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FFL: Week 9 | NFL: Week 9

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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Player Notes
Michael Pittman Jr. Nov 4 11:40am ET
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. caught one of four targets for 14 scoreless yards in Sunday night's 21-13 loss to the Vikings. So much for Joe Flacco boosting the fantasy value of the receiving group. After catching no less than three passes in any of the season's first seven games, Pittman now has back-to-back weeks with just a single catch. Perhaps he and Joe Flacco can get back on the same page in Week 10, with the two previously hooking up for 185 yards and two touchdowns in the three prior games they played together earlier this season. It won't be easy though, as the Bills are on tap next Sunday, a defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers so far in 2024. Until he displays some chemistry with Flacco again, Pittman will be hard to trust as anything more than a WR3/4.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Nov 4 11:30am ET
Lamar Jackson

We warned fantasy managers that the Denver Broncos defense/special teams unit was one to fade in their Week 9 matchup against the high-octane offense of the Baltimore Ravens. The stingy Broncos defense was thoroughly outplayed by the Ravens in Baltimore on Sunday, allowing 396 total yards of offense, 269 passing yards, 127 rushing yards and a season-high 41 points in the 41-10 blowout loss. In addition, they were unable to force any turnovers and sacked quarterback Lamar Jackson just once. Jackson threw three touchdown passes, and running back Derrick Henry went over 100 yards on the ground with two touchdowns. Despite the poor performance, the Broncos D/ST remains a top-five unit and should be much more playable in Week 10 against a Kansas City Chiefs team that has lost some of their best playmakers to injuries.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Nov 4 11:10am ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs led the receiving corps in targets, receptions, and yards in Sunday night's 21-13 loss to the Vikings, hauling in six of nine balls thrown his way for 60 yards. No other receiver on the team caught more than three passes. Unfortunately, Downs and the rest of the offense were unable to find the end zone, with the lone TD for the Colts coming on the defensive side of the ball. The good news is that the 23-year-old has garnered at least nine targets in five of the seven games he's played this season, making him the most reliable fantasy asset out of all the pass catchers on the team. The bad news is that the Bills are his Week 10 opponent, and they've allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to WRs thus far. The UNC product is likely a WR3 in that matchup, perhaps borderline WR2 in PPR leagues.

From RotoBaller

Lil'Jordan Humphrey Nov 4 11:00am ET
Lil'Jordan Humphrey

Denver Broncos wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey contributed very little in the team's 41-10 blowout loss to the hosting Baltimore Ravens on Sunday in Week 9, catching two of his five targets for a measly 11 yards. The good news is Humphrey played the second-most offensive snaps among wideouts behind Courtland Sutton, and his five targets were also second-most on the team behind Sutton's 10 in a game in which the Broncos were shut down by a Ravens defense that had been struggling coming into this contest. The 26-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Texas has impressive after-the-catch abilities and should continue to have an expanded role for as long as Josh Reynolds (finger) remains out, but fantasy managers just can't trust any Broncos receiver outside of Sutton for weekly production. Through nine games, Humphrey has 21 catches, 188 yards and no touchdowns.

From RotoBaller

Wil Lutz Nov 4 11:00am ET
Wil Lutz

Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz only attempted two kicks in the team's 41-10 blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens on the road on Sunday in Week 9. Both his field-goal attempt (successful from 37 yards out) and his lone extra-point try came in the second quarter of action, and the Broncos offense wasn't able to score the rest of the day. Lutz has now put up back-to-back disappointing showings for any fantasy managers that have used him as a streaming option -- he made just four extra points in the Week 8 win over the Carolina Panthers. The 30-year-old veteran has missed just one of his 19 field-goal tries in 2024 and has made all 17 of his extra points to make him a top-10 fantasy kicker, but the volatile nature of the Broncos' offense makes him a boom/bust play heading into Week 10 versus the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs.

