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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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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 11

Player Notes
Hunter Henry Nov 13 7:00pm ET
Hunter Henry

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (foot) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. Henry has been a productive tight end in 2024, especially with rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Until Week 10, Henry had scored at least 9.5 fantasy points in four straight games. Maye looks to Henry as a safety valve, and Henry is delivering for both the Patriots and fantasy managers. While Henry has only scored one touchdown in 2024, he is on pace for a career-high 728 receiving yards. That is impressive considering how lackluster the Patriots' passing offense is. Still, Maye has proven himself capable of delivering the ball to his top options. Henry's appearance on the injury report this week is notable. However, considering he played 89% of the snaps in Week 10, this is likely a maintenance/rest day for the ninth-year pro. As long as Henry keeps up his activity in practice this week, he should be good to go on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Gus Edwards Nov 13 7:00pm ET
Gus Edwards

Los Angeles Chargers running back Gus Edwards (ankle) was limited in practice on Wednesday. Edwards missed four games with the injury before returning in Week 10 so his presence on the injury report this early in the week is no surprise. Edwards was solid in his return in Week 10. He rushed 10 times for 55 yards. He only played 25% of the snaps so the Chargers were intentional with his playing time. Edwards has racked up 168 yards rushing on 3.5 yards per carry in five games this season. He was superseded by running back J.K. Dobbins before his injury earlier in the year. Additionally, Dobbins received eight more opportunities than Edwards in Week 11. As such, Edwards has been relegated to a status as a high-quality insurance running back. If anything were to happen to Dobbins, then Edwards would likely see a huge boost in volume. Unfortunately for Edwards, he will not see a significant enough role as long as Dobbins is healthy. Edwards appears on track to play on Sunday, but he should either be at the end of your bench or on waivers.

From RotoBaller

Jamaal Williams Nov 13 6:50pm ET
Jamaal Williams

New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams (groin) did not practice on Wednesday. Williams has not played since Week 8 and his status for Week 11 is not off to an auspicious start. Williams has been a nonfactor for fantasy football all season. With starting running back Alvin Kamara seeing high volume, Williams has not received much work in 2024. Williams has 124 rushing yards and one touchdown this season. His 3.88 average yards per carry is also very poor. Williams' days as a fantasy-relevant player with the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers are long behind us.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Nov 13 6:20pm ET
Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (left hand) was a full participant in Wednesday's walk-through. Allen is battling a left hand injury that is clearly not bothering him very much given his full participation in practice. Allen's injury is also to his non-throwing hand so there is not much cause for concern here. Allen is enjoying another excellent season in 2024. He currently sits as the QB5 in fantasy football through Week 10. Most importantly, Allen only has six turnovers this season after giving the ball away 22 times in 2023. He will face a tall task in Week 11 when the annual Bills vs. Chiefs game is played. This game will be played in Buffalo, and while the Chiefs have an excellent defense, Allen should still be a QB1 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Sam Darnold Nov 13 6:10pm ET
Sam Darnold

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (right hand) was limited during Wednesday's practice. Darnold picked up the injury after throwing an interception during Sunday's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The fact that Darnold was estimated as a limited participant and not a DNP suggests that the hand injury should not be too serious. Darnold has experienced a resurgent season as the Vikings' quarterback in 2024. He has thrown for 2,141 yards and 17 touchdowns in nine games. However, Darnold has faltered in recent weeks as opposing teams appear to be figuring him out. He has thrown six interceptions since the Vikings' Week 6 bye. He has only thrown six touchdowns in that same timeframe. Still, Darnold is the Vikings' best option so hopefully his injury does not affect him or the Vikings' skill position players too much.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Allgeier Nov 13 5:50pm ET
Tyler Allgeier

Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (quadriceps) was listed as a limited participant during the team's walkthrough practice on Wednesday. Allgeier apparently isn't 100 percent coming out of the team's Week 10 loss to the division-rival New Orleans Saints, but his injury doesn't sound serious enough to put him in danger of missing a Week 11 tilt against the Denver Broncos on the road. The 24-year-old has taken a back seat to Bijan Robinson in Atlanta's backfield this year, as expected, but he's seeing enough weekly volume to put him in the RB3/flex tier of RBs more often than not. Plus, all three of his double-digit carry games have come in three of the last five games. Allgeier even has a 100-yard rushing game in 2024. Denver's defense has been strong against the run this year, but they've also allowed the fifth-most half-PPR points per game to RBs in the last three weeks.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Nov 13 5:40pm ET
Trevor Lawrence

