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FFL: Week 7 | NFL: Week 7

RB Strength of Schedule

Tue May 28 9:03am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

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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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 7

Player Notes
Jonathon Brooks Oct 16 2:10pm ET
Jonathon Brooks

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

Aaron Rodgers Oct 16 2:00pm ET
Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich said that quarterback Aaron Rodgers (ankle) will play in Week 7 on Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers, although he won't take part in the team's walkthrough practice on Wednesday. Rodgers suffered a low-ankle sprain in the Week 5 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London but didn't miss any time and played in the Monday night loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills, throwing for a season-high 294 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. The matchup on the road against the Steelers defense isn't a great one, but Rodgers will be reuniting with All-Pro receiver Davante Adams after the Jets acquired him from the Raiders this week. It certainly raises Rodgers' fantasy ceiling the rest of the way, but fantasy managers will want to temper expectations this week for Rodgers as a low-end QB2.

From RotoBaller

Tyjae Spears Oct 16 1:40pm ET
Tyjae Spears

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said that running back Tyjae Spears (hamstring) will not practice on Wednesday, and he's considered week-to-week after getting hurt in the Week 6 loss to the division-rival Indianapolis Colts. The Titans aren't officially ruling Spears out for their Week 7 contest this Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, but it doesn't look good for the 23-year-old. He will need to return to practice on either Thursday or Friday to give himself a chance to play. Spears' injury is good news for Tony Pollard's fantasy value moving forward after he has basically served as the team's lead back through the first six weeks of the season. If Spears is unable to go this weekend, expect Julius Chestnut to have a bigger role. However, Chestnut only saw one carry after Spears' injury last Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Oct 16 1:30pm ET
Davante Adams

New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) will be a full-go in his first practice with the Jets for their walkthrough on Wednesday. Adams missed the last three weeks with the Las Vegas Raiders due to a phantom hamstring injury as he sought a way out of town and to the Jets so that he could reunite with his buddy Aaron Rodgers. Now that the trade has gone through, the 31-year-old veteran is no longer injured and expects to make his Jets debut on Sunday night versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. In three games with the Raiders to begin the year, he caught 18 of his 27 targets for 209 yards and one touchdown. Adams must learn the Jets' offense quickly, but fantasy managers should be comforted by the fact that he should see steady targets from Rodgers. He's a must-start in fantasy when he's active.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Oct 16 1:30pm ET
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said that running back De'Von Achane (concussion) is progressing through the league's concussion protocol "with all things positive." "We feel good where he's at," McDaniel said. During practice on Monday, Achane was seen on the field wearing a non-contact jersey. Things are looking up for the 23-year-old coming out of the bye week, but he's still up in the air to play in Week 7 versus the Indianapolis Colts and must receive clearance from an independent neurologist later in the week in order to play. For now, fantasy managers should consider him questionable to play. If Achane doesn't gain clearance to play on Sunday, expect the Dolphins to roll with some sort of timeshare with Raheem Mostert and rookie Jaylen Wright against the Colts.

From RotoBaller

Trey Sermon Oct 16 1:20pm ET
Trey Sermon

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said on Wednesday that running back Trey Sermon (knee) is dealing with a knee injury. This is a concern for the Colts with Jonathan Taylor (ankle) missing the last two games due to a high-ankle sprain. It's unclear exactly how serious Sermon's knee injury is, but we should know more based on his practice status on Wednesday. If the 25-year-old is unable to play in Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins and Taylor misses a third straight game, Tyler Goodson and Evan Hull would be in line to split the backfield work this Sunday. The Colts added Salvon Ahmed to their practice squad as extra RB depth. Sermon was very inefficient in the Week 6 win over the Titans, carrying the ball a season-high 18 times for just 29 yards. His time as an RB3/flex streamer will come to an end as soon as Taylor returns.

