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
Baltimore Ravens running backs Keaton Mitchell (knee) and Rasheen Ali (ankle) are both listed as questionable for the team's Thursday night matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Mitchell has been working through a knee injury, and if he's active, it will be for the first time this season. Ali has been dealing with an injury of his own that's kept him out of Baltimore's prior three contests. It would be fantastic if the duo could return to full health, but with teammates Derrick, Henry, and Justice Hill in clear, defined roles in the Ravens' offense, there aren't many excess touches to go around. Neither Mitchell nor Ali will be recommended fantasy options if they're active for the Week 10 outing.
From RotoBaller
Per New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll, wide receiver Darius Slayton (concussion) was tagged with a DNP Wednesday and might not travel with the team to Germany. Pat Leonard of NYDN Sports reported the news. Slayton sustained a concussion late in the Giants' 27-22 loss to the Washington commanders in Week 9. It's unfortunate news for the sixth-year wideout, who has been a valuable deep threat for New York this season. Second-year wide receiver Jalin Hyatt figures to take over some snaps if the former Auburn Tiger can't clear the league's concussion protocol, with Ihmir Smith-Marsette working in behind him. Fellow WRs Malik Nabers and Wan'Dale Robinson project to see an uptick in usage absence.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd (shoulder) was officially listed as limited for his team's first practice of the week. Boyd was knocked out of Sunday's 20-17 victory over the New England Patriots after participating in just 22 snaps, so it's excellent to see him at least get in a limited session ahead of Week 10. With an afternoon road matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers on tap, the veteran wideout will be afforded a slightly larger window to regain his health. If the long-time Cincinnati Bengal can't suit up, rookie wide receiver and kick returner Jha'Quan Jackson again projects to pick up the slack in Tennessee's WR corps.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase had seven catches in the win over the Raiders. However, he totaled only 43 yards. But fantasy managers should be willing to give the wideout a pass on that performance, considering he had seven touchdowns in the six games leading up to Week 9. With an NFC North meeting with the Ravens on tap, everyone remembers Chase's 10-catch, 193-yard, two-touchdown showing when these clubs last met in Week 5. Keep him rolling in all fantasy formats, although that goes without saying.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (shoulder) was again listed as limited for the team's Wednesday practice. Levis has been a limited participant for eight straight practices, and his status for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers is unclear as he works through a shoulder injury that has kept him out of action since Week 6. He'll have two more opportunities to elevate his practice status ahead of Week 10's outing, but if he can't go, it will again be quarterback Mason Rudolph manning the helm for Tennessee. The Titans have let Rudolph air it out while he's been under center, averaging 37 pass attempts per game while working to a 1-2 record and a 4:4 TD:INT ratio.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas had only one reception in the Week 9 win over the Raiders. However, it at least resulted in a trip to the end zone. With Tee Higgins (quadriceps) unlikely to suit up on Thursday night versus the Ravens, Ja'Marr Chase should continue to get extra attention from Joe Burrow. Although Iosivas could also benefit, he's hard to trust despite the favorable matchup on the horizon.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki has been on a roll of late. After amassing seven grabs in the Week 8 loss to the Eagles, the 29-year-old had five catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's win over the Raiders. With that in mind, Gesicki has had issues staying consistent through the years, so he's hard to trust on Thursday night versus the Ravens, even if Tee Higgins (quadriceps) remains on the shelf. Still, Gesicki has a place in multi-tight end setups in a favorable matchup against a subpar Ravens defense.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will meet the Ravens for the second time this season. The signal-caller is coming off a strong showing, throwing for 251 yards off 27-for-39 passing in Week 9 versus the Raiders. He also tossed five touchdowns, the same number he had in the narrow overtime loss to Baltimore in Week 5. Granted, it will be difficult to duplicate such a performance, even against a shaky Ravens defense. However, the upside is there for Burrow, giving him a favorable outlook for Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown had a stellar showing in the Week 9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. He ran the ball 27 times, amassing 120 yards and adding 31 yards off five catches, one of which resulted in a touchdown. With Zack Moss (neck) done for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign, Brown should see more action moving forward. Keep him starting in Week 10 versus an unreliable Ravens defense.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running backs Tony Pollard (foot) and Tyjae Spears (hamstring) were both listed as limited participants in Tennessee's first practice ahead of Week 10. Pollard has dealt with a foot issue for some time but was productive again in last Sunday's 20-17 victory over the New England Patriots and has yet to miss any time this season. On the other hand, Spears is hoping to return from a three-game absence after battling a hamstring injury for the last few contests. Word came out earlier this week that the Titans are looking to reduce the veteran's workload. If Spears is again inactive, backfield mate Julius Chestnut could be on tap for an increased share of the backfield touches this coming Sunday when Tennessee squares off against the Los Angeles Chargers on the road at SoFi Stadium.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (finger) was listed as a limited participant in the team's first practice of the week. Conner left Arizona's 29-9 win against Chicago on Sunday, but the finger issue is new for the 29-year-old. That he was limited is good news, but fantasy managers should keep an eye on his status over the next few days. It might behoove Conner owners to tentatively scoop up rookie running back Trey Benson or second-year back Emari Demercado in anticipation of the veteran missing time. Both athletes split snaps pretty evenly in Conner's stead in Week 9's victory. The Cardinals get a tough matchup against a stout New York Jets front seven on Sunday in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (quadriceps) was limited in Wednesday's practice coming off scoring the game-winning touchdown in the Week 9 overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday. Hunt was also listed on last week's injury report with a quad injury but managed to play on Monday and went over 100 yards rushing while scoring the walk-off touchdown to send the Chiefs to 8-0. As long as the 29-year-old doesn't suffer a setback later this week, he should be all systems go for a Week 10 divisional matchup against the Denver Broncos, where Hunt should be viewed as a solid RB2 play in fantasy lineups. Isiah Pacheco is recovering nicely from a broken leg suffered in Week 2 and is nearing a return to practice, but until he returns, Hunt will be KC's clear backfield leader.