RB Strength of Schedule
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.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pickem Picks: Week 17
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: TFC comes down to the wire
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 17
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 17
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 16
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 16
- Colts rule out QB Anthony Richardson; Joe Flacco to start
- Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa (hip) doubtful vs. Browns on Sunday
- Eli Manning among 15 Pro Football Hall of Fame finalists
- Patriots QB Drake Maye checked for head injury, returns to game
- Chargers RB J.K. Dobbins active vs. Patriots
- Panthers to place RB Chuba Hubbard on IR
- LB Shaquil Barrett reportedly set to rejoin Bucs
- Top 10 Player Props For NFL Week 17
- Deshaun Watson, Browns agree to restructure contract
- Chargers activate RB J.K. Dobbins from IR
- Colts QB Anthony Richardson questionable vs. Giants
- Eagles QB Jalen Hurts remains in concussion protocol
- Week 17 NFL Capsules
- NFL Christmas games on Netflix set streaming records
- Eagles QB Kenny Pickett expects to be ‘ready to go’ vs. Cowboys
- Giants star WR Malik Nabers (toe) says he's a game-time decision
- Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) done for year
- Eagles coach Nick Sirianni apologizes to Commanders TE Zach Ertz
- Chargers rule out RB Gus Edwards (ankle) vs. Patriots
- Rams OT Rob Havenstein slowed with shoulder injury
- Fantasy Six Pack: NFL Weekly Projections
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Week 17 Defense Stream-O-Matic
- Fantasy Six Pack: NFL Week 17 Best Bets | Riding the Bucking Broncos
- Fantasy Life: Championship-Winning Streamers For Week 17
- Fantasy Life: Week 17 Do-Or-Die Saturday and NFL MVP Debate
- Fantasy Life: Week 17 NFL Player Props: Aidan O'Connell, Breece Hall, and More
- Fantasy Life: Anytime Touchdown Scorer Bets For Week 17: Deck The Hall(s) Against Buffalo
- Fantasy Life: NFL Contract Incentives and Player Milestones: Progress Ahead Of Week 17
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Championship Week Injury Concerns
The Paur Report
Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 17
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai (illness) and safety Geno Stone (illness) are both active for Saturday's matchup against the Denver Broncos. Ossai was unable to practice on Wednesday and Thursday while Stone popped up on the injury report on Thursday. However, both were able to turn the corner in time for kickoff. Ossai has tallied 12 tackles and three sacks over his past four contests. Stone is currently riding a three-game interception streak and has tallied nine tackles over this stretch. Both should continue to see starting opportunities on the Cincinnati defense.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer (heel) is questionable to return to Saturday's game with a heel injury. The wideout sustained this injury during the third quarter of the game. Before exiting, Palmer brought in four of his six targets for 41 yards. His longest reception of the game went for 19 yards. At the time of departing, he had the third-most targets on the team, behind only Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston.
From RotoBaller
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo (hamstring/foot) is expected to play on Monday evening. The rookie running back was unable to suit up last weekend and has logged two limited practice sessions earlier this week. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status on Saturday's final injury report as a full practice session may help him avoid an injury designation. While sidelined, Patrick Taylor Jr. was given the starting nod and tallied just 24 yards on eight attempts. Guerendo has averaged a solid 19.1 PPR points per game during Weeks 14 and 15 and should be viewed as an RB2 if he is able to suit up on Monday, despite facing a tough Detroit run defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest PPR to the position.
From RotoBaller
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (ankle/knee) is officially active for Saturday afternoon's matchup against the Denver Broncos. Higgins remained a limited participant throughout practice the week but carried a questionable tag heading into the weekend. Over his past five contests, the Clemson product has averaged a stellar 18.3 PPR points per game. During this stretch has averaged a strong 77.3 yards per game and has found the end zone four times. He has also seen double-digit targets in three of these five contests. Despite facing a tough Denver secondary that has allowed the seventh-fewest PPR points to opposing wideouts, Higgins should be locked into all lineups as a solid WR2.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers rookie tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders is not a viable option in Week 17 when he faces the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Over his past three contests, Sanders has seen just two targets across and did not bring in any of them. However, earlier in the season, Sanders saw a solid 4.1 targets per game, during Weeks 5 through 12. During this span, he tallied 8.2 PPR points per game and found the end zone one time. The Panthers will be without top running back Chuba Hubbard (knee), which could force them to rely on Bryce Young to push the ball downfield to keep up with a potent Tampa Bay offense. However, given Sanders' unreliable target share of the past month, fantasy managers should not consider starting him in any format.
