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FFL: Week 7 | NFL: Week 7

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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Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7

Player Notes
Jerry Jeudy Oct 19 8:20am ET
Jerry Jeudy

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (knee) will get a chance to slide over to the WR1 chair after the team traded Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills earlier in the week. As has been the procedure for much of the season, Jeudy practiced fully all week despite being listed on the injury report with a knee injury. Listed without an injury status on the Browns' final injury report, Jeudy will face off against the Cincinnati Bengals at home in Week 7. The Bengals have been solid against wide receivers this season, allowing just the 21st-most fantasy points per game to the position through their first six games. Jeudy gets a slight bump in fantasy value moving forward but a dysfunctional Cleveland passing attack doesn't inspire much confidence. Treat him as a low-end WR3 in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Tre Tucker Oct 19 8:20am ET
Tre Tucker

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker has an easier matchup in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams, so he has a solid chance of bouncing back after getting blanked in Week 6 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He should have expanded opportunity for targets with star WR Davante Adams leaving for the Jets and Jakobi Meyers (ankle) being unlikely to play with a "doubtful" designation. The second-year pro is a speedster with intriguing upside as a deep threat and on gadget plays. The rams are middle-of-the-pack in PPR fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers. The lack of other WRs to draw coverage away from Tucker could hurt his production, though. He's a decent FLEX option in deep leagues.

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Elijah Moore Oct 19 8:20am ET
Elijah Moore

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore has been a forgotten man in his team's offense for much of the season. With the recent trade that sent Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills, Moore will get his chance to slide over to the No. 2 receiver role starting in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals have been tough on receivers this season, allowing just the 21st-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. Moore settles in as a WR5 in fantasy but his performance in Week 7 is worth monitoring in case he can turn his additional opportunities without Cooper in town into added fantasy production.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Carlson Oct 19 8:10am ET
Daniel Carlson

Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson should have some opportunities to score points when his tame takes on the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7. The Rams have allowed the 13th-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing kickers, ranking around the middle of the league. It may be tough for the Raiders to get much going, though, as they'll field a depleted offense. Star WR Davante Adams has left for the Jets and new lead WR Jakobi Meyers (ankle) is unlikely to play. The Raiders have struggled offensively in both phases of the game. Carlson has a history of great accuracy, though. He's hit 87.6% of field goal attempts in his career, so he could be worth starting in very deep leagues.

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Pierre Strong Jr. Oct 19 8:00am ET
Pierre Strong Jr.

Cleveland Browns running back Pierre Strong Jr. should be in line for a larger role heading into a Week 7 home matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Jerome Ford (hamstring) will not play in Week 7, leaving the third-down role open for Strong against Cincinnati. The Browns are expected to get Nick Chubb (knee) back for the game but he could be eased into action in his first game since tearing his ACL early in the 2023 season. With the struggling Browns likely to be playing from behind for much of this game, Strong has some appeal as an RB3/flex option in PPR leagues heading into Week 7.

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Zamir White Oct 19 7:50am ET
Zamir White

Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison will square off against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7. He's had two consecutive solid fantasy weeks, but the return of Zamir White (groin), who practiced in full on Friday, could cap his upside yet again. Mattison averaged 2.5 and 2.4 yards per carry in his two weeks with White absent. That level of inefficiency won't earn him a workhorse role. The Rams defense allows the eighth most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs, but in a split role, the former Viking isn't likely to be startable. He profiles as an RB4, mostly due to pass-catching upside, if White returns. If not, he'll be a fringe RB3/FLEX option in PPR.

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Sean McVay Oct 19 7:50am ET
Sean McVay

The Las Vegas Raiders will play against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7, and they will face a tough test against a good NFL offense. Rams head coach Sean McVay is an elite offensive mind, and his team has turned the ball over just six times in five games, one of the lower rates in the league. If wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) is able to return, it will be even tougher. Los Angeles is around the middle of the league in offensive yards gained per game, but Kupp's return would be a huge boost for the offense. The Raiders defense has allowed 27.2 points per game to opposing offenses, fifth-worst in the league. The Raiders D/ST shouldn't be started in fantasy this week.

