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.
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The Paur Report
The Miami Dolphins placed linebackers Bradley Chubb (knee), Cameron Goode (knee) and Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) and offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn (quadriceps) on the Physically Unable to Perform list on Thursday, meaning they won't be ready to take part in the start of training camp next week. Chubb tore the ACL in his right knee in Week 17 in 2023 and will not be ready for the start of the 2024 regular season as a result. The former fifth overall pick of the Denver Broncos in 2018 out of North Carolina State had 11 sacks, a career-high 73 tackles (45 solo) and a league-high six forced fumbles in 16 starts in his first year in Miami in 2023 before his injury. Phillips needed surgery to fix a right Achilles tear in November but is hoping to be ready for the regular-season opener. Miami's pass rush won't be the same until both Chubb and Phillips are back on the field together.
From RotoBaller
The Miami Dolphins placed running back Salvon Ahmed (foot) on the Non-Football Injury list on Thursday. Ahmed served in a backup role in Miami's backfield last year before suffering a season-ending foot injury in November. The 25-year-old now won't be ready to take part in practices for the start of training camp next week. When healthy, he's in line to be the team's RB4 behind Raheem Mostert, De'Von Achane and rookie Jaylen Wright, so Ahmed isn't going to be a fantasy option in the vast majority of leagues. In mostly a pass-catching role in 2023, he caught a career-high 16 passes for 88 yards and one touchdown while adding 22 rushing attempts for 61 yards and another score in eight regular-season games for the Dolphins.
From RotoBaller
Veteran wide receiver Randall Cobb is hanging up his cleats and will join the SEC Network as a college football studio analyst this year. Although Cobb hasn't officially retired, it's unlikely we'll see him again on an NFL field after he caught just five of 17 targets for 39 yards and one touchdown in 11 games (one start) in 2023 for the New York Jets. The 33-year-old was a healthy scratch for most of the second half last season. Ten of Cobb's 13 years in the NFL came with the Green Bay Packers, who selected him in the second round (64th overall) in the 2011 NFL draft out of Kentucky. If this is indeed the end of the road for the 33-year-old pass-catcher, he'll finish his career in the NFL with 630 catches on 912 targets for 7,624 yards and 54 touchdowns in 166 regular-season games (88 starts) with the Packers, Jets, Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2023, said he thinks there are "a ton of things" he can do better in his second year in the NFL, starting with "owning the offense more" than he did a year ago. Stroud also hopes to improve his footwork in Year 2 and focused on his desire for the team to put more "on my plate" in terms of directing the offense. "I want to definitely attack down the field more this year and press guys back, but also take what the defense gives me," Stroud said. "If it's a boring play, stick with the boring stuff and just be efficient with that. Those are all things I can get better at." Fantasy managers shouldn't consider the 22-year-old to be a high-end QB1 just yet, but he's no doubt going to be a popular midrange QB1 target after the phenomenal rookie season he had.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson is signing his four-year rookie deal on Thursday, according to a source. The two-time All-ACC RB from Florida State with 4.3-second speed never fumbled during his collegiate career and is expected to play a prominent role for the Cardinals' offense in 2024 alongside lead back James Conner. The 21-year-old 66th overall pick tore multiple ligaments in his knee while at Oregon in 2020 but scored 24 total touchdowns in 2022 and 2023 with the Seminoles. There are questions about his durability, but Benson's combination of power and speed give him plenty of upside at the next level in the long-term. In single-year fantasy leagues, Benson will be worth a late-round flier as a handcuff for managers that take the plunge on the oft-injured Conner.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers placed rookie linebacker Junior Colson (illness) on the Non-Football Illness list on Wednesday. The specifics of Colson's illness/injury remain unclear, but it means that he won't be able to take part in on-field workouts for the start of training camp next week. The 21-year-old third-round pick back in April out of Michigan can be activated at any time during camp and could still be ready in plenty of time for the 2024 regular-season opener in September. Still, it's bad news for a young player trying to get up to speed going into his first NFL season. When healthy, Colson was expected to compete for the starting job at middle linebacker for the Bolts with both Eric Kendricks and Kenneth Murray having moved on in the offseason.
Updating a previous report, free-agent Randall Cobb is not officially retired from the NFL and is still open to playing if an opportunity arises, according to sources Thursday, July 18.
From TheHuddle
Former Green Bay Packers and New York Jets WR Randall Cobb has retired from the NFL and accepted a position with the SEC Network as a studio analyst.
From TheHuddle
Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith is entering a 'make-or-break' season, in the opinion of The Athletic's Michael-Shawn Dugar, who notes Smith has a cap hit of $38.5 million in 2025 and will need to prove to the new coaching staff that he's worth having his contract reworked.
Fantasy Spin: Smith wasn't nearly as productive last year as he was in 2022, and he enters 2024 on the low end of QB2 territory despite a talented top-three receivers. Given that the Seahawks traded for QB Sam Howell, who started for the Washington Commanders last season, you can imagine Smith could be on a relatively short leash.
