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FFL: Week 6 | NFL: Week 6

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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Player Notes
Tyrone Tracy Jr. Oct 14 1:20pm ET
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

In the opinion of the North Jersey Bergen Record's Art Stapleton, New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (groin) will serve in the role that Eric Gray had in the Week 6 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday night when he returns from his injury. Stapleton thinks rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. will continue on as the lead back after another impressive performance against Cincy with 17 carries for 50 yards and a touchdown while adding six catches for 57 yards. Tracy had 129 rushing yards against Seattle last week and has earned a bigger role in the backfield. Stapleton thinks Singletary's snap percentage will drop from something like 70% to 30% if he's active in Week 7 against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles. The 24-year-old Tracy, a former receiver in college, looks electric with the ball in his hands and will be a top waiver-wire priority this week. Tracy is rostered in less than half of Yahoo leagues.

From RotoBaller

Dontayvion Wicks Oct 14 1:20pm ET
Dontayvion Wicks

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (shoulder) is considered "week-to-week" after suffering a shoulder that caused him to leave the Week 6 win over the Arizona Cardinals, according to sources. It was a bad day for any fantasy managers that started Wicks on Sunday, as the 23-year-old had just one catch on three targets for nine yards before leaving and not returning. He had two touchdowns in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings and has big-play ability, but he's a boom/bust fantasy option in a crowded receiving corps in Green Bay, especially after both Romeo Doubs (suspension) and Christian Watson (ankle) returned on Sunday. We'll have a better idea of Wicks' status for the Week 7 game against the Houston Texans, but fantasy managers shouldn't be counting on his services this week. In terms of fantasy, Wicks is probably the most volatile out of Doubs, Watson and Jayden Reed in Green Bay.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Oct 14 1:10pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said on Monday that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is expected to play again this season, but it won't come in Week 7 versus the Indianapolis Colts. Tagovailoa suffered yet another scary-looking concussion in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills and remains on Injured Reserve. The left-handed-throwing QB is eligible to resume practicing on Oct. 23, but that doesn't mean the 26-year-old will be able to return shortly after that. While Tagovailoa is worth stashing in two-QB fantasy leagues, managers should temper expectations for his return date and how he performs immediately after he returns. Tagovailoa put up career-best numbers last year and has perhaps the best 1-2 punch in the league at wideout, but he could be one more head injury away from his career being over. Tyler Huntley is expected to make his third straight start at QB for Miami against the Colts.

From RotoBaller

James Conner Oct 14 12:20pm ET
James Conner

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner ran the ball just seven times for 24 yards in Sunday's disappointing 34-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers. The Cardinals fell behind early and shifted to a pass-first game plan, diminishing Conner's role, though he did catch four passes for 22 yards. The Cardinals didn't adjust well to the weather and struggled to move the ball. Conner also dealt with ankle issues, although he was never on the injury report. With Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) going down with a concussion, the Cardinals could rely more on the rushing attack in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Chargers, and fantasy managers should still trust Conner for that matchup.

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Greg Dortch Oct 14 12:20pm ET
Greg Dortch

Arizona Cardinals' Greg Dortch saw increased usage in the Week 6 loss, catching three passes for 36 yards, but hindered his production with a costly fumble in the red zone as the Cardinals were trying to come back. The Cardinals were blown out by the Green Bay Packers, losing 34-13, and the offense did not show up. Dortch hasn't found a clear role in the Cardinals' passing game this season but remains their primary slot receiver. With Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) going down with a concussion, more targets will open up in the Cardinals' passing game, creating more opportunities for other receivers. While the potential target increase could make Dortch a streaming option in Week 7, he is a risky waiver wire target ahead of the Cardinals' matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers.

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Chad Ryland Oct 14 12:20pm ET
Chad Ryland

Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland nailed two field goals (38, 40) and one extra point in the 34-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Ryland has stepped up well, filling in for Matt Prater (knee). Arizona's offense struggled to get into scoring position and keep the ball when doing so, limiting Ryland's opportunities. However, when called upon, he has performed well. It is unclear who the team's kicker will be next week against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night, but there are better options at kicker at the moment for fantasy managers.

