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.
When asked if Cincinnati Bengals rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton would warrant more snaps if Tee Higgins (hamstring) remains out in Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs, head coach Zac Taylor said, "I think Jermaine is making progress." Higgins hurt his hamstring last Thursday in practice and didn't play in the Week 1 loss to the New England Patriots. It wasn't a good sign that the 23-year-old Burton played just 8% of the offensive snaps behind Ja'Marr Chase, Andrei Iosivas, Trenton Irwin and Charlie Jones. Burton was selected in the third round of the NFL draft back in April but reportedly struggled with his professionalism during offseason workouts and in training camp. The talent is there, but it sounds like Burton needs to mature behind the scenes before he can expect to have any kind of significant role in the Bengals offense. He's merely a dynasty/keeper stash for now.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (hip) was listed as a limited participant for the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Starter Rhamondre Stevenson was also limited, but that was for rest purposes and not an injury. Gibson was also limited in two practices last week but he eventually suited up in his Patriots debut in the surprising Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He had a small role behind Stevenson, playing only 22% of the offensive snaps while seeing seven carries for 18 yards. Gibson wasn't targeted in the passing game. Barring a setback later this week, Gibson should be fine to play in Week 2 at home against the Seattle Seahawks. However, in a low-volume, low-upside offense currently being game managed by veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett, we can't realistically recommend Gibson as even a flex play in most fantasy setups.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle) was a limited participant in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday, which was a light walkthrough. Jennings briefly left the field in Monday night's win over the New York Jets due to an ankle injury, but he returned to the action and caught all five of his targets for 64 yards. He played just under half of the team's offensive snaps and likely had an elevated role with Deebo Samuel Jr. being more involved in the backfield and with the team easing Brandon Aiyuk back in after a lengthy contract hold-in during training camp. The 27-year-old's ankle injury likely isn't serious enough to keep him sidelined for a Week 2 tilt against the Minnesota Vikings, but if it is, Chris Conley and Ronnie Bell would compete for more playing time. Jennings is currently rostered in only 1% of Yahoo leagues.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said on Wednesday that veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (knee) should be closer to full-go for the Week 2 game against the New York Jets, but the team will still be mindful of what they ask him to do as he gets into shape. As a result, Callahan said he sees Hopkins' role growing in practice and this coming Sunday after he played just 27% of the offensive snaps in the Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears, which ranked fourth behind Calvin Ridley, Tyler Body, and even Treylon Burks. The 32-year-old finished with just one catch on his only target for eight yards. Expect to see Hopkins on the field more this weekend, but against one of the best secondaries in the league, fantasy managers would probably be wise to keep Hopkins on their benches as he continues to work past a knee injury. Hopkins practiced in full on Wednesday.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday due to an ankle injury. Apparently Schultz is a little gimpy after the team's Week 1 win over the division-rival Indianapolis Colts. The 28-year-old played a healthy 79 percent of the team's offensive snaps but disappointed his fantasy managers in the season opener by catching all three of his targets for just 16 yards. His status for the rest of the week should now closely be monitored, and he could head into Sunday's Week 2 game against the visiting Chicago Bears with an injury designation. Schultz is on the TE1/2 borderline most weeks given all the mouths to feed in Houston's passing game. If Schultz's injury is too serious for him to play this weekend, Brevin Jordan would most likely take his spot as the top pass-catching tight end for the Texans on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (knee) was listed on the team's first practice report for Week 2 on Wednesday, but he practiced in full and should be fine to play this Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. It's something to watch moving forward, but it shouldn't make fantasy managers hesitant to use the 27-year-old signal-caller as a QB1 in starting lineups this weekend. Murray was inconsistent in the Week 1 loss on the road to the Buffalo Bills, going 21-for-31 for 162 yards and a touchdown. He also had five carries for 57 yards and a lost fumble. Murray connected with rookie first-round receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. just once for four yards. It's nothing to be too concerned about yet, and Murray's rushing abilities at QB give him QB1 upside most weeks. Expect Murray to look Harrison's way a lot more in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf), who didn't play in the season-opening win over the Atlanta Falcons, opened the week on the injury report and was limited on Wednesday. "He feels better (Tuesday) than he did over the weekend," said head coach Mike Tomlin of Wilson. "But as I sit here Tuesday, we're preparing as if Justin is going to be our quarterback. I think that's the appropriate way to do it. Speculation is a waste of time." Fields didn't do anything to wow and didn't even lead the offense to a single touchdown, but he didn't turn the ball over, which is most important. For now, Wilson is day-to-day, but things are trending toward Fields getting a second straight start in Denver in Week 2 against the Broncos. Until he can get back on the field, the 35-year-old Wilson is only worth stashing in superflex fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson (ankle) was a limited participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Steelers.com's Teresa Varley writes that things are looking up for Wilson, who didn't play at all in the preseason or the season-opening win over the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday. "Expect an uptick in the participation of guys like Roman Wilson, who's working his way back to us, who's a partial participant at times and so forth," said head coach Mike Tomlin. "We're excited about getting him in the fold and seeing him maybe take a step." The third-rounder was also limited all of last week before being inactive on Sunday. There is plenty of opportunity in Pittsburgh's inexperienced receiving corps, but it's hard to expect Wilson to have much of a role when he gets fully healthy after all the developmental time he missed in training camp and the preseason.