Guest of the League
TBL2 Est. 2008
FFL: Week 10 | NFL: Week 10

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.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 10

Player Notes
Christian McCaffrey Nov 10 11:20pm ET
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey made his 2024 debut in a 23-20 victory in Tampa over the Buccaneers on Sunday. In a bit of a fantasy disappointment to managers waiting for a return on their first-round investment, McCaffrey took 13 carries for 37 yards rushing and caught six of seven targets for 68 yards receiving. Credit should go to Tampa Bay's ground defense for consistently bottling up San Francisco's rushing attack. If not for one 13-yard rush, McCaffrey would have averaged 2.2 yards per carry. Still, today's game represents the floor for a healthy McCaffrey. Importantly for CMC managers who remain in the playoff hunt, there were no signs of a setback with the dual Achilles tendinitis that held him out until today. McCaffrey did come off the field a few times, probably due to some combination of the Florida heat and his conditioning, but he only ceded two carries to his backups. Assuming he came away unscathed, McCaffrey is a must-start in Week 11 versus Seattle.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Nov 10 11:13pm ET
Aaron Rodgers

Dynasty | Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 22-of-35 passes for 151 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions in a loss against Arizona. Dynasty Analysis: This is about as bad as it gets for the Jets and Rodgers, who are now 3-7 on the season and a team quickly fading into irrelevance. Rodgers himself just hasn't looked like himself on the year and now has just 2,258 passing yards with 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions on the season. He also had a costly fumble at the three yard line that turned the game on its head. The Jets were listless on the day and it's fair to wonder what we can expect from this group moving forward. Rodgers is a QB2 right now with a dynasty value that's really hit the skids.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Davante Adams Nov 10 11:13pm ET
Davante Adams

Dynasty | Jets wide receiver Davante Adams had six catches for 31 yards in the Jets loss to Arizona. Dynasty Analysis: Adams was targeted 13 times (seven more than any other Jets player), but that resulted in meager results. The Jets simply look lost and the addition of Adams looks now like a desperation play that's going to fail to turn anything around. He'll continue to be a volume based option, but it's going to be at "boom or bust" WR2 levels at best. It's hard to see Adams being a huge difference maker the rest of the way and while he could be a target for dynasty managers who are contending, he's also one poised to disappoint each and every one of them.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Trey Lance Nov 10 11:13pm ET
Trey Lance

Dynasty | Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush completed 13-of-23 passes for 45 yards in a blowout loss to Philadelphia. Dynasty Analysis: Yikes. This was about as bad as it gets and Rush was eventually replaced by Trey Lance. The Cowboys offense was only able to muster 146 total yards, and that was with the Eagles defense resting virtually the entire fourth quarter. We'll see where the Cowboys turn moving forward, but it would be no surprise to see a 3-6 Dallas team turn to Lance to see if he has anything to give them the rest of the way. Rush has no dynasty value at this point, especially after this disaster.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

CeeDee Lamb Nov 10 11:13pm ET
CeeDee Lamb

Dynasty | Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb had six catches for 21 yards in a loss to Philadelphia. Dynasty Analysis: Ugh. The Cowboys are a total disaster and regardless of his immense talent, Lamb just isn't going to be able to overcome this most weeks. Today was clearly a disappointing one as he was targeted ten times but just couldn't break off anything of substance. Lamb is going to be a WR2 option unless one of the Dallas quarterbacks can show some semblance of rhythm moving forward. It's quickly looking like a lost season for anyone with a star on their helmet.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Will Levis Nov 10 11:13pm ET
Will Levis

Dynasty | Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley had five catches for 84 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to the Chargers. Dynasty Analysis: Ridley now has 32 targets over his last three games after complaining about his role in the offense. While his production is bound to be spotty (he has just one 100-yard game this year), the Titans have little choice but to get him the ball. On the plus side, Will Levis did look a lot better today than he has in most weeks, so there's that. Ridley will be a plus WR2 moving forward and his dynasty value has evened out over the past couple of weeks.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Gus Edwards Nov 10 11:13pm ET
Gus Edwards

