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FFL: Week 2 | NFL: Week 2

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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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 2

Player Notes
George Kittle Sep 16 12:30am ET
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle was heavily involved in the team's offense in Week 2, but it wasn't enough to prevent a 23-17 loss to the Vikings in Minnesota. The 30-year-old posted seven receptions on eight targets for 76 yards and a touchdown. Kittle's seven-yard score came near the end of the second quarter with San Francisco down by 10, as Kittle took a middle screen near the line of scrimmage and zagged his way around and through defenders to break the plane. He had quarterback Brock Purdy's eye throughout this one, the eight targets second only to receiver Deebo Samuel's 10. Kittle's performance was good enough to grab at least a temporary hold on the overall TE1 spot this week, heading into Monday night's Falcons/Eagles matchup. Next up for Kittle is a road matchup in Los Angeles against the division-rival Rams on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Johnny Mundt Sep 16 12:30am ET
Johnny Mundt

Minnesota Vikings tight end Johnny Mundt caught two of three targets for just 12 yards during Sunday's win over the San Francisco 49ers. Mundt has been operating as the Vikings' top tight end with T.J. Hockenson (knee) sidelined, but he has left a lot to be desired from a fantasy football perspective. With just four catches and 27 yards through two games, Mundt has lost most of his fantasy relevance and can be left on waivers heading into Week 3 against the Houston Texans.

From RotoBaller

Najee Harris Sep 16 12:30am ET
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris handled 17 carries for 69 rushing yards and hauled in one of two targets for five receiving yards in a 13-6 victory over the Denver Broncos. Although Harris led Pittsburgh's backfield for the second consecutive week, Jaylen Warren was much more involved on Sunday than in Week 1 and should continue to have a notable role in the offense. Through two games, the Steelers have established an identity as a team looking to run the ball and play shut-down defense, which does bode well for Harris' opportunities going forward. His fantasy value, however, will be limited without more frequent trips to the red zone. Harris will look to score his first touchdown of the season at home against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Jaleel McLaughlin Sep 16 12:30am ET
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin took a step back from his Week 1 involvement in the Week 2 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Denver on Sunday. After out-touching backfield mate Javonte Williams last week in the loss to the Seattle Seahawks, McLaughlin had only three carries for six yards in the 13-6 loss to the Steelers and wasn't targeted in the passing game. Meanwhile, Williams had 16 touches for 65 scrimmage yards. It was a step back for the 24-year-old second-year back, but he's still the clear RB2 in Denver, with Tyler Badie seeing only one carry for a 16-yard gain. McLaughlin is going to have much better games than this, obviously, but it's hard to justify using a roster spot on him in 12-team fantasy leagues as long as the Broncos' offense continues to struggle so much under rookie quarterback Bo Nix. McLaughlin will have very little standalone value in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Sep 16 12:30am ET
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson completed 17 of his 34 attempts for 204 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions in the team's loss to the Green Bay Packers. He also ran the ball four times for another 37 yards on the ground. Despite coming off a huge fantasy showing in Week 1, Richardson showed his limitations as a passer and was not able to compensate with his rushing ability in Sunday's matchup. Richardson was able to find WR Alec Pierce in the fourth quarter for a touchdown, which helped boost his fantasy production. Sunday's matchup was an unfortunate mix of low passing volume, limited rushing, and turnovers that kept Richardson from having a strong fantasy outing. He does face a tougher matchup in Week 3 when the Colts host the Chicago Bears, but fantasy managers can still look to him as an upper-echelon QB target and start him with confidence due to his rushing upside.

