RB Strength of Schedule
Tue May 28 9:03am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Robinson setup for big season
Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the running back position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to running backs last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the running backs with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the running backs that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.
| RB SOS | ||
| 1. | Green Bay Packers | 356.01 |
| 2. | Houston Texans | 361.46 |
| 3. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 361.46 |
| 4. | Las Vegas Raiders | 361.48 |
| 5. | Seattle Seahawks | 362.28 |
| 6. | Buffalo Bills | 363.19 |
| 7. | Arizona Cardinals | 363.76 |
| 8. | Dallas Cowboys | 363.9 |
| 9. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 364.51 |
| 10. | Washington Commanders | 364.86 |
| 11. | Chicago Bears | 364.89 |
| 12. | Indianapolis Colts | 365.41 |
| 13. | San Francisco 49ers | 365.86 |
| 14. | New Orleans Saints | 366.49 |
| 15. | New York Jets | 368.23 |
| 16. | Detroit Lions | 368.49 |
| 17. | Philadelphia Eagles | 369.05 |
| 18. | Minnesota Vikings | 369.06 |
| 19. | Carolina Panthers | 369.88 |
| 20. | Cleveland Browns | 370.34 |
| 21. | Kansas City Chiefs | 371.71 |
| 22. | New York Giants | 372.21 |
| 23. | Los Angeles Chargers | 373.19 |
| 24. | Denver Broncos | 373.32 |
| 25. | Cincinnati Bengals | 373.66 |
| 26. | Los Angeles Rams | 374.09 |
| 27. | Baltimore Ravens | 374.16 |
| 28. | New England Patriots | 375.60 |
| 29. | Atlanta Falcons | 376.19 |
| 30. | Miami Dolphins | 377.49 |
| 31. | Tennessee Titans | 378.2 |
| 32. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 378.72 |
The two teams with the easiest fantasy schedules for running backs are the Steelers and Titans, which is interesting because both teams could platoon running backs. The Steelers split the work between Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. And the Titans are likely to use both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. All four backs could be setup for solid seasons with favorable schedules. It is always scary to take a back that might split work but seeing these positive schedules could make pulling the trigger on them a little easier come draft day. All four could be top flex plays for fantasy teams.
The Dolphins had huge success running the ball last year and could have similar solid production this season with the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs. Devon Achane is really looking good in year two. He is expected to get more work and likely lead the backfield in touches. Raheem Mostert had a career season last year and a great schedule but he carries a little more risk. He is 32 years old and now has rookie Jaylen Wright pushing him for playing time. Just something to keep in mind come draft day.
The Falcons are another team with a top-five favorable running back schedule, making Bijan Robinson a very intriguing pick this year. Robinson had a bit of a disappointing rookie season, but a new coaching staff and really favorable schedule make Robinson a huge breakout candidate. He is moving up draft rankings in a hurry and is capable of finishing first overall in fantasy running back scoring because of his skill set.
Rhamondre Stevenson is a possible rebound candidate. He was slowed by injury last year but is back healthy and with the fifth easiest schedule for running backs. Stevenson has shown in the past he can be a big-time fantasy back. Things are looking up for him this year, making him a good buy-low candidate.
The Packers had the easiest fantasy schedule for quarterbacks but get the toughest for running backs. This isn’t great news for new back Josh Jacobs. It is hard to bet against the productive back, though. You just might want to temper expectations for him this coming year. Jacobs could have a few down weeks, especially for his standards.
The Texans signed Joe Mixon to shore up their running back spot, but he carries some concerns. He wasn’t highly productive the last few seasons besides all his scores and now gets the second toughest schedule for running backs. Plus, the Texans are likely to be a pass heavy team, which could limit his workload a little. Mixon could end up being a boom or bust player.
Tampa also has a unfavorable fantasy schedule for running backs. Rachaad White had a big season last year but padded his numbers because of all his work in the passing game. That might be a similar scenario for him, having a tough time to run with this schedule. The positive for White is he is very good in the passing game. You have to worry about his rushing totals, though.