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Jonathan Taylor Nov 4 10:50am ET
Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was held to just 48 yards on 13 carries in Sunday night's 21-13 loss to the Vikings while adding three receptions on five targets for a paltry 11 yards. It was projected to be a tough assignment coming into the contest and the Vikings' rush defense lived up to its billing, although the Indy offense as a whole never really got anything going, as it accounted for just six of the total points (two FG) with the lone touchdown coming on a defensive scoop-and-score. On the bright side, Taylor draws a Bills rush defense in Week 10 that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to the running back position, with De'Von Achane gaining 121 total yards and two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving) against them in Week 9. The 25-year-old is probably a mid-range RB1 in that matchup.

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Troy Franklin Nov 4 10:50am ET
Troy Franklin

After leading the team in receiving in the Week 8 victory over the New Orleans Saints, Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin was barely heard from in the 41-10 blowout loss to the hosting Baltimore Ravens on Sunday in Week 9, catching one of his four targets for a 19-yard pickup. He has had more opportunities in the Broncos' passing attack since Josh Reynolds (finger) landed on Injured Reserve, but it's led to only nine receptions on 15 targets for 106 yards and a touchdowns in four games. Rookie QB Bo Nix has spread the ball around quite effectively in recent weeks, and it's clear that it's impossible to trust any receiver beyond Courtland Sutton in fantasy in this offense. The 21-year-old Franklin has a 14-135-1 line in his first eight NFL games and won't be a recommended fantasy play in Week 10 versus the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on the road.

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Keon Coleman Nov 4 10:20am ET
Keon Coleman

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman (wrist) is set to undergo tests on his wrist on Monday after a disappointing performance in Week 9. The rookie wasn't forced to leave the game against the Miami Dolphins with the injury, so the severity of the injury is unclear. He's had a solid start to his career as he sits in WR3 territory so far at the WR34 in half-PPR formats. If he's forced to miss some time, Amari Cooper (wrist) could be back in Week 10 while Khalil Shakir has been a steadying force.

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Joe Flacco Nov 4 10:20am ET
Joe Flacco

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco was unable to lead his team to victory after being named the team's starter, completing 16 of 27 passes for 179 yards with no touchdowns and an interception in Sunday night's 21-13 loss to the Vikings. The 39-year-old was also charged with a fumble in the game after a handoff to running back Jonathan Taylor was not handled cleanly. It was a disappointing performance against a defense that hadn't been great against the pass thus far (seventh-most fantasy points allowed to QBs coming into the week), although it does lead the league in interceptions (14). The Colts have a home date with the Bills in Week 10 who have been stingier, allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to QBs, so things may not get much better. The veteran figures to be a low-end QB2 again next Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Nov 4 10:10am ET
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was one of three different offensive players ruled active on the day of their game but was unable to get into much of a rhythm. The rookie wideout finished with four targets, two receptions, and 22 yards. The Philadelphia Eagles defense was doing a great job with nine passes defended, three QB hits, two sacks, and two interceptions, so Thomas didn't have much of a chance for fantasy points. His next chance to bounce back will be against another tough defense in the Minnesota Vikings in Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Dennis Allen Nov 4 10:10am ET
Dennis Allen

The New Orleans Saints have fired their head coach Dennis Allen according to Ian Rapaport and Mike Garafolo. Following a terrible loss to the 1-7 Carolina Panthers, it was clear something needed to change. It looks like the team decided they'll be heading in a different direction coaching-wise. The Saints started 2-0 and looked like the best offense in the league, but have lost seven consecutive games since then. There hasn't been any word yet on who the front-runner is to take over as interim head coach.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby Nov 4 9:50am ET
Tank Bigsby

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby was deemed active not too long before kickoff on Sunday but wasn't able to produce a big performance in the 28-23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The 23-year-old saw eight carries for 22 yards and didn't get targeted at all in the passing game. Bigsby has been seeing a higher percentage of snaps this season but hasn't been able to produce many fantasy points when Travis Etienne Jr. is also active. The ground game in general was shut down in this contest and they had to play catch up almost the entire time. The Jaguars will take on another tough defense in the Minnesota Vikings in Week 10.

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Travis Etienne Nov 4 9:40am ET
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. only received five total touches in the 28-23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He registered three carries for 24 yards and hauled in two of his three targets for six yards. The Eagles' defense not only shut down the run, but they jumped out to a big lead to start the game and the Jaguars had to play catch up for almost the entire time. Etienne saw five fewer carries than backfield mate Tank Bigsby but was more of a factor in the passing game. He'll look to bounce back in Week 10 against the Minnesota Vikings.

