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FFL: Week 2 | NFL: Week 2

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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Fantasy Preview: Week 2

Player Notes
Jared Goff Sep 14 10:50am ET
Jared Goff

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff had a mediocre start to the 2024 season. Goff passed for 217 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Goff faced off against one of the easiest passing defenses in the league in Week 1, now he has to go against a better defense in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Goff has done well against them in the past, throwing for 353 yards and two touchdowns last season in Week 6. Tampa Bay will also be without star defensive back Antoine Winfield Jr. With week one behind them, the Detroit Lions should only be getting better, making Goff a high mid-level fantasy QB going into Week 2.

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Amon-Ra St. Brown Sep 14 10:40am ET
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown had a disappointing Week 1 performance. The Lions star receiver will look to bounce back against the Tampa Buccaneers in Week 2. St. Brown had three catches on six targets for only 13 yards. Most of the air yards went to Jameson Williams, who led the team in targets, catches, yards, and receiving touchdowns. St. Brown is still, without a doubt, the team's first option, but the USC product will see a more challenging matchup in Tampa Bay's defense. He should definitely see improvement from his season opener, as St. Brown has had a better Week 2 than Week 1 in every season of his career. He also had 12 catches for 124 yards and a touchdown in Week 6 last year against the Buccaneers. As always, St. Brown is a must-start in all fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Sep 14 10:00am ET
Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields is in line to start this Sunday against the Denver Broncos, and the team is also preparing for him to start in Week 3, according to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Fields has been the Steelers' primary quarterback lately with Russell Wilson (calf) nursing an injury. Fields didn't score a touchdown in Week 1, but he was still solid, completing 74 percent of his passes for 156 yards through the air and also rushing 14 times for 57 yards on the ground. Furthermore, he wasn't responsible for any turnovers. The former first-round pick helped lead Pittsburgh to victory over the Falcons and their respectable defense, so he's poised for a strong showing against a less-intimidating Broncos defense in Week 2. Fields' rushing upside puts him in the fringe top-12 quarterbacks range.

From RotoBaller

Boston Scott Sep 14 10:00am ET
Boston Scott

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released running back Boston Scott from their practice squad, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. The veteran running back is now looking for his third team of the year after failed stints with the Steelers and Los Angeles Rams. His veteran presence and previous production in Philadelphia should help him earn a practice squad opportunity. His effectiveness has taken a step back in recent years, but he's still only a few seasons removed from providing the Eagles with 450-plus scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns. Regardless of where Scott's career takes him next, he's off the radar in all fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Joey Slye Sep 14 9:50am ET
Joey Slye

New England Patriots kicker Joey Slye will have his production limited in Week 2 due to the Patriots' reduced scoring impact. For example, DraftKings has the Patriots scoring around 17 points against the Seattle Seahawks, which leaves very few kicking chances for Slye. Given the state of the Patriots' offense, he'd likely need one or two longer field goals in order to even get on the fantasy radar. It's certainly possible Slye exceeds expectations like he did last week when he converted three field goals, but that's true for every kicker. With kickers' fantasy points being so dependent on consistent scoring opportunities, Slye can be left on waivers in most formats.

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Demario Douglas Sep 14 9:40am ET
Demario Douglas

New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas should be avoided in most fantasy leagues ahead of the team's home opener against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. Douglas has been one of the Patriots' most reliable pass-catchers since the middle of the 2023 season, but his volume has taken a hit with New England relying on its rushing attack and defense to keep them competitive. Jacoby Brissett isn't being asked to throw a lot, which means Douglas and his fellow receivers should continue to prepare for minimal value. In last week's season opener, for example, he registered just 12 yards on a pair of receptions. Until we see any sort of higher-level production out of Douglas, he can be left on fantasy waivers.

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K.J. Osborn Sep 14 9:40am ET
K.J. Osborn

New England Patriots wide receiver K.J. Osborn started on offense and led the team's receivers in snaps, targets, and catches last Sunday, but he's still off the fantasy radar heading into Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks. Last week, the Patriots emphasized a reliance on their defense and rushing attack to keep them competitive, and that shouldn't change against Seattle. Therefore, with reduced volume in the passing game, Osborn might not get enough looks to put him even near the fantasy radar. For the time being, it's tough to trust any Patriots receiver in fantasy football, including Osborn.

