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
Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7
New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas (illness) is questionable to return against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. He was involved in the first half but then exited around halftime. At the time of his departure, he had caught two of three targets for 14 yards. Douglas was Drake Maye's favorite target last week, but the rookie quarterback will now turn to tight end Hunter Henry as his preferred option in the passing game. Kayshon Boutte and Ja'Lynn Polk should also see additional opportunities with Douglas on the sideline.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (toe) is officially active for Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of kickoff. He's widely viewed as the Colts' No. 2 wide receiver but has actually been more productive than Michael Pittman Jr. over the last three weeks. We'll see whether that holds true this Sunday as the Colts return to a healthy Anthony Richardson under center. Richardson replacing Joe Flacco is less than ideal for all of the Colts' receivers, but Downs is still talented enough to be a reliable fantasy WR3 on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) is officially active for Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of kickoff. Pittman averaged 3.7 catches, 29.3 yards, and zero touchdowns per game with Anthony Richardson under center, and those averages jumped to 4.7 catches, 61.7 yards, and 0.7 touchdowns when Joe Flacco replaced the injured Richardson. Now that Richardson is healthy and has reclaimed his starting job, we'll see whether Pittman can keep up his hot stretch of games. Even if the passing offense does take a step backward under Richardson, Pittman is still talented enough to be deployed as a fantasy WR3/FLEX.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (shoulder) is officially active for Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of kickoff. Pierce is listed third on the depth chart even though he leads the team in receiving yards this season. This is a direct product of the 24-year-old's big-play upside, which has allowed him to explode in some games while being somewhat of a non-factor in others. Pierce is one of the only Colts receivers who seems to have played better while catching passes from Anthony Richardson rather than Joe Flacco this year, so perhaps Richardson's return to the lineup this week is good news for the Cincinnati product. Still, he ranks outside the top 36 fantasy receivers for this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (hamstring, personal) is officially active for Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts. He had been listed as questionable after missing practice on Friday, and it's unclear whether the hamstring injury or the personal matter was the reason for his designation heading into the weekend. Regardless, Beckham is going to suit up this week as the Dolphins' No. 3 receiver behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. He's off the fantasy radar, especially now that Miami's passing attack is struggling with Tyler Huntley under center.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis (calf) is officially active for Week 7 against the Tennessee Titans. He had been listed as questionable, and there was real doubt about his availability for Sunday's game. In the end, though, he'll suit up as the No. 2 running back behind James Cook. Davis is coming off the best game of his young career when he broke free for 152 scrimmage yards on 23 touches when Cook was sidelined. Now that Cook is back, Davis' volume will be scaled back. He'll still earn some touches, but not enough to justify starting him in 12-team leagues this week.
From RotoBaller
The Philadelphia Eagles have declared TE Dallas Goedert, OG Darian Kinnard, QB Tanner McKee, OG Trevor Keegan, CB Eli Ricks and DL Byron X. Young inactive for Week 7.
From TheHuddle
The Indianapolis Colts have declared RB Jonathan Taylor, WR Anthony Gould, LB E.J. Speed, LB Genard Avery, QB Sam Ehlinger, DB Chris Lammons and OG Danny Pinter inactive for Week 7.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns running back D'Onta Foreman (groin) has been removed from the injury report ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. This is good news for the Browns backfield that will be without Jerome Ford (hamstring) this weekend. However, Nick Chubb (knee) should be back in the mix and be the primary back for Week 7. It's worth noting that this would be Chubb's first game back since suffering that horrible season-ending knee injury last year. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Browns limit Chubb during his first game back. That being said, Foreman and Pierre Strong Jr. should both be in the mix in the backfield. Foreman has seen 19 carries over the last two weeks, which is solid for a backup. However, he hasn't offered much fantasy value, so fantasy managers should consider him a desperation option in deep leagues.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III saw his stats take a dip during last week's matchup against the Carolina Panthers. McCloud finished with a season-high 66 yards in Week 5, but was only able to haul in three receptions for 30 yards last week. He remains third or even fourth on the pecking order, which doesn't guarantee solid weekly value. McCloud should still see a handful of targets as he has been thrown to five times or more in four of his first six games this season. Fantasy managers should consider McCloud a low-end flex option for Week 7 against the Seattle Seahawks.