From RotoBaller

Salvon Ahmed Oct 16 1:20pm ET
Salvon Ahmed

The Indianapolis Colts signed free-agent running back Salvon Ahmed to their practice squad on Wednesday with both Jonathan Taylor (ankle) and Trey Sermon (knee) dealing with injuries. Taylor has missed the last two weeks with a high-ankle sprain, while Sermon apparently banged his knee up in the Week 6 win over the division-rival Tennessee Titans. For now, Ahmed will give the Colts extra depth at the position behind Tyler Goodson and Evan Hull. Ahmed has 163 career carries with five touchdowns and 3.6 yards per carry in his four years in the NFL, all with the Miami Dolphins, the Colts' Week 7 opponent. Last year in Miami, he had 22 carries for 61 yards and a touchdown and caught 16 of his 23 targets for 88 yards and another touchdown. Ahmed remains off the fantasy radar for now.

From RotoBaller

Terrace Marshall Jr. Oct 16 1:10pm ET
Terrace Marshall Jr.

The San Francisco 49ers have released fourth-year wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. from their practice squad. Marshall Jr. failed to be activated to the 53-man roster despite the injuries at the position. He is a former second-round pick of the Carolina Panthers who has struggled to find his footing since his rookie contract expired. In his career, he has recorded 64 catches for 767 yards and one touchdown. This release does not impact the 49ers' passing game, as they appear to be fully healthy again. Marshall Jr. will look to land on another team looking for wide receiver help, but the former Carolina Panther is mainly a stash in deep dynasty formats for now.

From RotoBaller

Aidan Hutchinson Oct 16 1:10pm ET
Aidan Hutchinson

The Detroit Lions have officially placed defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (leg) on injured reserve Wednesday. Hutchinson suffered a gruesome leg injury in the Week 6 win over the Cowboys. The official diagnosis is a fractured tibia and fibula, which will keep him out for the remainder of the season. Up to this point, Hutchinson led the NFL in sacks with 7.5, and his absence will be a huge loss for the Lions' pass rush. He is expected to make a full recovery and could potentially return at some point during the 2025 season.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Oct 16 1:10pm ET
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) should be a full participant in practice on Wednesday. Richardson injured his oblique in the Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and has missed the last two games as a result. The 22-year-old second-year signal-caller was close to returning this past Sunday, but the Colts held him out as a precaution in the Week 6 win over the division-rival Tennessee Titans. Veteran Joe Flacco has looked much better under center the last two weeks, but the Colts are adamant that Richardson remains their starter moving forward, and he's expected to start this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, barring a setback with his oblique. Richardson has elite rushing ability but has developed an injury-prone label quickly and leaves a lot to be desired as a passer. Consider him a low-end QB1/high-end QB2 if he plays in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Taylor Oct 16 1:10pm ET
Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said it's possible that running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) is able to return to the practice field on Wednesday. "We'll see how week goes with Jonathan Taylor." It's 'possible' he will practice today," Steichen said. Taylor is dealing with a minor high-ankle sprain and has missed each of the team's last two games as a result. A return to practice would be a good sign for the 25-year-old, although it wouldn't guarantee his return in Week 7 versus the Miami Dolphins. Fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on his status the rest of the week. Trey Sermon (knee), who has filled in as Indy's lead back with Taylor out, is dealing with a knee injury and could be up in the air for this weekend. If both Taylor and Sermon are unable to play against Miami, Tyler Goodson could be the next man up in the Colts' backfield.

From RotoBaller

Cedric Tillman Oct 16 1:00pm ET
Cedric Tillman

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman is expected to take on a more significant role moving forward. The Browns traded starting wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills, creating a void in their receiver room. Tillman, a third-round pick in 2022, recorded 21 catches for 224 yards in his rookie season. With a significant portion of the target share opening up, Tillman may have real upside in the Browns' passing offense. However, that offense ranks near the bottom of the NFL, and fantasy managers should avoid investing in the Cleveland Browns' passing game. The 24-year-old is a speculative add-in to deep leagues, as he should see an increase in the target share with Cooper shipped to Buffalo.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Oct 16 1:00pm ET
David Njoku

The Cleveland Browns traded their top wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday, opening up a significant void in their passing game. Current Browns tight end David Njoku is most likely to fill that void. The 28-year-old has hauled in 10 of 15 targets for 89 yards over three games in 2024. Njoku has ranked second on the team in targets over the past two weeks and has the trust of quarterback Deshaun Watson. The Browns are frequently trailing in games, forcing them to throw the ball more. However, the passing game has not been efficient. Given fantasy's current tight-end landscape, Njoku is valued as a mid-to low-end TE1 and a sold TE option in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

