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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.

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 10

Player Notes
Drake London Nov 9 6:30pm ET
Drake London

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (hip) is expected to suit up for the Week 10 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. London was pulled out during the first half of last week's game due to a hip inury. He has been limited in practice this week, but could be the team just being cautious with London. It sounds like London will be ready to play, barring any setbacks. London figures to do damage against a shaky Saints secondary that no longer has Marshon Lattimore. Fantasy managers should feel confident about pulling London into their fantasy lineups ahead of this game.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Nov 9 6:00pm ET
Derek Carr

The Falcons defense has not been great this season by any means, recording seven interceptions, three fumble recoveries, and a league-low nine sacks. However, Week 10 brings a matchup with the Saints, a team that will be without their top two receivers, Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, without rookie wideout Bub Means, without veteran receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr., and likely will be without backup running back Jamaal Williams. That doesn't leave much for Derek Carr to work with beyond Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill, which could give Atlanta a good shot to keep points off the board and potentially force a few miscues from the opposition. That being the case, the Falcons D/ST has a good shot to finish as a top 12 defense this week.

From RotoBaller

Gus Edwards Nov 9 5:10pm ET
Gus Edwards

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Los Angeles Chargers running back Gus Edwards was activated off the Injured Reserve list on Saturday. The 29-year-old wasn't relevant for fantasy managers before going on the shelf due to an ankle injury, amassing 38 touches for 113 yards in four games. While there's a chance he could get involved in Week 10 against the Titans, assuming he suits up, J.K. Dobbins, who has played relatively well this season, will presumably remain the top option out of the backfield. Still, with Dobbins seemingly always one wrong move away from an injury, Edwards could gain streaming potential at some point moving ahead. For now, keep him out of any fantasy lineup.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Nov 9 5:00pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) is officially questionable for Monday night's matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. The wideout is doing all he can to get out there in Week 10. But he missed practice for a second-straight day, so things don't look promising. Hill has struggled this season, amassing 34 catches for 446 yards. Even worse, he has only one trip to the end zone. While fantasy managers should stay optimistic regarding his potential for a turnaround, especially with Tua Tagovailoa back on the field, the injury only adds to what has already been a tough season for the Dolphins offense. Hill's status is unlikely to be revealed until Monday, well after all of the games on the slate have concluded, meaning fantasy managers will be taking a gamble by keeping him in the lineup. Although Odell Beckham Jr., Malik Washington and others could get more targets behind Jaylen Waddle on Monday evening, fantasy managers may benefit the most by looking in a different direction in Week 10, assuming Hill's injury designation isn't updated soon.

From RotoBaller

Nico Collins Nov 9 4:50pm ET
Nico Collins

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) was activated off the Injured Reserve list, the team announced on Saturday. While he remains questionable for Sunday's clash with the Detroit Lions, fantasy managers could get him back in the lineup for the first time since Week 5. The 25-year-old was having a monster season before going on the shelf, totaling 32 catches for 567 yards and three touchdowns in just over four games. But with Stefon Diggs (knee) done for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign, Collins may get even more involved.

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Chris Olave Nov 9 4:40pm ET
Chris Olave

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) was officially placed on the Injured Reserve list on Saturday. The wideout suffered two concussions this season, bringing his total to four throughout his career. He's expected to meet with an "independent concussion specialist." However, while Olave is guaranteed to miss at least four games, there's a chance he won't be back on the field again this season. Of course, this isn't good news for a Saints team that already lost Rashid Shaheed (knee) for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign. It's also not ideal for Derek Carr, who will be without his top pass-catcher. With that said, Cedrick Wilson Jr., Mason Tipton, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling could see a bump in fantasy production with Olave and Shaheed on the shelf. Alvin Kamara may also see more work, both on the ground and as a receiver out of the backfield.

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Christian McCaffrey Nov 9 4:30pm ET
Christian McCaffrey

According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) will make his 2024-25 debut on Sunday against the Bucs. The 28-year-old hasn't played all season while dealing with bilateral Achilles injuries. But fantasy managers will finally get him back in Week 10. Although there's a chance he could see fewer snaps than usual, there's no way anyone should keep him out of their fantasy lineups. McCaffrey's expected return will cause Jordan Mason's fantasy ceiling to come crashing down. Still, Mason is worth holding on to for insurance purposes, considering McCaffrey has had issues staying off the injury report over the years.

