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.
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The Paur Report
Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson won the battle of the top two fantasy QBs in Week 6, so now he shifts his sights to the new QB2 in Baker Mayfield. Jackson still sits atop the QB ladder in fantasy football while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have given up the second-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Over the Buccaneers' last three games, the total score between both teams has been 78, 66, and 49. With the Ravens' defense giving up big passing games, this game should turn into a shootout quickly. That means Jackson could have a huge game on the way in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Los Angeles Rams have received calls from teams regarding the availability of wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle). Rapoport added that a trade for Kupp "would be complicated and multi-faceted." Although the Rams aren't actively looking to move the wideout, things could change before the deadline if Los Angeles continues down a losing path. Kupp has played his entire career in L.A., amassing 585 catches for 7,213 yards and 52 touchdowns. For now, he remains questionable for Sunday's clash with the Las Vegas Raiders.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton has picked up his performance over the last few weeks. Otton hauled in two of his six targets for 15 yards and a touchdown in the win over the New Orleans Saints last week. The touchdown helped salvage his fantasy value, but the six targets is nice to see. In fact, Otton has seen six of more targets in each of the last four games. He heads into a favorable matchup against the Baltimore Ravens defense. A defensive unit that has struggled to contain the pass this season. Otton could be worth a look as a TE2 for desperate fantasy managers in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin is coming off his best performance of the season. Last week, Godwin hauled in 11 receptions for 125 yards and two touchdowns in the win over the New Orleans Saints. It was season highs across the board for the veteran wideout who has been fantastic since his move back to the slot. The expectation is that Godwin will remain a focal point in the passing game this weekend against the Baltimore Ravens. A defense that has struggled to contain the passing attack early on this year. Godwin has done enough to be plugged in as a WR1 for this Week 7 contest.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker had a breakout performance against the New Orleans Saints last week. Tucker went crazy as he rushed for 136 yards with one touchdown in the win. He also added three receptions for 56 yards and an additional touchdown. This epic performance has earned him a role in the backfield committee along with Rachaad White (foot) and Bucky Irving. Right now, it's uncertain if White is going to suit up for Monday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. If not, Irving and Tucker would be the primary ball handlers in the backfield once again. However, the Ravens are a much stronger unit against the rushing attack. Tucker earned over 60 of his yards in garbage time last week. What he accomplished was impressive, but should be considered more of a fluke outing. Most fantasy managers should be able to find a more reliable option ahead of this Week 7 matchup.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Will Dissly (shoulder) could find himself fantasy relevant in a Week 7 Monday Night Football game against the Arizona Cardinals. Dissly hasn't done a ton this season, totaling 13 catches for 111 yards. His best fantasy finish so far has been a TE18 finish in Week 2, but with several Chargers pass catchers including fellow tight end Hayden Hurst (groin) injured and not expected to play, Dissly could see more targets thrown his way by necessity. He's still not a TE1 option, but he should put up solid TE2 stats and has a decently high floor for his position.
From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer could have an expanded role on Monday Night Football when the Chargers take on the Arizona Cardinals. With Ladd McConkey (hip) questionable and Quentin Johnston (ankle) doubtful, Palmer could end up the top receiving option against a defense that has really struggled to stop the passing game. So far, Palmer hasn't done much, with just nine catches this season, but even on a heavy run-focused offense like the Chargers, someone has to catch the ball sometimes, and Palmer could be that guy. He shapes up as a better DFS or best ball option because the floor is as low as the ceiling is high, but this could be one week where Palmer is a viable bye week filler in deeper leagues.
From RotoBaller
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has been putting himself in the MVP discussion with how he has played early in the season. Although, Mayfield did run into some trouble during last week's win over the New Orleans Saints. Mayfield threw for 325 yards with four touchdowns, but he also threw three interceptions. Mayfield played better in the second half, but he won't be able to get away with as many mistakes against the Baltimore Ravens this week. The good news is that the Ravens have struggled to contain the passing game this season. Mayfield should be able to continue airing it out which should give him solid QB1 numbers for Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins got back on track in Week 6 and will look to keep it going in a Week 7 Monday Night Football game against the Arizona Cardinals. Dobbins got off to an excellent start this season, finishing as the overall fantasy RB4 in Week 1 and the RB5 in Week 2. Two down weeks followed (RB39 in Week 3 and RB36 in Week 4), but he got back on track after the Chargers bye, finishing as the RB12 against a strong Denver defense in Week 6. The Cardinals defense is solid enough against the run, but the Chargers have formed their entire offensive identity around the running game, so Dobbins is certain to see plenty of the ball on Monday night. He's an RB1 option with big time upside.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is tough to trust in Week 7 fantasy lineups despite an excellent matchup. With the Chargers going with an extremely run-heavy approach on offense this season, Herbert ranks as just QB29 in fantasy points per game. His best game of the year so far from a fantasy perspective was a QB21 finish in Week 6. The Cardinals defense has allowed the second-highest yards per attempt and the fifth-highest passer rating to opposing quarterbacks, but with the Chargers still likely to run, run, run, Herbert is at best a QB2 option, startable in superflex and 2QB formats, but not much of an option in any leagues that start just one.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (shoulder) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. It was recently revealed that Levis has been playing through a Grade 2 AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder. That could explain why Levis has been playing so poorly lately. This type of injury could result in a multiple game absence for Levis. For now, Levis will miss one game and Mason Rudolph will take over under center this weekend. Rudolph won't be a recommended streaming option against the tough Bills defense.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (foot) is expected to suit up for the Week 7 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Stevenson was able to return to practice on Friday after missing the first two sessions of the week. It sounds like the organization plans to have Stevenson available this weekend, barring any setbacks. They haven't promoted a running back from the practice squad, so it'll probably be Antonio Gibson and Stevenson in the backfield. Gibson struggled as the lead back last week, so Stevenson could see a bigger role this weekend. If active, Stevenson should be on the RB2 radar for this matchup with the Jaguars in London.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals wide receivers Michael Wilson (ankle) and Zay Jones (hamstring) have been removed from the injury report ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Wilson has been limited in practice this week, but appears to go ready to play. Wilson has put together a quiet season outside of a few good weeks. Jones is set to make his season debut this week and will likely take over the No. 3 wideout role. Wilson figures to take a backseat to Jones or the two of them split up the third receiver role. Either way neither of them carry more than low-end flex appeal heading into this game.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa (hip) is currently listed as doubtful ahead of Monday's Week 7 contest against the Arizona Cardinals. The superstar pass rusher has been banged up this season and has only managed to play in two games. Bosa hasn't been able to practice this week and only managed one limited practice last week. Possibly, Bosa gets better before Monday, but fantasy managers should expect him to miss another game. Tuli Tuipulotu and Junior Colson figure to see increased snaps if Bosa is unable to go.
From RotoBaller