After injuring his ankle in the Week 10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (ankle) was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice. In addition, fellow back D'Ernest Johnson (hamstring) was limited. After re-entering the game on Sunday, Bigsby only saw two offensive snaps the rest of the way and could be in danger of sitting out this Sunday versus the Detroit Lions. The 23-year-old second year back has been more efficient than backfield mate Travis Etienne Jr. this year, averaging 5.5 yards per carry while putting up 519 rushing yards and four TDs in 10 games. However, his injury is now a concern this week and the fantasy upside of all of Jacksonville's offensive weapons will take a pretty big hit as long as quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) is out. Bigsby is currently lining up as a shaky RB3/flex this week for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Gabriel Davis Nov 13 5:40pm ET
Gabriel Davis

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder) remains on the team's injury report for Week 11 and was listed as limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Although Davis' shoulder is still an issue, it hasn't caused him to miss any games in recent weeks. The 25-year-old's rest-of-the-season fantasy value saw a boost when Christian Kirk (collarbone) was ruled out for the rest of the season, but quarterback Trevor Lawrence's recent shoulder injury has put a damper on all of the Jaguars' offensive skill players with Mac Jones taking over in last week's loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Davis caught just one of his four targets for a 19-yard pickup in that game and will be a boom/bust with minimal upside in Week 11 on the road against the physical Detroit Lions defense after the Jaguars already ruled out Lawrence.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Nov 13 5:30pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) missed the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Hill was questionable for the Monday night win over the Los Angeles Rams but ended up playing and catching three of four targets for 16 yards and his first touchdown since the season opener. It's an injury that Hill has dealt with since training camp, but he said he aggravated it when he was arrested in September and is actually dealing with a torn ligament. The 30-year-old speedster should continue to play through his wrist injury in Week 11 against a vulnerable Las Vegas Raiders pass defense. Hill's season was partially derailed when quarterback Tua Tagovailoa landed on the Injured Reserve due to a concussion, but now that Tagovailoa is back, Hill's fantasy appeal is back. His 9.0 half-PPR points per game (tied for 42nd among receivers) shows just how disappointing Hill has been in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Nov 13 5:20pm ET
Tee Higgins

Updating a previous report, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (quadriceps) was officially listed as limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Higgins has missed the team's last three games, but head coach Zac Taylor said the 25-year-old has taken "steps in the right direction" towards a potential return in Week 11 to face the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night. A return to a limited showing to start the practice week is a good sign, but Higgins still isn't in the clear and could be a very risky fantasy play this weekend if he turns up a questionable tag on the final injury report on Friday. Higgins has missed five games already this year due to injury, but when healthy, he's been a must-start for fantasy managers while averaging 13.3 half-PPR points per game, which ties him with DK Metcalf for 12th-most at the position.

From RotoBaller

Jack Stoll Nov 13 5:20pm ET
Jack Stoll

The Miami Dolphins claimed tight end Jack Stoll off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles on Wednesday and waived linebacker David Long Jr. in a corresponding move. Stoll became expendable for the Eagles when Dallas Goedert returned from a hamstring injury in the Week 10 win over the division-rival Dallas Cowboys after missing the previous three games. Stoll operated behind Grant Calcaterra with Goedert sidelined and wasn't really involved in the offense (only 17 snaps and no targets). In Miami, he'll serve as TE depth behind starter Jonnu Smith, Julian Hill and Durham Smythe. The former Nebraska Husker has just 22 receptions on 30 targets for 193 yards and no touchdowns in his three-plus NFL seasons in 57 games (28 starts).

