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.
Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 11
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle) was removed from Friday's final Week 11 injury report and will be available to play on Sunday when the team takes on the division-rival Seattle Seahawks at Levis Stadium. Jennings popped up on the injury report on Thursday after being limited in practice, putting his availability for Sunday's game in question. The 27-year-old is now in the clear, though, and could have another big role in San Fran's passing attack against Seattle after leading the team in targets (11) and receiving yards (93) in the Week 10 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jennings had missed the two previous games due to a hip injury. With Brandon Aiyuk (knee) done for the year, Jennings' elevated role should be secure the rest of the year. The Seahawks D has allowed the second-most half-PPR points to receivers in their last two games.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (hamstring) is listed as questionable for the Week 11 divisional game on Sunday versus the Seattle Seahawks. Kittle is dealing with a little hamstring irritation and did not practice on Wednesday before putting in limited sessions on Thursday and Friday. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said he wasn't too worried about Kittle's status for this weekend, so fantasy managers should leave him in all starting lineups, even with the Niners and Seahawks kicking off in the late window on Sunday. The 31-year-old leads all tight ends in fantasy points through 10 weeks and has found the end zone seven times in his eight games this year. Oh, and he also caught five passes for 58 yards and two touchdowns in the first meeting against Seattle back on Oct. 10. Kittle will be a must-start for the rest of the year in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard takes on the Minnesota Vikings and their stout run defense this upcoming Sunday. With Tyjae Spears returning to the lineup last week, Pollard played a season low in snaps at 54% and only received nine carries in the game. The positives were that Pollard received more work in the passing game than Spears and was more efficient, but the latter's stock is definitely on the decline. This week against a Vikings defense that is fourth-best against fantasy running backs and is No. 1 in the league in yards allowed, Pollard is demoted to a low-end flex. The former Cowboy is still in the mix given his role in the offense, but if he doesn't score a touchdown it will likely be a disappointing performance for fantasy managers given Minnesota's propensity to shut down their oppositions ground game.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson will be a top play at the position this Sunday when his team lines up against the Tennessee Titans. The former eighth-overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft was back to a staple option in the Vikings offense in just his second game back from a devastating knee injury, racking up eight receptions and 72 yards on nine targets. Perhaps even more impressively, he did so on less than half the team's snaps (46%). Hockenson will get his toughest test thus far in a Titans defense that has stifled their opponent's passing games in 2024. Tennessee has let up an average of just 4.3 fantasy points per game to the TE position and is allowing an abysmal 5.3 yards per pass attempt. However, the 27-year-old's involvement should keep him in the conversation as one of the better performers at tight end this weekend. He's RotoBaller's PPR TE5 in this week's ranks.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis will start against the Minnesota Vikings in a cross-conference showdown this Sunday. Last week against the Chargers, Levis had his first turnover-free performance, putting up a season-high 19.1 fantasy points which included a career-high 41 rushing yards. The Kentucky product looked a bit more comfortable in the offense, but was still sacked seven times on the afternoon, which figures to be a major issue for this upcoming matchup against defensive coordinator Brian Flores and his aggressive scheme. This game also features the lowest over/under on the day at 39.5 with the Titans implied team total sitting at 17 points. While the Vikings are easier to beat through the air as opposed to on the ground, Levis cannot be trusted even in 2QB formats given his play this season and the tough matchup.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings kicker John Parker Romo will get his second NFL start this weekend when his team travels to Nashville to square off against the Tennessee Titans. The 27-year-old was called upon to replace an injured Will Reichard (quad) last Sunday and responded by knocking in all four of his field goal tries to fell the Jaguars 12-7. The Titans present a difficult matchup for opposing offenses but have been one of the better ones regarding fantasy kickers. Tennessee averages 9.3 fantasy points per game allowed to the position -; tied for the eighth-most in the league through ten weeks. Romo ranks as RotoBaller's K20 ahead of Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers will not be a recommended option this Sunday when his team squares off against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville. The former Florida State Seminole garnered his highest touch total of the season in last weekend's victory over the Jaguars when he received 14 of them (13 rushes) with backfield mate Aaron Jones (ribs) briefly tending to an injury. It appears that Akers has taken over Minnesota's RB2 role over the last few weeks, superseding Ty Chandler, who previously held that title. Even with his new-found promotion, the 25-year-old is little more than a handcuff unless Jones is forced to miss time. Akers ranks as RotoBaller's