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FFL: Week 2 | NFL: Week 2

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 2

Player Notes
Roquan Smith Sep 11 10:13pm ET
Roquan Smith

Baltimore Ravens linebackers Roquan Smith (shoulder) and Kyle Van Noy (eye) were listed as limited and DNP, respectively, regarding Wednesday's practice report. Van Noy played just 37% of the snaps in Thursday night's opener against the Kansas City Chiefs before he exited early in the third quarter. The outside linebacker sustained the injury while attempting to take down Patrick Mahomes, and it's officially listed as a fractured orbital bone. Smith, on the other hand, played a full complement of snaps and appears to have picked up the injury sometime over the last few days. There wasn't much news on him, suggesting this may be a prudent move rather than a necessary one. Baltimore will square off with the Las Vegas Raiders in their home opener this Sunday, and while the Raiders' offensive unit isn't all that fear-inducing, the Ravens cannot afford an 0-2 start. Additionally, they'll take on the Cowboys in Dallas in Week 3 and need their defense at full strength in one of the best games over the first month.

Jordan Love Sep 11 10:12pm ET
Jordan Love

When asked if the door is open for Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) to suit up in Week 2 this Sunday at Lambeau Field against the Indianapolis Colts, head coach Matt LaFleur said, "I'd say it's pretty open." Love did not practice on Wednesday after suffering a Grade 1/2 MCL sprain in his left knee at the very end of the season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last Friday in Brazil. The Packers are not placing the 25-year-old on Injured Reserve, which means they are confident he can return within the next four games. However, despite LaFleur's comments about Love having a shot to play this weekend, fantasy managers should have already formulated a plan to be without Love in Week 2 and possibly beyond. Love's injury typically comes with a three- to six-week timetable, so the smart money is on him missing multiple weeks. The Packers offense could struggle mightily with backup Malik Willis under center in the meantime.

Devaughn Vele Sep 11 10:10pm ET
Devaughn Vele

Denver Broncos wide receivers Josh Reynolds (Achilles) and Devaughn Vele (ribs) were both listed as non-participants in Wednesday's practice. Both wideouts were pivotal pieces in Denver's passing attack against the Seahawks despite the 26-20 loss. Vele and Reynolds each tied for second on the team with eight targets (Courtland Sutton - 12), while the former caught all eight of his --albeit for 39 yards -- and the latter led the team with 45 yards and a long gain of 25. For either player to participate in the Bronco's Week 2 home tilt against the Pittsburgh Steelers, they'll need to get in at least one limited session before the weekend. Of note: while the rookie wideout averaged just 4.9 yards a grab this past Sunday, he was in on 34 of Denver's snaps (49%) and ran 83.9% of his routes from the slot. After a one-game sample, at least -- it would appear Sean Payton has found his "big-slot" guy.

From RotoBaller

Tommy Tremble Sep 11 9:40pm ET
Tommy Tremble

Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (hamstring, back) was back at the team's practice on Wednesday after missing Week 1 due to injury. He was out on the field with his teammates during warm-ups and was officially limited in his return. Tremble will look to suit up for his first action of 2024 this Sunday when Carolina hosts the Los Angeles Chargers in their home opener. The Panthers got molly-whopped by the New Orleans Saints this past Sunday 47-10, and in Tremble's stead, rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders caught one pass on one target for just four yards. The team looked lost in Week 1, and although Tremble seemingly has a good chance of suiting up this week, it is too difficult to project him for a viable fantasy workload. It's early, and Carolina will likely work out its offense over the coming weeks. Still, Tremble can be firmly off fantasy managers' radars.

From RotoBaller

Luke McCaffrey Sep 11 9:20pm ET
Luke McCaffrey

When asked about Washington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey on Wednesday, head coach Dan Quinn gave reporters a shining endorsement. Specifically, Quinn was asked about the wideout and how he has fit into the Commanders' WR corps. He said: "I think we're seeing it go like this [*plane taking off gesture*]. And so that's why more reps and more playing time to go. We've really seen kind of that confidence grow, especially inside in the slot where he can use some of that strength and work guys through." McCaffrey acquired just three targets in the team's 37-20 loss to the Buccaneers, catching all of them for 18 yards. However, rookie QB Jayden Daniels spread the ball around pretty evenly, with four Commanders racking up four targets -- including both running backs -- and another finishing tied with McCaffrey for three. The rookie third-round pick ran the most snaps (36) of all Washington receivers not named Terry McLaurin and took 29 of those from the slot. No other player received more than six.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Sep 11 9:03pm ET
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (undisclosed) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Sept. 11, and is not on the injury report for Week 2.

Fantasy Spin: Jackson probably was resting when he did not practice earlier in the week and should not have any limitations in Week 2. He is a must-start option in all leagues when healthy.