From TheHuddle
Buffalo Bills right tackle Spencer Brown (shoulder) said at a youth football camp that he's co-hosting with tight end Dalton Kincaid that he'll be a full-go when training camp starts next week after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery. Despite having offseason shoulder surgery, Brown managed to start in all 17 regular-season games in 2023 in his third year in the NFL for the first time in his career. He was originally a third-round selection (93rd overall) in the 2021 draft out of Northern Iowa and has started all but three of the 44 games he's appeared in over his three NFL campaigns. The 26-year-old could be eased into training camp practices this summer, but barring a setback with his surgically-repaired shoulder, he should be ready for Week 1 of the regular season as Buffalo's starting right tackle.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks recently received high praise from his teammate. During a sit-down with Bleacher Report, Packers quarterback Jordan Love said he believes Wicks is going to have a monster year. The second-year wideout totaled 39 receptions, 581 yards, and four touchdowns during his rookie season. Wicks has shown flashes of big-play ability, but the lack of a true No. 1 receiver does put more stress on Wicks and his teammates. The fact Love is saying these things about Wicks should mean that the young wideout will have an increased role next season. Fantasy managers should monitor this situation heading into camp. Wicks might be a sneaky late round option as fantasy draft season approaches.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans tight end Teagan Quitoriano (groin, oblique) has made a full recovery from his groin and oblique surgeries and is expected to be active for training camp next week, according to a league source. Quitoriano wasn't placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list, so that just confirms it. He could be eased into practices this summer, but barring a setback, he should be ready to go for the start of the 2024 regular season this fall. The 24-year-old was limited to seven games (five starts) in 2023 in his sophomore campaign due to injuries and was held to just two receptions for 33 yards. While he did have flashes in his rookie season, Quitoriano is a blocking-first tight end for the Texans and shouldn't be on the fantasy radar at all going into the 2024 campaign. In 17 career NFL games, he's been targeted just 16 times.
From RotoBaller
The Houston Texans placed fullback Andrew Beck (calf), cornerback D'Angelo Ross (undisclosed) and linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips (shoulder) on the Physically Unable to Perform list on Wednesday, meaning they will not be ready to take part in the start of training camp next week. Beck strained his calf earlier this offseason and now won't be able to take part in practices to kick off the summer, but it doesn't necessarily mean he won't be ready for Week 1 of the regular season this fall. With Beck sidelined for the start of camp, Troy Hairston will get more repetitions as the club's fullback. The 28-year-old Beck played in 15 games (12 starts) in his first year with the Texans in 2023 and had 11 receptions for 55 yards and two touchdowns while adding five rushing attempts for three yards and another TD. He is not on the fantasy radar.
From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed linebacker Tyler Matakevich to a one-year deal. The veteran linebacker is a former seventh-round pick of the Steelers. He spent his first four seasons of his career with Pittsburgh. After that, Matakevich headed to the Buffalo Bills for the next four seasons. He recorded 23 tackles during his first season in Buffalo, but never surpassed that total over the next three seasons. Matakevich has been mainly playing on special teams lately. This is a depth signing as Matakevich will likely end up as a third or fourth string linebacker.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (shoulder) is expected to be ready for the beginning of training camp. Collins has been sidelined throughout the spring while he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery. He's coming off a season where he recorded 80 receptions, 1,297 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns in 15 games. It was a breakout campaign that earned him a three-year, $72 million extension in the offseason. The hope is that Collins can build off his 2023 campaign after undergoing successful surgery. However, Collins could lose targets with Stefon Diggs coming to town. Collins will be stuck fighting for targets with Diggs and Tank Dell (ankle) who is making his way back from injury. Despite that, Collins should still be able to hold WR2 value heading into fantasy drafts.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (pac) has been placed on the physically unable to perform list to begin training camp. Both Kraft and center Zach Tom were placed on the PUP list after suffering torn pectoral muscles. Luckily, head coach Matt LaFleur said he doesn't expect either player to miss much of camp. Kraft will compete with Luke Musgrove for snaps as the starting tight end. The loss of snaps gives Musgrove a sight edge, but it doesn't sound like Kraft will be gone for too long. Musgrove is the favorite to be the starter, but Kraft could be a reliable second option.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers OT Donovan Jennings (undisclosed), TE Tucker Kraft (undisclosed), WR Alex McGough (undisclosed) and OT Zach Tom (undisclosed) were placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list Wednesday, July 17. The team also placed S Kitan Oladapo (undisclosed) on the Active/Non-Football Injury list.
From TheHuddle
Free-agent LB Tyler Matakevich (Bills) signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers Wednesday, July 17. Financial terms were not disclosed. The team also released S Jalen Elliott.
From TheHuddle
Houston Texans WR Noah Brown (shoulder) is expected to be on the field at some point during training camp. He underwent shoulder surgery during the offseason.
From TheHuddle
