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
RTSports Super Bowl Preview
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert caught each of his two targets for a total of 27 yards during Sunday's Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs. The veteran receiver struggled to overcome competition for touches in 2024, losing key opportunities to players like Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith. In fact, he wasn't even targeted in the second half of Sunday's big game. (One potential explanation is that the Eagles went run-heavy for most of the third and fourth quarters to drain the clock.) All in all, Goedert still has mid-range TE1 fantasy upside, but his floor dips significantly into the TE2 tier. As a result, we view him as a fringe top-12 fantasy tight end option heading into the 2025 season.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott went 4-for-4 on field goals and 4-for-4 on extra points during Sunday's Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Although Elliott was very shaky from beyond 50 yards during the regular season, he seemed to have no trouble with distance this Sunday, converting from 29, 48, 48, and 50 yards out. Furthermore, most of his attempts went straight down the middle and had plenty of distance to spare. Those who stuck with Elliott through his 2024 woes were brave souls, and the investment paid off with Elliott's busy night on Sunday.
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The Philadelphia Eagles' defense allowed 22 points, sacked Patrick Mahomes six times, and forced a pair of turnovers during their win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Josh Sweat led the way defensively with 2.5 sacks, and Milton Williams added two of his own. Furthermore, Zack Baun had an interception while Cooper DeJean handled a pick-six. Despite staying away from blitzing, the Eagles' defense had its way against the Chiefs, rattling Patrick Mahomes with their coverage and pass rush skills. The Philadelphia defense's rise from 2023 to 2024 form was inspiring, and it makes them a top-three D/ST option for fantasy football leagues next year.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith caught four of his five targets for 69 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs. The 26-year-old epitomized consistency over the last month, catching exactly four passes in each of his four playoff games. At times, Smith has looked more productive than A.J. Brown, and he got the edge over his teammate on Sunday by pacing all Eagles receivers in catches and yards. Although Smith himself had some inconsistent moments throughout the regular season, there is no denying that he is a talented player in an incredibly potent offense. Even as he loses some opportunities to Brown, Saquon Barkley, and Jalen Hurts, there is clearly a path for Smith to finish as a mid-range WR2 in 2025 fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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According to the team, Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Brandon Graham (elbow) is officially active for the Super Bowl. Graham has been on the injured reserve since suffering a torn triceps following their Week 12 contest against the Los Angeles Rams. Graham was able to log two limited practice sessions to end the week and was eventually activated off injured reserve on Saturday. Before his injury, Graham tallied 20 tackles, five assists, and 3.5 sacks across 11 games. Graham will look to play a critical role for the Philadelphia defense on Sunday afternoon, as he did during their victory in Super Bowl LII, where he forced a fumble on Tom Brady in the final minutes to seal the win for the Eagles. Graham should be deployed as a starter as an outside linebacker.
From RotoBaller
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the New York Jets could move on from wide receiver Davante Adams. Rapoport noted that with the Jets and Aaron Rodgers expected to part ways, the team is unlikely to keep his longtime receiver on the roster as well. The Jets traded for Adams prior to their Week 8 tilt against the Pittsburgh Steelers. During his time with the Jets, Adams averaged a strong 77.6 yards per game with seven touchdowns. He saw 10.4 targets per game and brought in 6.1 passes per game. Despite the Jets falling short of expectations, Adams posted his fifth-straight 1,000-yard campaign. Even though Adams will be entering his age-32 campaign, he should still be viewed as a solid WR2 heading into the 2025 campaign, even if he is playing for a new team.
From RotoBaller
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the New Orleans Saints will decide on the future of their quarterback, Derek Carr, in the next few weeks. With the Saints over the salary cap, they may opt to part ways with Carr to shed salary. Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network noted that he expects Carr to have several suitors if he were to enter the open market. The 33-year-old was only able to play in 10 games this season due to an oblique and hand injury. Across this stint, Carr averaged 214.5 passing yards per game with a 15:5 TD:INT ratio. While Carr was sidelined, rookie Spencer Rattler saw most of the starting opportunities. If the team were to part ways with Carr, Rattler would likely be given an opportunity to compete for the starting job during training camp. Rattler tallied 1,317 yards during his rookie season with a 4:5 TD:INT ratio. In addition, the Saints may also target a quarterback with the ninth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
From RotoBaller