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Brock Bowers Oct 19 7:30am ET
Brock Bowers

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers could reclaim his spot as the overall TE1 in fantasy scoring in a matchup with the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7. The Rams have allowed the second-most PPR fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, and they should have trouble slowing down one of the NFL's finest at his position. The rookie leads all tight ends in targets (46), receptions (37), and receiving yards (384). He's also scored one touchdown. He'll likely have an expanded role for the rest of the season after former Raiders WR Davante Adams' departure to the New York Jets. He's a stud and must be started in any leagues that have tight end slots on their rosters.

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Deshaun Watson Oct 19 7:20am ET
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will look for his first 200-yard passing game of the season when he squares off against the Cincinnati Bengals at home in Week 7. The Watson-led Cleveland offense has struggled greatly this season, ranking 30th in the league in points per game and last with just 240.2 yards per game. The Bengals have been generous to opposing quarterbacks so far, allowing the sixth-most fantasy points per game to the position. That being said, Amari Cooper is now a member of the Buffalo Bills and Watson's play has not inspired confidence in fantasy regardless of how friendly the matchup is. Treat him as a low-end QB2 heading into Week 7.

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Zamir White Oct 19 7:20am ET
Zamir White

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White will face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7, and it's unlikely he'll have much success. He's averaging just 3.1 yards per carry this season and appears to be set to lose volume to fellow RB Alexander Mattison. White doesn't have much pass-catching upside, hasn't scored a touchdown this season, and has lost two fumbles. His highest scoring outing totaled just 6.8 PPR fantasy points in a game where he had four targets. He's had just seven targets all year. The Rams defense has been one of the league's worst, but Las Vegas' offense won't have Davante Adams, who was traded, or Jakobi Meyers (ankle), who is doubtful to play. White should not be started except in the deepest of fantasy leagues.

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Aidan O'Connell Oct 19 7:10am ET
Aidan O'Connell

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell will face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7. While they have a much softer defense than the Pittsburgh Steelers he played against in Week 6, he will be missing two important offensive weapons. Wide receiver Davante Adams is now with the New York Jets, and his now-top receiver, Jakobi Meyers (ankle), is doubtful to play. The second-year passer will now have to work with rookie tight end Brock Bowers and sophomore WR Tre Tucker as his top pass-catching options. Bowers has played admirably, but it could be yet another low-volume offensive performance for the black and silver on Sunday. O'Connell profiles as a fringe starter in 2QB fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Oct 19 5:10am ET
Drake Maye

The Jacksonville Jaguars defense/special teams unit has a chance for decent fantasy production in Week 7 against the New England Patriots. Third-overall pick Drake Maye will get his second consecutive start after throwing three touchdowns and two interceptions last week against the Houston Texans. Maye is a young QB with a big arm, so he will take chances, meaning a potential for multiple turnovers. However, the Jaguars defense is one of the worst in football, so in general, it is hard to trust them in fantasy. They did get their first interception of the season last week against Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears, but it is hard to imagine a ceiling beyond that. Even Deshaun Watson didn't turn the ball over against them. In about as good a matchup as they will get this season, the Jaguars D/ST is a decent play in Week 7.

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George Kittle Oct 19 3:30am ET
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle enters a Week 7 home matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs in the midst of one the hottest streaks of his career. Last week in a win versus Seattle he hauled in five of six targets for 58 yards and two touchdowns. He is now on a four-game touchdown streak and tied for the most receiving touchdowns in the league at any position, with five. Kansas City's pass defense in fantasy has been mediocre but has taken an interesting route to get there. The Chiefs have been the ninth-toughest on wide receivers, but have been taken to task by opposing tight ends. They have given up 14.3 TE points per game, good for league-worst, while the second-easiest team -- the Rams -- are averaging 11.3 in Yahoo default scoring, by far the biggest margin between any two consecutively-ranked teams in the NFL. Kittle will certainly be fired up to take on the Chiefs given San Francisco's loss in Super Bowl LVIII and is a no-doubt fantasy TE1.

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Cam Little Oct 19 3:20am ET
Cam Little

Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little is worth considering in starting lineups in Week 7 against the New England Patriots. The rookie kicker only had one field goal and one extra point last week in London against the Chicago Bears, but should have a busier week in London against a worse Patriots defense. Since missing a field goal in Week 2, Little has hit every attempt, so efficiency is not a worry. His longest field goal on the year is 53 yards, so he has a decent leg. Little's fantasy inconsistency has come down to the Jaguars offense not playing that well this season. However, with some of their weapons returning from injury and the offense steadily playing better, a much better matchup for the Jaguars offense should mean more points than the 16 they scored last week. Fantasy managers should be fine starting Little in their fantasy lineups in Week 7.

