Guest of the League
Alliance FFL Est. 2005
FFL: Week 7 | NFL: Week 7

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.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 7

Player Notes
Anders Carlson Oct 15 1:30pm ET
Anders Carlson

The San Francisco 49ers are signing former Green Bay Packers kicker Anders Carlson to their practice squad on Tuesday, according to a source. The 49ers are adding some kicking insurance after Matthew Wright injured his shoulder in the Week 6 win over the division-rival Seattle Seahawks last Thursday night. Regular starting kicker Jake Moody (ankle) is currently out with an ankle injury and is expected to miss more time, so San Fran needed another backup option at the position in case Wright is unable to play in Week 7 versus the Kansas City Chiefs in a Super Bowl rematch. The 26-year-old Carlson was waived by the Packers in training camp in August after struggling in his rookie season in 2023. The former sixth-rounder out of Auburn made 27 of his 33 field-goal attempts and also missed five of his 39 extra-point tries in 17 regular-season games. Avoid him in fantasy if he makes the start on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Mike Williams Oct 15 1:20pm ET
Mike Williams

The New York Jets are planning to make wide receiver Mike Williams available for trade after acquiring All-Pro wideout Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders on Tuesday, according to sources. Williams signed a one-year deal this offseason, but the current receiver room is too crowded now after the Adams acquisition. ESPN New York's Rich Cimini suggested this might be the case after Williams ran the wrong route on an interception late in the Monday night loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills and was called out by quarterback Aaron Rodgers for it. In addition to not catching any of his three targets on Monday, the 30-year-old was being evaluated for a head injury late in the contest. At this point, a trade might be the best thing for Williams' fantasy value after catching only 10 passes for 145 yards and no touchdowns in his first six games with the Jets in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Oct 15 1:10pm ET
Russell Wilson

The Pittsburgh Steelers are planning to give quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) first-team repetitions in practice this week, putting him in line to make his Steelers debut and start on Sunday night against the New York Jets in Week 7. Pittsburgh is off to a 4-2 start with Justin Fields under center, but Wilson's calf injury is fully healed. Tomlin said Wilson "proved his health last week" and confirms he's "in consideration" to start on Sunday. He won't rule out playing both QBs against the Jets. It's a curious decision, to say the least, given how poorly Wilson looked in the last two seasons with the Broncos. Fields hasn't been amazing, but he's done enough to warrant keeping the job and has five touchdowns and only one interception while completing a career-high 66.3% of his passes through six games. He's also run for five scores. In a tough matchup against the Jets defense in primetime, Wilson will be a midrange QB2, at best, if he's officially named the starter for this week.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Oct 15 1:10pm ET
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said on Monday that quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) is "really close" to returning after missing the last two games due to a right-oblique injury he suffered in the Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Unless Richardson suffers a setback this week, he's expected to start on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. He served as the emergency QB in the Week 6 win over the division-rival Tennessee Titans. "Obviously, Joe Flacco is a really good player and been playing good ball for us," Steichen said. "But when Anthony's healthy, he's our quarterback." Staying on the field has been an issue for Richardson early in his NFL career, as he's exited with an injury in four of his eight career games. All four of his NFL injuries have come on runs, raising questions about his long-term durability. The rushing upside is there for the former fourth overall pick, but he needs to improve as a passer to become a viable QB1 option in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Ray Davis Oct 15 11:13am ET
Ray Davis

Dynasty | Bills rookie running back Ray Davis had 97 rushing yards, three catches and 55 receiving yards in a win against the Jets. Dynasty Analysis: With James Cook a late scratch, Davis had a golden opportunity to shine, and that he did. The Jets had few answers for him and this performance cemented him in as one of the most important handcuffs in fantasy football. If Cook was to miss significant time, Davis has the looks of a possible league-altering player. While we need to see more before getting too far over our skis, this was a great night. Davis remains a solid hold in dynasty leagues and should see his ranking rise.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Aaron Rodgers Oct 15 11:13am ET
Aaron Rodgers

Dynasty | The New York Jets are finalizing a trade to acquire wide receiver Davante Adams from the Raiders, Dynasty Analysis: The Jets had a crushing loss against the Bills last night and clearly want to do everything they can to turn things around. Compensation is reportedly going to include a third round pick that could convert into a second should Adams hit certain incentives. Adams is coming off a soft tissue injury that should magically heal quickly at this point. Now reunited with Aaron Rodgers, Adams should immediately become a target hog and could post WR1 value moving forward.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Aaron Rodgers Oct 15 11:13am ET
Aaron Rodgers

Dynasty | The Jets are finalizing a trade for Davante Adams, putting Garrett Wilson's role in flux. Dynasty Analysis: Aaron Rodgers is being reunited with his former WR1 in Green Bay and Wilson could be in line for a decrease in targets moving forward. However, dynasty managers really shouldn't panic as Wilson and Rodgers have quickly built a rapport of their own and while his targets may decrease, he may also find some more room to roam with Adams commanding some attention on the other side. Regardless, while this could impact him short-term, Wilson's long-term dynasty future is very bright. Savvy managers will pounce on him should he become available at a reduced rate.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Davante Adams Oct 15 10:20am ET
Davante Adams

