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.
Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 11
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that tight end Sam LaPorta (shoulder) remains day-to-day but did not take part in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. LaPorta's status for the Week 11 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday is firmly up in the air after he suffered an AC joint sprain of his shoulder in the Week 10 win over the Houston Texans on Sunday night. The 23-year-old second-year tight end will need to return to practice on either Thursday or Friday to have at playing this weekend. As such, fantasy managers should have a backup plan in place in case LaPorta doesn't receive the green light. Brock Wright would most likely have the most upside at the position in Detroit from a fantasy perspective if LaPorta is inactive. Although LaPorta found the end zone last Sunday, he's mostly been a disappointment in his sophomore campaign after finishing as the TE1 in fantasy in 2023.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (hamstring) is at practice on Wednesday after missing each of the last four practices and the Week 10 game against the Cincinnati Bengals with a hamstring injury. It's early in the week, so fantasy managers should monitor his official status on the injury report all week leading up to the Week 11 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Likely kicked off the 2024 season with a bang, catching nine passes for 111 yards and a touchdown. However, he has been the TE30 in half-PPR formats since that game, averaging just 4.4 half-PPR fantasy points per game. He is not on the fantasy radar for now, but his return to the lineup could have a slight negative impact on Mark Andrews.
From RotoBaller
The San Francisco 49ers signed punter Pat O'Donnell to the practice squad on Wednesday with starter Mitch Wishnowsky (back) dealing with a back injury. O'Donnell has appeared in 145 games with the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers and has punted 616 times in his career. The 31-year-old has a career average of 45.1 yards per punt, and 36.4% of his punts have been downed inside the 20-yard line. While punters don't directly affect fantasy football, losing a starter could put defenses in tougher positions.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (ribs) will " probably" be limited at practice on Wednesday, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. The veteran suffered a rib injury in the Week 10 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he returned to the game and could still play in Week 11. It's early in the week, so fantasy managers with Jones should monitor his status through Friday and leading up to Sunday's contest with the Tennessee Titans. Jones is the overall RB16 in half-PPR formats, averaging 13.5 fantasy points per game. If he's active, he has an RB2 outlook against a Tennessee defense that has allowed the 12th-most fantasy points per game to QBs. If he cannot go, Cam Akers will likely handle the majority of Vikings backfield touches, though Ty Chandler could also be involved.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd (ankle) is practicing on Wednesday for the first time since he was placed on Injured Reserve after Week 2 due to an ankle injury. The third-rounder out of USC rushed six times for 15 yards and caught one pass for three yards in the Week 2 game against the Indianapolis Colts. It will be interesting to see if Lloyd can push Emanuel Wilson for the RB2 job behind Josh Jacobs in the second half of the 2024 campaign, but that is not a given. Fantasy managers in deep formats can consider stashing him, but it might be a bit early to consider him in leagues of 12 teams or fewer. He's unlikely to have a significant role when he returns as long as Josh Jacobs remains healthy and active.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) underwent a second knee surgery this week after an uptick in his rehab activity led to swelling, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert. The 21-year-old suffered a season-ending knee injury before his first regular season began, and although this news is not what fantasy managers or Vikings fans want to hear, the second procedure is not expected to change his timeline to return to action. The first-round pick out of Michigan should still be ready for his sophomore campaign, and he is still viewed as the quarterback of the future despite Sam Darnold having a good year until the last few weeks. With weapons like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson to work with in Kevin O'Connell's offense, McCarthy has an intriguing upside, and this could be a good buy window for him in dynasty formats.
