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.
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The Paur Report
Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Josh Downs (toe) and Michael Pittman Jr. (back) did not practice on Wednesday, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Downs was held out of practice early last week with this injury but was able to suit up for Sunday's game. The injury did not seem too serious as the 23-year-old caught seven of his nine targets for 66 yards and a score. Pittman was originally expected to hit the injured reserve last week but was also able to suit up last weekend. As a result, fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status throughout the week, but this could be a precautionary measure. Since making his season debut in Week 3, Downs has emerged as the top wideout in this passing attack, as he has averaged 15.7 PPR points in this span, while Pittman has held a solid 13.0 average mark.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (concussion) logged a full practice on Wednesday. This is a great sign for the 23-year-old, who suffered a concussion during Week 5. The Dolphins had the week off in Week 6, which gave the sophomore running back more time to progress. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week as he has to complete all stages of the concussion protocol in order to return to action. If Achane can suit up, he should be locked into all fantasy lineups despite his slump over his past three games, where he has averaged just 5.8 PPR points per game. During the first two weeks of the campaign, Achane eclipsed over 20.0 PPR points and remains a high-upside running back given his rushing and receiving ability.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints WR Chris Olave (concussion) has been ruled out for the Week 7 game, according to head coach Dennis Allen.
Washington Commanders TE Zach Ertz (non-injury) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 16.
Fantasy Spin: Ertz is coming off a season-high 68 yards in the last game and has been targeted at least five times in three of the last four games. He should see a similar workload this week but may only be a No. 2 fantasy tight end in most leagues.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (ribs) is considered doubtful for Thursday's game, according to Nick Underhill of the New Orleans Football Network. The tight end logged limited practice sessions on Monday and Tuesday after missing the previous two games and is now in danger of missing tomorrow's game. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the 34-year-old's status on Wednesday's injury report, as it may provide more clarity on his potential to suit up. If he cannot play, rookie Spencer Rattler will face a difficult challenge against a tough Denver defense without his top wideouts and potentially starting tight end. As a result, Bub Means could be worth a look as a flex option, as he saw eight targets in relief last weekend.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts running backs Jonathan Taylor (ankle) and Trey Sermon (knee) did not practice on Wednesday, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Taylor has been sidelined over the past two games with an ankle sprain. Sermon suffered this knee injury in last week's victory over the Tennessee Titans. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status during the week as they have two more opportunities to return to practice. In Taylor's absence, Sermon has taken the lead in the Indianapolis backfield and averaged a modest 33.5 yards per game with six total receptions for 25 receiving yards. If Taylor is able to play, he should be locked into all starting lineups. If not, Sermon remains a low-end flex option.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers S Damontae Kazee (ankle), LB Nick Herbig (hamstring), C Zach Frazier (ankle), OG Isaac Seumalo (non-injury), RB Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle), LB T.J. Watt (non-injury), DE Cameron Heyward (non-injury) and DT Larry Ogunjobi (non-injury) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 16. LB Alex Highsmith (groin) was limited during practice, while TE MyCole Pruitt (knee) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions CB Carlton Davis (quadriceps), C Frank Ragnow (non-injury), OT Dan Skipper (ribs) and OG Kevin Zeitler (non-injury) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 16. S Brian Branch (knee) was limited during practice, while OG Christian Mahogany (illness) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (knee) is set to undergo meniscus surgery on his knee, according to Nick Underhill. As a result, fantasy managers should not expect him on the field anytime soon. Shaheed may also be placed on the injured reserve if he is expected to miss at least four games. Shaheed was enjoying a nice breakout campaign as he scored at least 15.0 PPR points in four out of the six games he has played in. The Saints will now be without their top two wideouts on Thursday evening, with Chris Olave (concussion) already ruled out. As a result, Bub Means, Mason Tipton, and Cedrick Wilson Jr. will likely lead the New Orleans air attack for now.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers WR DJ Chark Jr. (hip) had his 21-day practice window opened Wednesday, Oct. 16.
From TheHuddle
Carolina Panthers LB Claudin Cherelus (hamstring), CB Troy Hill (rest), RB Chuba Hubbard (rest), LB Josey Jewell (hamstring, groin), WR Diontae Johnson (ankle), OT Taylor Moton (elbow), LB Jon Rhattigan (knee, illness) and DT A'Shawn Robinson (knee) did not practice on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Also, RB Jonathon Brooks (knee), LB Jadeveon Clowney (shoulder), WR David Moore (knee), DE LaBryan Ray (ankle, knee), C Andrew Raym (concussion), S Nick Scott (hamstring) and TE Tommy Tremble (concussion) were limited and CB Dane Jackson (hamstring), DT Jaden Crumedy (ankle) and S Sam Franklin (foot) practiced in full.
