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FFL: Week 2 | NFL: Week 2

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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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 2

Player Notes
Graham Gano Sep 15 5:50pm ET
Graham Gano

New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (hamstring) exited Sunday's matchup against the Washington Commanders. The veteran popped up on the injury report on Saturday night due to a groin issue. However, while he initially believed he aggravated the ailment, it was actually a hamstring injury that kept him out for the remainder of Week 2. Gano made both field goal tries during the loss to the Vikings in Week 1, including a 50-yard attempt. But considering his history, fantasy managers may not see him on the field in Week 3 against the Browns, although it's still too early to speculate.

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Antonio Gibson Sep 15 5:50pm ET
Antonio Gibson

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson rushed 11 times for 96 yards during the team's 23-20 overtime loss against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. He also caught his lone target for a seven-yard game. In total, he had 103 scrimmage yards on 12 touches. The versatile running back was highly productive on Sunday, though nearly half of his yardage came on one 45-yard gain on the ground. Nevertheless, he has shown explosiveness and is starting to earn the trust of the Patriots' coaching staff. He'll continue to operate behind Rhamondre Stevenson against the Jets on Thursday but could sneak into the RB3/FLEX tier in fantasy leagues with at least 14 teams.

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Ja'Lynn Polk Sep 15 5:50pm ET
Ja'Lynn Polk

New England Patriots wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk turned three targets into two catches, 12 yards, and one touchdown during the team's 23-20 overtime loss against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. Even though Polk wasn't very heavily targeted, he actually led all Patriots receivers in targets, catches, yards, and touchdowns in Week 2. In fact, K.J. Osborn was the only other Patriots receiver to even garner a target in this contest. This tells us that New England is committed to employing a run-heavy approach, making the receivers somewhat of an afterthought. Polk is an appealing dynasty target, but he lacks redraft appeal for the time being.

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Jerome Ford Sep 15 5:50pm ET
Jerome Ford

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford carried the ball seven times for 64 yards and caught one pass for no gain in an 18-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2. Ford ripped off a 36-yard run on fourth-and-one in the second quarter, setting the Browns up for a 38-yard field goal. Besides that big play, however, Ford was quiet as he lost work to D'Onta Foreman (14 carries) and Pierre Strong Jr. (two touches). Foreman's usage is a concerning development for fantasy managers rostering Ford after he handled all but four of the running-back touches back in Week 1. Ford is looking like more of an RB3/flex option heading into Week 3 against the New York Giants.

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Brayden Narveson Sep 15 5:50pm ET
Brayden Narveson

Green Bay Packers kicker Brayden Narveson had a solid day at the office in his first game at Lambeau Field since being picked up by the Packers after the preseason. In the Packers' 16-10 win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2, Narveson booted three field goals from distances of 46, 42, and 34, plus an extra point on the Packers' lone touchdown of the day in the first quarter. Narveson also missed a field goal attempt from 45 yards wide right toward the end of the fourth quarter. With Narveson making 6-of-8 field goals on the season, he's starting to make some waves in fantasy football. If you need a kicker in a pinch, the Packers play the Tennessee Titans in Week 3, you can do much worse than Narveson, who has been advertised in his short career. The Packers should need Narveson's services in Week 3, so consider him a low-end streaming option at the position.

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D'Onta Foreman Sep 15 5:50pm ET
D'Onta Foreman

Cleveland Browns running back D'Onta Foreman carried the ball 14 times for 42 yards while adding nine yards on one catch in an 18-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2. Foreman led the Browns in carries just one week after playing only one snap in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1. Cleveland appears content to split the backfield work between Foreman and Ford until Nick Chubb (knee) is ready to be activated from injured reserve. For now, Foreman is worth a waiver add in deeper leagues ahead of a Week 3 matchup against the New York Giants.

