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: Lineup Prep: Week 7
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Waivering: Week 7
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Weekly Bender: Not All Change is Good
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Studs and Duds: Week 6
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 7
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 6
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 6
- Giants WR Malik Nabers edges closer to return as injuries hit NY
- Dan Campbell: Lions 'not done' shopping after Aidan Hutchinson injury
- Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks ready to practice
- NFL owners OK Jaguars' $1.4B stadium renovation
- RB Nick Chubb to Browns fans: 'I gotta pay ya back'
- Giants LT Andrew Thomas undergoes foot surgery, likely out for season
- Jaguars chase missing ingredient: 'consistency'
- Giants OT Andrew Thomas (foot) could miss rest of season
- Lions signing DT Alim McNeill to 4-year, $97M deal
- Packers signing K Brandon McManus, releasing Brayden Narveson
- Vikings acquire RB Cam Akers from Texans
- Cardinals place K Matt Prater, DL Bilal Nichols on IR, promote K Chad Ryland
- Tom Brady's 5 percent stake in Raiders unanimously approved
- Atlanta to host Super Bowl LXII in 2028
- Bills acquire WR Amari Cooper from Browns
- Steelers open door for Russell Wilson to start
- Sportsbooks applaud Jets adding Davante Adams
- Jerry Jones lashes out at radio hosts after Cowboys' loss
- Jets give Haason Reddick short trade window
- Lions get DE help from Bengals' practice squad
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Goal Line Guide Week 7 | Lamar Jackson and the Record-Breaking Ravens
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Football Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 7 | Get Up With Josh Downs
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Usage Report Week 6 | Nick Chubb Mode Activated?
- Fantasy Life: 2 Big WR Trades Shake Things Up
- Fantasy Life: Guillotine League Mailbag: Week 7 Strategy & FAAB Targets
- Fantasy Life: Quarterbacks for Fantasy Football Week 7: Jayden Daniels Smash Spot
- Fantasy Life: Wide Receivers For Fantasy Football Week 7: A.J Brown, DeMario Douglas, and More
- Fantasy Life: Tight Ends For Fantasy Football Week 7: Point Ahead to Brock Bowers
- Fantasy Life: Running Backs For Fantasy Football Week 7: Kyren Williams is a smash play
The Paur Report
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said on Wednesday that running back Trey Sermon (knee) is dealing with a knee injury. This is a concern for the Colts with Jonathan Taylor (ankle) missing the last two games due to a high-ankle sprain. It's unclear exactly how serious Sermon's knee injury is, but we should know more based on his practice status on Wednesday. If the 25-year-old is unable to play in Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins and Taylor misses a third straight game, Tyler Goodson and Evan Hull would be in line to split the backfield work this Sunday. The Colts added Salvon Ahmed to their practice squad as extra RB depth. Sermon was very inefficient in the Week 6 win over the Titans, carrying the ball a season-high 18 times for just 29 yards. His time as an RB3/flex streamer will come to an end as soon as Taylor returns.
From RotoBaller
The Indianapolis Colts signed free-agent running back Salvon Ahmed to their practice squad on Wednesday with both Jonathan Taylor (ankle) and Trey Sermon (knee) dealing with injuries. Taylor has missed the last two weeks with a high-ankle sprain, while Sermon apparently banged his knee up in the Week 6 win over the division-rival Tennessee Titans. For now, Ahmed will give the Colts extra depth at the position behind Tyler Goodson and Evan Hull. Ahmed has 163 career carries with five touchdowns and 3.6 yards per carry in his four years in the NFL, all with the Miami Dolphins, the Colts' Week 7 opponent. Last year in Miami, he had 22 carries for 61 yards and a touchdown and caught 16 of his 23 targets for 88 yards and another touchdown. Ahmed remains off the fantasy radar for now.
