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 Starts/Sits: Week 11
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (back) is expected to suit up on Monday night against the Houston Texans. The 25-year-old popped up on the injury report with a back injury on Saturday, resulting in a limited practice session. However, head coach Mike McCarthy already indicated Lamb's injury was" not of high concern," so the latest update suggests he's nearly guaranteed to get on the field. Of course, anything can happen, and setbacks occur, meaning fantasy managers should have a backup plan just in case. If Lamb can't play on Monday, Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin, and Jake Ferguson would be the favorites to see an uptick in attention from Cooper Rush.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker (knee) should return from injured reserve as soon as he is eligible to be activated, according to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports. That timeline would put him on track to play in Week 15 against the Cleveland Browns. Glazer noted that Butker tore his meniscus and had two potential surgery options: a full repair and a less extensive trim. A full repair would have ended Butker's season, but he and the Chiefs chose the surgery with the trim, so he should be good to go by Week 15.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd (back) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. He was a late addition to the injury report on Saturday, garnering a "questionable" designation despite being a full participant in practice all week long. Boyd has appeared in all nine games this year but hasn't caught a pass since Week 8 against Detroit. On the season, he has 21 catches, 184 yards, and zero touchdowns. He's off the fantasy radar in his current role behind Calvin Ridley on a struggling Titans squad.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Kadarius Toney is active for Sunday's Week 11 game against the New Orleans Saints. The 25-year-old was elevated from the practice squad on Saturday and will make both his Browns debut and his season debut on Sunday afternoon. Toney is expected to operate behind Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore, and Cedric Tillman, keeping him off the fantasy radar for the time being.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (ankle) is officially active for Week 11 against the Los Angeles Rams. He had been listed as questionable after logging three limited practices in a row. Dugger's presence on Sunday marks the end of a three-week absence for the talented defender. He'll provide a key reinforcement to the Patriots' defense as they look to slow down an offense featuring Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and Kyren Williams.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back D'Onta Foreman (coach's decision) is a healthy scratch for Week 11 against the New Orleans Saints. With Nick Chubb now back to 100 percent and Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr. playing well in their depth roles, there simply isn't room within Cleveland's backfield for Foreman, an NFL veteran. Fantasy managers can justify dropping him in most leagues.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (fibula) is expected to be healthy before next week's game against the Carolina Panthers, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. This is a promising update, but it's important to note that Rapoport described Pacheco as "expected to be healthy" rather than "expected to play." In a follow-up post on X, Rapoport noted that the Chiefs have a short week in Week 13, so "it's a coaching decision for whether Pacheco plays" next Sunday against the Panthers. In any case, he expects Pacheco to be ready for his return from injured reserve, whether that comes in Week 12 against the Panthers or Week 13 against the Raiders. He'll rank as a high-end RB2 upon his return but could lose some opportunities to Kareem Hunt, who has performed quite well as the Chiefs' fill-in workhorse running back.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Harrison Bryant (coach's decision) is a healthy scratch for Week 11 against the Miami Dolphins. Bryant had not been listed on the injury report, and his absence is a direct result of Michael Mayer (personal) returning from an extended absence on Sunday. Even with Mayer taking Bryant's place on the gameday roster, Brock Bowers remains the only Raiders tight end worth starting in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins left tackle Terron Armstead (knee) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. He had been listed as questionable after missing three consecutive practices. The 33-year-old hasn't missed a snap since Week 4, and he'll look to extend that streak when the Dolphins host the Raiders in Miami. His presence is great news for fantasy managers who have Tua Tagovailoa, De'Von Achane, or Raheem Mostert in their lineups.