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Josh Palmer Sep 15 5:40pm ET
Josh Palmer

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer made just two catches in a Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers. He was targeted twice, making both catches for a total of 19 yards. Palmer watched Quentin Johnston end up with two touchdowns, but the Chargers only completed 14 passes on 20 attempts, which limited all of their pass catchers. It could be like this for most of the season, which will be a knock for the fantasy value of all of the Chargers receivers. Palmer will have better weeks, but he might have more games like this as well.

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Romeo Doubs Sep 15 5:40pm ET
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs had a solid day given the lack of passing volume afforded to the Packers' pass-catchers in their 16-10 win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2. Doubs caught all three of his targets for a team-leading 62 receiving yards, capped by a 39-yard strike from starting quarterback Malik Willis early in the fourth quarter. With the Packers only dropping back to pass 19 times and throwing only 14 times, the pass-catchers didn't have too much to work with thanks to the game plan by head coach Matt LaFleur to lean heavily on the run game and an opportunistic defense that forced three turnovers. Doubs and the Packers will head southeast to Nashville to play the Tennessee Titans in Week 3, but Doubs will merely be a flex play in fantasy.

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Justin Herbert Sep 15 5:40pm ET
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) exited Sunday's win over the Carolina Panthers. He played relatively well in Week 2, finishing with 130 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception off 14-for-20 passing, adding six carries for 18 yards. Unfortunately, Herbert sustained an ankle injury, with the signal-caller stating he got "rolled up" during the contest. He was observed limping after the game. Herbert also underwent an X-ray to determine the severity of the injury. However, until the results are released in the next day or two, fantasy managers should prepare heading into the Week 3 outing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. If he doesn't suit up for that one, Easton Stick is the favorite to take over under center.

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Cameron Dicker Sep 15 5:40pm ET
Cameron Dicker

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker made four kicks in a Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers. Dicker attempted two field goals, making one from 46 yards out and the other from 42. He attempted three extra points as well, missing one. Dicker tried 35 extra points last season and made all 35, so he got one miss out of the way early this year. He should continue to be a solid and consistent fantasy kicker throughout the season.

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Jacoby Brissett Sep 15 5:40pm ET
Jacoby Brissett

New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett completed 15 of 27 passes for 149 yards, one touchdown, and zero turnovers during the team's 23-20 overtime loss against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. This was a similar stat line to Brissett's Week 1 finish, with the main difference being that he threw for a touchdown this Sunday. Just as important is the fact that he played turnover-free football for the consecutive week. The veteran isn't a very appealing fantasy option given the Patriots' mellow passing attack, but he has certainly provided plenty of value to the organization with a very solid first two games of the year. He'll face the Jets on Thursday night in Week 3.

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Dontayvion Wicks Sep 15 5:40pm ET
Dontayvion Wicks

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks had a solid day's work in the Packers' 16-10 win at home against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2. Wicks earned a team-leading four targets, hauling in three of those targets for 26 yards. The lone passing touchdown from starting quarterback Malik Willis was scored by Wicks as he caught a 14-yard touchdown late in the first quarter. With just 14 passing attempts to go around for the Packers, Wicks made the most of his opportunities. While he's still behind in the pecking order among the team's wide receivers, Wicks is utilized plenty in the Packers' offense. For fantasy purposes, Wicks is tough to trust, so he's not going to be a recommended start in fantasy football when the Packers head to Tennessee to face the Titans in Week 3.

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Rhamondre Stevenson Sep 15 5:40pm ET
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson rushed 21 times for 81 yards and one touchdown during the team's 23-20 overtime loss against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. He also caught two of five targets for an additional nine yards through the air. Stevenson has been the Patriots' workhorse so far this year, and while he wasn't quite as efficient as Week 1, he still impressed with his high volume and nose for the end zone. The talented, young running back remains a very strong RB2 option heading into Thursday Night Football against the New York Jets.

