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FFL: Week 11 | NFL: Week 11

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.

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Player Notes
Demario Douglas Nov 17 11:00pm ET
Demario Douglas

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas converted seven targets into five catches for 59 yards during Sunday's Week 11 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Outside of a few dud games this season, Douglas has been quite productive, totaling 44 catches, 415 yards, and one touchdown. The second-year receiver has played especially well with Drake Maye under center, repeatedly operating as one of his primary targets while handing a snap share above 50 percent. Douglas remains a low-end WR3/FLEX option with additional value in PPR formats.

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Hunter Henry Nov 17 10:50pm ET
Hunter Henry

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry caught six of his nine targets for 63 yards during Sunday's Week 11 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The veteran has now caught five-plus passes in four of his last five games, totaling 27 catches, 270 yards, and one touchdown during that span. The 29-year-old ranks as a top-10 tight end in fantasy football, enjoying quite the resurgence ever since Drake Maye took over as the team's starting quarterback. He remains a very viable starting option heading into Week 12 against the Miami Dolphins.

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Christian McCaffrey Nov 17 10:50pm ET
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey disappointed again during a 20-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Santa Clara on Sunday. The All-Pro out of Stanford took 19 carries for 79 yards rushing and four catches of five targets for 27 yards in the passing game. It's almost shocking to see McCaffrey fail to reach the end zone for the second consecutive game since returning from his long injury absence. McCaffrey only had three such games total last year (16 starts). It's hard to say whether McCaffrey's conditioning, opponents' defensive game-planning, or personnel changes to San Francisco's offense are to blame. The Niners' rushing attack certainly missed George Kittle (hamstring) today and his knack for springing CMC to long runs. McCaffrey's 4.2 yards per carry against a vulnerable Seattle run defense would have ranked as his fourth-lowest single-game average of 2023. At least McCaffrey appeared to stay healthy from start to finish. McCaffrey's next chance comes against the Packers at Lambeau Field in Week 12.

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Drake Maye Nov 17 10:30pm ET
Drake Maye

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed 30 of his 40 pass attempts for 282 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception during Sunday's Week 11 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. He also rushed for 27 yards, took three sacks, and lost a fumble. Maye still had some blemishes in his performance, including the two turnovers, but will ultimately finish as a fringe top-12 fantasy quarterback for the third time in his young NFL career. Managers should continue to view him as a solid fantasy option for Week 12 against the Miami Dolphins.

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Kendrick Bourne Nov 17 10:30pm ET
Kendrick Bourne

New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne caught all five of his targets for 70 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's Week 11 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Bourne did not play a single snap in Week 10 as head coach Jerod Mayo attempted to get more opportunities for some of the younger players. This week, Bourne was held to a modest 47.6 percent of offensive snaps but made good use of his opportunities, tallying 18 fantasy points in PPR leagues. The veteran pass-catcher will continue to compete for touches with DeMario Douglas, Hunter Henry, and Kayshon Boutte going forward, but he's still a low-end WR4 with significant upside. Bourne and the Patriots face the Miami Dolphins in Week 12.

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Brock Purdy Nov 17 10:20pm ET
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy had a better day in fantasy than in real life during a home 20-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Purdy hit pregame projections by completing 21 of 28 attempts for 159 yards and a touchdown passing while adding five scrambles for 40 yards and a touchdown on the ground. The three-yard scoring pass to wideout Jauan Jennings came in the middle of the fourth quarter to give San Francisco the lead, which was relinquished two drives later with twelve seconds left in regulation. Seattle's reeling defense put up more of a fight than expected and the Niners' offense stalled multiple times by committing their fair share of the team's nine accepted penalties. Purdy's rushing game has been a pleasant surprise, though. His touchdown scramble was his fourth in as many games. He is now in a four-way tie for the fourth-most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback and is ranked 12th in QB rushing yards per game, sandwiched between Denver's Bo Nix and the Giants' Daniel Jones. Purdy will look to get his team back above .500 in Week 12 against the Packers in Green Bay.