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Trey McBride Nov 4 9:30am ET
Trey McBride

Through the first eight weeks, Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride's only touchdown had been from a fumble recovered in the end zone. That trend changed in the Week 9 win over the Chicago Bears when McBride scored a rushing touchdown on a 2-yard jet sweep. McBride has been putting together a Pro Bowl-caliber season at tight end for the Cardinals, and that continued even with the passing game not up to par. McBride's official stat line was three catches for 35 yards and one rush for 2 yards, resulting in a rushing touchdown. This is an encouraging sign for fantasy managers, as the Cardinals showed an emphasis on getting McBride involved in the red zone. If McBride's touchdown upside increases, he could make a case to finish as the number one tight end in fantasy this season. He should be started in all league formats when the Cardinals host the New York Jets in Week 10.

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Jalen Tolbert Nov 4 9:30am ET
Jalen Tolbert

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert hauled in a touchdown reception from backup quarterback Cooper Rush late in the game on Sunday. Dallas wound up falling 27-21 to the Atlanta Falcons despite the fourth-quarter touchdown. Tolbert was targeted six times, but only hauled in three receptions for 19 yards along with the score. If CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) misses any time, Tolbert would near must-start territory. For now, the third-year receiver remains a touchdown-dependent flex option.

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Nakobe Dean Nov 4 9:30am ET
Nakobe Dean

The Philadelphia Eagles defense allowed 17 points, generated two sacks, and forced two interceptions during the team's 28-23 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. For the fourth week in a row, the team has held an opponent to fewer than 20 points score offensively and they finally started to generate turnovers with a game-sealing interception caught by linebacker Nakobe Dean in the late fourth in the end zone being the highlight of the game. It was another solid fantasy performance from the team and they will be on the streaming radar next week when they travel to Dallas to take on a beat-up Cowboys team that may be without starting quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring).

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Nov 4 9:30am ET
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. had another boom-or-bust outing in the 29-9 victory over the Chicago Bears. Harrison Jr. entered the season with high expectations for a rookie, but he has shown his youth throughout the first nine weeks. After recording 111 yards and a touchdown in the previous week against the Miami Dolphins, it seemed as though Harrison Jr. was back on the right track for the rest of the season. However, he recorded only two catches for 34 yards and a fumble against the Bears. One positive was that Harrison Jr. led the team in targets with five, but the Cardinals' lack of passing attack was likely due to a shift toward a more conservative game plan as they took a commanding lead in the second half. As of now, it's hard to view Harrison Jr. as anything other than a boom-or-bust wide receiver, but he should still be started in fantasy lineups in Week 10 when the Cardinals host the New York Jets.

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Cooper Rush Nov 4 9:20am ET
Cooper Rush

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush entered Sunday's game in the fourth quarter after Dak Prescott (hamstring) left with an injury and did not return. The longtime Cowboys' backup looked solid in the comeback attempt, completing 13-of-25 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown pass to Jalen Tolbert. It is unclear whether Prescott will miss any further time, as he is set to have an MRI on Monday. If Prescott misses time, Rush would be an intriguing QB2 option in multiple-quarterback leagues.

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Grant Calcaterra Nov 4 9:20am ET
Grant Calcaterra

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Grant Calcaterra caught all five of his targets for 30 yards during the team's 28-23 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The third-year tight end was involved early in the game having four grabs before halftime, but did little after. Next week will mark the fourth since starter Dallas Goedert (hamstring) was injured against Cleveland and will be his first real shot at making a return to the field. Fantasy managers will need to monitor practice reports during the week, but Calcaterra may move back to his role as the No. 2 option if Goedert is able to put in any practice time this week.

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Dak Prescott Nov 4 9:20am ET
Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) suffered a hamstring injury late in their game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. He left the game while Cooper Rush took over, and is now in doubt for Week 10. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said that he was concerned and Ian Rapoport reported that Prescott will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of the injury. The Cowboys' offense has already been disappointing, so if Rush has to take over for a week or more, the entire offense would get a big downgrade until Prescott is healthy. A clearer picture should come into focus after the MRI.

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