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.
Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 11
Denver Broncos rookie running back Audric Estime could be poised to be the Broncos' leading rusher for the second straight week on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 11. Head coach Sean Payton said before last week's loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs that the team was looking to get Estime more involved, but it was a surprise to see him lead the backfield with 14 carries for 53 yards, while Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin combined for three carries for 13 yards. The 21-year-old rookie is expected to continue to see more reps against Atlanta on Sunday, making him the best fantasy option in Denver's backfield as an RB3/flex. The bad news for Estime's fantasy value is he hasn't been targeted through the air over 47 offensive snaps in his six games in 2024, likely making him touchdown-dependent on the ground.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will square off with the Seattle Seahawks in an important Week 11 divisional matchup on Sunday. In Week 10, Purdy was quite good, hanging 353 passing yards and two touchdowns on the Buccaneers in Tampa while leaving a zero in the turnovers column. The matchup against the Seahawks is neutral, as Seattle's defense checks in at the exact median in fantasy points allowed to opposing QBs. But in a Week 6 matchup in Seattle, Purdy threw three touchdowns -- two to George Kittle and one to Deebo Samuel Sr. -- with no interceptions. Purdy should have his full complement of weapons, with running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles), wideout Jauan Jennings (ankle), and Kittle (hamstring) expected to play after spending some time limited in practice this week. The former "Mr. Irrelevant" is being ranked as a top-5 option in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton is on a heater over his last three games heading into a Week 11 matchup against the visiting Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Sutton was not targeted in a Week 7 win over the New Orleans Saints, but since then, he has caught 21 of his 30 targets for 292 yards and a touchdown in three games against the Panthers, Ravens and Chiefs. The 29-year-old has only three touchdowns through 10 weeks in 2024 after catching a career-high 10 TD passes last year, but his fantasy stock is on the rise with WR2 upside this weekend against a Falcons secondary that has surrendered the ninth-most half-PPR fantasy points per game to pass-catchers. Sutton averages 10.7 half-PPR points (tied for 29th among wideouts) but also ranks ninth with 77 targets, giving him a solid fantasy floor with plenty of volume as Denver's unquestioned WR1.
From RotoBaller
Wide receiver Kalif Raymond heads into Week 11 against the Jaguars after being held without a target in the Detroit Lions' 26-23 victory over the Texans in Week 10. Jameson Williams' return from suspension seemingly reduced Raymond's snap count last week. However, with tight end Sam LaPorta now sidelined due to a shoulder injury, Raymond could see an increase in opportunities this week. Jacksonville's defense has struggled against wide receivers this season, potentially providing a favorable matchup. Despite this, Raymond's limited production14 receptions for 174 yards and two touchdowns over nine gamesmakes him a risky streaming option with likely better choices on waiver wires.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates heads into a favorable Week 11 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars as a solid fantasy option. He remains perfect on field goals this season, converting all 14 attempts, including two critical long-distance kicks in the Week 10 victory over the Texans. While head coach Dan Campbell's aggressive fourth-down strategies may limit Bates' field goal opportunities, the Lions' offensive firepower ensures a steady flow of extra point attempts, with Bates successfully making 32 out of 33 so far. Given Detroit's league-leading projected team total for the week, Bates is poised to deliver strong fantasy production against a Jaguars defense allowing over 26 points per game.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix has a nice matchup on his hands in Week 11 on Sunday against the visiting Atlanta Falcons. Nix has come a long way since a slow start to his NFL career and is averaging 16.6 fantasy points per game through the first 10 weeks, which ranks 15th at the position, right behind Patrick Mahomes. Not only has the Oregon product improved as a passer as the year has gone on, but he also ranks fifth among QBs with 290 rushing yards and four TDs. The Falcons defense, meanwhile is vulnerable, allowing the seventh-most fantasy points per game to QBs, including 17 touchdowns with seven interceptions in 10 games. They've allowed 223.4 passing yards per game, which is ninth-most in the NFL. Since Week 4, Nix has thrown 10 touchdown passes with only two picks. There's real QB1 upside for Nix this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams faces a favorable matchup in Week 11 against a Jacksonville Jaguars defense vulnerable to big plays. Williams returned to action last week with a quiet performance, catching three passes for 53 yards and finishing outside the Top-40 wideouts. This season, Williams has accumulated more air yards than Amon-Ra St. Brown in half of their starts togetherwith eight deep targets over seven games. However, he hasn't seen a red-zone look since Week 2, which limits his scoring opportunities. This week's matchup offers upside, as Jacksonville allows the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers and the most 20+ yard receptions per game.