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (thigh) continues to deal with a thigh injury and was listed as limited for the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Lockett has been dealing with a thigh injury since the middle of August at training camp. He also was limited in practices last week but ultimately suited up for the Week 1 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday. Lockett played 54 percent of the offensive snaps, which was third behind DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but he still managed to catch six of seven targets for a healthy 77 yards. As he gets healthier, the 31-year-old's snap count should rise, and he should be able to play in Week 2 against the New England Patriots unless he suffers a setback in practice later this week. Lockett is shaping up as a WR4/flex play for fantasy managers for the second week in a row.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (toe) was listed as a limited practice participant on Wednesday. In addition to Fant, fellow tight end Pharaoh Brown (foot) was limited due to a foot injury. Fant was also limited in practice early last week before ultimately suiting up in the Week 1 win over his former team, the Denver Broncos. In the season-opening victory, the 26-year-old caught just two of four targets for 11 yards while playing 75 percent of the offensive snaps for Seattle. Barring a setback with his toe injury, he should be just fine to play in Week 2 against the New England Patriots. Fant took a major step back in this offense last year, so unless one or two of the Seahawks' trio of wide receivers go down with an injury, he's likely to be a low-upside, low-floor, low-end TE2 option for fantasy managers in 2024.
From RotoBaller
When asked if the door is open for Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) to suit up in Week 2 this Sunday at Lambeau Field against the Indianapolis Colts, head coach Matt LaFleur said, "I'd say it's pretty open." Love did not practice on Wednesday after suffering a Grade 1/2 MCL sprain in his left knee at the very end of the season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last Friday in Brazil. The Packers are not placing the 25-year-old on Injured Reserve, which means they are confident he can return within the next four games. However, despite LaFleur's comments about Love having a shot to play this weekend, fantasy managers should have already formulated a plan to be without Love in Week 2 and possibly beyond. Love's injury typically comes with a three- to six-week timetable, so the smart money is on him missing multiple weeks. The Packers offense could struggle mightily with backup Malik Willis under center in the meantime.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) did not take part in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Walker suffered an oblique injury in the Week 1 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday, but luckily his injury forced him out of the game late and he was able to provide 20 carries for 103 yards and a touchdown before leaving. He also added two catches for six yards. The 23-year-old is considered day-to-day as of Wednesday, but his status for the Week 2 contest against the New England Patriots is very much up in the air. Walker is a low-end RB1/high-end RB2 if he's active as Seattle's lead back, but it wouldn't be a surprise if he carries a questionable tag into the weekend. If Walker doesn't get cleared to play, backup Zach Charbonnet would work as Seattle's starting RB. Charbonnet is rostered in only 51% of Yahoo leagues currently.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) was given a rest day at practice on Wednesday, according to head coach Matt Eberflus. The Bears will evaluate Allen on Thursday and see where he's at. Allen tweaked a heel injury that he also dealt with in training camp in August in the Week 1 season-opening victory over the Tennessee Titans and even went into the medical tent on the sideline to be checked, but he eventually returned to the field and finished out the game. In addition to Allen, rookie Rome Odunze's (knee) is dealing with an MCL sprain and may not be able to play in Week 2 at the Houston Texans. The 32-year-old Allen's status should be closely monitored the next few days. If both he and Odunze are unable to play against the Texans, DJ Moore will see as many targets as he can handle, with tight end Cole Kmet also see a sizeable uptick in targets from rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist) said that his surgically-repaired right wrist is not impacting his ability to throw the ball down the field. Burrow was seen flexing his right wrist on the sideline of the Week 1 upset loss to the New England Patriots, but he said it's normal and he does it all the time to keep the joint loose after his offseason surgery. The 27-year-old practiced in full on Wednesday and will be ready to roll for a tough Week 2 date this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. Burrow struggled mightily in the season opener without receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) and after not practicing with Ja'Marr Chase at all during training camp and the preseason. Higgins could miss another game this weekend. We're expecting Burrow and Cincy's offense to eventually figure it out, but after the ugly Week 1 performance, Burrow is more on the QB2 radar than the QB1 for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) wouldn't practice on Wednesday and instead would stay inside and get treatment on his injured ankle. Addison injured his right ankle in the Week 1 blowout win over the New York Giants, and it's unclear exactly if he will be able to play in Week 2 this Sunday versus the San Francisco 49ers. The Vikings are hopeful that the 22-year-old second-year pass-catch can play against the Niners, but they are playing it smart with his ankle, and it will ultimately come down to how much Addison can do in practice later this week. Despite the Vikings winning comfortably in Week 1, Addison had only three catches on four targets for 35 yards. If he's inactive in Week 2 or limited at all by his ankle, Jalen Nailor and Brandon Powell will compete for targets behind WR1 Justin Jefferson.
