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FFL: Week 2 | NFL: Week 2

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.

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Fantasy Preview: Week 2

Player Notes
Roman Wilson Sep 12 7:00pm ET
Roman Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson (ankle) was a full participant in practice for the first time on Thursday and is hoping this is the week that he will make his NFL debut. Wilson missed the entire preseason and the Week 1 win over the Atlanta Falcons due to an ankle injury that he suffered in training camp. He has missed valuable time learning the offense, but the third-round pick back in April feels like he's ready to do whatever is asked of him. The 23-year-old now has a much better shot to be active in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos, but even if he is, expect Pittsburgh to ease Wilson into their offense because of how much time he missed leading up to the regular season. But in time, Wilson could easily become the team's No. 2 behind George Pickens in 2024, making him worth a bench stash in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Sep 12 6:40pm ET
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) was limited in practice for the second straight day with a calf injury that kept him out of the season-opening win against the Atlanta Falcons. Justin Fields got the start in Week 1, and with Wilson still nursing his calf injury, the Steelers continue to prepare as if Fields will start in Week 2 on the road against the Denver Broncos. For what it's worth, the 35-year-old Wilson says he's "getting closer and closer" to playing, but it looks like he'll sit out a second straight week as the team plays it cautious with him. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that even though Fields is expected to start in Week 2, the belief is that Wilson will get the starting job once he returns from his calf injury. The Steelers think Wilson's command of the offense is stronger, and it seems as though only an explosive performance from Fields would change that plan.

From RotoBaller

DeAndre Hopkins Sep 12 6:30pm ET
DeAndre Hopkins

Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (knee) said his knee injury is a sprain similar to an ankle sprain, and it isn't a tear. Hopkins played in the Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears despite entering with a questionable tag, but he played only 27% of the offensive snaps, which was fourth among Titans pass-catchers. It led to just one catch on his only target for an eight-yard gain. The 32-year-old veteran and five-time Pro Bowler clearly wasn't fully healthy. However, he's off the Week 2 injury report entirely and is expected to have a much bigger role in Week 2 against the New York Jets. Fantasy managers should expect Hopkins to be more involved on offense this Sunday, but his conditioning is still a question mark, and the matchup against the Jets isn't idea. Hopkins' fantasy stock is certainly down in 2024, but he should be a slightly more attractive WR4/flex another week removed from his knee sprain.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Sep 12 6:30pm ET
Jake Ferguson

Updating a previous report, Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (knee) was officially listed as a non-participant in practice on Thursday for the second straight day. A previous report stated that Ferguson was working out on the side, but he didn't officially take part in practice, and his status is firmly up in the air for the Week 2 contest at home against the New Orleans Saints. In addition to Ferguson, tight end John Stephens (hamstring) has also missed both practices this week. Ferguson suffered a bone bruise and MCL sprain in the Week 1 victory over the Cleveland Browns and is on the wrong side of questionable for this weekend's game. Fantasy managers that started Ferguson in Week 1 should have already made plans to be without him in Week 2. With both Ferguson and Stephens banged up, it's looking like Luke Schoonmaker will take on a bigger role against the Saints.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Schultz Sep 12 6:20pm ET
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz's (ankle) was held out of practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday, putting his status up in the air for the Week 2 tilt at home against the visiting Chicago Bears. Schultz will likely have to suit up in some capacity at Friday's practice to avoid being ruled out entirely. The 28-year-old caught all three of his targets for only 16 receiving yards in a disappointing first game in the Week 1 win over the division-rival Indianapolis Colts as well. As things stand right now, he is shaping up as a very shaky TE1/2 for fantasy managers against a tough defense this weekend. If Schultz is out on Sunday or limited on offense, the Texans would be forced to turn to some combination of Brevin Jordan and Cade Stover at the position. Fantasy managers looking for a TE streamer would be better off looking elsewhere.

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Tank Bigsby Sep 12 6:20pm ET
Tank Bigsby

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby had a surprising Week 1 performance against the Miami Dolphins, putting up 12 carries and a team-leading 73 rushing yards. After a good preseason, it was clear Bigsby would be the handcuff for Travis Etienne Jr., but not even the most optimistic of fantasy managers expected this kind of outing from the sophomore RB in Week 1. The backup back had just two fewer touches than starter Etienne Jr., who only had 59 total yards and a costly fourth-quarter fumble. The Auburn product had a forgettable rookie season, but this great Week 1 performance could mean a bounce-back year two. While starting him in Week 2 against the stout Cleveland Browns defense would be a huge overreaction, Bigsby is worth picking up as a bench stash, whether as a handcuff or an upside option for the future. Keep Bigsby on benches for now, but if he's still on waivers after the initial wave, he's worth picking up.

