Guest of the League
Northspoon Est. 2003
FFL: Week 7 | NFL: Week 7

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.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7

Player Notes
Tyler Goodson Oct 21 12:50am ET
Tyler Goodson

Indianapolis Colts running back Tyler Goodson ran the ball 14 times for 51 yards and a touchdown in the team's 16-10 win over the Miami Dolphins. Goodson out-touched running back Trey Sermon for the first time since Jonathan Taylor (ankle) has been out, seeing 14 carries to Sermon's eight. Goodson was productive, breaking away multiple chunk runs that eventually led to a first-half touchdown. If Taylor is out again in Week 8 against the Houston Texans, fantasy managers can look to Goodson as a viable RB2 option, given his increased workload.

From RotoBaller

Christian Kirk Oct 21 12:50am ET
Christian Kirk

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk turned three targets into just one catch for 24 yards during Sunday's Week 7 win over the New England Patriots in London. The 27-year-old has underperformed over his last two games, tallying just four catches and 63 yards during that span. Immediately upon returning stateside next week, he gets a tough matchup against a very tough Green Bay Packers secondary. Fantasy managers should leave Kirk on the bench in 12-team leagues.

From RotoBaller

Gabriel Davis Oct 21 12:50am ET
Gabriel Davis

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis was targeted twice during Sunday's Week 7 win over the New England Patriots in London. He finished with just one catch for 13 yards, representing a massive step backward from Week 6 when he totaled five catches, 45 yards, and two touchdowns. Brian Thomas Jr. and Evan Engram have cemented themselves as Trevor Lawrence's favorite targets, leaving Davis and Christian Kirk fighting for the scraps in Jacksonville's passing attack. Neither Davis nor Kirk are dependable fantasy options when the Jaguars return stateside to face a tough Green Bay Packers secondary in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

George Pickens Oct 21 12:40am ET
George Pickens

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens hauled in five receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown on nine targets in a 37-15 victory over the New York Jets. With Russell Wilson starting at quarterback, Pickens was consistently given opportunities downfield. He came down with multiple highlight-reel grabs and found pay dirt for the first time this season on an 11-yard fade route near the end of the second quarter. While Pickens was clearly the favorite target of Justin Fields, his skillset seems to better align with Wilson's strengths, which include stretching the field vertically. The 23-year-old should find himself back in fantasy WR2 territory next week in a bout with the New York Giants.

From RotoBaller

Will Reichard Oct 21 12:40am ET
Will Reichard

Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard went 3-for-3 on field goals and 2-for-2 on extra points during Sunday's Week 7 loss to the Detroit Lions. Although Minnesota lost, Reichard kept the Vikings in the game with another perfect effort, hitting key field goals from 42, 48, and 57 yards out. He has been extremely accurate through six games in his rookie campaign, converting all 12 of his field goal attempts and all 18 of his extra point attempts. Moving forward, Reichard is a reliable top-12 kicking option in fantasy football given his accuracy, power, and Minnesota's scoring tendencies.

From RotoBaller

Pat Freiermuth Oct 21 12:40am ET
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth logged two receptions for 51 yards on three targets in a 37-15 win over the New York Jets. Freiermuth was surprisingly given fewer opportunities than fellow tight end Darnell Washington, who earned a career-high four targets. Still, Freiermuth outgained Washington and was extremely effective with limited touches. He turned a short completion from Russell Wilson into a 30-yard gain in the second quarter and later came down with a 21-yard deep ball. Pittsburgh's passing attack was more aggressive and fast-paced with Wilson at the helm, which should prove beneficial to Freiermuth going forward. He'll remain on the fantasy radar for a Week 8 meeting with the New York Giants.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Oct 21 12:30am ET
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. caught all five of his targets for 89 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's Week 7 win over the New England Patriots in London. He also added two rushing yards on two attempts. The rookie was the Jaguars' most productive pass-catcher as they recorded their second win in the last three weeks. Not only did he find the end zone, but he also delivered a 58-yard reception to put the Jaguars on the edge of the red zone late in the first half. Thomas should continue to be treated as a solid WR2 option in fantasy football, including next week when the Jaguars return stateside to face the Green Bay Packers.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Oct 21 12:30am ET
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram caught all five of his targets for 35 yards during Sunday's Week 7 win over the New England Patriots in London. The veteran pass-catcher has been quite productive in two weeks since returning from injury, catching 15 passes for 137 yards during that span. One would have to imagine that his strong stretch of games will continue when the Jaguars return stateside to face the Green Bay Packers next week. After all, Engram is looking like the Jaguars' second-best pass-catcher behind Brian Thomas Jr. Fantasy managers should treat the 30-year-old as a mid-to-low TE1 option in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

