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FFL: Week 3 | NFL: Week 3

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 3

Player Notes
Brevin Jordan Sep 18 2:00pm ET
Brevin Jordan

The Houston Texans placed tight end Brevin Jordan (undisclosed) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday, meaning Jordan will now have to miss at least the team's next four games. Jordan will be eligible to return to play in Week 7 on the road at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers. It helps explain why the Texans signed former Minnesota Vikings tight end Irv Smith to their practice squad on Tuesday. In the first two games of the season, Jordan caught only two passes on three targets for seven yards while working behind starter Dalton Schultz. With Jordan now out for the foreseeable future, the Texans will roll with rookie Cade Stover, Chris Myarick and Smith as depth behind Schultz at the position. Schultz has also been a disappointment for fantasy managers as a TE1 option through the first two weeks in 2024, catching five of six targets for only 37 yards.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Sep 18 1:50pm ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) said he plans to make his season debut in Week 3 at home at Lucas Oil Stadium this Sunday against the visiting Chicago Bears. Downs suffered a right high-ankle sprain at training camp in August and was forced to miss the first two games of the regular season as a result. However, the 23-year-old was 50-50 to play in the Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field and could get the green light if he's able to do more in practices this week. The third-round selection last year was set to enter the 2024 season as the No. 2 wideout behind Michael Pittman Jr., so Downs' return will be bad news for anyone that plucked Alec Pierce off the waiver wire recently. Downs, himself, is worth a pickup off the waiver wire now that he's nearing his return. The former Tar Heel caught 68 of 98 targets for 771 yards and two scores in 17 games in his rookie season in 2023.

From RotoBaller

Quentin Johnston Sep 18 1:40pm ET
Quentin Johnston

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston, a first-rounder in 2023, had a rocky first year in the NFL marred by drops. But through the first two weeks of his second season in the NFL, Johnston has flipped the script and led the Chargers with five catches for 51 yards and two touchdowns in the Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers. He had two TDs all of last year, but he currently leads the Bolts in catches, receiving yards and yards per target. The 23-year-old's route-running this year is tighter and more deceptive, and his hands have improved markedly. Johnston ran post or go routes 35.5% of the time last year, but that rate has dropped to 21.4% this year, which has increased his chances to run after the catch on crossing routes. He has become a popular waiver-wire pickup after the first two weeks, especially with DJ Chark (hip) on Injured Reserve.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Sep 18 1:30pm ET
Justin Herbert

The Athletic's Daniel Popper writes that Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) will be listed on Wednesday's injury report with an ankle injury. Herbert's practice status right now is to be determined, so fantasy managers will want to check back later for his official status. The 26-year-old signal-caller wasn't spotted at the portion of practice open to the media on Wednesday. His ankle injury is on the same side that he dealt with plantar fasciitis during training camp, although it doesn't appear to be related. Herbert injured his ankle in the Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers but eventually returned to the game. He is apparently feeling a lot better, but we won't know his status for Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers until later this week. Easton Stick would likely fill in for the Bolts under center if Herbert isn't cleared, which would obviously be a big downgrade for LA's offense.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Sep 18 1:20pm ET
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) will not take part in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday, according to head coach Matt Eberflus. Before sitting out the team's Week 2 loss on Sunday night to the Houston Texans, Allen missed all three of the team's practices last week. In addition to his injury, he disappointed in his Bears debut in the Week 1 win over the Tennessee Titans, catching four passes on 11 targets for just 29 yards. The 32-year-old veteran still has a couple more days to get back on the practice field, but as of right now, things aren't looking great for his status in Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts. If he misses another game this weekend, look for DeAndre Carter to once again have an elevated role as the No. 3 wideout behind DJ Moore and rookie Rome Odunze. Carter caught three of his four targets on Sunday night for 32 yards.

From RotoBaller

Rachaad White Sep 18 1:20pm ET
Rachaad White

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (groin) was at the team's practice on Wednesday, but FOX Sports' Greg Auman said that it was hard to measure his participation level, although he seemed to be OK. White suffered a groin injury in the Week 2 win over the Detroit Lions but did go back into the game, which would seem to indicate that the injury isn't very serious. As long as White doesn't have any setbacks in practice this week, fantasy managers should feel pretty comfortable that he will suit up for a good matchup at home in Week 3 this Sunday against the 0-2 Denver Broncos. The 25-year-old couldn't get anything going against Detroit, carrying the ball only 10 times for 18 yards while catching one pass for five yards. If he plays this Sunday, White will be hoping to turn things around after averaging a measly 2.0 yards per carry through the first two weeks of the season.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Sep 18 1:10pm ET
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Wednesday that tight end David Njoku (ankle) is unlikely to play in the Week 3 contest this Sunday against the New York Giants due to the ankle injury he suffered in the season-opening loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Njoku was inactive in the Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and is now set to miss a second straight game. In his absence last Sunday, Jordan Akins saw a role increase at the tight end position, but it led to only one catch on one target for a 10-yard gain. Akins had better production (three catches for 27 yards) with Njoku active in Week 1. The 28-year-old Njoku should remain stashed in most fantasy formats while he heals. We'll have a better idea early next week as to whether Njoku will have a chance to return for Cleveland's Week 4 contest on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.