The Raiders haven’t really settled on a starting running back, but Zamir White is likely to get first shot at the job. That is great news for his fantasy value but the not so great news is his tough fantasy schedule. This could limit the ceiling of White a little. He has risk to begin with because it isn’t 100 percent certain he wins the job. This makes him a bit of a scary pick for fantasy teams.
Kenneth Walker didn’t have quite the breakout second season many hoped but was fairly productive with his work. And the good news is Zach Charbonnet didn’t really put a big dent in his workload. The Seahawks seem happy with Walker as the lead back. The unfortunate news for Walker is he has the fifth toughest fantasy running back schedule. Walker might fail to reach his lofty expectations once again in year three.
We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy running backs. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the running backs with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.
| RB PLAYOFF SOS | ||
| 1. | San Francisco 49ers | 291.43 |
| 2. | Washington Commanders | 325.2 |
| 3. | Houston Texans | 327.8 |
| 4. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 332.03 |
| 5. | New York Jets | 337.57 |
| 6. | Cleveland Browns | 340.8 |
| 7. | Las Vegas Raiders | 341.1 |
| 8. | Miami Dolphins | 348.27 |
| 9. | Chicago Bears | 350.37 |
| 10. | Buffalo Bills | 350.53 |
| 11. | Arizona Cardinals | 352.8 |
| 12. | Dallas Cowboys | 358.87 |
| 13. | Detroit Lions | 359.7 |
| 14. | New York Giants | 365.67 |
| 15. | Kansas City Chiefs | 366.53 |
| 16. | Green Bay Packers | 368.97 |
| 17. | Seattle Seahawks | 370.23 |
| 18. | Carolina Panthers | 377.15 |
| 19. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 378.37 |
| 20. | Los Angeles Chargers | 380.73 |
| 21. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 381 |
| 22. | Baltimore Ravens | 381.43 |
| 23. | Cincinnati Bengals | 383.50 |
| 24. | Philadelphia Eagles | 391.07 |
| 25. | New England Patriots | 397.95 |
| 26. | Indianapolis Colts | 398.40 |
| 27. | Denver Broncos | 399.53 |
| 28. | Tennessee Titans | 401.63 |
| 29. | Los Angeles Rams | 403.92 |
| 30. | New Orleans Saints | 406.33 |
| 31. | Minnesota Vikings | 407.87 |
| 32. | Atlanta Falcons | 422.4 |
There are two teams with a top-five favorable schedule for fantasy running backs for both the regular season and playoffs. Those teams are the Falcons and Titans. Atlanta actually has the easiest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. Robinson was looking good even before hearing this news but looks even better now. He is making a strong case to be the second running back off the board come draft day.
And Pollard and Spears are intriguing running back options with schedules that could produce big for both during the regular season and playoffs. You just have to worry about one back emerging to grab most of the work. If that happens, one of these backs could end up being a bust.
Minnesota has the second easiest playoff schedule for running backs. Aaron Jones has some injury concerns after the last few seasons, but he could be setup for a big workload with an unsettled quarterback situation in Minnesota. Jones has some good upside with his new team, especially during the playoffs.
One other team to mention for the playoff is New Orleans. Alvin Kamara isn’t getting any younger but remains the lead back and still productive. He still seems to have something left in the tank and could be a big fantasy factor for at least one more season, especially when it matters most in the playoffs. He could be a difference maker, having the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs.
Houston is the lone team in both the top five for the toughest regular season and playoff fantasy running back schedules. This is an obvious concern for Mixon. He is looking more and more like a player you might to avoid come draft day. He might have some big games along the way in this great offense, but you have to wonder about his consistency and playoff performance.
So the top rated fantasy back, Christian McCaffrey, also has the toughest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. You aren’t fading McCaffrey because of this. He is one of those rare backs that it doesn’t really matter who he plays. McCaffrey will produce. We still think he is the clear No. 1 fantasy back. He can still get it done in the playoffs.