RB42 in PPR formats for Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has been his team's most reliable fantasy receiver so far in 2024, but with the Colts switching back to Anthony Richardson at quarterback, Downs' fantasy value undoubtedly takes a hit. In three games together this season, Downs caught just eight of 17 targets from Richardson. Still, the 23-year-old leads his team in receptions (45), targets (66), yards per game (60.4), and yards after catch (211) despite playing in only eight of the Colts' 10 games. The schedule affords Downs no favors, however, with the Indy taking on the Jets this week on the road, a defense that has allowed the fewest points to WRs this season. While the former third-round draft pick has been a solid WR2 the last two weeks, his situation and matchup deem him closer to a WR3 in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers kicker Brandon McManus has been a calming presence for the Packers and their well-publicized kicker woes and McManus looks to keep that up this week as the Packers head to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears. McManus has missed just one kick this season, a 46-yard field goal attempt that may have had some wet weather affecting that kick during the operation. That said, McManus has been everything the Packers have wanted out of the kicker position in his three games, with two game-winning field goals. With a tough defense ahead in Chicago, McManus could have some opportunities to kick if the Packers' offense stalls, so consider McManus a low-end starting kicker in fantasy for Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison is an unenticing fantasy option in Week 11 when his team takes on the Tennessee Titans on the road. The second-year wideout is averaging a paltry three receptions and 42.6 yards per contest through seven appearances. He has been marginally more involved over the prior two weeks, garnering at least five targets in both outings. Still, it won't be easy to trust him this coming Sunday against one of the more effective pass defenses in the league. Tennessee has been committed to shutting down their opponent's air attacks, allowing an average of just 111 yards per game to wideouts and the fewest fantasy points per game to the position (13.6). Addison presents as RotoBaller's PPR WR49 for this weekend's slate of games.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is in store for his most challenging outing of the season this Sunday when his team travels to Nashville to face the Tennessee Titans. The superstar wideout had his worst outing of 2024 in last weekend's 12-7 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, failing to score at least 15 fantasy points for the first time. He'll get another staunch test in Week 11 in a Titans defensive unit that's allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing WRs this season (13.6 per game). Still, the 25-year-old is the league's second-leading receiver (831), averaging an astounding 92.3 yards per game and remaining a must-start option. Fire him up as RotoBaller's PPR WR2 in this week's rankings.
From RotoBaller
The Kansas City Chiefs defense will face quarterback Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in Week 11. Kansas City has been a solid unit this season and sealed their most recent victory with a last-second blocked field goal. The Chiefs defense has recovered three fumbles, caught five interceptions, and collected 19 sacks this season. This defensive unit will be tested against the Buffalo Bills offense this week. Josh Allen has only been sacked 13 times this season, making him one of the hardest quarterbacks to take down. The Bills also have an effective run game behind a dynamic running back named James Cook. With both teams jockeying for the top seed in the AFC, this contest could turn into a defensive matchup. Both teams can dominate the time of possession through effective runs and quick passes. That said, both offenses can also run up the score in this contest, giving it a wide range of outcomes. The Chiefs are ranked as the 17th-best defense in our RotoBaller rankings this week, meaning fantasy managers should look for other options.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner looks like he may be filling in for Noah Fant (groin) once again in Week 11. Fant has been ruled out for Week 11. The Seahawks travel to San Francisco to play the 49ers in a game in which they project to pass quite a bit. Barner received seven targets in a starting role with Fant out in Week 9. While he was inefficient with his targets, he could see similar volume this week. The 49ers will likely focus their defensive efforts on stopping the likes of DK Metcalf (knee), Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Tyler Lockett. That could leave receiving lanes open for Barner. The rookie was primarily a blocker before Fant's injury. However, he has displayed an ability to get open, and solid athleticism in the open field. With the tight end position performing so poorly for fantasy in 2024, Barner is a potential option as a plug-in for injured players or players on a bye.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy will face the Buffalo Bills in Week 11. Worthy hauled in one catch for 11 yards in last week's contest against the Denver Broncos. Mahomes and the rookie have been unable to connect on deep balls lately, which has limited Worthy's fantasy success. The 21-year-old scored 1.1 PPR fantasy points in the last two games, totaling one catch on six targets. Worthy will now face the Buffalo Bills defense, which ranks eighth in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. Worthy is ranked WR53 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings this week, making him nothing more than a desperation flex. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for fantasy production this week.
