Guest of the League
The Big League 3 (est. 2011) Est. 2010
FFL: Week 10 | NFL: Week 10

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.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 10

Player Notes
Wil Lutz Nov 11 11:10am ET
Wil Lutz

Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz was an absolute dud for any fantasy managers that streamed him in the team's 16-14 loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs in Week 10. Lutz made both of his extra-point attempts but couldn't come through on either of his two field-goal tries, with one being a miss from 60 yards out at the end of the first quarter, and the other being a blocked attempt from 35 yards out that would have given the Chiefs their first loss of the year. We warned fantasy managers that Lutz was extra risky against KC's stingy defense, especially on the road in a hostile environment. The 30-year-old still ranks as the No. 12 kicker in fantasy points through 10 weeks, though, and is tied for sixth among all kickers with 18 FGs made in 2024. His 21 field-goal attempts are also tied for sixth in the league. Lutz could bounce back in Week 11 versus the Atlanta Falcons.

From RotoBaller

Jared Goff Nov 11 11:10am ET
Jared Goff

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff struggled in fantasy during the team's 26-23 victory over the Houston Texans in Week 10. Goff threw for 240 yards and two touchdowns but completed just 15 of 30 passes, marking a season-low 50% completion rate. He also threw five interceptions which certainly put a damper on any solid numbers he posted this week. This was his third single-digit fantasy performance of the season and his second consecutive game with under 10 points. Despite Detroit's seven-game winning streak, Goff's fantasy output has been inconsistent and far from elite. He'll look to bounce back in Week 11 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Nov 11 11:00am ET
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram was a bright spot compared to the rest of the offense in a tough 12-7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. With Mac Jones replacing Trevor Lawrence due to injury, the offense had just 111 yards through the air. Engram managed to get 40 of those yards on six receptions, four higher than the second most on the team. Engram seems to have decent chemistry with Jones, but that won't matter much if the offense continues to struggle like on Sunday. Engram with Lawrence under center has been a top fantasy tight end while healthy, so while his upside is limited with Jones, the veteran tight end should still be viewed as a low-end TE1 if Jones continues to play. Engram will look to improve on this solid performance in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Nov 11 11:00am ET
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. played after being questionable all week but didn't do much in a 12-7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The Jaguars offense as a whole didn't do much, but BTJ specifically finished with just two catches for 12 yards on three targets. With Mac Jones under center instead of Trevor Lawrence who was out due to injury, BTJ seems less likely to get accurate deep shots, reducing his big-play potential. That is arguably his biggest strength, so if Jones is under center going forward, that greatly caps his upside. The rookie has been stellar so far this season, but his chest injury combined with Lawrence's shoulder injury seems to be slowing down the momentum. BTJ will look to return to form in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions.

From RotoBaller

Javonte Williams Nov 11 10:50am ET
Javonte Williams

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams set a new season-low for touches with only three in the 16-14 loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday in Week 10, carrying the ball just once for a gain of one yard while catching both of his targets for six yards. In a day in which neither team could get anything going on the ground -- the Broncos finished with 78 total rushing yards against a tough Chiefs defense -- Denver decided to feature rookie Audric Estime as their primary rusher. The rookie led the team with 14 rushing attempts and 53 yards. The workload distribution was a surprise after Williams had been more efficient on the ground in recent weeks, and it certainly won't make him more attractive as an RB3/flex in fantasy in a Week 11 home matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, where Williams should see more than just three touches.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby Nov 11 10:50am ET
Tank Bigsby

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby finished with just two carries for four yards in a 12-7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Starting running back Travis Etienne Jr. returned from injury this week, but despite that, most expected the two running backs would split touches. However, Etienne Jr. dominated touches instead, finishing with 11 carries and one reception. The offense as a whole failed against the Vikings, making each offensive player's upside even lower than before as long as Mac Jones is under center. If Bigsby falls back into a full-time backup role, he goes from a decent flex option to exclusively a handcuff, the same fantasy outlook he had to start the season. Bigsby will look to be more involved out of the backfield in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Mims Nov 11 10:50am ET
Marvin Mims

Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. came into the Week 10 game against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs with seven catches on 15 targets for 56 yards while carrying the ball one time for a pickup of 17 yards. In the 16-14 loss on Sunday, the Broncos made it a point to get him more involved, as he caught all four of his targets for 13 yards and carried the ball three times for 17 yards. His four targets on the day were tied for second on the team with rookie Devaughn Vele behind Courtland Sutton's nine targets. Mims came into Week 10 having not exceeded two catches in any game, so Sunday's involvement was his most of the season. However, the 22-year-old second-year wideout didn't do much with his seven touches and shouldn't be expected to have a similar role when the Broncos look to get back over .500 in Week 11 against the visiting Atlanta Falcons.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Nov 11 10:40am ET
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. performed decently in a 12-7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The 25-year-old back finished with 44 yards on 11 carries and added a catch for negative one yard. Unfortunately, decent sums up Etienne Jr.'s season so far. The Jaguars offense with Trevor Lawrence at the helm has been up and down all season, limiting the running back's upside. Add on the emergence of backup Tank Bigsby, and you have an underperforming high-round pick. Mac Jones in relief of Lawrence finished with just 111 yards passing, and while the Vikings have been great on defense this season, this performance does not bode well for Etienne Jr. in future weeks if Jones remains the starter. Etienne Jr. and the Jaguars will look to improve on their measly seven points against the Detroit Lions in Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Mac Jones Nov 11 10:20am ET
Mac Jones

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones struggled to run the offense in a 12-7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Starter Trevor Lawrence was out with a shoulder injury, so Jones was tasked with stepping up in his absence. The former New England Patriot could not take advantage, finishing with 14 completions on 22 attempts for 111 yards, two interceptions, and a rushing touchdown. Besides Christian Kirk, Jones had all of his weapons available, so his effort is disappointing to say the least. The Vikings are a great defense under Brian Flores's tutelage, but if Lawrence is out for the rest of the season, this performance should leave fantasy managers pessimistic about the Jaguars offense going forward. Jones and the Jaguars will look to bounce back in a tough matchup with the Detroit Lions in Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Trey McBride Nov 11 9:50am ET
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride delivered another solid performance in the Cardinals' 31-6 win over the New York Jets. McBride recorded four catches for 71 yards and made multiple momentum-shifting plays that became a dagger in the Jets' defense. McBride made a massive play on third down, breaking a tackle and hurdling a defender for the third straight week. Fantasy managers haven't had to put much thought into the position with McBride on their rosters; however, they'll have to look to a streamer with the team entering a bye week.

From RotoBaller

Devin Singletary Nov 11 9:40am ET
Devin Singletary

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary is firmly in the backup role as he was outpaced yet again by Tyrone Tracy Jr. in the disappointing Week 10 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Singletary registered eight carries for 40 yards and one reception for five yards on one target. His nine touches paled in comparison to Tracy's 19. Singletary was efficient with his carries, but if he continues to see this drastic drop in opportunities compared to the beginning of the year, then he's not much of a fantasy option. The Giants head into their bye week now at 2-8 with an eye towards the NFL Draft instead of the playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Austin III Nov 11 9:40am ET
Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III remains involved in the passing game during the 28-27 win over the Washington Commanders. He received six targets in this contest but only ended up with two receptions for 20 yards. Russell Wilson's accuracy left a bit to be desired in this game and newly-acquired Mike Williams got involved with a touchdown catch as well. Austin continues to be a boom-or-bust type of player that holds a bit more value in deeper leagues. He'll try to break loose against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Michael Wilson Nov 11 9:30am ET
Michael Wilson

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson ended up as fourth in the pecking order for targets during the huge win over the New York Jets on Sunday. The second-year wideout finished the game with three receptions for 24 yards on four targets. The Cardinals opted to go more run-heavy in this game as they produced 32 carries compared to 24 pass attempts. This game further proved that Wilson is more of an afterthought in the offense as he's now posted six games with fewer than five targets and seven games with fewer than five receptions. The Cardinals have a bye in Week 11 before taking on the Seattle Seahawks in Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Ray-Ray McCloud Nov 11 9:20am ET
Ray-Ray McCloud

