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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Dynasty | Ravens tight end Mark Andrews had five catches for 61 yards in a playoff loss to the Bills. Dynasty Analysis: He also dropped the would-be tying two-point conversion attempt and had a brutal fumble to position the Bills to win the game. This one will sting for quite some time as Andrews' mistakes really did cost the Ravens a chance to win. He had a brutal start to the season but came back strong in the second half. While not the elite-level dynasty asset he once was, Andrews should be back as a TE1/2 next season.
Dynasty | Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper had no catches on one target in the Bills playoff win over the Ravens. Dynasty Analysis: Cooper is seemingly healthy, but Buffalo simply doesn't use him. In fact, he was only on the field for 21 of the more than 60 snaps on the day. Cooper will be a free agent at the end of the season and it's fair to wonder just what he may have left in the tank. His usage will again be something to watch next week.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir secured six of seven targets for 67 yards in the team's 27-25 win over the Baltimore Ravens to advance to the AFC Championship game. Shakir led Buffalo in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. The Buffalo passing game was a little underwhelming. Running back James Cook finished with three targets, second on the team. No other receiver had more than two. Shakir will continue to be Josh Allen's favorite target when the Bills face the Chiefs next weekend for the chance to go to the Super Bowl.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid caught one pass for 11 yards in the team's 27-25 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round of the playoffs. Kincaid's lone reception came on the first play of Buffalo's second drive. He was targeted just once more for the rest of the game. Josh Allen threw for 127 yards, a season-low mark, which resulted in poor receiving performances across the board for Buffalo's pass catchers (excluding Khalil Shakir). Kincaid's subpar season continues but the Bills did advance to the AFC Championship game to meet the Kansas City Chiefs.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen completed 16 of 22 pass attempts for 127 yards and carried the ball 10 times for 20 yards and two touchdowns in the team's victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Allen's passing total was the lowest of his 2024-25 campaign. The rushing yardage left a lot to be desired, too. The two short touchdown plunges salvaged his fantasy score but he still finished below 20 points. Allen and the Bills get another shot at defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in the postseason when they travel to Arrowhead for the AFC Championship game.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook rushed 17 times for 67 yards and caught three passes for 15 yards in the team's 27-25 win over the Baltimore Ravens. Cook averaged just a hair under four yards per carry against Baltimore, one of the league's stingiest run defenses. All three of Buffalo's touchdowns came on the ground. Quarterback Josh Allen punched in two of the scores. The other was given to backup running back Ray Davis, despite Cook getting Buffalo to the one-yard line. Another tough run defense is next when the Bills travel to Kansas City for a matchup with the Chiefs.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Eagles running back Saquon Barkley rushed for 205 yards and two touchdowns in the Eagles win over the Rams. Dynasty Analysis: Barkley added four catches and 27 receiving yards, along with touchdown runs of 62 and 78 yards on the day. It was just another day at the office for the NFL's best running back. Barkley wasn't affected by the snowy conditions and broke the back of the Rams on his two long runs. There really isn't much to say at this point. Barkley is going to be the favorite to finish next year as the RB1 and is a prime target for any contending team this off-season.
Dynasty | Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp had five catches for 61 yards in the Rams playoff loss to the Eagles. Dynasty Analysis: Firmly supplanted as the Rams top option by Puka Nacua, it's fair to wonder just what his future holds at this point. Kupp may finally be showing his age at this point and he's under contract for a lot of money moving forward. While the cap hit for cutting him would possibly be too much to endure, it's a possibility moving forward. Kupp's dynasty value is sinking fairly rapidly at this point and he may indeed need a new home.
The Los Angeles Rams DST finished the year on an impressive run after struggling early in the year. Against the Eagles, they totaled seven sacks led by two from Jared Verse, who became quite a lightning rod as the week went on after making comments about the Eagles and their fans. Despite all their pressure on Jalen Hurts, they weren't able to force any turnovers and gave up three long touchdown runs. Saquon Barkley ran for over 200 yards and Jalen Hurts had a 44-yard touchdown scamper as well. Despite giving up those big plays, the Rams' young defense showed huge growth towards the end of the season and will be one to target going into drafts next year. Verse and fellow rookies Braden Fiske, Jaylen McCollough, Omar Speights, and Kamren Kinchens form a strong young core for defensive coordinator Chris Shula to build around in 2025.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson had three catches for 74 yards in a snowy game against the Eagles in the Divisional Round. He was targeted seven times, which was tied for third on the team and second among wide receivers. Robinson had a 48-yard catch at the end of the first quarter that set up the Rams' early field goal and also had a key third-down conversion on the Rams' final drive of the game. Ultimately, that drive came up just short as the Rams turned the ball over on downs with under a minute left. Robinson established himself as a strong third receiver behind Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. His one-year deal with the Rams expired at the end of the season, and he'll be an unrestricted free agent after 31 catches for 505 yards and a career-high seven touchdowns in the regular season.