From RotoBaller
The Green Bay Packers defense and special teams unit hasn't been up to snuff in the last several weeks, but they'll get a juicy matchup as the Packers head to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears. The Bears' offense has been struggling for most of the season and this past week, fired their offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. If the Packers are looking for a get-right game to jumpstart a second-half surge, this is the week to do it. The Packers have a combined six sacks and one interception in their last four games, so taking advantage of Chicago's porous offensive line and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams may be on the menu. With the Packers rested after their Week 10 bye, they're an easy start at D/ST for fantasy managers looking to play the matchups.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler will not be a viable fantasy option this weekend when his team travels to Nashville to take on the Tennessee Titans. The 26-year-old has seemingly fallen out of favor as the handcuff to own over the last few weeks, getting out-snapped and out-carried by backfield mate Cam Akers after being acquired from the Houston Texans. Chandler did tote the rock four times for 18 yards in last weekend's 12-7 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars but only rotated into the game when lead back Aaron Jones (ribs) tended to an injury. Still, that drive was split with Akers. The third-year back is RotoBaller's PPR RB75 in this week's rankings.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) was a full participant during Friday's practice session. Collins hasn't played since Week 5, but appears to be on track to suit up during Monday's game against the Dallas Cowboys. There is still a chance that Collins suffers a setback, but fantasy managers should prepare to have him back this week. The Texans could desperately use the help with Stefon Diggs (knee) done for the season. Collins should be able to produce WR1 value, assuming he isn't limited at all on Monday.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith could have an incredible game or he could fall flat on his face in Week 11 against the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers are No. 10 against opposing quarterbacks in fantasy in 2024. Smith has been inconsistent over his last few games. He was the QB3 in Week 9, but he did not finish higher than QB12 in his three games before that. Additionally, he has been throwing a lot of interceptions. He threw three in his last outing against the Los Angeles Rams. The 49ers have owned the Seahawks over the last several seasons and that seems unlikely to change in Week 11 as the 49ers are hitting their stride. The one hope for Smith is that the Seahawks are coming out of their bye. If they were able to fix some of their issues on offense, then Smith could have a productive game. Additionally, the Seahawks seem poised to get offensive tackle Abraham Lucas (knee) back this week which would be a huge boost to the offensive line and subsequently, Smith's protection.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will face the Buffalo Bills in Week 11. Hopkins was listed on the injury report this week with a knee injury but practiced in full all week. The veteran receiver has been removed from the injury report and will be ready for the AFC matchup. Hopkins had an average performance against the Denver Broncos last week, catching four passes for 56 yards in the contest. The presence of Patrick Surtain II limited his upside, but Hopkins displayed what he could achieve with Mahomes in Week 9. The 32-year-old caught eight passes for 86 yards and two touchdowns against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9. This week, Hopkins will have to face the Buffalo Bills defense, which ranks eighth in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. Considering the strength of both defenses, it may be a difficult matchup, but Hopkins can still be a difference-maker for fantasy managers. Hopkins is ranked WR23 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings this week, placing him as a low-end WR2/high-end WR3. Fantasy managers should find a way to get him into their lineups this week.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III should be an RB2 in fantasy in Week 11. The Seahawks will travel to San Francisco to play the 49ers who are vulnerable to opposing running backs in fantasy. Prior to the Seahawks' Week 10 bye, Walker had a couple of down games after setting the league on fire for several weeks before that. His rushing numbers over the last couple of games have been poor, but his passing game volume continues to keep him afloat in fantasy. With the Seahawks likely to be trailing for much of this game, Walker should see plenty of targets. Hopefully, he can get off to a solid start on the ground, especially with the Seahawks projected to have offensive tackle Abraham Lucas (knee) back in the lineup. Walker is an automatic start every week and he should deliver solid value once again in Week 11.
From RotoBaller