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.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields may see the field sooner than anticipated in a Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Head coach Mike Tomlin hinted at a potential package for the 25-year-old last week, but Fields could be in line to draw the start on Sunday with Russell Wilson (calf) limited on Friday and highly questionable to suit up. Even in his first start as a Steeler, Fields should immediately be considered amongst the top 12 fantasy quarterbacks. The Falcons surrendered plenty of production to opposing quarterbacks in 2023 and Fields has averaged nearly 19 fantasy points per game over the past two years. Fantasy managers that opted to pass on the early-round quarterbacks should add Fields and monitor the status of Wilson heading into Sunday. Fields' abilities as a runner give him a safe floor and high ceiling as a starting-caliber fantasy QB1 when under center.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth just secured a long-term extension and will look to carry positive momentum into a Week 1 contest against the Atlanta Falcons. There are many questions surrounding the new-look Steelers offense, including who will start at quarterback on Sunday, but Freiermuth could nonetheless be in line for a productive outing. New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has been known to heavily feature tight ends and Atlanta surrendered the sixth-most fantasy points to the position last season. Freiermuth may not offer the same upside as many of the elite tight ends, but fantasy managers who drafted him shouldn't go searching the waiver wire to replace him in this matchup. He projects as a top-15 option and is especially viable in PPR formats.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas found the end zone four times as a rookie. As a result, many expect him to get more involved in the offense this season, especially with Tyler Boyd no longer on the roster. However, his level of involvement could increase even more in the Week 1 matchup with the New England Patriots. Ja'Marr Chase (not injury-related) and Tee Higgins (hamstring) aren't a lock to suit up. If that's the case, Joe Burrow (wrist) could look in Iosivas' direction more than initially anticipated, potentially giving him value as a flex option in deeper fantasy setups. But first, Chase and Higgins will officially need to be ruled out.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton (toe) scored twice in the preseason. Yet, it's logical to assume it will still take him at least a year or two before he's consistently relevant for fantasy managers. With that said, Ja'Marr Chase (not injury-related) and Tee Higgins (hamstring) may not be available for the Week 1 opener versus the New England Patriots. If that's the case, the rookie could see more snaps than anticipated, assuming he's cleared to suit up. Granted, Burton will need to compete primarily with Trenton Irwin and Andrei Iosivas for the attention of Joe Burrow. Still, fantasy managers in 12-team leagues and up should keep Burton on the back burner in the event Chase and Higgins are both ruled out.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson will face off against his former team, the Atlanta Falcons, in Week 1. Jefferson has flashed potential since entering the league in 2020 and begins his fifth professional season with an opportunity to become the WR2 in Pittsburgh. The 28-year-old impressed throughout camp and drew praise from the Steelers' coaching staff all summer. Unfortunately, he'll have his work cut out for him on Sunday against a Falcons defense that limited wideouts to the sixth-fewest fantasy points in the NFL last season. Jefferson's role in new play-caller Arthur Smith's offense is worth monitoring but he is best left on fantasy waiver wires for now.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington (quad) has been officially ruled out for the team's home opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Washington was able to practice Wednesday and Thursday in a limited fashion, but a downgrade for Friday's practice will sideline him for Week 1. Unfortunately, the explosive rookie's debut will be delayed -- and, as of now, the timetable for his return is unclear. It's ill-fated news for the sixth-round pick as there is a window for him to make his case as the Dolphins' WR3 with Odell Beckham Jr. and River Cracraft to miss the season's first four games while on the PUP. Braxton Berrios will work as Miami's third wideout for the majority of the matchup, with Grant DuBose mixing in to give him a break. Receivers Anthony Schwartz and Tahj Washington are also on IR, leaving the Fins with just four healthy wide receivers.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown ran for 179 yards off 44 carries in his rookie season, adding 14 grabs for 156 yards and a touchdown. With Joe Mixon now in Houston, many anticipate the 24-year-old will be more involved than ever. Granted, Cincinnati signed Zack Moss to a two-year deal this offseason, so he'll also be on the field. However, there's a good chance both players will split carries equally out of the backfield throughout the 2024-25 campaign. With that in mind, the Bengals will begin the year with a Week 1 matchup versus the New England Patriots. But Ja'Marr Chase (not injury-related) and Tee Higgins (hamstring) may not suit up. If that's the case, Brown deserves flex consideration in every fantasy format, considering he may see more carries and targets from Joe Burrow.