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.
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 18
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin made team history in their victory over the Dallas Cowboys as he caught his 13th touchdown of the season. This is now the most touchdowns caught by a wide receiver in a single season in team history. McLaurin finished the day with 62 yards on eight receptions. He saw 12 targets his way. McLaurin caught this touchdown in the final seconds on a five-yard strike from Marcus Mariota to move Washington up to the No.6 seed in the NFC. This was also a nice bounce back outing for McLaurin as he caught just one of his seven targets for five yards last weekend. McLaurin enjoyed a fantastic season with Jayden Daniels under center. During Weeks 3 through 16, the Ohio State product averaged a stellar 18.2 PPR points per game. McLaurin should be viewed as a high-end WR1 in all playoff competitions.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus caught two of his five targets for 51 yards during their victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday afternoon. Zaccheaus could have had an even better output but was unable to haul in a 40-yard strike from wide receiver Dyami Brown on a trick play. However, Zaccheaus' five targets tied him for second-most on the team. His yardage output was also the second-highest on the team, only behind Terry McLaurin. With Noah Brown (kidney) sidelined, Zaccheaus has begun to carve out a prominent role in the Washington offense. During Weeks 16 and 17, Zaccheaus averaged a strong 77.5 yards per game and tallied three scores over this stretch. Operating as the clear No.2 wideout in the offense, Zaccheaus carries solid flex upside heading into the Wild Card round.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz finished the regular season by catching all three of his targets for 26 yards in a 23-14 victory at Tennessee. The Texans already were locked into the No. 4 seed in the AFC playoffs prior to the game, so they gave starting quarterback C.J. Stroud one drive before giving way to backup Davis Mills. The veteran tight end still managed an average game despite key players getting most of the day off and a game plan that ended with more rushing attempts (29) than passing attempts (28). Schultz and the Texans will turn their attention to the postseason, where they will play host to a Wild Card game.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. ran the ball just five times for ten yards during their victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Robinson brought in his lone target for six yards. With Austin Ekeler back in action, Robinson saw his workload decrease. This matched his previous lowest rushing attempt total of the campaign. With the Commanders trailing throughout the game, Robinson was unable to find much rhythm in a negative game script. Entering this game, Robinson was carrying a three-game touchdown drought. During this stretch, he averaged just 49.7 rushing yards per game. During his first ten games of the season, he tallied eight touchdowns with 64.0 yards per game. Given his current struggles, fantasy managers should view Robinson as a low-end RB2 heading into the postseason.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler ran the ball three times for 12 yards. The running back added 20 yards on his two receptions. Ekeler missed the previous four games due to a concussion. While this victory helped the Commanders move up to a higher seed, they already secured a playoff spot and as a result, the team did not give Ekeler a heavy workload in his return. However, the 29-year-old performed well, especially in the receiving game which is a promising sign heading into the playoffs. During his first ten games of the season, Ekeler ran the ball seven times per game and saw just under four targets per game. During this stretch, he averaged a strong 66.0 total yards per game. If the Commanders find themselves in a high-scoring affair in the Wild Card round, Ekeler would have a path to being the top option out of the backfield, given his elite pass catching abilities.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders Marcus Mariota led the Commanders to a thrilling victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18. Mariota replaced Jayden Daniels at the start of the second half. With the Commanders already locked into a playoff spot, they opted to protect their rookie QB. However, this victory pushed them up to the No.6 seed in the NFC. Over the final two quarters, Mariota went 15-for-18 with 161 yards and two touchdowns. He added 56 yards and a score on five carries. He found Zach Ertz on a five-yard strike late in the third quarter. Then in the fourth, Mariota punched in a score at the goal line and would then find his top wideout Terry McLaurin on a game-winning five-yard touchdown pass in the final seconds. Mariota also saw time in Week 7 against the Panthers when Daniels left early with a rib injury. He was sharp in that game as well going 18-for-23 with 205 yards and two scores.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce set a new career high in rushing yards Sunday in a 23-14 win at Tennessee, finishing with 176 rushing yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. The third-year pro did the most damage on a career-long 92-yard touchdown run in the first half, after Houston had pulled key offensive starters from the game. Sunday was the Florida product's first 100-yard game since midway through his rookie season in 2022. Though Houston already had locked down the No. 4 seed in the AFC playoffs and didn't have anything to gain with the win, Pierce certainly made use of his additional playing time. He and the Texans will be back in action with a to-be-determined Wild Card home game next week.
From RotoBaller
The Houston Texans D/ST found the end zone on Sunday at Tennessee when defensive lineman Derek Barnett scooped a fumble and rumbled 36 yards for a touchdown in Houston's 23-14 win. Tennessee botched the hand off on a jet sweep, and Houston turned the gift into a game-sealing touchdown that earned their 10th victory of the season. The Texans also added two sacks, and despite resting key starters, did not surrender a touchdown until 57 minutes into the game. Houston will start the playoffs next week with a home game in the Wild Card round.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins found the end zone for the seventh time this season and caught all five of his targets for 38 yards on Sunday in a win at Tennessee. The star receiver caught a two-yard touchdown from quarterback C.J. Stroud, who was pulled from the game midway through the first quarter with Houston already confirmed as the No. 4 seed in the AFC playoffs. Collins, who missed five full games and most of another with a hamstring injury earlier in the season, finished just 32 yards short of 1,000 for the year. He and the Texans now will look toward a run in the postseason with a Wild Card game next week.