From TheHuddle

Marvin Harrison Jr. Sep 11 9:00pm ET
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals rookie first-round wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. saw only three targets and caught one of them for four yards in his NFL debut in the Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Head coach Jonathan Gannon said that Harrison attracted extra coverage from the Bills defense. "As a quarterback, obviously, you're going through your reads," Murray said. "Sometimes the ball goes to him, but that's not my job. I have a sense and a feel for guys when they don't get the ball and when they are getting the ball, but I leave that up to Drew. He tells me, 'Don't worry about that type of stuff. Just keep playing your game and get the ball to where the ball is supposed to go.'" Harrison's quiet day could have been a combination of all those things, and Murray mentioned himself he thinks he and Harrison will eventually get on the same page. Going into Week 2, treat Harrison as a high-end WR2 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Michael Thomas Sep 11 8:50pm ET
Michael Thomas

The National Football League on Wednesday announced that it has lifted the suspension of free-agent wide receiver Michael Thomas. Thomas was suspended for the first game of the 2024 NFL season for an incident with a construction worker near his home last year. The fact that the 31-year-old remained without a team all offseason is a sign that he may struggle to latch on with an organization despite the fact that he's past his one-game suspension. Just several years ago, Thomas was the best receiver in the league, but injuries have limited him to 20 games since the start of the 2020 campaign, and he played in just 10 games with the New Orleans Saints last year before a knee injury ended his season. He caught 39 passes for 448 yards and one touchdown in 2023. Thomas belongs on the waiver wire in all leagues and is unlikely to be on the fantasy radar in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Gannon Sep 11 8:50pm ET
Jonathan Gannon

The Arizona Cardinals will place offensive tackle Jonah Williams (knee) on the Injured Reserve, which will force him to miss at least the next four games, according to head coach Jonathan Gannon. The head coach said he does not know yet if Williams will require surgery for the knee injury that he suffered in the Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills. It's bad news for the Cardinals offense after the team brought the 26-year-old offensive lineman in during the offseason to help bolster their O-line. If Williams requires surgery, there's a possibility that he'll need to miss more than four games for the Cardinals. In the meantime, expect Kelvin Beachum to step in on the right side of Arizona's offensive line and start at right tackle, beginning in Week 2 against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams.

From RotoBaller

Jermaine Burton Sep 11 8:40pm ET
Jermaine Burton

When asked if Cincinnati Bengals rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton would warrant more snaps if Tee Higgins (hamstring) remains out in Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs, head coach Zac Taylor said, "I think Jermaine is making progress." Higgins hurt his hamstring last Thursday in practice and didn't play in the Week 1 loss to the New England Patriots. It wasn't a good sign that the 23-year-old Burton played just 8% of the offensive snaps behind Ja'Marr Chase, Andrei Iosivas, Trenton Irwin and Charlie Jones. Burton was selected in the third round of the NFL draft back in April but reportedly struggled with his professionalism during offseason workouts and in training camp. The talent is there, but it sounds like Burton needs to mature behind the scenes before he can expect to have any kind of significant role in the Bengals offense. He's merely a dynasty/keeper stash for now.

From RotoBaller

Antonio Gibson Sep 11 8:30pm ET
Antonio Gibson

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (hip) was listed as a limited participant for the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Starter Rhamondre Stevenson was also limited, but that was for rest purposes and not an injury. Gibson was also limited in two practices last week but he eventually suited up in his Patriots debut in the surprising Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He had a small role behind Stevenson, playing only 22% of the offensive snaps while seeing seven carries for 18 yards. Gibson wasn't targeted in the passing game. Barring a setback later this week, Gibson should be fine to play in Week 2 at home against the Seattle Seahawks. However, in a low-volume, low-upside offense currently being game managed by veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett, we can't realistically recommend Gibson as even a flex play in most fantasy setups.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Sep 11 8:30pm ET
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle) was a limited participant in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday, which was a light walkthrough. Jennings briefly left the field in Monday night's win over the New York Jets due to an ankle injury, but he returned to the action and caught all five of his targets for 64 yards. He played just under half of the team's offensive snaps and likely had an elevated role with Deebo Samuel Jr. being more involved in the backfield and with the team easing Brandon Aiyuk back in after a lengthy contract hold-in during training camp. The 27-year-old's ankle injury likely isn't serious enough to keep him sidelined for a Week 2 tilt against the Minnesota Vikings, but if it is, Chris Conley and Ronnie Bell would compete for more playing time. Jennings is currently rostered in only 1% of Yahoo leagues.