From RotoBaller
When asked if the team's Week 6 bye will help get Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee), and offensive linemen Steve Avila (knee) and Joe Noteboom (ankle) back after only missing the required four games while on Injured Reserve, head coach Sean McVay said, "They each have unique injuries that as of right now could keep them out longer than that." The Rams officially placed all three players on IR on Wednesday, meaning they have to sit out Weeks 2-5. The 23-year-old Nacua will have an extra week to recover because of the team's bye, but it sounds like he may not even be ready for Week 7 against the Raiders due to a PCL sprain in his right knee that he suffered in the Week 1 loss to the Lions. WR1 Cooper Kupp is going to eat with Nacua sidelined, while Demarcus Robinson and Tyler Johnson will also be much more involved in the passing game, as well as tight end Colby Parkinson.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos running back Audric Estime (ankle) was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday, forcing him to miss at least four games. The rookie running back had a limited role in the Week 1 26-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, totaling two rushing attempts for 14 yards, including a 12-yard rush. While the former Notre Dame star was the No. 3 running back on the depth chart, his time on injured reserve could open up playing time for Blake Watson. The undrafted free-agent running back is worth adding in dynasty and deeper redraft leagues. Meanwhile, Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin should again receive most of the backfield workload in the Week 2 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau (concussion) practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday, according to Nick Underhill of New Orleans Football. Moreau left Sunday's game early due to concussion protocol and did not return. Before the injury, Moreau caught all four of his targets for 43 yards and a touchdown. Seeing the 27-year-old on the practice field is a good sign for his potential status for Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys. However, he will need to pass a specific concussion protocol in order to suit up. Given his workload in the season opener, Moreau is shaping up to be a solid TE2 if he plays on Sunday. However, if he is unable to play, Juwan Johnson is likely to see an increase in snaps.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (back) was limited in practice on Wednesday with a back injury according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. The Packers are likely easing the practice workload on their newly acquired running back prior to their Week 2 match against the Indianapolis Colts. Jacobs saw a heavy workload on Friday evening against the Eagles as presumed backup MarShawn Lloyd was inactive with a hamstring injury. Jacobs logged a hefty 42 offensive snaps in that game. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Jacobs' status prior to the weekend. Lloyd was also a limited participant in practice as well. If Jacobs were to face any limitations in Week 2, Emmanuel Wilson will likely see an uptick in work.
From RotoBaller
In Week 2, the Miami Dolphins will face their division rivals, the Buffalo Bills, on Thursday Night Football. The Dolphins are 2.5-point favorites, while the matchup has a 48-point implied total for the two teams. Miami's D held up well against Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday in their 20-17 victory. They allowed just 139 yards and a score through the air against the Jags, though they did let up 128 and a score on the ground. While Josh Allen might be missing his leading wide receivers from 2023, he still found a way to put up 271 total yards and four combined scores against the Cardinals. Miami's defense fared better in their second matchup (at home) against Buffalo in 2023, but they got gashed for 48 points in Week 4 when they took them on in Buffalo. The unit can be left on waivers and benches ahead of Week 2 as RotoBaller's DEF24.
From RotoBaller