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FFL: Week 1 | NFL: Week 1

RB Strength of Schedule

Tue May 28 9:03am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Robinson setup for big season


Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the running back position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to running backs last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the running backs with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the running backs that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.

  RB SOS  
1. Green Bay Packers 356.01
2. Houston Texans 361.46
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 361.46
4. Las Vegas Raiders 361.48
5. Seattle Seahawks 362.28
6. Buffalo Bills 363.19
7. Arizona Cardinals 363.76
8. Dallas Cowboys 363.9
9. Jacksonville Jaguars 364.51
10. Washington Commanders 364.86
11. Chicago Bears 364.89
12. Indianapolis Colts 365.41
13. San Francisco 49ers 365.86
14. New Orleans Saints 366.49
15. New York Jets 368.23
16. Detroit Lions 368.49
17. Philadelphia Eagles 369.05
18. Minnesota Vikings 369.06
19. Carolina Panthers 369.88
20. Cleveland Browns 370.34
21. Kansas City Chiefs 371.71
22. New York Giants 372.21
23. Los Angeles Chargers 373.19
24. Denver Broncos 373.32
25. Cincinnati Bengals 373.66
26. Los Angeles Rams 374.09
27. Baltimore Ravens 374.16
28. New England Patriots 375.60
29. Atlanta Falcons 376.19
30. Miami Dolphins 377.49
31. Tennessee Titans 378.2
32. Pittsburgh Steelers 378.72


The two teams with the easiest fantasy schedules for running backs are the Steelers and Titans, which is interesting because both teams could platoon running backs. The Steelers split the work between Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. And the Titans are likely to use both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. All four backs could be setup for solid seasons with favorable schedules. It is always scary to take a back that might split work but seeing these positive schedules could make pulling the trigger on them a little easier come draft day. All four could be top flex plays for fantasy teams.

The Dolphins had huge success running the ball last year and could have similar solid production this season with the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs. Devon Achane is really looking good in year two. He is expected to get more work and likely lead the backfield in touches. Raheem Mostert had a career season last year and a great schedule but he carries a little more risk. He is 32 years old and now has rookie Jaylen Wright pushing him for playing time. Just something to keep in mind come draft day.

The Falcons are another team with a top-five favorable running back schedule, making Bijan Robinson a very intriguing pick this year. Robinson had a bit of a disappointing rookie season, but a new coaching staff and really favorable schedule make Robinson a huge breakout candidate. He is moving up draft rankings in a hurry and is capable of finishing first overall in fantasy running back scoring because of his skill set.

Rhamondre Stevenson is a possible rebound candidate. He was slowed by injury last year but is back healthy and with the fifth easiest schedule for running backs. Stevenson has shown in the past he can be a big-time fantasy back. Things are looking up for him this year, making him a good buy-low candidate.

The Packers had the easiest fantasy schedule for quarterbacks but get the toughest for running backs. This isn’t great news for new back Josh Jacobs. It is hard to bet against the productive back, though. You just might want to temper expectations for him this coming year. Jacobs could have a few down weeks, especially for his standards.

The Texans signed Joe Mixon to shore up their running back spot, but he carries some concerns. He wasn’t highly productive the last few seasons besides all his scores and now gets the second toughest schedule for running backs. Plus, the Texans are likely to be a pass heavy team, which could limit his workload a little. Mixon could end up being a boom or bust player.

Tampa also has a unfavorable fantasy schedule for running backs. Rachaad White had a big season last year but padded his numbers because of all his work in the passing game. That might be a similar scenario for him, having a tough time to run with this schedule. The positive for White is he is very good in the passing game. You have to worry about his rushing totals, though.

The Raiders haven’t really settled on a starting running back, but Zamir White is likely to get first shot at the job. That is great news for his fantasy value but the not so great news is his tough fantasy schedule. This could limit the ceiling of White a little. He has risk to begin with because it isn’t 100 percent certain he wins the job. This makes him a bit of a scary pick for fantasy teams.

Kenneth Walker didn’t have quite the breakout second season many hoped but was fairly productive with his work. And the good news is Zach Charbonnet didn’t really put a big dent in his workload. The Seahawks seem happy with Walker as the lead back. The unfortunate news for Walker is he has the fifth toughest fantasy running back schedule. Walker might fail to reach his lofty expectations once again in year three.