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receivers Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and Sterling Shepard (hamstring, hip) were both out for the first practice of the week on Wednesday as the team prepares for a Week 10 battle against the San Francisco 49ers. McMillan injured his hamstring last Friday and didn't play in the Monday night overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, allowing Shepard and Trey Palmer to serve as the top wideouts with Mike Evans (hamstring) out and Chris Godwin (ankle) out for the season. Shepard had four catches for 48 yards on Monday, but now he's in danger of missing Week 10 against the Niners as well. It's worth noting the Bucs' bye comes in Week 11. Tight end Cade Otton has been the clear beneficiary in the passing game, while Trey Palmer, Rakim Jarrett and Ryan Miller could be the starters at receiver if McMillan and Shepard can't play this Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (toe) is dealing with an injury and was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice, the first of the week. It's something worth monitoring, but Mayfield has two days left to return to practice and should be able to do so. The 29-year-old played all of the Week 9 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday and went 23-for-31 for 200 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) won't be returning in Week 10 against the San Francisco 49ers, and Chris Godwin (ankle) is out for the rest of the year. Receivers Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and Sterling Shepard (hamstring, hip) are also banged up, so Mayfield has been using tight end Cade Otton as his top target through the air. With a very thin receiving corps, Mayfield will be a shakier QB1 streaming option in Week 10 against San Fran.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (toe) remains on the Week 10 injury report and was listed as limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Irving played in the Week 9 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday but will most likely be battling a toe injury for the rest of the season, according to head coach Todd Bowles. The 22-year-old saw 10 touches for 34 yards on Monday, with Rachaad White scoring the only rushing TD for the team. The Bucs will continue to split backfield touches between Irving, White and Sean Tucker moving forwards, which severely limits Irving's weekly upside as an RB3/flex. Irving has been Tampa's best ball-carrier in 2024, though, averaging 5.0 yards per carry for 419 yards and three TDs on 83 carries while also catching 23 passes for 174 additional yards in nine games in his first NFL season.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receivers Deebo Samuel Sr. (oblique, rib) and Jauan Jennings (hip) were both listed as limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday coming out of their bye. Chris Conley (hamstring) was a DNP. Samuel was injured in the Week 8 win over the San Francisco 49ers but was able to rest up last week. Although he's not a lock to play this Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the 28-year-old pass-catcher is trending in the right direction. Jennings has missed the team's last two games due to a hip injury and is now hoping to return in Week 10. Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is out for the season and Samuel is also banged up, so when Jennings returns, he should see enough volume in San Fran's passing attack to be worth a look as a WR4/flex in fantasy lineups. Samuel is a must-start if he's active.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody (ankle) was listed as limited in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday coming out of their bye. A high-ankle sprain that Moody suffered in Week 5 has kept him out for the last three games, but he's now on track to make his return to kick against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday. The Niners already cut fill-in kicker Anders Carlson on Tuesday, signaling that they are confident that Moody can play this weekend. He had the benefit of getting extra rest during the team's Week 9 bye. Fantasy managers not happy with their current kicking situation should scoop Moody up immediately if he's somehow on the waiver wire. Before getting hurt, Moody had made 13 of his 14 field-goal tries (2-for-3 from 50-plus yards) and all 12 of his extra points in five games. He's a high-end fantasy kicker when healthy.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder) was listed as limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Fellow wideout Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) was also limited on Wednesday. Davis was also limited last week before being ruled out in the Week 9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The 25-year-old might need to get in a full practice on either Thursday or Friday to avoid a questionable tag going into the Week 10 contest versus the visiting Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. He's been banged up pretty much all year but was only inactive for last weekend. Davis has mostly been a fantasy bust outside of a two-TD performance in Week 6, but he could have a safer floor and higher ceiling when he returns now that Christian Kirk (collarbone) is done for the year. He doesn't have more than five catches in a game in 2024 and has gone over 45 receiving yards once in eight games.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans WR Calvin Ridley (non-injury) was limited during practice Wednesday, Nov. 6.
Fantasy Spin: Ridley has been targeted at least eight times in each of the last four games and has totaled 216 receiving yards over the last two games. He will continue to be the main option in the passing game for the Titans and should be a weekly starting option in leagues.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield (toe) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 6.
Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players should keep an eye on the situation to see if Mayfield is in any danger of missing the Week 10 game. He has thrown at least two touchdowns in each of the last six games even though he has been without several of his receivers. He can be a low-end No. 1 quarterback in most leagues if he plays.
From TheHuddle