From RotoBaller
The Seattle Seahawks placed offensive tackle George Fant (knee) on Injured Reserve and activated offensive tackle Abraham Lucas (knee) from the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list on Wednesday, according to NFL.com. Lucas played in just six games last season and has yet to play a snap in 2024, but it looks like he's nearing a return. Fant has played just 30 snaps this year, so his absence is not likely to make a significant impact. Lucas, a 2022 second-round pick out of Washington State, is expected to occupy the starting right tackle job when he's fully back in action, and he could provide an upgrade in protection for quarterback Geno Smith and run blocking for running backs Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce announced that veteran Gardner Minshew II will start at quarterback against the Miami Dolphins in Week 11. There was speculation that former Atlanta Falcons starter Desmond Ridder would get the nod, but the organization is rolling with Minshew for at least one more week. Minshew has been benched three times this year and has not had much success through his first eight games in the Silver and Black. The 28-year-old has completed 67% of his passes for 1,501 yards, six touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 2024. He is not on the fantasy football radar in single-QB formats.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said he's encouraged with wide receiver Tee Higgins (quadriceps) for Week 11 against the Los Angeles Chargers. However, Higgins will not take any practice repetitions on Wednesday. It's good news that the Bengals are optimistic about Higgins after he missed the last three games with a quad injury, but he's going to need to get back on the practice field if he wants to be cleared to play this Sunday evening. Cincy also plays in the Sunday night game against the Bolts, so if Higgins is a game-time decision, it will make him an even riskier fantasy play. If the 25-year-old pass-catcher returns on Sunday, he'll be a WR3/flex for fantasy managers, albeit in a tough matchup against a stingy Chargers defense. Tight ends Mike Gesicki and Tanner Hudson have benefitted from bigger roles in the passing game the last few weeks with Higgins sidelined.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is likely to return and play in Week 11 against the Buffalo Bills on the road. Smith-Schuster has not played since injuring his hamstring in a win over the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 20, but he's expected to return to practice this week and play this weekend. The week prior to his injury, Smith-Schuster went off for seven catches and 130 yards in the win over the New Orleans Saints, prompting plenty of waiver-wire consideration with the Chiefs' receiving corps so banged up. However, since his injury, KC landed DeAndre Hopkins in a trade with the Tennessee Titans. The 27-year-old will have a role in the Chiefs' passing attack when he returns, but the addition of Hopkins makes him less exciting from a fantasy perspective.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert (hip) has officially been ruled out for the Week 11 game against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night. Seibert was unable to practice this week and will miss his second straight game. The good news is he'll have extra time to recover before hopefully returning for another divisional contest in Week 12 against the Dallas Cowboys. With Seibert ruled out again, Zane Gonzalez should serve as Washington's kicker yet again after making both of his field-goal attempts and all three of his extra-point tries in the Week 10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Gonzalez was on point in his return to NFL action last Sunday, but fantasy managers should be able to find better streaming options at the position than Gonzalez against the Eagles on Thursday Night Football.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) has been ruled out for the Week 11 contest on Thursday night against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, so he'll have to wait to make his debut with the team until Week 12 against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. Lattimore is still nursing a hamstring injury that he suffered before being acquired in a trade from the New Orleans Saints. The 28-year-old veteran defensive back injured his hamstring in Week 8 and has not played since, but he'll have extra time to heal up following Thursday night's game. Lattimore was brought in specifically to help improve a Commanders secondary that has been their weakness in 2024, but he won't be available to try and help slow down Eagles receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith on Thursday night.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) will return to practice on Wednesday, but head coach Andy Reid said it's unlikely that he will play on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills in Week 11. The Chiefs are eyeing a potential late-November return for Pacheco, who is recovering from a fractured fibula suffered in Week 2, so the team is likely going to use all of the 25-year-old's 21-day practice window before officially activating him from Injured Reserve. Pacheco needs to be rostered in all fantasy leagues, but it's probably going to be at least several more weeks before he's active on game day. For now, Kareem Hunt will continue to serve as the Chiefs' primary back and needs to be locked into all starting fantasy lineups as the team travels to Buffalo to take on the Bills this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) will not take part in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Kincaid injured his knee in the Week 10 win over the Indianapolis Colts and is now in danger of missing a huge Week 11 tilt against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs. However, Kincaid still has two more days to return to the practice field to give him a shot at playing this weekend. The second-year tight end has been a bit of a disappointment for fantasy managers that invested in him in 2024, as he currently ranks as the TE22 in half-PPR points per game (6.5). Before getting hurt last Sunday against Indy, he had two catches on five targets for 24 yards. If Kincaid cannot get cleared to face the Chiefs, Dawson Knox would immediately become an intriguing TE2 streamer, especially if receiver Amari Cooper (wrist) misses a third straight game.
