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: Injury Status: Week 4
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Lineup Prep: Week 4
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Waivering: Week 4
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: The Weekly Bender: Bizarro Football
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 4
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 4
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Monday Night DFS Pickem Plays
- Tyler Huntley could emerge as starter in Dolphins QB carousel
- Eagles WR Britain Covey out 6 weeks with broken scapula
- Lions rule out C Frank Ragnow (pectoral) vs. Seahawks
- Week 4 TNF: Cowboys-Giants Preview, Props, Prediction
- Eagles DE Brandon Graham leaves door open for 2025
- Bills place OL Tylan Grable on injured reserve
- Longtime Vikings QB Tommy Kramer announces he has dementia
- Packers QB Jordan Love 'pushing it' with Vikings up next
- Chargers QB Justin Herbert (ankle) making progrees
- Eagles OG Mekhi Becton to play with cast on injured finger vs. Bucs
- Fox rebuffs Netflix request for Tom Brady on Christmas game
- Jaguars keeping the faith despite troublesome 0-3 start
- Cowboys, Jaguars favorites to land Bill Belichick
- Commanders RB Austin Ekeler (concussion) out for Week 4
- Broncos ILB Alex Singleton done for season with torn ACL
- Giants CBs Adoree' Jackson, Dru Phillips out vs. Cowboys
- Cardinals DT Justin Jones (triceps) out for season
- Browns place G Wyatt Teller (knee) on IR
- Patriots to put Ja'Whaun Bentley on IR, tab Kyle Dugger as captain
- Chiefs TE Travis Kelce focused on wins, not catches
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rest of Season Rankings – Standard
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rest of Season Rankings – PPR
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Streamers Week 4 | Uche For The Win
- Fantasy Life: WR Matchups for Week 4: Spots to Target and Avoid
- Fantasy Life: Anytime Touchdown Prop Bets for Week 4: The Kyle Pitts Week?
- Fantasy Life: Thursday Night NFC East Showdown: Cowboys vs. Giants
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Buy, Sell, Hold: Has Aaron Jones Been Freed?
- Fantasy Life: Best Bets for Cowboys vs. Giants: Thursday Night Football Week 4
The Paur Report
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) was limited at practice on Thursday due to a hamstring injury, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the NFL. Collins was not on Wednesday's initial injury report, so fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status during Friday's practice as it should provide clarity as we approach the weekend. The 25-year-old has continued his impressive 2023 breakout campaign by averaging 112.7 yards per game through the early part of the season with 18 total catches and one score. If Collins is able to suit up on Sunday, he should be viewed as a solid WR1 with a favorable matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson (ribs) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, according to Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post. Thompson left last week's game early due to a rib injury and remains in questionable status. The Dolphins do not play until Monday this week against the Tennessee Titans, so Thompson will have an additional day to recover from his injury. Filling in for Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) last week, Thompson completed just 13 of his 19 attempts for 107 yards and no scores. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Thompson's status throughout the week, as Tim Boyle or Tyler Huntley could be called upon to start Monday's game.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (shoulder) was a full participant in Thursday's practice and should be expected to see a full workload on Sunday when the Bengals face the Carolina Panthers. Chase would have been labeled as a limited participant on Wednesday, but the Bengals only held a walkthrough. Seeing Chase return to practice without limitations is a great sign and suggests the shoulder injury was minor and nothing serious. After being contained through the first two weeks of the season, the former national champion enjoyed a big game on Monday night as he caught six passes for 118 yards and two scores against the Washington Commanders. Chase should be viewed as a high-end WR1 every week and should never leave your starting lineup. When asked about his shoulder, Chase said, "I'm great."
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers defense is a risky fantasy play in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bolts defense got the season off to a good start, scoring 14 fantasy points in Week 1 against the Raiders and 11 in Week 2 against the Panthers. They followed that up with a solid on-field performance against the Steelers in Week 3, but it only amounted to five fantasy points for the week. Week 4 against the Chiefs will be the toughest matchup so far, and with the Chargers offense expected to be limited even if starting quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) does play, the Chargers DST is well outside of the top-12 for the week.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (ankle) did not practice on Thursday due to an ankle injury, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The sophomore tight end suffered a low-ankle sprain in last week's game against the Arizona Cardinals and was forced to leave the game early. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the injury report throughout the week as it should provide clarity on his status heading into the weekend. However, the Lions will face the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night which will provide the Iowa product an additional day to recover. Even though he has had a disappointing start to the season, the former second-round pick should still be viewed as a TE1 given his excellent rookie campaign. If LaPorta happens to miss Monday's game, Brock Wright should be viewed as a TE2 with upside.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (shoulder) was limited during Thursday's practice, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The 22-year-old was not on Wednesday's injury report, so this situation is worth monitoring closely, as the Texas standout could enter the weekend in questionable status depending on Friday's injury report. The former eighth-overall pick has been deployed as a workhorse running back through the first three games, seeing at least 14 carries and two catches in every game. Last weekend, he carried the ball 16 times and caught both of his targets for a combined 52 yards and a score. He remains a high-end RB1 simply due to the heavy volume he will see weekly and should remain locked into all lineups.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) could return to practice as early as next week, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. The 27-year-old suffered a torn ACL and MCL last season and has been on the PUP list since the beginning of the 2024 season. Earlier this afternoon, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that the team is loosely targeting a Week 7 return for the Iowa product. Seeing that he could return to practice next week is a great sign and suggests a Week 7 return could be possible. Before the season-ending injury, Hockenson was on pace to smash previous career highs in 2023 and could be in store for a strong second half, given how potent the Minnesota offense has looked early into the season.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker is a safe option in Week 4 fantasy lineups. Dicker was extremely accurate in his rookie season last year and has remained that way three weeks into his sophomore season. The only downside to Dicker's fantasy prospects is a slow moving Chargers offense going against a strong Kansas City Chiefs team this week. Dicker has one of the higher floors among fantasy kickers, but his ceiling is somewhat limited. He's made six field goals and four extra points through the first three weeks of the season.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze (hip) was limited during Thursday's practice due to a hip injury, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS. The Washington product was not on Wednesday's initial injury report, but seeing that he was only limited suggests it might not be a serious injury. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report as it should provide clarity on the 22-year-old's status heading into the weekend. After two quiet outings in his first two professional games, the ninth-overall pick enjoyed a nice breakout last weekend as he caught six passes for 112 yards and a score. Odunze should be considered a WR3 with upside if he is a "full-go" against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears S Kevin Byard (back), TE Marcedes Lewis (rest), DL Zacch Pickens (groin), DB Terell Smith (hip), DL Darrell Taylor (knee, illness) and DL Andrew Billings (knee) did not practice on Thursday, Sept. 26. OT Darnell Wright (back), WR Keenan Allen (heel), FB Khari Blasingame (hand, knee), OT Braxton Jones (knee) and WR Rome Odunze (hip) were limited. OG Nate Davis (groin) and DE Montez Sweat (elbow) practiced in full.
