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.
Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 9
New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau had just one catch in Week 9 but it was good for a 17-yard touchdown. His only other target was another shot in the end zone that came in too low for Moreau to secure. Moreau's effort on his score in the fourth quarter was impressive. The 250-lb tight end turned in stride and made a leaping catch while twisting in midair then kept his feet and legs in bounds as he fell to the ground near the side of the end zone. When Moreau rose from the turf he held the ball aloft with both hands, demonstrating he never lost possession despite his defender's best efforts to pull it loose as they collided. The grab was Moreau's third score of the year but just his twelfth reception overall. Primarily used as an extra blocker, Moreau shouldn't be depended on in fantasy in Week 10 when the Saints face the Atlanta Falcons.
From RotoBaller
Jack of all trades Taysom Hill was again involved as a rusher, receiver, and passer in the Saints' 23-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. In Week 9, Hill gained 19 yards and scored a touchdown on five carries, caught four of his five targets for 41 yards, and threw one pass attempt that fell incomplete. The touchdown was his third of the season and his 60 scrimmage yards represented a new season-high. Five of his touches resulted in first-down conversions. The Saints came into the game with an offense depleted by injury and then lost Chris Olave (concussion) in the first quarter, setting Hill up for increased usage. That trend will likely hold for the Saints' upcoming matchup against the Atlanta Falcons as New Orleans will still be short on skill players. Kendre Miller (hamstring) and Bub Means (ankle) were both placed on injured reserve earlier this week and Olave's concussion is his second in the last four weeks, leaving his status for Week 10 in doubt.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara had a whopping 29 carries and ran for 155 yards against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Kamara also led the Saints in receiving in their 23-22 loss, catching six of his nine targets for 60 yards. Already the league leader in touches entering Week 9, it was expected that Kamara would see a heavy workload. Jamaal Williams (groin) and Kendre Miller (hamstring) were both inactive and the Saints' already thin receiving corps lost Chris Olave (concussion) midway through the first quarter, increasing the Saints' reliance on Kamara further. Kamara has been held out of the end zone since Week 6 but now has over 1,000 yards from scrimmage on the season. He will face off against the Falcons in Week 10, against whom he gained 119 total yards and scored a touchdown in Week 4.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr returned to action on Sunday for the first time since exiting Week 5 with an oblique injury. He went 18-for-31 for 236 yards and a touchdown in the 23-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Carr lost the services of Chris Olave (concussion) midway through the first quarter after the receiver was hit hard going up for a pass that left him defenseless. Most of Carr's passes were on short and intermediate routes, perhaps to avoid any further stress as he continues healing. Curiously, one of Carr's few deep shots came on the Saints' last play of the game when he lofted a ball up for a well-covered Cedrick Wilson Jr. when New Orleans needed just four yards to convert on fourth down with 64 seconds left on the game clock. Carr was 1-for-5 on red zone pass attempts with the lone completion being his touchdown pass to tight end Foster Moreau. With a depleted pass-catching corps, Carr will be hard to trust in Week 10 when the Saints host the Atlanta Falcons.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had seven catches for 180 yards and two touchdowns in Seattle's loss to the Rams. Dynasty Analysis: This was a much needed monster game from last year's first round pick. Smith-Njigba has been quiet playing behind Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf over the past year and a half, but took advantage of Metcalf being out today to post a career game. While this may very well be the best game of his year, he's very much lineup worthy again. Unfortunately, the Seahawks have a bye and it's unlikely Metcalf misses more time. Still, Smith-Njigba's dynasty value dip should end after today's performance.
Dynasty | Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was ejected from Sunday's win against Seattle. Dynasty Analysis: Nacua posted one catch for 11 yards before being tossed after throwing a punch at a defender. It was a disaster for dynasty managers, but certainly not something that's going to linger. Nacua could be fined for the incident, but it's hard to see him being suspended over this. In the end, Nacua should return to his WR1/2 spot when the Rams take the field again.
