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FFL: Week 1 | NFL: Week 1

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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Starts/Sits: Week 1

Player Notes
Antonio Gibson Sep 8 6:00pm ET
Antonio Gibson

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson rushed seven times for 18 yards during Sunday's Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He did not command a target in the passing game. Unsurprisingly, Gibson played behind Rhamondre Stevenson and was far less efficient than the workhorse back. What's peculiar, though, is that Gibson didn't get any looks in the passing game; he averaged three catches per game over his final two seasons with the Washington Commanders. Gibson's next chance to make an impact will come in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks. For now, he can be benched in most 12-team fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Keion White Sep 8 5:50pm ET
Keion White

The New England Patriots defense forced two fumbles, tallied three sacks, and allowed just 10 points during Sunday's Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Keion White led the way defensively with 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble. New England performed better than expected as they were massive underdogs and managed to defeat the Bengals on the road. This result should provide some optimism for Patriots fans and fantasy managers heading into the team's Week 2 clash against the Seattle Seahawks. They'll be worth starting in most leagues next week.

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Rhamondre Stevenson Sep 8 5:50pm ET
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson rushed 25 times for 120 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Stevenson also got involved in the passing game, catching all three of his targets for an additional six yards through the air. The Patriots' offense ran through Stevenson on Sunday, and it seems to have been a recipe for success as they pulled off the upset win. He has continued to prove himself as a talented runner, receiver, and blocker, giving him plenty of fantasy value over the rest of the season. He ranks as a very strong RB2 option heading into next week's home opener against the Seattle Seahawks.

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Jordan Addison Sep 8 5:50pm ET
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) isn't believed to have suffered a significant injury, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport. The wideout injured his left ankle during training camp. However, he tweaked his right ankle in the Week 1 win over the New York Giants. Of course, fantasy managers will know more when the team gets back to Minnesota, where Addison is anticipated to get another evaluation. If he can't go for the Week 2 matchup with the 49ers, Josh Oliver would likely slide into the No. 2 spot behind Justin Jefferson, giving him a small upside for fantasy managers in deeper formats.

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Jaylen Waddle Sep 8 5:40pm ET
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle hauled in all five of his targets for 108 yards in Sunday's 20-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. On the Dolphins' first play of the second quarter, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa hit Waddle short right for a 12-yard gain, but he exited the game afterward and was checked for a concussion. Fortunately for the fourth-year wideout, he was cleared to return to play and finished the game with the second-most yards and third-most receptions on the team. His big play of the day came in the third quarter when Tua found Waddle on a deep crosser that flipped the field for a 63-yard gain. He would also snag another grab that went for 20 yards. Despite the offense's slow start, both superstar wideouts were able to eclipse 100 yards in an encouraging first performance. The Alabama product will look to keep rolling in Week 2 on a short week when he and the Fins square up against their division rival Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football.

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Tyreek Hill Sep 8 5:30pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill caught seven of 12 targets for 130 yards and a touchdown in the Fins' 20-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cheetah got himself into trouble before the game even started, as it was reported police temporarily detained him in a traffic incident just one block away from Hard Rock Stadium. While it was nothing, the Dolphins' offense began the game a bit flat as most of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's passes were short completions that relied on their recipients' yards-after-catch ability. Hill entered the half with an un-Tyreek-like five receptions for 29 yards, but the veteran wideout could only be contained for so long. On Miami's third possession of the second half, Tua hit his No. 1 target on a deep crosser that turned into an electric 80-yard score. He would then add a 21-yard catch on the team's final drive before Jason Sanders drilled a field goal attempt with time expiring to give the Dolphins the win. Hill will be on a short week of rest ahead of a juicy matchup against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night.

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Raheem Mostert Sep 8 5:20pm ET
Raheem Mostert

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert rushed six times for nine yards in the Dolphins' 20-17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He added two receptions for ten yards on three targets. Oof. Miami couldn't get anything going on the ground as Jeff Wilson Jr. led all rushers with 26 yards and a long gain of 14. It's a bit of a letdown for Mostert as his committee-mate De'Von Achane out-touched him 17-to-8 and out-gained him 100-to-19 while plunging in a one-yard score. It's too early to tell whether this distribution of touches is a trend or an anomaly in Miami's backfield. Still, it's an intriguing development after head coach Mike McDaniel endorsed the tenth-year vet as the team's lead back during the off-season. Mostert and the Fins will be on short rest this week as they're slated to square off against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football. Expect a lot of action as this matchup presents a robust 51.5 combined point total.