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DeAndre Hopkins Oct 14 12:20pm ET
DeAndre Hopkins

Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins caught four passes for 54 yards on six targets in a 20-17 loss against Indianapolis. The good news for Hopkins is this marked the third straight game that he has either led or tied for the team lead in receptions, yards, and targets. The bad news is this has led to a total of 12 receptions for 158 yards and one touchdown, with weekly finishes of WR16, WR68, and WR41. The Titans passing offense is in absolute disarray, seemingly getting worse on a week-to-week basis. If one pass-catcher on this team is playable in fantasy it's Hopkins, but the ceiling is extremely limited due to low volume and inconsistency. It does not get any easier from here, as Tennessee travels to Buffalo next week to take on the Bills and their stout secondary.

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Calvin Ridley Oct 14 12:10pm ET
Calvin Ridley

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley did not record a catch in the loss to Indianapolis on Sunday, rushing one time for nine yards. It was only the third time in Ridley's six-year NFL career that he failed to record a reception. Quarterback Will Levis targeted the veteran eight times in the game, but could not connect even once, setting a new low bar for this already awful passing attack. It was only the 13th time in franchise history that a player recorded eight targets and had zero receptions. The fact that Ridley put up this kind of a dud against arguably the league's worst pass defense is as concerning as it gets for his fantasy prospects. He is unplayable in all formats until Tennessee proves they can move the ball through the air, which may not happen with the current state of the offense. Up next is a stiff test against Buffalo's formidable pass defense in Week 7.

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Tony Pollard Oct 14 11:50am ET
Tony Pollard

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard rushed 17 times for 93 yards and a touchdown, adding three receptions for negative five yards in a loss to the Colts on Sunday. On a day in which the Titans passing attack looked the worst it has all season, Pollard was heavily relied upon to move the chains, and did so efficiently with a healthy 5.5 yards per carry mark. It's worth noting that Pollard and his RB teammate Tyjae Spears were splitting work fairly evenly until Spears left the game at halftime and did not return. From then on, Pollard was once again the workhorse, his day highlighted by a 23-yard touchdown scamper on a 3rd-and-19 that game Tennessee the lead. The speedster has been the only consistent part of this offense in 2024, and will likely be the focal point when the Titans head to Buffalo next week to face the Bills, who are allowing a league-low 5.2 yards per carry.

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Quentin Johnston Oct 14 11:40am ET
Quentin Johnston

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston was forced to miss some time in a Week 6 win over the Denver Broncos due to an ankle injury. Johnston left in the first quarter but was eventually able to return. Still, he didn't end up doing much, as the sophomore wide receiver was targeted just four times, making three catches for 22 yards. He also recorded a rushing attempt, but did not gain any yardage on his run. Johnston has pretty solidly entrenched himself as the WR2 on this offense, but it's a run-first offense that tries to control clock and spreads the ball around plenty when they do throw (Just Herbert targeted nine different pass catchers in this game). Johnston will have more big games like he did earlier this season, but he's unlikely to be a consistent source of WR2/3 production most weeks.

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Ja'Marr Chase Oct 14 11:40am ET
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase had five catches for 72 yards in Sunday's win over the New York Giants. The 24-year-old had five touchdowns in the three previous games leading up to Week 6. He also had 10 catches for 193 yards in the overtime loss to the Ravens. However, Chase wasn't as productive on Sunday night. Of course, he's still one of the best wideouts in the league, so he remains a must-start in Week 7 against the Browns.

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Darnell Mooney Oct 14 11:40am ET
Darnell Mooney

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney caught three passes for 38 yards in Sunday's 38-20 victory over the Panthers. The wideout accumulated the second-most targets on the team with five, but with Atlanta's backfield racking up 200 yards on the ground along with three scores, the Falcons did not need to take to the air as much in this one. Mooney has a solid role as the No. 2 receiver in this offense, totaling 27 receptions, 368 yards, and three TDs on the season, and should continue to provide value in PPR formats in the weeks ahead despite the quiet outing. With a bout against Seattle in Week 7 that carries a 49.5 over/under, there should be plenty of offense and Mooney figures to be a WR3 for fantasy.

