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 Starts/Sits: Week 2
Indianapolis Colts defensive linemen DeForest Buckner (right ankle) and Laiatu Latu (hip) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers. Both players were officially ruled out by the team. Buckner finished Week 2 with one tackle. Latu had one tackle, as well as a fumble recovery. Raekwon Davis, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Isaiah Land are candidates to earn more snaps with Buckner and Latu sidelined.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman Vita Vea (knee) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions and will not return. Vea was injured after a friendly fire hit between him and Yaya Diaby. He had registered one pass defended but zero tackles at the time of his departure. Tampa Bay was already without Calijah Kancey (calf), so now Greg Gaines will earn more opportunities with Vea sidelined.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets pass-rusher Jermaine Johnson (Achilles) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans and will not return. The third-year defender had to be carted off the field. With Haason Reddick holding out for a contract extension and Johnson dealing with a serious Achilles injury, the Jets will look for Will McDonald and Takkarist McKinley to handle more opportunities on the end of the defensive line.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (chest) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys. He had 18 rushing yards and one receiving yard at the time of his departure. Hill had been efficient when called upon, but New Orleans' offense really ran through Alvin Kamara in Week 2. Nevertheless, this is tough news for fantasy managers who drafted Hill in hopes of getting running back points at the tight end position.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (ankle) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts and is officially questionable to return. He was making his NFL debut this week after missing Week 1 with a hamstring injury. At the time of his departure, he had 15 rushing yards and three receiving yards. Emanuel Wilson will serve as the primary backup to Josh Jacobs for the duration of Lloyd's absence.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (ankle) exited during the third quarter of Sunday's game against the New York Jets. He was observed walking to the locker room with one shoe removed. At the time of his departure, he had 20 rushing yards, 11 receiving yards, and 22 kick return yards. Tennessee has Tony Pollard atop its depth chart, so he'll continue to handle the bulk of the rushing workload regardless of whether Spears can return. Julius Chestnut would be next on the depth chart.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots linebackers Ja'Whaun Bentley (shoulder) and Oshane Ximines (knee) have been downgraded to out for the remainder of Week 2 versus the Seattle Seahawks. Both are impact players in New England's defense. However, neither player had registered a tackle at the time of their respective departures. Joshua Uche and Raekwon McMillan figure to earn more opportunities with two key linebackers sidelined.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) is officially inactive for Week 2, as expected. He has been designated as the Steelers' emergency third quarterback, which means he could enter the game if both Justin Fields and Kyle Allen suffer injuries and can't return. Fields is on track to make his second consecutive start, and if Pittsburgh starts 2-0, they could continue to ride the hot hand regardless of whether Wilson is healthy in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (quad) exited during the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers and is officially questionable to return. He had been quite productive prior to his departure, catching four passes for 133 yards and one touchdown. Jordan Addison (ankle) was inactive this week, so Minnesota's top receivers will be Jalen Nailor and Trent Sherfield until Jefferson can return. In the event that both Jefferson and Addison can't suit up next week, Nailor would be a solid WR3 option for fantasy purposes.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (ankle) is inactive for Week 2 against the Denver Broncos. Wilson had been listed as questionable after logging a limited practice on Friday. The rookie didn't up last week either, so he's still looking to make his NFL debut. With Wilson sidelined, Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek should earn more opportunities behind George Pickens, Van Jefferson, and Calvin Austin III.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver David Bell (hip) won't return to Sunday's matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The wideout had three catches for 27 yards. Unfortunately, he suffered a hip injury on his last catch of the day. With David Njoku (ankle) ruled out ahead of Week 2 and Pierre Strong Jr. (hamstring) exiting Sunday's contest, the Browns continue to deal with injuries on the offensive side of the ball. Fantasy managers should expect more work for Elijah Moore, Jerry Jeudy, Jerome Ford, and D'Onta Foreman for the rest of the game.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back Pierre Strong Jr. (hamstring) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and will not return. At the time of his departure, he had 10 rushing yards, 25 kick return yards, and -5 receiving yards. Despite some speculation that Strong may operate as the Browns' primary backup running back this week, he was ultimately out-produced by both Jerome Ford and D'Onta Foreman before he exited the contest. Strong will remain off the fantasy radar even if he's healthy enough to play in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) is officially inactive for Sunday's AFC showdown with the Chiefs. There is no surprise here, considering the wideout missed Week 1 and was doubtful heading into Week 2. Fortunately, Joe Burrow has Ja'Marr Chase as his primary pass-catcher. There's also room for Andrei Iosivas, Trenton Irwin, and Mike Gesicki to enter the flex conversation in 12-team fantasy leagues and up.
