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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The Paur Report
Dynasty | Eagles running back Saquon Barkley had 146 rushing yards, two catches, 52 receiving yards and two touchdowns in a win against Washington. Dynasty Analysis: Barkley just continues to roll this season and tonight's game put him well over 1,000 rushing yards in just ten games. When you add in his nine total touchdowns, you have a running back making a run at overall RB1 status. Barkley looks rejuvenated in the Philadelphia offense and while there are always going to be concerns about possible injuries, he's looking a lot like the player who dominated fantasy football at times early in his career.
Dynasty | Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels completed 22-of-32 passes for 191 yards with one touchdown and one interception in a loss against the Eagles. Dynasty Analysis: After looking unstoppable early in the season, Daniels has now had two games where he's simply looked like a rookie. This is likely just a blip on the radar, but disappointing nonetheless. Daniels will look to get back on track but dynasty managers are clearly hoping this isn't the start of Daniels hitting a rookie wall. If anything, it could also open a quick buy low window for him in dynasty leagues. It's going to take a lot more than this to make him drop down in our dynasty rankings.
Dynasty | Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin had one catch for ten yards in a loss against the Eagles. Dynasty Analysis: Philadelphia clearly wanted to take McLaurin out of the game and they succeeded in doing so, Still, this is a shock as McLaurin has been one of the most dependable receivers all season. Dynasty managers shouldn't hesitate in using him moving forward as this likely nothing more than one bad game. McLaurin's dynasty value is actually on the rise of late as he's been paired with a stud quarterback in Washington.
Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz converted seven targets into six catches for 47 yards and one touchdown during Thursday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Ertz found the end zone with 31 seconds left and proceeded to earn an "octopus" by adding a successful two-point conversion catch one play later. Ertz has been a top-12 fantasy tight end this season and continued to put together a strong age-34 campaign as he finished Week 11 with more catches, yards, and touchdowns than all of Washington's wide receivers combined.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin caught just one of two targets for 10 yards during Thursday's Week 11 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. It was a painfully unproductive performance from McLaurin, but he still managed to lead the Commanders' wide receivers in targets and yardage. The veteran receiver's streak of scoring 14-plus fantasy points (PPR) has ended at eight games. He'll look to bounce back as a mid-to-high fantasy WR2 heading into next week against the Dallas Cowboys.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. rushed 16 times for 63 yards and one touchdown during Thursday's Week 11 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. He also converted his lone target into a nine-yard reception. Robinson had missed Washington's last two contests due to injury but picked up right where he left off Thursday, scoring his sixth touchdown over the last six games. The 25-year-old ranks as a mid-to-low fantasy RB2 heading into next week's game against the Dallas Cowboys.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler rushed for just seven yards on two carries during Thursday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He was much more heavily involved in the passing game, catching eight of his nine targets for an additional 89 yards through the air. The veteran running back was the Commanders' leading receiver as quarterback Jayden Daniels threw a heavy amount of short-range passes on Thursday night. The 29-year-old has posted at least 17 fantasy points (PPR) in each of his last three games and should be treated as a strong RB3 option going into Week 12 against the Dallas Cowboys.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels completed 22 of his 32 pass attempts for 191 yards, one touchdown, and one interception during Thursday's Week 11 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He also took three sacks and rushed for just 18 yards on seven attempts. Daniels got off to an incredibly hot start in his rookie season, but he has quieted down over the last two games, tallying one touchdown, one turnover, six sacks, and 23 rushing yards during that span. This year's No. 2 overall pick still has an impressive track record through just half a season in the NFL and should be treated as a mid-to-low fantasy QB1 heading into Week 11 versus Dallas.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown caught just one of four targets for four yards during Thursday's Week 11 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Although Brown had his quietest game of the season, it's still promising given that he led the Commanders' wide receiver room in snaps, targets, and routes run. He was even more involved than Terry McLaurin. Brown should be treated as a high-end fantasy WR4 heading into next week's battle with the Dallas Cowboys.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets kicker Anders Carlson is likely to handle the kicking duties during the Week 11 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. It has been musical chairs at the kicker spot for the Jets over the last few weeks. Carlson figures to become the fourth kicker for the team over the four games. Spencer Shrader was kicking for the Jets last week, but he has been signed to the Kansas City Chiefs active roster. Carlson is 5-for-5 on field goal attempts this season from his two-game run with the San Francisco 49ers. Carlson struggled as a rookie last season, but maybe can settle down with the Jets and become their full-time kicker.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back D'Ernest Johnson (hamstring) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice. This is now back-to-back days that Johnson has been limited due to a lingering hamstring issue. Johnson has been quiet lately and only played four offensive snaps during last week's loss to the Minnesota Vikings. However, Johnson could see a bigger role this weekend with Tank Bigsby (ankle) unable to practice yet this week. Johnson would be the primary backup if Bigsby is unable to play, which would give him an uptick in value.