RB Strength of Schedule
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.
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Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson played a crucial role in the passing game, recording five catches for 78 yards in Sunday's 24-23 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Wilson has shown flashes of fantasy relevance this season, but he needed to demonstrate consistency before managers could fully trust him. This week, he did just that, ranking among the top three on the team with six targets. Quarterback Kyler Murray did overthrow Wilson on what could have been a go-ahead 60-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter. It's clear that Wilson has earned Murray's trust, and while he may not yet be a reliable starter, he's a name to watch on the waiver wire ahead of the Cardinals' Week 6 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed was a major factor in the Packers' victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5. Reed was second on the Packers in targets (6) while catching four balls for 78 yards, including a 53-yard deep catch in the first quarter through multiple Rams defenders that helped to set up a Josh Jacobs rushing score to cap off the drive. In addition to his receiving, Reed also added two rushing attempts for 19 yards. Despite a solid game without a score, Reed is still the top receiving target for the Green Bay offense and should have some better days ahead. Week 6 brings the Arizona Cardinals to Lambeau Field, where Reed should be considered a high-end WR2 in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase had ten catches for 193 yards and two touchdowns in a loss against the Ravens. Dynasty Analysis: If you can't understand why the Bengals haven't just made him one of the league's highest paid wide receivers, you're not alone. Chase was as dominant as ever in this one as Baltimore just couldn't cover him. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough as the Bengals fell 41-38 in an overtime classic, falling to 1-4 in the process. Chase remains an elite weekly play and quite possibly the top player in dynasty leagues. However, dynasty managers sure would feel better if an when Chase gets his money.
Dynasty | Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson completed 26-of-42 passes for 348 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions, adding 55 rushing yards in an overtime win against Cincinnati. Dynasty Analysis: Jackson has picked up where he left off last season and this was just the latest epic fantasy performance from last year's MVP. Jackson made some truly dynamic plays and while the Ravens were lucky to win the game, it certainly wasn't because of anything he didn't do. Jackson remains an elite-level QB1 in dynasty leagues and clear trade target for any team in contention.
Dynasty | Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow completed 30-of-39 passes for 392 yards with five touchdowns and one interception in a loss against Baltimore. Dynasty Analysis: Burrow won't care about the stat line as the Bengals lost the game but dynasty managers won't complain. Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase threw everything they could at the Ravens but just couldn't pull off a win as they fell in overtime. This was a solid step forward for this offense as they seem to be hitting their stride now that Tee Higgins (9/83/2) is back in the fold. Burrow remains an easy "set it and forget it" QB1 moving forward.
Dynasty | Bengals receiver Tee Higgins caught nine passes for 83 yards and two touchdowns in a loss against the Ravens. Dynasty Analysis: Higgins has now increased his yardage, targets, and touchdown totals in each of the three weeks since coming back from injury. The Bengals are in real trouble at 1-4 but it's hard to blame the offense. Higgins will look to build on his recent performances and looks like a WR1/2 moving forward this season. He's a solid buy in dynasty leagues.
Dynasty | Panthers receiver Diontae Johnson had three catches for 23 yards, adding six rushing yards in a loss against Chicago. Dynasty Analysis: This was a major buzzkill after Johnson had posted two monster games with Andy Dalton at the helm. Chicago took control of the game rather early and made life miserable for Dalton and the offense most of the day. Johnson should be much better moving forward, but this could open up a quick window to buy in dynasty leagues if you believe he's truly turning the corner.
Dynasty | Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams completed 20-of-29 passes for 304 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, adding 34 rushing yards in a win against Carolina. Dynasty Analysis: Here we go. After Jayden Daniels had really outshined Williams over the first month of the season, we finally saw what the Bears could have in Williams today. Sure, it was against Carolina. However, Williams was poised, controlled and accurate all day today. While we need to see him string together a few solid performances before anointing him as the next big thing, this was a huge step in the right direction today. Williams remains a solid hold in dynasty leagues.
Dynasty | Bears running back D'Andre Swift had 73 rushing yards, one touchdown, two catches, and 47 receiving yards in a win against Carolina. Dynasty Analysis: After an absolutely dreadful start to the year, Swift now has two decent back-to-back games to his name. While this is hardly enough to start anointing him as the next big thing, it's also hard to ignore. If Swift continues his solid play, there's some RB2 appeal moving forward. Regardless, his plunge down the dynasty rankings should stop for good after this week.
Dynasty | 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk had eight catches for 147 yards in a loss against the Cardinals. Dynasty Analysis: The 49ers were stunned at home against Arizona, but it's hard to blame Aiyuk, who had his best game of the year. After only posting 167 receiving yards the first four weeks, this was a huge bounce-back performance for the now very highly paid Aiyuk. He'll remain on the WR2 bubble moving forward but this was a huge step in the right direction for Aiyuk, whose dynasty "buy low" window may have closed.
Dynasty | Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew completed 12-of-17 passes with one touchdown and two interceptions before being benched in the Raiders loss to the Broncos. Dynasty Analysis: The Raiders are 2-3 and really haven't looked good on offense all season. Aidan O'Connell (10-of-20 with an interception) certainly didn't look much better, so we'll have to see what Las Vegas does moving forward. Regardless, Minshew has proven yet again he's more than capable of being a spot starter but hardly someone to rely on for an entire season. He's a weak hold in dynasty leagues and a drop candidate should this benching be permanent.
