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.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pick Em Picks: Week 10
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 10
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 10
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 10
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 10
- Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence to sit out vs. Vikings
- Chargers activate Gus Edwards (ankle) off IR; RB questionable vs. Titans
- Cowboys LB Micah Parsons (ankle) to return
- Texans activate WR Nico Collins (hamstring) off IR
- Cowboys QB Dak Prescott likely to have season-ending surgery
- 49ers' Christian McCaffrey off IR, slated to make season debut vs. Bucs
- Roger Goodell: NFL working on adding Berlin game
- Former first-rounder Terrell Edmunds released as Steelers shuffle roster
- Panthers DL D.J. Wonnum expected make season debut vs. Giants
- Colts promote WR Laquon Treadwell to roster for game vs. Bills
- Dolphins coach on Tyreek Hill: 'If his body lets him, he'll play'
- Saints WR Chris Olave (concussion) to land on IR
- Top 10 Player Props for NFL Week 10
- 49ers star RB Christian McCaffrey questionable, will come off IR
- Commanders CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) out vs. Steelers
- Falcons WR Drake London (hip) questionable vs. Saints
- Titans tab QB Will Levis to start vs. Chargers
- Eagles coach: QB Jalen Hurts limited by ankle, or just resting
- Colts rule out WR Michael Pittman Jr. (back, finger)
- Jets' kicking carousel continues with Anders Carlson in, Riley Patterson out
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Start-Sit Week 10 | Is Russell Wilson Still Cooking?
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Football Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Players to Stash Week 10 | Gonzo For Jonnu
- Fantasy Life: Important Week 10 News Updates
- Fantasy Life: Betting Edges For The Week 10 Late Slate
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Streamers For Week 10: Can Daniel Jones Get It Done?
- Fantasy Life: Underdog and PrizePicks Week 10 NFL DFS Pick'em: Play Dalton Kincaid
- Fantasy Life: Jayden Daniels' Steely Test Tops Week 10 Early Betting Slate
The Paur Report
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 10
- Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pick Em Picks: Week 10
- RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 10
- Injury Status: Week 10
- The Weekly Bender: NFL Trade Deadline Fantasy Fallout
- Lineup Prep: Week 10
- Waivering: Week 10
- Studs and Duds: Week 9
- Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pick Em Picks: Week 9
- Week 10 Player Rankings
- Week 10 Inactives
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (hamstring) is officially active for Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers. He had been listed as questionable. McMillan missed two consecutive practices before returning in a limited capacity on Friday, so his availability for Week 10 is notable at the very least. The 22-year-old has appeared in six games this season, catching 10 passes for 109 yards and one touchdown. His best game came in Week 8 when he started with Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (ankle). In that contest, he played 81 percent of the offensive snaps, turning seven targets into a career-high four catches and 35 yards. He'll look to build on that stat line this week with Evans still sidelined and Godwin done for the year.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is a healthy inactive yet again on Sunday in a Week 10 divisional matchup against the visiting Denver Broncos. It's the fourth straight game that Edwards-Helaire has been a healthy scratch for the Chiefs, with Kareem Hunt, Samaje Perine and rookie Carson Steele ahead of him on the RB depth chart. The 25-year-old was on the Non-Football Illness list earlier this season due to personal issues and is well off the fantasy radar, especially Isiah Pacheco (leg) hoping to return from a broken leg before the end of the season. CEH has been one of the few Chiefs' draft busts in recent years after they took him 32nd overall in the first round in 2020 out of LSU. Edwards-Helaire has yet to see the field in 2024.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams (groin) is officially inactive for Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons. He had been listed as questionable. The veteran running back logged two limited practices before downgrading to a non-participant Friday. He has appeared in eight games this season, tallying just 124 rushing yards and 21 receiving yards. With Williams sidelined and Kendre Miller (hamstring) on injured reserve, the Saints will call upon a combination of Taysom Hill and Jordan Mims to back up Alvin Kamara on Sunday. Kamara is the only Saints running back currently on the fantasy radar.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder), as expected, is officially inactive in Week 10 against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Lawrence was never expected to play this weekend after suffering an AC joint sprain in his left (non-throwing) shoulder in the Week 9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. It was reported on Sunday morning that Lawrence could also be in danger of missing the rest of the season because of his shoulder injury. It's just the second time in the 25-year-old's four-year career that he'll be missing a game, paving the way for backup Mac Jones to make his first start of 2024. The Jaguars have a bye in Week 12, so Lawrence will probably sit out the Week 11 contest against the Detroit Lions. With Jones now leading a struggling Jaguars offense, fantasy managers should downgrade all of the Jaguars' pass-catchers.
From RotoBaller
The Minnesota Vikings have declared DT Levi Drake Rodriguez, OG Dan Feeney, CB Dwight McGlothern, DB Fabian Moreau, QB Brett Rypien and OT Walter Rouse inactive for Week 10.
From TheHuddle
The New England Patriots have declared S Kyle Dugger, DL Eric Johnson, OL Tyrese Robinson, QB Joe Milton III, LB Christian Elliss, WR Tyquan Thornton and DL Yannick Ngakoue inactive for Week 10.
From TheHuddle
The New Orleans Saints have declared QB Spencer Rattler, WR Cedrick Wilson, DT Khristian Boyd, CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, RB Jamaal Williams, OG Lucas Patrick and LB Jaylan Ford inactive for Week 10.