D'Ernest Johnson Oct 21 12:30am ET
D'Ernest Johnson

Jacksonville Jaguars running back D'Ernest Johnson rushed for 38 yards on nine carries during Sunday's Week 7 win over the New England Patriots in London. He also got involved as a pass-catcher, hauling in three of his four targets for an additional 32 receiving yards. While Johnson operated as the clear backup to Tank Bigsby on Sunday, it was promising to see him stay productive while earning double-digit touches. With that said, his usage could decrease in a more negative game script scenario, such as next week versus the Green Bay Packers. Johnson is worth monitoring on the fantasy radar, but managers can't justify starting him in 12-team leagues yet.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Nailor Oct 21 12:30am ET
Jalen Nailor

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor caught four of his five targets for 76 receiving yards during Sunday's Week 7 loss to the Detroit Lions. Nailor operated as the Vikings' No. 3 receiver, but he still played 73.3 percent of the offensive snaps and was clearly heavily involved in the passing attack. In fact, Nailor had more targets, receptions, and yards than Jordan Addison, and he came just five receiving yards shy of Justin Jefferson's Week 7 mark. It's not often that you can plug a team's No. 3 receiver into your fantasy lineups, but Nailor has become an appealing option ahead of Week 8 versus a suspect Los Angeles Rams defense.

From RotoBaller

Ricky Pearsall Oct 21 12:20am ET
Ricky Pearsall

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall made his NFL debut in a 28-18 home loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7. The Arizona native came into the game as the assumed third option for quarterback Brock Purdy with Jauan Jennings (hip) ruled out, but inherited even more snaps after Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Deebo Samuel (illness) left during the game. Pearsall missed the first six weeks of the season due to a gunshot wound and received a standing ovation from the home crowd after his first catch. He finished with three receptions on five targets for 21 yards. If Aiyuk has torn his ACL as feared, Pearsall will be worth a look on waivers, although the situation is muddied by the probable return of Jennings in Week 8, not to mention fellow rookie Jacob Cowing having a few games more experience and a more impactful performance today. Pearsall is the better bet long-term though, as San Francisco waited until the fourth round to take Cowing after taking Pearsall in the first. The 49ers get the Dallas Cowboys at home on Sunday Night Football in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Oct 21 12:20am ET
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence completed 15 of 20 passes for 193 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions during Sunday's Week 7 win over the New England Patriots. He also rushed for 13 yards and didn't take a single sack. The former No. 1 pick led the Jaguars to their second win over the last three weeks. As much flak as Jacksonville has taken this year, Lawrence has quietly played good, turnover-free football, completing 62.1 percent of his passes for 1,527 yards, 10 touchdowns, and three interceptions. He'll rank as a mid-to-low QB2 when the Jaguars return stateside to face the Green Bay Packers in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby Oct 21 12:20am ET
Tank Bigsby

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby rushed for 118 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries during Sunday's Week 7 win over the New England Patriots in London. He was unable to haul in his lone target. The 22-year-old stepped up as the Jaguars' No. 1 running back with Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) sidelined, and it's safe to say that he impressed. Interestingly, Bigsby's best games have come in the Jaguars' two victories this year. When Jacksonville wins, Bigsby is averaging 124 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns. That could just be a coincidence over a small sample size, but it's also possible that Bigsby's performance on the ground is one of Jacksonville's integral keys to victory. As long as he continues to handle a large workload, he'll rank as a solid RB2 in fantasy football. That holds true despite next week's tough matchup against the Green Bay Packers back in the United States.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Oct 21 12:20am ET
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren handled 12 carries for 44 yards and came down with two of three targets for 15 receiving yards in a Week 7 win over the New York Jets. Although he was once again outshined by Najee Harris, Warren was given his biggest workload of the season on Sunday night. He operated as the primary pass-catching option out of the backfield for quarterback Russell Wilson and was on the receiving end of an important third-down conversion in the third quarter that eventually led to a touchdown. Warren should continue to operate in a similar role moving forward and could eventually play his way into weekly flex consideration. He's worth stashing in most fantasy leagues and will look to contribute against the New York Giants in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aiyuk Oct 21 12:13am ET
Brandon Aiyuk