From RotoBaller

Kareem Hunt Sep 18 1:10pm ET
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said on Wednesday that newly signed running back Kareem Hunt has a chance to play in Week 3 on Sunday night against the Atlanta Falcons. Starting RB Isiah Pacheco (leg) fractured his fibula in the Week 2 win over the Cincinnati Bengals and is now sidelined for up to six to eight weeks. As a result, the Chiefs have reunited with Hunt, who had 453 carries for 2,151 yards (4.7 yards per carry) and 15 touchdowns while also catching 79 of 98 targets for 833 yards and 10 touchdowns as a pass-catcher in KC in his first two NFL seasons back in 2017-18. The 29-year-old is currently on the team's practice squad, but he could be elevated to the active roster by this Saturday to serve as more backfield depth alongside rookie Carson Steele and Samaje Perine as the Chiefs move forward without Pacheco. Because of his familiarity with the Chiefs, Hunt is worth a waiver-wire pickup for those hurting at the RB position early on in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Nailor Sep 18 10:20am ET
Jalen Nailor

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor has impressed head coach Kevin O'Connell so far this season with Jordan Addison (ankle) missing time and allowing Nailor to see more time on the field. O'Connell specifically was pleased with the speed Nailor has shown and the separation he has been able to get on his routes against man coverage. Nailor was targeted four times and caught three passes for 54 yards in Week 2 against the 49ers. Justin Jefferson (quad) is also a little banged up so there is an opportunity for Nailor to continue to see targets in this offense. He is a sneaky speculative waiver-wire pickup this week as the Vikings' injury situation at wide receiver continues to play out.

From RotoBaller

Ryan Tannehill Sep 18 10:10am ET
Ryan Tannehill

Free agent quarterback Ryan Tannehill's name has come up as a potential replacement for Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) with the Dolphins. But NFL Network's Ian Rapoport believes that Tannehill is looking for a situation where he can come in and be the starter for the rest of the season. With Tagovailoa recently going on IR and expressing a desire to return to competition, that might not be the case in Miami. Because of that Rapoport says the Dolphins don't appear to be the right fit for the former Tennessee Titans quarterback as he evaluates whether to return to an NFL field this season.

From RotoBaller

Denzel Mims Sep 18 9:50am ET
Denzel Mims

Free agent wide receivers Miles Boykin and Denzel Mims worked out for the Seattle Seahawks, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. The Ravens drafted Boykin in the third round of the 2019 draft and he also spent time with the Steelers. The Jets drafted Mims as a second-rounder in 2020 and he has since spent time with the Lions, Jaguars, and Steelers. With the trio of DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle is pretty set at the top of its wide receiver depth chart but either Boykin or Mims could add to the wide receiver room if given a chance with the Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Ian Book Sep 18 9:40am ET
Ian Book

The Seattle Seahawks worked out quarterback Ian Book, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports. The Saints drafted Book as a fourth-round pick in the 2021 draft and he has since spent time with the Eagles, Patriots, and Chiefs. With Geno Smith and Sam Howell solidified as the starter and backup at the quarterback position, the Seahawks likely view Book as a depth option. He should not be fantasy-relevant even if he were to sign with Seattle.

From RotoBaller

Anders Carlson Sep 18 9:20am ET
Anders Carlson

The Buffalo Bills brought in kickers Anders Carlson and Cade York for workouts according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Bills starting kicker Tyler Bass has made 3-of-4 field goal attempts so far this season, but the team is looking at other options after Bass missed by a wide margin on his lone failed attempt. Bass has also struggled with the new kickoffs at times this season. Carlson had some success as the Packers kicker and York had stints with the Browns and Commanders.

