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 New York Jets defense will take on the Houston Texans at home in Week 9's Thursday night game. The Texans have underperformed on offense this season and will be without both of their top two receivers as Nico Collins (hamstring) and Stefon Diggs (knee) won't play. The Jets have also underperformed at times on defense this season but they are still worth considering as a top-12 fantasy defense heading into Thursday night.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Panthers will start quarterback Bryce Young this week. Dynasty Analysis: Hope springs eternal in Charlotte as Young at least showed a tiny glimpse of potential last week when he didn't completely faceplant in a spot start for Andy Dalton. He'll take on a suddenly reeling Saints team with the Panthers hoping upon hope he can build upon last week's game and start looking like the player they thought they drafted. Young's performance this week will be big as the trade deadline is coming and he could be on the block. At this point, his dynasty value is steal near zero.
Dynasty | Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks could make his NFL debut this week. Dynasty Analysis: Brooks is coming back from a torn ACL suffered while he was at Texas and the Panthers have been taking it slowly with him. However, it seems they'll finally have what they hope is their future workhorse at running back in the fold as early as this week. Chuba Hubbard has been stellar this season, so don't expect Brooks to come in and suddenly make him irrelevant. Still, this is exciting as dynasty managers who drafted Brooks have been waiting patiently.
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd (shoulder) did not participate in Wednesday's practice. The 29-year-old's status suddenly appears to be in doubt ahead of Week 9 versus the New England Patriots. Both Boyd and Calvin Ridley were non-participants during practice, leaving Nick Westbrook-Ikhine as the Titans' top healthy receiver. There's still plenty of time for both Boyd and Ridley to get healthy, but if they don't, Westbrook-Ikhine would step up as Tennessee's No. 1 receiver at home.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (personal) has been sidelined with a non-football-related issue for over a month, but head coach Antonio Pierce said that the 23-year-old is "getting close" to making his return. Mayer played a depth role through three games at the start of the season, catching just four passes for 21 yards and zero touchdowns. He remains buried behind rookie Brock Bowers and should be avoided in all fantasy leagues, even if he returns as soon as he's eligible in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (hamstring) was a limited participant during practice on Wednesday. The 23-year-old has missed two consecutive games, but it looks like he's getting closer to returning for Week 9 against the New England Patriots. Through five games as the backup to Tony Pollard, Spears registered 114 rushing yards, 76 receiving yards, and one touchdown. He's a solid bench stash but can't be trusted in fantasy lineups.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (hip) was limited during practice on Wednesday. While it's always noteworthy when someone appears on the injury report, McConkey is trending in the right direction. After all, he was able to get on the field Wednesday and still has four days to get even healthier before the Chargers face the Cleveland Browns. The rookie, who totaled 111 yards and two touchdowns last Sunday, is a low-end fantasy WR3 for Week 9.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (oblique) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. The veteran joins DK Metcalf (knee) and Laviska Shenault Jr. (knee) as Seattle's wide receivers on the initial Week 9 injury report. Given that Lockett was able to get on the field in some capacity, it seems like he's trending toward playing on Sunday versus the Los Angeles Rams. Assuming he suits up, he'll rank as a low-end fantasy WR3.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark (groin) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice. The veteran wide receiver was designated to return from injured reserve earlier this month and appears to be getting closer to making his return. Chark hasn't played yet this year, but he was solid in Carolina last season, contributing 35 catches for 525 yards and five touchdowns. However, with players like Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Josh Palmer making a strong impression, fantasy managers shouldn't expect Chark to carve out a significant role on offense upon his activation.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (ankle) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. The second-year pass-catcher has been sidelined for two consecutive games but is making impressive strides ahead of his potential return to the field in Week 9 against the Cleveland Browns. The 23-year-old has made solid offensive contributions this year but isn't a very dependable redraft option in a receiver room that also features Ladd McConkey and Josh Palmer.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin caught a touchdown, his second of the season, in a loss to the New England Patriots in Week 8. Conklin will look to keep it going against the Houston Texans in Week 9's Thursday night game. The Texans have been tough on tight ends this season, allowing just the 30th-most fantasy points per game to the position. Conklin has turned in a few nice games for fantasy this season but this is not the week to trust him in starting lineups. Treat him as a low-end TE2 this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley (shoulder) and running back Tony Pollard (foot) were both listed as non-participants on the team's Wednesday practice report. It's an interesting development, as neither player looked hampered by an injury in Tennessee's 52-14 blowout loss to the Detroit Lions. Pollard (82%) and Ridley (79%) were both on the field for their typical allotment of snaps on Sunday, so maybe we can chalk it up as a veteran's day of rest. Still, the DNP designation is slightly concerning. With the Titans hosting the New England Patriots in Week 9, the duo's practice participation over the next two days will be telling of their Sunday status. Considering Pollard has been solid all season, and Ridley is coming off his breakout game in Week 8 -- fantasy managers will want to monitor their progress ahead of Week 9.