We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy running backs. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the running backs with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.

  RB PLAYOFF SOS  
1. San Francisco 49ers 291.43
2. Washington Commanders 325.2
3. Houston Texans 327.8
4. Pittsburgh Steelers 332.03
5. New York Jets 337.57
6. Cleveland Browns 340.8
7. Las Vegas Raiders 341.1
8. Miami Dolphins 348.27
9. Chicago Bears 350.37
10. Buffalo Bills 350.53
11. Arizona Cardinals 352.8
12. Dallas Cowboys 358.87
13. Detroit Lions 359.7
14. New York Giants 365.67
15. Kansas City Chiefs 366.53
16. Green Bay Packers 368.97
17. Seattle Seahawks 370.23
18. Carolina Panthers 377.15
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 378.37
20. Los Angeles Chargers 380.73
21. Jacksonville Jaguars 381
22. Baltimore Ravens 381.43
23. Cincinnati Bengals 383.50
24. Philadelphia Eagles 391.07
25. New England Patriots 397.95
26. Indianapolis Colts 398.40
27. Denver Broncos 399.53
28. Tennessee Titans 401.63
29. Los Angeles Rams 403.92
30. New Orleans Saints 406.33
31. Minnesota Vikings 407.87
32. Atlanta Falcons 422.4

 

There are two teams with a top-five favorable schedule for fantasy running backs for both the regular season and playoffs. Those teams are the Falcons and Titans. Atlanta actually has the easiest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. Robinson was looking good even before hearing this news but looks even better now. He is making a strong case to be the second running back off the board come draft day.

And Pollard and Spears are intriguing running back options with schedules that could produce big for both during the regular season and playoffs. You just have to worry about one back emerging to grab most of the work. If that happens, one of these backs could end up being a bust.

Minnesota has the second easiest playoff schedule for running backs. Aaron Jones has some injury concerns after the last few seasons, but he could be setup for a big workload with an unsettled quarterback situation in Minnesota. Jones has some good upside with his new team, especially during the playoffs.

One other team to mention for the playoff is New Orleans. Alvin Kamara isn’t getting any younger but remains the lead back and still productive. He still seems to have something left in the tank and could be a big fantasy factor for at least one more season, especially when it matters most in the playoffs. He could be a difference maker, having the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs.

Houston is the lone team in both the top five for the toughest regular season and playoff fantasy running back schedules. This is an obvious concern for Mixon. He is looking more and more like a player you might to avoid come draft day. He might have some big games along the way in this great offense, but you have to wonder about his consistency and playoff performance.

So the top rated fantasy back, Christian McCaffrey, also has the toughest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. You aren’t fading McCaffrey because of this. He is one of those rare backs that it doesn’t really matter who he plays. McCaffrey will produce. We still think he is the clear No. 1 fantasy back. He can still get it done in the playoffs.

Washington has Brian Robinson and Austin Ekekler likely splitting the work at running back, which hurts both their fantasy values. They also get the second most difficult playoff schedule for running backs. We wouldn’t reach too early for either back because of this.

The Steelers have the easiest fantasy running back schedule during the playoffs but fourth toughest for the playoffs. This is a tough one. Both backs have potential for good things, showing they can co-exist last year and produce well for fantasy teams. You just have to wonder if fading in the playoffs will make all that good work during the regular season all for nothing.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Week 1 Fantasy Preview

Player Notes
Trey Palmer Sep 5 10:50pm ET
Trey Palmer

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Trey Palmer (concussion) has practiced in full two days in a row and is primed to play in the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Palmer remains in the league's concussion protocol but appears to be well on his way to clearing it in order to suit up this weekend. The 23-year-old was selected in the sixth round last year out of Nebraska and caught 39 of his 68 targets for 385 yards and three touchdowns in 17 games in his first year in the NFL. To open is his second year in the NFL, Palmer is expected to operate as the WR4 in Tampa behind Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and rookie Jalen McMillan, which puts him off the fantasy radar entirely in most single-year formats. Palmer didn't have more than four catches in any of his games last year while operating as the No. 3 wideout once Russell Gage went down for the season due to injury.

