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
Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 17
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 17 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Benson is set to miss his second game in a row due to a lingering ankle issue. Luckily, James Conner (knee) has been cleared to play and figures to see a majority of the carries in the backfield. Michael Carter figures to serve as the primary backup after a solid performance in Week 17. Carter rushed five times for 18 yards and hauled in all five of his targets for 30 yards in the win last week. He won't be a recommended streaming choice with Conner likely getting most of the touches in the backfield.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee) has been upgraded to active ahead of Saturday's Week 17 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Conner was questionable coming into this game after suffering a knee injury during last week's loss. He's ready to go now and could see a heavier workload with backup back Trey Benson (ankle) on the sideline. Conner has rushed for over 100 yards in each of his last two games. The Rams defense has struggled to contain the run this season, but it's also unclear if the knee issue is going to impact Conner at all. Fantasy managers should consider Conner a high-end RB2 for this contest.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro hasn't been much of a fantasy option over the last few weeks. In fact, Pineiro has only two field goal attempts over his last three games. Last week, Pineiro connected on 3-of-4 extra point attempts and his lone field goal in the win over the Arizona Cardinals. Now, Pineiro heads into a matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 17. A team he made three field goals against in Week 13. The 29-year-old also missed two field goals during that game. Pineiro might be active this weekend, but he's far from a lock in terms of a solid fantasy kicker.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson hasn't been the most consistent option, but he could be worth a look in Week 17. Carlson has missed at least one kick in three of his last four games. Last week, Carlson made his lone extra point attempt while converting 2-of-3 field goal attempts in the win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The good news is that Carlson does have a favorable matchup against the New Orleans Saints in Week 17. This is a contest that will be indoors against a leaky defense that should give Carlson multiple chances. That being said, Carlson is well worth a look as a streaming option for Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker had a huge game in Week 17, making all eight of the kicks he lined up for. Dicker made four field goals and four extra points, with his field goals coming from 27, 38, 41, and 35 yards out. It was a big game for Dicker in a big game overall for the Chargers offense. They'll take on the division-rival bottom-dwelling Las Vegas Raiders to wrap up the regular season in Week 18.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons kicker Riley Patterson was busy during last week's win over the New York Giants. Patterson recently took over as the kicker after Younghoe Koo (hip) went on the injured reserve. Patterson came ready to kick as he knocked down all four extra point attempts and converted 2-of-3 field goal attempts in the win. The 25-year-old hasn't kicked much this season, but looked solid outside of his 43-yard miss last week. He should continue to get chances to kick in what could be a high-scoring matchup against the Washington Commanders in Week 17. Patterson isn't a must-start option, but is certainly worth a look for fantasy managers seeking a kicker for this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Kimani Vidal only ended up with five touches in a Week 17 blowout win over the New England Patriots. Vidal was thought to maybe have an increased role this week with J.K. Dobbins just returning from IR, but Dobbins resumed his every down role, leaving just five carries for 24 yards for Vidal. He was also targeted twice in the passing game but ended up unable to make any catches. He ultimately fell behind Hassan Haskins, who recorded eight carries and one catch.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass has been busy over the last few weeks. Bass has connected on all 20 of his extra point attempts over the last four games. However, Bass is 3-for-5 on field goal attempts during that span. The Bills offense has been cruising so much recently that Bass hasn't seen many chances to kick field goals. Despite that, Bass continues to have decent value because of all the touchdowns that the Bills offense is scoring right now. This offense should continue rolling against the New York Jets in Week 17. Bass is one of the better kickers in the league and is worth starting in most formats.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Derius Davis scored another touchdown in a Week 17 win over the New England Patriots. Davis scored in Week 16 and followed that up with another trip to the end zone in this one. He made the most of his opportunity though, as he was not particularly heavily involved. He was targeted twice in the passing game, making both catches for a total of 29 yards. His touchdown came on a 23-yard pass from Justin Herbert in the first quarter to open the scoring. Davis also added one rushing attempt, but ended up losing three yards on the try. He's an exciting role player in the Bolts offense, but despite the two touchdown-scoring games in a row, he's unlikely to be consistent enough to provide fantasy value in leagues that continue for another week.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Stone Smartt made two catches in a Week 17 win over the New England Patriots. Smartt shared the tight end position with Will Dissly, who was able to return after a two game absence. Smartt was targeted twice, making both catches for a total of 23 yards. Dissly saw three targets in the game. With Dissly active, Smartt is difficult to count on for anything more than a non-zero floor.