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Dak Prescott Nov 9 4:20pm ET
Dak Prescott

According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott will "likely" need surgery, meaning the end of his season. The signal-caller plans to see "one final hamstring specialist." But it doesn't appear he'll receive a different prognosis. Fortunately, barring a setback, Prescott will be ready to go to begin the 2025-26 campaign. Without question, the Cowboys haven't met expectations this season. But without Prescott, the team's outlook is less favorable, although Cooper Rush will do his best. Of course, fantasy managers shouldn't dismiss the idea of starting Rush at some point. Still, he needs to play better than he did in the Week 9 loss to the Falcons before earning a spot in any fantasy lineup.

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Tyler Allgeier Nov 9 4:20pm ET
Tyler Allgeier

Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier found the end zone last week to the displeasure of Bijan Robinson managers, and if he hadn't it would have been a terribly quiet day, logging just six carries for 18 yards while not recording even a single target for the second consecutive week. Allgeier's involvement has been a bit unpredictable, receiving six or less carries in two of the last four weeks, while the other two weeks he saw 12 or more carries. The 24-year-old at least had a solid yards per carry (YPC) average through Week 7, but over the last two weeks his YPC is just 2.8. On the bright side, the Falcons are 3.5-point favorites this week against a reeling Saints team so there could be more opportunities if Atlanta is playing with a lead, and the BYU product rushed 8 times for 60 yards against them earlier season. Nevertheless, without a clear path to production, Allgeier is a risky RB3/Flex play this week.

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Nick Bosa Nov 9 3:10pm ET
Nick Bosa

The San Francisco 49ers D/ST is coming off a bye and is in Tampa this week to take on a quality Buccaneers offense. Tampa Bay is fifth in the NFL in yards per game, mostly due to a resurgent Baker Mayfield leading the sixth-ranked passing attack in football. The Bucs are beat up at wide receiver, with Mike Evans (hamstring) ruled out and Chris Godwin (ankle) out for the season, but that didn't stop them from posting 24 points last week against a very good Kansas City Chiefs defense. They are in the middle of the pack in giveaways and times sacked. The 49ers are the fourth-ranked D/ST in fantasy by being solid but unspectacular in all relevant categories -- sacks, takeaways, touchdowns, and points against. In the secondary, they will be without CB Charvarius Ward (personal), and S Malik Mustapha (calf) is questionable. Edge Nick Bosa (hip) has been limited all week and seems to be on the wrong side of questionable. The 49ers D/ST is at No. 9 in the RotoBaller's Week 10 rankings.

From RotoBaller

Kyren Williams Nov 9 3:00pm ET
Kyren Williams

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams should be viewed as a high-end RB1 when he faces the Miami Dolphins on Monday evening. Despite coming off his worst outing of the campaign last weekend, Williams has still averaged a stellar 19.0 PPR points per game with ten total touchdowns in eight games. The Notre Dame product has averaged 20.1 attempts and 2.5 receptions per game which shows how much of an integral role he plays in the Los Angeles offense. Last weekend, the No.2 running back Blake Corum logged only one offensive snap while Williams saw all the others. This week, the 24-year-old will face a Miami defense that has allowed the sixth-most PPR points to opposing RBs which makes him a safe, high-end RB1 in all formats.

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Matthew Stafford Nov 9 2:50pm ET
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford could have another successful fantasy outing despite the difficult matchup in Week 10. With both of his top wideouts, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua back in action, Stafford has averaged an impressive 26.3 PPR points over the past two weeks. In this span, Stafford has thrown at least two passing scores in each game and averaged 288.5 yards per game. On Monday, Stafford will face a tough Miami defense who has allowed the fewest points to opposing QBs this season. However, despite the unappealing matchup, his two star wideouts will provide Stafford with enough upside to consider him a low-end QB1 in all formats.

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Leonard Taylor III Nov 9 2:40pm ET
Leonard Taylor III

New York Jets defensive lineman Solomon Thomas (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Arizona Cardinals, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Thomas sustained his knee injury during last Thursday's victory over the Houston Texans and was unable to participate in any team practices this week. Thomas will now set his sights on returning in Week 11 to face the Indianapolis Colts. This season, the 29-year-old has tallied 2.5 sacks and 16 tackles (eight solo) with one pass deflection. Fantasy managers should expect Will McDonald, Quinnen Williams, Javon Kinlaw, and Michael Clemons to see the majority of the snaps on the defensive line with Hasson Reddick and Leonard Taylor III rotating in.

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Tank Dell Nov 9 2:30pm ET
Tank Dell

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (back) is listed as questionable but is expected to suit up on Sunday evening to face the Detroit Lions, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. Dell popped up on the injury report on Friday and was listed as a limited participant. However, given this report, fantasy managers should not be overly concerned with his availability over the weekend. Last week, Dell operated as the top wideout with Nico Collins (hamstring) still sidelined and Stefon Diggs (knee) out with a torn ACL. In that game, Dell brought in a season-high 126 yards off six receptions. Collins is also listed as questionable, but if Dell is able to play, he should be viewed as a solid WR2 given the matchup against the Lions, who have allowed the third-most PPR points to opposing wideouts.