From RotoBaller

Javonte Williams Sep 16 12:20am ET
Javonte Williams

For the second straight week, the Denver Broncos offense could get nothing going on the ground in a 13-6 loss to the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers in Denver. Running back Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie combined for 15 carries for 39 yards on the day. Williams had a team-high 11 carries for just 17 yards (1.55 yards per carry), but he salvaged his day by catching all five of his targets for 48 yards through the air. Although Williams has not looked good carrying the ball so far in 2024, his fantasy managers have to be happy with the fact that he out-touched McLaughlin 16 to three in Week 2 after McLaughlin out-touched him in the season opener. The 24-year-old heads into a Week 3 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as Denver's lead back, but with rookie quarterback Bo Nix struggling to move the offense, it's hard to consider Williams as anything more than a low-upside RB3/flex.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Sep 16 12:10am ET
Bo Nix

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix looked shaky again in his second career NFL game in the 13-6 loss to the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday in Denver. Nix and the Broncos offense had almost zero highlights on the day, although they did outgain the Steelers offense 295 to 251. The first-round rookie signal-caller failed to lead the team to a single touchdown drive on the day, going 20-for-35 for 246 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions while carrying the ball four times for 25 yards on the ground. Nix's first pick was a throw off his heels in the pocket into coverage in the back of the end zone in the third quarter. He also ended the contest with a desperation heave down the field. Things won't get any easier for the 24-year-old in a Week 3 road contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he'll be a QB3 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Taylor Sep 16 12:10am ET
Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor ran the ball 12 times for 103 yards on the ground in the team's loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Taylor also caught two of his four targets for another 32 yards in the air. Taylor was the bright spot for Indy in the team's loss, logging another incredibly efficient outing on the ground and through the air. He also again saw an extremely favorable opportunity share, receiving 12 out of the 14 running back carries for Indianapolis. While the Colts may be a bit of a mixed bag offensively between QB Anthony Richardson's passing limitations and rushing upside, Taylor proves once again that he is the workhorse back for them and will continue to produce. He faces a tougher matchup in Week 3 when the Colts host the Chicago Bears, but fantasy managers can still start him confidently based on his volume alone.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Sep 16 12:10am ET
Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields completed 13 of 20 pass attempts for 117 yards and one touchdown in a Week 2 win against the Denver Broncos. He added 27 rushing yards on eight carries. Fields was excellent in the first half where he did nearly all his damage, including a five-yard touchdown pass to tight end Darnell Washington to close Pittsburgh's second drive of the contest. The 25-year-old additionally had a 51-yard completion and a six-yard touchdown pass, both to wide receiver George Pickens, called back due to penalties in the second quarter. It remains to be seen if Russell Wilson (calf) will immediately claim the starting job when healthy, but if Fields gets the nod against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3, he'll remain a QB2 option in superflex formats.

From RotoBaller

Joe Mixon Sep 16 12:10am ET
Joe Mixon

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) rushed nine times for 25 yards during Sunday's win over the Chicago Bears. He also got involved in the passing attack, hauling in three of his five targets for another 25 yards through the air. He finished Week 2 with 50 scrimmage yards but zero touchdowns. The veteran running back had a solid day, but he likely would have been even more productive if he hadn't missed most of the third quarter due to a back injury. The Texans listed him as questionable and kept him on the sideline for a couple of drives, but he did eventually return in the final minute of the third quarter. Going forward, fantasy managers will want to monitor Mixon's status in case the injury lingers and prevents him from practicing at all during the week. He heads into Week 3 versus the Vikings as a decent RB2 option in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aiyuk Sep 15 11:40pm ET
Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk disappointed again in a 23-17 loss to the Vikings in Minneapolis on Sunday. He finished with four receptions for 43 yards on five targets and no touchdowns. Minted with a four-year $120 million extension recently, it appears that Aiyuk is still working his way back into football shape after skipping nearly all of the 49ers preseason games and team practices. On the bright side, today was an improvement from Week 1's two-catch, 28-yard performance. As Aiyuk continues to sharpen physically and regain his rapport with quarterback Brock Purdy, it's almost certain that he'll get back to 2023 form, but it could still take another week or two. In Week 3, Aiyuk and the 49ers will head south to play the Rams in Los Angeles.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Sep 15 11:31pm ET
Xavier Worthy

Dynasty | Chiefs rookie receiver Xavier Worthy had two catches for 17 yards in a win against the Bengals. Dynasty Analysis: Worthy added five rushing yards on the day. Patrick Mahomes was bottled up for just 151 passing yards on the day, so dynasty managers don't need to panic. Still, this goes to show what we though - Worthy is going to be a "boom or bust" option early on in his career until he establishes solid trust and rapport with Mahomes. Worthy won't be a strong consideration next week but he's clearly a strong dynasty asset who has more than justified his rookie draft slot thus far.