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram caught five of 10 targets for 45 yards during Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. With Christian Kirk (collarbone) and Gabe Davis (shoulder) sidelined, there were extra opportunities available for Jacksonville's pass-catchers. Engram ended up being the biggest benefactor, commanding double-digit targets for the second time in the last four weeks. He'll rank as a mid-to-low TE1 in Week 10 against the Minnesota Vikings.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence completed just 16 of 31 passes for 169 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions during Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He also took two sacks and rushed for eight yards. The 25-year-old has been a high-end fantasy QB2 this season, totaling 11 touchdowns and six interceptions. He should be avoided in single-quarterback leagues ahead of next week's matchup against a difficult Minnesota Vikings defense.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson caught 3-of-4 targets for 27 yards in the team's 21-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts. It was the former Iowa Hawkeye's first taste of action since tearing his ACL and MCL late last season. The three receptions are slightly disappointing; still, it is excellent to see him escape the outing, seemingly still healthy. As the season progresses. Hockenson's snap count and opportunity share will likely continue rising, and he'll get eased in with another softer matchup his next time out in Week 10. The Vikings will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars next Sunday in what projects to be an easier go against a subpar Jags secondary.
From RotoBaller
The Las Vegas Raiders hired offensive coordinator Luke Getsy following Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He was in his first season with the franchise following an underwhelming stint with the Chicago Bears. The Raiders also fired offensive line coach James Cregg and quarterbacks coach Rich Scangarello. Evidently, Las Vegas ownership felt it was time to make a move after their team lost to the Bengals by a score of 41-24 on Sunday. Quarterback Gardner Minshew II was benched for Desmond Ridder during the contest while Alexander Mattison was held to just 36 rushing yards. If the Raiders, currently 2-7, don't turn things around soon, we could see an even larger coaching staff shakeup. Head coach Antonio Pierce figures to be on the hot seat heading into November.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver caught all five of his targets for 58 yards and scored in Minnesota's 21-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Oliver put together his best performance of the season in this one, as his yards, receptions, and targets were all season-high figures. Sunday marked back-to-back weeks for the sixth-year tight end with a touchdown. It was a solid outing for the 27-year-old, albeit out of nowhere, particularly with teammate T.J. Hockenson back in the fold from his near-year-long hiatus. With Hockenson's snap counts undoubtedly set to rise and his involvement likely to follow, this kind of performance out of the former third-round pick isn't prescriptive moving forward. Minnesota will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars next Sunday in another enticing matchup.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison reeled in all five of his targets for 42 yards and a touchdown in his team's 21-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football. It was a strange game for Minnesota as they moved the ball at will against a hapless Colts defense. However, they saw multiple drives stall in the red zone during the first half. It was the first touchdown for the second-year wideout since Week 4, and the five receptions were a new season high. Addison may never garner such lofty target totals on a Vikings offense that presents as one of the more run-centric teams in the league, especially playing across the field from one of the NFL greats in his teammate, Justin Jefferson. Still, he's a solid WR2 for an NFL squad. Minnesota again gets a tempting matchup next Sunday when they face a soft Jacksonville Jaguars defense in a road matchup.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (concussion) entered concussion protocol following Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Washington Commanders. The 27-year-old had caught all three of his targets for 49 yards in the divisional contest. This news is particularly relevant given that Slayton has been a popular name in trade rumors. It's unclear whether Sunday's injury takes Slayton off the trade market or if teams will still be interested in acquiring him. To his credit, he's played quite well in a subpar Giants offense this year, tallying 32 catches, 469 yards, and one touchdown so far. He ranks as a high-end WR4 in fantasy football for Week 10, but only if he remains with the Giants and clears concussion protocol prior to kickoff.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson hauled in 7-of-9 targets for 137 yards in Sunday night's 21-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts. It's the second straight 100-yard outing for the superstar wideout and his third straight contest with at least seven receptions. While he didn't score a touchdown, Jefferson tormented the Colts' secondary all evening, racking up five receptions of at least 20 yards -- three of such in the first half. The 25-year-old phenom entered Week 9 averaging 92.3 receiving yards per game and only helped further cement his case as the most complete wide receiver in football. Week 10 presents another outstanding matchup for the former LSU Tiger when he lines up against a sieve-like Jacksonville Jaguars secondary. Pencil him in as an elite WR1.