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.
New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers acknowledged he could be playing his last game for the Jets in Week 18 and said he would decide before free agency begins in March if he'll play in 2025. 'I'm just more resigned to the reality of the situation,' Rodgers said. 'I think there's going to be change here, and if I'm a part of the change, then I just want to make sure everybody knows I have nothing but gratitude for my time here.'
Fantasy Spin: Rodgers' mobility has really hindered him this year, and while he showed signs of fantasy merit, he really is an afterthought except in two-QB leagues.
From TheHuddle
Washington Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday ahead of the regular-season finale against Dallas. The fourth-year receiver doesn't have a top-25 finish in PPR formats this year, but has an enticing matchup against a bad Dallas pass defense. Washington has committed to playing its starters, but certainly will be thinking about next week with a berth in the NFC playoffs already clinched. Brown's practice status will be worth watching as the Commanders progress through the week.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin (calf) did not practice with the rest of the team on Wednesday. Conklin apparently picked up a calf injury in the Week 17 loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills in which he had one of his best showings of the season. The 29-year-old caught all eight of his targets for 57 yards and a touchdown, but now his availability will be in question heading into the regular-season finale in Week 18 versus the division-rival Miami Dolphins. If Conklin is unable to get back on the practice field this week, the Jets would have more playing time available for tight ends Jeremy Ruckert and Kenny Yeboah, although neither player would excite fantasy managers setting DFS lineups. In his third year with the Jets in 2024, Conklin has barely moved the fantasy needle, catching 49 passes for 433 yards and three touchdowns on 69 targets in 15 games.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (hamstring) was not able to practice with the rest of the team on Wednesday as they prepare for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Gardner injured his hamstring in the Week 16 loss to the Los Angeles Rams but played in the blowout loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills last weekend, although he aggravated his hamstring in the third quarter and never returned. The Jets have nothing left to play for but pride in the final game of the regular season, so there's a good chance the Jets will hold the 24-year-old out this weekend. If Gardner doesn't get the green light to play in Week 18, Brandin Echols should fill in for him in the secondary. Gardner, the former fourth overall pick in 2022 out of Cincinnati, hasn't been quite as good as he was in his first two NFL season and has 49 combined tackles and one pick in 15 starts.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (ankle, rest) did not practice on Wednesday prior to the regular-season finale against the Dallas Cowboys. Washington rested a number of its major players and will be an interesting case in Week 18. The Commanders have clinched a berth in the playoffs, but are locked into a Wild Card road game with the NFC East having already gone to Philadelphia. Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has said he intends to play starters, which would make McLaurin a WR1 option against a bad Dallas secondary if he plays. But it's worth watching throughout the week.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest) logged a limited practiced on Wednesday ahead of the Week 18 game against Tampa Bay. The veteran receiver has been an extreme boom-or-bust option who surprised with a WR2 finish in Week 10 and caught touchdowns in three straight weeks earlier in the season, but bottomed out with no catches on two targets last week. With the Saints likely to play out the string without quarterback Derek Carr (left hand) and running back Alvin Kamara (groin), MVS is a low-end WR5 option on an offense that isn't worth trusting.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (concussion) did not practice on Wednesday prior to the Week 18 finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If Miller can't clear concussion protocol by Sunday, newly acquired back Clyde Edwards-Helaire seems likely to lead the backfield again, though he drew only five carries last week against Las Vegas. With the Saints way out of the playoff picture and quarterback Derek Carr (left hand) and running back Alvin Kamara (groin) still not practicing, the entire offense looks to be avoidable in any format that still plays Week 18.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (knee) practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday prior to the Week 18 finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The veteran tight end is coming off his best game of the year and led the team in receiving, but times are bleak for the Saints. Johnson has a nice matchup against a Tampa Bay defense that ranks in the bottom 10 against fantasy tight ends, but with Derek Carr (left hand), Alvin Kamara (groin), and Chris Olave (head) all dealing with injuries and the Saints having little incentive to go all out, Johnson should be viewed as a TE2 option if he plays.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (knee) did not practice on Wednesday ahead of Week 18's finale against the Arizona Cardinals. The Ohio State product has been an injury report regular this year, but the knee injury was a new designation after oblique and hip issues earlier in the season. With San Francisco already eliminated from playoff contention, there won't be much reason to push the envelope with the star defensive end, so missing the game certainly seems in play for Bosa. For IDP formats still going in Week 18, managers should have a backup plan at the ready.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (illness, chest) was limited in Wednesday's practice, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. The 49ers will conclude the season at Arizona in Week 18 in a meeting of two teams that have been eliminated from playoff contention. The rookie receiver is coming off his career-best game on Monday against Detroit, going for eight catches, 141 yards, and a touchdown, but the 49ers may be without quarterback Brock Purdy (elbow) and a host of other players, too. Against a solid Cards pass defense, Pearsall is a major risk in DFS or fantasy formats that play Week 18.