From RotoBaller

Rasheen Ali Sep 5 10:50pm ET
Rasheen Ali

The Baltimore Ravens on Thursday placed rookie running back Rasheen Ali (neck) on Injured Reserve and signed linebacker Josh Ross to the active 53-man roster in a corresponding move. The Ravens also activated defensive back Ka'dar Hollman and running back John Kelly from the practice squad for Thursday night's season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs. Ali, who was looking overmatched in training camp and the preseason, will now be forced to miss at least the first four games of his rookie campaign in the NFL. Kelly will provide depth for the Baltimore backfield in the season opener behind Derrick Henry and Justice Hill. the 23-year-old speedy Ali might be in for more of a developmental redshirt year with the Ravens in his first season after getting off to a tough start both performance-wise and due to his injury.

From RotoBaller

Miles Sanders Sep 5 10:40pm ET
Miles Sanders

Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (finger) was a full-go in practice on Thursday after he was limited on Wednesday. After being limited in the first official practice of the regular season, Sanders now looks ready to go for the Week 1 regular-season opener this Sunday against the division-rival New Orleans Saints. Even with rookie Jonathon Brooks (knee) missing the first four games of the season while on the Physically Unable to Perform list, Sanders belongs on benches to open the year as the clear backup behind starter Chuba Hubbard in Carolina's backfield. The 27-year-old didn't have much of a chance in the Panthers' atrocious offense in 2023 and averaged a career-low 3.3 yards per carry. He is, at best, an early-season handcuff for Hubbard in deeper fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Ricky Pearsall Sep 5 10:30pm ET
Ricky Pearsall

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that rookie first-round wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (chest, shoulder) will take it easy for around a week to avoid working up a sweat but will begin his rehab after that. Pearsall was shot in the chest last Saturday during a robbery attempt but was released from the hospital the following day and has made remarkable progress already. The Niners put him on the Non-Football Injury list, so the 23-year-old will be forced to miss at least the first four weeks of his first year in the NFL. In addition to recovering from a gunshot wound to his chest, Pearsall was also rehabbing a shoulder injury that limited him in training camp and the preseason. It remains to be seen when Pearsall can join San Fran's offense, but right now, he's merely a stash in dynasty/keeper fantasy leagues. Pearsall's injuries have opened the door for a bigger role for Jauan Jennings as the WR3.

From RotoBaller

Tommy Tremble Sep 5 10:30pm ET
Tommy Tremble

Carolina Panthers tight ends Tommy Tremble (back, hamstring) and Ian Thomas (calf) were both held out of practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. As things stand now, both tight ends are questionable to play in the Week 1 regular-season opener this Sunday against the division-rival New Orleans Saints. Fantasy managers shouldn't really be looking to the Panthers for their starting TE anyway, but Carolina's depth at the position could be tested right away to kick off the 2024 season. Outside of Tremble and Thomas, rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders, Jordan Matthews and Messiah Swinson are their healthy options at the position. Sanders could be thrown into the fire right away in his NFL debut on Sunday if both Tremble and Thomas are ruled out. He is only worth stashing in really deep redraft formats and dynasty/keeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Sep 5 10:20pm ET
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle) was listed on the team's first official injury report on Thursday after putting in a limited practice due to an ankle injury. In addition to an ankle injury, an oblique ailment caused Jennings to miss two of the team's preseason games in August. The fact that Jennings is practicing to begin the week suggests that he should be able to suit up in Week 1 on Monday night against the New York Jets, but we'll have a better idea on his status for the season opener by Saturday. The 27-year-old would have been much more intriguing in fantasy had the Niners traded Brandon Aiyuk in the offseason, but as things stand now, he'll likely be the No. 4 pass-catcher, at best, behind Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel Sr. and tight end George Kittle. In standard 12-team fantasy leagues, Jennings should be on the waiver wire to begin the 2024 season.