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin did very little in the 41-10 blowout loss to the hosting Baltimore Ravens on Sunday in Week 9, carrying the ball five times for only 10 yards and catching all three of his targets for another 10 yards through the air. It was a disappointing showing after scoring his third touchdown of the year in the Week 8 win over the Carolina Panthers. Rookie Audric Estime had just as many carries as McLaughlin on the day and was more productive with 35 yards (seven yards per carry), while lead back Javonte Williams finished with 14 touches for 84 yards total. Between rookie QB Bo Nix and Estime, McLaughlin is unlikely to see much rushing volume unless Williams misses time with an injury. The 24-year-old is hard to recommend as a flex play, even in deep fantasy leagues, heading into a Week 10 matchup against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones rushed 21 times for 64 yards in the team's 21-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football. He added another 18 yards through the air on 4-of-4 receiving. Jones wasn't his usual efficient self in Week 9, rushing for just 3.0 yards per clip. It was an excellent matchup on paper, but he didn't come through against a porous Colts defense. Over the last two weeks, the 29-year-old's efficiency has dipped as opposed to his other outings. Still, his involvement in the passing game should continue to keep his fantasy floor high. The former Green Bay Packer will get a chance to rebound in Week 10 when the Vikings square off against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Jacksonville has been stout against the run this season, having allowed just 4.2 yards per carry to their opponents heading into Week 9. However, they let up the most receptions to opposing running backs (51) and the third-most receiving yards out of the backfield (400).
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton delivered for fantasy managers in his second straight strong matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in the 41-10 loss in Week 9 on Sunday. Sutton had team-highs in catches (seven), targets (10) and receiving yards (122) while also completing a two-yard touchdown pass to rookie QB Bo Nix on a trick play at the goal line early in the first quarter. He benefitted from the Broncos in catch-up mode all day and recorded his second straight 100-yard game. The 29-year-old is definitely on a roll right now and is Nix's clear top target in the passing game, but Sutton still has bust potential as a WR3/flex heading into a Week 9 matchup on the road against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. Sutton has only two TDs through nine weeks after scoring a career-best 10 in 2023. He'll be looking to score for the first time since Week 6.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (hip, oblique) is believed to be dealing with a hip pointer and an oblique strain following Sunday's win over the Dallas Cowboys, according to James Palmer of Underdog Fantasy. The 23-year-old exited in the first half after catching two passes for 27 yards and one touchdown. The Falcons' young playmaker has been a reliable WR1 in fantasy football this season, but managers could be forced to pivot if London ends up missing extended time. In such a scenario, Darnell Mooney would step up as the Falcons' top receiver.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams had a team-high 12 carries for 42 yards and caught two of his three targets for 42 yards in the 41-10 Week 9 blowout loss on the road to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. Williams' receiving work stood out in an otherwise mediocre day, with his 34-yard catch in the first quarter going as the team's longest play on the day. The 24-year-old's volume was certainly hurt by the fact that the Broncos fell behind early and never could recover. Williams' production has improved after a rough start to the season, but his two-touchdown performance in the Week 8 win over the New Orleans Saints has really been his only truly impressive showing of the year for fantasy managers. The good news is he has reached 80 scrimmage yards in four of the last six games. In Week 10 against the Chiefs on the road, Williams will be a low-upside RB3/flex.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold completed 28-of-34 passes for 290 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions in Sunday night's 21-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts. He added 14 yards on four carries and coughed up one fumble, too. Despite the turnovers, it was another excellent outing for Darnold, who has now thrown at least two touchdowns in all but two games this season and three or more in three instances. Additionally, it was the 27-year-old's first game in 2024, during which he tossed multiple interceptions. He could have had an even bigger day, but the Vikings consistently stalled in the red zone in the first half. With a juicy road matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on tap for Week 10, the journeyman QB could again be in store for a productive performance. Jacksonville has allowed the second-most passing yards in the NFL through eight games and the second-most yards per pass attempt to opposing offenses (7.3).
From RotoBaller