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
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday. Since Smith showed no signs of the injury during the Eagles' Week 9 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the severity of the injury is currently unknown. Smith has started to heat up over the last couple of weeks. He has scored a touchdown and reached at least 85 receiving yards in each of the last two weeks. With fellow wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee) also limited on Wednesday, the Eagles will have to hope that they will have both of their star wide receivers available in Week 10. Smith checks into Week 10 as the WR17 in PPR formats. He has reached that number despite missing a game due to injury, recording one catch in another, and already having his bye. As such, he has been an excellent fantasy asset in 2024. This is a situation worth monitoring as soft tissue injuries tend to linger.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker bounced back in a big way from Week 8 to Week 9. He finished as the K4 after he knocked through a 34 and 37-yarder while making all five of his extra-point attempts. While the Ravens' offense continues to be elite, it only raises the value of Tucker in all fantasy formats. In Week 10, he'll go up against the Cincinnati Bengals and he finished as the K6 the last time these teams met in Week 5. Fantasy managers can continue to rely on Tucker as he's looked more consistent after his shaky start to the year.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons LB JD Bertrand (concussion) and LB Matt Judon (illness) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 6. DT Grady Jarrett (Achilles), OG Chris Lindstrom (knee) and DE James Smith-Williams (leg) were limited during practice. LB Troy Andersen (knee) and C Drew Dalman (ankle) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews, unfortunately, ended his string of solid fantasy outings in Week 9 as he finished in TE3 territory. Heading into a Week 10 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals gives him some new hope to return to TE1 though. Isaiah Likely (hamstring) has been ruled out so Andrews should see more than 50% of the snaps on Thursday night. During the first time these two teams matched up this year, Andrews received five targets and ended up with four receptions for 55 yards. The Bengals give up the seventh-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, so the added opportunities against a weaker defense should mean TE1 potential for the veteran.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets CB Michael Carter II (back), OG Jake Hanson (hamstring), OT Morgan Moses (knee), LB C.J. Mosley (neck), OG John Simpson (groin), OT Tyron Smith (non-injury), DE Solomon Thomas (knee) and OG Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 6. S Ashtyn Davis (concussion) and LB Chazz Surratt (hamstring) were limited during practice. S Tony Adams (hamstring) was limited during practice.
From TheHuddle
New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers (hamstring, knee) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Nov. 6.
Fantasy Spin: Rodgers is coming off one his better games of the season and has thrown five touchdowns and zero interceptions over the last two games. He can be a starting option in two-quarterback leagues but probably can be avoided in standard leagues.
From TheHuddle
New York Giants WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Achilles), DT Dexter Lawrence (non-injury) and OG Greg Van Roten (shoulder) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 6. PK Graham Gano (hamstring), P Jamie Gillan (hamstring), TE Theo Johnson (back, knee) and LB Ty Summers (ankle) were limited during practice.
From TheHuddle
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers has gained some momentum over the past couple of weeks and now has three weeks with finishes in WR1 territory. He also has two more finishes as a WR2, but now has more competition for targets with Diontae Johnson getting integrated into the offense a bit further. While Johnson only played in 30% of the snaps in Week 9, that will likely increase in Week 10 against the Bengals. Flowers surpassed the 100-yard mark against the Bengals in Week 5 and this game has the makings of another shootout just like their 41-38 contest. So, he should still have WR2 potential.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Diontae Johnson played in 30% of the team's offensive snaps during their Week 9 win over the Denver Broncos. Head coach John Harbaugh even said that they planned to ease him into the offense for his first game. Now, with a game under his belt, the Ravens take on the Cincinnati Bengals in a short week. Without the full week of practice, it's unlikely that Johnson has that much bigger of a grasp on the offense, but he's also no stranger to AFC North matchups from his time in Pittsburgh. Zay Flowers remains the number-one option, but Johnson could get some opportunities if it turns into another shootout.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday, according to Brian Batko of PGSportsNow. Fields was inactive last weekend with a hamstring injury and could be in danger of sitting out in Week 10. Fields was moved to the backup spot on the depth chart in Week 7 in favor of Russell Wilson. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Fields' status throughout the week, as he could once again serve as the emergency option while Kyle Allen moves up to the backup position. During the first six weeks of the season, Fields averaged a solid 21.4 PPR points with 10 total scores. Fields remains a high-upside handcuff option in deeper superflex formats for the time being.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens DE Brent Urban (concussion) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 6, and has been ruled out for Week 10. CB Jalyn Armour-Davis (knee) was limited during practice and is listed as doubtful. RB Rasheen Ali (ankle) and RB Keaton Mitchell (knee) fully participated in practice but are listed as questionable. LB Adisa Isaac (illness), DT Travis X. Jones (ankle), OG Patrick Mekari (shoulder), WR Tylan Wallace (foot) and DE Broderick Washington (knee) fully participated in practice and are not on the injury report.