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Nick Westbrook-Ikhine Nov 17 10:20pm ET
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine caught two of six targets for 117 yards and a touchdown vs. the Minnesota Vikings this weekend. The Indiana product was almost invisible until the 3rd quarter, when Will Levis hit him on the right sideline for a 98-yard score, the longest in his career. Westbrook-Ikine continues to prove his reliability as a second target for quarterback Will Levis, with five touchdowns in his last six games. While he only corralled two passes, Westbrook-Ikine made the most of his opportunities, and tied for the team lead in targets. He will be a low-end flex next week in a tough matchup with divisional rival Houston.

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Jaquan Brisker Nov 17 10:10pm ET
Jaquan Brisker

According to general manager Ryan Poles, Chicago Bears defensive back Jaquan Brisker (concussion) could miss the remainder of the 2024 season. ESPN's Courtney Cronin reported the news. The 25-year-old had been on the shelf since suffering a concussion in the team's Week 5 victory over the Carolina Panthers and missed the ensuing four contests before being placed on injured reserve this past Saturday. It's unfortunate news for the Penn State product -- and Chicago -- as he was reportedly not "making the progress we wanted," per Poles. "We're going to slow this down and take time and allow him to take his time to come back. Would love to see him back this year, but we're just going to take it one week at a time." It's not an encouraging statement from the Bears' GM regarding the former second-round pick, but the player's health and safety are paramount.

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Calvin Ridley Nov 17 10:10pm ET
Calvin Ridley

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley caught four of six targets for 58 yards in a 10-point loss to Minnesota on Sunday. It was the first time in three weeks that Ridley didn't pull through for fantasy managers, as he had a modest output with only 7.8 half-PPR points. The former Falcon drew consistent double-teams, which allowed his teammate Nick Westbrook-Ikhine to break free for a few big plays, but the veteran was not able to continue his streak of double-digit fantasy points in Week 11. Ridley still tied for the team lead in targets with six, but he may have a tough time producing next week in a division-rivalry matchup with the Houston Texans.

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Michael Pittman Jr. Nov 17 10:00pm ET
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. returned to action after a one-week absence and led his team in targets on Sunday with eight, hauling in five of them for 46 yards in a 28-27 nailbiter win over the Jets in Week 11. It was only the third time this season in 10 games played that the fifth-year pro eclipsed the 40-yard plateau and only the third time he's caught five or more passes. Still, with Anthony Richardson looking like a competent quarterback on Sunday, there may be better days ahead for the 27-year-old. Look for the 6-foot-4 wideout to be a fringe WR3 in Week 12, especially with six teams on bye.

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Tony Pollard Nov 17 10:00pm ET
Tony Pollard

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard rushed nine times for 15 yards in a 23-13 to Minnesota this weekend. The former Cowboy added two receptions for 14 yards in the defeat. Pollard still led the Titans in carries, but was turned away all game long as the stout Minnesota run defense lived up to their billing, only allowing 33 total yards on the afternoon. Tyjae Spears only saw five opportunities in the game and was evaluated for a head injury post-game, so Pollard will remain the bell cow in this backfield, especially if Spears can't go next week. Tennessee struggled to move the ball most of the game, which did not benefit Pollard, but he should find more success against the Houston Texans next week.

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Jaire Alexander Nov 17 9:50pm ET
Jaire Alexander

According to the NFL's Ian Rapoport, the knee injury that forced Green Bay Packers defensive back Jaire Alexander (knee) from Sunday's 20-19 win over the Chicago Bears is not considered to be serious. The 27-year-old was knocked out of the team's victory in the second half and did not return. Per Rapoport, it's a "continuation of what he's been working through," and sources said he'll be ok. Alexander was a limited participant in practice all week leading up to Sunday's outing, and he'll likely be as such ahead of Green Bay's Week 12 home tilt against the San Francisco 49ers. Fantasy managers will want to keep an eye on his status, but it appears he shouldn't miss any time as of now.