Washington has Brian Robinson and Austin Ekekler likely splitting the work at running back, which hurts both their fantasy values. They also get the second most difficult playoff schedule for running backs. We wouldn’t reach too early for either back because of this.
The Steelers have the easiest fantasy running back schedule during the playoffs but fourth toughest for the playoffs. This is a tough one. Both backs have potential for good things, showing they can co-exist last year and produce well for fantasy teams. You just have to wonder if fading in the playoffs will make all that good work during the regular season all for nothing.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Injury Status: Week 10
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: The Weekly Bender: NFL Trade Deadline Fantasy Fallout
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Lineup Prep: Week 10
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Waivering: Week 10
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Studs and Duds: Week 9
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 10
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 10
- Dak Prescott's injury more serious than first thought
- Ravens QB Lamar Jackson off injury report; TE Isaiah Likely out
- Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons practices, plans to play vs. Philly
- Colts place four-time Pro Bowl C Ryan Kelly (kmee) on IR
- Bengals WR Tee Higgins (quad) doubtful for ‘TNF’ vs. Ravens
- Panthers name QB Bryce Young starter in Munich
- Giants' Brian Daboll sidesteps reason for cutting starting CB
- Commanders giddy over new CB Marshon Lattimore, but intro might wait
- No limitations for Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes (ankle)
- Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence limited, Week 10 status unclear
- Browns GM has lukewarm response on Deshaun Watson's future
- Bills sign DTs Jordan Phillips, Quinton Jefferson
- Titans to sign Bills castoff Mike Edwards to aid secondary
- Jaguars sign QB C.J. Beathard from Miami practice squad
- Rams trade CB Tre'Davious White to Ravens
- Seahawks tell suitors WR DK Metcalf not available
- Vikings K Will Reichard (quad) headed to IR
- Steelers trade for WR Mike Williams, edge Preston Smith
- Commanders acquire CB Marshon Lattimore from Saints
- Bills releasing S Mike Edwards, per request
- Fantasy Six Pack: Dynasty Football Debate: Darnell Mooney | The Missing Piece?
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Week 10 Defense Stream-O-Matic
- Fantasy Six Pack: Advanced NFL QB Stats & Analytics
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rest of Season Rankings
- Fantasy Life: Is Hunter Henry A Must-Start In Fantasy Football?
- Fantasy Life: Week 10 Guillotine League Plan: Opportunity Abounds For Mike Gesicki
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Buy, Sell, Hold: Don't Fret About Chase Brown, Cade Otton
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Start/Sit Week 10: Ricky Pearsall, Daniel Jones and More
- Fantasy Life: Week 10 Fantasy Football Rankings Risers and Fallers: Aaron Jones Set To Boom
- Fantasy Life: NFL Bets For Week 10: Trust In Russell Wilson and Mike Tomlin
The Paur Report
Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 10
The San Francisco 49ers signed free-agent S Tashaun Gipson (Jaguars) to the practice squad on Wednesday, Nov. 6.
From TheHuddle
Updating previous reports, Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott (hamstring) could require surgery on the partial avulsion of his hamstring, per The Dallas Morning News' Calvin Watkins, who says that team officials are trying to determine whether the portion of the tendon that tore off the bone will heal on its own. If Prescott, who is currently seeking additional opinions, does end up needing the surgery, he will miss the remainder of the 2024 season.
Fantasy Spin: Things remain up in the air regarding Prescott's status. A move to IR would cost him at least four games, and now the possibility of the injury being season-ending is out there. Nothing has been decided yet as he gathers more input on the injury, but things don't seem to be trending in a positive direction. If you own Prescott, you should hold him at least until the full extent of the injury (and corresponding timeline for his possible recovery) are determined.
From TheHuddle
Baltimore Ravens running backs Keaton Mitchell (knee) and Rasheen Ali (ankle) are both listed as questionable for the team's Thursday night matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Mitchell has been working through a knee injury, and if he's active, it will be for the first time this season. Ali has been dealing with an injury of his own that's kept him out of Baltimore's prior three contests. It would be fantastic if the duo could return to full health, but with teammates Derrick, Henry, and Justice Hill in clear, defined roles in the Ravens' offense, there aren't many excess touches to go around. Neither Mitchell nor Ali will be recommended fantasy options if they're active for the Week 10 outing.
