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FFL: Week 11 | NFL: Week 11

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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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 11

Player Notes
Foster Moreau Nov 17 12:10am ET
Foster Moreau

New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau began the 2024-25 campaign by catching all four targets for 43 yards and a touchdown. However, outside of two more trips to the end zone, the 27-year-old has been quiet through the first 10 weeks. Granted, he has logged more snaps than Juwan Johnson, although he hasn't been as productive. Still, even with the potential for more attention from Derek Carr in the Week 11 meeting with the Cleveland Browns, Moreau is hard to trust from a fantasy standpoint, meaning he's only a starting option for those with nowhere else to turn.

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Evan McPherson Nov 16 11:50pm ET
Evan McPherson

Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson burst on to the scene as a rookie and finished his first season by making nearly 85% of his kicks. However, he has seemingly regressed over the years and is currently having the worst season of his career, successfully draining just 76.5% of his attempts. While McPherson is still a capable performer, he hasn't been too productive for fantasy managers in 2024-25. Still, considering injuries and teams on a bye, the 25-year-old has a place in all fantasy lineups for the Sunday night encounter with the Los Angeles Chargers.

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Jermaine Burton Nov 16 11:40pm ET
Jermaine Burton

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton looked good during the preseason, finding the end zone twice. As a result, expectations were high for the 2024 No. 80 overall pick heading into the regular season, even with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins in the equation. However, he hasn't done much, amassing only three catches (10 targets) for 99 yards. Burton has also been held out of a few contests, one of which was for disciplinary reasons. With that in mind, the 23-year-old may have a bright future, so keeping him stashed on dynasty rosters is recommended. Yet, his fantasy outlook for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign doesn't look promising, including in Week 11 versus the Chargers, especially with Chase, Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, Chase Brown, and Mike Gesicki all looking for Joe Burrow's attention.

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Jaylen Warren Nov 16 11:20pm ET
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (back) is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. He didn't practice on Thursday, although he was back on the practice field for a limited session on Friday. Still, it wasn't enough for Warren to avoid a questionable tag heading into Week 11. The 26-year-old hasn't done much to benefit fantasy managers this season, totaling 217 yards off 55 carries to the tune of 3.9 yards per touch, adding 14 grabs for 96 yards. With Najee Harris in the lineup, Warren isn't expected to be involved enough to be considered a reliable fantasy option, so managers should consider keeping him on the bench for the AFC North matchup.

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Chigoziem Okonkwo Nov 16 10:10pm ET
Chigoziem Okonkwo

Tennessee Titans tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo can be safely avoided by fantasy managers this Sunday when he squares off against the visiting Minnesota Vikings. The 25-year-old is Tennessee's clear TE1, though it has yet to amount to much in the fantasy department. Okonkwo is averaging an abysmal 2.3 receptions and 19.2 receiving yards per contest through nine games. Additionally, he'll face a tough test this weekend in a Vikings defense that has been stout against opposing passing attacks this season, letting up the seventh-fewest yards per pass attempt (5.7). Minnesota has been solid against tight ends, too, with 5.3 fantasy points allowed per game to the position. The Maryland product is RotoBaller's PPR TE29 for this weekend's slate.

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Tanner Hudson Nov 16 9:50pm ET
Tanner Hudson

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tanner Hudson is not a viable fantasy option in Week 11 when his team lines up against the Los Angeles Chargers on the road at SoFi Stadium. The seventh-year veteran has seen his usage tick up since rookie TE Erick All Jr (knee) went down for the remainder of the season with a torn ACL. In Week 10, Hudson had his best outing of the season when he churned out 42 yards and a touchdown on 6-of-7 receiving against a sieve-like Baltimore Ravens defense. However, he'll have a much more difficult outing this weekend against one of the top defenses in the league. The Chargers are affording opposing tight ends an average of 4.7 fantasy points per outing and are the top scoring defense in the NFL -- letting up just 13.1 points per game. Additionally, the 30-year-old will continue to contend with teammate Mike Gesicki for targets and now has wide receiver Tee Higgins (quad) back in the fold, vying for his own share. Hudson is RotoBaller's PPR TE28 ahead of Week 11's outing.

