Guest of the League
USFFL Est. 2015
FFL: Offseason | NFL: Championship

RB Strength of Schedule

Tue May 28 9:03am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

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.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Divisional Round

Player Notes
Mack Hollins Jan 20 4:00pm ET
Mack Hollins

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Mack Hollins hauled in 1-of-2 targets for 12 yards in Sunday night's 27-25 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Hollins saw a target on the Bills' first play from scrimmage -- a deep shot up the left sideline ~30 yards down-field that quarterback Josh Allen put just beyond his fingertips. Though, it is worth noting that he short-armed it a bit. The 31-year-old's next -- and last target -- would come midway through the fourth, and he was fired up about it after gaining a first down. With Allen attempting just 22 passes and Buffalo's ground game scoring all three touchdowns, he and the other pass-catchers were not needed much besides fellow wideout Khalil Shakir (6/67). He'll get another shot at production against the Chiefs in the Conference Championship but will be tough to trust as a reliable option with only two post-season receptions.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Bass Jan 20 3:40pm ET
Tyler Bass

Buffalo Bills placekicker Tyler Bass connected on all three extra-point attempts and both field goal tries in his team's 27-25 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Bass has been excellent since the calendar turned to December, with a missed extra point being his only blemish since Week 16. The 27-year-old failed to connect on ten total attempts in 2024 (five field goals) but went 4-for-4 on tries of 50+, including a 61-yarder. Even in the snow, he was able to drill one through from 51 yards out. With a Conference Championship bout on Sunday night against the Kansas City Chiefs on the horizon, the sixth-year pro should be afforded plenty more opportunities to knock through some kicks. The Bills and Chiefs matchup features a healthy 48-point over/under.

From RotoBaller

Mecole Hardman Jan 20 3:30pm ET
Mecole Hardman

When asked about wide receiver Mecole Hardman's (knee) status for their meeting with the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid remarked, "We'll see how that goes," per Charles Goldman of AtoZSports.com. "I haven't made any decisions on that yet," said Reid -- "He's worked hard to try and get himself back." Hardman has been shelved since early December after sustaining a knee injury at practice that required cleanup surgery. The Georgia native appeared in 12 games, recording only 12 catches and 90 yards -- sans a touchdown. However, he was a valuable kick returner for the team, averaging 13.4 yards per touch on special teams. Hardman returned to practice last week in a limited capacity, but it appears like he's not yet ready for in-game action. With Kansas City squaring off against Buffalo on Sunday night, we'll see if he can elevate his practice status ahead of the Chiefs' first injury report on Wednesday.

From RotoBaller

Terry McLaurin Jan 20 2:20pm ET
Terry McLaurin

Detroit Lions defensive back Amik Robertson (arm) underwent surgery to fix the broken humerus he suffered in the team's 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders this past Saturday. The NFL's Tom Pelissero reported the news. The sixth-year DB picked up the injury early on in the contest while tackling Commanders' wideout Terry McLaurin. Though he was initially deemed questionable to return, Robertson would later be ruled out. The Louisiana Tech product was coming off one of his better seasons as a pro, notching 50 tackles and forcing three fumbles. Reportedly, the surgery was a success, and per Pelissero -- he's expected to be ready for offseason workouts.

From RotoBaller

Rashod Bateman Jan 20 1:40pm ET
Rashod Bateman

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman registered the best season of his career and capped it off with another touchdown in the loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. The fourth-year wideout out of Minnesota finished the game with four receptions on five targets for 66 yards and a touchdown which brought his total to 11 touchdowns between the regular and postseason. Most of his damage came in the first half along with his 16-yard catch that kicked off all of the scoring in the opening drive. Bateman still has another year left on his contract, so he's likely looking at more of the same role going into the 2025 season.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Likely Jan 20 1:40pm ET
Isaiah Likely

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely stepped up again with Zay Flowers (knee) missing another playoff game but it ultimately wasn't enough as they fell by two points to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Likely ended the game with four receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown on five targets. While he wasn't the most targeted out of all of the pass-catchers, he did lead them in yards with one fewer reception than Mark Andrews. Likely had more than a few flashes of brilliance this season which could have earned him some more snaps heading into the 2025 season. A lot will depend on the off-season moves that the Ravens make to try to get over the hump in the playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Mark Andrews Jan 20 1:30pm ET
Mark Andrews

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews turned in another big-time season and was one of the most dependable pass-catchers on the team for a long time. Unfortunately, he made two crucial mistakes in the second half of the 27-25 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round. The veteran finished with five receptions for 61 yards on seven targets and two carries for three yards. What's going to be the most memorable are the back-to-back drives that ended in Andrews' mistakes to end the game. He fumbled in the second to last drive, then he saw the potential game-tying catch go right off of his hands without a defender near him. Despite the rough game, he should still remain a top fantasy option at the position next season.