From RotoBaller
According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle/illness) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Pollard was unable to practice all week due to an ankle injury and came down with the flu on Saturday. It was reported earlier that Pollard was not going to travel with the team, and now he will set his sights on returning in Week 18 to face the Houston Texans. Pollard has been dealing with this lingering ankle injury over the past two weeks and has averaged a mere 40.0 yards per game over this span. As a result, Tyjae Spears will get the starting nod and should be viewed as a high-end RB2 in all formats facing a Jaguars defense that has allowed the second-most PPR points to opposing RBs this season.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker projects to be a risky flex option in deeper formats in a Week 17 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Last weekend, Coker caught only two of his five targets for a mere eight yards. However, in Week 15, Coker tallied 110 yards and a score on four receptions. During Weeks 5 through 10, Coker saw 4.2 targets per game and has continued to see a slight increase in opportunities as the season has progressed. In addition, No.2 wideout Xavier Legette (hip) is listed as questionable and could open up more targets for Coker if he cannot suit up. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the inactive report before kickoff as Coker could move up the depth chart prior to the game. In addition, No.1 running back Chuba Hubbard (knee) has been ruled out which could encourage Carolina to rely on their passing attack more often. Despite this, fantasy managers in deeper 3WR formats should only consider starting Coker as a desperation flex option given his unstable production this season, even in a favorable matchup against the Tampa Bay secondary that has allowed the sixth-most PPR points to opposing wideouts.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver David Moore should be viewed as a desperation flex option in deeper formats in Week 17 when he faces the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While he has seen a solid 6.2 targets per game over his past four contests, Moore has only averaged 3.2 receptions per game. During this span he has tallied just 40.8 yards per game while being deployed as the No.3/No.4 wide receiver in this offense. However, with Xavier Legette (hip) listed as questionable, Moore could have a path to be a starting option this weekend. In addition, with top running back Chuba Hubbard (knee) on the IR, the Panthers may need to rely on their passing attack to keep up with Tampa Bay. Facing a weak Tampa Bay Secondary that has allowed the sixth-most PPR points to opposing wideouts still makes Moore a risky flex option given his placement on the depth chart.
From RotoBaller
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle, illness) has the flu, which could put him in danger of missing Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Fowler noted that Pollard will not travel with the team. In addition, Pollard was unable to practice all week with an ankle injury but was planning on "playing through that." Pollard carried a questionable tag into last weekend's game but played and ceded a majority of the snaps to Tyjae Spears. Fantasy managers should continue to keep a close eye on Pollard's status leading up to Sunday's game. If Pollard is unable to play, Spears would be viewed as a must-start, high-end RB2 in all formats while facing a Jaguars defense that has allowed the second-most PPR points to opposing running backs this season.
From RotoBaller
According to the team, New England Patriots defensive back Christian Gonzalez (concussion) has been ruled out for the remainder of Saturday's game due to a concussion. Gonzalez suffered this injury during the second quarter. Before exiting, the 22-year-old tallied one solo tackle. Jonathan Jones should be expected to see an uptick in playing time during the remainder of the game. Through 15 games this season, Gonzalez tallied 58 tackles with 11 deflections and two interceptions.
From RotoBaller
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (back/foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the New York Giants. Richardson was unable to participate in practice all week and will set his sights on returning in Week 18 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. As a result, veteran Joe Flacco will get the starting nod. Over his past five games Richardson has been very productive from a fantasy standpoint tallying 23.1 PPR points per game and finding the back of the end zone nine times over this stretch. Flacco has been productive when given opportunities this season. Across five games, he has averaged 233.4 passing yards per game with a 9:5 TD:INT ratio. He is a solid QB2 in Superflex formats facing the Giants who have allowed the 17th-most PPR points to opposing QBs this season.
From RotoBaller
According to the New England Patriots, rookie quarterback Drake Maye (head) has returned to Saturday's game. Maye left the field after their first offensive drive after taking a hard hit to the head. He was seen in the blue medical tent and eventually went to the locker room. However, Maye was able to return and missed only one offensive drive. Veteran Jacoby Brissett went 0-for-1 on his lone passing attempt in relief.