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Will Levis Nov 17 9:50pm ET
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis completed 17-of-31 passes for 295 yards, one touchdown. and one pick in a 23-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. The young signal caller also rushed seven times for 18 yards. Levis played admirably despite matching up against a tough defense, throwing for a season-high in yardage, which was ballooned by a 98-yard touchdown to Nick Westbrook-Ikine on the right sideline. The Kentucky product put up his second highest total of the season with 15.6 fantasy points, and looks like a serviceable 2QB option heading into next week against the Houston Texans.

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Anders Carlson Nov 17 9:40pm ET
Anders Carlson

New York Jets kicker Anders Carlson made both of his field goals and added three extra points in a 28-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11. Carlson was signed from the practice squad earlier in the week after the Kansas City Chiefs signed away Spencer Shrader to be their kicker while Harrison Butker (knee) is sidelined. That left Carlson as the Jets' fourth kicker in as many games. He looked good in his New York debut, hitting field goals from 58 and 35 yards away. Carlson and the Jets head into their bye in Week 12 before they take on the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13.

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Ladd McConkey Nov 17 9:30pm ET
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (shoulder) was forced from Sunday's contest against the Cincinnati Bengals and is questionable to return. The rookie wideout caught a 20-yard pass on the Chargers' second drive of the game but was pushed out of bounds hard and was immediately seen writhing in pain after the play. Before his exit, he caught his sole target. If McConkey does not return, wide receivers Quentin Johnston and Joshua Palmer and tight end Will Dissly are projected to benefit the most from his absence in LA's passing attack.

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Davante Adams Nov 17 9:30pm ET
Davante Adams

New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams caught six of his seven targets for 72 yards in a 28-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11. Adams led the Jets in receiving yards while finishing behind only Breece Hall in catches in the heartbreaking loss to the Colts. The veteran wideout has been trending up in recent weeks as he has caught at least six passes in three straight games while 31 targets over that span. Settling in as an upside WR2 in fantasy with his new team, Adams will be on bye in Week 12 before he takes on the Seattle Seahawks at home in Week 13.

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Garrett Wilson Nov 17 9:30pm ET
Garrett Wilson

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson caught four of his eight targets for 18 yards in a 28-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11. Wilson led the Jets in targets but he managed just a meager 4.5 yards per catch in the close loss to Indy. The veteran wideout has been quiet over his past two games as he has only nine catches for 59 yards and no touchdowns over that span. Wilson will be on bye in Week 12 before he takes on the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13.

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Ladd McConkey Nov 17 9:30pm ET
Ladd McConkey

Per Daniel Popper of The Athletic, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (shoulder) has returned to the team's outing against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Night Football. McConkey got shaken up a bit after hauling in a 20-yard pass, but after a brief exit to the locker room, he was able to return to the field. He should slot back in as a top-two option for quarterback Justin Herbert.

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Geno Smith Nov 17 9:20pm ET
Geno Smith

Per beat writer Tracy Sandler of FGSN, San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (obliques) is now having trouble with both obliques. Bosa was forced from the team's 20-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 11 after injuring his oblique. The 27-year-old came into Sunday's home tilt after missing practice due to a hip/oblique ailment and reported overcompensating on his second sack of quarterback Geno Smith and injuring the other one. Unfortunately, the superstar pass-rusher noted that he's concerned he'll have to miss some time but said, "We're going to see." San Francisco had not let up a touchdown to their division rivals on Sunday until the former first-round pick exited the game. He will almost certainly miss practice again this week, but the 49ers will hope to have him back for their Week 12 road matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

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Jake Bates Nov 17 9:20pm ET
Jake Bates

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates delivered another strong performance in Week 11, converting his lone field goal attempt and all seven extra points in a 52-6 win over the Jaguars. Bates remains perfect on field goals this season, going 15-for-15, while leading the league with 39 extra points on 40 attempts. His consistent production continues to shine as part of Detroit's high-powered offense. Heading into Sunday night, Bates ranks as the K3 for the week and has scored 12 or more fantasy points in four of his last six games. He remains a reliable fantasy starter heading into Week 12 against the Indianapolis Colts.

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