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Geno Smith Sep 8 5:20pm ET
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle George Fant (knee) won't return to Sunday's game against the Broncos. The situation certainly didn't look good, as the veteran couldn't put weight on his leg. He also needed assistance to the locker room. Fant, who signed with the team in March, was brought in to bolster an offensive line that isn't loaded with talent. With that said, there will likely be an update soon. However, any injury to the offensive line isn't good news for Geno Smith and company.

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Andrei Iosivas Sep 8 5:10pm ET
Andrei Iosivas

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas had three catches for 26 yards in Sunday's loss to New England. With Tee Higgins (hamstring) out, and Ja'Marr Chase (illness, hold-in) cleared to suit up at the last minute, Iosivas couldn't take advantage. In all fairness, it wasn't a good day for the entire team, so the wideout can't take all the blame for the underwhelming performance. At any rate, Higgins and Chase aren't a lock to be available in Week 2 versus the Kansas City Chiefs. If they don't play, Iosivas remains in the flex conversation, even if his fantasy ceiling isn't as high as it was entering the opener.

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Devon Achane Sep 8 5:00pm ET
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane rushed 10 times for 25 yards and one touchdown in their 20-17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He also hauled in all seven of his targets for 75 yards. The Dolphins run game couldn't get much going against a tough Jags' front seven that allowed a long gain of just 14 on the ground to backup Jeff Wilson Jr. However, it was a busy game for Achane, as he led all Miami rushers in carries and was second on the team behind Tyreek Hill with his seven targets. It's an encouraging outing for the second-year speedster, as he out-carried and out-targeted his running mate Raheem Mostert by four and out-gained him 100-19 in total yardage. The Texas A&M product's highlight of the day came on Miami's first drive when Tua Tagovailoa hit him on a swing pass to the right side of the field. Achane followed his blocks perfectly, bobbing, weaving, and breaking tackles en route to a 39-yard gain. It will be a short week of rest for him and the Dolphins, as they are slated to take on the Buffalo Bills this coming Thursday on Thursday Night Football.

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Jordan Addison Sep 8 5:00pm ET
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (right ankle) will be re-evaluated when the team returns home, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert. Head coach Kevin O'Connell noted that Addison injured his left ankle in training camp, but this new injury is to his right ankle. Addison departed Week 1 after catching three passes for 35 yards. Jalen Nailor will likely operate as the Vikings' No. 2 receiver if Addison misses time, but the bulk of his targets might instead get dispersed to Justin Jefferson, Johnny Mundt, and Josh Oliver.

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Ja'Marr Chase Sep 8 4:40pm ET
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (illness, hold-in) was cleared to suit up shortly before the meeting with the Patriots. Unfortunately, it didn't matter, with Cincinnati dropping Week 1 to New England. Tee Higgins (hamstring) wasn't available. However, while there was a chance of a limited workload for Chase, fantasy managers were still happy to see the green light. Overall, it wasn't a bad game for the wideout, amassing a game-high six grabs for 62 yards. Still, fantasy managers were expecting more from the former LSU Tiger. At any rate, Chase's availability for Week 2 isn't guaranteed if he doesn't get the new contract he desires. Yet, if he's on the field against the Chiefs, he's still a must-start, considering he'll get it together at some point.

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Tua Tagovailoa Sep 8 4:40pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 23-of-37 passes for 336 yards and one touchdown in the team's 20-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. He added one scramble for a gain of 11 yards. It was tough sledding on the ground for Miami throughout this one, and their offense looked a bit sluggish in the early going. Most of Tagovailoa's passes were short in the beginning portion of the game, but that changed significantly around the mid-point of the third quarter. The Dolphins' signal caller hit a streaking Jaylen Waddle deep down-field, and the speedy wideout turned up the sideline for a huge 63-yard gain. Then, on Miami's next drive -- on the first play --, Tua hit Tyreek Hill on a deep crosser that he turned up the left sideline for an 80-yard score. Overall, it was a fine opening performance for the Dolphins' offense. The fifth-year veteran will have a quick turnaround in Week 2 when he squares up against Josh Allen and their division-rival Buffalo Bills.