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff enters Week 11 with a prime opportunity to rebound against a struggling Jacksonville Jaguars defense. While Goff's fantasy production has been underwhelming this season, finishing under 15 points in five games, this matchup offers a chance for a turnaround. The Jaguars allow the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, the third-most passing yards per game (271.9), and the fourth-most passing touchdowns per game (1.9). Despite tossing five interceptions in Week 10, that performance appears to be an outlier. With Jacksonville surrendering 26.4 points per game (sixth-most in the NFL), Goff should have opportunities to exploit their defensive vulnerabilities. While an early blowout could shift Detroit to a run-heavy approach, the Lions' high-scoring offense will likely lean on Goff to set the tone early. Consider him a low-end QB1 with upside this week.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery is poised for a productive Week 11 against the Jacksonville Jaguars' vulnerable run defense. Montgomery has been a Top-15 PPR fantasy RB this season, averaging 15.6 touches and 78.4 total yards per game, with four touchdowns in his last five outings. Known for his power and red zone efficiency, he ranks ninth in red zone touches and fourth in total touchdowns, making him a reliable scoring threat. Jacksonville has struggled to contain running backs, allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to the position, and the fourth-highest explosive run rate. With the Jaguars also ranking poorly against the run, Montgomery should find opportunities to extend his productivity. He remains an RB2 option with touchdown upside in a favorable matchup.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown enters Week 11 against the Jacksonville Jaguars as a top fantasy option with a favorable matchup. St. Brown has scored in seven straight games, with a consistent 29% target share and 17 fantasy points per game average. While his yardage has been modest, averaging 56 receiving yards over the past seven games, his knack for finding the end zone bolsters his fantasy floor. This week, St. Brown faces a Jaguars defense that ranks last in both EPA and DVOA against the pass and allows the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Jacksonville's secondary has struggled with big plays, surrendering the most 20+ yard receptions per game. With Detroit's high-powered offense averaging 31.6 points per game, St. Brown's red zone involvement and touchdown potential make him an elite WR1 start.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs enters Week 11 as a solid RB1 option against the Jacksonville Jaguars, despite missing the end zone last week for the first time since Week 6. Gibbs still managed 108 total yards in Week 10 and has been a consistent fantasy performer, ranking as the RB5 (PPR) this season. He's been highly productive, logging 442 rushing yards on 68 carries and four touchdowns over his last five games, along with 126 receiving yards on 11 catches. Jacksonville's defense has struggled against running backs, allowing the fifth-most fantasy points, fifth-most receptions, and fourth-most receiving yards to the position. With the Jaguars also ranking 27th in DVOA against pass-catching backs, Gibbs should have plenty of opportunities to thrive both on the ground and through the air alongside David Montgomery.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Alec Ingold (calf) has been deemed questionable for Sunday's home tilt against the Las Vegas Raiders. The sixth-year back sustained a calf injury ahead of Miami's Week 9 30-27 loss to the Buffalo Bills and has yet to log a full practice, recording eight straight limited sessions since. Ingold would eventually sit out last weekend, but it appears he might give it another go despite the nagging ailment. With no other active fullbacks on the roster, the Dolphins may expand their usage of two-tight end sets to compensate for the 28-year-old's absence. Ingold has totaled 13 yards and a touchdown on his nine carries in 2024, adding 60 yards through the air on 7-of-8 receiving.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans defensive back L'Jarius Sneed (quad) will miss his fifth-straight contest this weekend when his team hosts the visiting the Minnesota Vikings. The 27-year-old has not participated in practice since sustaining a quad injury in Tennessee's 20-17 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 6. Fellow DBs Justin Hardee (groin), Roger McCreary (knee), and Jarvis Brownlee Jr (ankle) were all limited at practice on Friday. McCreary and Brownlee Jr. do not carry a designation heading into the weekend, while Hardee has been deemed questionable for the matchup. It's good news for the Titans, as McCreary and Brownlee Jr lead all Tennessee defensive backs in snaps. Still, the team's defensive backfield is dinged up, and they could need help covering football's No. 1 wide receiver, Justin Jefferson.