From RotoBaller
The Atlanta Falcons are sticking with kicker Younghoe Koo heading into their Week 11 game on the road against the Denver Broncos after he missed three field-goal tries in the three-point loss to the division-rival New Orleans Saints in Week 10. "We've got history. With Koo, I'm going to ride that thing till the wheels fall off," head coach Raheem Morris said. The 30-year-old missed three of his four field goals on Sunday but made both of his extra-point attempts. Over his last six games, Koo has gone an uncharacteristic 3-for-9 from 40-plus yards and also had one of his kicks blocked by the Saints. He's tied for 10th among all kickers in total fantasy points through 10 weeks but is trending down in fantasy at the moment because of his struggles of late. The Broncos defense has been stingy in terms of points allowed this year, but Koo should still be on the streaming radar at altitude in Denver this Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that wide receiver Amari Cooper (wrist) will be limited during the team's walkthrough practice on Wednesday. It's a good start to the week for Cooper, who has missed each of the team's last two games due to a wrist injury. Rookie Keon Coleman (wrist) has already been ruled out for the Week 11 showdown against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs, so Cooper's status becomes even more important for Buffalo's offense. If Cooper were to miss a third straight game, Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins would start in three-wide sets. The 30-year-old Cooper has been improving, though, making it more likely than not that he'll return to face the Chiefs. If he does return, he should be Buffalo's WR1 after catching four passes for 66 yards and a touchdown in his debut with the team on Oct. 20 in the win over the Tennessee Titans.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said on Wednesday that quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) will not play in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions. However, Pederson is optimistic that Lawrence can play in Week 13 against the division-rival Houston Texans following the team's bye in Week 12. There were reports that Lawrence might miss the rest of the season due to an AC joint sprain in his left (non-throwing) shoulder, but that seems unlikely now as long as he doesn't suffer a setback as he rehabs. Mac Jones will make his second straight start this Sunday after going 14-for-22 for 111 yards, no TDs, two interceptions and a fumble in the Week 10 loss to the Vikings. The Lions defense/special teams unit will be a popular streamer this week against the Jags with Lawrence missing a second straight game. Jones should be considered a low-end, low-upside QB2 in superflex fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams (illness, wrist) did not take part in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. It doesn't sound like Adams is in danger of missing the Week 11 contest versus the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday, but we'll keep an eye on Adams' practice status the rest of the week. As long as he's able to return to the practice field in the next two days, he should get cleared to suit up this weekend as the Jets look to get back on track. The 31-year-old three-time All-Pro has underwhelmed with the Jets since they acquired him in a trade from the Las Vegas Raiders, as he's caught 20 of his 39 passes for 206 yards and one touchdown in four games played. Week 11 provides him an opportunity for a strong performance, though, as the Colts' defense has been a top-10 matchup for opposing wideouts in 2024 in terms of fantasy points per game.
From RotoBaller
The Indianapolis Colts are going back to quarterback Anthony Richardson as their starter over Joe Flacco for the Week 11 game this Sunday on the road against the New York Jets. Flacco took over for a struggling Richardson in Week 9 and has led the Colts to two straight losses, so Indy will go back to the fourth overall pick out of Florida from last year. The 22-year-old possesses elite rushing ability with his legs, but he's proven very injury-prone early in his career and has had even bigger issues with his accuracy as a passer. Based on his rushing ability alone, Richardson will have QB1 upside for fantasy managers in his return to the starting role this weekend, although the Jets defense isn't the greatest matchup. If you're in need of QB help in Week 11 and Richardson is available, consider scooping him up. Head coach Shane Steichen said Richardson will be the starter for the rest of the season.
From RotoBaller
Testing revealed that Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (foot/ankle) avoided a major injury, according to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Penn State product was carted off the field during the Panthers' victory against the New York Giants in Munich, but he appears to have dodged the worst-case scenarios. Rapoport reported that Sanders will be considered "day-to-day" as the team waits for swelling to dissipate. The Panthers are idle this week, but the veteran back has little fantasy relevance even at full health. Chuba Hubbard has been the clear lead running back in Carolina, while second-round rookie Jonathon Brooks (knee) is close to making his NFL debut.
From RotoBaller