Guest of the League
USFFL Est. 2015
FFL: Week 11 | NFL: Week 11

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

Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 11

Player Notes
Tee Higgins Nov 13 1:30pm ET
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said he's encouraged with wide receiver Tee Higgins (quadriceps) for Week 11 against the Los Angeles Chargers. However, Higgins will not take any practice repetitions on Wednesday. It's good news that the Bengals are optimistic about Higgins after he missed the last three games with a quad injury, but he's going to need to get back on the practice field if he wants to be cleared to play this Sunday evening. Cincy also plays in the Sunday night game against the Bolts, so if Higgins is a game-time decision, it will make him an even riskier fantasy play. If the 25-year-old pass-catcher returns on Sunday, he'll be a WR3/flex for fantasy managers, albeit in a tough matchup against a stingy Chargers defense. Tight ends Mike Gesicki and Tanner Hudson have benefitted from bigger roles in the passing game the last few weeks with Higgins sidelined.

From RotoBaller

JuJu Smith-Schuster Nov 13 1:30pm ET
JuJu Smith-Schuster

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is likely to return and play in Week 11 against the Buffalo Bills on the road. Smith-Schuster has not played since injuring his hamstring in a win over the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 20, but he's expected to return to practice this week and play this weekend. The week prior to his injury, Smith-Schuster went off for seven catches and 130 yards in the win over the New Orleans Saints, prompting plenty of waiver-wire consideration with the Chiefs' receiving corps so banged up. However, since his injury, KC landed DeAndre Hopkins in a trade with the Tennessee Titans. The 27-year-old will have a role in the Chiefs' passing attack when he returns, but the addition of Hopkins makes him less exciting from a fantasy perspective.

From RotoBaller

Austin Seibert Nov 13 1:20pm ET
Austin Seibert

Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert (hip) has officially been ruled out for the Week 11 game against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night. Seibert was unable to practice this week and will miss his second straight game. The good news is he'll have extra time to recover before hopefully returning for another divisional contest in Week 12 against the Dallas Cowboys. With Seibert ruled out again, Zane Gonzalez should serve as Washington's kicker yet again after making both of his field-goal attempts and all three of his extra-point tries in the Week 10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Gonzalez was on point in his return to NFL action last Sunday, but fantasy managers should be able to find better streaming options at the position than Gonzalez against the Eagles on Thursday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Nov 13 1:20pm ET
A.J. Brown

Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) has been ruled out for the Week 11 contest on Thursday night against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, so he'll have to wait to make his debut with the team until Week 12 against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. Lattimore is still nursing a hamstring injury that he suffered before being acquired in a trade from the New Orleans Saints. The 28-year-old veteran defensive back injured his hamstring in Week 8 and has not played since, but he'll have extra time to heal up following Thursday night's game. Lattimore was brought in specifically to help improve a Commanders secondary that has been their weakness in 2024, but he won't be available to try and help slow down Eagles receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith on Thursday night.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Nov 13 1:20pm ET
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) will return to practice on Wednesday, but head coach Andy Reid said it's unlikely that he will play on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills in Week 11. The Chiefs are eyeing a potential late-November return for Pacheco, who is recovering from a fractured fibula suffered in Week 2, so the team is likely going to use all of the 25-year-old's 21-day practice window before officially activating him from Injured Reserve. Pacheco needs to be rostered in all fantasy leagues, but it's probably going to be at least several more weeks before he's active on game day. For now, Kareem Hunt will continue to serve as the Chiefs' primary back and needs to be locked into all starting fantasy lineups as the team travels to Buffalo to take on the Bills this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Nov 13 12:40pm ET
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) will not take part in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Kincaid injured his knee in the Week 10 win over the Indianapolis Colts and is now in danger of missing a huge Week 11 tilt against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs. However, Kincaid still has two more days to return to the practice field to give him a shot at playing this weekend. The second-year tight end has been a bit of a disappointment for fantasy managers that invested in him in 2024, as he currently ranks as the TE22 in half-PPR points per game (6.5). Before getting hurt last Sunday against Indy, he had two catches on five targets for 24 yards. If Kincaid cannot get cleared to face the Chiefs, Dawson Knox would immediately become an intriguing TE2 streamer, especially if receiver Amari Cooper (wrist) misses a third straight game.