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver K.J. Osborn (coach's decision) is a healthy scratch for Week 11 against the Los Angeles Rams. This is the fourth time this season that Osborn has been sidelined. The veteran receiver expressed interest in being moved at the trade deadline, but New England held onto him and is now making him inactive as they prioritize reps for some of their younger pass-catchers. Osborn should be dropped in all fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. (shoulder) is active on Sunday for the Week 11 contest against the Cleveland Browns, while rookie receiver Mason Tipton is a healthy inactive. With Chris Olave (concussion) on Injured Reserve and Rashid Shaheed (knee) out for the season, the Saints' receiving corps is extremely thin. Marquez Valdes-Scantling has essentially become quarterback Derek Carr's top receiving target now after going for three catches, 109 yards and two touchdowns in the Week 10 win over the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. Wilson, meanwhile, missed two of the last three games with hip and shoulder injuries, but he should have a significant role on Sunday against Cleveland in his return. Still, the 28-year-old should be considered a desperation flex option in deeper fantasy leagues in a Saints offense that runs through running back Alvin Kamara.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) stayed in Los Angeles to see a specialist following last Monday's game against the Rams, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Hill has been dealing with a lingering wrist issue since a joint practice with the Washington Commanders back in training camp. While it hasn't been enough to hold him out of a game yet, he has repeatedly appeared on the injury report. After visiting with the specialist, Pelissero notes that surgery is on the table for Hill, but it's unclear if an operation would even fix the injury. In the interim, Hill continues to manage his pain and play through his injury. He's officially active for Week 11 against the Las Vegas Raiders and will be a "full-go", according to Pelissero. The speedy receiver is looking to bounce back from last week's modest showing in which he caught three passes for 16 yards and a touchdown.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper (wrist) is expected to play against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 11 despite being listed as questionable, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. However, Schefter was less certain about the veteran receiver's usage, saying, "We'll see if it's in full capacity." As a result, fantasy managers should feel comfortable deploying Cooper as nothing more than a WR3/FLEX. He has been productive when healthy, but a potential snap count or partial decoy role could limit some of his upside on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints WR Cedrick Wilson (shoulder) is officially active for the Week 11 game.
Fantasy Spin: Wilson should see a decent amount of targets in the passing game after missing some time because of the injury. He can be a possible flex option in deeper leagues.
From TheHuddle
New York Jets WR Davante Adams (illness, wrist) is active for Week 11's game versus the Indianapolis Colts.
Fantasy Spin: Adams had been listed as questionable on the injury report after only participating in one of the Jets' three practice sessions during the week. In four games with New York, he has 20 receptions with 206 yards and a touchdown and has been targeted 39 times. He should be a starting option in all fantasy formats.
From TheHuddle
Tennessee Titans WR Tyler Boyd (back) is officially active for the Week 11 game.
Fantasy Spin: Boyd was a late addition to the injury report but appears ready to be involved in the offense this week. He has not been targeted in either of the last two games and can be avoided in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (personal) is active for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins. He had been listed as questionable despite being a full participant in practice this week. A personal matter had sidelined Mayer since Week 4, but he was activated from injured reserve on Saturday and is officially suiting up in Week 11. He'll presumably operate as the direct backup to Brock Bowers. Mayer remains off the fantasy radar for the time being.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams (wrist, illness) is officially active for Week 11 against the Indianapolis Colts. He had been listed as questionable. The veteran receiver missed two consecutive practices before returning in a full capacity on Friday. He has impressed through four games with the Jets, amassing 39 targets, 20 catches, 206 yards, and one touchdown. The 31-year-old ranks as a strong WR3/FLEX option against the Colts.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end MyCole Pruitt (knee) is officially inactive for Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens. He had been listed as doubtful. Pruitt endured a five-week absence earlier in the season, returned for three games, and is now sidelined again. He has appeared in five contests, catching just two of four targets for 19 yards. Pruitt's absence leaves Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, and Connor Heyward as Pittsburgh's healthy options at tight end.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (back) is officially active for Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens. Warren had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of kickoff. He missed practice on Thursday before returning in a limited capacity on Friday. The 26-year-old has operated as the clear backup to Najee Harris this season, totaling 55 carries for 217 rushing yards and 14 catches for 96 receiving yards over the course of seven games. He did have his best performance of the season last week, totaling 66 rushing yards and 29 receiving yards. He also added 56 kick return yards but lost a fumble. Warren ranks as a low-end fantasy RB3 versus Baltimore's strong run defense.
From RotoBaller