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Jalen Nailor Nov 16 9:30pm ET
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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor can be safely avoided for fantasy purposes this Sunday when the team travels to Nashville to take on the Tennessee Titans. The third-year wideout had a few useful fantasy performances in the season's early going but has recorded just four receptions and 34 yards on eight targets over the prior three contests. Nailor will get a difficult test this weekend against a Titans defense that has been excellent against the pass thus far in 2024. Tennessee is allowing their opponents 5.3 yards per pass attempt and has let up an average of just 13.6 fantasy points per game to the WR position. Additionally, Nailor has become an even more distant option in the Vikings' air attack, with tight end T.J. Hockenson back in the fold. The 25-year-old is RotoBaller's PPR WR74 in this week's rankings.

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Noah Gray Nov 16 9:20pm ET
Noah Gray

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray will not be a recommended option this Sunday when his team squares off against the Buffalo Bills in a premiere matchup. The 25-year-old is far and away the team's second option at TE, registering nearly 300 more snaps than the next-closest player at the position sans Travis Kelce. However, his involvement needs to be more consistent to warrant fantasy viability. Gray is averaging just 2.1 receptions and 25.1 yards per contest as a distant fourth option at best in Kansas City's passing attack. If Kelce were to miss time, the Duke product would become an intriguing option. Until then, he can safely be avoided for fantasy purposes. Gray is RotoBaller's PPR TE27 in this week's ranks.

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Jaylen Wright Nov 16 9:10pm ET
Jaylen Wright

Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright is little more than a dart-throw option in Week 11 when his team lines up against the Las Vegas Raiders. The rookie back has seen his snap share dwindle over the last few weeks with the return of teammate Raheem Mostert, topping out at six carries since his return in Week 7. Week 10 was a low point for the 21-year-old, as he averaged just 0.6 yards on his five rush attempts (three yards). Wright has all the talent in the world but is buried on Miami's depth chart behind the veteran and second-year RB De'Von Achane -- who has dominated the Dolphins' snaps and touches out of the backfield. Until the former fourth-round pick's role is elevated, fantasy managers can continue to relegate him to their bench. He's RotoBaller's PPR RB42 for this weekend's slate of games.

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Jonnu Smith Nov 16 7:50pm ET
Jonnu Smith

Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith gets a great matchup in Week 11 against the Las Vegas Raiders. For most of the season, he has maintained a good target share and has carved out a meaningful role in the offense. He's garnered six or more targets in four of his last five games. The Raiders defense has been porous against tight ends this year, giving up the fourth most fantasy points per game to the position. They've also allowed the fifth most touchdowns to tight ends this season. In their last two games, Travis Kelce and Mike Gesicki had 90 receiving yards and a touchdown. If you need a replacement starter this week, Smith could be a viable option. He checks in as RotoBaller's TE17 for Week 11.

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Cooper Rush Nov 16 7:30pm ET
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A Monday Night Football matchup with the floundering Dallas Cowboys puts the Houston Texans D/ST on the short list of top defenses to start in Week 11. The Texans pressure more than 27% of dropbacks, which ranks fourth in the NFL, and they're coming off a five-interception game against Detroit last week. Now comes a Dallas team down to Cooper Rush and Trey Lance at quarterback to go with the second-worst running game in the league at 3.8 yards per attempt. The Cowboys are scoring on only 18% of their drives this season, which is worse than everybody except the Las Vegas Raiders. Given the matchup, Houston is a no-doubt starting option.

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Dak Prescott Nov 16 7:20pm ET
Dak Prescott

Houston Texans kicker Kai'imi Fairbairn remains the overall No. 1 fantasy option at his position with another favorable matchup on Monday against the Dallas Cowboys. The Houston kicker is up to 11 made field goals from beyond 50 yards already, which ties the NFL record in a season with two more months still to go. Houston will take on a Cowboys defense that is allowing opponents to score on 46.5% of drives, which is worse than everyone except Carolina, and could be even further stressed due to their offense's struggles without quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring). Fairbairn should be in all starting lineups against Dallas.

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Tyquan Thornton Nov 16 7:13pm ET
Tyquan Thornton

Dynasty | The Patriots have waived wide receiver Tyquan Thornton. Dynasty Analysis: The former second round pick looks like a classic case of a workout wonder gone wrong. Thornton has the speed and genetic makeup to compete in the NFL, but he just never got it together, despite being a second round pick in 2022. In 28 total games, he has just 39 catches for 385 yards and two touchdowns, including a 4/47/0 line this season. Thornton could re-emerge somewhere, but he doesn't belong on dynasty rosters at the moment.

