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FFL: Week 10 | NFL: Week 10

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
DeVonta Smith Nov 10 10:10pm ET
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith reeled in 2-of-3 targets for 14 yards in the team's 34-6 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Smith wasn't called on to do much in this one -- nor was much of the Eagles' offense -- as no other pass-catcher but fellow wideout A.J. Brown recorded more than 27 yards receiving. Quarterback Jalen Hurts combined for four total touchdowns on the afternoon while the Cowboys could not muster an iota of offense. If fantasy managers can find any solace in the subpar performance, the Alabama product was tied for second on the team in targets with tight end Dallas Goedert. Smith should be used more frequently his next time out when Philadelphia faces off against their division-rival Washington Commanders at home this Thursday night.

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Jalen McMillan Nov 10 10:00pm ET
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan was banged up heading into this game, but ended up being active ahead of this Week 10 contest. However, fantasy managers might not have noticed McMillan was active given his performance. The rookie wideout finished with a goose egg as he wasn't targeted in the loss to the San Francisco 49ers. This is not a good sign given the Bucs are already limited at the wideout spot. It shows that the Bucs don't have much faith in their third-round rookie. Fantasy managers in dynasty leagues should hold McMillan, but he looks like a drop-candidate everywhere else.

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Alec Pierce Nov 10 10:00pm ET
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce caught two garbage-time passes on the Colts' final drive, including a 10-yard touchdown reception, giving him four catches for 81 yards and a score in Sunday's 30-20 loss to the Bills. In Michael Pittman Jr.'s (back) absence, Pierce tied a season-high in targets with seven, and the TD was his fourth of the season -- although just his first since Week 5. As of now, Pittman is considered week-to-week, so keep an eye on his status, as that could again mean a few extra targets for Pierce in Week 11 should Pittman miss another game. Regardless, Pierce is always a threat to score on a deep ball given his speed, but in Week 11, the 24-year-old will have to do it against a strong Jets pass defense, putting him in the WR4/5 range again.

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Quincy Williams Nov 10 10:00pm ET
Quincy Williams

The New York Jets defense was blown out by the Arizona Cardinals in a 31-6 loss in Week 10 on Sunday. New York managed just one sack and was unable to force any turnovers as they fell down 24-6 at halftime. The Jets got their lone sack from Quincy Williams in the blowout loss. New York's defense will look to bounce back against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11.

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Garrett Wilson Nov 10 9:50pm ET
Garrett Wilson

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson caught five of his six targets for 41 yards in a 31-6 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10. Wilson and the rest of the New York passing attack struggled against the Arizona secondary in the blowout loss as Aaron Rodgers passed for just 151 yards on 35 attempts. The slow outing for Wilson breaks a streak of five straight games with at least 61 receiving yards. Wilson now has 65 catches for 704 yards and five touchdowns through 10 games. He has a good shot at bouncing back against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11.

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Cade Otton Nov 10 9:50pm ET
Cade Otton

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton has been unbelievable over the last few weeks, but was finally held in check on Sunday. Otton hauled in five of his eight targets for 35 yards in what ended up being a loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Well, Otton's tremendous run had to end at some point, but at least he was still able to do some damage here. Fantasy managers will have to look elsewhere for help next week with the Bucs on a bye week. After that, wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) is expected to make his return to the field. If that happens, Otton could lose some fantasy value heading into the Week 12 matchup against the New York Giants.

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Davante Adams Nov 10 9:50pm ET
Davante Adams

New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams caught six of his 13 targets for 31 yards in a 31-6 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10. Adams struggled to get anything going downfield despite drawing 13 targets as he averaged just 5.2 yards per catch in the blowout loss. That being said, the workload was encouraging as Adams has now drawn 24 targets over his past two games. Adams will be a strong fantasy play against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11.