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Trey Palmer (concussion) is currently listed as questionable ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Palmer suffered a concussion in Week 4 and as a result he has missed each of the last two games. It sounds like Palmer still needs to clear concussion protocol, so fantasy managers should prepare to be without him for at least one more game. Sterling Shepard figures to move into the WR3 role if Palmer is unable to play. He has seven receptions for 78 yards and one touchdown over the last three games. However, Shepard won't be a recommended fantasy option for Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (hamstring) is currently listed as questionable ahead of Monday's Week 7 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Vea popped up on the injury report on Saturday due to a hamstring issue. The loss of Vea would be a significant hit to this defensive unit. The 29-year-old is one of the better run stopping tackles in the league. He has 12 tackles, five tackles for loss, and three sacks in five games this season. Greg Gaines would likely be asked to step in and start if Vea is unable to go. The Bucs are likely going to wait until Monday to decide on whether or not Vea will play.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons (hamstring) is expected to suit up for Week 7 despite being listed as questionable coming into this game. Simmons has missed time in practice this week, but appears to still be in good enough shape to play. The All-Pro safety has 23 tackles, one tackle for loss, and one interception in six games this season. The absence of Simmons would likely mean that Richie Grant would get the start at strong safety. The loss of Simmons would be a significant hit to this secondary, but it sounds like Simmons is in line to play.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) is not expected to play in Week 7's game against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to multiple sources. However, he is still likely to participate in pregame warmups before the team makes a final decision about him.
Fantasy Spin: Kupp had been listed as questionable on the injury report after being a limited participant in all three of the team's practice sessions during the week. He is one of the league's better receivers when healthy and should be a starting lineup option in fantasy leagues if he is cleared to play.
From TheHuddle
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet has taken a backseat in the backfield over the last few games. Charbonnet has rushed the ball five times or less in each of the last three games. The 23-year-old has seen a limited role with Kenneth Walker III healthy right now. Charbonnet has been able to get involved in the receiving game, but it's not enough to save his fantasy value. He's unlikely to see a significant role against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7. Charbonnet is worth stashing but really only has reliable fantasy value if Walker misses time.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones (hamstring) is expected to play in Week 7's game against the Detroit Lions, according to a source.
Fantasy Spin: Jones had been listed as questionable on the injury report after participating in two of the team's three practice sessions during the week on a limited basis. He can be a starting option in all fantasy leagues if he is cleared to play.
From TheHuddle
Kansas City Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is expected to play in Week 7's game against the San Francisco 49ers, according to a source.
Fantasy Spin: Smith-Schuster had been listed as questionable on the injury report after being a limited participant in the team's final two practice sessions of the week. He is only two weeks removed from a performance where he had seven catches for 130 yards so fantasy owners should feel good about using him as a WR3 option in their lineups.
From TheHuddle
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (illness) has been added to the injury report ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Benson popped up on the injury report on Saturday due to an illness and is now uncertain to play on Monday. The rookie back has been quiet this season outside of one 50-yard performance. If active, Benson still isn't a viable fantasy option for Week 7. However, his absence would likely mean that Emari Demercado takes over as the primary backup to James Conner. Fantasy managers shouldn't rush to the waiver wire to add Demercado considering Conner is likely going to see the bulk of the carries.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back Tyson Campbell (hamstring) is active ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the New England Patriots. Campbell has missed the last four games while being on the injured reserve due to a hamstring issue. Luckily, Campbell was able to practice this week and has been activated ahead of this contest in London. The 24-year-old has been limited to one game this season, but is a difference maker when healthy. Campbell should resume his role as the top defensive back on this team which should give the Jaguars defense a boost on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Browns have activated running back Nick Chubb. Dynasty Analysis: Chubb will make his much-anticipated return in week seven against the Bengals. His presence will be a welcome one by a Browns team that's 1-5 and flailing miserably. Cleveland traded Amari Cooper this week and Deshaun Watson looks like an absolute shell of himself, so anything the Browns get from Chubb will be important. Dynasty managers should be cautious as his role is likely not going to be a huge one for a few weeks. Still, it will certainly be nice to see him back after last year's gruesome injury.