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III wasn't very involved in the 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints. He ended with four targets which tied for fourth-most on the team with Bijan Robinson. Those turned into three receptions for 30 yards and he even received one carry which went for six yards. Drake London and Darnell Mooney were the undisputed top pass-catchers for Kirk Cousins in this matchup while McCloud couldn't find much open space. He'll try to get more involved against a tougher defense in the Denver Broncos in Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Mason Tipton Nov 11 9:10am ET
Mason Tipton

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Mason Tipton vaulted to the front of the depth chart with all of the injuries to the receiving corps. In the Saints' Week 10 victory, it was Marquez Valdes-Scantling who took charge, not Tipton. The rookie out of Yale didn't see a single target and posted a goose egg for the week. He played the same amount of snaps as Valdes-Scantling at 29, but Derek Carr wasn't looking his way. Tipton will try to bounce back against the Cleveland Browns in Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Ridley Nov 11 9:01am ET
Calvin Ridley

Dynasty | Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley had five catches for 84 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to the Chargers. Dynasty Analysis: Ridley now has 32 targets over his last three games after complaining about his role in the offense. While his production is bound to be spotty (he has just one 100-yard game this year), the Titans have little choice but to get him the ball. On the plus side, Will Levis did look a lot better today than he has in most weeks, so there's that. Ridley will be a plus WR2 moving forward and his dynasty value has evened out over the past couple of weeks.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling Nov 11 9:01am ET
Marquez Valdes-Scantling

Dynasty | Saints receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling had three catches for 109 yards and a touchdown in a win against Atlanta. Dynasty Analysis: Well, OK then. MVS is traditionally pretty streaky and this one came out of nowhere. The challenge here is the fact he did all his damage on only three catches and three targets. A boom or bust player if there ever was one, he'll look to keep things going on a team in dire need of pass catchers with Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave both on the shelf. MVS is roster worthy, but we're going to see a lot more before recommending him in lineups.

Javonte Williams Nov 11 9:00am ET
Javonte Williams

Dynasty | Broncos running back Javonte Williams had one rushing yard, two catches and six receiving yards in a loss to Kansas City. Dynasty Analysis: Meanwhile, Audric Estime had 14 carries in the game. It's hard to say if this is going to be a permanent move to the rookie, but Williams saw just 16 snaps in a game that was close all the way through. Sean Payton is notoriously hard to read, but Williams should be on fantasy benches moving forward until it shakes out. His dynasty value is starting to tank and today may speed that up.

Tyreek Hill Nov 11 9:00am ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) was unable to practice on Friday or Saturday this week and came into the Monday night contest as questionable. Ian Rapoport now reports that the superstar wideout is a "true" game-time decision as he aggravated a wrist injury that he's technically been dealing with since the preseason. The Dolphins want to salvage their season as they sit at 2-6 on the year, so Hill will be desperately needed for their success. Fantasy managers that stuck with Hill in their lineups will want a backup plan just in case such as Odell Beckham Jr. or Malik Washington who should see extra targets.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Nov 11 8:40am ET
D'Andre Swift

On Sunday, Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift had a rather underwhelming performance in the team's Week 10 loss to the New England Patriots. Despite getting 16 carries, Swift managed just 59 yards on the ground, averaging a modest 3.7 yards per carry, and could not find the end zone. His involvement in the passing game was minimal, catching just one pass for six yards. The Bears' offense struggled to move the ball, punting on eight of their eleven possessions and turning it over on downs twice. Swift's opportunities were limited, as the offense was constantly playing from behind and unable to sustain drives. Looking ahead, Swift and the Bears offense will have a chance to bounce back next week against the Green Bay Packers, a defense that will be well-rested after their bye week and primed for a strong performance.

From RotoBaller