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (foot) was upgraded to a full participant during Thursday's practice session. Henry was limited to open the week, but the veteran tight end appears to be fine now. Fantasy managers shouldn't be worried about his status for this weekend after Henry got in a full practice session here. He figures to be ready to play against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1. Henry is looking to bounce back after posting a dud against the Chicago Bears last week. The 29-year-old has looked solid as the safety blanket for rookie quarterback Drake Maye.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Harrison Bryant (ankle) was able to get through a limited practice session on Thursday. Bryant suffered an ankle injury during the Week 9 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He was off last week with the Raiders having a bye week. Bryant didn't practice to open the week, but returned as a limited participant on Thursday. He seems to have a decent chance at suiting up for the Week 11 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Bryant has seven receptions for 65 yards over his last three games, but doesn't have much fantasy value with Brock Bowers ahead of him on the depth chart.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (groin) was unable to suit up for practice on Thursday. This is now back-to-back missed practices for Fant to start the week. This is not a good sign for Fant coming out of the bye week. He appears to be trending in the wrong direction ahead of the Week 11 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. If he sits, AJ Barner figures to see a majority of the snaps as the starting tight end. The rookie tight end hauled in four of his seven targets for 27 yards in Week 9. He's a possible deep league option if Fant is unable to play this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (knee) was able to practice in full for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Metcalf appears to be much healthier coming out of the team's Week 10 bye after missing each of the previous two games with a sprained MCL that he suffered in Week 7. Barring a setback on Friday, it seems as though he'll be cleared to play on Sunday against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers. The 26-year-old should see a normal workload in his return, too, meaning fantasy managers should be ready to throw him back into their starting lineups if he's cleared to face the Niners. Metcalf only had three catches on 11 targets for 48 yards in the first meeting with San Fran on Oct. 10, but he's averaging 13.2 half-PPR points per game, which ranks 13th among all receivers. Metcalf's impending return inevitably means fewer targets for both Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle) was added to the Week 11 injury report on Thursday after putting in a limited practice. It's a new injury for Jennings, and it could put him in danger of missing the Week 11 game against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. We should have a better idea of the 27-year-old's status after another practice on Friday. Jennings caught seven of 11 targets for 93 yards in the Week 10 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the second time this season he's been targeted double-digit times. Before that, he missed Weeks 7 and 8 due to injury before going on bye in Week 9. Jennings' rest-of-season value is buoyed by the fact that Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is done for the year, although he might be in danger of missing Sunday's game. If Jennings is out or limited, rookie Ricky Pearsall could be the No. 3 target behind Deebo Samuel Sr. and George Kittle (hamstring).
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) was limited for the second straight day in practice this week on Thursday. McCaffrey made his 2024 debut in the Week 10 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but will most likely continue to have his workload monitored in practice the rest of the season. In his debut last Sunday, the 28-year-old All-Pro back had 19 touches for 107 scrimmage yards while playing 88 percent of the offensive snaps. We'd expect CMC to be removed from the final Week 11 injury report and be San Fran's lead back in a divisional clash against the Seattle Seahawks. Backups Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo had a combined two carries for five yards in McCaffrey's return. McCaffrey will be looking to build on his debut last week and is a must-start in all fantasy lineups.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (hamstring) upgraded to a limited practice on Thursday after he did not practice at all on Wednesday. Kittle is dealing with some hamstring irritation, but head coach Kyle Shanahan said he wasn't really worried about the tight end's status heading into a Week 11 divisional showdown versus the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday. As long as the 31-year-old veteran doesn't have a setback with his hamstring on Friday, he should be active in Week 11. He has scored seven touchdowns in eight games played in 2024 to put him atop the TE ranks in terms of fantasy points. In addition to his league-high seven touchdowns, Kittle has 43 receptions on 53 targets for 560 yards. On Oct. 10 in the first meeting against Seattle, he had five catches for 58 yards and two TDs. Kittle is a must-start, high-end TE1 for fantasy managers again this week.
From RotoBaller
With Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) returning to action on Thursday night against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, Chris Rodriguez Jr. is a healthy inactive. Robinson missed the team's previous two games, which afforded Rodriguez 13 carries for 56 yards as a change-of-pace option behind Austin Ekeler. With B-Rob back in the fold, the Commanders will roll with Robinson, Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols as their three backs against Philly. The 24-year-old Rodriguez has played in only four games in 2024 in his second year in the league, with all his statistics coming in the last two games with Robinson sidelined. Obviously, the former sixth-rounder in 2023 out of Kentucky is off the fantasy radar.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman DeForest Buckner (foot) put in a full practice on Thursday after picking up a DNP for the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Safety Julian Blackmon (shoulder) has been practicing in full this week, while linebacker E.J. Speed (knee) has put in two limited practices. Unless he has a setback on Friday, Buckner should be good to play on Sunday against the New York Jets while getting after quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The 30-year-old veteran missed Weeks 3-7 while on Injured Reserve but has been active the last three weeks, picking up nine solo tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss and six QB hits. The Colts defense/special teams unit is a fade in fantasy this week against the Jets, but Buckner is certainly in play as a starting defensive lineman in IDP formats.
From RotoBaller
