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.
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (ankle) will be a game-time decision for Thursday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills. The second-year speedster is dealing with an ankle injury and did not practice on Monday or Tuesday. Veteran running back Raheem Mostert (chest) has already been ruled out. Fantasy managers should pay close attention up until Thursday, as we may not know if Achane will play or not until the team releases its official inactive report 90 minutes before kickoff on Thursday. If Achane is active, he's a risky starter, but the upside outweighs the risk. If he's out, Jeff Wilson Jr. and Jaylen Wright are both intriguing RB3 or flex options. Check your waiver wire now for Wilson Jr. or Wright. Wilson Jr. is likely the "safer" option, but Wright has more upside moving forward.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (chest) will not play on Thursday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills, according to head coach Mike McDaniel. The 32-year-old missed practice on Monday and Tuesday with a chest injury. Mostert did not have a promising start to the season in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, rushing six times for nine yards and catching two passes for 10 yards. De'Von Achane (ankle) was also held out on Monday and Tuesday due to an ankle injury, so the injury concerns in this backfield are already coming to life. McDaniel said Achane's status could be up in the air. If Achane plays, he's a must-start option in all leagues. That said, either or both Jeff Wilson Jr. and rookie Jaylen Wright could see work behind him in Mostert's absence, making them low-end flex plays. If Achane can't suit up, both of Miami's backup running backs are flex dice rolls in leagues of 12 teams or more. Wright was a healthy inactive in Week 1, but he could get involved with injuries already piling up.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said this week that Tutu Atwell is ready to get more opportunities with Puka Nacua (knee) sidelined. McVay noted that with Cooper Kupp and Demarcus Robinson as the outside receivers, Atwell, Tyler Johnson, and rookie Jordan Whittington all have similar skill sets that can complement Kupp and Robinson. While Johnson was the standout in Week 1 against the Lions once Nacua exited, McVay's thoughts hint that it could be Atwell who comes through in Week 2 against the Cardinals. It would be speculative to add Atwell because of these comments but it is a situation that is worth monitoring and could fluctuate each week while Nacua misses time. Right now Johnson is the popular waiver-wire add but maybe Atwell will be next week.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Jeff Wilson, Jr., was active in Week 1 as the Dolphins' third running back ahead of rookie Jaylen Wright and rushed five times for 26 yards in the team's win over Jacksonville. Wilson ended up being the team's leading rusher in the game. De'Von Achane (ankle) and Raheem Mostert (chest) have each missed practice time this week ahead of Thursday night's Week 2 matchup with Buffalo. It should be noted that Tuesday's practice was a walkthrough for the Dolphins so even though both were listed as DNP, it doesn't necessarily mean they won't play. If both Achane and Mostert miss the game, Wilson could be the featured runner, but there is also the possibility that Miami chooses to feature their rookie in Wright. There is a lot of uncertainty in the Miami backfield this week, but Wilson figures to see an increased workload should one or two of the running backs ahead of his on the depth chart miss the game.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins rookie running back Jaylen Wright was inactive in Week 1 but could make his debut in Week 2 with De'Von Achane (ankle) and Raheem Mostert (chest) banged up ahead of the Week 2 matchup with the Bills on Thursday night. Wright, the talented rookie back out of Tennessee, is likely to make his NFL debut if Achane or Mostert can't suit up. If both are out, Wright could be a fantasy sleeper as most managers might assume Jeff Wilson, Jr., would be the featured back. Wilson is a solid runner, but Wright profiles as a more versatile back who could factor heavily into the game plan without Achane and Mostert available. This all depends on the health of the top two running backs for Miami. Both were listed as DNPs on Tuesday, but it should be noted that the practice was a walkthrough for Miami which doesn't reveal much more about their availability on Thursday. Wright is worth a speculative add for managers who haven't stashed him already for his long-term upside.
From RotoBaller
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles) feels like a long shot to play in Week 2. McCaffrey was a surprise inactive in Week 1 and backup Jordan Mason filled in admirably in the team's runaway win over the Jets on Monday night. Mason could be in line for another big week with McCaffrey likely out based on this report. McCaffrey is dealing with a calf issue as well as Achilles tendinitis and the 49ers may be playing it safe early in the season with their star running back. Mason rushed 28 times for 147 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 and added a catch for five yards so he is clearly capable of filling in for McCaffrey. Fantasy managers of McCaffrey will hope he returns in a full capacity in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has expressed a desire for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels to prioritize passing over rushing after his Week 1 performance. Quinn stated, "We'd love to see him remain a passer first." The news is a little worrisome for fantasy as Daniels' rushing helped propel him to a top-three finish at the quarterback position in Week 1. Despite an impressive debut with 88 rushing yards and two touchdownsmarking the most rushing yards by a rookie quarterback in a Week 1 debut and the most carries by a Commanders quarterbackDaniels showed vulnerabilities in his passing game. The team's leading receivers were running backs Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson, while wideouts contributed only 55 yards, with top receiver Terry McLaurin managing just two catches for 17 yards. Additionally, Daniels' high rushing volume raises concerns about his durability and the need for improved sliding technique to avoid big hits. Washington will look to adjust their game plan for Week 2 against the New York Giants to reduce Daniels' reliance on running.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing acknowledged the need to get rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. more involved after his quiet NFL debut. Harrison Jr. caught just one pass for four yards and was targeted only three times in Week 1. Petzing emphasized that making Harrison Jr. a central part of the offense is a priority moving forward. He noted, "I think the Bills did some things to take him away, and I could've called plays to involve him more early, but it was a good start. We have some work to do." Petzing took responsibility for not utilizing Harrison Jr. more and clarified that it's his job, not quarterback Kyler Murray's, to ensure the rookie gets ample opportunities. Fantasy owners should confidently start Harrison Jr. in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Rams, as plans are to feature him more prominently.