From RotoBaller
The San Francisco 49ers have released fourth-year wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. from their practice squad. Marshall Jr. failed to be activated to the 53-man roster despite the injuries at the position. He is a former second-round pick of the Carolina Panthers who has struggled to find his footing since his rookie contract expired. In his career, he has recorded 64 catches for 767 yards and one touchdown. This release does not impact the 49ers' passing game, as they appear to be fully healthy again. Marshall Jr. will look to land on another team looking for wide receiver help, but the former Carolina Panther is mainly a stash in deep dynasty formats for now.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions have officially placed defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (leg) on injured reserve Wednesday. Hutchinson suffered a gruesome leg injury in the Week 6 win over the Cowboys. The official diagnosis is a fractured tibia and fibula, which will keep him out for the remainder of the season. Up to this point, Hutchinson led the NFL in sacks with 7.5, and his absence will be a huge loss for the Lions' pass rush. He is expected to make a full recovery and could potentially return at some point during the 2025 season.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) should be a full participant in practice on Wednesday. Richardson injured his oblique in the Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and has missed the last two games as a result. The 22-year-old second-year signal-caller was close to returning this past Sunday, but the Colts held him out as a precaution in the Week 6 win over the division-rival Tennessee Titans. Veteran Joe Flacco has looked much better under center the last two weeks, but the Colts are adamant that Richardson remains their starter moving forward, and he's expected to start this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, barring a setback with his oblique. Richardson has elite rushing ability but has developed an injury-prone label quickly and leaves a lot to be desired as a passer. Consider him a low-end QB1/high-end QB2 if he plays in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said it's possible that running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) is able to return to the practice field on Wednesday. "We'll see how week goes with Jonathan Taylor." It's 'possible' he will practice today," Steichen said. Taylor is dealing with a minor high-ankle sprain and has missed each of the team's last two games as a result. A return to practice would be a good sign for the 25-year-old, although it wouldn't guarantee his return in Week 7 versus the Miami Dolphins. Fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on his status the rest of the week. Trey Sermon (knee), who has filled in as Indy's lead back with Taylor out, is dealing with a knee injury and could be up in the air for this weekend. If both Taylor and Sermon are unable to play against Miami, Tyler Goodson could be the next man up in the Colts' backfield.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman is expected to take on a more significant role moving forward. The Browns traded starting wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills, creating a void in their receiver room. Tillman, a third-round pick in 2022, recorded 21 catches for 224 yards in his rookie season. With a significant portion of the target share opening up, Tillman may have real upside in the Browns' passing offense. However, that offense ranks near the bottom of the NFL, and fantasy managers should avoid investing in the Cleveland Browns' passing game. The 24-year-old is a speculative add-in to deep leagues, as he should see an increase in the target share with Cooper shipped to Buffalo.
From RotoBaller
The Cleveland Browns traded their top wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday, opening up a significant void in their passing game. Current Browns tight end David Njoku is most likely to fill that void. The 28-year-old has hauled in 10 of 15 targets for 89 yards over three games in 2024. Njoku has ranked second on the team in targets over the past two weeks and has the trust of quarterback Deshaun Watson. The Browns are frequently trailing in games, forcing them to throw the ball more. However, the passing game has not been efficient. Given fantasy's current tight-end landscape, Njoku is valued as a mid-to low-end TE1 and a sold TE option in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (concussion) is expected to advance in the concussion protocol and be a non-contact participant in Wednesday's practice, according to team reporter Art Stapleton. The rookie out of LSU missed each of the last two games after suffering a concussion in the Week 4 contest against the Dallas Cowboys. In his first four professional bouts, Nabers racked up 35 receptions for 386 yards and three touchdowns. He saw a whopping 52 targets, which still ranks ninth in the league despite his two absences. If he returns in Week 7, he's a must-start fantasy option against the Philadelphia Eagles. Philly has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to wideouts, and Nabers has already established himself as a clear starter in all matchups. Fellow wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson will have a lower floor and ceiling with the return on Nabers, but he's still firmly on the fantasy football radar in PPR setups. Nabers ranks second among WRs in PPR fantasy points per game (22.9) so far this year.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (hamstring) could be out a few weeks due to a hamstring injury. Goedert was injured in the third play of last Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns and did not return. According to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Goedert will be "out a few weeks." The 29-year-old will likely miss Sunday's matchup against the New York Giants and could potentially miss more games. Goedert is having a solid season, catching 24 of 29 targets for 301 yards across five games in 2024. Grant Calcaterra replaced Goedert in Week 6 and would see an uptick in snaps and targets with Goedert sidelined. Fantasy managers searching for a replacement for Goedert or need tight end help in deep leagues can add Calcaterra as a streamer for Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Titans have signed running back Joshua Kelley to their practice squad. Dynasty Analysis: This could be an indication Tyjae Spears is going to miss some time with a hamstring injury. Kelley was having a hard time finding a home after never really turning out to be a difference maker with the Chargers. He could have some value should the Titans call him up, but he's not a player to spend your free agent money on at the moment.