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier carried the ball 11 times last week, the third time in the last five weeks that he's reached double-digit attempts while recording two TDs during that time. The 24-year-old nearly had a score last week as well, as the Falcons gave him three straight attempts from one yard out, only to be stuffed by the defense each time. Still, it means they trust him with the ball down there, even with star running back Bijan Robinson in tow. Still, without much of a role in the passing game, he's hard to trust for fantasy purposes as he isn't going to get many points unless he finds paydirt. Against a middle-of-the-road Denver rush defense this week, the matchup may look somewhat enticing, but with a somewhat low expected total and the Falcons as two-point underdogs, the potential game script does not appear to be in Allgeier's favor. View him as a mid-to-low-end RB3 in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
According to Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, tight end Tyler Higbee (knee) is still "a couple weeks away" from making a return to the field. ESPN's Sarah Barshop reported the news. The 31-year-old veteran suffered a torn ACL and MCL in last season's wild-card loss to the Detroit Lions and has been on the PUP for all of 2024 thus far. While teammate Colby Parkinson had led the TE room for most of the year, it appears that second-year tight end Davis Allen has begun to take over those honors in recent weeks -- leading his positional cohorts in snaps since Week 9. With Higbee still working his way back from injury, Allen will have a few more weeks to cement himself as the team's preferred option. Fantasy managers can continue to steer clear of the Rams' tight end room for now.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce had a strong showing in Week 10, posting a 4-81-1 line on a season-high seven targets. The increased action was likely a result of fellow wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. missing the game with a back injury, and unfortunately for Pierce, Pittman is due to return in Week 11. They are different receivers, though, so Pierce still has a chance for one of his trademark big plays as he can stretch the field with his speed. In fact, the 24-year-old has the seventh-most air yards in all of football and has the highest percentage of air yards of the Colts' receiving corps at 28.4%. With his big play ability and the fact that both Pittman and Josh Downs have missed games due to injury, Pierce somewhat surprisingly is the team's leader in receiving yards and touchdowns with 516 and four respectively. Look for Pierce to again garner a handful of targets in Week 11 with a few receptions and a chance for a long score, making the former second-round draft pick a boom/bust WR4/5 this week.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Harrison Bryant (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Miami Dolphins. The fifth-year veteran kicked off the week tagged with a DNP but was able to log a limited session on Thursday before being downgraded again on Friday. Bryant has dealt with a few injuries this season and will now miss his second game of 2024. With teammate Michael Mayer (personal) deemed questionable, Las Vegas is in danger of being down two tight ends for the matchup. If Mayer cannot play, rookie sensation Brock Bowers would be slated for all the work he can handle, with Justin Shorter rotating in behind him. Shorter has appeared in three games this season but has yet to command a target on nine total snaps.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore comes out of his bye to take on the New Orleans Saints on the road in Week 11. Moore has been heavily targeted over his past two games, drawing 21 targets over that span. The Saints represent a decent matchup for Moore as they are allowing the 11th-most fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts. Moore has gone over 44 receiving yards just once all season and has yet to cross the goal line but his recent target volume makes him worth a look as a flex option in PPR leagues this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku will come out of his bye to face off against the New Orleans Saints on the road in Week 11. Njoku has been on a hot streak of late, catching 20 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns over his past three contests. The Saints have been a middle-of-the-road matchup for tight ends this season as they are allowing the 18th-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. Njoku has emerged as one of Jameis Winston's favorite targets since he took over as quarterback for the Browns and should be treated as a top-five fantasy tight end this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins comes out of his bye week to take on the New Orleans Saints on the road in Week 11. Hopkins has made 14 of his 18 field-goal attempts and all but two of his 12 extra points through nine games. The Saints have been a plus matchup for kickers in fantasy this season, allowing the fourth-most fantasy points per game to the position. Hopkins is worth considering as a top-15 fantasy kicker heading into Week 11.
From RotoBaller