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Tyreek Hill Nov 9 2:20pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) remains in uncertain status for Monday's game against the Los Angeles Rams. According to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network Hill is dealing with a wrist injury that is "heating up." Head coach Mike McDaniel also noted that he will play "if his body lets him." Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the weekend as he will likely carry an injury designation for Monday's game. After struggling through most of October without Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback, Hill has gone to eclipse double-digit PPR points in each of the past two games. If Hill is able to suit up, fantasy managers should view him as a high-end WR1. If not, Jaylen Waddle would see the majority of targets and be viewed as a high-end WR2.

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D'Wayne Eskridge Nov 9 2:10pm ET
D'Wayne Eskridge

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Dee Eskridge (personal) will not travel with the team and has been ruled out for Monday's contest against the Los Angeles Rams. Eskridge did not participate in practice on Thursday due to a personal matter and will now set his sights on returning in Week 11 to face the Las Vegas Raiders. Eskridge has been operating as a depth option in the Miami wide receiver room and caught just one pass over the past two weeks. In addition, Tyreek Hill's (wrist) status is also up in the air for Monday's game. This could potentially leave Jaylen Waddle and Odell Beckham Jr. as the lone wideouts for Miami on Monday.

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George Kittle Nov 9 2:10pm ET
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle will take on the Buccaneers in Tampa for the team's Week 10 contest on Sunday. In Week 8 against Dallas, Kittle had a week-winning game, catching six of seven targets for 128 yards and a touchdown. The book on Kittle in fantasy has been boom/bust for years, but in 2024 it's been all boom. After a six-point game in Week 1, Kittle has outperformed projections in each subsequent game. He is now averaging 15.2 half-PPR points per game, while the second-ranked TE Brock Bowers sits at 11.2 PPG. It remains to be seen what the effect of an active Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) will be on Kittle's target share, but even if he takes a slight hit, he'll remain an elite option at an otherwise frustrating position. The Bucs present an excellent opportunity to keep the good times rolling, having allowed the third-most TE fantasy points this year. Unsurprisingly, Kittle is projected as the overall TE1 coming into Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Nov 9 1:40pm ET
Cooper Kupp

Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland (hand, knee) is optimistic that he will be able to play on Monday Night Football in Week 10 against the Los Angeles Rams, according to head coach Mike McDaniel. While Holland is hoping to be able to play, he said on Friday that he'll be a game-time decision on Monday. The 24-year-old defensive back injured his knee in the Week 8 loss to the Arizona Cardinals and was not active for last week's loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills. After missing practice on Thursday this week, Holland put in a limited session on Friday, giving him a chance to return on Monday. The Dolphins defense could surely use Holland back on the field against a high-octane Rams passing attack that has both receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua back. In six games this year, Holland has 26 tackles (18 solo), two pass breakups and a forced fumble.

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Laquon Treadwell Nov 9 1:30pm ET
Laquon Treadwell

The Indianapolis Colts elevated wide receiver Laquon Treadwell from the practice squad to the active roster for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills after the team ruled out Michael Pittman Jr. (back) for Week 10. It will be the first week that Treadwell has been active for the Colts in 2024, and he'll be unlikely to make any noise in fantasy as receiver depth for Indy. With Pittman inactive, Josh Downs should serve as quarterback Joe Flacco's favorite target, with Alec Pierce and rookie Adonai Mitchell also seeing more opportunities. Treadwell, 29, only played in five games last year with the Baltimore Ravens and caught just one of three targets for a 16-yard gain. The previous year he caught six of 10 targets for 42 scoreless yards in six contests with the Seattle Seahawks.

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Tua Tagovailoa Nov 9 1:20pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins right tackle Austin Jackson (knee) will not play in the Monday night game against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 10. Head coach Mike McDaniel said Jackson popped up with a knee injury after the Week 9 loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills. It's unknown if Jackson will need surgery, but thankfully his injury doesn't appear to be season-ending. With Jackson sidelined on Monday, veteran Kendall Lamm and rookie Patrick Paul are both options to replace him on the right side of the offensive line against the Rams. Miami comes into Week 10 action riding a three-game losing streak despite quarterback Tua Tagovailoa back in the starting role under center the last two weeks. The Dolphins currently sit at 2-6 and are 2.5 games behind the Denver Broncos for the seventh seed in the AFC.

From RotoBaller