From RotoBaller
Per New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll, wide receiver Darius Slayton (concussion) was tagged with a DNP Wednesday and might not travel with the team to Germany. Pat Leonard of NYDN Sports reported the news. Slayton sustained a concussion late in the Giants' 27-22 loss to the Washington commanders in Week 9. It's unfortunate news for the sixth-year wideout, who has been a valuable deep threat for New York this season. Second-year wide receiver Jalin Hyatt figures to take over some snaps if the former Auburn Tiger can't clear the league's concussion protocol, with Ihmir Smith-Marsette working in behind him. Fellow WRs Malik Nabers and Wan'Dale Robinson project to see an uptick in usage absence.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd (shoulder) was officially listed as limited for his team's first practice of the week. Boyd was knocked out of Sunday's 20-17 victory over the New England Patriots after participating in just 22 snaps, so it's excellent to see him at least get in a limited session ahead of Week 10. With an afternoon road matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers on tap, the veteran wideout will be afforded a slightly larger window to regain his health. If the long-time Cincinnati Bengal can't suit up, rookie wide receiver and kick returner Jha'Quan Jackson again projects to pick up the slack in Tennessee's WR corps.
From RotoBaller
The San Francisco 49ers signed free-agent WR Russell Gage Jr. (Ravens) to the practice squad and released WR Malik Turner from the practice squad Wednesday, Nov. 6.
From TheHuddle
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase had seven catches in the win over the Raiders. However, he totaled only 43 yards. But fantasy managers should be willing to give the wideout a pass on that performance, considering he had seven touchdowns in the six games leading up to Week 9. With an NFC North meeting with the Ravens on tap, everyone remembers Chase's 10-catch, 193-yard, two-touchdown showing when these clubs last met in Week 5. Keep him rolling in all fantasy formats, although that goes without saying.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (shoulder) was again listed as limited for the team's Wednesday practice. Levis has been a limited participant for eight straight practices, and his status for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers is unclear as he works through a shoulder injury that has kept him out of action since Week 6. He'll have two more opportunities to elevate his practice status ahead of Week 10's outing, but if he can't go, it will again be quarterback Mason Rudolph manning the helm for Tennessee. The Titans have let Rudolph air it out while he's been under center, averaging 37 pass attempts per game while working to a 1-2 record and a 4:4 TD:INT ratio.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas had only one reception in the Week 9 win over the Raiders. However, it at least resulted in a trip to the end zone. With Tee Higgins (quadriceps) unlikely to suit up on Thursday night versus the Ravens, Ja'Marr Chase should continue to get extra attention from Joe Burrow. Although Iosivas could also benefit, he's hard to trust despite the favorable matchup on the horizon.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki has been on a roll of late. After amassing seven grabs in the Week 8 loss to the Eagles, the 29-year-old had five catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's win over the Raiders. With that in mind, Gesicki has had issues staying consistent through the years, so he's hard to trust on Thursday night versus the Ravens, even if Tee Higgins (quadriceps) remains on the shelf. Still, Gesicki has a place in multi-tight end setups in a favorable matchup against a subpar Ravens defense.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will meet the Ravens for the second time this season. The signal-caller is coming off a strong showing, throwing for 251 yards off 27-for-39 passing in Week 9 versus the Raiders. He also tossed five touchdowns, the same number he had in the narrow overtime loss to Baltimore in Week 5. Granted, it will be difficult to duplicate such a performance, even against a shaky Ravens defense. However, the upside is there for Burrow, giving him a favorable outlook for Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown had a stellar showing in the Week 9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. He ran the ball 27 times, amassing 120 yards and adding 31 yards off five catches, one of which resulted in a touchdown. With Zack Moss (neck) done for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign, Brown should see more action moving forward. Keep him starting in Week 10 versus an unreliable Ravens defense.