From RotoBaller
According to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar (arm) is questionable to return to Sunday's playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. The tight end sustained this injury during the second half. Before exiting, Kolar did not see a target in the passing game but did log one tackle on special teams. Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely will continue operating as the top tight ends for Baltimore.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee suffered a catastrophic knee injury in last year's Wild Card game, but this year he had a triumphant return at the end of the season and finished the season with a big game against the Eagles. He hauled in a team-high seven catches while finishing second on the team with 10 targets. He finished with 54 receiving yards and a touchdown in the Rams' 28-22 defeat at the hands of the Eagles. Higbee had five catches for over 50 yards last week against the Vikings and scored two touchdowns in his three regular-season games. Higbee has one year remaining on his current deal and will look to be a more regular contributor all season next year. From what he showed once he came back, the 32-year-old has the potential to be a top-10 TE if he remains in the same role in 2025.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp struggled down the stretch, but he had a good game against the Eagles in the final game of the Rams' season. Kupp caught five of his seven targets for 61 yards in the Rams' 28-22 loss to the Eagles. Kupp only had one catch in the Rams' win over the Vikings last week and only four total catches in his last three regular-season games. Kupp's five catches and his 61 yards were his best totals since back in Week 14 against the Bills. He ended the season on a high note, but he clearly remained the team's second receiver behind Puka Nacua. Headed into next season, Kupp is no longer a WR1, but he still can post good games like this when the Rams passing game is effective.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams had a good final stat line with 106 rushing yards on 19 carries and added one catch for a loss of one yard, but he had a very costly fumble that helped the Eagles secure a 28-22 win and eliminate the Rams from the playoffs. Williams had 17 touchdowns in his 18 regular and postseason games and totaled over 100 rushing yards in four of his last seven games. Williams ran for over 1,000 yards in the regular season and was one of the top fantasy running backs. He's lined up to be a clear RB1 next season as the focus of the Rams' offense, although Blake Corum could be worked into more of a timeshare if he's fully recovered from his forearm injury.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was heavily involved in the Rams' 28-22 loss to the Eagles. He was targeted a team-high 14 times and finished with six catches for 97 yards, including an acrobatic, sliding catch in the snow that will be part of his highlight reel for seasons to come. That catch kept the Rams potential game-winning drive alive, but they came up short in the red zone with under one minute left. Nacua established himself as one of the best fantasy receivers in the game after returning from his early season knee injury. He clearly became the go-to option in the Rams passing game and will be one of the top fantasy receivers going into next season.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford had a strong showing in the Rams' Divisional Round loss to the Eagles, 28-22. Stafford threw for 324 yards and two touchdowns despite the snowy conditions and adding five rushing yards on two carries. He did lose a fumble but threw no interceptions. He led the Rams on a late touchdown drive that pulled them within six, but a potential game-winning drive stalled out in the red zone and resulted in a turnover on downs with just 31 seconds left. Stafford threw four touchdowns in the Rams' two playoff games and finished with 24 touchdowns and just eight interceptions in his 18 regular season and postseason games.
From RotoBaller
According to the team, Buffalo Bills safety Taylor Rapp (hip) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens. The defensive back sustained this injury during the first half. He was eventually carted to the locker room during the second quarter. Before exiting, Rapp tallied two tackles (one solo) and one pass deflection. Fantasy managers should expect Cole Bishop to continue to have a starting role in the secondary for the remainder of the evening.
From RotoBaller
According to the team, Buffalo Bills safety Taylor Rapp (hip) is questionable to return to Sunday's playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens. Rapp sustained this injury during the first half. He was seen being carted to the locker room in the second quarter. Before exiting, Rapp tallied two tackles (one solo) and one pass deflection. While sidelined, Cole Bishop should see an uptick in opportunities.
From RotoBaller
According to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, Philadelphia Eagles rookie defensive back Quinyon Mitchell (shoulder) is believed to have avoided a serious shoulder injury during Sunday's victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Schultz noted that despite leaving Sunday's game early, the team is "hopeful and optimistic" for his status in the NFC title game against the Washington Commanders. Mitchell left Sunday's divisional game in the opening quarter. Fantasy managers should continue to keep an eye on his status throughout the week, as he will be a crucial part of the Philadelphia secondary next weekend. During the wild-card game, Mitchell tallied six tackles and an interception. During 16 regular season games, the Toledo product tallied 46 tackles, nine assists, and 12 pass deflections.
From RotoBaller
According to the team, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Deonte Harty (knee) is active for Sunday's playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. Harty has been on the injured reserve since suffering a knee injury during their Week 6 contest against the Washington Commanders. Over his first five games of the season, Harty has logged just six offensive snaps and has been deployed primarily on special teams. However, with Zay Flowers (knee) inactive, Harty could see a slightly increased role in this contest. Although, given his lack of offensive production, he should not be considered in any DFS competitions. Instead, fantasy managers should expect Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor, and Tylan Wallace to operate as the top wideouts for Lamar Jackson.
From RotoBaller