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A.J. Brown Nov 10 9:50pm ET
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown hauled in 5-of-7 targets for 109 yards in Sunday's 34-6 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Brown had receptions of 14, 18, 30, and 44 yards on the day as Philadelphia dismantled a Cooper Rush-led Cowboys squad. It's the third time in six outings this season that the Ole Miss alum has eclipsed the century mark, and he's recorded at least 84 yards in all but one contest. Ho-hum. He led the team in receiving by a wide margin, as no other Eagles pass-catcher notched more than 27 yards. Brown would have likely had an even more significant performance if the game were more competitive, but Philly benched their starters just minutes into the final frame. The team will line up for a second consecutive divisional clash this Thursday when they host the visiting Washington Commanders. The 27-year-old will again be a top-flight WR play.

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Spencer Shrader Nov 10 9:50pm ET
Spencer Shrader

New York Jets kicker Spencer Shrader made both of his field-goal attempts in a 31-6 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10. Shrader was elevated from the practice squad on Saturday after the Jets cut Riley Patterson earlier in the week. They also had veteran Anders Carlson on their roster but opted to give kicking duties to Shrader, who hit three extra points as a member of the Indianapolis Colts earlier in the season. That being said, Shrader will take on those same Colts in Week 11.

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Aaron Rodgers Nov 10 9:40pm ET
Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 22 of his 35 passes for 151 yards but failed to throw any touchdowns in a 31-6 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10. Rodgers and the entire Jets offense came up short in what appeared to be a decent matchup against the Arizona defense on paper. He got off to an especially painful start, throwing for just 40 yards in the first half. Things picked up a bit after halftime but it was still a disappointing performance for the entire New York offense. Rodgers will hope to bounce back heading into a Week 11 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

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Breece Hall Nov 10 9:40pm ET
Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall carried the ball 10 times for 52 yards and caught all four of his targets for 31 yards in a 31-6 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10. Hall performed well when he got the ball, averaging 5.2 yards per carry, but the Jets fell behind early and went pass-heavy after halftime. He managed to bolster his fantasy outing with another strong showing in the passing game as he has 39 catches for 358 yards through nine games. The explosive running back has now failed to find the end zone in three straight games. He will look to bounce back in Week 11 against the Indianapolis Colts.

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Saquon Barkley Nov 10 9:40pm ET
Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (arm) rushed 14 times for 66 yards and brought in his sole target for an additional 12 receiving yards in the team's 34-6 win over their division-rival Dallas Cowboys. The long-time New York Giant wasn't needed much in this one, as Dallas had trouble getting anything going with Cooper Rush calling signals for the Cowboys offense. It's worth mentioning that Barkley missed a drive late in the first half after coughing up a fumble on a Micah Parsons tackle the drive before. Zach Berman of the team noted that the 27-year-old had a sizeable bandage on his "left wrist/forearm area" that went up to his elbow after coming out of the locker room for the start of the second half. However, he would remain in the game and rack up another eight touches until the Eagles benched their starters early in the fourth quarter. With a quick turnaround on tap for Philadelphia in a home matchup against the Washington Commanders on Thursday Night Football, fantasy managers should monitor the superstar RBs practice status through Wednesday.

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Rachaad White Nov 10 9:40pm ET
Rachaad White

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White was once again sluggish on the ground, but was able to salvage his fantasy value with his ability as a receiver. On Sunday, White rushed the ball 10 times for 31 yards on the ground. It was another lackluster game for White on the ground against a tough San Francisco 49ers defense. Luckily, White was able to save his value by hauling in six of his seven targets for 39 yards and a touchdown in the loss. The Bucs now head into a bye week, but White could lose some steam after that. Wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) is expected to return in Week 12 which could take away some of the targets for White going forward. That might make White fall into the flex conversation for the Week 12 matchup against the New York Giants.

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Braelon Allen Nov 10 9:40pm ET
Braelon Allen

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen carried the ball seven times for 27 yards and caught his lone target for seven yards in a 31-6 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10. Allen mixed in behind starter Breece Hall, notching seven carries to Hall's 10 in the blowout loss. The Jets have been inconsistent in their touch distribution for Allen this season as he saw just four carries in Week 9 and two in Week 7. Allen remains a high-end handcuff in fantasy behind Hall but is tough to trust in starting lineups. He will face off against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11.

