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
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 6
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) won't return to Sunday's NFC South meeting with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The wideout didn't last long in this one, getting hit early in the contest after bringing in a catch for five yards, his only reception of the day. But now, Olave will join Derek Carr (oblique) and Taysom Hill (ribs) on the sidelines. Fantasy managers could see Rashid Shaheed, Juwan Johnson, and Foster Moreau get more targets from Spencer Rattler, with Alvin Kamara also in line to get more looks out of the backfield.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (hamstring) is questionable to return to Sunday's clash with the Browns. Philly just got DeVonta Smith (concussion) and A.J. Brown (hamstring) back in the lineup. However, the team could be without one of this season's top fantasy tight ends for at least the remainder of Week 6. If Goedert can't return, he'll finish without a catch (one target), with Grant Calcaterra and Jack Stoll in line to see more looks.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (hamstring) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Ford tweaked his hamstring early in the contest, forcing his abrupt exit to the locker room. If he doesn't return, he'll finish the day with two carries for 14 yards. If that's the case, Pierre Strong Jr. and D'Onta Foreman would likely split carries for the remainder of the contest.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (head) exited Sunday's divisional clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Olave made his first catch of the day, which was for five yards. However, the wideout took a hard hit, resulting in a Bucs scoop and score. Even worse, Olave was forced to undergo a concussion evaluation. With Derek Carr (oblique) and Taysom Hill (ribs) sidelined, the Saints can't afford another injury. With that in mind, Rashid Shaheed, Juwan Johnson, and Foster Moreau could see more targets from Spencer Rattler if Olave doesn't return. Alvin Kamara would also presumably see more attention as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. For now, fantasy managers should consider Olave as questionable to return.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (ankle) is officially active for Week 6 against the Houston Texans. He had been listed as questionable after logging a limited practice on Friday. The 28-year-old remains productive despite the Patriots' 1-4 record, registering 18 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble. His presence will be key as the Patriots look to slow down C.J. Stroud and the Texans in Drake Maye's first career start.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (hamstring) is officially active for Week 6 against the Philadelphia Eagles. He had been listed as questionable after logging a limited practice on Friday. The 27-year-old defender has contributed eight tackles and zero turnovers through five games this season. He'll be tasked with slowing down a Philadelphia passing attack featuring A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receivers Kendrick Bourne (knee) and K.J. Osborn (shoulder) are active for Week 6 against the Houston Texans. Both players were listed as questionable after being limited in practice all week long. Bourne made his season debut last weekend, turning his lone target into a six-yard catch. He played just 27 percent of the offensive snaps, but that could have been a product of him playing in his first game of the year. He's likely headed for extra snaps in Week 6. Meanwhile, Osborn has seen his workload scaled back with the emergence of rookie Ja'Lynn Polk. He caught one pass on five targets when last active in Week 4. Even with Drake Maye taking over as the Patriots' quarterback, neither Bourne nor Osborn can be trusted in fantasy football given their respective roles behind Polk and Demario Douglas.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Javon Baker (coach's decision) and Tyquan Thornton (coach's decision) are inactive for Week 6 against the Houston Texans. Both players are healthy scratches. Baker has repeatedly been inactive, failing to log an offensive snap since Week 2. He's still searching for his first NFL target and will have to wait at least one more week. Thornton, meanwhile, has been the subject of trade rumors lately but lacks significant fantasy appeal; he hasn't registered a reception since catching two passes back in the season opener. Both players can be dropped in all redraft and most dynasty leagues.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals PK Matt Prater (knee) is not active for Week 6's game against the Green Bay Packers. PK Chad Ryland, who was elevated from the practice squad Saturday, Oct. 12, will serve as the team's kicker.
Fantasy Spin: Prater had been listed as questionable on the injury report after being a limited participant in all three of the team's practice sessions during the week but will miss his second consecutive game. Fantasy owners should be able to find more reliable placekicking options for their lineups elsewhere.
From TheHuddle
Houston Texans RB Joe Mixon (ankle) is officially active for the Week 6 game.