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Malik Nabers Oct 16 11:50am ET
Malik Nabers

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (concussion) is expected to advance in the concussion protocol and be a non-contact participant in Wednesday's practice, according to team reporter Art Stapleton. The rookie out of LSU missed each of the last two games after suffering a concussion in the Week 4 contest against the Dallas Cowboys. In his first four professional bouts, Nabers racked up 35 receptions for 386 yards and three touchdowns. He saw a whopping 52 targets, which still ranks ninth in the league despite his two absences. If he returns in Week 7, he's a must-start fantasy option against the Philadelphia Eagles. Philly has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to wideouts, and Nabers has already established himself as a clear starter in all matchups. Fellow wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson will have a lower floor and ceiling with the return on Nabers, but he's still firmly on the fantasy football radar in PPR setups. Nabers ranks second among WRs in PPR fantasy points per game (22.9) so far this year.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Oct 16 11:00am ET
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (hamstring) could be out a few weeks due to a hamstring injury. Goedert was injured in the third play of last Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns and did not return. According to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Goedert will be "out a few weeks." The 29-year-old will likely miss Sunday's matchup against the New York Giants and could potentially miss more games. Goedert is having a solid season, catching 24 of 29 targets for 301 yards across five games in 2024. Grant Calcaterra replaced Goedert in Week 6 and would see an uptick in snaps and targets with Goedert sidelined. Fantasy managers searching for a replacement for Goedert or need tight end help in deep leagues can add Calcaterra as a streamer for Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Joshua Kelley Oct 16 12:13am ET
Joshua Kelley

Dynasty | The Titans have signed running back Joshua Kelley to their practice squad. Dynasty Analysis: This could be an indication Tyjae Spears is going to miss some time with a hamstring injury. Kelley was having a hard time finding a home after never really turning out to be a difference maker with the Chargers. He could have some value should the Titans call him up, but he's not a player to spend your free agent money on at the moment.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Aaron Rodgers Oct 16 12:13am ET
Aaron Rodgers

Dynasty | The Bills have released wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Dynasty Analysis: The Bills needed to make a move after trading for Amari Cooper, and MVS gets the axe. He had just two catches for 26 yards on the season, so this comes as little surprise. With Davante Adams being traded to the Jets, it's also unlikely he has a home there as a retread with Aaron Rodgers. Instead, MVS will need to look elsewhere for employment. He should be picked up by a receiver-needy team, but he's well off the dynasty radar.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Cam Akers Oct 16 12:13am ET
Cam Akers

Dynasty | The Texans have traded running back Cam Akers to the Minnesota Vikings. Dynasty Analysis: Houston will get a conditional sixth round pick in exchange for Akers and a seventh round conditional selection. In other words, Minnesota grabs Akers on the cheap for the second straight season and will hope he can help out should Aaron Jones miss time. Akers could be a decent fill-in but his career has clearly reached "journeyman" status. Akers could carve out some short-term value in Minnesota, but time will tell.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Marquez Callaway Oct 16 12:13am ET
Marquez Callaway

Dynasty | The Tampa Bay Bucs are signing wide receiver Marquez Callaway. Dynasty Analysis: Once a fairly sought after dynasty asset, Callaway was last seen attempting to make the Steelers roster. He'll add some depth to a suddenly explosive Tampa Bay offense but will need an injury or two to make any kind of an impact in fantasy or reality.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Chuck Clark Oct 15 10:00pm ET
Chuck Clark

New York Jets safety Chuck Clark (ankle) has been placed on the injured reserve on Tuesday. This news comes a day after Clark was forced to exit early during Monday's loss to the Buffalo Bills. Clark exited that game in the first half due to a high-ankle sprain. He will now be forced to miss the next four games after being placed on the IR. Ashtyn Davis stepped in at strong safety and played well in the absence of Clark. The expectation is that Davis will continue starting until Clark is ready to play again. Davis should be a viable option, but he is still a downgrade defensively over a stud like Clark.

From RotoBaller