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Ladd McConkey Sep 15 5:30pm ET
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey made just two catches in a Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers. The Chargers second-round pick scored a touchdown in Week 1 but was slightly less involved in Week 2, drawing four targets to make his two catches for 26 yards. The Chargers only attempted 20 passes, completing 14, which didn't leave much for the team's pass catchers to work. This will be a run-first offense, but McConkey's role as slot receiver will certainly provide him with some solid weeks of fantasy production. Next week against the Steelers could be a stronger performance.

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Malik Nabers Sep 15 5:30pm ET
Malik Nabers

New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers was a bright spot in Sunday's 21-18 loss to the Washington Commanders, hauling in 10 catches for 127 yards and a touchdown on a massive 18 targets. Nabers showcased his big-play ability, averaging 12.7 yards per catch and notching a cath-and-run 28-yard reception. Nabers did have a crucial drop at the end of the game, but that rookie errors can be expected as he adjusts to the NFL. Despite the Giants' struggles, fantasy managers can take solace in his hefty target share and reliable production, proving he's more than just a deep threat. With his combination of volume and playmaking ability, Nabers is a legit WR1 with huge upside.

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Taysom Hill Sep 15 5:30pm ET
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints quarterback/tight end Taysom Hill (chest) exited Sunday's win over the Dallas Cowboys. He was transported to the hospital for further evaluation. However, head coach Dennis Allen implied it was likely for precautionary reasons. The 34-year-old had 18 yards off three carries in Week 2. While Hill isn't always featured in fantasy lineups, there is usually a point in every season where he gains streaming attention. Fantasy managers will likely see him referenced on the injury report heading into the Week 3 showdown with the Eagles. There will also likely be an update on his condition soon.

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Austin Seibert Sep 15 5:30pm ET
Austin Seibert

Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert scored all of his team's points on Sunday afternoon as he went 7-for-7 on his field goal attempts. His longest was from 45 yards. This was a big improvement for the Washington offense, as Cam York missed both attempts last week. Earlier in the preseason, the Commanders had Riley Patterson on their roster, but he was eventually cut, given his troubles over the summer. Seibert has spent his NFL career bouncing from multiple teams but may have found his home in the DMV after his stellar debut. Seibert holds a mere 80.4% success rate throughout his career, but this could be just the scenery change he needed. Given the Commanders' inability to finish drives in the red zone, Seibert could become a potential streaming option as the season progresses but could have inconsistent performances, as the Washington offense is still a work in progress.

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Deshaun Watson Sep 15 5:30pm ET
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson completed 22 of his 34 passes for 186 yards while adding five carries for 20 yards and a touchdown in an 18-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2. Watson and the Browns offense came out hot in the first half, scoring 16 points with the quarterback punctuating an 89-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Watson looked much more comfortable than in Week 1, although he only has one touchdown pass with two interceptions through two games. He will look for more in Week 3 when the Browns face the New York Giants at home.

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Will Dissly Sep 15 5:30pm ET
Will Dissly

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Will Dissly made three catches in a Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers. Dissly was targeted three times, making all three catches for 29 yards. He ended up second on the team in both catches and receiving yards. The Chargers didn't throw much, completing just 14 passes on 20 drop backs, but Dissly should retain a similar role in the offense going forward. He'll be a floor-play TE2/3 without much upside but could come down with an occasional touchdown here and there.

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Austin Ekeler Sep 15 5:20pm ET
Austin Ekeler

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler was quiet as a rusher Sunday afternoon but made his impact through the air. Ekeler caught all three of his targets for 47 yards. On the ground, he saw just eight attempts for 38 yards. The veteran running back was primarily deployed as a pass catcher in the season opener, and Week 2 was quite similar. Last week, he registered 52 receiving yards (which led the team) on four receptions. While Brian Robinson Jr. will continue to see the lion's share of rushing attempts, Ekeler will still hold fantasy value, especially in PPR formats as he is becoming a safety valve for rookie QB Jayden Daniels. Fantasy managers should continue to view Ekeler as an upside flex in PPR leagues, but in standard leagues where receptions are not scored, it is better to find production elsewhere.

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