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Will Dissly (shoulder) returned from a two-game absence and was active in a Week 17 win over the New England Patriots. Dissly was targeted three times, making two catches for 21 yards total. He shared duties with Stone Smartt, who had taken over the starting role while Dissly was out. Smartt saw two targets and made two catches. With the Chargers involving 11 different pass catchers in their passing game, there wasn't much to go around for the tight ends. Both Chargers tight ends are non-zero floor guys without much of a ceiling.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins returned from injured reserve and scored a touchdown in a Week 17 win over the New England Patriots. Dobbins missed the past four games with a knee injury, but he was activated earlier this week and ran the ball 19 times for 76 yards, including a two-yard scoring plunge in the fourth quarter. There were some questions about whether the Chargers would ease him in after his absence, but his 19 carries clearly showed that he's immediately back to lead back status.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey scored twice in a Week 17 blowout win over the New England Patriots. McConkey led the team in targets, catches, and receiving yards in another excellent game by the impressive first-year pass catcher. He was targeted 10 times, making eight catches for 94 yards. His first touchdown was on a six-yard pass in the second quarter and he followed that with a long 40-yard touchdown catch in the third. McConkey is having an excellent rookie season and quickly became the focal point of the Los Angeles passing game.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch hasn't been too impactful on the field lately. Last week, Dortch hauled in his lone target for 19 yards while rushing the ball once for eight yards. The 26-year-old hasn't seen a ton of the field lately. Dortch only saw 30 percent of the offensive snaps last week and played even less the week before that. It seems unlikely that Dortch is going to do anything on the field worth starting him against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston made five catches in a Week 17 win over the New England Patriots. Johnston was targeted eight times, making five catches for 48 yards. He had a long play of 19 yards. Like usual throughout his career, there was more there for Johnston to do but Ladd McConkey remained the first look and the leader of the Bolts passing game.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert threw three touchdowns in a Week 17 blowout win over the New England Patriots. Herbert completed 26 of his 38 passes for 281 yards and the three scores without turning the ball over. Two of Herbert's touchdowns went to rookie receiver Ladd McConkey and the other went to Derius Davis. Herbert also added 12 yards on the ground on three carries, and he did not take a sack. It was an impressive performance in the 40-7 win that clinched a playoff spot for the Bolts.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox should not be relied upon for fantasy purposes this weekend when his team lines up against the New York Jets. The 28-year-old is back to a low-volume role in Buffalo's offense with the return of fellow tight end Dalton Kincaid. Since his return in Week 15, Kincaid has racked up eight receptions on 14 targets, to Knox's four catches on five looks. It'd be one thing if the second-year pro were out-producing him on a larger share of snaps, but Knox has led the duo in that regard over that stretch. On top of his diminished role, the Jets are giving up the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends in 2024 (10.6) -- further hampering his chances at a viable fantasy output. The Ole Miss product ranks as RotoBaller's PPR TE34 ahead of Week 17's slate.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. will not be a viable fantasy option in his meeting with the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday. The third-year wideout was the Saints' leading snap-getter at the position in last week's 34-0 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Still, it resulted in just 17 yards and one reception on four targets. That's been the story for the 24-year-old -- decent playing time but little production to show for it. He'll line up across from one of the better units in the league against fantasy WRs this Sunday. Las Vegas has allowed the eleventh-fewest points per game to wideouts (31.8) and the tenth-least passing yards per game in the NFL. Fantasy managers can undoubtedly find a better option than Austin Jr. ahead of championship weekend. He'll rank as RotoBaller's PPR WR92 in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers should not be started in this Sunday's divisional tilt against the visiting Green Bay Packers. The 25-year-old's workload has mostly been contingent on game script and the health of backfield mate Aaron Jones in 2024. Akers had gotten some extended run when Jones was dinged up or the game was safely at hand. However, this season, he's been less effective with a larger rush share. Since his move to Minnesota, the Florida State product has yet to run for more than 2.9 yards per carry when he receives ten or more attempts. This starkly contrasts the 6.68 he's averaged over the other 19 carries. The Vikings' meeting with Green Bay projects to be a good one, as both teams are vying for playoff spots -- so Akers does not figure to see an increase in workload unless Jones misses snaps or is loose with the football. He comes in as RotoBaller's PPR RB52 ahead of this week's slate of action.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Mack Hollins won't be on the fantasy radar for his meeting with the division-rival New York Jets in Week 17. The veteran wideout has broken free for a few big plays in 2024 but has generally been an unreliable option regarding fantasy. Despite participating on the most snaps for a Bills WR, Hollins clocks in at fourth in total receptions on the squad (26) -- averaging just 1.73 catches and 21.3 yards per reception in 15 appearances. Additionally, the Jets have been one of the worst matchups for wideouts this season, allowing the third-fewest fantasy points per game to the position (29.9). Outside of a dart-throw DFS shot, the 31-year-old holds little lineup appeal as RotoBaller's PPR WR85 in this week's rankings.
From RotoBaller
