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.
Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (hamstring) was limited in practice on Tuesday. Ramsey has been battling the injury since before Week 1 but was able to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Ramsey is one of the defensive pillars for the Dolphins. His absence would significantly affect their ability to cover the Buffalo Bills' wide receivers this coming Thursday. However, given that he was able to play this past week, his limitations in practice are likely precautionary.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) was limited in practice on Tuesday. Phillips tore his Achilles during the 2023 season. The Dolphins have been managing his reps early in the season as a result. Phillips is a game-breaking pass rusher. He recorded one sack in Week 1 during the Dolphins' win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Dolphins will need more excellent play out of Phillips in Week 2 if they have any hope of slowing down Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions signed kicker Greg Joseph to the practice squad on Tuesday. Joseph spent the offseason with the Green Bay Packers but was cut at the conclusion of the preseason. The Lions have second-year player Jake Bates on their roster as the current starter. He connected with all four of his kicks on Sunday night against the Rams. The addition of Joseph to the practice squad may have simply been a depth move by the Lions.
From RotoBaller
In case fantasy managers were at all concerned, quarterback Josh Allen (left hand) was a full participant in Tuesday's walk-through. Head coach Sean McDermott had previously confirmed that Allen was cleared to practice and ultimately play in Thursday's upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins. Allen is an iron man and is no stranger to playing through injury. The good news is that his injury occurred to his non-throwing hand. While it may affect ball security, it should not affect Allen's ability to perform. Allen threw for 232 yards and two touchdowns while adding 39 rushing yards and two touchdowns in Week 1. He will look to build on those numbers in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington (quadriceps) did not practice on Tuesday. Washington has been battling a quadriceps injury that ultimately cost him the game on Sunday. With running backs Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane also banged up, the Dolphins offense is already fraying. Washington has a chance to make a name for himself in an offense that suits his skill set. He will have to hope he can ramp up his practice participation to have any chance of playing on Thursday night against the Bills.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh stated that running back Derrick Henry will not be overloaded this season like he has in years past with the Tennessee Titans. Henry finished Week 1 with 13 carries for 46 yards and a touchdown. That is a far cry difference from his former workload. It is understandable that the Ravens would curb Henry's workload. They are playing for February rather than September. Still, it is unfortunate for fantasy managers that Henry will not receive the same volume we have grown accustomed to. Hopefully, he can be efficient with his touches in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons is next in line to receive an extension from the team. After quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb received top-of-market extensions, Parsons appears poised to receive a similar deal as a defensive pillar. Parsons is relishing in the opportunity to play free and prove that he is worthy of a high-end contract extension. Parsons stated on Tuesday "I just want to prove to the front office that I'm the best player, and I can do it consistently at an all-time high". Look for Parsons and the Cowboys D/ST to wreak havoc yet again in 2024.
From RotoBaller
The Miami Dolphins' backfield depth could be tested early on in 2024 on a short week heading into their Week 2 matchup against the division-rival Buffalo Bills this Thursday night. Running backs De'Von Achane (ankle) and Raheem Mostert (chest) were both listed as not practicing for the second straight game during the team's walkthrough on Tuesday. Miami still has one more practice on Wednesday before they release their final injury report for Week 2, but as of right now, this is a situation worth monitoring closely. If one or both of Achane and Mostert are out or limited against Buffalo, it will open things up for Jeff Wilson Jr. and rookie Jaylen Wright to have much bigger roles against a a Bills defense that isn't nearly as stout as its been in years past. Wright was a healthy scratch in the Week 1 win over the Jaguars, but he's a better long-term speculative stash in fantasy leagues over Wilson.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Harrison Phillips is signing a two-year contract extension worth up to $19 million on Tuesday, according to NFL.com. The deal includes $13 million guaranteed. The 28-year-old former third-round pick by the Buffalo Bills has totaled 263 tackles, seven sacks, one forced fumble, four fumble recoveries, seven pass deflections, and 28 run stuffs through his first 80 NFL games. Phillips anchors the middle of Brian Flores' defense.
From RotoBaller
Veteran free-agent defensive end/linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson signed to the Las Vegas Raiders' practice squad on Tuesday, according to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN. The 2020 first-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars posted just 73 tackles, five sacks, two pass deflections, and 9.5 run stuffs in 57 career games with the Jaguars. He spent this offseason with the Carolina Panthers but was released on September 3. With defensive end Malcolm Koonce (knee) on Injured Reserve, the signing of Chaisson provides Las Vegas depth behind Maxx Crosby, Janarius Robinson, and Tyree Wilson.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle) is being considered day-to-day with an ankle injury heading into the Week 2 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings. Jennings was banged up in the preseason, but he played and led the team in receptions (five) and receiving yards (64) in the win over the New York Jets on Monday Night Football. The team is likely to be careful with Jennings, especially while Brandon Aiyuk knocks off the rust following an offseason hold-in and Ricky Pearsall (chest) recovers from a gunshot wound. Assuming Jennings suits up in Week 2, he's a decent deep-league flex option, but he has a low fantasy football floor.
From RotoBaller
The Carolina Panthers are signing Mike Boone to the active 53-man roster, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. The 29-year-old was called up to the active roster in Week 1 and rushed four times for seven yards. He has totaled 546 rushing yards and four rushing scores since entering the league in 2018. Carolina is fresh off a disastrous 47-10 blowout at the hands of the New Orleans Saints and running backs Miles Sanders, Chubba Hubbard, and Boone combined for just 43 total rushing yards. There could be a three-man committee in Carolina until Jonathon Brooks (knee) comes off the PUP list, but with how bad the offense looked in Week 1, there's a good chance none of them have fantasy value in 12-team leagues.
