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.
Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 9
This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams faced a challenging matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. In Week 9, Williams completed only 22 of 41 passes for 217 yards and failed to throw a touchdown. This performance marks a second consecutive week of struggles for the young quarterback, which is particularly concerning against a defense that hasn't been regarded as formidable. Despite the disappointing stats, it's important to note that Williams was under constant pressure throughout the game. His offensive line struggled to provide adequate protection, leading to hurried throws and limited offensive production. To add insult to injury, Williams also tweaked his ankle late in the 4th quarter, so his health will need to be monitored moving forward. While fantasy managers had hoped for a breakout performance, the ongoing issues with the offensive line have made it difficult for Williams to find his rhythm. Addressing these protection issues as the Bears prepare for their next matchup against the New England Patriots will be crucial for Williams' development and fantasy viability.
From RotoBaller
On Sunday, Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift had a tough outing against the Arizona Cardinals, resulting in what can only be described as an average performance. He recorded 16 carries for just 51 yards, failing to reach the end zone, which was disappointing for those relying on him in fantasy leagues. However, he managed to contribute in the passing game by adding six receptions for 31 yards, which provided some relief for fantasy managers seeking points. Unfortunately, Swift's struggles were compounded by a struggling offensive line that had a particularly rough day, failing to create adequate running lanes and making his job significantly more challenging than in previous weeks. Additionally, Swift encountered difficulties in pass protection, notably picking up a blocking penalty in the end zone that resulted in a safety, further hindering the Bears' offensive momentum. Overall, it was a tough day for Swift, but his versatility as a receiver offers hope for better performances ahead.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 25 of his 44 pass attempts for 298 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in Sunday's 26-20 win over the Seattle Seahawks. The interception was a double whammy in that it set up a Seahawks touchdown just before halftime and also inadvertently led to the disqualification of Puka Nacua, who was ejected for throwing a punch at the end of the play. Stafford recovered, though, connecting with Demarcus Robinson for a touchdown once in the third quarter and again in overtime to secure the Rams' victory. Stafford faced heavy pressure throughout the game which affected his accuracy, though he was never sacked. Stafford is back in play as a streaming option in fantasy and will face the Miami Dolphins on Monday night in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams gained 69 rushing yards on 22 carries and had another 26 yards on his lone reception (on three targets) in Sunday's 26-20 win over the Seahawks. Williams also committed a fumble but was fortunate that Cooper Kupp fell on the ball to recover. It was the first game since Week 14 of the 2023 season that he did not record a touchdown. It was tough sledding for Williams against an aggressive Seattle front seven. He did break a few big gains but half of his carries went for two yards or fewer. One of the few bell cows in the league, Williams was on the field for 76 of the Rams' 77 offensive snaps in a game that went to overtime. He is a must-start in Week 10 when Los Angeles takes on a Miami Dolphins defense that has been especially vulnerable against the run this year.
From RotoBaller
It is safe to say that the high ankle sprain that kept Cooper Kupp sidelined for five weeks (including a bye) is no longer an issue. In the Rams' 26-20 win over the Seahawks on Sunday the wide receiver had 11 catches on 14 targets for 104 yards, leading the team in each category. Kupp was heavily favored by quarterback Matthew Stafford even before Puka Nacua's ejection just before halftime, collecting nine targets in the first half alone. Also encouraging was seeing his snap share leap up another week removed from his injury. After participating in just over half of the Rams' plays last week against the Vikings, Kupp was on the field for 63 of 77 offensive snaps in the Rams' overtime victory. Los Angeles gets Miami in Week 10 and even though the Dolphins have been more susceptible to the run than the pass this year, Kupp's rapport with Stafford keeps him in must-start territory.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson secured six of his nine targets for 94 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's win over the Seattle Seahawks. His first touchdown came in the third quarter and brought the Rams' within three points of their division rivals. The second score came in overtime and won the game for Los Angeles. The play, which ended up as the Rams' longest of the game, was a 39-yard bomb that Robinson brought in with his right arm while he was fending off a defender with his left. Robinson's increased role was likely the result of the ejection of Puka Nacua just before halftime. Sunday's effort marks the second consecutive game in which Robinson has had two touchdowns. Despite the deluge of scoring, he will be hard to depend on in fantasy as he will revert to his status as the Rams' third wide receiver when Nacua returns in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau had just one catch in Week 9 but it was good for a 17-yard touchdown. His only other target was another shot in the end zone that came in too low for Moreau to secure. Moreau's effort on his score in the fourth quarter was impressive. The 250-lb tight end turned in stride and made a leaping catch while twisting in midair then kept his feet and legs in bounds as he fell to the ground near the side of the end zone. When Moreau rose from the turf he held the ball aloft with both hands, demonstrating he never lost possession despite his defender's best efforts to pull it loose as they collided. The grab was Moreau's third score of the year but just his twelfth reception overall. Primarily used as an extra blocker, Moreau shouldn't be depended on in fantasy in Week 10 when the Saints face the Atlanta Falcons.
