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.
The 49ers released running backs Matt Breida and Ke'Shawn Vaughn on Monday. Both players had signed with the team this offseason and were fighting for a roster spot. Breida was signed following the injury to Christian McCaffrey (calf) earlier this preseason. With McCaffrey returning to individual drills Monday, he seems to be on his way back toward playing healthy. Breida and Vaughn will look to sign with a practice squad as the roster cuts continue throughout this week.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (knee) is expected to miss multiple weeks with a sprained MCL and could be placed on Injured Reserve. Nwosu had been playing lights out during training camp after a down year in 2023. The injury led to the Seahawks trading for Jaguars outside linebacker Trevis Gipson in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick. The Seahawks are hoping their defense can take a step forward with promising head coach Mike Macdonald coming over from Baltimore. Nwosu figures to be a big part of the defensive scheme.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions released running back Zonovan Knight on Monday. Knight spent his rookie season in 2022 with the Jets and 2023 with the Lions, albeit primarily on injured reserve. During the preseason, Knight had 24 carries for 75 yards and no touchdowns. He ran an inefficient 3.1 yards per carry during the preseason. Knight only carried the ball three times for 13 yards in 2023. He was not projected to see much work in the running game with the Lions in 2024. For now, Knight will have to hope to sign with a practice squad or an active roster in need of a running back.
From RotoBaller
Former Denver Broncos wide receiver Phillip Dorsett was released by the team on Monday. With the Broncos already planning to move on from wide receiver Tim Patrick, they continued their overhaul of their wide receiving core with Dorsett's release. Dorsett was buried on the depth chart and unlikely to be much of a factor. He had not caught a pass during the 2024 preseason, and he has not caught a pass in the regular season since 2022. With the Broncos moving forward with a younger receiving core, the former-first-round pick will have to find a new home.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (undisclosed) will return to practice on Tuesday. Njoku had been limited for the past couple of weeks and was described as "sore" by head coach Kevin Stefanski. With little information available about the injury, fantasy managers can begin to breathe a sigh of relief with draft season in full swing. The 28-year-old hauled in 81 passes for 882 yards and six touchdowns in 2023. He finished as the TE6 and was dominant down the stretch of the season. Look for Njoku to pursue a similar stat line in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Former Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis was traded to the Green Bay Packers for a 2025 seventh-round pick on Monday. With roster cuts underway, the Titans were able to recoup some value on Willis while also clearing a roster spot. The Titans signed Mason Rudolph this offseason and he appears to have won the backup quarterback job. Willis is already listed as the No. 2 quarterback for the Packers. The Packers did not get much out of quarterbacks Sean Clifford or Michael Pratt this preseason. With most teams carrying a maximum of three quarterbacks, either Pratt or Clifford appears to be on the chopping block. Willis gives the Packers a mobile option behind starter Jordan Love. This move does not impact fantasy football unless Love goes down due to injury. However, Willis has valuable starting experience that would be useful if Love were to miss time.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Browns running back Nick Chubb will start the season on the PUP list. Dynasty Analysis: Chubb will miss at least the first four games of the 2024 season as a result. This is hardly a surprise after his awful knee injury during week two last year. Chubb's rehab is apparently ahead of schedule but he won't be ready until October at the earliest. Jerome Ford looks like the early season winner in the backfield but Chubb will be poised to take over upon his return. Chubb remains a possible buy low for a contender even with this news.
Dynasty | The Chiefs are signing wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Dynasty Analysis: This is a reunion of sorts as JJSS played for the Chiefs in 2022, posting a 78/933/3 line in the process. He parlayed that into a two-year deal with the Patriots but that proved to be a bit of a disasters as his 29/260/1 season and subsequent lackluster training camp got him released. This tour of duty with Kansas City may be a little different as he's really being added as insurance for a possible Rashee Rice suspension and not expected to start. Smith-Schuster is a tough add off the waiver wire and looks like a dynasty roster clogger at the moment.
Dynasty | The Texans are fielding calls on the availability of John Metchie. Dynasty Analysis: This comes as no surprise as the Texans already have Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins and Tank Dell as their three mainstays and Metchie is little more than a luxury at the moment. Still, Diggs is on a one-year deal and Houston may choose to keep Metchie, rather than deal him. Managers with him on their roster have to be hoping for a trade considering his strong training camp. Stay tuned as nothing seems imminent. At this point, Metchie simply remains a hold.
Dynasty | The Dallas Cowboys have signed wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to a contract extension. Dynasty Analysis: Lamb gets a monster four-year, $136 million extension that makes him the second highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history and includes a $38 million signing bonus and $100 million in guaranteed money. Yep. That'll do it. This was always the expected outcome with Lamb, who was clearly not happy playing out the season on his fifth-year option. This contract keeps Lamb in Dallas long-term and cements his status as a WR1, if not THE WR1 in dynasty leagues.
Dynasty | The Buccaneers have released wide receiver Sterling Shepard. Dynasty Analysis: Shepard was reunited with former Oklahoma teammate Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay but alas, it wasn't meant to be. Ravaged by injuries over the past few years, the former Giant will now look to latch on with a receiver-needy team, though that's far from a done deal. At 31 years old, he may be running out of time. Regardless, Shepard doesn't belong on a dynasty roster at this point.