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Mike Tomlin Sep 8 4:40pm ET
Mike Tomlin

Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston (leg) suffered a "serious injury" during Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons, head coach Mike Tomlin told the media. Johnston was in serious pain after being hit during a punt attempt in Week 1. It's a crushing blow for the Steelers, who were optimistic that they had solved their punting woes ahead of the 2024 campaign. Instead, it looks like Johnston will miss extended time, leaving Pittsburgh searching for yet another player to plug in at punter.

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Chase Brown Sep 8 4:30pm ET
Chase Brown

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown struggled in Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots. He was a popular option in fantasy drafts heading into the 2023-24 campaign, often getting selected over Zack Moss. However, Chase didn't get anything going in Week 1, finishing with only 11 yards off three carries, adding three catches for 12 yards. With that said, Moss, who ended the day by amassing 44 yards and a touchdown off nine touches, appears to be the preferred option out of the backfield for Cincinnati. As a result, Brown isn't the safest fantasy option in Week 2 against the Chiefs, although there's still a chance he could get more involved than he was in the opener.

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Zack Moss Sep 8 4:20pm ET
Zack Moss

Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss led his team in rushing on Sunday. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough, with the Bengals dropping Week 1 to the Patriots. Tee Higgins (hamstring) didn't suit up, and Ja'Marr Chase (illness, hold-in) wasn't cleared until shortly before kickoff. As a result, Joe Burrow struggled. Despite the Bengals needing to play catch-up for most of the contest, Moss still had a decent fantasy showing, running for 44 yards off nine carries. He also found the end zone and brought in two passes for 17 yards. For the Bengals to get anything out of the backfield moving ahead, the team must get it together on the receiving end. For now, Moss remains a must-start in most fantasy setups in the Week 2 battle with the Chiefs. However, things may change if Higgins isn't cleared to play and Chase remains a limited participant at practice during the week.

From RotoBaller

Jeff Okudah Sep 8 4:10pm ET
Jeff Okudah

Houston Texans cornerback Jeff Okudah (hip) has been ruled out of the Texans' game against the Indianapolis Colts. The former No. 3 overall pick signed with the Texans this offseason after four underwhelming seasons in Detroit and Atlanta. Okudah does project to be an important depth piece for the Texans as a rotational corner. If his injury is serious, his absence would negatively impact the Texans' defense.

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Joe Burrow Sep 8 4:10pm ET
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow couldn't lead his team to a win over the Patriots on Sunday. Tee Higgins (hamstring) wasn't available, and Ja'Marr Chase (illness, hold-in) was cleared shortly before opening kick. As a result, the signal-caller struggled, throwing for only 164 yards off 21-for-29 passing. He added four carries for 15 yards. Without question, Burrow will need Higgins and Chase on the field for the Bengals Week 2 meeting with the Kansas City Chiefs. If Higgins remains out and Chase doesn't get a new contract, fantasy managers may want to strongly consider keeping Burrow out of the starting lineup.

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Marshon Lattimore Sep 8 4:00pm ET
Marshon Lattimore

New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) is questionable to return against the Panthers. Lattimore is an extremely important piece of a solid defense and any length of absence would be a big loss for the Saints. The Saints' defense has started off 2024 strong as they are currently holding the Carolina Panthers to 10 points midway through the fourth quarter. They will need Lattimore in the lineup to continue that success as the season wears on. Lattimore is also going to be important to the success of the Saints D/ST which projects to be a solid streaming option in fantasy throughout the season.

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Trey Palmer Sep 8 3:50pm ET
Trey Palmer

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Trey Palmer (concussion) is active in Week 1. Palmer had managed to log several full practices throughout the week and ultimately proved that he was ready to go on game day. Palmer is listed as the Buccaneers No. 4 wide receiver. He caught 39 passes for 385 yards and three touchdowns in 2023. He should be a solid contributor to the Buccaneers' success in 2024, however, he is not worth much of a look in fantasy.

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