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
Baltimore Ravens running back Rasheen Ali (neck) has been activated from injured reserve and will play on Sunday against the Washington Commanders. He is slated to make his NFL debut in Week 6 as a depth option behind Derrick Henry and Justice Hill. Ali is a fifth-round pick out of Marshall who tallied 1,348 scrimmage yards and 16 touchdowns in his final collegiate season last year. He remains off the fantasy radar at the moment but could have some fantasy intrigue if Henry or Hill ever gets injured.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) is expected to be active ahead of the Week 6 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. This is an odd turn of events after Pittman was a candidate for the injured reserve earlier in the week. Now, Pittman might suit up and play after being able to practice on Friday. It's unclear what kind of condition Pittman is in physically heading into this game. Fantasy managers should be cautious and rank Pittman as more of a low-end WR3 for Sunday's game. It's uncertain if he'll be limited at all and quarterback Anthony Richardson hasn't exactly had great chemistry with Pittman early in the season.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson could see more usage in the offense going forward. Hutchinson will move up the depth chart with Nico Collins (hamstring) landing on the injured reserve. That means, Hutchinson will now be the third options behind Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell in the passing game. Last week, Hutchinson finished with two receptions on three targets for 31 yards in the win over the Buffalo Bills. He doesn't offer great upside, but could be a low-end streaming option in deep leagues. He's worth stashing in most formats, but it's hard to imagine him having a huge role behind Diggs and Dell.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson has been quiet over the last few weeks. Wilson has been held to under 30 rushing yards in each of his last two games. The good news is that Wilson has seen six of more carries in each of the last three games. He continues to be the primary backup to Josh Jacobs and that figures to remain the same for the Week 6 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Wilson hasn't done much to warrant starting in most fantasy formats, but is someone worth stashing as he'll be the next man up if Jacobs ever goes down.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers NT Vita Vea was fined $14,069 by the National Football League for committing unsportsmanlike conduct and making a violent gesture in Week 5's game. Vea did a sniper celebration following a first-quarter play versus the Atlanta Falcons.
From TheHuddle
Baltimore Ravens defensive back Marlon Humphrey (ankle) is expected to suit up for the Week 6 matchup against the Washington Commanders. The three-time Pro Bowl corner has been limited in practice all week due to an ankle issue. Despite that, Humphrey is unlikely to sit out which is great news for the Ravens defense. Humphrey has 22 tackles, one tackle for loss, and two interceptions through five games this season. They will definitely need him on the field if they want to try and slow down rookie sensation Jayden Daniels.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans TE Dalton Schultz was fined $11,255 by the National Football League for committing unsportsmanlike conduct and taunting in Week 5's game, when he rolled the ball towards a Buffalo Bills player following a play.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker could see more usage during the upcoming Week 6 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Right now, lead back Rachaad White (foot) is considered doubtful for Sunday's contest. That means, Bucky Irving could be asked to step into the lead role which would make Tucker the primary backup. Tucker has only seen two rushing attempts as third string, but would likely see at least a handful if not more if White sits out. Tucker won't be an ideal streaming choice, but would be a desperation option in deep leagues.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (hamstring) has been activated off the injured reserve ahead of the Week 6 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Miller is set to make his season debut on Sunday after missing the first five games due to a hamstring issue. It'll be interesting to see how the Saints get Miller involved in their rushing attack. Alvin Kamara figures to continue getting the bulk of the carries, which leaves Jamaal Williams and Miller with only a few touches. Possibly, the Saints go with a run-heavy approach now that quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) is sidelined. That could give Miller more value, but for now he's worth stashing but not someone that should be started with Kamara healthy.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins CB Jalen Ramsey was fined $16,883 by the National Football League for roughing the passer in Week 5's game against the New England Patriots. He smacked QB Jacoby Brissett on the facemask after Brissett had thrown the ball.