Fantasy Spin: Mixon likely will be the starting running back for the Texans, but it is not known if he will be able to handle his normal workload. He should be a No. 2 back or flex option in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (foot) is officially inactive on Sunday against the division-rival New Orleans Saints in Week 6. White missed the final two practices of the week on Thursday and Friday and was deemed doubtful to play this weekend, so fantasy managers should have already moved him to their benches. In addition to being hurt and inactive this week, White had already been losing most of his fantasy steam while being out-produced by rookie backfield mate Bucky Irving early on in 2024. If White is able to return for next Monday night's clash against the Baltimore Ravens, there's a good chance he'll play in more of a backup role to Irving. With White on the sidelines on Sunday, Irving is basically a must-start RB2 for fantasy managers with upside for more. Through five games, White is averaging a mediocre 3.7 yards per carry and has no rushing TDs on 51 rushing attempts.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) is officially active for Week 6 against the Tennessee Titans. He went from being an injured reserve candidate to being listed as questionable to being active for Sunday's game. Pittman evidently made remarkable progress this week and figures to be a key contributor for Indianapolis ahead of its divisional clash on Sunday. He also gets a boost from Joe Flacco, the Colts' talented veteran passer who was named the starter after Anthony Richardson (oblique) was scratched at the last minute. Pittman ranks as a fringe top-24 wide receiver for fantasy purposes.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Jalen McMillan (hamstring), who was listed as questionable, is active for the Week 6 divisional game on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. With Trey Palmer (concussion) missing another game, McMillan should operate as the team's WR3 behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. The 22-year-old youngster is returning after missing each of the team's last two games due to a hamstring ailment. In his first three NFL games, McMillan operated as the No. 3 and caught just three of his six targets for 59 yards and one touchdown. The Saints defense has allowed the 19th-most half-PPR fantasy points to wideouts through the first five weeks of the season, so they aren't exactly the greatest matchup for pass-catchers, especially at home in the Caesars Superdome. McMillan is stash-worthy in deeper fantasy leagues, but we wouldn't recommend him for starting lineups this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (toe) is active for Sunday's divisional battle against the Tennessee Titans. He missed two consecutive practices earlier in the week but then progressed to a full participant on Friday. His improved status allowed him to enter this weekend listed as questionable, and he continued to trend in the right direction ahead of gameday. Now, Downs has been confirmed as active and is expected to operate as the Colts' No. 2 wide receiver alongside Michael Pittman Jr. The 23-year-old is averaging an impressive 8.5 catches, 75.5 receiving yards, and 0.5 touchdowns through two games with Joe Flacco, and he should continue to make an impact with Flacco named the starter over the injured Anthony Richardson (oblique). Downs is a high-end fantasy WR3 with impressive upside this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) is questionable to return against the Chicago Bears in Week 6. It's unclear exactly when Etienne picked up the injury, but he hasn't registered an opportunity since dropping a pass early in the second quarter. Between injuries and poor play, Etienne has been an enormous disappointment in fantasy football lately, averaging just 60 scrimmage yards and zero touchdowns between Weeks 4 and 5. Now, if he doesn't return on Sunday, he'll finish Week 6 with three rushes for a loss of one yard on the ground, plus zero catches on one target. Tank Bigsby has suddenly become more dependable than Etienne in fantasy football, and that may hold true even if the latter gets a clean bill of health heading into next Sunday's clash with the Patriots in London.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (ankle) is officially active in Week 6 on Sunday against the visiting Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field. Watson suffered a left high-ankle sprain in Week 4 and missed the Week 5 win over the Los Angeles Rams, but he'll surprisingly end up missing just one game with an injury that was expected to sideline him multiple contests. It's good news for the Packers, but fantasy managers may want to be wary of relying on him in starting lineups, especially with Romeo Doubs also returning from a one-game suspension. Watson does have a touchdown this year, but he's also caught only five passes on eight targets for 80 yards in the four games he's played. The crowded nature of Green Bay's receiving corps makes all of their pass-catchers boom/bust WR4/flex plays outside of Jayden Reed.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (ankle) and offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley (toe) are active for Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders. Both players were listed as questionable but were trending in the right direction this weekend. Humphrey's presence is key as the Ravens look to slow down Washington's offense. The 28-year-old has 22 tackles and two interceptions through five games this year. Meanwhile, Stanley gives a massive boost to Baltimore's offense, especially Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. He has played all but two offensive snaps this season, remaining a key playmaker in the trenches.
From RotoBaller
The New Orleans Saints have declared OG Lucas Patrick, QB Derek Carr, TE Taysom Hill, RB Kendre Miller, OG Cesar Ruiz, DT Khristian Boyd and LB Pete Werner inactive for Week 6.
From TheHuddle
The Houston Texans have declared SS Jimmie Ward, OG Nick Broeker, CB Kamari Lassiter, DE Rashad Weaver and WR Robert Woods inactive for Week 6.
From TheHuddle
The Indianapolis Colts have declared RB Jonathan Taylor, QB Anthony Richardson, WR Anthony Gould, LB Genard Avery and OG Danny Pinter inactive for Week 6.
From TheHuddle