From RotoBaller

Kareem Hunt Sep 18 8:21am ET
Kareem Hunt

Dynasty | The Chiefs have signed running back Kareem Hunt to their practice squad. Dynasty Analysis: This is reunion few ever saw happening after the Chiefs unceremoniously cut him in his second season after a domestic violence video featuring Hunt surfaced. Apparently time heals all wounds as Hunt is all the way back where it started after spending most of his career as the "B" to Nick Chubb's "A" in Cleveland. Hunt is nowhere near the player he was in his first run with the Chiefs but he could make an impact if he impresses on the practice squad. He's roster worthy again but shouldn't be a huge priority on this week's waiver wire run, especially since it's being reported he underwent sports hernia surgery this off-season.

Tua Tagovailoa Sep 18 8:20am ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Dynasty | The Dolphins have placed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve. Dynasty Analysis: This seemed like a near certainty after Miami signed Tyler Huntley yesterday. Tua will now miss at least the next four weeks, but it's also anyone's guess as to when we'll see him again. On the plus side (at least for dynasty purposes), he said this week he has no plans to retire, despite the latest of his scary looking concussions. Tagovailoa will remain a hold in dynasty leagues as we await his future.

Royce Freeman Sep 18 8:20am ET
Royce Freeman

Dynasty | The Browns have signed running back Royce Freeman to their practice squad. Dynasty Analysis: Freeman will attempt to impress the Browns enough to elevate him to compete with what has been an underwhelming duo of Jerome Ford and D'Onta Foreman to start the season. With Nick Chubb nearing a return, this mess is likely to be cleaned up soon. However, Freeman should be on watch lists as we evaluate this backfield on a week-to-week basis.

David Bell Sep 18 2:00am ET
David Bell

The Cleveland Browns have placed wide receiver David Bell (hip) on injured reserve after he was carted off the field following a hit early in the third quarter, with trainers lifting his right leg for support. Before his injury, Bell had three receptions for 27 yards in Sunday's victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, before he suffered a dislocated hip. A third-round pick in 2022, Bell has accumulated 41 catches for 408 yards and three touchdowns across 32 games, including eight receptions for 54 yards in last season's playoff loss to the Texans. Fantasy managers can anticipate increased roles for Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, Jerome Ford, and D'Onta Foreman going forward. Additionally, the Browns have signed receiver Jaelon Darden and running back Royce Freeman to their practice squad.

From RotoBaller

Feleipe Franks Sep 18 1:40am ET
Feleipe Franks

The Carolina Panthers have promoted tight end Feleipe Franks from the practice squad to the active roster. Franks saw limited action in Sunday's 26-3 loss to the Chargers, playing just one offensive snap as starting tight end Tommy Tremble was active. A one-year starter at Arkansas, Franks spent three years at the University of Florida before signing with the Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2021. After playing quarterback, he transitioned to tight end in 2022. Atlanta waived him in 2023, then joined the Panthers in 2024. Franks started the season on the active roster, was briefly released, and then signed to the practice squad, where he contributed as a standard elevation last week. He has already made his mark on special teams, and with Ian Thomas (calf) on IR until early October and Jordan Matthews released, Franks is poised to take on a depth role for Carolina.

From RotoBaller

Royce Freeman Sep 18 1:20am ET
Royce Freeman

The Cleveland Browns have signed free-agent running back Royce Freeman to their practice squad. Freeman, a seven-year veteran, was released by the Dallas Cowboys in August and now joins the Browns. A third-round draft pick by the Denver Broncos in 2018, he has also played for the Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, and Los Angeles Rams. Last season, Freeman appeared in 14 games with the Rams, accumulating 319 yards and two touchdowns. With Nick Chubb and Nyheim Hines sidelined, the Browns have been thin at running back, and as of Tuesday, Pierre Strong Jr. is listed as "week to week" with a hamstring injury. Jerome Ford and D'Onta Foreman have been handling the majority of the carries. Freeman must establish a significant role before fantasy managers consider adding him to their rosters. He could have an opportunity to contribute as soon as this Sunday against the Giants.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Nailor Sep 18 1:00am ET
Jalen Nailor

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell praised wide receiver Jalen Nailor, highlighting his speed and versatility: "I just was really, really happy just how fast he played. Even on routes he wasn't targeted, you could see the separation and his ability to win against man coverage." In the Vikings' 23-17 victory over the 49ers, Nailor caught three of four targets for 54 yards and a touchdown, finishing second in receiving yards behind Justin Jefferson (quadriceps). His 10-yard touchdown grab in the third quarter marked his second touchdown in as many weeks. With Jordan Addison sidelined due to an ankle injury, Nailor played 93% of offensive snaps, becoming a key contributor. Despite flying under the radar, he's only minimally rostered in leagues but could be a valuable speculative add if Jefferson or Addison miss time. In a potential high-scoring Week 3 matchup against the Texans, Nailor could step in as the No. 2 wideout for Sam Darnold.

From RotoBaller