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals right tackle Jonah Williams (knee) is expected to miss some time due to a knee injury. The team is still assessing the full extent of the injury and determining a timeline for his return. Williams, who signed a two-year, $30 million contract with the Cardinals this offseason, was a left tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals before transitioning to right tackle in 2023. With Paris Johnson stable on the left side, Williams' injury leaves a gap on the right side of the line. Veteran swing tackle Kelvin Beachum, who previously started 48 games at right tackle for the Cardinals from 2020-22, filled in on Sunday. However, Beachum struggled, allowing two sacks and two additional hurries on quarterback Kyler Murray. This change will likely negatively impact the effectiveness of Murray and the rest of the Arizona offense.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (calf, Achilles) is in danger of missing two straight games. The superstar back was declared inactive a few hours before the season opener against the New York Jets on Monday. There was some controversy about backup running back Jordan Mason knowing he was going to start on Friday, but the team insisted that McCaffrey was a game-time decision. Now, it sounds like McCaffrey could sit out against the Minnesota Vikings this weekend. It's a short week and Minnesota does play on a turf, so it wouldn't be shocking to see the 49ers play it safe. They didn't seem to miss a beat with Mason running all over the Jets defense. The 49ers are likely going to draw this out all week, but fantasy managers who have McCaffrey rostered should get a backup plan ready for in case he does miss Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent WR Michael Thomas (Saints), CB J.C. Jackson (Patriots) and DE Al-Quadin Muhammad (Cowboys) were reinstated from suspension on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
From TheHuddle
Indianapolis Colts defensive back JuJu Brents (knee) has been placed on the injured reserve on Tuesday. It appears the young corner has suffered a season-ending knee injury. The organization isn't sure of the specifics of the injury, but it sounds like Brents is done for the season. This is a tough blow for the former second-round pick that only played in nine games last season due to injury. The Colts could be in a tough spot here without a ton of viable options in the secondary. It's likely that Samuel Womack or Dallis Flowers gets an extended look, but the loss of Brents is certainly a downgrade for this defensive unit.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills defensive end Dawuane Smoot (toe) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 2 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. It's a short week and it doesn't sound like Smoot is going to have enough time to get ready to play. He also sat out of the season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. The hope is that Smoot can rest during Thursday's game and be able to suit up for the Week 3 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The former third-round pick is expected to be a rotational player on this defense. He has been a rotational player throughout most of his career, but he did record 36 tackles and six sacks in 16 games (10 starts) with the Jaguars in 2021. His absence is unlikely to have much of an impact on this defense.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back La'Mical Perine has been released by the organization on Tuesday. Perine joined the Packers a few weeks ago after getting cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers at the end of August. Perine was on the Packers practice squad, but they needed to move him in order to make room for tight end Johnny Lumpkin. Through three seasons, Perine has 340 rushing yards and two touchdowns between the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs. The 26-year-old will look to catch on elsewhere as a depth option.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Bryce Hall (ankle) has been placed on the injured reserve on Tuesday. This knocks him out for at least the next four games, but he's likely done for the rest of the season. The former fifth-round pick suffered a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula during the Week 1 win over the Washington Commanders. Hall signed with the Bucs this past offseason after playing the last four seasons with the New York Jets. He was expected to be a depth option in the secondary, but now his season is most likely over. In a corresponding move, the Bucs have signed defensive back Keegan Isaac who figures to take over Hall's role on defense.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent TE Geoff Swaim (Cardinals) is signing to the Cleveland Browns' practice squad, per source on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
From TheHuddle
Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) was limited in practice on Tuesday. Phillips tore his Achilles during the 2023 season. The Dolphins have been managing his reps early in the season as a result. Phillips is a game-breaking pass rusher. He recorded one sack in Week 1 during the Dolphins' win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Dolphins will need more excellent play out of Phillips in Week 2 if they have any hope of slowing down Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (undisclosed) is expected to return to practice on Wednesday, Sept. 11, per sources.
From TheHuddle
The Carolina Panthers placed defensive end Derrick Brown (knee) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, and he will miss the rest of the 2024 season after injuring his knee in the season-opening loss to the division-rival New Orleans Saints. Brown is expected to undergo a full repair of his meniscus. The former seventh overall pick in 2020 out of Auburn was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2023, when he finished with a career-high 103 tackles (57 solo), two sacks, seen tackles for loss, 15 QB hits, an interception and six pass breakups in 17 starts for the Panthers. Carolina's season had already gotten off to a terrible start after getting blow out by the Saints in Week 1, and now they are losing their best pass-rusher heading into Week 2. Things are setting up for another long season in Carolina. Fantasy managers can obviously continue to avoid the Panthers defense/special teams unit.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens RB Derrick Henry wasn't brought in to get 30 carries per game, head coach John Harbaugh said on Monday, Sept. 9. 'We didn't bring Derrick in here to be the guy that gets the ball 30 times a game,' Harbaugh said. 'He's done that before. That's really not the plan. The plan is Derrick, Lamar, Mark (Andrews), Isaiah (Likely), Zay (Flowers), Bate (Rashod Bateman) and Nelly (Nelson Agholor). That's kind of the plan in this offense going forward.'
Fantasy Spin: Henry wasn't necessarily expected to get the kinds of massive workloads he got in Tennessee, if for no other reason than Lamar Jackson takes a lot of carries himself, as he did in Week 1. The biggest concern for Henry was his lack of involvement on passing downs, which makes him reliant on game script to get a big workload. Henry remains a borderline RB1, but that will change if he proves to be touchdown-dependent.
From TheHuddle