From TheHuddle
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson handled first-team reps in the open portion of Wednesday's practice, according to team beat writer Mike DeFabo. The veteran has been dealing with a calf injury this season but was a full participant in practice all of last week and looks to be trending toward starting against the New York Jets in Week 7. The Steelers have a 4-2 record but have passed for just 166.8 yards per game under Justin Fields. Wilson struggled mightily in his time with the Denver Broncos, but he finished as a top-15 fantasy quarterback in 2022 and 2023. He's unlikely to be a significant factor in single-QB leagues, but he's a must-add option in superflex and two-QB formats.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Robert Woods (foot) is not practicing on Wednesday. The 32-year-old missed the Week 6 game against the New England Patriots with a foot injury, and his early-week absence suggests he could miss at least another contest. With Nico Collins (hamstring) on Injured Reserve, Woods could see an enhanced role if he gets back to action before Collins' earliest activation date (Week 10). In Week 6, wideouts Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell accounted for 16 of the team's 18 targets to wide receivers, so whether Woods plays or not, no other Texans' receiver is on the fantasy football radar against the Green Bay Packers in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson got first-team reps in practice on Wednesday, Oct. 16.
Fantasy Spin: This was expected, as head coach Mike Tomlin said the veteran signal-caller would at some point this week. The Steelers haven't made it official who will start yet, but all signs are pointing to Wilson. Wilson is a QB2 if he suits up, but a shaky one, as it's his first game of the season and he's playing behind a lackluster offensive line.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (foot) saw workhorse usage last season and was a high-end fantasy RB1 in PPR leagues, but his injury and the emergence of rookie Bucky Irving and second-year undrafted free-agent Sean Tucker have brought uncertainty to his role. Irving is averaging 5.7 yards per carry to White's 3.7, and Tucker posted nearly 200 total yards and two touchdowns in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints. Buccaneers reporter Greg Auman said he believes White will likely still be the first RB on the depth chart when he recovers from his foot injury, but Irving and Tucker have raised the bar in the backfield, and Tampa Bay could start to rotate all three backs. If the team uses a three-man committee, it will limit the floors and upsides of all three backs and cause headaches for fantasy managers. The usage of the Tampa Bay backs should be closely monitored moving forward.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (hamstring) is not practicing on Wednesday to begin Week 7 preparation. The third-year back out of Cincinnati left the Week 6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles with a hamstring injury, so he could be at real risk of missing Week 7. Meanwhile, Nick Chubb (knee), who is coming off a major knee injury from Week 2 of last season, could make his 2024 debut on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Cleveland backfield could be tricky to analyze this week, as Ford's status is in doubt, and Chubb could be on a pitch count if he plays. Backups D'Onta Foreman and Pierre Strong Jr. are likely to be involved in the rotation if Ford is inactive. The Bengals are a neutral matchup for running backs and Cleveland arguably has the worst offense in the NFL, so upside might be hard to come by for any Browns' RB this week.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) will practice on Wednesday following his absence from the Week 6 contest against the Baltimore Ravens due to a foot injury. The third-year back out of Alabama scored between 10.2 and 18.8 half-PPR fantasy points in all five of his contests this year, so fantasy managers would obviously like to have him back ahead of a juicy matchup with the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers have surrendered the most fantasy points per game to RBs through Week 6. It's a good idea to monitor Robinson's practice participation moving forward, as he's close to a must-start option if he can play on Sunday. Austin Ekeler will have RB1 upside if Robinson can't play, but he's a flex consideration even if he does.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (foot) is not practicing on Wednesday ahead of the Week 7 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. The fourth-year pro missed last week's contest with a football injury, and his status for Sunday's contest appears to be in doubt. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, but if he cannot go, Antonio Gibson will draw another start. In Week 6 against the Houston Texans, Gibson only produced 19 rushing yards on 13 attempts and 24 receiving yards on three receptions (four targets). However, the Jaguars present a much friendlier matchup for running backs, so Gibson could bounce back if he's in the RB1 role once again.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) is practicing for the first time this season following the team opening his practice window earlier this week. The Texas product has missed the first six games of his rookie season following an ACL tear in November of last year, but he is trending toward making his NFL debut soon. Brooks was selected as the first running back off the board in Round 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft after his final collegiate season which saw him post over 1,400 yards from scrimmage in just 10 games. He should be expected to be involved in Carolina's offense when he is activated to the gameday roster, but there is speculation that he could have to wait until Week 8 or 9 to play in his first game at the NFL level. Fantasy managers with Brooks stashed should monitor his status, but it would be surprising if he plays against the Commanders in Week 7. For now, Chuba Hubbard remains a strong starting option in fantasy lineups.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent PK Brandon McManus (Commanders) signed a one-year deal with the Green Bay Packers on Wednesday, Oct. 16. The financial terms of the contract weren't disclosed. Also, PK Brayden Narveson was released.
From TheHuddle
