can stay healthy because of his vision on the field and his blocking skills in pass protection. Payne, 24, is expected to join the team's practice squad after reaching an injury settlement. He suffered his hamstring injury in the team's preseason finale.
From RotoBaller