Dynasty | The 49ers believe wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk tore his ACL in the loss to the Chiefs. Dynasty Analysis: Brutal. Aiyuk had a ridiculously long holdout, only to finally get his big money contract. After a few up and down weeks, this happens. We'll wait to get an official diagnosis, but it's rare for a team to come out and say they believe a player has torn an ACL only to find out they're wrong. If this is indeed the case, dynasty managers will have to look elsewhere for a WR2 the rest of the way. Stay tuned.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Najee Harris Oct 21 12:10am ET
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris handled 21 carries for 102 yards and a touchdown in a 37-15 win against the New York Jets. He failed to haul in his only target of the contest, but Harris was nonetheless productive and efficient on the ground. Although he ran hard throughout the game, he did not find the end zone until only 26 seconds remained in the fourth quarter, rumbling in for a 10-yard score to seal the victory. After a slow start to the campaign, Harris has looked great over the past two weeks. Additional goal-line opportunities could be in store for him going forward as Pittsburgh's offense seems more capable of pushing the ball downfield with quarterback Russell Wilson under center. Harris should project as a solid fantasy RB2 next week against the New York Giants.

From RotoBaller

Geno Stone Oct 21 12:10am ET
Geno Stone

X-rays came back negative on Cincinnati Bengals safety Geno Stone (shin), according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. The defensive starter exited late during Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns. While any injury is concerning, it's great news that his X-rays were negative. Still, it's possible that Stone will miss some time. If so, look for Tycen Anderson to earn more snaps on defense.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Oct 20 11:50pm ET
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson completed 16 of 29 pass attempts for 264 yards and two touchdowns, adding three carries for three yards and a score on the ground in a 37-15 victory over the New York Jets. Wilson and the Steelers' offense got off to a slow start but started to get in rhythm in the second quarter. He displayed chemistry with wide receiver George Pickens as the duo connected on multiple deep balls and an 11-yard touchdown on the team's last possession of the first half. The 35-year-old later scored on a QB sneak and found Van Jefferson in the end zone from four yards out. Although Justin Fields led Pittsburgh to a 4-2 start, it seems Wilson will be the starter moving forward after a convincing win in which the Steelers scored 31 unanswered points. Fantasy managers can view him as a QB2 option heading into a Week 8 meeting with the New York Giants.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Mason Oct 20 11:10pm ET
Jordan Mason

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason was mostly held in check by the Kansas City Chiefs in a 28-18 home loss on Sunday. He ran for 58 yards on 14 carries and caught both of his targets for 11 yards. A large chunk of his yardage came on a 26-yard third-quarter run. Mason also had a couple of nice runs called back by holding penalties and was something of a game-script victim with the 49ers falling behind 14-3 early. Coming into the game, Mason was the second-leading rusher in the NFL and should have better days ahead of him until Christian McCaffrey (Achilles/calf) returns. Unless CMC surprises everybody and comes back next week, Mason will look to get back on track against a porous Dallas Cowboys run defense at home on Sunday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Oct 20 11:00pm ET
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy had a rough day at the office in a 28-18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Purdy finished with 17 completions on 31 attempts for 212 yards, no passing touchdowns, and three interceptions. Overall, it was a sloppy performance but Purdy's day was saved in fantasy with a couple of touchdowns on quarterback sneaks. He finished with eight rushes for 27 yards and the two scores. Although a substandard Purdy made his share of mistakes, it didn't help that he was without receivers Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (illness) for most of the game. Looking ahead, Purdy will probably slip in weekly rankings if Aiyuk has suffered an ACL tear as feared, at least until rookie receivers Ricky Pearsall and/or Jacob Cowing prove reliable. A return by Christian McCaffrey (Achilles/calf) at some point would help buoy Purdy's value. Purdy gets the Dallas Cowboys at home next Sunday night.

From RotoBaller