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys tight end John Stephens Jr. (hamstring) has been officially ruled out of Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns. Stephens Jr. picked up the injury this week at practice, appearing on the Cowboys' first injury report of the season. It's a tough development for the second-year TE, as he missed his entire rookie season with a torn ACL. However, this should not affect Dallas' game plan as he is the fourth of four tight ends held by Dallas. The 24-year-old is the only player on the Cowboys' active roster not available for the team's road opener this Sunday. The former Horned Frog was also the only player not participating in Wednesday's practice. A week of rest should do the young tight end some good as he'll look to return to health in anticipation of Dallas' home opener against the New Orleans Saints in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins will kick off his 2024 season with a home matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1. The Cowboys were tough on fantasy kickers last year, allowing just the 29th-most fantasy points per game to the position. Hopkins was a reliable kicker for the Browns in 2023, hitting 33 of his 36 field-goal tries, including all eight of his tries from 50+ yards. It remains to be seen how efficient the Cleveland offense will be this season, which coupled with the tough matchup, leaves Hopkins outside of the top-12 fantasy kicker options this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy will take on the Dallas Cowboys at home in Week 1. Jeudy, who is making his Cleveland debut, dealt with a knee injury during training camp but he appears to be fully healthy heading into the season opener. Jeudy reportedly showed nice chemistry with Deshaun Watson during the preseason, although it remains to be seen whether that transfers over to the regular season. For now, Jeudy appears to be the team's No. 2 or No. 3 option in the passing game behind Amari Cooper and possibly David Njoku. For now, he sets up as a low-end flex, and fantasy managers should be in wait-and-see mode until it is more clear how Jeudy fits into the Cleveland offense.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss signed a two-year deal with the team this offseason. He's coming off the best year of his career, running for 794 yards and five touchdowns off 183 attempts, adding 27 catches for 192 yards and 2 touchdowns in 14 games with the Colts. With Joe Mixon now in Houston, the door is open for someone to take over the No. 1 spot in the backfield. Although some predict Moss will see the majority of the touches over Chase Brown, at least early in the year, his fantasy outlook isn't as clear while the likelihood of a timeshare exists. But Ja'Marr Chase (not injury-related) and Tee Higgins (hamstring) aren't a lock to suit up in Week 1. As a result, Moss could see more touches than usual. He may also see more attention on the receiving end from Joe Burrow (wrist), who could start the 2024-25 campaign without his two primary receiving options. With that said, Moss should be a starting fantasy option in nearly all formats on Sunday, especially if Higgins or Chase are out. The same would be true for Brown, who would be in line for more snaps against the Patriots.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku will look to build upon a breakout season last year when he takes on the Dallas Cowboys at home in Week 1. The Cowboys represent a tough matchup for tight ends as they allowed just the 25th-most fantasy points per game to the position in 2023. That being said, Njoku emerged as a top option in the passing attack last year and should continue to be one of the top targets for Deshaun Watson this season. Fantasy managers can comfortably fire Njoku up as a top-10 tight end for the season opener this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals tight end Tip Reiman (ankle) is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Reiman practiced all week in a limited fashion, but it appears his ankle hasn't progressed enough for him to be cleared for the Cardinals' opening road tilt. With the third-string tight end sidelined, it's fair to expect Elijah Higgins to garner some more snaps, with fourth-string option Travis Vokolek to mix in for some as well, possibly. The rookie third-round pick doesn't project to have a significant role in Arizona's offense right out of the gate. Even if the Illinois product is healthy, Trey McBride is the clear leader of this unit. Fantasy managers can avoid Reiman in the early season, and he's nothing more than a deep dynasty league stash for the time being.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford will open the season as the team's starter after Nick Chubb (knee) was placed on the PUP list. Ford draws a tough Week 1 matchup as he will take on the Dallas Cowboys on the road to kick off the 2024 season. The Cowboys were stout against the run in 2023, allowing just the 22nd-most fantasy points per game to running backs. Ford was very average as a rusher last season but he did show skill in the passing attack, hauling in five touchdown grabs on 44 catches. He should be busy in the passing game against an explosive Dallas offense this week, making him a solid flex option for fantasy gamers.