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 Kicker Brayden Narveson was claimed by the Green Bay Packers on Wednesday afternoon, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. In a corresponding move, the Packers released kicker Greg Joseph. Narveson was an undrafted rookie and spent the preseason playing in Tennessee and went 6-for-7 on his field goal attempts. This was surprising, as the Packers waived Anders Carlson on Tuesday, suggesting that Joseph had won the starting job. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Narveson to now serve as the new starting kicker in Green Bay. While the N.C. State product may be a risky investment late in drafts, he should have ample opportunities to score fantasy points kicking on a potent offense and has flashed potential by hitting a 59-yard field goal during the preseason.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Cam Akers made the team's final 53-man roster on Tuesday, signing just a week after training camp had started. Akers doesn't present much value on special teams, so that means if he's active, he will be pushing for carries on game days to spell workhorse starter Joe Mixon. If the Texans opt to trade away presumed No. 2 back Dameon Pierce as well, Akers would become Houston's preferred backup and fantasy's clear-cut handcuff to Mixon. It's hard to envision Akers, 25, having much upside or standalone value this season, after rushing for a mere 2.8 yards per carry over 60 attempts and coming off his second career Achilles tear in 2023, but the former second-round pick is at least trending up this summer over Pierce.
From RotoBaller
There is hope that Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (knee) will return sometime in November. Mitchell is on the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin the season and will miss at least the first four games of the year after suffering a season-ending torn ACL in December of last year. This could lead Baltimore to add a RB who was cut from another team, but for the time being, veteran receiving back Justice Hill is all set to handle the change-of-pace role behind workhorse starter Derrick Henry in the early stages of 2024. Fantasy managers can stash the 22-year-old Mitchell if they have the space, considering he racked up 8.4 yards per carry across 47 attempts in his rookie season last year, but he's unlikely to be an option until the second half of the campaign.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell finally started showing some of his potential last season, starting 14 games and looking to be a dangerous weapon early in the season. His effectiveness tapered off after a hot start, however, and the 24-year-old former second-rounder's role diminished down the stretch before missing time while in concussion protocol. The Rams are fairly loaded at WR, with Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and Demarcus Robinson set to line up as the wideouts in three-receiver sets. The emergence of rookie Jordan Whittington, along with a good training camp from journeyman Tyler Johnson, gives LA the kind of depth in the receiving corps where they could consider floating Atwell's name in trade talks. It's been reported the Rams are not looking to deal Atwell, but they still might be open to a respectable offer to improve other areas of the roster.
From RotoBaller
There's still no sign of Las Vegas Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers (foot) at practice on Wednesday. Bowers hasn't practiced since the middle of August due to a foot injury, but there remains optimism that his lack of activity is precautionary. Fantasy managers will want to see the 21-year-old first-rounder back on the field soon, however, as Las Vegas' regular-season opener is less than two weeks away against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 8 at SoFi Stadium. In the meantime, Michael Mayer and Harrison Bryant figure to be handling the first-team reps at tight end in practice sessions for the Raiders. Unless something significant emerges about his injury, Bowers remains safe to choose as a late-round pick for fantasy managers waiting until the end of drafts to grab a TE.
From RotoBaller
It doesn't look like Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is practicing on Wednesday. After head coach Zac Taylor said on Tuesday that Chase was going to continue to practice amid ongoing contract negotiations with the Bengals, the wideout got to practice 13 minutes after it has started in street clothes. Taylor also said Tuesday that he expects Chase to suit up for Cincinnati's regular-season opener against the visiting New England Patriots on Sept. 8 at Paycor Stadium, so fantasy managers shouldn't be moving the 24-year-old All-Pro around in their first-round rankings for the final week of drafts. Despite missing star quarterback Joe Burrow for half of the season last year, Chase put up a career-high 100 receptions (145 targets) in 16 appearances.
From RotoBaller
The Pittsburgh Steelers have named quarterback Russell Wilson their Week 1 starter against the hosting Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, so Justin Fields will begin the season as the team's backup. The Steelers left the door open for Fields to potentially win the starting job after Wilson missed the early part of training camp due to a calf injury, but the incumbent veteran will ultimately get the nod for the opening week of the campaign. Wilson gives Pittsburgh a stabilizing presence under center that should help keep the offense on schedule, but his fantasy value is going to be very limited during his starts in 2024 with a weak receiving corps and a major emphasis on the ground game in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's attack. Fantasy managers shouldn't look at the 35-year-old veteran signal-caller as anything more than a low-upside QB2 option.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson will be the team's starter to begin the season, head coach Mike Tomlin announced on Wednesday, Aug. 28.
Fantasy Spin: This was always expected, as Tomlin said on numerous occasions throughout the offseason that Wilson was the favorite for the job. Wilson finished as QB14 overall in 2023 and is a QB2 and fringe starter in 12-team leagues.
From TheHuddle
The Arizona Cardinals are re-signing quarterback Desmond Ridder (concussion) to their practice squad on Wednesday, according to sources. Ridder returns to the desert just a day after he was waived as the Cardinals cut their roster down to 53 players. The 24-year-old signal-caller failed to prove to the Atlanta Falcons that he was their franchise QB in his two seasons, and now he'll enter the 2024 regular season as the QB3 in Arizona behind Kyler Murray and Clayton Tune. The former second-rounder out of Cincinnati is no longer on the fantasy radar in single-year leagues after completing only 64% of his 503 pass attempts in his two years in Atlanta while throwing for 3,544 yards, 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. In addition to his 12 picks, Ridder was turnover-prone with 15 total fumbles, including 12 in 2023.
From RotoBaller
The Steelers have decided on Russell Wilson to be their starting quarterback to open the season. He beat out Justin Fields for the job.