From RotoBaller

Talanoa Hufanga Sep 5 10:20pm ET
Talanoa Hufanga

San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga (knee) was listed as a limited participant in the team's first official practice on Thursday. Despite being on the practice field on Thursday, Hufanga's availability for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Monday night against the New York Jets is up in the air after he wasn't activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list in training camp until Aug. 27. The 24-year-old is recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered in Week 11 of 2023. Hufanga, who was a Pro Bowler and All-Pro in his second year in the NFL in 2022, is a huge ball-hawking asset for the 49ers secondary when he's healthy, but fantasy managers in IDP leagues should expect him to be eased into the early portion of the 2024 campaign. Even if Hufanga is active on Monday, he's likely to be on a pitch count snap-wise and shouldn't be in IDP starting lineups.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Chark Sep 5 10:10pm ET
D.J. Chark

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark (hip) picked up another DNP and was unable to practice for the second straight day on Thursday. Chark still has one more day to get on the practice field, but as of right now, things aren't looking good for his chances of being active for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday at Sofi Stadium against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. The 27-year-old initially suffered a hip injury on Aug. 19 during training camp. When healthy, Chark is expected to be the field-stretcher for the Bolts as their WR3 in a run-first offense behind Joshua Palmer and second-round rookie Ladd McConkey. Even if Chark is able to practice on Friday and ends up playing on Sunday, fantasy managers in deeper leagues should keep him on their benches. If Chark is inactive, former first-rounder Quentin Johnston would step into the WR3 role for LA against the Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Josh Palmer Sep 5 10:00pm ET
Josh Palmer

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer (knee) was added to the team's Week 1 injury report on Thursday with a knee injury but was able to practice in full. Palmer was not listed at all on the first injury report of the year on Wednesday. It's something worth watching, but Palmer's status shouldn't be in question for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday at Sofi Stadium against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. The 24-year-old enters the 2024 campaign in pole position to lead the Bolts in targets after both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams left in the offseason. Not only does he have excellent chemistry with quarterback Justin Herbert, but he's the team's most experienced wideout. Injuries have been an issue for Palmer in the past, though, so that could hold him back from truly breaking out. Fantasy managers should consider him a WR4/flex play with upside in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Cade Otton Sep 5 9:00pm ET
Cade Otton

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton looks to take a step forward after back-to-back lackluster seasons to begin his career. The 25-year-old finished with 47 receptions for 455 yards with four touchdowns in 17 games with the Bucs last season. The talent is there, but Otton is too far back on the pecking order in Tampa Bay. At this point, Otton might be the fourth or fifth option in the passing game, which doesn't bode well for his fantasy value. Luckily, Otton does have a favorable matchup against the Washington Commanders in Week 1. A defensive unit that allowed the most passing yards in the league last season. Despite that, Otton is nothing more than a TE2 for Week 1.

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Bo Nix Sep 5 9:00pm ET
Bo Nix

The Seattle Seahawks defense/special teams will get a rookie quarterback in Bo Nix when the Denver Broncos visit Seattle in Week 1. The Seahawks' defense should be improved in 2024, especially with head coach Mike Macdonald coming over from the Baltimore Ravens. Rookie quarterbacks tend to struggle in the NFL. Nix has more college experience than most rookie quarterbacks. However, his first matchup is in one of the most hostile and difficult stadiums to visit in the NFL. The Seahawks D/ST will be without pass rusher Uchenna Nwosu (knee) but linebacker Jerome Baker (hamstring) seems on track to return from his absence. It is possible that the Seahawks D/ST was not drafted in your fantasy draft. If they hit waivers, they should be an automatic add-and-start for your team.

From RotoBaller

Zach Charbonnet Sep 5 8:50pm ET
Zach Charbonnet

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet is better left on your bench in Week 1 when the Seahawks host the Denver Broncos. The Broncos had one of the league's worst rushing defenses in 2023. However, Charbonnet is unlikely to see a large enough rushing share to be effective for fantasy. If history is any indication, Kenneth Walker III has a firm grip on the starting running back position. Charbonnet has high-end insurance value, but he is better left alone in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Sep 5 8:50pm ET
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (toe) should not be on fantasy radars in Week 1. The Seahawks will host the Denver Broncos and project to have a solid day on offense. However, Fant has not been much of a fantasy contributor during his three-year tenure as a Seahawk. There is always the chance that new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb decides to use Fant's athleticism more often. However, with the Seahawks boasting an excellent trio of wide receivers, that seems unlikely. Fant has also been limited all week with a toe injury that could hamper him in Week 1. It is best to look at other options and leave Fant on the waiver wire in Week 1.