From RotoBaller

Michael Pittman Jr. Nov 13 5:10pm ET
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) was listed as a full practice participant for the first walkthrough session of the week on Wednesday. It's a bit surprising that Pittman was a full-go on Wednesday after missing the Week 10 loss to the Buffalo Bills with a back injury that he's been dealing with for a while now. As long as the 27-year-old doesn't suffer any setbacks with his back injury later this week, he appears to be primed to play in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions on the road. However, he'll still be a pretty shaky fantasy option with second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson returning to the starting role under center this weekend. Pittman is averaging just 7.1 half-PPR points per game in 2024 and has gone over 100 receiving yards in a game just once (back in Week 4). The emergence of Josh Downs as a more consistent receiving threat for the Colts hasn't helped Pittman's cause.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Nov 13 5:00pm ET
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice, according to Demetrius Harvey of Jax.com. The LSU standout has been dealing with this chest injury for a few weeks but has yet to miss any time. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during the week in case he faces a setback. Last weekend with quarterback Mac Jones under center, Thomas tallied a season-low 12 yards on just two catches. Despite his two weak outings over the past two weeks, Thomas has averaged a stellar 15.2 PPR points during Weeks 1 through 8. Given his recent output, fantasy managers should view the 22-year-old as a WR3/flex with risk heading into a Week 11 tilt against the Detroit Lions with Jones making a second straight start.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Nov 13 4:53pm ET
Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers (hamstring, knee) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Fantasy Spin: Rodgers is coming off one of his worst games of the season last week but was playing well in the previous two games. He can be a starting option in two-quarterback leagues but should be avoided in standard leagues.

From TheHuddle

C.J. Mosley Nov 13 4:53pm ET
C.J. Mosley

New York Jets CB Brandin Echols (concussion), OG Jake Hanson (hamstring), LB C.J. Mosley (neck), OT Tyron Smith (neck) and DE Solomon Thomas (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 13. CB Michael Carter II (back), OT Morgan Moses (knee), CB D.J. Reed (hip), LB Chazz Surratt (heel) and OG Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle) were limited during practice. S Chuck Clark (ankle) fully participated in practice.

From TheHuddle

Kirk Cousins Nov 13 4:50pm ET
Kirk Cousins

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (shoulder, elbow) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice, according to Marc Raimondi of ESPN. Raimondi noted that even though this is the first time Cousins has been on the injury report this season, "nothing seems to be concerning" regarding his availability for this weekend. In addition, seeing him participate in a limited capacity is already a promising sign. Last weekend in their loss to the New Orleans Saints, Cousins threw for 306 yards, his second-highest total of the season, but he could not find the end zone. Throughout his first season in Atlanta, the veteran QB has averaged 20.0 PPR points per game and should be viewed as a low-end QB1 in Week 11 when he faces a tough Denver Broncos defense.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Nov 13 4:50pm ET
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (quadriceps) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice according to Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated. Fantasy managers should not be overly concerned but should continue to monitor his status throughout the week. However, seeing him already participate albeit in a limited capacity is a promising sign for his availability for this weekend. Throughout his first season in Green Bay, the former first-round selection as averaged a solid 14.7 PPR points per game with 84.7 rushing yards per game. If he is able to suit up this weekend to face the Chicago Bears, Jacobs should be viewed as an RB2 with upside.

From RotoBaller

Cameron Heyward Nov 13 4:43pm ET
Cameron Heyward

Pittsburgh Steelers WR Van Jefferson (quadriceps), CB Donte Jackson (hamstring), LB Alex Highsmith (ankle), OG Isaac Seumalo (non-injury), TE MyCole Pruitt (knee) and DE Cameron Heyward (non-injury) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 13. LB Nick Herbig (hamstring) fully participated in practice.

From TheHuddle

Darius Slay Nov 13 4:33pm ET
Darius Slay

Philadelphia Eagles LB Nakobe Dean (groin), DE Bryce Huff (wrist), OT Jordan Mailata (hamstring) and CB Darius Slay (ankle) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Nov. 13, and are not on the injury report for Week 11.

From TheHuddle

Najee Harris Nov 13 4:30pm ET
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday, according to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. Fantasy managers should continue to pay close attention to his status throughout the week, as he could be in danger of missing Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens if he misses another session. Last weekend in their victory over the Washington Commanders, Harris eclipsed double-digit PPR points for the fourth straight contest. Through nine games this season, the Alabama product has averaged 71.7 yards per game with 17.4 attempts and 2.7 targets per game. Fantasy managers should view Harris as a solid RB2 heading into a divisional tilt against the Baltimore Ravens, who have allowed the eighth-fewest PPR points to opposing RBs.

From RotoBaller