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.
Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 9
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's tilt against the Los Angeles Chargers. Njoku was sidelined during Thursday's practice but was able to return on Friday. As a result, this could have simply been a scheduled day off for the tight end as he missed three games earlier in the season with the same injury. The 28-year-old has enjoyed the two best of games of his season over the past two weeks averaging an excellent 20.4 PPR points in each of them. Fantasy managers should view Njoku as a solid TE1 in all formats facing the Los Angeles Chargers who have allowed the 21st-most PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (toe) was not seen at Friday's practice according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Irving was also sidelined during Thursday's practice. Fantasy managers should monitor his status during Saturday's practice as he may carry an injury designation into Monday's tilt against the Kansas City Chiefs. The rookie running back has been dealing with this lingering injury for the past few weeks but has yet to miss any time due to it. If Irving is able to play he should be expected to split time with Rachaad White facing a tough Kansas City defense who has allowed the fewest PPR points to opposing RBs this season.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) was seen at Friday's practice according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Njoku popped up on the injury report on Thursday with an ankle injury. This is a great sign to see the tight end back at practice which suggests the injury was minor. Fantasy managers should monitor Friday's injury report in case the 28-year-old will carry an injury designation into the weekend. Njoku is coming off the best game of his season as he brought in five passes for 61 yards and a score. If Njoku is able to suit up, he should be viewed as a solid TE1 in all formats.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints according to Joe Person of The Athletic. Thielen logged two limited practice sessions on Wednesday and Thursday but was sidelined on Friday. The veteran wideout is now in danger of missing his sixth-straight contest. During the first three weeks of the season, Thielen caught at least two passes in each game and averaged 36.3 yards per game. While the 34-year-old remains sidelined, fantasy managers should expect Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker to lead the air attack.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (quadriceps) will be listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Higgins was sidelined last week due to the same injury and been unable to participate during the week. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status but the 25-year-old will face an uphill battle to suit up on Sunday. If he misses his second-straight game, Ja'Marr Chase should see a heavy dose of work and be viewed as a high-end WR1. In addition, Andrei Iosivas would become a viable flex option in deeper formats as he should operate as the No.2 pass-catching option for Joe Burrow.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) is not expected to play despite being listed as questionable according to David Newton of ESPN. Head coach Dave Canales noted that the rookie running back is progressing well but is not expected to play this weekend. Brooks was able to participate in full during all of the practices this week which is a great sign for his availability heading into Week 10. The Panthers are opting to exercise caution with their former second-round pick who suffered a torn ACL last November. Brooks remains a high-end stash candidate. Chuba Hubbard should be given another heavy dose of work this weekend and is a viable RB2 in all formats.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (foot) is expected to play on Sunday according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Hill was dealing with this foot injury last week but was able to suit up for the weekend's contest. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status over the weekend but should plan on inserting the star wideout in their lineup. Last weekend, Hill brought in 72 yards, his second-highest total since the season-opener. The 30-year-old should be locked into all lineups as a high-end WR1 going forward with Tua Tagovailoa back at the helm.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receivers Amari Cooper (wrist) and Curtis Samuel (pectoral) will be listed as questionable for Sunday's game according to Katherine Fitzgerald of the Buffalo News. Both wideouts were limited participants on Wednesday and Thursday and will now carry an injury designation into the weekend. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status. Cooper took a step back last weekend after catching four passes for 66 yards and a score in his Buffalo debut in Week 7. Samuel has been given minimal opportunities in this passing attack so far. If either wide receiver is unable to suit up, fantasy managers should expect Khalil Shakir and Dalton Kincaid to see an uptick in targets.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (back/knee) was seen at Friday's practice according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN. This is a great sign for the 27-year-old who has yet to practice this week due to back and knee injuries. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report as the superstar quarterback may carry an injury designation in the weekend if he is unable to log a full practice. Jackson has been one of the most productive fantasy QBs once again this season as he has averaged a stellar 29.4 PPR points per game with 19 total scores through eight weeks. If Jackson is unable to play on Sunday, Josh Johnson would get the starting nod against the Denver Broncos.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye (concussion) remains in concussion protocol but has not been ruled out for Sunday's game according to Jonathan Jones of CBS. Maye suffered a concussion in their victory over the New York Jets last weekend. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the 22-year-old's status as he could clear the league's protocol in time for Sunday. In his first two professional starts, Maye eclipsed 200 passing yards in each of them with five total scores. Maye should be viewed as a solid QB2 in all formats if he is able to face the Tennessee Titans. If not, veteran Jacoby Brissett would get the starting nod.