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (right hand) was limited during Wednesday's practice. The rookie reportedly injured one of his fingers during last Saturday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Maye is expected to recover in time for Week 18 against the Buffalo Bills, and he's in line to start after head coach Jerod Mayo indicated all of New England's healthy starters would play. Nevertheless, it's an interesting story to monitor given that the Patriots would clinch the No. 1 draft pick with a loss on Sunday but could drop as low as No. 5 if they win. There has been ongoing speculation that the Patriots could rest Maye to preserve his health and secure the top pick, but as of now, it sounds like Mayo is going to roll out his starters in hopes of a Week 18 victory.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (back) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimation. The second-year quarterback noted that his back injury limited him physically last week, and there were times when he couldn't even walk or stand up. He feels better now, though, and said that he'll do everything in his power to play on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Shane Steichen echoed this sentiment, saying, "We're hopeful [that Richardson plays]. He's working through his rehab and his treatment right now, so we'll see how the week progresses with that." Richardson should rank as a low-end QB1 facing off against a subpar Jaguars defense.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receivers Kayshon Boutte (illness) and Ja'Lynn Polk (shoulder) did not participate in practice on Wednesday. Boutte has been heavily involved lately, commanding 23 targets over his last four games. His absence from practice is concerning, but the good news is that players are typically able to recover from illnesses within a few days, so Boutte has a real chance to recover in time for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Polk's status is a little more murky after he injured his shoulder in the middle of last week's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The rookie has been quite underwhelming, catching just 12 passes for 87 yards and two touchdowns while struggling with drops. Fantasy managers invested in the statuses of either Boutte or Polk should check back Thursday to see if either receiver can improve to limited or full.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (ankle) was limited during practice on Wednesday. The Chiefs are expected to rest key starters, including Mahomes, in Week 18, so his appearance on the injury report isn't something worth worrying about. In his age-29 season, Mahomes threw for 3,928 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while leading his Chiefs to the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Carson Wentz should start at quarterback against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, but there's been speculation that the Chiefs could also give Chris Oladokun some snaps under center.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans kicker Nick Folk (abdomen) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimation. The veteran kicker has missed two consecutive games due to injury and now faces an uphill battle to play in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Houston Texans. It's an unfortunate ending to what had been an otherwise solid season for Folk. Through 14 games, the 40-year-old went 25-for-25 on extra points and 21-for-22 on field goals. Tennessee has no other kickers on its roster after waiving Matthew Wright, so it's unclear who would handle kicking duties if Folk can't suit up in Week 18.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle) was estimated as a limited participant on Wednesday. The 27-year-old missed last week's game with a combination of his ankle injury and an illness. His absence allowed Tyjae Spears to take over as Tennessee's starter, but Spears picked up a concussion mid-game, forcing the Titans to rely on third-string running back Julius Chestnut. With Spears expected to miss Week 18, Pollard's return comes at a great time. He's trending toward playing in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Houston Texans, ranking as a low-end RB2 in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (concussion) was estimated as a non-participant in practice on Wednesday. Head coach Brian Callahan previously said that Spears would not play in Week 18, and Wednesday's injury report reflects that sentiment. The 23-year-old has flourished over his last three games, totaling 127 rushing yards, 134 receiving yards, and four touchdowns during that span. If there's anything positive to take away from the Titans' injury report, it's the fact that Tony Pollard (ankle) was able to practice in a limited capacity. There appears to be a strong chance that Pollard plays in Week 18, with Julius Chestnut backing him up.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd (foot) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimation. Boyd has made frequent appearances on the injury report this season, but he hasn't missed a game yet. The 30-year-old has consistently operated as the Titans' No. 3 receiver, totaling 39 catches for 390 yards through 16 games. He's still looking for his first touchdown as a member of the Titans, and he's just one game away from finishing a season without a touchdown for the first time in his career. Given that he's behind Calvin Ridley, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Chig Okonkwo in the pecking order, Boyd remains off the fantasy radar and can be left on waivers in most leagues.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (foot) logged a limited session in the team's first practice of the week. Henry hurt his foot in Week 17's blowout loss -- a 40-7 rout against his former team, the Los Angeles Chargers. He commanded just two targets and participated in only 30 snaps in the loss. Both figures are season-lows, and it was the first outing he did not record a catch all year. That he could at least practice in a limited capacity is a boon to his outlook for Week 18. However, seeing him elevate his practice status over the next few days would be good. The Patriots will host the visiting Buffalo Bills in a divisional clash this Sunday. As the game is meaningless for both squads, it's possible that if the veteran TE is closer to the wrong side of questionable, he's rested anyway. Keep an eye on him as the week closes out.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle (ankle, hamstring) did not practice Wednesday, Jan. 1.
Fantasy Spin: Keep an on Kittle's status over the next couple of days. He is a TE1 if he suits up, but with the 49ers eliminated from playoff contention, it wouldn't be a surprise if he is held out for the finale if he isn't close to full strength.
From TheHuddle