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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- Divisional Inactives
According to the team, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (knee) is officially inactive for Sunday's playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. Flowers sustained this knee injury during their Week 18 victory over the Cleveland Browns. The top wideout has been unable to practice each of the previous two weeks. Flowers was able to do a pre-game workout but was unable to turn the corner in time to suit up. Flowers has enjoyed a strong sophomore campaign as he eclipsed the century mark for the first time in his career and tallied four scores. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews to lead the passing attack this evening. Bateman is a solid WR2 in DFS formats, as he should continue to see an increase in targets operating as the top option on the depth chart.
From RotoBaller
According to the team, Buffalo Bills rookie running back Ray Davis (concussion) is officially active for Sunday's playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens. Davis sustained this concussion during their wild-card victory over the Denver Broncos. Davis was able to log three straight limited practice sessions and was able to turn the corner in time for this contest. Throughout the season, Davis has been deployed as a change-of-pace option in the Buffalo backfield, averaging a mere 6.6 attempts per game. Fantasy managers should continue to expect James Cook to operate as the lead back, with Ty Johnson operating as the No.2 option and Davis operating as a change-of-pace option. He is a high-risk flex option in DFS competitions, given his limited role in the offense.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Braden Fiske (knee) has been downgraded to out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Fiske, who registered a sack prior to exiting, left the game in the first half. He was initially listed as questionable before the Rams declared him unable to return. The rookie out of Florida State has been a game wrecker this year, amassing 44 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles through 17 regular-season games. His absence is bad news for the Rams as they try to pull off an upset on the road in snowy Philadelphia. Tyler Davis and Desjuan Johnson will earn more defensive snaps for the rest of this playoff contest.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) underwent a successful second ACL surgery last week, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. The operation was led by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who is widely regarded as one of the country's top sports medicine specialists. Brooks missed the first half of his rookie season due to an ACL injury, so it was crushing to see him suffer another ACL tear just a few games into his NFL career. This latest tear is expected to sideline Brooks for the entire 2025 season, meaning he won't be fully healthy until the 2026 campaign. The Panthers are fortunate that Chuba Hubbard played so well during the 2024 season and is on track to remain their starting running back in 2025. Hubbard ranks as a high-end fantasy RB2 next year, but Brooks' eventual return in 2026 could add a wrinkle to the backfield dynamic.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (shoulder) has officially been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's Divisional Round contest against the Los Angeles Rams. He made one tackle and defended a pass prior to his departure. The 23-year-old rookie spent significant time in the medical tent before the Eagles labeled him as questionable, and he was downgraded to out around halftime. Isaiah Rodgers stepped up as Mitchell's replacement for most of the first half, and he should continue to earn defensive snaps throughout the second half. The Eagles' defense faces significant adversity by losing Mitchell, who contributed 46 tackles through 16 regular-season contests.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Braden Fiske (knee) is questionable to return against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Fiske exited during the first half of the Divisional Round, but he registered a sack prior to his departure. The rookie out of Florida State has been a game wrecker this year, amassing 44 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles through 17 regular-season games. Tyler Davis and Desjuan Johnson will earn more defensive snaps until Fiske is able to return.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had seven catches for 117 yards and a touchdown in the Chiefs playoff win over the Texans. Dynasty Analysis: Kelce now owns the NFL record for most 100-yard receiving games in the playoffs by any player, not just a tight end, breaking the mark set by Jerry Rice. It seems the Chiefs are just fine using him relatively modestly during the regular season, only to unleash him in the postseason at this point. While it's great for Kansas City, it has really affected his dynasty value over the past two years and made him more of a low-end TE1 than the elite difference maker he once was. If he continues playing after this season, that will likely continue.
Dynasty | Chiefs receiver DeAndre Hopkins failed to record a catch in a playoff win against Houston. Dynasty Analysis: Hopkins honestly just looks done at this point and while he's offering some red zone appeal to the Chiefs, they seem much more happy looking for Travis Kelce, Hollywood Brown, Xavier Worthy and even other before Hopkins. While he should still stay on roster, Hopkins' best days in dynasty leagues have clearly come to an end.
Dynasty | Lions quarterback Jared Goff completed 23-of-40 passes for 313 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions in Detroit's stunning playoff loss to the Commanders. Dynasty Analysis: Goff shouldn't take all the blame in this one as the Lions defense got shredded, but he was hardly the solution either. It closes the chapter on a brilliant season but also raises some questions about just how high his ceiling really is. His value should hold this off-season, but this performance will certainly stop it from rising.
Dynasty | Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs had 105 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a playoff loss to Washington. Dynasty Analysis: He added six catches for 70 more yards. Detroit's loss was a shock, but Gibbs' performance really wasn't. The breakout star posted over 1,400 rushing yards, 50 catches and scored 20 times on the season, so nobody should be stunned at this. While David Montgomery will continue to eat into his workload a bit, it's clear he's the 1A in this offense moving forward and will be valued as one of the top running backs in dynasty leagues this off-season.