From TheHuddle
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (fibula) is "getting close" to a return to practice, according to Adam Teicher of ESPN. Teicher further noted that his return is unlikely to happen this week. The former seventh-round selection is still recovering from a fractured fibula he suffered during Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, as he could be quickly approaching a return. In his limited play this season, the Rutgers product averaged an impressive 16.0 PPR points per game across the first two weeks. For now, fantasy managers should continue to expect Kareem Hunt to operate as the lead back but to eventually cede those duties to Pacheco when he returns to action.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring), OT Cornelius Lucas (ankle) and PK Austin Seibert (hip) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 6. DE Dorance Armstrong (shoulder), C Tyler Biadasz (thumb), DE Clelin Ferrell (knee), LB Dante Fowler (groin) and OT Andrew Wylie (shoulder) were limited during practice. CB Noah Igbinoghene (thumb) and DT Phidarian Mathis (head) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (knee) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Nov. 6, and is not on the injury report for Week 10.
Fantasy Spin: Jackson seems to be dealing with a minor injury but should not have any limitations this week against the Cincinnati Bengals. He is a must-start option in all fantasy leagues when healthy.
From TheHuddle
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) is expected to practice on Wednesday, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic. In addition, Standig reported that the coaching staff is "really going to push it this week." Fantasy managers should monitor his status throughout the week, but this is a positive sign for his availability for this weekend's tilt against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Last weekend, Robinson was a game-time decision but was eventually ruled out. In his absence, Austin Ekeler and Chris Rodriguez Jr. saw the majority of carries out of the backfield. If Robinson were to miss his second straight game, Ekeler should be viewed as a solid RB2, with Rodriguez becoming a viable flex option in deeper formats.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry remains atop the position in fantasy this season and it doesn't look like he'll be letting go of that lead any time soon. The King faces off against the Cincinnati Bengals in a short week, but the last time these two teams faced off, Henry was able to find the end zone while compiling 92 yards on 15 carries. The game turned into a shootout, so he wasn't involved the whole way through. While that could happen again, Henry receives opportunities early and often, and he has a solid history on Thursday night as he's registered 685 yards and nine touchdowns on 134 carries in eight career Thursday night games.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (ankle) is expected to practice in full on Wednesday according to Adam Teicher of ESPN. Mahomes suffered an ankle injury during last Monday's victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but did not have to miss any action. Fantasy managers should monitor the 29-year-old's status throughout the week in case he faces a setback but he should be expected to start on Sunday against the Denver Broncos. Last Monday, Mahomes scored a season-high 27.5 PPR points as he threw three scores with 291 yards. This was his first time this season that he tallied three scores in a single game. Despite his mediocre showings throughout this season, fantasy managers should continue to view him as a top-12 option going forward.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders TE Zach Ertz (non-injury) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 6.
Fantasy Spin: Ertz is coming off his worst game of the season but should be more involved in the passing game this week. He can be considered a low-end No. 1 tight end in some deeper fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (hamstring) has been ruled out for Thursday's tilt against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Likely was unable to participate in any practice sessions this week and will set his sights on returning in Week 11 to face the Pittsburgh Steelers. Last weekend, the 24-year-old was held off the box score and saw just one target his way. Since Week 6, the tight end has averaged a mere 4.3 PPR points per game, which is a stark contrast to the 10.4 PPR points he averaged during the first five weeks of the season. Fantasy managers should expect Mark Andrews to see the vast majority of snaps at the position and be viewed as a solid TE1 and a strong flex option in DFS contests.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts LB Zaire Franklin (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 6. OT Matt Goncalves (finger, shoulder), DE Dayo Odeyingbo (elbow), OT Bernhard Raimann (concussion) and OT Braden Smith (knee) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