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Josh Palmer Oct 14 11:30am ET
Josh Palmer

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer had another pedestrian game in a Week 6 win over the Denver Broncos. Palmer was targeted three times, making two catches for 38 yards. Before the season, there was tons of hype around Palmer as Justin Herbert's presumed WR1 on an offense that was expected to improve. Instead, Palmer has become the third option at best in an offense that severely prioritizes the running game. Palmer could have some big weeks in games the Chargers trail and are forced to throw more often, but he won't be a major part of the game plan most weeks and usually won't return more than long shot WR4 value.

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Tee Higgins Oct 14 11:30am ET
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins caught all seven targets for 77 yards in Sunday's win over the Giants. The wideout had two touchdowns in Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens. While he didn't find the end zone in this one, he still had a solid showing for fantasy managers. Higgins looks far removed from the hamstring injury that kept him out of the lineup to begin the year. However, he has looked good in the last two games. Keep him going for Week 7 against the Browns.

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Zack Moss Oct 14 11:20am ET
Zack Moss

Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss (ankle) managed to suit up for Sunday's meeting with the New York Giants. However, he didn't do much, amassing 13 yards off six carries, adding one catch for two yards. The Bengals offense had a tough time against the Giants defense. But Moss likely wasn't 100%, resulting in Chase Brown being more productive. With that in mind, Moss remains at least a flex option for the Week 7 matchup with the Cleveland Browns.

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Justin Herbert Oct 14 11:10am ET
Justin Herbert

The Denver Broncos defense/special teams unit is now rostered in 80 percent of Yahoo fantasy football leagues after a strong start in 2024, but they disappointed their fantasy managers in the 23-16 Week 6 loss at home to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers. A week after recording three interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) in the win over the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, the Broncos failed to turn the Chargers over while allowing 350 total yards of offense to the Bolts and sacking quarterback Justin Herbert only three times. The Broncos' D still checks in as the No. 5 fantasy unit after the first six games of the season, though, and will certainly be in play as a starting unit for their Week 7 matchup in a quick turnaround on Thursday Night Football against the New Orleans Saints and rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, who will be making just his second NFL start. Rattler threw two picks and was sacked five times in his debut in Week 6 against the Bucs.

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Jake Ferguson Oct 14 11:10am ET
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson struggled along with the rest of the team in the 47-9 loss to Detroit. Ferguson was targeted four times, catching three passes for just 11 yards. The 25-year-old tight end put up his first dud of the season since Week 1, when he left early with an injury. Given that the entire Dallas offense struggled, Ferguson's output can be taken with a grain of salt. He remains one of the top tight end options for fantasy and will remain a top-five option after Dallas' Week 7 bye week.

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CeeDee Lamb Oct 14 11:00am ET
CeeDee Lamb

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was the lone productive offensive player in Sunday's 47-9 loss to the Detroit Lions. Lamb was targeted 14 times (32.5% target share) and secured seven receptions for 89 yards. Quarterback Dak Prescott showed that Lamb is his most trustworthy receiver, proving again that the 25-year-old is matchup proof and should be started in all formats every week. Lamb and the Cowboys are entering a bye week in Week 7.

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Jalen Tolbert Oct 14 11:00am ET
Jalen Tolbert

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert proved that he is locked into the WR2 role in the offense after his big Week 5 game in the 47-9 loss to Detroit. Tolbert was targeted five times, securing four receptions for 43 yards. He finished second on the team in receiving behind CeeDee Lamb on a day where the Cowboys' offense struggled to get anything going. Tolbert will remain a matchup-dependent flex option for as long as Brandin Cooks (knee) remains out. The Cowboys are off in Week 7 before a Week 8 matchup with San Francisco.

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Chase Brown Oct 14 11:00am ET
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Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown had 53 yards and a touchdown off 10 carries in Sunday night's win over the New York Giants. He added two catches for 11 yards. This was a low-scoring contest, with the Bengals defense holding the Giants to seven points. However, Brown still did enough to give his fantasy managers a little something. With the 24-year-old finding the end zone in each of the Bengals' last three games, he's a must-start in any format for the Week 7 divisional clash with the Browns.

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