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Baker Mayfield Nov 10 9:30pm ET
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was held in check by the San Francisco 49ers defense on Sunday. Mayfield has been incredible throughout most of the season, but didn't have the same success this weekend. He completed 18-of-29 passing attempts for 116 yards and one touchdown in the three-point loss. Mayfield showed heart in this game and even stiff armed his way to giving his team the lead with less than a minute left. Fantasy managers shouldn't get frustrated by this performance. Mayfield is likely to get wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) back after the bye week. The expectation is that Mayfield will resume his QB1 ways in Week 12 against the New York Giants.

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Josh Downs Nov 10 9:30pm ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs led his team in targets and receptions in Sunday's 30-20 loss to the Bills, hauling in seven of 10 passes thrown his way for 72 yards. While it was productive and what fantasy managers have grown accustomed to from him, it could have been better had he not dropped what would have been an easy score early on in the game. Still, it was the third straight game in which the former third-round pick has recorded at least nine targets and sixth time in eight games that he's reached that level, affording him plenty of opportunities for receptions and a solid weekly floor. The 23-year-old will have a more difficult task in Week 11 as the Colts take on a Jets defense that has been great at limiting fantasy points to opposing receivers. Downs likely projects as a fringe WR2 next Sunday so long as Joe Flacco remains under center.

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Bucky Irving Nov 10 9:30pm ET
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving was able to put together a solid performance on the ground during Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers. The rookie back rushed the ball 13 times for 73 yards and a touchdown in the loss. He also hauled in all three of his targets for 14 additional yards through the air. Irving has been impressive this season, but his ceiling is limited with Rachaad White splitting up the carries with him in the backfield. Despite that, Irving should remain a fine flex option for the Week 12 matchup against the New York Giants.

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Jalen Hurts Nov 10 9:20pm ET
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 14 of 20 pass attempts for 202 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in Sunday's 34-6 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. He added two touchdowns and 56 yards on his seven carries. Hurts was sacked quite a bit in the first half, but Philadelphia molly-whopped their divisional opponent in this one -- controlling the game from start to finish. It's the fourth straight contest in which the 26-year-old scored a rushing touchdown and the third time in that stretch with more than one of them. The fifth-year QB could have had an even bigger day but was benched for teammate Kenny Pickett early in the fourth quarter with the game out of hand. It's another superb performance for Hurts, who has totaled 16 TDs with just two turnovers since the team's Week 5 bye. Philadelphia will get another divisional matchup in Week 11 when they square off against the visiting Washington Commanders.

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Caleb Williams Nov 10 9:10pm ET
Caleb Williams

The New England Patriots defense had a field day against the Chicago Bears, surrendering just three points while sacking rookie quarterback Caleb Williams nine times. The unit didn't register a turnover, but it did tally 13 tackles for loss and five passes defended. In the end, the Bears registered just 69 net passing yards and 73 rushing yards as they fell to 4-5 and the Patriots improved to 3-7. New England's defense is trending upward, but they're tough to trust in fantasy football against an impressive Los Angeles Rams offensive attack in Week 11.

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Aaron Jones Nov 10 9:10pm ET
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (chest) appears to have escaped Sunday's 12-7 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars without a serious injury. Jones was carted to the locker late into the third quarter after sustaining a chest injury, but his x-rays were negative, and he would return to the contest. Fortunately for the 29-year-old, he was able to close out the game, participating in the team's final two drives. He was seen in the locker room after the game, wearing his typical post-game garb (a sombrero), and seemed jovial when speaking with reporters. When asked how he felt, Jones replied, "A little sore, but mentality is everything. I feel strong...it's about these guys in this locker room, and that's why I went back out there." Fantasy managers will want to keep an eye on his practice status this coming week, but it doesn't seem like he should miss any time. Minnesota will travel to Nissan Stadium to face off against the Tennessee Titans in Week 11.

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