From RotoBaller
With the Houston Texans already set as the No. 4 seed in the AFC playoffs, the team gave running back Joe Mixon the day off after just six touches for 28 total yards on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. The veteran back caught his only target for five yards and ran for 23 yards on five carries before Houston began pulling key players. For fantasy purposes, playing any Texan under Sunday's circumstances was a risk, and after Houston took a 7-0 lead, starting quarterback C.J. Stroud was replaced by Davis Mills as the Texans began looking toward the postseason. Mixon and the Texans will start their playoff journey next week when they play host to a Wild Card game.
From RotoBaller
Playing in relief on Sunday, Houston Texans backup quarterback Davis Mills completed 12 of 22 passes for 128 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in a victory at Tennessee. Houston was already set as the No. 4 seed in the AFC playoffs, so the team gave starter C.J. Stroud the day off after throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Nico Collins on the first drive of the game. With many key players out of the game, Mills took over under center and did a serviceable job, avoiding any major mistakes and adding 11 rushing yards on three carries. He'll return to being the backup when Houston plays host to a Wild Card game next week.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (ankle, hamstring) is officially active for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Arizona Cardinals. He had been listed as questionable. Although the 49ers have already been eliminated from playoff contention, Kittle will be suiting up for the season finale. Quarterback Brock Purdy (elbow), however, won't play, which means Kittle will be catching passes from Joshua Dobbs. The 31-year-old ranks second among tight ends in fantasy points this season, and he enters the season finale as a high-end TE1.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin (calf) and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (hamstring) are officially active for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Miami Dolphins. Both players had been listed as questionable. Despite the Jets already being eliminated from playoff contention, they're still playing their starters (including Conklin and Williams) as they look to play spoiler against Miami. This news will be well received by fantasy managers invested in Conklin's production. The 29-year-old will look to build on last week's strong performance in which he caught eight passes for 57 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Williams remains an anchor on defense with his 37 tackles and six sacks through 15 contests in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (hamstring) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the San Francisco 49ers. He had been listed as questionable. With Arizona eliminated from playoff contention, Wilson's season is officially over. He finishes the 2024 campaign with 47 catches, 548 yards, and four touchdowns. The second-year receiver currently ranks as the overall WR56 in PPR leagues, but he'll likely fall a few more spots once the remainder of Sunday's games go final. Fantasy managers should expect Greg Dortch to step up as the Cardinals' No. 2 wide receiver behind Marvin Harrison Jr.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (coach's decision) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Denver Broncos. He had been listed as doubtful, so his absence this weekend was widely expected. After all, the Chiefs' plan to rest many key starters has been well-documented. Jones finishes the regular season with 37 tackles, five sacks, and one forced fumble through 15 contests. A combination of Marlon Tuipulotu and Derrick Nnadi will replace Jones on the defensive side of the ball.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (coach's decision) and tight end Travis Kelce (coach's decision) are officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Denver Broncos. Both players had been listed as doubtful, so their absence this weekend was widely expected. After all, the Chiefs' plan to rest many key starters has been well-documented. Mahomes finishes the regular season with 3,928 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Meanwhile, Kelce registered 97 catches, 823 yards, and three touchdowns, ranking outside the top three fantasy tight ends for the first time since 2015. Carson Wentz will start at quarterback for Kansas City while Noah Gray and Peyton Hendershot operate as the Chiefs' top tight ends.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (coach's decision) and linebacker Nick Bolton (coach's decision) are officially active for Week 18 against the Denver Broncos. Both players had been listed as doubtful with the Chiefs planning to rest several key starters. Although they are ultimately active for Sunday's contest, they might not play any snaps. According to Tracy Wolfson of CBS, head coach Andy Reid kept a few starters, like Bolton and Hunt, active just in case "they are needed in spot duty [because] of altitude, long drives, or heath issues." Barring something unforeseen, neither Hunt nor Bolton will be very involved on Sunday. They should be avoided in fantasy football this week.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receivers Jaylen Waddle (knee) and Tyreek Hill (wrist, illness) are officially active for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the New York Jets. Both players had been listed as questionable, but they will suit up with the AFC's No. 7 seed on the line. While Hill and Waddle are playing Sunday, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) is not, so the two receivers will be catching passes from Tyler Huntley. Hill ranks as a mid-to-low WR2 while Waddle belongs in the WR3/FLEX range.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will watch the rest of Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys from the sidelines. The rookie sensation will take a seat in a cautious move from the coaching staff with the playoffs right around the corner. Daniels finished with 38 yards on 6-for-12 throwing and four carries for 27 yards while getting sacked four times. When he went to the bench, the Commanders were down 9-3, and Marcus Mariota is now under center. Daniels will finish his rookie season with around 3,500 yards, 25 touchdowns, and nine interceptions to go along with 864 yards and six scores on 144 carries.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the New York Jets. He had been listed as doubtful despite being a limited participant in practice. As expected, Tyler Huntley will draw his second consecutive start. He led Miami to a victory last weekend, and now, he'll be tasked with keeping Miami's playoff hopes alive. The Dolphins can secure the No. 7 seed with a win plus a Broncos loss. Although they won't have Tagovailoa for Sunday's decisive game, the Dolphins will have both Jaylen Waddle (knee) and Tyreek Hill (wrist, illness) available. Huntley ranks as a QB3 in fantasy football this week.
From RotoBaller