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Dameon Pierce Sep 12 6:20pm ET
Dameon Pierce

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) was added to the team's Week 2 injury report after he was listed as limited at practice. Mid-week additions to the injury report are usually never a good sign, but at least Pierce was able to do something at practice. Still, the 24-year-old could have an injury designation heading into the Week 2 contest at home against the Chicago Bears, depending on how much he's able to get done on Friday. Pierce really shouldn't be in consideration for a starting lineup spot in fantasy as the backup to Joe Mixon, but Houston's RB rotation could be affected against Chicago if Pierce is out or limited. Pierce played just 11% of the offensive snaps in the Week 1 win over the division-rival Indianapolis Colts, which ranked third behind Mixon and Dare Ogunbowale. Pierce is currently rostered in just 5% of Yahoo leagues.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Sep 12 6:10pm ET
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin was surprisingly the leading receiver during the season opener. The veteran wideout led the team in both targets and receiving yards during the Week 1 win over the Washington Commanders. Godwin finished the day with eight receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown. The 28-year-old is back in the slot and looks to be fully healthy once again. He'll get a Detroit Lions defense in Week 2 that allowed the sixth-most passing yards last season. The Bucs should continue to air it out which makes Godwin a fine WR2 for Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Sep 12 6:10pm ET
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) was on the practice field in uniform with the rest of the team on Thursday for what was not a fully padded session. McCaffrey was listed as limited for the first practice of the week on Wednesday and probably will end up with another limited designation on Thursday. Still, the fact that the 28-year-old is practicing at all after being a surprise inactive in Monday night's win over the New York Jets is good news. Last year's rushing champion is reportedly dealing with Achilles tendinitis in addition to a calf injury he suffered early in training camp. CMC hasn't been ruled out for Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings, but signs are pointing to him being unlikely to suit up as the 49ers play things extra cautious with their star back. If McCaffrey is held out again this Sunday, Jordan Mason will be a must-start in this high-scoring 49ers offense as the lead back.

From RotoBaller

Jalen McMillan Sep 12 6:10pm ET
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan was able to find the end zone during his NFL debut last week. The rookie wideout won the No. 3 role with an impressive performance during camp. He was able to make some noise by hauling in one of his three targets for a 32-yard touchdown in the win over the Washington Commanders. As expected, McMillan isn't going to have a huge role with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin seeing a bulk of the targets. That is likely going to continue which means McMillan might only see a few chances each week. It probably won't be enough to warrant rostering McMillan is most fantasy formats. He's worth stashing in dynasty formats but probably won't see much action in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Sep 12 6:10pm ET
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) missed another day of practice on Thursday as the team manages a right-ankle injury that he suffered in the Week 1 win over the New York Giants. Addison's status for the Week 2 showdown against the San Francisco 49ers is now firmly in question after two missed practices this week. The 22-year-old second-year pass-catcher will most likely need to practice in some capacity on Friday to avoid being ruled out entirely. In addition to injuring his ankle last Sunday, Addison caught just three of four targets for 35 yards despite Minnesota's offense blowing out the Giants. If Addison is ruled out entirely or limited in any way by his ankle in Week 2 in a difficult matchup, Jalen Nailor figures to serve as the team's No. 2 wideout behind Justin Jefferson, with Brandon Powell also seeing an increased role.

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Bucky Irving Sep 12 6:00pm ET
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving outperformed lead back Rachaad White during the season opener last week. The fourth-round rookie rushed nine times for 62 yards while hauling in two receptions for an additional 14 yards. It was a nice debut for Irving who could carve a bigger role for himself as the season goes on. However, White is expected to remain the workhorse back for now. If he continues to struggle then Irving could continue getting more carries. The Bucs head into a tougher matchup against the Detroit Lions in Week 2. A defense that allowed the second-fewest rushing yards in the league last season. Irving is worth stashing in deep and dynasty formats, but his usage is unknown right now which makes him a shaky fantasy option.

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Mike Evans Sep 12 6:00pm ET
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans had seemingly no issues as he tore apart the Washington Commanders defense last week. The veteran wideout hauled in five of his six targets for 61 yards and two touchdowns in the blowout win. Evans has been one of the most reliable wideouts over the last decade and that doesn't look like it's going to change anytime soon. He will get a tougher challenge in Week 2 against the Detroit Lions defense. However, the Lions secondary still has holes, so Evans should be able to continue producing WR1 numbers in Week 2.