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Aaron Rodgers Nov 16 7:13pm ET
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Dynasty | Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers may not be guaranteed a roster spot next season. Dynasty Analysis: Rodgers himself said this week he expects to be back with the Jets next season, but it certainly takes two to tango and New York may want to move in a different direction. This is just speculation at this point, but the Jets could be in position to draft his successor this off-season. It still seems likely Rodgers returns (especially since Davante Adams would have likely been assured of it), but teams that have performed this poorly rarely have anything set in stone. Rodgers is clinging to a little dynasty value, but it's dropping by the week.

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Tank Dell Nov 16 7:10pm ET
Tank Dell

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell once again finds himself in boom-or-bust Flex/WR3 territory with the Texans taking on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 11. The 25-year-old receiver ranks a disappointing 40th at his position in PPR formats, though the Houston offense is due a major boost with the return of fellow receiver Nico Collins. Now that wide receiver Stefon Diggs (knee) is out for the year, the Houston offense could again look like it did in 2023 with Collins and Dell powering the passing attack. Even against middling Dallas pass defense, though, fantasy managers will have to weigh the risk of starting a No. 2 receiver on a team in the midst of major pass-protection issues.

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Joe Mixon Nov 16 7:10pm ET
Joe Mixon

Already in great form, Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon finds himself with an excellent matchup Monday against the fading Dallas Cowboys. The running back's age-28 season has seen him score touchdowns five weeks in a row, during which he is averaging 117 total yards and more than three targets per game. The Cowboys, meanwhile, are a mess. Dallas is a bottom-five defense against fantasy running backs that has allowed the second-most rushing touchdowns and third-most rushing first downs. Through nine games, opposing ball-carriers are averaging 4.7 yards per carry against the Cowboys. Mixon is a top-shelf running back in any format this week.

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C.J. Stroud Nov 16 7:10pm ET
C.J. Stroud

After a challenging past month, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud meets the struggling Dallas Cowboys at a great time. Last year's Offensive Rookie of the Year averaged under 200 yards during his past four games, during which he had just two passing touchdowns and two interceptions. Opposing defenses have exposed the Texans' pass protection for a dozen sacks in the past two weeks, obviously limiting Stroud's ability to deliver production. Now, however, comes a Dallas defense that ranks 26th against fantasy quarterbacks and is bottom-five against the run. Given Dallas' team-wide struggles, Stroud is starting-caliber in Week 11.

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Samaje Perine Nov 16 7:10pm ET
Samaje Perine

Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine will remain the primary backup with Isiah Pacheco (ankle) ruled out for the Week 11 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Perine hasn't done much in the rushing game, but has hauled in two receptions or more in each of the last three games. Kareem Hunt has seen a majority of the workload in the backfield and that will likely remain the case once again this weekend. Perine doesn't carry enough value to be considered a reliable streaming option for Week 11.

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Tyreek Hill Nov 16 7:00pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) was a full participant in Friday's practice and is not on the final injury report for their Week 11 matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders. Hill has not been the WR1 fantasy managers were hoping for when they drafted him. This week's matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders has the potential for a breakout game. Overall, the Raiders have been relatively good this season against wide receivers, but their start cornerback Nate Hobbs (ankle) has been ruled out. They also rank 26th in pressure rate and 18th in yards per play on the road, which could give quarterback Tua Tagovailoa more time for plays to develop down the field. This looks to be the perfect matchup; start him as a WR1. Hill comes in as RotoBaller's WR8 in Week 11.

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Jaylen Waddle Nov 16 7:00pm ET
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is tough to trust in Week 11 despite a decent matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Other than Week 1, the only performance in which he eclipsed 46 receiving yards was last week against the Los Angeles Rams, when he had 57. He has only one touchdown on the year and hasn't received more than six targets in a game since Week 5. Overall, he has been one of the biggest disappointments of the 2024 season. The Raiders have allowed the seventh least receiving yards in 2024, but their star cornerback Nate Hobbs (ankle) will not be in the lineup. There isn't any justification to have him in your lineup; avoid him at all costs. He ranks as RotoBaller's WR33 in Week 11.

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