The Denver Broncos are exploring trade possibilities for wide receiver Tim Patrick, according to Broncos reporter Mike Klis. Patrick suffered a torn ACL during training camp in 2022 and a torn Achilles before the 2023 season, so he has not played in a regular-season contest since 2021. After entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2017, Patrick racked up 143 receptions for 2,009 yards and 12 touchdowns in 55 games. Denver is likely to release him if they do not reach a deal to trade him ahead of Tuesday's roster cutdown deadline. Courtland Sutton, Josh Reynolds, and Marvin Mims Jr. are expected to start in three-wide sets for Denver, but Patrick's potential departure could clear the way for rookies Troy Franklin and Devaughn Vele to play in reserve roles in 2024.
From RotoBaller
The Denver Broncos are expected to move on from veteran running back Samaje Perine, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The organization is engaged in trade conversations, but if they do not reach a deal before Tuesday's 4 p.m. EDT roster cutdown deadline, he could be released. This move was expected by many following the acquisition of former Notre Dame running back Audric Estime in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Denver backfield is crowded with Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Estime, so Perine has been viewed as the odd man out. Although Perine is unlikely to have a ton of fantasy value somewhere else, he could affect another running back and negatively impact their standing on the depth chart.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers rookie first-round wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (shoulder) returned to the practice field on Monday, but he was wearing a blue non-contact jersey. The rookie first-round pick out of Florida has been out of action for a few weeks, causing him to miss valuable reps in the absence of Brandon Aiyuk (holdout). Pearsall's role is already tough to analyze in Year 1 with the Niners, but his injury could take him even longer to get acclimated to his new offense. If Aiyuk re-signs with the 49ers, it would be a surprise if Pearsall is on the fantasy radar in 2024. If Aiyuk is traded or does not play early in the season, Pearsall could have deep-league flex value, but veteran Jauan Jennings (oblique) could play ahead of him. Ultimately, Pearsall is an intriguing dynasty stash, but his projected redraft value is likely to be limited.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans linebacker Chance Campbell (knee) suffered a torn ACL in the preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints, effectively ending his 2024 season. Campbell was projected to be a reserve linebacker behind Kenneth Murray and Jack Gibbens, so the team might look to add a veteran inside linebacker for depth purposes. The 2022 sixth-round pick out of Ole Miss played in four games last year and racked up three total tackles.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (calf) was on the practice field on Monday doing side work as he continues to recover from a calf injury. Last week, head coach Kyle Shanahan said he is not concerned with CMC missing all of training camp, and his return to the field in some capacity is great news for his Week 1 availability against the New York Jets. Last season's NFL Offensive Player of the Year was dominant in fantasy football in Year 2 with the Niners, racking up just under 1,800 yards from scrimmage and 21 total touchdowns. The 28-year-old is still in the conversation to be the No. 1 overall pick in all redraft formats, and he's a must-start option all season - regardless of matchup.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions are releasing wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Peoples-Jones was dealt to the Lions at last year's trade deadline from the Browns in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He caught just five passes for 58 yards in eight games for Detroit. Overall, the Michigan product has tallied 122 receptions for 1,895 yards and eight touchdowns in 58 games since entering the NFL as a sixth-round pick in 2020. While his chances of becoming a legitimate starter seem to be dwindling, another organization might sign him after teams cut down to 53 players by Tuesday's 4 p.m. EDT deadline.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Ainias Smith (ankle/hamstring) reported discomfort in his ankle and hamstring following Saturday's preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The rookie fifth-round pick out of Texas A&M is getting an MRI, but his Week 1 status is in some doubt. With Johnny Wilson and newly-acquired Jahan Dotson on the roster, Smith was already unlikely to have a significant role on offense early in the season, but he was an excellent punt returner in college, so he could be in the mix there. For now, he can be safely ignored in 2024 fantasy football redraft leagues, and dynasty managers should monitor his status.
From RotoBaller
The Baltimore Ravens are releasing wide receiver Russell Gage, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Gage missed all of last season with a torn patellar tendon that he suffered in training camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he is now being let go by Baltimore after signing with the team earlier this month. Since being selected in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of LSU, Gage has racked up 244 receptions for 2,491 yards and 14 touchdowns. He had big moments with the Atlanta Falcons and Buccaneers earlier in his career, but his major injury from last year could be affecting him in 2024. Either way, there's a chance another organization will give the veteran a shot as teams cut down to 53 players by Tuesday at 4 p.m. Eastern.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said that backup quarterback Desmond Ridder (head) is in the league's concussion protocol after he was forced from the preseason finale on Sunday against the Denver Broncos early due to a head injury. Before Ridder left the contest at Empower Field, he went 10-for-16 passing for 111 yards and carried the ball twice for 25 yards. In his first year in Arizona, the 24-year-old is expected to open the year as the primary backup to starter Kyler Murray. However, if he cannot clear the concussion protocol in time for the Week 1 regular-season opener versus the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 8, it will be Clayton Tune backing up Murray. The former third-rounder quickly fell out of favor with the Atlanta Falcons in 19 games over two seasons, mainly due to turnover issues and overall mediocre performances.
From RotoBaller