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 6
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 6
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 6
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 6
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 6
- CB Darius Slay among three Eagles starters out with injuries
- Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. out with concussion
- Saints WR Chris Olave (concussion) ruled out vs. Bucs
- Colts' Joe Flacco to start vs. Titans
- Ravens vs. Commanders: Betting Trends, Prop Picks, Prediction
- Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers downgraded to doubtful
- Chargers put CB Asante Samuel Jr., RB Gus Edwards on IR
- Lions sign RB David Montgomery to extension through 2027
- Jets rule out CB Michael Carter II, LB C.J. Mosley could return
- Roger Goodell talks kickoff rules, Super Bowl outside U.S.
- Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) out vs. Ravens
- Steelers RB Jaylen Warren in vs. Raiders; DE DeMarvin Leal on IR
- Jaguars owner on Doug Pederson, GM: 'I still believe in them'
- Bills coach: RB James Cook (toe) to be questionable vs. Jets
- Giants to sign P Matt Haack as injury sub
- 49ers WR Ricky Pearsall returning to practice after shooting
- NFL, NFLPA back Josh Allen's concussion check
- Robert Kraft: Jabril Peppers "gone" if domestic violence allegations are true
- Packers WR Romeo Doubs addresses suspension
- Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson (foot) out vs. Texans
- Fantasy Six Pack: Dynasty Football Early Rookie Check-Up | Jayden Daniels and Brock Bowers Excelling
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Players to Stash Week 6 | Shake Rattler and Roll
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Week 6 Preview
- Fantasy Life: Best Bets for Sunday Night Football: Giants vs. Bengals
- Fantasy Life: Week 6 Best Bet: Are You on Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos?
- Fantasy Life: Week 6 Fantasy Football Injury Roundup: Anthony Richardson Sits
- Fantasy Life: Injuries Force More Week 6 Start/Sit Decisions
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Basketball Centers for 2024: Targets and Fades
- Fantasy Life: Sunday Blitz 2.0: Notes For The Week 6 4 PM Slate
The Paur Report
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 6
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was solidly involved in the Packers' 34-13 victory against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6. Jacobs took 18-of-29 running back carries on the afternoon for 62 rushing yards. He also caught all three of his targets on day for 29 yards, to account for the most total yards of any skill-position player on the team. All four offensive scores came via the pass from Jordan Love, but the run was utilized heavily as the team had a total of 38 rushes to 32 pass attempts. Jacobs' workhorse role was slightly in question with Emanuel Wilson's emergence but after Love returned, Wilson has merely spelled Jacobs. The Packers stay home in Week 7 to match up with the Houston Texans, where Jacobs will be a low-end RB1 for fantasy purposes.
From RotoBaller
After what has been a frustrating start to the season, Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell broke out Sunday at New England with seven catches for 57 yards and a touchdown on a team-high nine targets. The second-year receiver was involved early, finishing Houston's first drive with a two-yard touchdown reception, his first scoring play of the season. Houston will be without star wide receiver Nico Collins for at least three more weeks, so Dell's usage at New England could be a preview of the weeks to come. The former Houston Cougar will look for more production when the Texans travel to Green Bay in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper caught four of his six targets for 42 yards in a 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. Cooper turned in another pedestrian outing in the loss to the Eagles as he has been held to 42 yards or fewer in four of his six games played and has gone over 10.0 PPR fantasy points just once all season. The veteran wide receiver's name has come up as a possible trade candidate with the Browns sitting at 1-5 on the season and a trade to a contender could be a path to unlocking some fantasy value for Cooper for the remainder of the season. As it stands, he will be a boom/bust WR3 heading into a Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy caught one of his three targets for a 35-yard gain in a 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. Jeudy was quiet for most of the game but his 35-yard catch helped to set up a 31-yard Dustin Hopkins field goal with 3:57 left in the fourth quarter. The veteran receiver has shown some promise this season but he will continue to be tough to trust with Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland offense struggling to move the ball. Jeudy will not be a strong fantasy option heading into a Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns RB D'Onta Foreman rushed for 31 yards on 10 carries against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. He also caught two passes for 16 yards during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Foreman shared playing with several other running back during the game but led the team in carries. His role for Week 7 is uncertain because of Jerome Ford's injury but could be a flex option in some deeper leagues if receives most of the work at running back.
From TheHuddle
Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner rushed seven times for just 24 yards in Week 6 against the Green Bay Packers. He added four receptions for 22 yards on five targets.