From RotoBaller
Jack of all trades Taysom Hill was again involved as a rusher, receiver, and passer in the Saints' 23-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. In Week 9, Hill gained 19 yards and scored a touchdown on five carries, caught four of his five targets for 41 yards, and threw one pass attempt that fell incomplete. The touchdown was his third of the season and his 60 scrimmage yards represented a new season-high. Five of his touches resulted in first-down conversions. The Saints came into the game with an offense depleted by injury and then lost Chris Olave (concussion) in the first quarter, setting Hill up for increased usage. That trend will likely hold for the Saints' upcoming matchup against the Atlanta Falcons as New Orleans will still be short on skill players. Kendre Miller (hamstring) and Bub Means (ankle) were both placed on injured reserve earlier this week and Olave's concussion is his second in the last four weeks, leaving his status for Week 10 in doubt.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara had a whopping 29 carries and ran for 155 yards against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Kamara also led the Saints in receiving in their 23-22 loss, catching six of his nine targets for 60 yards. Already the league leader in touches entering Week 9, it was expected that Kamara would see a heavy workload. Jamaal Williams (groin) and Kendre Miller (hamstring) were both inactive and the Saints' already thin receiving corps lost Chris Olave (concussion) midway through the first quarter, increasing the Saints' reliance on Kamara further. Kamara has been held out of the end zone since Week 6 but now has over 1,000 yards from scrimmage on the season. He will face off against the Falcons in Week 10, against whom he gained 119 total yards and scored a touchdown in Week 4.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr returned to action on Sunday for the first time since exiting Week 5 with an oblique injury. He went 18-for-31 for 236 yards and a touchdown in the 23-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Carr lost the services of Chris Olave (concussion) midway through the first quarter after the receiver was hit hard going up for a pass that left him defenseless. Most of Carr's passes were on short and intermediate routes, perhaps to avoid any further stress as he continues healing. Curiously, one of Carr's few deep shots came on the Saints' last play of the game when he lofted a ball up for a well-covered Cedrick Wilson Jr. when New Orleans needed just four yards to convert on fourth down with 64 seconds left on the game clock. Carr was 1-for-5 on red zone pass attempts with the lone completion being his touchdown pass to tight end Foster Moreau. With a depleted pass-catching corps, Carr will be hard to trust in Week 10 when the Saints host the Atlanta Falcons.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had seven catches for 180 yards and two touchdowns in Seattle's loss to the Rams. Dynasty Analysis: This was a much needed monster game from last year's first round pick. Smith-Njigba has been quiet playing behind Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf over the past year and a half, but took advantage of Metcalf being out today to post a career game. While this may very well be the best game of his year, he's very much lineup worthy again. Unfortunately, the Seahawks have a bye and it's unlikely Metcalf misses more time. Still, Smith-Njigba's dynasty value dip should end after today's performance.
Dynasty | Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was ejected from Sunday's win against Seattle. Dynasty Analysis: Nacua posted one catch for 11 yards before being tossed after throwing a punch at a defender. It was a disaster for dynasty managers, but certainly not something that's going to linger. Nacua could be fined for the incident, but it's hard to see him being suspended over this. In the end, Nacua should return to his WR1/2 spot when the Rams take the field again.