From RotoBaller

Dan Campbell Jan 20 1:10pm ET
Dan Campbell

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said on Monday that he will consider replacing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who are both expected to become head coaches elsewhere, with coordinators from outside the organization. However, Campbell also said that the Lions already have coaches that are more than capable of being promoted into the offensive and defensive coordinator roles. The most important factor for Campbell when considering hiring new coaches for those roles is that the Lions keep their current identity in place that has made them so successful the last several years. Campbell said the Lions are going to stay true to who they are as a team despite a disappointing 45-31 upset loss to the Washington Commanders in the Divisional Round of the playoffs this past weekend.

From RotoBaller

Robert Saleh Jan 20 12:50pm ET
Robert Saleh

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the Dallas Cowboys are scheduled to interview Seattle Seahawks assistant head coach Leslie Frazier for their head-coach vacancy on Monday. Although the meeting with Frazier is the Cowboys' last scheduled interview after they talked with Robert Saleh and Kellen Moore over the weekend, Rapoport gets the sense that the team isn't close to deciding on a new head coach and will talk with other candidates down the road. Frazier is a long-time defensive coordinator in the NFL, most recently for the Buffalo Bills from 2017-22. He took the year off in 2023 before joining the Seahawks in 2024. Frazier won a Super Bowl as a player in 1985 with the Chicago Bears and also served as the head coach with the Minnesota Vikings from 2011-13, going 21-32-1 during that span.

From RotoBaller

Derek Stingley Jr. Jan 20 12:50pm ET
Derek Stingley Jr.

When asked about a potential contract extension now that he's eligible for one, Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. said, "Yeah I want to be here forever." The 23-year-old former third overall pick by the Texans in the 2022 NFL draft out of LSU just wrapped up his third year in the NFL and was a Pro Bowler and All-Pro for the first time in his career. In 17 regular-season starts for the Texans in 2024, Stingley had a career-high 54 tackles (37 solo), a career-high-tying five interceptions and four tackles for loss. If the Texans don't give Stingley a long-term contract extension this offseason, they will most likely pick up his fifth-year option to at least keep him around through the 2026 season. He played a career-high 1,012 defensive snaps for the Texans this year and is surely well-deserving of a contract extension either this offseason or next.

From RotoBaller

Robert Saleh Jan 20 12:40pm ET
Robert Saleh

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport gets the sense that the Dallas Cowboys aren't close at all to wrapping up their search for their next head coach. Dallas is expected to take their time and talk to more candidates after already interviewing Robert Saleh and Kellen Moore over the weekend. Rapoport said he wouldn't be surprised if the Cowboys put in a request to interview Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury whenever Washington's season is over. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero mentions that Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady is a popular head-coaching candidate this cycle and has already interviewed with the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars and New Orleans Saints for their head-coaching vacancies, so he could be another name that Dallas looks at. The Commanders and Bills are still alive in the postseason, so Dallas would have to wait to interview them.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Jan 20 12:20pm ET
Patrick Mahomes

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the New Orleans Saints are flying in New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka on Monday for a second interview for their head-coaching job that will take place on Tuesday, according to sources. Despite never holding a head-coaching position in the NFL, Kafka has been a finalist for three head-coaching jobs in the last two cycles and is now a finalist in New Orleans. Kafka was a former Northwestern quarterback and was a fourth-round pick in the 2010 NFL draft. He went on to play in just four games with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011. Kafka was with the Kansas City Chiefs from 2017-21, going from quality-control coach to quarterbacks coach for Patrick Mahomes' first two years as a starter. He became the Giants' offensive coordinator in 2022 and added assistant head coach to his title this past season.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Jan 20 12:10pm ET
Matthew Stafford

After losing to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford said he would "take some time to think about it" when asked about his future. When asked about whether he has football left in him, Stafford said, "Sure feels like it." The 36-year-old nearly led the Rams to an improbable come-from-behind win in a blizzard in Philly, throwing for a season-high 324 yards and two touchdowns while also losing a fumble. He has two years left on his current deal. Stafford has 15 passing touchdowns in the playoffs for LA, tying Kurt Warner for the most in team history. Stafford finished the regular season as the QB19 in overall fantasy points with 3,762 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions. If he returns in 2025, his lack of rushing ability limits his fantasy upside as a QB2.