From RotoBaller
On Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers played in his first game since suffering a torn Achilles in Week 1 of last season. The 40-year-old completed 13 of his 21 passing attempts for 167 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. It wasn't a great showing and he looked hobbled at times, but it could take him a few weeks to get in rhythm. On an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers alluded to getting wide receiver Garrett Wilson involved more moving forward. "I don't know how many targets he finished with, but we gotta up that number," Rodgers said. Wilson caught six of his 11 targets for 60 yards after being heavily involved early in the loss. Rodgers should be expected to attempt more than 21 passes in the coming weeks, so Wilson is in play to lead the league in targets any given week.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles) was somewhat of a surprising inactive during Monday's game against the New York Jets. The reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year was labeled as questionable with a calf and Achilles injury on Saturday's final injury report, but fantasy managers did not know he wouldn't play until the inactives list came out 90 minutes before kickoff. While McCaffrey's Week 2 status is still up in the air, head coach Kyle Shanahan said he would have played if it was a playoff game, which means his aliment could be manageable. The team is likely to be careful with McCaffrey early in the 2024 campaign, so Jordan Mason could be on the fantasy radar even when CMC returns to action.
From RotoBaller
The Cleveland Browns are hosting free-agent tight ends Irv Smith Jr., Tommy Sweeney and Geoff Swaim for visits/workouts on Tuesday, according to a source. The Browns are suddenly in the market for a tight end after starter David Njoku (ankle) injured his ankle in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. It's unclear if the 28-year-old suffered a dreaded high-ankle sprain, but he's currently considered week-to-week, and there's a good chance he won't be cleared to play in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The fact that Cleveland is searching for more TE depth could mean that they expect Njoku to miss multiple games. Smith would be the most intriguing addition to the Browns' offense, but he'd still just be depth behind Jordan Akins, who is fully expected to be the team's primary pass-catching tight end for however long Njoku is out.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders officially signed free-agent kicker Austin Seibert to their active roster on Tuesday. The former fifth-round pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2019 has played in 31 games over his five-year NFL career and was most recently with the New York Jets in 2023. The move to add Seibert comes after the Commanders released Cade York, who missed both of his field-goal tries in the Week 1 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 27-year-old Seibert has made 80.4% of his 56 field-goal attempts in his time in the NFL while also making 90.3% of his 62 extra points in 31 total games for the Browns, Bengals, Lions and Jets. Seibert will immediately take over the starting kicking duties in D.C., beginning with a Week 2 matchup against the division-rival New York Giants. Fantasy managers already streaming kickers should look elsewhere.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson (knee) will be a limited participant in the team's practice on Tuesday as they prepare for a short week in Week 2 with a Thursday night matchup against the division-rival Miami Dolphins. Johnson was injured in the season-opening win over the visiting Arizona Cardinals on Sunday and could be questionable to suit up against Miami on a short week. If the 26-year-old isn't cleared by Thursday night, rookie Ray Davis will have a bigger role as the change-of-pace back behind starter James Cook. In Week 1 against Arizona, Johnson was second in Buffalo's backfield while playing 23% of the offensive snaps compared to 61% for Cook and only 10% for Davis. Johnson saw just two carries for seven yards and missed his only target in the passing game. He's only stash-worthy as a handcuff in the deepest of fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
The NFL doesn't plan on placing Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson on the commissioner's exempt list in light of a new civil lawsuit stemming from a 2020 allegation since there have been no criminal charges, and the league's review of the situation has just begun. "We are reviewing the complaint and we will look into the matter under the Personal Conduct Policy," an NFL public-relations person said. The 28-year-old served an 11-game suspension in 2022 after two dozen women accused him of sexual assault during massage sessions, but this new lawsuit accuses him of sexual assault and batter in 2020. Another suspension for the Browns QB could be coming, but it most likely will be delayed until the legal process plays out. In addition to new legal issues, Watson looked terrible in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and he'll be firmly on the QB2 radar for a Week 2 meeting with Jacksonville.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said there wasn't a correlation between quarterback Kirk Cousins' (Achilles) health and his play-calling decisions in the Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cousins tore his Achilles in Week 8 of last year with the Minnesota Vikings before joining Atlanta in free agency back in March. After Cousins signed, both he and Morris reiterated that he was fine physically. "I feel like Kirk is healthy," Morris said. "He's been healthy since he's been here, since he's been back." The veteran signal-caller went 16-for-26 for 155 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions for a QB rating of 59.0, the eight-lowest of his starting career. Questions about Cousins' health won't go away if he struggles again in a Week 2 Monday night showdown in Philadelphia against the Eagles, where Cousins will be on the QB2 radar for fantasy managers in his second start for Atlanta.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that running back Jaylen Warren (hamstring) is "healthy enough," but that it would be a "slippery slope" to say that Warren is fully healthy heading into a Week 2 road tilt against the Denver Broncos. In the Week 1 win over the Atlanta Falcons, Najee Harris handled 56% of the offensive snaps, while Warren was in on just 31% and finished with only two carries for seven yards while catching both of his targets for 13 yards in a game in which the Steelers offense didn't produce a single touchdown. The 25-year-old battled a hamstring injury throughout the preseason and doesn't appear to be fully healthy. He proved last year that he can be a productive weekly RB3/flex for fantasy managers, but in an offense now being led by quarterback Justin Fields with Russell Wilson (calf) hurt, Warren's fantasy stock is down, especially while trying to overcome a lower-body injury.
From RotoBaller