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram caught five of 10 targets for 45 yards during Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. With Christian Kirk (collarbone) and Gabe Davis (shoulder) sidelined, there were extra opportunities available for Jacksonville's pass-catchers. Engram ended up being the biggest benefactor, commanding double-digit targets for the second time in the last four weeks. He'll rank as a mid-to-low TE1 in Week 10 against the Minnesota Vikings.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence completed just 16 of 31 passes for 169 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions during Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He also took two sacks and rushed for eight yards. The 25-year-old has been a high-end fantasy QB2 this season, totaling 11 touchdowns and six interceptions. He should be avoided in single-quarterback leagues ahead of next week's matchup against a difficult Minnesota Vikings defense.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson caught 3-of-4 targets for 27 yards in the team's 21-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts. It was the former Iowa Hawkeye's first taste of action since tearing his ACL and MCL late last season. The three receptions are slightly disappointing; still, it is excellent to see him escape the outing, seemingly still healthy. As the season progresses. Hockenson's snap count and opportunity share will likely continue rising, and he'll get eased in with another softer matchup his next time out in Week 10. The Vikings will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars next Sunday in what projects to be an easier go against a subpar Jags secondary.
From RotoBaller
The Las Vegas Raiders hired offensive coordinator Luke Getsy following Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He was in his first season with the franchise following an underwhelming stint with the Chicago Bears. The Raiders also fired offensive line coach James Cregg and quarterbacks coach Rich Scangarello. Evidently, Las Vegas ownership felt it was time to make a move after their team lost to the Bengals by a score of 41-24 on Sunday. Quarterback Gardner Minshew II was benched for Desmond Ridder during the contest while Alexander Mattison was held to just 36 rushing yards. If the Raiders, currently 2-7, don't turn things around soon, we could see an even larger coaching staff shakeup. Head coach Antonio Pierce figures to be on the hot seat heading into November.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver caught all five of his targets for 58 yards and scored in Minnesota's 21-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Oliver put together his best performance of the season in this one, as his yards, receptions, and targets were all season-high figures. Sunday marked back-to-back weeks for the sixth-year tight end with a touchdown. It was a solid outing for the 27-year-old, albeit out of nowhere, particularly with teammate T.J. Hockenson back in the fold from his near-year-long hiatus. With Hockenson's snap counts undoubtedly set to rise and his involvement likely to follow, this kind of performance out of the former third-round pick isn't prescriptive moving forward. Minnesota will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars next Sunday in another enticing matchup.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison reeled in all five of his targets for 42 yards and a touchdown in his team's 21-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football. It was a strange game for Minnesota as they moved the ball at will against a hapless Colts defense. However, they saw multiple drives stall in the red zone during the first half. It was the first touchdown for the second-year wideout since Week 4, and the five receptions were a new season high. Addison may never garner such lofty target totals on a Vikings offense that presents as one of the more run-centric teams in the league, especially playing across the field from one of the NFL greats in his teammate, Justin Jefferson. Still, he's a solid WR2 for an NFL squad. Minnesota again gets a tempting matchup next Sunday when they face a soft Jacksonville Jaguars defense in a road matchup.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (concussion) entered concussion protocol following Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Washington Commanders. The 27-year-old had caught all three of his targets for 49 yards in the divisional contest. This news is particularly relevant given that Slayton has been a popular name in trade rumors. It's unclear whether Sunday's injury takes Slayton off the trade market or if teams will still be interested in acquiring him. To his credit, he's played quite well in a subpar Giants offense this year, tallying 32 catches, 469 yards, and one touchdown so far. He ranks as a high-end WR4 in fantasy football for Week 10, but only if he remains with the Giants and clears concussion protocol prior to kickoff.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson hauled in 7-of-9 targets for 137 yards in Sunday night's 21-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts. It's the second straight 100-yard outing for the superstar wideout and his third straight contest with at least seven receptions. While he didn't score a touchdown, Jefferson tormented the Colts' secondary all evening, racking up five receptions of at least 20 yards -- three of such in the first half. The 25-year-old phenom entered Week 9 averaging 92.3 receiving yards per game and only helped further cement his case as the most complete wide receiver in football. Week 10 presents another outstanding matchup for the former LSU Tiger when he lines up against a sieve-like Jacksonville Jaguars secondary. Pencil him in as an elite WR1.
From RotoBaller