Dynasty | Broncos quarterback Bo Nix completed 19-of-27 passes for 206 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in a win against Las Vegas. Dynasty Analysis: This was a much needed solid game for Nix, who has had his fair share of ups and downs so far this season. Nix played mistake-free football and while he didn't have a huge number of big plays, he looked much more poised in the pocket and very much in control all day. We'll need to see more from Nix before recommending him in lineups but you could do worse for a backup or QB2 on your dynasty league team at the moment.
Dynasty | Raiders tight end Brock Bowers had eight catches for 97 yards and a touchdown in a loss against Denver. Dynasty Analysis: The rookie is quickly emerging not only as a TE1, but perhaps THE TE1 as we move forward this season. Bowers has yet to post a 100-yard performance but today was the latest in a string of very consistent performances and his first touchdown clearly shouldn't be his last. With 36 targets in five games, it's hard to currently find a tight end with higher upside at the moment. Oh yeah. he's a rookie.
Dynasty | Giants running back Tyrone Tracy had 129 rushing yards, one catch and one receiving yard in a win against Seattle. Dynasty Analysis: With Devin Singletary inactive, Tracy stepped up in a huge way. After posting just 29 rushing yards over the first month, Tracy finally showed what dynasty managers hoped to see after a solid off-season - a player who simply looks like a possible starter in fantasy and reality. While Singletary's job isn't in jeopardy, this performance is likely going to create a bit of a timeshare in New York moving forward. The chance to acquire Tracy on the cheap in dynasty leagues is now long gone.
Dynasty | Packers tight end Tucker Kraft had four catches for 88 yards and two touchdowns in a win against the Rams. Dynasty Analysis: Jordan Love is beginning to develop a reputation of spreading the ball around and Kraft was the beneficiary today as he made the most of his five targets. While this was by far his best game of the season, it also can't be ignored as it seems he's becoming a bigger part of the offense each and every week. He'll be a TE1/2 moving forward, though his floor remains pretty low.
Dynasty | Rams rookie wide receiver Jordan Whittington had seven catches for 89 yards in a loss to the Packers. Dynasty Analysis: With Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua both out for the foreseeable future, the Rams are going to need a variety of players to step up and Whittington did just that today. This may be his best game all year, but we've seen enough to clearly recommend him as a solid roster stash in just about any dynasty league.
Despite facing what was expected to be his toughest matchup of the season, Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner had a solid performance, racking up 100 total yards from scrimmage and scoring a crucial two-point conversion against the San Francisco 49ers. The 29-year-old rushed 19 times for 86 yards and caught two of three targets for 14 yards in Sunday's win. After a challenging first half, the Cardinals shifted their offense to lean on Conner, giving him a total of 21 touches. He showcased his strength, breaking tackles and consistently pushing forward for tough yards. Notably, the Cardinals did not give any other running back a single carry in this game. With Conner firmly entrenched as the workhorse, he's a must-start against the Green Bay Packers next week in Week 6.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (concussion) returned to the lineup after missing last week's loss to the Commanders due to a concussion. He had a solid outing in the victory over the San Francisco 49ers, recording six catches for 53 yards in Sunday's 24-23 victory. Quarterback Kyler Murray targeted McBride in the corner of the end zone, but he couldn't secure the catch, which would have capped off his day with a touchdown. It's clear that McBride is Murray's most trusted target, often receiving passes on third downs and when under pressure. With his performance, McBride is arguably the top fantasy tight end and a must-start against the Green Bay Packers next week in Week 6.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (thigh) was forced from the team's 29-20 loss to the New York Giants and did not return. He would end his outing in the second quarter after recording three total tackles (two solo). Nwosu was making his first regular-season appearance in nearly a year after a pectoral injury derailed his 2023 season in Week 7, and a preseason knee injury delayed the start of his 2024 campaign. The severity of the injury is unknown, but Seattle is getting thin on the defensive side of the ball -- already down third-year outside linebacker Boye Mafe (knee) and additionally losing Derick Hall (foot) in the contest. We'll get an update on these athletes over the next few days, but if the trio mentioned above can't play in Week 6, linebackers Dre'Mont Jones and Trevis Gipson would be in line for more playing time. Seattle will host their division-rival San Francisco 49ers at home on Thursday Night Football.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray delivered an impressive performance in Sunday's 24-23 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. He completed 19 of 30 pass attempts for 195 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 83 yards and another touchdown. From the first drive, it was clear Murray was ready for a bounce-back game, highlighted by a spectacular 50-yard rushing touchdown. He showed composure in the pocket, effectively taking what the defense offered, even though he fell short of 200 yards passing. He nearly added another touchdown through the air but was thwarted by a dropped pass from tight end Trey McBride. Fantasy managers should be optimistic, as it appears the Cardinals will focus on more designed runs for Murray moving forward. Next week, the Cardinals will face the Green Bay Packers, making Murray a must-start option in Week 6.
From RotoBaller