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) is considered a game-time decision for Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles according to Mia O'Brien of 92.5 FM. Etienne has been sidelined over the past two weeks with a hamstring injury and has been able to participate in practice in a limited fashion this week. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progress over the weekend as the Clemson product could be in danger of missing his third-straight contest. If the 25-year-old sits out over the weekend, Tank Bigsby should be in store for another heavy workload. Bigsby has found the end zone twice over the past two weeks and averaged 98.0 rushing yards per game in this span.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) and Gabe Davis (shoulder) are both considered game-time decisions for Sunday's tilt against the Philadelphia Eagles according to Mia O'Brien of 92.5 FM. Thomas was initially expected to miss at least two weeks of action but has been able to practice this week in a limited capacity which is a promising sign. Head coach Doug Pederson expressed that, "He's not going to be 100%, but no one is at this time... we also don't want any set backs" when referring to his rookie wideout. Davis has also participated in practice this week in a limited capacity. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status over the weekend. If one of the wideouts has to sit out, Parker Washington could be worth as a deep league flex option as he should be pushed up the depth chart.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (quadriceps) remained sidelined during Friday's practice according to Ben Baby of ESPN. Higgins has been unable to take the practice field all week and is now in danger of missing his second straight game. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor him throughout the weekend as the Clemson product will likely carry an injury designation. If Higgins misses this weekend's game against the Las Vegas Raiders, fantasy managers should expect Ja'Marr Chase to see a heavy dose of work with Andrei Iosivas and Trenton Irwin serving as the No.2 and No.3 options.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (concussion) continues to progress well and barring a setback, is expected to be available for Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders according to Pat Leonard of NYDN Sports. This is a great sign for the rookie running back who suffered a concussion during last Monday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, it looks like the Purdue product should be able to progress through the league's protocol and not miss any time. Since Week 5, Tracy has emerged as the top option out of the New York backfield and has averaged an impressive 86.8 rushing yards per game in this span. If he can suit up, the 24-year-old should be viewed as a solid RB2 facing the Commanders who have allowed the 19th-most PPR points to opposing RBs this season.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 22-of-32 passes for 211 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a win against Houston. Dynasty Analysis: Rodgers had stated earlier this week that he was in the darkness, but apparently emerged on Thursday night in what was undoubtedly a must-win for the now 3-6 Jets. Rodgers looked like his old self at times and while he can't scramble the way he used to, he can still throw the ball accurately when he has time. His dynasty slide is likely to continue as he's still not better than a QB2 at the moment. Still, this was a step in the right direction.
Dynasty | Jets receiver Davante Adams had seven catches for 91 yards and a touchdown in a win against Houston. Dynasty Analysis: Adams started out his Jets career slowly, but led the team with 11 targets on the night and posted some big catches, including a late touchdown that sealed the game. Adams isn't the player he once was, but he could still provide low-end WR1 value the rest of the way if he builds on this performance. Adams remains a good dynasty buy for contending teams moving forward.
Dynasty | Jets receiver Garrett Wilson had nine catches for 90 yards and two touchdowns in a win against Houston. Dynasty Analysis: The addition of Davante Adams hasn't affected Wilson much thus far and he had two spectacular touchdown catches on the night. While there are going to be some ups and downs this year with the Jets, Wilson has been a constant contributor. For dynasty managers hoping to buy low after the Adams deal, that window slammed shut after this week's performance.
New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (foot) seemingly injured his foot on Thursday night during the fourth quarter of their contest against the Houston Texans. The star defensive back was able to come back into the game, but Ian Rapoport says that his status is worth monitoring especially if the team decides to do some tests on Friday. There hasn't been any official word of an injury that will cause him to miss some time just yet.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey is currently the K4 on the season. He has only missed two field goals, made all of his extra points, and has the longest kick of the season at 65 yards. He's also made the second-most 50+ yarders behind Ka'imi Fairbairn. In Week 9, he'll go up against the Atlanta Falcons who have given up the most fantasy points to kickers this season. On average, opposing kickers are scoring 12.3 fantasy points per game against the Falcons, and with the Cowboys' offense not able to score as many touchdowns as expected, he should be quite busy this week.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson hasn't been able to produce a big outing over the last couple of weeks. Week 8 was the first time he received a target share of more than 20% and failed to finish in TE1 territory. He even had the highest snap percentage of the season in that game, but went up against a solid defensive unit in the San Francisco 49ers. Now, they'll take on the Atlanta Falcons who have given up their fair share of fantasy points to tight ends (10.8 per game for half-PPR). Fantasy managers can look to Ferguson to bounce back in this one.
From RotoBaller