From RotoBaller

Younghoe Koo Nov 13 12:40pm ET
Younghoe Koo

The Atlanta Falcons are sticking with kicker Younghoe Koo heading into their Week 11 game on the road against the Denver Broncos after he missed three field-goal tries in the three-point loss to the division-rival New Orleans Saints in Week 10. "We've got history. With Koo, I'm going to ride that thing till the wheels fall off," head coach Raheem Morris said. The 30-year-old missed three of his four field goals on Sunday but made both of his extra-point attempts. Over his last six games, Koo has gone an uncharacteristic 3-for-9 from 40-plus yards and also had one of his kicks blocked by the Saints. He's tied for 10th among all kickers in total fantasy points through 10 weeks but is trending down in fantasy at the moment because of his struggles of late. The Broncos defense has been stingy in terms of points allowed this year, but Koo should still be on the streaming radar at altitude in Denver this Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Amari Cooper Nov 13 12:30pm ET
Amari Cooper

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that wide receiver Amari Cooper (wrist) will be limited during the team's walkthrough practice on Wednesday. It's a good start to the week for Cooper, who has missed each of the team's last two games due to a wrist injury. Rookie Keon Coleman (wrist) has already been ruled out for the Week 11 showdown against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs, so Cooper's status becomes even more important for Buffalo's offense. If Cooper were to miss a third straight game, Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins would start in three-wide sets. The 30-year-old Cooper has been improving, though, making it more likely than not that he'll return to face the Chiefs. If he does return, he should be Buffalo's WR1 after catching four passes for 66 yards and a touchdown in his debut with the team on Oct. 20 in the win over the Tennessee Titans.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Nov 13 12:20pm ET
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said on Wednesday that quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) will not play in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions. However, Pederson is optimistic that Lawrence can play in Week 13 against the division-rival Houston Texans following the team's bye in Week 12. There were reports that Lawrence might miss the rest of the season due to an AC joint sprain in his left (non-throwing) shoulder, but that seems unlikely now as long as he doesn't suffer a setback as he rehabs. Mac Jones will make his second straight start this Sunday after going 14-for-22 for 111 yards, no TDs, two interceptions and a fumble in the Week 10 loss to the Vikings. The Lions defense/special teams unit will be a popular streamer this week against the Jags with Lawrence missing a second straight game. Jones should be considered a low-end, low-upside QB2 in superflex fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Nov 13 12:20pm ET
Davante Adams

New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams (illness, wrist) did not take part in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. It doesn't sound like Adams is in danger of missing the Week 11 contest versus the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday, but we'll keep an eye on Adams' practice status the rest of the week. As long as he's able to return to the practice field in the next two days, he should get cleared to suit up this weekend as the Jets look to get back on track. The 31-year-old three-time All-Pro has underwhelmed with the Jets since they acquired him in a trade from the Las Vegas Raiders, as he's caught 20 of his 39 passes for 206 yards and one touchdown in four games played. Week 11 provides him an opportunity for a strong performance, though, as the Colts' defense has been a top-10 matchup for opposing wideouts in 2024 in terms of fantasy points per game.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Nov 13 12:10pm ET
Anthony Richardson

The Indianapolis Colts are going back to quarterback Anthony Richardson as their starter over Joe Flacco for the Week 11 game this Sunday on the road against the New York Jets. Flacco took over for a struggling Richardson in Week 9 and has led the Colts to two straight losses, so Indy will go back to the fourth overall pick out of Florida from last year. The 22-year-old possesses elite rushing ability with his legs, but he's proven very injury-prone early in his career and has had even bigger issues with his accuracy as a passer. Based on his rushing ability alone, Richardson will have QB1 upside for fantasy managers in his return to the starting role this weekend, although the Jets defense isn't the greatest matchup. If you're in need of QB help in Week 11 and Richardson is available, consider scooping him up. Head coach Shane Steichen said Richardson will be the starter for the rest of the season.

From RotoBaller

Miles Sanders Nov 13 9:30am ET
Miles Sanders

Testing revealed that Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (foot/ankle) avoided a major injury, according to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Penn State product was carted off the field during the Panthers' victory against the New York Giants in Munich, but he appears to have dodged the worst-case scenarios. Rapoport reported that Sanders will be considered "day-to-day" as the team waits for swelling to dissipate. The Panthers are idle this week, but the veteran back has little fantasy relevance even at full health. Chuba Hubbard has been the clear lead running back in Carolina, while second-round rookie Jonathon Brooks (knee) is close to making his NFL debut.