From RotoBaller
According to NFL insider Jay Glazer, Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) is on the "doubtful side" for Sunday's game against the Texans. The veteran wideout was classified as a game-time decision. However, it appears the Bears will be without Allen, who caught just 4 of 11 targets for 29 yards in Week 1. With Rome Odunze (knee) also in danger of missing the Week 2 festivities, DJ Moore and Cole Kmet could see more attention from Caleb Williams. There's also potential for Velus Jones Jr. and DeAndre Carter to get more involved. Yet, Jones or Carter shouldn't be viewed as anything more than a desperation addition to any fantasy lineup.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (shoulder) is questionable to return to Sunday's matchup with the Cleveland Browns. The 23-year-old took a hard shot while returning a kick, with many assuming he suffered a concussion. However, it appears a shoulder injury is jeopardizing his availability for the remainder of Week 2. Bigsby had 12 carries for 73 yards in Week 1 versus the Dolphins. Yet, he has been quiet on Sunday. At any rate, fantasy managers could see D'Ernest Johnson backing up Travis Etienne Jr. for the remainder of the contest.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (groin) returned to Sunday's meeting with the Detroit Lions. He exited the contest briefly due to a groin issue and was listed as questionable to return. However, while it's good to see White back on the field, fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised to see him receive a reduced workload, with Bucky Irving potentially in line to see more work for the remainder of Week 2. There's also a good chance White appears on the injury report ahead of Tampa's Week 3 clash with the Denver Broncos, meaning fantasy managers should plan in advance.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley (foot) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Titans. The veteran suffered a foot injury. But his day is likely over, considering he was transported to the locker room on a cart. He finished last season by totaling 151 tackles, one of the highest marks of his career. Unfortunately, the situation doesn't look promising regarding Mosley's availability moving ahead. Nonetheless, IDP managers will likely get an update soon.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (head) cleared concussion protocol and returned to Sunday's NFC East battle with the Commanders. The rookie wideout took a shot to the head, resulting in a trip to the blue medical tent for an evaluation. Fortunately, fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief. He popped up on the injury report earlier in the week due to a knee injury. However, he was cleared to suit up after practicing in full on Friday. Without question, the Giants can't afford an injury, considering kicker Graham Gano (groin) left the contest with a groin injury.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (groin) is questionable to return to Sunday's matchup with the Detroit Lions. It's a tough blow for fantasy managers, considering the injury came early in the contest. He'll finish the game with three carries for 12 yards if he can't return. At any rate, there should be an update on White's condition soon. In the meantime, Bucky Irving should handle most of the snaps out of the backfield.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (groin) is doubtful to return to Sunday's matchup with the Washington Commanders. The veteran popped up on Saturday's edition of the injury report because of a groin injury. However, he didn't have a game status, so most assumed he was healthy enough to suit up. While that was true at the time, it now appears the issue could keep him out for the remainder of Week 2. Fantasy managers also shouldn't be surprised to see Gano miss time, although it's too early to speculate. The Giants don't have an emergency replacement, meaning New York may need to be more aggressive than usual on the offensive end for the rest of the contest.
From RotoBaller