From RotoBaller

Derrick Henry Jan 20 10:00am ET
Derrick Henry

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry capped off another fantastic year with a touchdown despite the team getting away from the run when they could have used it the most in the two-point loss to the Buffalo Bills. He finished the game with 16 carries for 84 yards and a touchdown to go along with two targets, but he didn't haul any of those in. The Ravens had short spurts of committing to the run, then they ultimately got away from it as the game went on. In two postseason games, Henry accumulated 270 yards on the ground and three touchdowns. Henry and Lamar Jackson will look for redemption next season while the Ravens look to re-tool on both sides of the ball.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Jan 20 9:40am ET
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson committed a couple of uncharacteristic turnovers in the first half on Sunday, but almost turned it all around in the second half. During the 27-25 loss to the Bills, Jackson finished with 254 yards and one interception on 18-for-25 throwing while gathering 39 yards on six carries and a fumble. He did a great job shaking off the rough first half to get the team within a two-point conversion of tying the game in the fourth quarter. He went 12-for-15 for 131 yards and a touchdown in the second half, but the third costly turnover from Mark Andrews and a dropped two-point conversion was the nail in the coffin.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Jan 20 9:30am ET
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown had a subdued performance in the 28-22 Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams, finishing with just two receptions for 14 yards. Over the last three games, Brown has averaged two catches for 20 yards, a surprising dip for one of the league's most elite receivers. The Eagles have leaned heavily on Saquon Barkley and the ground game during this stretch, limiting Brown's opportunities. He hasn't found the end zone since Week 16 against the Cowboys, but his ability to stretch the field and make big plays remains critical to Philadelphia's success. As the Eagles prepare to host the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game, Brown's role in the passing attack will be pivotal.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Jan 20 9:30am ET
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert paced the team with four receptions for 56 yards, including a 31-yard catch, in the 28-22 Divisional Round victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Goedert's reliability in the passing game has been a consistent asset, especially as defenses focus on containing wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Over his last three outings, Goedert has averaged four receptions for 52.6 yards per game, proving his value as a dependable target for quarterback Jalen Hurts. His ability to create opportunities has been instrumental in keeping the Eagles' offense balanced. As the Eagles gear up to host the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship, Goedert's steady production will remain a key factor in their quest for a Super Bowl appearance.

From RotoBaller

Jake Elliott Jan 20 9:30am ET
Jake Elliott

Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott had a mixed outing in the 28-22 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. He converted just one of three extra-point attempts, with the snowy conditions playing a significant role in the second attempt. However, Elliott remained reliable on field goals, going three-for-three this game and extending his streak to 10 makes in his last 11 attempts. While Elliott's missed extra points have raised some concernsthis marks the second consecutive game with a misshis consistency on field goals has been crucial for the Eagles during their playoff push. As the Eagles prepare to host the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship, Elliott's ability to deliver under pressure will be vital in what could be another tightly contested playoff matchup.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Jan 20 9:30am ET
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith contributed four receptions for 27 yards in the team's 28-22 Divisional Round victory over the Los Angeles Rams. While the Eagles relied heavily on Saquon Barkley's dominant ground game, Smith proved reliable when his number was called. The passing attack has taken a backseat multiple times this season as the team leans on Barkley's historic performances. However, Smith's ability to make key catches and move the chains remains a vital part of Philadelphia's offensive strategy. As the Eagles prepare for a grudge match against the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship, Smith's role in complementing the running game with an efficient aerial attack will be crucial in maintaining their postseason success.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Hurts Jan 20 9:20am ET
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts played a pivotal role in Sunday's 28-22 Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams. Hurts completed 15 of 20 passes for 128 yards while adding seven carries for 70 rushing yards, including a 44-yard touchdown run on the opening drive that electrified the snow-covered crowd at Lincoln Financial Field. As for the passing game, Hurts completed 15 passes for 128 yards. Hurts showed resilience despite being sacked seven times and playing with a knee brace in the second half. He should be good to go for next week as the Eagles are set to host the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game. Hurts' ability to adapt and lead through adversity will be critical to Philadelphia's Super Bowl aspirations.

From RotoBaller