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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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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 9

Player Notes
Antoine Winfield Jr. Nov 1 6:50pm ET
Antoine Winfield Jr.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot) has been added to the injury report ahead of Monday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Oh no, Winfield missed four games earlier in the season due to a foot injury. Possibly, Winfield re-aggravated the issue which could be a problem especially this late in the week. The loss of Winfield would be a significant hit to a Bucs secondary that is already struggling. Christian Izien figures to start in his place if Winfield is unable to play. The 24-year-old has 40 tackles and one interception so far this season. The Bucs defense already wasn't an appealing streaming option but the loss of Winfield would only make them worse.

From RotoBaller

Tucker Kraft Nov 1 6:50pm ET
Tucker Kraft

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft looks to keep his awesome run of fantasy production going as the Packers host the Detroit Lions in Week 9. Kraft has been awesome for fantasy managers this season, but especially since Week 4, as Kraft has been a top-12 or better fantasy tight end in four of the last five weeks with five touchdowns in that span. He's averaged almost five receptions and 53 receiving yards in that span as well, so despite having the touchdowns propping him up a bit, the volume has been there for him each week in this potent Packers offense. Packers quarterback Jordan Love (groin) was listed as questionable in the team's final practice report and if he doesn't play in Week 9, Malik Willis will start. Willis at quarterback downgrades the pass-catchers across the board, but Kraft should be a near-universal TE1 start in fantasy no matter who is starting at quarterback for the Packers in Week 9.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Nov 1 6:30pm ET
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs has been on a solid run of production and that should continue this week when the Packers host the Detroit Lions in Week 9. Since returning from a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team in Week 6, Doubs has double-digit fantasy points in each of his last three games. Doubs has 18 targets in his last two games and has been the most targeted Packer in the last three weeks. Of course, Doubs remaining heavily targeted in the Packers' offense is contingent on Jordan Love (groin) being able to play. Love was listed as questionable in the team's final practice report and if he doesn't play, Malik Willis will start. Doubs would take a big hit if Willis does play, where he would be a flex play. If Love starts in Week 9, fantasy managers should slot Doubs into lineups as a low-end WR3.

From RotoBaller

Keaton Mitchell Nov 1 6:30pm ET
Keaton Mitchell

Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (knee) is currently listed as questionable ahead of the Week 9 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Mitchell has yet to play this season after suffering a significant knee injury last year. However, the Ravens opened his 21-day practice window on October 23. He has been practicing this week and looks to be trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's game. It remains to be seen how Mitchell would be used in the rotation. Derrick Henry has been the workhorse back and that is unlikely to change. Mitchell was fantastic when healthy last season, so he's worth stashing if available on the waiver wire.

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Tank Bigsby Nov 1 6:20pm ET
Tank Bigsby

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of the Week 9 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Bigsby has been limited in practice all week due to a lingering ankle issue. Fellow back Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) has been limited in practice as well, but is hopeful to get back on the field this week. If that happens, Bigsby and Etienne would likely split up the workload in the backfield. If one back sits out then the other would see increased snaps and become a viable RB2 for this weekend. Bigsby has done well enough lately that the return of Etienne won't completely destroy his fantasy value.

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Lamar Jackson Nov 1 6:20pm ET
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (knee, back) has been removed from the injury report ahead of the Week 9 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Jackson missed back-to-back practices to open the week due to minor knee and back issues. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried as it seemed like his absence was more for rest purposes. Jackson will officially be ready to go for this weekend for a tough matchup against the Broncos secondary. Despite the tough matchup, Jackson has been playing at an MVP-type level and remains a strong QB1 for this weekend.

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Christian Watson Nov 1 6:10pm ET
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson has been hit and miss this season but can turn things around with a good game when the Packers host the Detroit Lions in Week 9. Watson has been entirely touchdown-dependent this season as his two best games this season have come when he scored touchdowns in Week 1 and Week 6. He did lead the team in targets last week with six against the Jaguars but could only muster four receptions for 39 yards. While Watson is one of the Packers' most dangerous deep threats, it all comes down to who is playing quarterback for the Packers in Week 9. Jordan Love (groin) was listed as questionable in the team's final practice report and if he doesn't play, Malik Willis will start. Willis at quarterback downgrades the pass-catchers across the board for fantasy, so while Watson with Love at quarterback is a dart-throw flex play, Willis at quarterback makes Watson an avoid in fantasy in Week 9.