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Travis Etienne Sep 12 5:50pm ET
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. is still a great starting option for fantasy managers in Week 2 despite a mediocre Week 1 performance against the Miami Dolphins. He had 44 rushing yards on 12 carries, a rushing touchdown, two receptions for 15 yards, and a costly fourth-quarter fumble. The Jaguars face the Cleveland Browns this week, a defense better against the pass than the run. The offense struggled in Week 1, especially in the second half, meaning establishing the run early could be the strategy to try and get back on track. Tank Bigsby, who surprisingly led the team in rushing against the Dolphins (12 carries for 73 yards), could be a part of that strategy. However, Etienne Jr. still led the team in touches, and losing his starting job would be a massive overreaction to one game. Etienne Jr. managers will be disappointed that a guy they drafted as an RB1 is already viewed as an RB2, but the upside for RB1 status remains.

From RotoBaller

Rachaad White Sep 12 5:50pm ET
Rachaad White

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White struggled to find much room to run during the season opener. White rushed the ball 15 times, but managed only 31 yards on the ground during the win over the Washington Commanders. Luckily, White was able to salvage his fantasy value with six receptions for 75 yards through the air. Rookie back Bucky Irving was more efficient on the ground, but White should remain the workhorse back for now. It won't get any easier for White against the Detroit Lions in Week 2. A defense that allowed the second-fewest rushing yards last season. The good news is that White is heavily used in the passing game. That being said, White should be fine to plug in as a RB2 in PPR formats.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Sep 12 5:40pm ET
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is coming off a fantastic season opener against the Washington Commanders. Mayfield threw for 289 yards with four touchdowns in what ended up being a blowout win for Tampa Bay. The former first-round pick was nearly flawless with only six incomplete passes during the opener. He looks to keep the good times rolling against the Detroit Lions in Week 2. Mayfield will have a tougher challenge in Week 2, but still remains a solid fantasy choice. The Lions defense allowed the 10th-most points per game last season. Mayfield should be considered a low-end QB1 for this game.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Sep 12 5:20pm ET
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence struggled in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins. He had 161 passing yards and one touchdown, producing a measly 11.3 fantasy points. In Week 2, Lawrence faces the Cleveland Browns, a defense that held Dak Prescott to 11.5 fantasy points last week. The Browns defense is known for a great pass rush and elite secondary, which allowed the least passing yards per game in the NFL last year. It may be easy for fantasy managers to see 33 points allowed in Week 1 by the Browns and think they should start the Jaguars QB, but context is important. After an Ezekiel Elliot rushing touchdown with five minutes left in the second quarter, the Cowboys didn't score a single offensive touchdown. Similarly, the Jaguars scored zero points entirely in the second half against the Dolphins. Lawrence is firmly entrenched as a QB2 this week, meaning managers should look to the waiver wire to find a higher upside option.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Sep 12 5:00pm ET
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) did not practice again on Thursday due to a heel injury. Allen was sidelined during Thursday's practice and could be in danger of missing Sunday's game if he doesn't have successful practice on Friday. The 32-year-old was on the injury report all week prior to their season opener but was able to suit up. In that game, Allen saw a hefty 37.9% of the team's targets and was targeted on an impressive 47.8% of the routes he ran. If Allen does suit up for Sunday's game, he should present a solid floor in PPR formats, making him a safe WR2. However, if Allen were to be limited or miss Sunday's game, DJ Moore should see an uptick in targets and potentially tight end Cole Kmet, who saw just one pass come his way in the opener.

From RotoBaller

Nico Collins Sep 12 5:00pm ET
Nico Collins

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (illness) was limited during Thursday's practice due to an illness. The budding receiver practiced in full on Wednesday. The Texans could be leaning on the side of caution ahead of their Week 2 matchup to give him an extra day of rest. However, fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's report as it should suggest if Collins will be ready to suit up. In the season opener, Collins continued his 2023 breakout campaign by catching six passes for a team-high 117 yards in their victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Collins should remain locked into all lineups as a high-end WR2 over the weekend.

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Rome Odunze Sep 12 4:50pm ET
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze (knee) did not practice again on Thursday, according to ESPN's Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Odunze suffered an MCL sprain in the season opener but was considered to be "day-to-day" according to Chicago head coach Matt Eberflus on Wednesday. The ninth-overall pick in this year's draft was held to just one catch for 11 yards in his regular-season debut. However, he saw the second-highest total snaps among Chicago wideouts, which is a promising sign going forward. Fantasy managers should look to find an alternate option for Odunze, as he may play in a limited capacity if he does suit up for their Week 2 matchup against the Houston Texans.

From RotoBaller