Dynasty | The Bills have released wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Dynasty Analysis: The Bills needed to make a move after trading for Amari Cooper, and MVS gets the axe. He had just two catches for 26 yards on the season, so this comes as little surprise. With Davante Adams being traded to the Jets, it's also unlikely he has a home there as a retread with Aaron Rodgers. Instead, MVS will need to look elsewhere for employment. He should be picked up by a receiver-needy team, but he's well off the dynasty radar.
Dynasty | The Texans have traded running back Cam Akers to the Minnesota Vikings. Dynasty Analysis: Houston will get a conditional sixth round pick in exchange for Akers and a seventh round conditional selection. In other words, Minnesota grabs Akers on the cheap for the second straight season and will hope he can help out should Aaron Jones miss time. Akers could be a decent fill-in but his career has clearly reached "journeyman" status. Akers could carve out some short-term value in Minnesota, but time will tell.
Dynasty | The Tampa Bay Bucs are signing wide receiver Marquez Callaway. Dynasty Analysis: Once a fairly sought after dynasty asset, Callaway was last seen attempting to make the Steelers roster. He'll add some depth to a suddenly explosive Tampa Bay offense but will need an injury or two to make any kind of an impact in fantasy or reality.
New York Jets safety Chuck Clark (ankle) has been placed on the injured reserve on Tuesday. This news comes a day after Clark was forced to exit early during Monday's loss to the Buffalo Bills. Clark exited that game in the first half due to a high-ankle sprain. He will now be forced to miss the next four games after being placed on the IR. Ashtyn Davis stepped in at strong safety and played well in the absence of Clark. The expectation is that Davis will continue starting until Clark is ready to play again. Davis should be a viable option, but he is still a downgrade defensively over a stud like Clark.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. (ankle) was limited for the second straight day ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Denver Broncos. It appears Wilson picked up an ankle injury over the weekend and is uncertain to play this Thursday. Wilson has been quiet this season, but he posted his best game of the season last week. He hauled in two of his three targets for 28 yards in the loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Normally, Wilson would be a non-factor in the offense, but the Saints are banged up right now. Both Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) are on the injury report and in danger of missing Thursday's game. If that happens, Wilson could end up with a bigger role in the offense.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent wide receiver Marquez Callaway is reportedly expected to sign a deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This seems like an odd move given the Bucs do have a crowded receiver room. Callaway last played with the New Orleans Saints during the 2023 season. His best season came in 2021 when he hauled in 46 receptions for 698 yards and six touchdowns. Since then, Callaway hasn't done much on the field and figures to be depth on the practice squad. It would take a few injuries at wide receiver for Callaway to start making an impact in Tampa Bay.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants PK Greg Joseph is expected to keep his job if PK Graham Gano (hamstring) is not activated off injured reserve this week, head coach Brian Daboll said on Tuesday, Oct. 15.
From TheHuddle
The Green Bay Packers signed former Jacksonville Jaguars veteran kicker Brandon McManus to a one-year deal on Tuesday, according to a source. McManus is expected to be kicking for the team right away in Week 7 this Sunday versus the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field. It's been a revolving door at kicker in Green Bay for the last several seasons. Rookie Anders Carlson was wildly inconsistent last year before Brayden Narveson missed five of his 17 field-goal tries in six games this year. The Packers will be hoping the 33-year-old McManus can bring some stability to the position. In his 10 years in the NFL (nine with the Denver Broncos), McManus has made 81.4% of his field-goal attempts. In 17 games last year for Jacksonville, he went 30-for-37 on field goals and 35-for-35 on extra points. He could quickly return to the fantasy radar with the Packers.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions and defensive tackle Alim McNeill reached an agreement on an undisclosed four-year contract extension on Tuesday. McNeil was in the final year of his rookie deal in 2024 after the Lions selected him in the third round (72nd overall) of the 2021 NFL draft out of North Carolina State. The 24-year-old had 112 tackles (49 solo), eight sacks, 15 tackles for loss, 20 QB hits, two pass breakups and a forced fumble in his first three years in Detroit. Through five games in 2024, McNeill has picked up eight tackles (five solo), 2.5 sacks, three tackles for loss, four QB hits and a pass breakup. He's not exactly on the fantasy radar in IDP leagues, but McNeill just became a lot more important to Detroit's defensive line with star pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson (leg) out for the year.
From RotoBaller
