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
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett is officially active on Sunday and will take on the Denver Broncos. Last season was the first time Lockett failed to hit the 1,000-yard mark since 2018 and the first time he had fewer than eight touchdowns since 2017. He'll turn 32 years old this season, so he's a bit of a risky fantasy pick. Through the offseason, Jaxon Smith-Njigba was praised for his growth while DK Metcalf is primed for a big season. The new system with an all-new coaching staff will likely play a big part in how valuable Lockett becomes as well. If the Broncos' defense is anything like last year, Seattle has a chance for a big offensive day.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin (coach's decision) has been officially designated as inactive for the team's season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. The rookie wide receiver is healthy but hasn't climbed up the depth chart enough to be a part of the main receiving corps. Word from the coaching staff was that they were happy with Franklin's growth so far, but it'll take a bit longer to see him on the field getting snaps. He's more valuable right now as a rookie stash in dynasty formats rather than redraft. His progress will be something to monitor as the season goes on and any injuries occur.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle left the field for a brief moment to be evaluated for a concussion. He was quickly cleared, however, and joined the team back on the field. The Dolphins offense wasn't able to gain momentum in the game just yet, as Waddle and Tyreek Hill have combined for 64 yards and no scores. The good news is that the former sixth-overall pick is healthy though. Waddle was a good fantasy start heading into this matchup against a Jacksonville Jaguars defense that showed plenty of weaknesses last season. The second half will be as important as ever for fantasy managers who started Waddle with high hopes.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Jonah Williams (knee) suffered an apparent knee injury and is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Kelvin Beachum has replaced Williams at right tackle for the time being, but this will be something to monitor as it could affect Kyler Murray's protection. Williams has been an everyday starter for the Bengals through the first four years of his career and transitioned into the starter for the Cardinals. Updates will likely be on the way after Williams is checked out in the locker room.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) is expected to be sidelined for 3-to-6 weeks after getting injured in Friday's loss to the Eagles in Brazil. But according to NFL's Tom Pelissero, the Packers believe the signal-caller could be back on "the sooner end." Of course, with Green Bay and Love agreeing to a lucrative contract extension this offseason, the team won't take chances. There was talk that the club had reached out to veteran Ryan Tannehill to fill the void under center. However, that doesn't appear to be the case, with Pelissero adding the Packers "are focused on preparing Malik Willis and Sean Clifford." With that said, Love's absence isn't good news for the receiving corps, so fantasy managers are certainly hoping he'll be back sooner rather than later.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson (forearm) is questionable to return to Sunday's contest versus the Cardinals. He has a forearm injury, although there hasn't been much else revealed about his condition. The 28-year-old received a three-year, $31 million contract extension this offseason. Unfortunately, the Bills may be without him for the rest of the contest. The Bills defense has struggled early in Week 1 against Kyler Murray and the Arizona offense, so the team can't afford to lose anyone on that side of the ball.
From RotoBaller
The Green Bay Packers have reached out to free-agent quarterback Ryan Tannehill, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Tannehill has expressed interest in signing with an NFL team, but only if it's the right situation. Specifically, he's looking to play for a contender with strong offensive-line play and talented weapons. Green Bay represents a fit, not just because it meets those specifications, but also because the Packers recently learned that Jordan Love (knee) will miss several weeks with an MCL sprain. Without Love, the Packers' current quarterback room consists of Malik Willis and Sean Clifford. Tannehill could be an upgrade over those two players, though even if he does sign, he might require a little extra time to ramp up to an NFL-caliber quality of play.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys running back Dalvin Cook was not elevated from the practice squad ahead of Sunday's game versus the Cleveland Browns. As a result, he won't play in Week 1. This backfield belongs to some combination of Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle, and with Cook off the roster, Deuce Vaughn will operate as the No. 3 running back. Elliott and Dowdle are the only Cowboys backs on the fantasy roster; they are both RB3/FLEX options.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts kicker Matt Gay (hernia) is officially inactive for Week 1 of the regular season on Sunday against the division-rival Houston Texans. Gay recently underwent surgery for a sports hernia and wasn't able to practice this week, although the Colts listed him as questionable on the Week 1 final injury report on Friday. The 30-year-old veteran booter was trending toward not playing all week, though, and the final indication that he wouldn't play this weekend was when the Colts elevated rookie kicker Spencer Shrader to the active 53-man roster on Saturday. It's unclear if Gay will be ready to kick in Week 2 at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers, but fantasy managers need to look for another option in Week 1. We'd suggest ignoring Shrader in his NFL debut and look for other more reliable kicking options to replace Gay.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (hip) is officially active and will make his Patriots debut in Week 1 of the regular season on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Gibson drew a questionable tag on Friday's final injury report, but it was reported on Saturday that he was fully expected to play this weekend. While Gibson, the former Washington Commanders RB, is worth a bench stash in deeper fantasy leagues in his first year in New England, he doesn't exactly come with a lot of fantasy upside as the backup to starter Rhamondre Stevenson in what is expected to be one of the weakest offenses in the NFL in 2024. The 26-year-old will provide a change of pace for Stevenson but should probably be left on fantasy benches in Week 1 wherever he is rostered.