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.
According to agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey, cornerback Caleb Farley is moving up to the Carolina Panthers active roster for the long term. Farley has bounced back and forth between the team's practice squad and active roster, as he's appeared in three games for them this season. He was the 22nd overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and played two seasons with the Tennessee Titans before two separate stints on the IR and one season on the PUP list. So far this season, he's played 29 snaps on defense and 23 on special teams.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants quarterback Tommy Devito will return under center after Daniel Jones has been benched coming out of the team's bye week. The Giants sit at 2-8 which is the worst record in the entire NFC through almost 11 weeks. To make matters worse, they've scored the least amount of points in the NFL with 156. Enter Tommy Cutlets, who captured a lot of hearts last season as an underdog, heartwarming story. He guided the Giants to a 3-3 record during his starts while accumulating 1,101 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions on a 64.0% completion percentage along with 195 yards and another score on 36 attempts.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has been underwhelming, to say the least, after receiving his big contract extension. With the team sitting at 2-8 coming out of the bye week, they have decided to bench their starting quarterback and move in a different direction. Through 10 starts this year, Jones has amassed 2,070 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions on a 63.3% completion percentage. He also registered a 79.4 passer rating and was sacked 29 times, which is fifth-most in the league. The bad news for the Giants is that Jones isn't set to become a free agent until 2027.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had ten catches for 110 yards in Seattle's win against San Francisco. Dynasty Analysis: It really looks as if JSN has passed Tyler Lockett as Seattle's WR2 behind DK Metcalf. In fact, he has a whopping 24 targets over the past two weeks and that's big-time news for a player who was badly needing a breakout season. While he hasn't been the dominant force many hoped he'd be thus far in his career, things are clearly looking much better for him this season. At this point, it's safe to say any "buy low" window has closed.
Dynasty | Broncos quarterback Bo Nix completed 28-of-33 passes for 307 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions in a blowout win over Atlanta. Dynasty Analysis: Wow. While much of the talk this year has revolved around Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, Nix is doing his best to hang with the best of the bunch and today was an absolute masterpiece,. It certainly looks like Sean Payton has found his quarterback and Nix himself is starting to look like a QB1 instead of a QB2 in the process. His dynasty value is clearly on the rise.
Per beat writer Tracy Sandler of FGSN, San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (obliques) is now having trouble with both obliques. Bosa was forced from the team's 20-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 11 after injuring his oblique. The 27-year-old came into Sunday's home tilt after missing practice due to a hip/oblique ailment and reported overcompensating on his second sack of quarterback Geno Smith and injuring the other one. Unfortunately, the superstar pass-rusher noted that he's concerned he'll have to miss some time but said, "We're going to see." San Francisco had not let up a touchdown to their division rivals on Sunday until the former first-round pick exited the game. He will almost certainly miss practice again this week, but the 49ers will hope to have him back for their Week 12 road matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Dynasty | Browns running back Nick Chubb had 50 rushing yards in a loss to the Saints. Dynasty Analysis: Chubb had a good matchup on paper and posted a healthy 4.5 yards per carry on the day. However, a negative game script put him on the bench for most of the game as Jameis Winston threw the ball 46 times on the day. Chubb has been decent since returning, but the Browns offense just isn't one to rely on at the moment. He should be on dynasty benches for the time being.
Dynasty | Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown had 11 catches for 161 yards and two touchdowns in a win against the Jaguars. Dynasty Analysis: ASB caught every one of his targets and could have honestly went for more than 200 yards today if the game was even remotely competitive. Whlie Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson get a lot of the headlines, there are few players better to have in dynasty leagues than St. Brown, who has looked every bit the part of a dominant wide receiver in dynasty leagues all season. He's untouchable at the moment.
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert carried the ball three times for a loss of two yards in Sunday's 34-19 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. In the wake of Mostert's fumble troubles, it's looking increasingly like head coach Mike McDaniels favors turning to youngster Jaylen Wright behind De'Von Achane for the RB2 role. In recent weeks, Wright has seen a slight uptick in involvement, outpacing Mostert in carries four to three on Sunday. He went from a combined 30 carries in Weeks 7-9 to three in the last two weeks. Although there are still some opportunities to escape the doghouse, Miami has little margin for error in a tight battle for a playoff spot. The next matchup is at home against the struggling New England Patriots.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders went 2-for-2 on field goal attempts and 4-for-4 on extra points in their 34-19 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11. He hit from 31 and 46 yards out. This marks the fourth straight game where Sanders has made all his kicks. With the offense presenting more scoring opportunities in recent weeks, it's fitting to see him taking advantage. The 29-year-old has shown the consistency to be a weekly start in fantasy lineups moving forward. Sanders and the Dolphins will host the New England Patriots in a game that should present plenty of chances to rack up points in Week 12.
From RotoBaller
On Sunday, Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen had another quiet performance in the team's Week 11 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Allen finished with just four receptions for 41 yards, a far cry from the dynamic playmaker he was last season. Despite being targeted 8 times by quarterback Caleb Williams, Allen could not make a significant impact. That said, it was encouraging to see him come up clutch on a few vital third-down plays, proving he's still effective at getting open in critical situations. The recent coaching change, with Thomas Brown taking over as offensive coordinator, seems to have sparked some life in the Bears' offense, even if Allen's production didn't reflect that shift. The Bears won't have much time to regroup as they host the tough Minnesotabrutalngs at Soldier Field next Sunday. A challenging matchup against Brian Flores' defense awaits.