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (quad) and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (ankle) were both listed as limited participants for the team's first practice of the week. White logged just two snaps in the team's 27-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8, and the quad ailment could be the reason why. It's the second injury that's hampered his playing time this month after he suffered a groin injury that held him out of Weeks 5 and 6. Meyers, on the other hand, returned in Week 8 from an ankle injury that kept him out of Weeks 6 and 7, and this may be just a day of rest for the veteran. The 27-year-old played 81% of snaps in the loss to the Chiefs, catching 6-of-7 targets for 52 yards and a touchdown. He's worth monitoring ahead of the Raiders' Week 9 road tilt against the Cincinnati Bengals, while White will likely continue backing up backfield mate Alexander Mattison if he plays.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson has notched three 100-yard receiving games over his past four contests. He will look to keep it going against the Houston Texans in Week 9's Thursday night game. Wilson has yet to feel a target squeeze with Davante Adams in town as he has 17 in the two games since the Jets added the latter in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders. The Texans have been vulnerable against receivers this season as they are allowing the eighth-most fantasy points per game to the position in 2024. Wilson sets up as a high-end WR2 heading into Week 9.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams has yet to post a big game since his new team traded for him two weeks ago, catching seven passes for 84 yards in two games. He will look to make a bigger impact on his team's offense heading into Week 9's Thursday night game against the Houston Texans. Houston represents a plus matchup for Adams as they are allowing the eight-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. Treat Adams as a low-end WR2 heading into Week 9.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith leads the NFL with 2,197 passing yards and 274.6 passing yards per game.
Fantasy Spin: Smith has thrown for more than 280 yards in five of his eight games, but he has thrown just eight touchdowns compared to seven interceptions. The steady yardage totals give Smith a decent floor, but he will need to find the end zone more often to be more than a QB2.
From TheHuddle
New York Jets running back Breece Hall ran for 80 scoreless yards on 18 carries in a Week 8 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He will look for more in Week 9's Thursday night game against the Houston Texans. Houston has been tough on opposing running backs this season as they are allowing just the 29th-most fantasy points per game to the position. Despite the tough matchup, Hall remains busy enough in the passing game to make him mostly matchup-proof from a fantasy perspective, so he can still be treated as a mid-range RB1 heading into Week 9.
From RotoBaller
On Wednesday, Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (hamstring) practiced in a limited capacity. It's the second straight limited practice for the 25-year-old, dating back to last week after he was tagged with a DNP in five consecutive sessions. Ford hasn't appeared in a game since the team's 20-16 loss to the Eagles, when he participated on just four snaps before sustaining a hamstring injury. However, it appears he's turned a corner in his recovery. The former fifth-round pick will have two more chances to up his practice level before Cleveland hosts the Los Angeles Chargers in their third-straight home matchup. Even if he suits up, the third-year running back is nothing more than a handcuff with Nick Chubb back in the fold. If Ford is out again, running backs D'Onta Foreman and Pierre Strong Jr. will continue to work as a change-of-pace option behind Chubb.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (hamstring, knee) has thrown for two touchdowns in three of his past four games. He will look for his first three-touchdown game of the season in Week 9's Thursday night game against the Houston Texans. Rodgers has been dealing with an assortment of injuries of late, including to his hamstring and knee but he practiced fully on Tuesday and Wednesday and is good to go for Thursday. The Texans are allowing the 10th-most fantasy points per game but Rodgers has yet to post a ceiling game in a disappointing Jets offense this season. Treat him as a low-end QB2 for Week 9.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (groin) was officially listed as limited on Wednesday's practice report. The groin injury is new for the sixth-year tight end, as he presumably sustained it sometime between Sunday and today (Wednesday), though exactly when it occurred is unclear. Fant played his typical snap percentage in the team's 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. That he could practice in a limited capacity is good news for his chances of suiting up on Sunday when Seattle hosts the visiting Los Angeles Rams. The 26-year-old's injury doesn't seem serious; still, it's worth mentioning that fellow TEs AJ Barner and Pharaoh Brown have picked up more snaps in recent weeks. If he can't go, the aforementioned duo figures to split work, with a slight advantage to Barner. If Fant can play, he still won't be a recommended fantasy option.
From RotoBaller