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running backs Tony Pollard (foot) and Tyjae Spears (hamstring) were both listed as limited participants in Tennessee's first practice ahead of Week 10. Pollard has dealt with a foot issue for some time but was productive again in last Sunday's 20-17 victory over the New England Patriots and has yet to miss any time this season. On the other hand, Spears is hoping to return from a three-game absence after battling a hamstring injury for the last few contests. Word came out earlier this week that the Titans are looking to reduce the veteran's workload. If Spears is again inactive, backfield mate Julius Chestnut could be on tap for an increased share of the backfield touches this coming Sunday when Tennessee squares off against the Los Angeles Chargers on the road at SoFi Stadium.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (finger) was listed as a limited participant in the team's first practice of the week. Conner left Arizona's 29-9 win against Chicago on Sunday, but the finger issue is new for the 29-year-old. That he was limited is good news, but fantasy managers should keep an eye on his status over the next few days. It might behoove Conner owners to tentatively scoop up rookie running back Trey Benson or second-year back Emari Demercado in anticipation of the veteran missing time. Both athletes split snaps pretty evenly in Conner's stead in Week 9's victory. The Cardinals get a tough matchup against a stout New York Jets front seven on Sunday in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Updating previous reports, Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott (hamstring) has been diagnosed with a hamstring tendon that is partially torn off the bone, according to NFL Network's Jane Slater. Prescott is looking for additional opinions on the injury, but he can be sidelined for more than four weeks.
Fantasy Spin: Prescott is expected to be placed on the Reserve/Injured list at some point but could be a question mark to return before the end of the season. Cooper Rush likely will be the starter while Prescott is sidelined but can be avoided in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers WR Chris Conley (hamstring), DT Kevin Givens (groin), CB Charvarius Ward (non-injury) and OT Trent Williams (non-injury) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 6. DE Nick Bosa (hip), OG Jon Feliciano (knee), DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee), PK Jake Moody (ankle) and P Mitch Wishnowsky (back) were limited during practice. CB Renardo Green (ankle) and LB Dee Winters (concussion) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (quadriceps) was limited in Wednesday's practice coming off scoring the game-winning touchdown in the Week 9 overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday. Hunt was also listed on last week's injury report with a quad injury but managed to play on Monday and went over 100 yards rushing while scoring the walk-off touchdown to send the Chiefs to 8-0. As long as the 29-year-old doesn't suffer a setback later this week, he should be all systems go for a Week 10 divisional matchup against the Denver Broncos, where Hunt should be viewed as a solid RB2 play in fantasy lineups. Isiah Pacheco is recovering nicely from a broken leg suffered in Week 2 and is nearing a return to practice, but until he returns, Hunt will be KC's clear backfield leader.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) was limited during practice Wednesday, Nov. 6.
Fantasy Spin: The 49ers are optimistic about McCaffrey's availability for Week 10, but fantasy players will know more later in the week. It is not known if he will be able to handle his normal workload but should still see enough touches to be a starting option in leagues.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receivers Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and Sterling Shepard (hamstring, hip) were both out for the first practice of the week on Wednesday as the team prepares for a Week 10 battle against the San Francisco 49ers. McMillan injured his hamstring last Friday and didn't play in the Monday night overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, allowing Shepard and Trey Palmer to serve as the top wideouts with Mike Evans (hamstring) out and Chris Godwin (ankle) out for the season. Shepard had four catches for 48 yards on Monday, but now he's in danger of missing Week 10 against the Niners as well. It's worth noting the Bucs' bye comes in Week 11. Tight end Cade Otton has been the clear beneficiary in the passing game, while Trey Palmer, Rakim Jarrett and Ryan Miller could be the starters at receiver if McMillan and Shepard can't play this Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 6.
Fantasy Spin: Smith-Schuster has been sidelined for the last few weeks because of the injury and may not be available for the Week 10 game if he does not practice this week. He will see limited targets when he returns and can be avoided in most leagues.
From TheHuddle