Fantasy Spin: Conner has been putting up some strong number this season, putting him in the borderline low-end RB1 or high-end RB2 neighborhood, but that certainly wasn't the case in Week 6. He'll look to bounce back in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night. Treat him as more of a RB2 for that one.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns running back D'Onta Foreman carried the ball 10 times for 31 yards and added two catches for 16 yards in a 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. Foreman saw an uptick in work with Jerome Ford leaving during the first quarter with a hamstring injury and eventually getting ruled out for the remainder of the game. Despite the additional opportunities, Foreman struggled to gain much traction in yet another game where the Cleveland offense had a hard time moving the ball. The Browns may be getting Nick Chubb (knee) back for Week 7's matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, which would put a big dent into Foreman's workload in the future. If Chubb ultimately ends up not playing in Week 7 and Ford isn't ready to return, Foreman could operate as the team's lead back next week, giving him flex appeal in fantasy. Stay tuned.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon delivered in his first game back from an ankle injury, compiling 132 total yards, two catches, and two touchdowns in a 41-21 defeat of the New England Patriots. The first-year Texan caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from quarterback C.J. Stroud in the first quarter, then went to work on the ground, finishing with 13 carries for 102 yards. Mixon's 20-yard touchdown carry in the fourth quarter was his first scoring run since Week 1, and his 30 receiving yards ranked third on the team Sunday. The former Cincinnati Bengal continues to be option No. 1 out of the Houston backfield as the Texans prepare for Green Bay in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back Pierre Strong Jr. carried the ball eight times for 43 yards and caught two of his three targets for 35 yards in a 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. Strong got extra work in the loss after the Browns lost starting running back Jerome Ford to a hamstring injury in the first half and he wound up tying for second on the team in receiving yards with Jerry Jeudy. Ford's status for Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals is up in the air, so Strong could be in play as the Browns' main pass-catching back against their divisional foes. If Ford ultimately does not play, Strong would have some low-end flex appeal in PPR leagues for Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs compiled another productive week with seven targets, six catches, 77 receiving yards, and a touchdown in Houston's 41-21 triumph on Sunday at New England. The 30-year-old found the end zone for the fourth time (three receiving, one rushing) in six games with Houston. Diggs has maintained consistently high usage in the Texans' offense, which carried over Sunday without the presence of top target Nico Collins (hamstring), who is now on injured reserve. The Maryland product has been a steady option week-in and week-out for Houston, which is now 5-1. The Texans will look to keep the trend going in Week 7 at Green Bay.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson went 16-for-23 for 168 yards, zero touchdowns and zero interceptions against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. He also rushed for 17 yards on four carries during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Watson has been held to under 200 passing yards in every game this season and failed to record a passing touchdown for the second time this season. He should be avoided in fantasy leagues until he is more productive on the field.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson completed 16 of his 23 passes for 168 yards and no touchdowns while adding four carries for 17 yards in a 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. Watson struggled against a weak pass defense for a second consecutive week as he was unable to lead his team on any touchdown-scoring drives in the close road loss. The veteran quarterback has now failed to throw for more than 196 yards in any of his six games this season as the Browns have struggled mightily on offense. Steadily sinking into low-end QB2 territory in fantasy, Watson will take five touchdowns and three interceptions into a Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders DT Jonathan Allen (pectoral) suffered a pectoral injury during the Week 6 game and has been ruled out.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean (hamstring) exited after making a tackle near the end of the first quarter of Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. He registered one tackle prior to his departure, bringing his season total to 43. Tyrek Funderburk should step up and earn more opportunities for the duration of Dean's absence. Tampa Bay hosts the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Updating a previous report, Philadelphia Eagles TE Dallas Goedert (hamstring) will not return to the Week 6 game because of his hamstring injury.
Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players will need to monitor Goedert's practice participation this upcoming week to see if he has a chance to play in Week 7. Grant Calcaterra has played well in place of Goedert and could be a low-end No. 1 tight end in deeper leagues if Goedert is not able to play.
From TheHuddle
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers. He initially exited midway through the second quarter and did not return. The standout rookie finishes Week 6 with zero catches on two targets. This is a crushing blow for managers who have inserted the No. 4 overall pick as a WR1 or WR2 in fantasy football this year. Not only is he done for this week, but he'll face an uphill battle to clear concussion protocol and be eligible to play in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Look for the Cardinals' passing attack to run through Trey McBride, Michael Wilson, and Greg Dortch until Harrison can return.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) is officially active for Week 6 against the Atlanta Falcons. He had been listed as questionable after being limited in practice all week long, but he was trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's game. Johnson's being active gives the Panthers a key weapon as they take on their divisional foe, the Atlanta Falcons. Johnson has played quite well with Andy Dalton under center; if you exclude last week's game in which Johnson got hurt, he's averaging 7.5 catches, 102.5 yards, and one touchdown per game with Dalton at quarterback. The former Steelers wide receiver is a solid fantasy WR2 this week in Carolina.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (hamstring) is now listed as questionable to return to Sunday's game with a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old saw six carries out of the backfield before leaving the game. He was able to get 27 yards out of those carries. Tony Pollard has dominated a lot of the touches in this game, and Julius Chestnut will step up to take on the backup duties until Spears can get back in the game.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (shoulder) has officially been ruled out of the rest of the game against the Arizona Cardinals. Wicks saw three targets and registered one reception for nine yards before exiting the game. Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, and Jayden Reed should all see more opportunities while they have a touchdown each so far in this one. The severity of Wicks' injury will likely be known when they can run some more tests on Monday.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles CB Darius Slay (knee) suffered a knee injury during the Week 6 game and is considered questionable to return.
From TheHuddle