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Jayden Reed Nov 1 5:50pm ET
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed is looking to get off his two-game run of disappointment as the Packers host the Detroit Lions in Week 9. Over the past two games, Reed has just seven targets, four receptions and 65 receiving yards against the Texans and Jaguars. Reed has a glimmer of hope in this matchup against the division-leading Lions, as the Lions are the worst defense in the entire league in giving up fantasy points and receiving yards per game to slot wide receivers. If starting quarterback Jordan Love (questionable, groin) can play against the Lions, Reed should be a locked-in fantasy starter. If the quarterback is Malik Willis, Reed should still be in fantasy lineups but is probably more of a WR3.

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Kyle Pitts Nov 1 5:40pm ET
Kyle Pitts

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts is coming off his best fantasy output of the season with four catches on five targets for 91 yards and two touchdowns, and in Week 9 he'll get a Cowboys defense that just allowed the 49ers' George Kittle to post a 6-128-1 line in Week 8. Since logging a zero-catch performance in Week 4, the 24-year-old has had no less than five targets in the last four games, averaging around 79 yards receiving per game over that time. It feels like he's secured a solid role in this offense now, although, with a 15.95% target share, he's a distant third in the pecking order behind Drake London (26.72%) and Darnell Mooney (22.84%). Dallas has allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to TEs, and while Pitts hasn't yet shed the potential for bust weeks, the former first-round draft pick still ranks as a TE1 in this matchup.

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Jason Myers Nov 1 5:30pm ET
Jason Myers

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers will look to improve his scoring output in Week 9 when the Seahawks host the Los Angeles Rams. Myers has been accurate when given the chance in 2024. However, the Seahawks offense has been too inconsistent for Myers to provide reliable fantasy output. The Seahawks should be able to move the ball against an average-at-best Rams defense in Week 9. The question is will they be able to finish drives without turning the ball over? The offense could not get out of its own way in Week 8 against the Buffalo Bills. Various penalties and mental errors cost the team several scoring opportunities. If they can eliminate those errors in Week 9 then Myers will be worth starting in fantasy. Still, there are likely more reliable options out there if you need to pivot.

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Geno Smith Nov 1 5:30pm ET
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith checks in as a player you can play in a pinch once again in Week 9. The Seahawks will host the Los Angeles Rams who are No. 15 against opposing quarterbacks in fantasy. This matchup is about as middle-of-the-pack as they come. Smith currently leads the NFL in passing yards. Unfortunately, we got a good look at life without wide receiver DK Metcalf (knee) in Week 8 against the Buffalo Bills and it was not pretty. Smith was limited to 212 yards and an interception. The Seahawks actually moved the ball relatively well in the first half, but they fell apart in the second half. The Rams should have no problem scoring on the Seahawks defense so Seattle will likely need to put the ball in the air. The volume will be there for Smith, but the question is whether or not the Seahawks will be effective without Metcalf who is slated to miss his second straight game. For those reasons, Smith will be a QB2 with upside this week. However, he has a great chance to throw for over 300 yards and a couple of touchdowns if the offense has adjusted to life without Metcalf.

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AJ Barner Nov 1 5:30pm ET
AJ Barner

With Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (groin) out in Week 9 against the Los Angeles Rams, rookie tight end AJ Barner is in position to take on the starting tight end role. Barner was a fourth-round pick by the Seahawks in 2024. He has caught all ten of his targets this season for 105 yards and a touchdown. While Barner will likely see a boost in targets with Fant and wide receiver DK Metcalf (knee) out, he does not project to be relevant for fantasy. It is worth noting that Barner does have decent big-play ability. In Week 8 Barner caught two passes at 17 yards per catch. It is hard to believe that there would not be more reliable or proven assets on your waiver wire. However, if you are in a very deep league, Barner will at least be a starter in Week 9.

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Jake Bobo Nov 1 5:30pm ET
Jake Bobo

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo should be the No. 3 pass catcher in Seattle's offense in Week 9 against the Los Angeles Rams. With both DK Metcalf (knee) and Noah Fant (groin) out, Bobo is next in line. The reality is that the targets will likely be consolidated between wide receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett (oblique), and running back Kenneth Walker III. However, Bobo is a quality young player that we have seen have a solid game or two over the course of his two-year career. Bobo has been buried on the depth chart behind a bevy of high-end pass catchers in Seattle. He is a large receiver who could be active around the red zone with no Metcalf or Fant to occupy that area. He could be worth a flyer in deeper leagues because he should see a handful of targets in a game that projects to have a lot of passing volume on both sides.