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper will head on the road to take on his old team in a Week 1 showdown against the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas represents a tough matchup for Cooper as they allowed just the 28th-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers in 2023. The Cowboys' secondary should be just as formidable in 2024 as they will get Trevon Diggs back after losing him to a season-ending injury early last season. Cooper has shown the ability to post week-winning performances during his career but the matchup leaves him as more of a low-end WR2 in fantasy for the season opener on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist) logged another full practice on Friday, meaning he should be good to go in Week 1 versus the Patriots. Unfortunately, the signal-caller could be without his top weapons, with Ja'Marr Chase (not injury-related) and Tee Higgins (hamstring) potentially not suiting up for the opener. Without question, Burrow is a capable fantasy quarterback. However, his outlook isn't as promising if Chase and Higgins aren't on the field. But it's a new era in New England, with Bill Belichick no longer at the helm in favor of Jerod Mayo. With the coaching change, there could be bumps in the road for the Patriots defense. Regardless, Burrow is too talented to keep on the bench on Sunday. Fantasy managers should consider him a viable starting option in all formats imaginable.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will kick off his 2024 season with a tough road matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Watson did not see any game action in the preseason after his 2023 campaign was cut short by a shoulder injury suffered during Week 12 against the Baltimore Ravens, so there may be a bit of rust to knock off for the signal-caller. The Cowboys represent a tough matchup for Watson as they allowed just the 26th-most fantasy points per game to the quarterback position last season. Watson's tenure with the Browns has been marked by inconsistency, although he will play with the best group of pass catchers he has had since joining the team two years ago. Treat Watson as a low-end QB2 with some upside for the season opener.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens finished as the fantasy WR26 last season and will be looking to establish himself as a true No. 1 option in 2024. His first opportunity to do so will come against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1. Atlanta was stout against opposing wideouts in 2023, allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to the position. To make matters worse, it is currently unclear who will throw Pickens the ball on Sunday with quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) officially listed as questionable. The good news for fantasy managers is that Wilson or Justin Fields under center should be a clear upgrade for Pickens compared to the Steelers' quarterbacks of the past two years. Pittsburgh demonstrated its confidence in Pickens as a WR1 when it traded away Diontae Johnson in March, setting up the 23-year-old for a breakout campaign. There is risk in relying on Pickens this week, but he offers a high ceiling as a low-end WR2 or flex play despite a difficult matchup.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris is set to begin his fourth professional campaign against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Although the Steelers conducted one of the least productive offenses in the NFL last season, Harris still managed to rush for over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns. The 26-year-old will have an opportunity to best those numbers in 2024 behind what should be an improved offensive line and with new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith calling plays. Atlanta poses a difficult challenge for Harris as the Falcons surrendered the fifth-fewest fantasy points to the running back position in 2023. With Jaylen Warren returning from a hamstring injury, however, Harris should be expected to lead Pittsburgh's backfield and thus projects as a viable RB2 or flex option in most fantasy lineups.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins star cornerback Jalen Ramsey (hamstring) is officially listed as questionable for Week 1 of the regular season this Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium versus the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars. The good news, though, is that Ramsey was able to put in a limited practice on Friday after sitting out both Wednesday and Thursday. The 29-year-old All-Pro corner signed a three-year, $72.3 million contract extension on Friday with Miami, making him the highest-paid corner in the NFL. Ramsey considers himself a game-time decision for Sunday's contest. If he's not active, it will be good news for Jaguars top wideout Christian Kirk. It would also force backup cornerback Ethan Bonner into a starting role in Miami's secondary. Ramsey is a better real-life defensive back than an IDP one.
From RotoBaller