Rashee Rice Sep 15 11:31pm ET
Rashee Rice

Dynasty | Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice had five catches for 75 yards and a touchdown in the Chiefs win against the Bengals. Dynasty Analysis: On a day where Patrick Mahomes was quiet, Rice showed he's becoming matchup-proof with another big game, highlighted by a 44-yard touchdown. Rice is a clear WR2 who is likely going to post some WR1 games moving forward. While his maturity (and possible looming suspension) are in question, his talent clearly is not.

Zack Moss Sep 15 11:31pm ET
Zack Moss

Dynasty | Bengals running back Zack Moss had 34 rushing yards, one catch, and 13 receiving yards in a loss against Kansas City. Dynasty Analysis: Moss (13 touches) looks to be the clear top dog in the offense as Chase Brown (four touches) looked like more of an afterthought. Still, Brown was more effective today and neither of these two is looking like an option in dynasty leagues at the moment. It's early, but it also looks like Cincinnati is going to live and die on the arm of Joe Burrow and their running backs should be nowhere near fantasy lineups at the moment as neither has taken advantage of a golden opportunity to emerge as a real fantasy factor this season (or possibly beyond) yet.

Justin Fields Sep 15 11:30pm ET
Justin Fields

Dynasty | Steelers quarterback Justin Fields completed 13-of-20 passes for 117 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions in Pittsburgh's win against Denver. Dynasty Analysis: This game was as ugly as the 13-6 score indicates but Fields again did what Pittsburgh asked him to do - manage the offense and not make mistakes. His 27 rushing yards all come at big times and Fields has now gone two straight weeks without turning the ball over. Pittsburgh is winning with an elite-level defense and Fields still has work to do to hold off Russell Wilson, but it's hard to see Wilson starting a game before Fields loses one. He'll remain a QB2 moving forward but things are looking up for Fields as he looks like he's matured under Mike Tomlin (who somehow continues to win despite sub-par talent).

Demarcus Robinson Sep 15 11:23pm ET
Demarcus Robinson

Los Angeles Rams WR Demarcus Robinson caught two passes for a team-high 50 yards in a 41-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2.

Fantasy Spin: A week after Puka Nacua left with an injury, Cooper Kupp exited the Week 2, leaving Robinson as one of top receiving options. If Nacua and Kupp aren't ready for Week 3, Robinson will be worth a look in deeper leagues.

From TheHuddle

Evan McPherson Sep 15 11:10pm ET
Evan McPherson

Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson had a productive game for fantasy managers in the Week 2 meeting against the Chiefs. After making one kick in the Week 1 loss to the Patriots, the 25-year-old had four on Sunday, including a 53-yarder in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, a missed extra-point attempt would prove costly, with the Chiefs winning the contest by one, thanks to a field goal from Harrison Butker as time expired. At any rate, McPherson is one of the best kickers in the National Football League, meaning he deserves starting consideration in all fantasy lineups when the Bengals meet the Commanders in the Week 3 Monday Night Football matchup.

From RotoBaller

Zach Ertz Sep 15 11:03pm ET
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders TE Zach Ertz registered four receptions for a team-high 62 yards on four targets in Week 2 against the New York Giants.

Fantasy Spin: Ertz was productive like the old days in Philadelphia, but he still has a ways to go before he is a regular TE1 again. For now, he remains a TE2, and a streaming option for when your primary option has an injury or a bye.

From TheHuddle

Noah Brown Sep 15 11:03pm ET
Noah Brown

Washington Commanders WR Noah Brown registered three receptions for 56 yards on three targets in Week 2 against the New York Giants.

From TheHuddle

Joe Mixon Sep 15 11:03pm ET
Joe Mixon

Updating a previous report, Houston Texans RB Joe Mixon (ankle) was able to return to the lineup in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears late in the third quarter.

Fantasy Spin: Mixon missed a good chunk of the third quarter after what looked like a possible hip-drop tackle, sending the talented back to the locker room. We'll see if he can finish out, and finish up strong. The good news is that he is back.

From TheHuddle