From RotoBaller
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) has been downgraded to doubtful for Sunday's match against the Cleveland Browns. Tagovailoa was initially listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report after logging three straight limited sessions during the week. Schefter noted that Tagovailoa is still pushing to play, but if he cannot turn the corner, than Tyler Huntley would get the starting nod. The 26-year-old missed four games earlier this season due to a concussion. After tallying 337.5 passing yards per game during Weeks 12 through 14, Tagovailoa has struggled over the past two weeks throwing for a mere 205.5 passing yards per game. If Tagovailoa is able to turn the corner in time to play, he should be viewed as a high-end QB2. If Huntley gets the start, he should only be started in deep Superflex formats.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (head) is questionable to return to Saturday's clash with the Los Angeles Chargers. The signal-caller didn't last long before taking a hard shot, completing his only pass attempt for one yard. With the Patriots not going anywhere near the postseason, it may not make sense for Maye to return, especially if he's undergoing a concussion evaluation. But while he is sidelined, Jacoby Brissett will handle things under center, potentially for the remainder of Week 17.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said on the radio that running back Antonio Gibson will start over Rhamondre Stevenson in the Week 17 contest against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday. It shouldn't come as much of a surprise given Stevenson's fumbling issues. Stevenson only played 32 of the team's 73 plays on offense in last week's loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills and finished with 60 yards and a touchdown, but he also lost his third fumble of the year. Gibson saw a 59 percent snap share , had 10 carries for 28 yards and recovered his fumble. Even though Gibson will be the "starter" in Week 17, we'd expect Stevenson to still be involved. At best, fantasy managers playing for a title this weekend should consider Gibson an RB3/flex in a bad matchup. The Bolts defense has only allowed seven touchdowns to RBs through 15 games in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers second-year quarterback Bryce Young has looked much better late in the season after being benched early on for veteran Andy Dalton. While Young is on the rise heading into a Week 17 divisional matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, he'll be without star running back Chuba Hubbard (calf, knee), who was placed on Injured Reserve. Outside of that, though, Young is set up nicely in his second meeting against a Tampa defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing QBs in 2024, including 4,004 passing yards and 24 total touchdown passes. In the first meeting against the Bucs on Dec. 1, Young had a season-high 298 passing yards and a touchdown in the overtime loss. In the last five weeks, Young has been a top-10 fantasy QB with 1,255 passing yards, six touchdowns and three picks. He's still a QB2 in fantasy, but there's reason to believe he could have another decent game.
From RotoBaller
The Carolina Panthers placed lead running back Chuba Hubbard (calf, knee) on season-ending Injured Reserve on Saturday, meaning that Raheem Blackshear will now be elevated to a prominent role in Carolina's backfield for the final two weeks of the season. The 26-year-old is currently the only healthy RB on the Panthers' roster, but the team will surely elevate Mike Boone from the practice squad for the Week 17 contest on Sunday against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Fantasy managers that had been riding Hubbard's excellent season could now pivot to Blackshear, although he shouldn't be viewed as much more than a last-minute RB3/flex pivot in a matchup against a Tampa defense that has allowed the fewest half-PPR points to RBs in the last five weeks. Blackshear's role will grow for sure, but he could also be splitting valuable touches with Boone.
From RotoBaller
The Carolina Panthers placed running back Chuba Hubbard (calf, knee) on season-ending Injured Reserve on Saturday, meaning both Mike Boone and Raheem Blackshear will be splitting the backfield work for the final two games of the season. Boone is currently on the team's practice squad, but he'll surely be promoted to the active 53-man roster before Sunday's contest against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 17. The 29-year-old Boone has only seen seven carries for 22 yards in the four games he's been active with Carolina this year. While he's now going to see much more run the final two weeks, desperate fantasy managers shouldn't expect much out of him the close things out, especially with the Panthers facing a Buccaneers defense this weekend that has allowed the fewest half-PPR points to RBs in the last five weeks.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (ankle, quadriceps) is officially active on Saturday as the team gets prepared to face the visiting Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17. Meanwhile, free safety Jabrill Peppers (hamstring) has been ruled out. Dugger continues to play through an ankle injury and recently picked up a quad issue, but he will be active as the Pats look to pull the upset on a Chargers team looking to lock themselves into a wild-card spot in the AFC. The 28-year-old Dugger has 70 tackles (47 solo), one sack, eight tackles for loss, four pass breakups and a forced fumble in 11 starts for the Pats this year and is in play as a starting defensive back in IDP fantasy leagues this weekend now that he's officially active. Peppers will be missing his second straight game and will give way to Dell Pettus and Marte Mapu in New England's secondary.
From RotoBaller
As expected, Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (knee) is officially active for the Week 17 game on Saturday at the New England Patriots after he was activated from Injured Reserve on Friday. In addition to Dobbins coming back, the Chargers will be without Gus Edwards (ankle). Edwards being out is good news for Dobbins, although the Bolts could still ease Dobbins back into the flow alongside rookie Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins. The 26-year-old Dobbins has operated as LA's clear lead back when healthy, though, and has a team-best 766 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on a career-high 158 carries already in 2024 through 11 games. Dobbins is returning to a favorable matchup as well, with the Patriots defense being a top-10 matchup for opposing RBs this year. He'll be more risky in his first game back from a four-week absence, but Dobbins should at least be in play as an RB3/flex in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