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Geno Smith Sep 5 8:40pm ET
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith finds himself outside of the starting options at the position in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos. This is nothing against Smith who should actually have a bounce-back season with new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. The matchup is also relatively neutral as the Denver Broncos were middle of the pack against quarterbacks in 2023. However, the position is so deep that you should have better options available. If you are in dire need of a quarterback, or you play in a two-quarterback league, then Smith is a fine option. He should be able to amass 15-20 fantasy points in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Jason Myers Sep 5 8:40pm ET
Jason Myers

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers is a solid option in fantasy in Week 1. The Seahawks offense should have plenty of chances to score on Sunday against a middle-of-the-road Broncos defense. Myers was the K6 in 2023 and should be able to pick up where he left off. He is an incredibly accurate kicker and should have a chance for plenty of field goals and PATs. Start Myers with confidence in Week 1. He has a chance for double-digit fantasy points.

From RotoBaller

Jalen McMillan Sep 5 8:40pm ET
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan has worked his way up the depth chart quickly in camp. The third-round pick is slated to start alongside Mike Evans and Chris Godwin during the Week 1 season opener against the Washington Commanders. There is a ton of potential here as McMillan should be stashed in all dynasty leagues. However, the 22-year-old isn't a great streaming option heading into Week 1. It's uncertain how many targets will be left over with Evans, Godwin, and probably Rachaad White ahead of McMillan in terms of passing options. There is potential for McMillan to grow and become a reliable contributor in this offense. However, fantasy managers should be able to find a better streaming option ahead of Week 1. McMillan should be considered a WR4 for the season opener.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Sep 5 8:30pm ET
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has an excellent opportunity to make a statement in Week 1. With DK Metcalf drawing the attention of cornerback Patrick Surtain II and Tyler Lockett (thigh) coming off a training camp injury, Smith-Njigba could find himself on the field and open often. All reports suggest that Smith-Njigba has had a great camp. He has also made a couple of highlight-reel plays in the preseason. Smith-Njigba also looks much bigger and more confident than he did in 2023. It is easy to forget that Smith-Njigba was the No. 20 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He has the talent and pedigree to shine in 2024, which could come as early as Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Sep 5 8:30pm ET
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans has been one of the most consistent wideouts over the last decade. The veteran wideout has finished with at least 1,000 receiving yards in each of the last 10 seasons. He has shown no signs of slowing down and is the clear No. 1 target on this offense. Evans will get an excellent matchup in Week 1. He'll face a Washington Commanders defense that allowed the most receiving yards and receiving touchdowns to wideouts last season. Fantasy managers can continue sliding Evans into their WR1 spot without worry heading into the season opener.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Sep 5 8:30pm ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (thigh) enters Week 1 after being limited in practice for much of training camp. With Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerging this preseason, the Seahawks have three excellent options at wide receiver. Lockett slowed down in 2023. After four straight 1,000-yard seasons, Lockett only recorded 894 yards and five touchdowns in 2023. There is a lot of excitement around the Seahawks' offense due to the addition of new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. A fresh coordinator could help Lockett have a resurgent season. However, since Lockett missed or was limited throughout most of training camp, he may require a couple of weeks to ramp up to game speed. Additionally, Lockett has been limited in practice thus far this week. He should be an ok flex option in Week 1, but do not expect a ground-breaking game from Lockett.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Sep 5 8:30pm ET
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III draws an excellent matchup against the Denver Broncos in Week 1. The Broncos boasted the third-worst rushing defense in the NFL in 2023. The defense improved as the season progressed, but there is no reason to believe they will be able to hold Walker in check in Week 1. With the news that the Seahawks will be a run-first team in 2024, Walker could be in for a massive workload. Walker should have plenty of lanes to run through and plenty of opportunities for big plays against the Broncos. Additionally, the Seahawks offense should move the ball effectively in Week 1. As such, Walker should have several opportunities to score in the red zone. You can confidently start Walker as a high-end RB2 in Week 1. His ability to break off big plays and potential for touchdown opportunities gives him top-five upside in Week 1.

From RotoBaller