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Tyler Lockett Nov 1 5:30pm ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (oblique) will look to get back into the double-digit fantasy point range in Week 9. Lockett battled an oblique injury this week, but it appears to be minor as he was a full participant in practice on Thursday and Friday. The Seahawks will host the Los Angeles Rams in a huge intra-divisional matchup. The whole Seahawks offense stalled against a solid Buffalo Bills defense without DK Metcalf (knee) in Week 8. They will draw a much easier matchup against the Rams this week. Additionally, the Seahawks made several mental errors that caused the game to get out of hand. They moved the ball just fine in the first half of Week 8. If they can clean up those errors, they should score points without issue in Week 9. The offense certainly runs through Metcalf, so his absence again in Week 9 will be felt. However, Lockett is going to be in a good position to push for 7 to 10 targets and deliver flex value for your fantasy team.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Nov 1 5:28pm ET
Garrett Wilson

Dynasty | Jets receiver Garrett Wilson had nine catches for 90 yards and two touchdowns in a win against Houston. Dynasty Analysis: The addition of Davante Adams hasn't affected Wilson much thus far and he had two spectacular touchdown catches on the night. While there are going to be some ups and downs this year with the Jets, Wilson has been a constant contributor. For dynasty managers hoping to buy low after the Adams deal, that window slammed shut after this week's performance.

Kenneth Walker III Nov 1 5:20pm ET
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III has provided a solid baseline to fantasy managers with his passing game work in 2024. When the Seahawks have a lead, Walker can deliver great rushing output. When the Seahawks trail, it is a different story. Walker has caught four or more passes in four of six games played this season. The Seahawks offense has been bipolar in 2024 so it is difficult to predict how they will perform on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams are the No. 19 defense against opposing running backs in fantasy, so this matchup is not scary. Neither team's defense has played with any consistency. Now that the Rams have a full complement of weapons, this could be a track meet. Look for the Seahawks to try and establish a presence in the running game. If they can ensure that this game remains tight, then Walker should be in good shape to provide a solid rushing and receiving baseline in Week 9.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Nov 1 5:20pm ET
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a great opportunity to have a great game in Week 8 when DK Metcalf (knee) missed the game due to an MCL sprain. The Seahawks offense delivered a total dud as it appeared that they needed Metcalf in order to function at the high level they have all season. The Los Angeles Rams present a much softer matchup in Week 9 than the Buffalo Bills did in Week 8. The Bills defense has been stifling opposing passing offenses all season but the Rams just got shredded by Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8. With Metcalf out again in Week 9, Smith-Njigba should be able to find room to operate in this game. The Rams offense is back to performing at a high-level, and the Seahawks will likely continue their pass-heavy attack. Look for Smith-Njigba to deliver high-end WR3 numbers with the potential for more upside.

From RotoBaller

Mike Macdonald Nov 1 5:20pm ET
Mike Macdonald

The Seattle Seahawks D/ST got off to a hot start in 2024. They have had a much harder time over the last few weeks against tougher opponents. The Los Angeles Rams offense is now fully healthy and is coming off a game in which they scored 30 points against an excellent Minnesota Vikings defense. The Seahawks are battling too many injuries on the defensive side of the ball to provide the same challenge as the Vikings. The Rams have a good chance to score more than 30 points once again. The Seahawks should be able to get to Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in the backfield and force a turnover or two. However, that should be offset by the amount of yards and points the Rams project to score. The road does not get any easier for this unit anytime soon. Unless head coach Mike Macdonald can coax more production from his defense then they should be on waivers for the next several weeks.

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Jaire Alexander Nov 1 5:13pm ET
Jaire Alexander

Green Bay Packers S Evan Williams (hamstring) did not practice on Friday, Nov. 1, and was ruled out for Week 9. Also, OL Josh Myers (wrist) did not practice and is doubtful, CB Jaire Alexander (knee) did not practice but is questionable, CB Corey Ballentine (ankle), RB Josh Jacobs (ankle) and QB Jordan Love (groin) were limited and are questionable, DL Kenny Clark (toe, shoulder), DL Devonte Wyatt (ankle), OT Rasheed Walker (knee), OL Elgton Jenkins (glute) and DL Lukas Van Ness (ankle) were limited but have no designation and LB Quay Walker (concussion) practiced in full and was removed from the injury report.

From TheHuddle

Josh Jacobs Nov 1 5:10pm ET
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions. Jacobs sat out during Wednesday's practice but was upgraded to a limited participant during Thursday and Friday. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the weekend. Jacobs is coming off his best performance of the season as he tallied 127 yards off 25 carries and found the end zone twice. If Jacobs is unable to suit up, fantasy managers should expect Emanuel Wilson to see the majority of carries. Wilson would only be viewed as a low-end flex option as the Lions have allowed the second-fewest PPR points to opposing RBs this season.

From RotoBaller