From RotoBaller

DeAndre Hopkins Sep 11 8:20pm ET
DeAndre Hopkins

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said on Wednesday that veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (knee) should be closer to full-go for the Week 2 game against the New York Jets, but the team will still be mindful of what they ask him to do as he gets into shape. As a result, Callahan said he sees Hopkins' role growing in practice and this coming Sunday after he played just 27% of the offensive snaps in the Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears, which ranked fourth behind Calvin Ridley, Tyler Body, and even Treylon Burks. The 32-year-old finished with just one catch on his only target for eight yards. Expect to see Hopkins on the field more this weekend, but against one of the best secondaries in the league, fantasy managers would probably be wise to keep Hopkins on their benches as he continues to work past a knee injury. Hopkins practiced in full on Wednesday.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Schultz Sep 11 8:10pm ET
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday due to an ankle injury. Apparently Schultz is a little gimpy after the team's Week 1 win over the division-rival Indianapolis Colts. The 28-year-old played a healthy 79 percent of the team's offensive snaps but disappointed his fantasy managers in the season opener by catching all three of his targets for just 16 yards. His status for the rest of the week should now closely be monitored, and he could head into Sunday's Week 2 game against the visiting Chicago Bears with an injury designation. Schultz is on the TE1/2 borderline most weeks given all the mouths to feed in Houston's passing game. If Schultz's injury is too serious for him to play this weekend, Brevin Jordan would most likely take his spot as the top pass-catching tight end for the Texans on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Sep 11 8:10pm ET
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (knee) was listed on the team's first practice report for Week 2 on Wednesday, but he practiced in full and should be fine to play this Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. It's something to watch moving forward, but it shouldn't make fantasy managers hesitant to use the 27-year-old signal-caller as a QB1 in starting lineups this weekend. Murray was inconsistent in the Week 1 loss on the road to the Buffalo Bills, going 21-for-31 for 162 yards and a touchdown. He also had five carries for 57 yards and a lost fumble. Murray connected with rookie first-round receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. just once for four yards. It's nothing to be too concerned about yet, and Murray's rushing abilities at QB give him QB1 upside most weeks. Expect Murray to look Harrison's way a lot more in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Sep 11 8:00pm ET
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf), who didn't play in the season-opening win over the Atlanta Falcons, opened the week on the injury report and was limited on Wednesday. "He feels better (Tuesday) than he did over the weekend," said head coach Mike Tomlin of Wilson. "But as I sit here Tuesday, we're preparing as if Justin is going to be our quarterback. I think that's the appropriate way to do it. Speculation is a waste of time." Fields didn't do anything to wow and didn't even lead the offense to a single touchdown, but he didn't turn the ball over, which is most important. For now, Wilson is day-to-day, but things are trending toward Fields getting a second straight start in Denver in Week 2 against the Broncos. Until he can get back on the field, the 35-year-old Wilson is only worth stashing in superflex fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Roman Wilson Sep 11 8:00pm ET
Roman Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson (ankle) was a limited participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Steelers.com's Teresa Varley writes that things are looking up for Wilson, who didn't play at all in the preseason or the season-opening win over the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday. "Expect an uptick in the participation of guys like Roman Wilson, who's working his way back to us, who's a partial participant at times and so forth," said head coach Mike Tomlin. "We're excited about getting him in the fold and seeing him maybe take a step." The third-rounder was also limited all of last week before being inactive on Sunday. There is plenty of opportunity in Pittsburgh's inexperienced receiving corps, but it's hard to expect Wilson to have much of a role when he gets fully healthy after all the developmental time he missed in training camp and the preseason.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Sep 11 7:53pm ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks WR Tyler Lockett (thigh) was limited during practice Wednesday, Sept. 11.

Fantasy Spin: Lockett was able to play in the last game despite the injury and let the team in receiving with 77 yards. He should continue to see a decent amount of targets in the passing game and could be at least a flex option in fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Jerome Baker Sep 11 7:53pm ET
Jerome Baker

Seattle Seahawks OT George Fant (knee), LB Uchenna Nwosu (knee) and LB Tyrel Dodson (shoulder) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Sept. 11. TE Pharaoh Brown (foot), LB Jerome Baker (hamstring), LB Dre'Mont Jones (hamstring), CB Riq Woolen (hamstring) and CB Tre Brown (quadriceps) were limited during practice. OG Laken Tomlinson (ankle) and OG Anthony Bradford (knee) fully participated in practice.

From TheHuddle

Tyler Lockett Sep 11 7:50pm ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (thigh) continues to deal with a thigh injury and was listed as limited for the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Lockett has been dealing with a thigh injury since the middle of August at training camp. He also was limited in practices last week but ultimately suited up for the Week 1 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday. Lockett played 54 percent of the offensive snaps, which was third behind DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but he still managed to catch six of seven targets for a healthy 77 yards. As he gets healthier, the 31-year-old's snap count should rise, and he should be able to play in Week 2 against the New England Patriots unless he suffers a setback in practice later this week. Lockett is shaping up as a WR4/flex play for fantasy managers for the second week in a row.

From RotoBaller