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Hunter Henry Sep 14 9:40am ET
Hunter Henry

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry has struggled to produce consistent fantasy points during his time with the team, including last week's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Now, in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks, Henry remains far from a lock to see meaningful volume. The Patriots have placed an emphasis on letting their defense and rushing attack carry them, which leads to fewer looks for all receivers in the passing game. At this point, we can't expect Henry to get more than a few catches every game, especially with Austin Cooper seemingly stealing a decent portion of opportunities. Henry is heavily touchdown-dependent and can be avoided in most fantasy leagues this week, even despite injuries at the position necessitating plenty of lineup adjustments.

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Rhamondre Stevenson Sep 14 9:30am ET
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson is coming off a dominant season-opening performance and has entered must-start territory ahead of Week 2 versus the Seattle Seahawks. Stevenson rushed 25 times for 120 yards last week, with the vast majority of his yardage coming after contact. He also found the end zone and caught three short passes. Stevenson continues to have a very firm grasp on the lead-back role in New England, and he should continue to see significant volume this week, especially in a somewhat favorable matchup against the Seahawks. Seattle doesn't have a great run defense, and New England has shown a clear commitment to pounding the rock on the ground. Stevenson is a high-end RB2 with RB1 upside.

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Tyquan Thornton Sep 14 9:30am ET
Tyquan Thornton

New England Patriots wide receiver Tyquan Thornton did start on offense in Week 1, but his No. 3 receiver role in an offense with minimal passing volume keeps him off the fantasy radar for the time being. Quite simply, the Patriots will rely on their defense and rushing attack to win games, and their passing attack will merely be a secondary component. There aren't nearly enough targets to go around to support any major fantasy performances from the receivers, and that includes Thornton ahead of Week 2 versus Seattle. He can be left on waivers in all redraft leagues.

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Luke Schoonmaker Sep 14 9:20am ET
Luke Schoonmaker

Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker is expected to start in Week 2 after Jake Ferguson (knee) was listed as doubtful to play. There had been some speculation that Ferguson might not miss any games after injuring himself last week, but it looks like he'll end up being held out for at least one contest. On a positive note, he should be able to avoid an IR stint. Ferguson's short-term absence means that Schoonmaker should see additional volume against the New Orleans Saints. He might not take 100 percent of Ferguson's snaps and targets, but he'll definitely get more looks from Dak Prescott. As a result, his fantasy value is slightly elevated this week. He's a low-end TE2 heading into the clash with New Orleans.

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Jacoby Brissett Sep 14 9:20am ET
Jacoby Brissett

New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett is one week removed from leading his team to a big upset victory on the road. Even after the Patriots' impressive win, Brissett is not a reliable option in fantasy football heading into Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks. New England won last game largely thanks to its defense, Rhamondre Stevenson's production after contact, and Brissett's poise and veteran presence. Unfortunately, you don't get fantasy points for being calm in the pocket, and Brissett didn't exactly produce major yardage or touchdowns. The passing game is expected to remain relatively quiet this Sunday, so while Brissett is always a candidate to notch a touchdown, his role in this low passing volume offense drops him outside the top 24 fantasy quarterbacks for Week 2.

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Ben Skowronek Sep 14 9:10am ET
Ben Skowronek

The Pittsburgh Steelers have elevated wide receiver Ben Skowronek from the practice squad to the 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. The 27-year-old was elevated last week, too, but only played on special teams. Pittsburgh will rely on its running game and defense to win games this year, so there isn't much room for the Steelers' depth receivers to make a significant impact. Skowronek remains off the fantasy radar heading into Week 2.

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Trent McDuffie Sep 14 5:10am ET
Trent McDuffie

The Kansas City Chiefs defense will face off against the Cincinnati Bengals offense in Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season. The Chiefs defense had a tough test in Week 1, facing the dangerous Baltimore Ravens, but this matchup should be much more manageable. The Bengals are coming off a loss to the New England Patriots, who held them to just 10 points in their season opener. The Bengals will also be without one of the primary weapons of offense, wide receiver Tee Higgins. Higgins will miss their Week 2 matchup with a hamstring injury. The absence of Higgins leaves Ja'Marr Chase as the only star receiver for Cincinnati. With All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie anchoring the Kansas City secondary, the Bengals should have a tough time passing the ball. Things will not be much easier for Cincinnati on the ground, as the Chiefs just held Derrick Henry to 46 rushing yards on 13 carries. The Kansas City Chiefs defense is a strong start this week against the Bengals and should continue to be a strong start most weeks.