Dynasty | Chargers running back JK Dobbins had 50 rushing yards, three catches and five receiving yards in a win against Tennessee. Dynasty Analysis: Dobbins has had a great start to the year, but he shared the load with Gus Edwards today and that's going to be a major concern moving forward. If the Chargers make this more of a committee again, this could be a major problem moving forward for dynasty managers. Dobbins is going to be a sketchy play until we see how Los Angeles is going utilize these players moving forward.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Will Levis Nov 10 11:13pm ET
Will Levis

Dynasty | Titans quarterback Will Levis completed 18-of-23 passes for 175 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in a loss against the Chargers. Dynasty Analysis: Levis and the Titans lost the game, but this was about as good as he's looked all season. With the Titans at 2-7, you can bet the second half of the season will be used to evaluate Levis more than anything else. He passed the test today, but has to string together some good games moving forward to really create any buzz amongst dynasty managers. At this point, the Titans look to be a team looking for a new start in the 2025 NFL Draft, but Levis will at least have some say in that. He remains a player worth holding, but he's hardly a sure thing at this point.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Chris Olave Nov 10 11:13pm ET
Chris Olave

Dynasty | Saints receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling had three catches for 109 yards and a touchdown in a win against Atlanta. Dynasty Analysis: Well, OK then. MVS is traditionally pretty streaky and this one came out of nowhere. The challenge here is the fact he did all his damage on only three catches and three targets. A boom or bust player if there ever was one, he'll look to keep things going on a team in dire need of pass catchers with Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave both on the shelf. MVS is roster worthy, but we're going to see a lot more before recommending him in lineups.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Audric Estime Nov 10 11:13pm ET
Audric Estime

Dynasty | Broncos running back Javonte Williams had one rushing yard, two catches and six receiving yards in a loss to Kansas City. Dynasty Analysis: Meanwhile, Audric Estime had 14 carries in the game. It's hard to say if this is going to be a permanent move to the rookie, but Williams saw just 16 snaps in a game that was close all the way through. Sean Payton is notoriously hard to read, but Williams should be on fantasy benches moving forward until it shakes out. His dynasty value is starting to tank and today may speed that up.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Caleb Williams Nov 10 11:13pm ET
Caleb Williams

Dynasty | Bears quarterback Caleb Williams completed 16-of-30 passes for 120 yards in a loss to the Patriots. Dynasty Analysis: The Bears clearly have not gotten over the hail mary defeat that was inflicted on them against Washington two weeks ago and this was rock bottom for their season. Williams led a listless offense that put up only 142 total yards on the day against a team that came in at 2-7 on the season. Williams himself looks like a player who is hitting the rookie wall a little early and despite his 30 attempts, he was only able to post those 120 yards. He won't be a recommended option moving forward and while he has shown some flashes, dynasty managers need to see more from him moving forward to build around him.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Drake Maye Nov 10 11:13pm ET
Drake Maye

Dynasty | Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye completed 15-of-25 passes for 184 yards with one touchdown and one interception in a win against Chicago. Dynasty Analysis: Oddly enough, Maye didn't have to do too much against a Bears team that looks like they're stuck in molasses at the moment. For his part, Maye did make some plays here and there but also simply minimized mistakes. He's certainly had some bright spots this year and while today won't light up the fantasy scoreboard, it looks like he's a future QB2 in dynasty leagues at worst.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Darnell Mooney Nov 10 11:10pm ET
Darnell Mooney

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney was targeted 10 times on Sunday, catching five passes for 96 yards in the 20-17 loss to the Saints. The 27-year-old has caught five passes in three of the last four games and went over 86 yards receiving for the fifth time this season. Despite not finding the end zone, the fifth-year pro remains highly productive in this Atlanta offense, especially in PPR formats. The former fifth-round draft pick has 684 yards receiving thus far, which is sixth-most in the NFL and 35 more than teammate Drake London (649), while finding paydirt five times. Week 11 poses a challenge, however, as the Falcons travel to Denver against a strong pass defense. Mooney projects as a WR2 in that matchup.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Nov 10 11:00pm ET
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray was sensational in the Cardinals' 31-6 victory over the New York Jets. Murray's official stat line was 22/24 for 266 passing yards and one passing touchdown while adding 21 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Murray had very few negative plays and operated the Cardinals' offense with elite efficiency, helping to end the game early. Murray and rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. got back on track, connecting for a 9-yard touchdown reception. With the Cardinals' offense firing on all cylinders and a favorable upcoming schedule, Kyler Murray is a must-start for the foreseeable future. However, fantasy managers must look to other options in Week 11, when the Cardinals are on a bye.