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Evan Engram Oct 19 3:00am ET
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram is a must-start in Week 7 against the New England Patriots in London. With no injury designation this week, Engram's hamstring injury seems to be behind him. The veteran tight end made a splash on his return with 10 catches for 102 yards on 10 targets. Despite returning from injury, Engram was the top target for Trevor Lawrence on the day. While the plethora of receiver options may make it hard for that trend to continue, Engram easily profiles as a TE1 given this week's solid matchup with the Patriots. The Bears have one of the best defenses in the league so far this season, so the Patriots should serve as an easier matchup for the Jaguars offense. Even if Lawrence spreads the ball around more than last week, Engram should put up mid to high-tier TE1 numbers in Week 7.

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Christian Kirk Oct 19 2:40am ET
Christian Kirk

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk makes for a decent flex play in London against the New England Patriots in Week 7. The veteran receiver was overshadowed by Evan Engram and Gabe Davis last week but has the potential to return to previous form in a good matchup. Engram dominated the targets and could continue to do so, but Kirk going forward should be more involved than his three catches for 39 yards on six targets from last week against the Chicago Bears. He combined for 22 targets in Week 3 and Week 4, so he has shown capable of earning plenty of targets to be a good fantasy option. As long as Trevor Lawrence spreads the ball around more than last week, expect Kirk to return to form as a solid flex option against a much weaker Patriots secondary in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Oct 19 2:30am ET
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has great upside once again in Week 7 against the New England Patriots in London. There is a chance BTJ is shadowed by talented young corner Christian Gonzalez, but given the rookie receiver out of LSU has the potential for a long touchdown on any given play, there is no way that means fantasy managers should bench him. BTJ has been stellar to start his rookie campaign but was held quiet by the terrific Bears secondary last week. As long as Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars offense continue to improve on a rough start to the season, BTJ has a chance for a big day, even with top target tight end Evan Engram (10 receptions for 102 yards last week) now back from injury. Start BTJ with confidence as a WR2 with WR1 upside in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

D'Ernest Johnson Oct 19 2:10am ET
D'Ernest Johnson

Jacksonville Jaguars running back D'Ernest Johnson could get more touches than usual with Travis Etienne Jr. questionable for Week 7's London matchup with the New England Patriots. Johnson has been third string behind Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby, but after Etienne Jr. went down with injury last week, Johnson had increased opportunities, garnering six carries for 28 yards and two receptions for 16 yards. The former Cleveland Brown isn't an exciting option but should get some chances against a weak Patriots run defense that got gashed by Joe Mixon last week. There is a possibiliTy Johnson gets only a couple of touches and Bigsby gets most of them, or Etienne Jr. does play and it's a dreaded three-way split, but it's also possible Johnson gets double-digit touches, and some goal-line carries. He is risky, but Johnson serves as an interesting flex play in deeper leagues in Week 7.

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Brandon Aiyuk Oct 19 2:00am ET
Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk will look for his first touchdown of the season when the team hosts the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7. So far, Aiyuk has disappointed fantasy managers, to say the least. In Week 5 versus Arizona, Aiyuk popped for eight catches on 12 targets for 147 yards but has failed to reach eight half-PPR points in each of his other five games. As one searches for an explanation, it's worth considering whether the absence of Christian McCaffrey is allowing defenses to play back more often, affecting Aiyuk's ability to get open deep. Whatever the cause, it's time to make Aiyuk prove he's back before considering him a WR1 or even a WR2. Kansas City represents the seventh-toughest matchup for fantasy wide receivers in Yahoo default scoring. Given the slump and matchup, to call Aiyuk a WR2 this week is probably generous.

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Chris Boswell Oct 19 1:10am ET
Chris Boswell

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell will look to continue his excellent start to the season against the New York Jets in Week 7. This could prove to be a difficult home matchup for Pittsburgh as the Jets are surrendering just 18 points per contest, the seventh-fewest in the NFL. Furthermore, the Steelers are yet to officially announce whether Russell Wilson or Justin Fields will serve as the team's starting quarterback on Sunday night. While a change under center may raise the ceiling of Pittsburgh's offense, it is also possible that it backfires and negatively impacts Boswell. The 33-year-old has been consistent and can still be started in a pinch, but fantasy managers may want to consider other options this week.

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