From RotoBaller
In Week 11, Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze led the team in receiving yards and targets during the 20-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Odunze finished with six receptions for 65 yards but was kept out of the end zone like many of his teammates. Despite the loss, it was encouraging to see Odunze take on a more prominent role in the Bears' offense under the new coaching direction. With Thomas Brown replacing Shane Waldron as offensive coordinator, Odunze emerged as a go-to target for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, mainly when the Bears needed a big play. He came up clutch on a crucial 4th down late in the game, keeping the Bears' drive alive and showing his growing rapport with Williams. The Bears won't have much time to regroup as they host the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field next Sunday. A tough matchup against Brian Flores' defense looms on the horizon.
From RotoBaller
In Week 11, Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet had a quiet outing in the team's narrow 20-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Kmet finished with just three receptions for 42 yards, a far cry from the fantasy production many had hoped for. However, it was encouraging to see him more involved in the offense compared to recent weeks, a sign that the Bears may be trying to get him more involved moving forward. The coaching change, with Thomas Brown replacing Shane Waldron as offensive coordinator, seemed to spark some life in the Bears' offense, though Kmet's numbers didn't fully reflect the shift. While he's not a consistent fantasy option, he could still be worth stashing on your bench, especially with bye weeks on the horizon. The Bears won't have much time to regroup as they welcome the tough Minnesota Vikings to Soldier Field next Sunday. Brian Flores' defense presents another challenging matchup for Kmet and the Bears.
From RotoBaller
This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams faced a tough test against the Green Bay Packers in Week 11. While Williams showed flashes of his potential, it was still a mixed performance. He completed 23 of 31 passes for 231 yards but, once again, failed to find the end zone, extending his streak without a passing touchdown. On a positive note, Williams added 70 rushing yardshis highest total of the seasonshowing off his mobility and ability to make plays with his legs. The recent change at offensive coordinator, with Thomas Brown replacing Shane Waldron, seemed to spark a slight resurgence in the Bears' offense. However, despite Williams' improvements, his inability to score touchdowns keeps him relegated to QB2 in fantasy leagues. The Bears won't have much time to regroup as they welcome the tough Minnesota Vikings to Soldier Field next Sunday. Minnesota's defense, led by Brian Flores, will present another significant challenge for the young quarterback.
From RotoBaller
On Sunday, Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift turned in another strong performance in the team's Week 11 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Swift made the most of his 14 carries, rushing for 71 yardsan impressive 5.1 yards per carryand capped off his day with a spectacular 39-yard touchdown run. He also contributed in the passing game, adding two catches for 13 yards. The recent change at offensive coordinator, with Thomas Brown replacing Shane Waldron, seemed to spark a slight resurgence in the Bears' offense, and Swift benefited from the new approach. Despite the tough loss, Swift's performance further solidifies his role as a key piece of the offense moving forward. That said, one of the league's toughest remaining schedules for running backs may test his fantasy value. Still, it will be hard to sit Swift, given how well he's been playing. The Bears won't have much time to regroup as they welcome the tough Minnesota Vikings to Soldier Field next Sunday, where they'll face a challenging defense led by Brian Flores.
From RotoBaller
On Sunday, Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson made his mark in the team's Week 11 loss to the Green Bay Packers. While his role in the offense was limited, Johnson made the most of his opportunities, rushing 10 times for 33 yards and a touchdown. Once again, he served as the short-yardage back, converting a goal-line touch into a score. Johnson also caught one pass for 8 yards. The coaching change, with Thomas Brown replacing Shane Waldron as offensive coordinator, seemed to slightly improve the Bears' offense, and Johnson's role remains steady. While he faces a tough upcoming schedule, his position in the Bears' backfield appears secure. The Bears won't have much time to regroup as they host the tough Minnesotabrutalngs next Sunday at Soldier Field. Minnesota's defense, led by Brian Flores, will provide another significant challenge.
From RotoBaller
In Week 11, Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore showed signs of improvement in the team's 20-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers. While he finished with seven receptions for seven 62 yards, Moore was again kept out of the end zone. He also had minimal impact in the rushing game, with just one carry for 5 yards. Despite the lack of a touchdown, it was encouraging to see Moore utilized more creatively within the offense. The recent change at offensive coordinator, with Thomas Brown replacing Shane Waldron, seems to have sparked a bit of life in the Bears' attack. While Moore's production didn't reach its full potential this week, his expanded role could signal more fantasy value soon. Looking ahead, the Bears won't have much time to regroup as they welcome the tough Minnesota Vikings to Soldier Field next Sunday. A challenging matchup against Brian Flores' defense awaits.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster hauled in his only target for eight yards in Week 11 against the Buffalo Bills.
Fantasy Spin: It was just over a month ago when it seemed Smith-Schuster was going to be a league-winner after putting up seven catches for 130 yards against the New Orleans Saints. He suffered a hamstring injury shortly thereafter and the team traded for DeAndre Hopkins, which pushed him behind the former Tennessee Titan and Travis Kelce in the passing game pecking order. Smith-Schuster can be dropped in most of the leagues that managers were hoping he could return to some version of his previous role.
From TheHuddle
Miami Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert (hip) had three carries for minus-two yards against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 17.
Fantasy Spin: A week after logging two touches (zero carries), Mostert had just three on Sunday. He did exit with a hip injury before returning. It's unclear what exactly is going on with the the veteran, but for a player that scored 21 touchdowns last year to be doing basically nothing in back-to-back weeks is obviously concerning. You might want to hold onto Mostert for one more week to see if the trend continues or we get clarification for his reduced role, but the veteran is definitely looking like he's on borrowed time right now.
From TheHuddle
Miami Dolphins WR Odell Beckham Jr. caught two passes (on four targets) for 13 yards against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 17.
From TheHuddle