From TheHuddle
The Indianapolis Colts have declared DL Adam Gotsis, WR Anthony Gould, WR Michael Pittman Jr., LB Genard Avery, QB Sam Ehlinger and CB Darren Hall inactive for Week 10.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) is officially active for Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He had been listed as questionable but was widely expected to play after the Niners activated him from injured reserve on Saturday. The star running back has not yet appeared in a game this season, so Sunday represents his much-anticipated return. Many fantasy managers who selected McCaffrey with the 1.01 pick in fantasy drafts felt betrayed by his long absence, but now, he has a chance to make it up with a strong stretch throughout the second half of the season. In case he has a reduced workload, McCaffrey ranks as a low-end RB1 in his first game back. In future weeks, though, he'll likely rank among the top three running backs, joining the conversation with Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (rib, oblique) is officially active for Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He had been listed as questionable after logging three limited practices in a row. Samuel has delivered modest production so far this season, catching just 24 passes for 406 yards and one touchdown through seven games. Fantasy managers should still deploy him, given his talent, role, and usage, but his days of being a surefire WR1 are over. For now, he's a riskier WR2 play.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (hip) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He had been questionable heading into Week 10 after logging three limited practices in a row. Bosa continues to be one of the most effective defenders in his age-27 season, registering 28 tackles, 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one interception through eight games this year. This week, Bosa will be tasked with taking down Baker Mayfield and the rest of his Buccaneers teammates.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper (wrist) will miss a second straight game while recovering from a wrist injury in Week 10 versus the Indianapolis Colts. With rookie Keon Coleman (wrist) also out, Buffalo's receiving corps will be noticeably thin on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium, with Khalil Shakir to serve as the No. 1 pass-catcher for quarterback Josh Allen. In addition to Shakir, tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox should see more run in Buffalo's passing attack, while veterans Mack Hollins and Curtis Samuel should serve in starting three-receiver sets alongside Shakir. With Cooper out last week, Shakir caught six of seven targets for 50 yards and also had his first 100-yard game the week prior. Cooper's next chance to return will be for a Week 11 showdown on Nov. 17 against the Super Bowl-champion Kansas City Chiefs.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (hip) is officially active for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. He had been listed as questionable after being limited in practice ahead of Week 10. London has been quite productive this season, catching 50 passes for 552 yards and six touchdowns while ranking as the overall WR6 in PPR leagues. The 23-year-old remains a strong fantasy option heading into Week 10. His matchup against the Saints is particularly favorable given that New Orleans traded away cornerback Marshon Lattimore last Tuesday.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill (wrist) is considered a game-time decision for Week 10's game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Fantasy Spin: Hill had been listed as questionable on the injury report after missing Miami's final two practice sessions of the week due to a wrist injury that he initially sustained during training camp but aggravated a few days ago. He will participate during pregame warmups Monday, Nov. 11, before a final decision is made about his status. Fantasy owners should make alternate plans in the event that Hill is held out of action.
From TheHuddle
The Washington Commanders have declared CB Marshon Lattimore, PK Austin Seibert, OT Cornelius Lucas, QB Jeff Driskel, S Darrick Forrest Jr., S Dominique Hampton and RB Brian Robinson Jr. inactive for Week 10.
From TheHuddle
The Buffalo Bills have declared WR Amari Cooper, LB Edefuan Ulofoshio, RB Reggie Gilliam, WR Keon Coleman, C Will Clapp and WR KJ Hamler inactive for Week 10.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) said he felt "close" to being available for Week 10 against the San Francisco 49ers. However, he was ruled out and is instead eyeing a Week 12 return. That timetable would give Evans an extra week to get healthy during the bye before suiting up against the New York Giants on November 24. Evans has been sidelined since Week 7, the same week Tampa Bay also lost Chris Godwin (ankle) to a season-ending injury. As a result, Tampa Bay's passing attack has been forced to funnel through players like Cade Otton, Trey Palmer, and Jalen McMillan (hamstring). Evans' return will give Tampa Bay a reliable top receiver once again.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) is expected to undergo season-ending surgery after testing revealed a partial tear of his hamstring tendon. The veteran quarterback is set to meet with a doctor on Monday to get a final opinion. Prescott won't play in Week 10 and is likely going to elect surgery to address the issue. This would certainly be a frustrating end to Prescott's season, but the team needs to do what is best for his health. Cooper Rush will start under center in Week 10 and figures to remain the starter going forward, assuming Prescott elects the surgery.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons (ankle) is set to make his return to the field ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Parsons will take the field for the first time since suffering an ankle injury in Week 4. His return to the field is a welcoming sight for this defensive unit. Parsons was able to get in three limited practice sessions this week. That being said, Parsons is expected to be on a snap count for this first game back. The Cowboys don't want to push Parsons too hard considering he has missed quite a bit of time.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (foot, ankle) is considered doubtful to return for Sunday's Week 10 matchup against the New York Giants. It appears Sanders suffered some type of leg injury during the first half of this game. After further evaluation it sounds like the Panthers are likely going to hold him out for the rest of the game. Before exiting, Sanders rushed the ball twice as the primary backup to Chuba Hubbard. The absence of Sanders should mean a few more snaps for Hubbard during the second half of this game.
From RotoBaller