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Javon Baker will have to wait to make his NFL debut, as he's listed as a healthy scratch for Week 1 on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. To begin his first year in the league, the 22-year-old fourth-round selection is behind Demario Douglas, Ja'Lynn Polk, K.J. Osborn, Tyquan Thornton and Kashon Boutte on the receiver depth chart in New England. Things won't get any easier for Baker once Kendrick Bourne (knee) eventually comes off the Physically Unable to Perform list at some point after Week 4. Especially in a Patriots offense that is expected to be one of the weakest units in the league this year, Baker's prospects for becoming fantasy relevant in single-year leagues are remote. For now, he's merely a bench stash in dynasty/keeper formats in what could be more of a redshirt year.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) is officially inactive for Week 1 on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. There were conflicting reports throughout the week on whether Wilson would make his Steelers debut this weekend after he was given a questionable tag on Friday's final injury report. Head coach Mike Tomlin seemed to think Wilson was fine earlier in the week, but team trainers have taken a more cautious approach to the veteran signal-caller after he dealt with an injury to the same calf during training camp. It's unclear if Wilson will start in Week 2 on the road against his former team, the Denver Broncos in Week 2, but the Steelers could have some QB controversy on their hands early on if Justin Fields performs well in the Week 1 opener against Atlanta. Kyle Allen will serve as Fields' backup on Sunday with Wilson out.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Cam Akers and wide receiver John Metchie III are healthy scratches for Week 1 of the regular season against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The Texans are rolling with starter Joe Mixon and backups Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale as their three RBs to open the year against the Colts. The 25-year-old Akers saw plenty of action in the preseason, but for now he'll just be RB depth in Houston and remains well off the fantasy radar. Metchie has plenty of talent but has been hurt by injuries so far in his NFL career, and the Texans now have a crowded receiver room that features Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Robert Woods and others. The 24-year-old is also battling for a position with Xavier Hutchinson and Steven Sims. Obviously, Akers and Metchie both belong on the waiver wire in your league.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Packers quarterback Jordan Love is likely going to miss just 3-6 weeks after experiencing a mild MCL sprain in the season opener. Dynasty Analysis: The news gets even better as Ian Rapaport is reporting the Packers believe he's going to return in the low-end of that scale and only miss around three weeks. This is major good news for Love (and his dynasty managers) as it looked like he could have suffered a season-ending injury in week one. Dynasty managers will need to turn to their QB2 in the short-term but we should see Love again shortly. He retains all the momentum he had gained this off-season in terms of his dynasty value, despite missing some time.
Dynasty | Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill was detained outside Miami's stadium prior to the start of their opening day game. Dynasty Analysis: Hill was stopped for what is being called a minor traffic violation but video shows him on the ground in handcuffs. This is a story that's not going to go away any time soon as details are a little sketchy at the moment. What we do know is Hill was released and will play. This looks like an ugly situation that may have been totally avoided but we won't rush to judgment. Regardless, Hill is locked into lineups this morning.
Dynasty | The Steelers are starting Justin Fields in their season opening game against Atlanta. Dynasty Analysis: Russell Wilson has been unable to shake the calf injury that has plagued him all off-season and Fields is going to get a golden opportunity to take the job and run with it, perhaps literally. This is a situation to monitor closely today as Fields' performance will shape the future of the Steelers franchise in the short-term. He remains a solid buy low but that window may have just closed.
Dynasty | The Cowboys have signed quarterback Dak Prescott to a four-year contract extension. Dynasty Analysis: The extension keeps Prescott in Dallas for the long haul and pays him $240 million, making him the highest paid player in NFL history. While Prescott hasn't been able to get Dallas to the promised land, he's certainly solved what was a revolving door at the position for years after Troy Aikman retired. Prescott will remain a solid lower-end QB1 in dynasty leagues for what looks like years to come.
Tennessee Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins (knee) is active for Week 1's game against the Chicago Bears.
Fantasy Spin: Hopkins had been listed as questionable on the injury report after being a limited practice participant throughout the week. He makes a risky WR3 or flex option this afternoon because he may not see his normal workload since he is attempting to play through an MCL tear.
From TheHuddle
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (illness) is officially active in Week 1 of the regular season on Sunday against the New England Patriots. Chase's availability for the season opener had been in question all week, mainly because he hadn't resolved a contract dispute with the team. Then Chase came down with an illness late in the week. Even though the two sides haven't worked out a long-term contract extension, Chase will suit up to begin the regular season, which is good news for the Bengals, who will be without receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring). Although Chase is expected to be on somewhat of a pitch count after not practicing much at all during training camp, fantasy managers that took him in the first round of drafts need to keep him in their starting lineups
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals tight end Tip Reiman (ankle) is officially active for Sunday's season opener against the Buffalo Bills. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday, but in the end, he's suiting up for his NFL debut. The rookie third-round pick remains behind Trey McBride on the depth chart, which means he can be avoided in most fantasy football leagues this week.
From RotoBaller