Dynasty | Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels completed 22-of-31 passes for 299 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, adding 51 rushing yards in a signature playoff road win over Detroit. Dynasty Analysis: Can he really be considered a rookie at this point? Daniels was again brilliant in what may be the win that really puts him on the map as one of the elite players in the NFL. Washington looks like a team of destiny and that tends to go with the territory when you have a breakout star like this. Daniels is a top tier QB1 in dynasty leagues and an easy player to build your franchise around moving forward as the best may still be yet to come.
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (knee) completed a pre-game workout ahead of Sunday's Divisional Round contest against the Buffalo Bills. Flowers remains listed as doubtful, which means that he faces an uphill battle to play. However, the fact that he was able to test his injury and go through a workout is noteworthy, at the very least. If Flowers defies the odds and does end up playing, it would be a surprising development, and the young receiver could still have a reduced snap count. Fantasy managers and bettors should expect confirmation on his status when the Ravens' list of inactives is revealed at 5 p.m. EST. Regardless of Flowers' availability, Rashod Bateman should take on an increased workload Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (shoulder) is officially questionable to return after exiting during the first quarter of Sunday's Divisional Round contest against the Los Angeles Rams. He made one tackle and defended a pass prior to his departure. The 23-year-old rookie spent significant time in the medical tent before the Eagles labeled him as questionable. Isaiah Rodgers will earn more defensive snaps at cornerback until Mitchell is able to return.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders right guard Sam Cosmi (knee) has been diagnosed with an ACL injury and will not return during the playoffs, head coach Dan Quinn announced Sunday. Cosmi suffered the injury during Saturday's Divisional Round victory over the Detroit Lions. The 25-year-old was an anchor on the offensive line this season, playing essentially every snap while providing impressive protection and leadership. When confirming Cosmi's injury, Quinn noted, "That's a big deal, the ballplayer and the man." Trent Scott is expected to operate as the Commanders' primary right guard going forward.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Ainias Smith (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams. The Texas A&M product was also a healthy scratch during the wild-card round when the Eagles faced the Green Bay Packers. During the regular season, Smith caught just seven passes for 41 yards and a score. Fantasy managers should expect A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson to lead the passing attack on Sunday afternoon.
From RotoBaller
According to the team, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tyler Johnson (coach's decision) will not suit up on Sunday afternoon to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round. The 26-year-old also sat out during the wild-card round. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, and Demarcus Robinson to lead the passing attack in Philadelphia. Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington will operate as rotational pieces. During Week 18, when several starters rested, Johnson brought in four of his seven targets for 35 yards and a touchdown. Nacua carries an elite WR1 upside on this slate, whereas Kupp and Robinson carry flex value.
From RotoBaller
According to the team, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Bobby Brown III (shoulder) and defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon (thigh) are both active for Sunday's playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Brown could not practice all week and is expected to return to his rotational role on the defensive line. Last week against the Vikings, Brown tallied one tackle on 13 defensive snaps. Witherspoon ended the week with a limited practice session and will return to his starting role in the secondary. Over his past five games, he has tallied 21 tackles, seven deflections, and one interception. He will be a key part of the defensive game plan to limit the potent Philadelphia offense.
From RotoBaller
According to FOX Sports' Jay Glazer, the Chicago Bears are scheduled to interview former Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George for their head-coaching job on Sunday. George has been the head coach at Tennessee State for the last four years and was named the Coach Of The Year for the Big South in 2024-25 while leading his team to a co-championship. Before starting his coaching career, George won a Heisman Trophy in college. In his time at Tennessee State, he's gone 24-22, including 9-3 during the regular season this year. The Bears fired Matt Eberflus after their Thanksgiving Day loss to the division-rival Detroit Lions, with Thomas Brown finishing out the year as the interim head coach. The Bears are casting a wide net for their next head coach and are hoping whoever they choose will be able to get more out of No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams.
From RotoBaller
The Atlanta Falcons hired former New York Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich as their defensive coordinator on Saturday night, according to sources. In addition to finishing the 2024 campaign as the Jets' interim head coach after the team fired Robert Saleh after just five games, Ulbrich played linebacker in the NFL. He will be reuniting with head coach Raheem Morris in Atlanta after coaching with him from 2015-20. It will be Ulbrich's second stint with the Falcons after Morris named him the defensive coordinator in 2020 when Morris became the interim head coach. Ulbrich will be replacing Jimmy Lake, who was fired after just one year in the role. The 47-year-old went 3-9 to close out the year with the Jets. Before that, he had been New York's defensive coordinator since 2021. The Jets defense was in the top five in defensive EPA in 2022 and 2023 under Ulbrich.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles LB Oren Burks was fined $8,333 by the National Football League for committing an act of unnecessary roughness in the team's Wild Card Game versus the Green Bay Packers. On the opening kickoff of the game, Burks used his helmet on a hit against KR Keisean Nixon, which caused a fumble. No flag was thrown on the play.
From TheHuddle