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Harrison Butker Sep 14 4:50am ET
Harrison Butker

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker will face off against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. Butker had a productive night against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1. The Chiefs kicker nailed both field goal attempts, nailing a game-long 32-yarder, and went 3/3 on his extra point attempts. Butker only missed two field goals and did not miss a single extra point attempt last season, so he has demonstrated his ability to be one of the most accurate kickers in the league. Being on the Chiefs high-powered offense gives Butker the chance to be a difference-maker for fantasy every week. The Kansas City Chiefs should have many opportunities on offense, and Mahomes should do enough to put the team within field goal range on most drives against the Cincinnati Bengals defense. Butker is one of the most valuable kickers in football and should be a start this week.

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Xavier Worthy Sep 14 4:40am ET
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy will face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. The Chiefs first-round rookie had a massive game in Week 1, scoring two touchdowns, but that production came on just three touches. Worthy will have an easier opponent this week since he faced the Baltimore Ravens stingy defense in his NFL debut. The Bengals allowed the sixth-most receiving yards in 2023, so the rookie wideout should find success in this contest. News also broke that the Chiefs placed fellow wide receiver Marquise Brown on injured reserve, so Worthy should quickly fill the WR2 role in Kansas City for the foreseeable future. The Chiefs will likely incorporate Worthy into the offensive game plan more as the season progresses, so the sky is the limit for the young speedster. Worthy is a worthy flex play with upside this week against the Cincinnati Bengals.

From RotoBaller

Matt Prater Sep 14 4:30am ET
Matt Prater

Week 1 of the 2024 season saw several kickers put up extraordinary amounts of points. Five kickers had multiple field goals from 50+ yards out, three of them also hitting two tries from the 40-49-yard range. Nine other kickers also made good from 50 yards or more. Unfortunately, Matt Prater was not one of them. The 40-year-old veteran did convert all of his attempts though, netting field goals from 29 and 31 yards out and banging home two extra points. In Week 2, the Cardinals host the Rams in their home opener in what is expected to be one of the highest-scoring games of the week. Prater may not have had a chance to kick from distance in the season opener but he has a strong leg and the benefit of playing in a dome in Week 2. Fantasy managers looking for a solution at kicker can fire up Prater on Sunday without worry.

From RotoBaller

Andrei Iosivas Sep 14 4:30am ET
Andrei Iosivas

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas received plenty of hype entering Week 1 against the Patriots due to uncertainty surrounding the availability of Ja'Marr Chase (illness, hold-in) and Tee Higgins (hamstring). Chase was on the field while Higgins was ruled out, leading many to believe Iosivas would still benefit. However, that didn't happen, with the 24-year-old ending the day with three catches for 26 yards. Chase doesn't carry an injury designation ahead of the Week 2 meeting with the Kansas City Chiefs. On the other hand, Higgins will likely remain on the shelf. Unfortunately, too many questions surround the Bengals offense, including the health of Joe Burrow (wrist). As a result, Iosivas shouldn't be considered anything more than a flex option in 12-team fantasy leagues, although nobody can blame anyone for keeping him out of the starting lineup.

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Ja'Marr Chase Sep 14 4:20am ET
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase wasn't a lock to play in Week 1 against the Patriots for various reasons. While he wasn't fully healthy due to a lingering illness, he still finished the day by compiling a game-high six catches for 62 yards. With a chaotic week behind him, he'll look to get on track on Sunday versus the Chiefs. Without question, it's never easy for any team to play the defending champs, especially those entering GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. However, Chase is one of the best wideouts in the National Football League, so he must be featured in all fantasy lineups for Week 2. On top of that, Tee Higgins (hamstring) is doubtful, meaning Chase could see even more attention from Joe Burrow.

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Trey Benson Sep 14 4:20am ET
Trey Benson

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson had as quiet of a debut as they come in the team's season opener last week against the Bills. The third-round pick out of Florida State saw just three rushing attempts to James Conner's 16. Benson gained 13 yards on the ground and caught one pass for another five yards. The rookie didn't take the field until the Cardinals' third drive and was outsnapped by fellow backup Emari Demercado, 14 to eight. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing referred to Conner as the team's "bell cow" in comments to the media ahead of Week 1 and there's little reason to believe they will move away from him in Week 2. Benson is still worth stashing in case the injury bug bites or the team starts utilizing their backs differently, but he should be on fantasy benches on Sunday against the Rams.

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