From RotoBaller

Sam LaPorta Nov 10 11:00pm ET
Sam LaPorta

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (shoulder) suffered a shoulder injury in the Sunday night game against the Houston Texans and is considered questionable to return in the second half. The good news for LaPorta's fantasy managers is that the 23-year-old second-year tight end already had a season-high 66 receiving yards on three receptions with his third touchdown of the season before injuring his shoulder. The Texans' defense has made it a point to limit top Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown on Sunday night, which has led to LaPorta being wide open for several big gains on the evening. It's unclear how serious LaPorta's injury is or if it will put him in danger of missing the Week 11 contest next Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. If LaPorta ends up missing any time with his shoulder injury, Brock Wright and Shane Zylstra will see more snaps, with Wright being the better pass-catching option.

From RotoBaller

Adonai Mitchell Nov 10 10:50pm ET
Adonai Mitchell

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell capitalized on the absence of Michael Pittman Jr. in Week 10, snaring all six of his targets for 71 yards in Sunday's 30-20 loss to the Bills. The six catches and the yardage total were both easily season-highs for the rookie wideout who had two catches or less in eight of nine games coming into Sunday. The Colts selected him in the second round of this year's draft and after this performance, another solid week could be in the cards for the 22-year-old should Pittman miss another week. It could be tough to replicate though in Week 11 as the Colts face the Jets in the Meadowlands next Sunday, a pass defense that has been superb at limiting production to pass catchers. The product out of the University of Texas should be on the WR4/5 map if Pittman misses another week.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Nov 10 10:10pm ET
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith reeled in 2-of-3 targets for 14 yards in the team's 34-6 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Smith wasn't called on to do much in this one -- nor was much of the Eagles' offense -- as no other pass-catcher but fellow wideout A.J. Brown recorded more than 27 yards receiving. Quarterback Jalen Hurts combined for four total touchdowns on the afternoon while the Cowboys could not muster an iota of offense. If fantasy managers can find any solace in the subpar performance, the Alabama product was tied for second on the team in targets with tight end Dallas Goedert. Smith should be used more frequently his next time out when Philadelphia faces off against their division-rival Washington Commanders at home this Thursday night.

From RotoBaller

Jalen McMillan Nov 10 10:00pm ET
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan was banged up heading into this game, but ended up being active ahead of this Week 10 contest. However, fantasy managers might not have noticed McMillan was active given his performance. The rookie wideout finished with a goose egg as he wasn't targeted in the loss to the San Francisco 49ers. This is not a good sign given the Bucs are already limited at the wideout spot. It shows that the Bucs don't have much faith in their third-round rookie. Fantasy managers in dynasty leagues should hold McMillan, but he looks like a drop-candidate everywhere else.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Nov 10 10:00pm ET
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce caught two garbage-time passes on the Colts' final drive, including a 10-yard touchdown reception, giving him four catches for 81 yards and a score in Sunday's 30-20 loss to the Bills. In Michael Pittman Jr.'s (back) absence, Pierce tied a season-high in targets with seven, and the TD was his fourth of the season -- although just his first since Week 5. As of now, Pittman is considered week-to-week, so keep an eye on his status, as that could again mean a few extra targets for Pierce in Week 11 should Pittman miss another game. Regardless, Pierce is always a threat to score on a deep ball given his speed, but in Week 11, the 24-year-old will have to do it against a strong Jets pass defense, putting him in the WR4/5 range again.

From RotoBaller

Quincy Williams Nov 10 10:00pm ET
Quincy Williams

The New York Jets defense was blown out by the Arizona Cardinals in a 31-6 loss in Week 10 on Sunday. New York managed just one sack and was unable to force any turnovers as they fell down 24-6 at halftime. The Jets got their lone sack from Quincy Williams in the blowout loss. New York's defense will look to bounce back against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11.

From RotoBaller