From TheHuddle
Chicago Bears WR Keenan Allen (heel) was limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 26.
Fantasy Spin: Allen appears to have a decent chance to play this week after sitting out the Week 3 game. He should see a decent amount of targets if he is active and could be at least a flex option in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions TE Sam LaPorta (ankle), S Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle), C Frank Ragnow (pectoral) and OT Dan Skipper (ribs) did not practice on Thursday, Sept. 26. Also, DB Brian Branch (concussion), DL Alim McNeill (shoulder), DL Levi Onwuzurike (knee) and CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (hamstring) were limited and LB Alex Anzalone (concussion) practiced in full.
From TheHuddle
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (groin) did not practice on Thursday due to a groin injury, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. Meirov further reported that Carolina expects Johnson to return to practice tomorrow. As a result, fantasy managers should see this as a precautionary measure as it does not look too serious. However, Friday's injury report will clarify any potential designation the former Steeler might have heading into the weekend. After catching just five passes across the first two weeks of the season, Johnson enjoyed a breakout game last weekend as he caught eight passes for 122 yards and a score. Much of this was credited to Andy Dalton stepping into the starting QB role in favor of Bryce Young. If Johnson sees his expected workload on Sunday, he should be considered a high-end WR3 in PPR formats.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos S JL Skinner (ankle) did not practice on Thursday, Sept. 26. TE Nate Adkins (shoulder) was limited. WR Josh Reynolds (Achilles) practiced in full.
From TheHuddle
Denver Broncos WR Josh Reynolds (Achilles) fully participated in practice Thursday, Sept. 26.
Fantasy Spin: Reynolds has been a good option in the passing game for the Broncos this season and should see a few targets this week against the New York Jets. He can be a possible flex option in deeper leagues.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston will look to make it three weeks in a row with a touchdown when the Chargers face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4. Johnston scored twice in Week 2 and followed it up with another trip to the end zone in Week 3. The scores and a few long gains have shot the sophomore pass catcher up to an overall WR21 ranking through the first three weeks. Some of his underlying metrics aren't all that pretty, but results count and he's making things happen on the field. A matchup against a strong Kansas City secondary will be a good test for QJ, who leads the Chargers with a 31.6% first read share. There's a concerning floor, but an enticing ceiling as well, leaving him somewhere in the WR3 ranks as long as Justin Herbert (ankle) is able to start under center.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers RB Jaylen Warren (knee), LB Alex Highsmith (groin), TE MyCole Pruitt (knee), DT Cameron Heyward (rest), S Miles Killebrew (rest) and RB Cordarrelle Patterson (rest) did not practice on Thursday, Sept. 26. QB Russell Wilson (calf) and OG Isaac Seumalo (pectoral) were limited. WR Roman Wilson (ankle), WR Van Jefferson (eye), RB Najee Harris (rest), S DeShon Elliott (quad), CB Donte Jackson (rest), LB T.J. Watt (rest) and DL Larry Ogunjobi (rest) practiced in full.
From TheHuddle
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson (calf) was limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 26.
Fantasy Spin: The Steelers continue to be cautious with Wilson because Justin Fields is playing well as the starting quarterback. Wilson probably will not be cleared to play until Fields struggles in a game or two, so fantasy players can continue to avoid Wilson.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey could end up with a good game in Week 4 despite a tough matchup against a strong Kansas City Chiefs defense. McConkey has been the top receiving option for the Chargers offense, logging a 25.8% target share and a 30.7% air yard share, both leading the team. He's also second on the squad in first read share at 28.9%. The Chiefs secondary has limited most opposing receivers, but they have been somewhat exploited by slot routes, with Kansas City allowing the fourth most receptions to slot receivers so far this season. With quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) likely to be limited if he even plays, all Chargers pass catchers should be downgraded somewhat, but McConkey is the safest bet to still produce a high floor, and he has some clear upside this week as well.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins will look to bounce back in a Week 4 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Dobbins was outstanding in Weeks 1 and 2, averaging 20.5 fantasy points per game before slowing down to a 6.9 point performance in Week 3. He still played on 65% of the team's offensive snaps in Week 3, it was just a down week in general for the Chargers offense. Dobbins is having an excellent start to the season, ranking fourth in explosive run rate and sixth in missed tackles per attempt. He's involved as a runner and as a pass catcher, and is firmly in the RB2 conversation despite a tough Chiefs run defense in Week 4.
From RotoBaller