The Los Angeles Rams are signing defensive end Neville Gallimore, according to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler. The 2020 third-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys signed with the Miami Dolphins at the start of free agency, but he was surprisingly released ahead of the 53-man roster cutdown deadline on Tuesday. Gallimore played in 52 games for Dallas from 2020 to 2023 and racked up 90 total tackles (40 solo), four sacks, three pass deflections, and 12 run stuffs during his tenure. He'll now join the Los Angeles 53-man roster and a young defensive line that is tasked with replacing future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
Free-agent RB Samaje Perine (Broncos) is signing an undisclosed deal with the Kansas City Chiefs on Wednesday, Aug. 28.
From TheHuddle
A resolution between the San Francisco 49ers and star left tackle Trent Williams isn't close at this time as he looks for more guaranteed money and a raise on his current deal. Williams plans to continue his holdout until his contract is addressed, and it's possible it seeps into the start of the 2024 regular season. The 36-year-old veteran never reported to training camp this summer, so he's not currently counting towards one of the team's 53 spots on the active roster. One of the best left tackles in the game wants a raise after seeing both Tristan Wirfs and Penei Sewell sign new deals this offseason worth $28 million per year. Williams currently has three years left on his six-year, $138 million deal that carries an average annual value of $23 million. He's scheduled for a $20.5 million base salary in 2024 and $22.5 million next year. Not having Williams to kick off the season will be a major downgrade for Brock Purdy's protection.
From RotoBaller
The Kansas City Chiefs are signing veteran running back Samaje Perine to their active roster on Wednesday, according to sources. Perine quickly lands on his feet after he was cut by the division-rival Denver Broncos on Tuesday. The 28-year-old veteran will slot in as the RB4 for KC behind Isiah Pacheco, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and rookie Carson Steele, but he could have the opportunity to find a bigger role as the season progresses. It's certainly an upgrade for Perine due to the offense alone, but the former fourth-rounder in 2017 out of Oklahoma is still probably no better than a late-round flier in very deep point-per-reception leagues at the moment. In his only year in Denver in 2023, he handled 53 carries for 238 yards and one touchdown on the ground while adding a career-high 50 receptions for 455 yards in 17 games.
From RotoBaller
The San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk remain in a contract standoff with the 2024 regular season quickly approaching. The ongoing offseason saga between the Niners and Aiyuk somehow has not been resolved one way or another with a long-term contract extension or a trade, so we continue to wait. Aiyuk is on the 53-man roster, unlike left tackle Trent Williams, because he reported to training camp this summer. San Francisco will begin their normal practice schedule this week, but it's uncertain whether Aiyuk will actually return to the practice field for the first time this offseason. Either way, the two sides aren't any closer to an extension, and at this point, it seems pretty unlikely he'd be traded with the start of Week 1 just over a week away. Aiyuk's fantasy value remains the highest if he sticks in San Fran, but at this point fantasy managers have to worry about him starting off slow since he hasn't been working with the starting offense at all.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon (hamstring) is practicing with the team on Wednesday. With Sermon returning to practice on Wednesday, he should be ready to go for the Week 1 regular-season opener in the first week of September. The 25-year-old injured his hamstring in the team's preseason opener on Aug. 11 and sat out the final two preseason contests as a result. Before his injury, though, he was trending as the club's RB2 behind starter Jonathan Taylor. It remains to be seen if that's still the case and if he's ahead of Tyler Goodson on Indy's RB depth chart. The former third-rounder out of Ohio State is probably nothing more than a handcuff option in the very deepest of fantasy leagues for managers that have Taylor rostered. In his first year in Indy in 2023, Sermon had 35 carries for 160 yards (4.6 yards per tote) and caught three passes for 13 yards in 14 games.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers claimed running back Hassan Haskins off waivers from the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday, according to the league's transaction wire. The former Michigan product wasn't able to make the Titans' 53-man roster out of training camp and will now join the Bolts for the 2024 campaign, most likely starting on the practice squad. In LA, Haskins will provide extra RB depth behind Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, Jaret Patterson and rookie Kimani Vidal. The 24-year-old former fourth-round selection in 2022 missed all of last season due to an upper-body injury after seeing 25 carries his rookie season that he turned into 93 scoreless yards in 15 games (one start). He also caught 11 passes for 57 yards in 2022. Haskins remains well off the fantasy radar for the time being.
From RotoBaller
Four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook signed with the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday, according to his agency. It's a big addition to a Cowboys backfield that currently has veteran Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle listed as co-starters. Cook will start his tenure with Dallas on the practice squad and will need to work his way to the active roster after missing all of training camp and the preseason while on the open market. It means the 29-year-old won't immediately challenge for a substantial role in Dallas' backfield and he may not even be active in Week 1. The 29-year-old was coming off injury in 2023 and averaged a meager 3.2 yards per carry with the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens. However, he's had a fully healthy offseason and enters a RB picture with plenty of opportunity. At best, Cook will a late-round flier in very deep fantasy leagues to begin 2024.
From RotoBaller
Former New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe, who has plenty of starting experience in the NFL, has a deal in place to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad, according to a source. The Patriots just cut Zappe on Tuesday to get down to 53 players, and he lands on his feet quickly with the defending Super Bowl champions to give them QB depth behind Patrick Mahomes and Carson Wentz. Zappe, a former fourth-rounder in 2022 out of Western Kentucky, wasn't able to stick around in New England after the team drafted both Drake Maye and Joe Milton III in April. The 25-year-old played in 14 games (eight starts) in his two seasons with the Pats, going 192-for-304 (63.2%) for 2,053 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. If Zappe ends up starting for the Chiefs in 2024, they're probably unlikely to three-peat.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent DT Lawrence Guy (Patriots) is working out for the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday, Aug. 28, per source.
From TheHuddle