From RotoBaller

Tanner Conner Nov 13 12:50am ET
Tanner Conner

Miami Dolphins tight end Tanner Conner (knee) has been placed on injured reserve. The 26-year-old injured his knee during Monday night's win over the Los Angeles Rams. Conner has primarily played on special teams this season, registering just three catches for 16 yards along the way. Jonnu Smith, Durham Smythe, and Julian Hill remain the top three tight ends on Miami's offensive depth chart.

From RotoBaller

Ke'Shawn Vaughn Nov 13 12:50am ET
Ke'Shawn Vaughn

The San Francisco 49ers released running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn from their practice squad on Tuesday. He'll be replaced by running back Patrick Taylor Jr., who signed to the Niners' practice squad the same day. Vaughn bounced around with the Buccaneers and Patriots from 2020 through 2023, amassing 384 rushing yards, 81 receiving yards, and three total touchdowns. He had not yet registered a stat with the Niners at the time of his release. Moving forward, the 49ers' running back depth chart will feature Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason, Isaac Guerendo, and Taylor (in that order).

From RotoBaller

Jakeem Grant Nov 13 12:40am ET
Jakeem Grant

The Atlanta Falcons signed veteran wide receiver and special teamer Jakeem Grant to their practice squad on Tuesday. Grant spent a portion of 2024 training camp with Atlanta before being cut loose. He hasn't touched the football in a game since 2021, a year in which he made the Pro Bowl as a returner. The 32-year-old could work his way onto the active roster with his special teams experience, but he's not a dependable offensive weapon and therefore should be left untouched in all fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Nov 12 11:53pm ET
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle (hamstring) has hamstring irritation and will be monitored throughout the week, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan on Monday, Nov. 11.

Fantasy Spin: Any potential injury issue for the top-scoring fantasy tight end is notable, although none of the team's beat reporters seems overly concerned about it yet. While fantasy managers should not be overly concerned yet, Kittle missed a game earlier this year with a hamstring problem. Assuming he practices this week, he should be considered a strong TE1 option in Week 11 versus the Seattle Seahawks.

From TheHuddle

Desmond Ridder Nov 12 11:20pm ET
Desmond Ridder

The Athletic's Vic Tafur writes that the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to make the change to quarterback Desmond Ridder after Gardner Minshew II was benched for a third time this year in the Week 9 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Nothing is official yet, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Raiders go with Ridder under center coming off their bye to face the Miami Dolphins this Sunday. Aidan O'Connell (finger) is on Injured Reserve. Head coach Antonio Pierce is feeling the pressure after losing five straight games to fall to 2-7 before the Week 10 bye. After Ridder took over for Minshew in the loss to the Bengals, he went 11-for-16 for 74 yards and a touchdown while also losing a fumble. The former Falcons QB won't be anything more than a desperation QB2 in superflex leagues if he gets the start against a Dolphins D that just kept the Rams out of the end zone all game on Monday.

From RotoBaller

Siran Neal Nov 12 10:00pm ET
Siran Neal

Miami Dolphins defensive back Kendall Fuller (concussion) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 11 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to head coach Mike McDaniels. Fuller suffered a concussion during Monday's win over the Los Angeles Rams. This is his second concussion of the season and as a result he'll be held out in Week 11 while he works to clear concussion protocol. Either Siran Neal or Cam Smith will take over as the opposite corner to Jalen Ramsey. The loss of Fuller will hurt, but the Dolphins defense should still be fine against a struggling Raiders offense.

From RotoBaller

Will Grier Nov 12 10:00pm ET
Will Grier

The Dallas Cowboys have signed quarterback Will Grier to their practice squad on Tuesday. Grier was recently cut off the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad, but it didn't take him long to find a new home. He figures to join the team as depth with Dak Prescott (hamstring) done for the season. The former third-round pick has done very little since being drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2019. He played in two games as a rookie and hasn't done anything since then. Grier is likely brought in as depth in case Cooper Rush or Trey Lance suffer an injury at some point. The 29-year-old figures to remain on the practice squad going forward.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Taylor Nov 12 9:40pm ET
Patrick Taylor

San Francisco 49ers running back Patrick Taylor Jr. was waived by the team last week to make room for Christian McCaffrey on the active roster. However, Taylor is back with the organization less than a week later. It appears Taylor was decided to rejoin the practice squad after clearing waivers this week. This move doesn't mean much right now considering Taylor has seven carries for 25 yards on the season. He's nice depth to have given the how often running backs get injured in San Francisco. He figures to fall behind Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo in the pecking order for backups, so fantasy managers can ignore Taylor.

From RotoBaller