From TheHuddle
Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson has seen a minimal role in the backfield through the first five games. However, lead back James Cook (toe) is uncertain to suit up for Monday's game against the New York Jets. If he sits, Johnson and Ray Davis would likely split up the duties in the backfield. Johnson hasn't done much this season with only 42 rushing yards and 61 receiving yards heading into Monday's contest. However, Johnson could be a possible dart throw for fantasy managers if Cook is unable to play. He shouldn't be inserted into lineups unless Cook is ruled out, but Johnson is worth stashing in case that happens.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal will be active for the Week 6 matchup against the Denver Broncos. The rookie back will get his first taste of NFL action on Sunday. Vidal figures to serve as depth behind J.K. Dobbins with Gus Edwards (ankle) heading to the injured reserve. The Chargers also have Hassan Haskins on the roster, so he could be mixed in as well. Given Dobbins' injury history, Vidal is certainly someone to keep an eye on right now. He should be rostered in most dynasty leagues and is someone worth keeping on the radar if he gets involved this weekend.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins will be elevated from the practice squad for the second straight week. The Giants are going to once again be shorthanded at wideout with Malik Nabers (concussion) being sidelined for another week. Last week, Hodgins came up but only played 24 offensive snaps. It seems a bit odd that they didn't involve Hodgins more considering he was a part-time starter last season. He finished with 21 receptions for 230 yards and three touchdowns in 2023 with the Giants. Hodgins could see more snaps this week, but remains off the fantasy radar for Week 6.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (hamstring) is expected to be activated off the injured reserve ahead of the Week 6 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Miller appears to be set to make his season debut on Sunday. He figures to be mixed in as depth behind Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams. So far, Kamara has seen a heavy workload with nearly 20 carries per game. Possibly, the Saints gameplan changes with quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) being sidelined for a few weeks. Miller might find his way into a weekly role if New Orleans goes to a heavy run set. For now, Miller won't be worth stashing with Kamara and Williams healthy.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel (foot, toe) logged a full practice on Saturday and has been removed from the injury report. As a result, he will play against the New York Jets on Monday night. The veteran pass-catcher got off to a quiet start this season but has been more involved lately, logging a season-high 56 percent snap share in Week 5. Still, he's averaging just 1.8 catches and 9.6 receiving yards per game this season, so he remains off the fantasy radar even with teammate Khalil Shakir (ankle) potentially sidelined once again. Even if Shakir is out, James Cook (toe), Keon Coleman, Mack Hollins, and Dalton Kincaid all have more appeal than Samuel in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers S Jordan Whitehead (groin) is expected to play in Week 6's game against the New Orleans Saints, according to a source. He had been listed as questionable on the injury report after logging two limited practice sessions and one full session during the week.
From TheHuddle
Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis has emerged as a potential fantasy football option for Week 6 in the event that teammate James Cook (toe) isn't able to play on Monday night against the New York Jets. Cook missed practice on Thursday and Friday, returned in a limited capacity on Saturday, and is officially listed as questionable to play in the upcoming divisional game on national television. While recent reports suggest that Cook is expected to play on Monday, this remains a situation worth monitoring given that he missed two practices and was still limited in the third. In the event that Cook can't play, we'd see a much larger workload for rookie Ray Davis, who has been off to a relatively quiet start this season. In that scenario, Davis would rank as a high-end fantasy RB3 against a Jets defense that has played solid against running backs this year.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets pass rusher Haason Reddick, who continues to hold out amidst demands for a new contract, reportedly had an offer on the table for a lucrative one-year deal "that would have given him the opportunity to make up for the fines and make more money than he was originally scheduled to earn," according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The deal, proposed early during the regular season, was "all but worked out" between the Jets and Reddick's agents at CAA, but the veteran defender declined to sign the contract. This appeared to be the final straw for both the team and the agency. The Jets have since been very public about their stance, essentially saying that the ball is in Reddick's court and he can come back whenever he's ready. Meanwhile, CAA parted with Reddick as a client this past week, seemingly frustrated by his resistance to a new deal and his willingness to rack up fines from missing games. At this point, there is real doubt about the likelihood that Reddick, who wants a multi-year deal that would make him one of the higher-paid pass rushers in the NFL, returns to the football field this season. As Rapoport notes, if he holds out beyond Week 13, he would not accrue a season, his 2024 contract terms would roll over to 2025, and we could see this entire saga repeat itself next year.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey (ankle) is expected to play in Week 6's game against the Washington Commanders, according to a source. He had been listed as questionable on the injury report after participating in two of the team's three practice sessions during the week on a limited basis.
From TheHuddle
Arizona Cardinals PK Matt Prater (knee) is not expected to play in Week 6's game against the Green Bay Packers, according to a source. He 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.
Fantasy Spin: The Cardinals elevated PK Chad Ryland from the practice squad Saturday, Oct. 12, but fantasy owners should be able to find more reliable options for their lineups on the waiver wire.
From TheHuddle