The New York Jets are completing a trade for All-Pro Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The Jets will send a conditional fourth-round pick that can become a second-round pick based on performance. The 31-year-old has missed each of the last three games with a reported hamstring injury, but his absence was also tied to wanting out of Las Vegas. Adams will rejoin future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He spent eight seasons with Rodgers in Green Bay and racked up three seasons of at least 1,300 receiving yards. He scored at least 10 touchdowns in five seasons with the Pack. This is an exciting move for NFL fans, but with Rodgers looking like he has lost a step, it could be difficult for Adams and Wilson to both produce elite fantasy football numbers every week while sharing a field. This move greatly hurts the fantasy football outlook of wide receiver Allen Lazard and tight end Tyler Conklin, but the New York offense could ascend to a high-end unit with a plethora of proven veteran pass-catchers.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Bass Oct 15 9:40am ET
Tyler Bass

Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass struggled on Monday evening as he went 1-for-2 on field goal attempts and 2-for-3 on extra-point attempts in their victory over the New York Jets. This was his second missed extra-point and second missed field goal of the season. Bass' miss was from 47-yards out. However, he was able to bounce-back as he hit the eventual game-winning field goal from 22-yards out with just under four minutes left. The 27-year-old remains a low-end K1 in all formats given how explosive the Buffalo offense can be. However, his recent struggles could make him hard to trust in smaller league sizes.

From RotoBaller

Haason Reddick Oct 15 9:30am ET
Haason Reddick

New York Jets edge rusher Haason Reddick has been granted permission to seek a trade for a short window according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Reddick was acquired by the Jets in the offseason but has been in the midst of a contract holdout through the entire season. Earlier this week, Reddick hired new agents, Drew Rosenhaus and Ryan Matha to continue to work out a contract negation. However, it looks like the Jets have given Reddick an opportunity to look for a trade partner as contract talks have continued to be at a standstill. The 30-year-old enjoyed two successful seasons in Philadelphia as he tallied double-digit sacks in each campaign with six total forced fumbles.

From RotoBaller

Keon Coleman Oct 15 9:30am ET
Keon Coleman

Buffalo Bills rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman caught three of his four targets for 26 yards in their victory on Monday evening against the New York Jets. Coleman's four targets tied for the second-highest among Buffalo pass catchers and was only lower than tight end Dalton Kincaid's seven targets. The 21-year-old rookie has had trouble finding consistency through the early part of his debut campaign. Last weekend Coleman caught only one pass but it was for a 49-yard score. Through the first six weeks, the Florida State product has averaged just two receptions in each game with 33.5 yards per game. Coleman remains a low-end WR3 for the time being but could eventually emerge as a top option in the Buffalo air attack as he gets accustomed to professional football.

From RotoBaller

Ty Johnson Oct 15 9:20am ET
Ty Johnson

Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson saw just four carries for 34 yards in their victory over the New York Jets. Johnson did not see a target in the passing game. After serving as the No.2 option to James Cook through the opening weeks of the campaign, Johnson ceded those duties to rookie Ray Davis on Monday evening. Davis logged an impressive 20 carries with James Cook (toe) sitting out. Davis also added three receptions for 55 yards in the passing game. Fantasy managers should not hold Johnson on their bench any longer in shallow formats as the 27-year-old could have very little standalone value once Cook returns with the emergence of Davis in this backfield.

From RotoBaller

Micah Parsons Oct 15 9:10am ET
Micah Parsons

Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons (ankle) may not be ready to return to action in Week 8 following their Week 7 bye according to Garrett Podell of CBS Sports. Podell further reported that head coach Mike McCarthy expressed that, "The bye week will be a big one for Parsons." Fantasy managers in IDP leagues should continue to closely monitor Parsons' status over the next two weeks as he could be in danger of missing his third-straight game. The Dallas Cowboys defense has taken a significant step back this season after being one of the best units in 2023. They have allowed at least 28 points in three games this season and have just 14 total team sacks which is only the 16th-highest mark in football. The Dallas defense would be hard to trust without Parsons in Week 8 when they travel to San Francisco to face the 49ers and should be kept out of starting lineups in all standard formats.

From RotoBaller

Ricky Pearsall Oct 15 9:00am ET
Ricky Pearsall

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (chest) returned to practice on Monday according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. This was the first time the first-round selection returned to the field after suffering a gunshot wound last month. Last week, head coach Kyle Shanahan said that the team would be opening Pearsall's 21-day practice window. This is a great sign to see the Florida product already back with the team early in the week and participating in practice. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the injury report throughout the week as the rookie will likely be eased into action given how much time he missed. For now, the 24-year-old remains a stash candidate for deeper formats until he earns a consistent role in the San Francisco passing attack.

From RotoBaller

Greg Zuerlein Oct 15 6:40am ET
Greg Zuerlein

New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein made two of his four field-goal attempts and added two extra points in a 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 6. Zuerlein made field goals from 34 and 22 yards out while missing from 32 and 43 yards away. Both of those misses were crucial as they came in the second half of the close game on Monday night. Zuerlein has missed on four of his 12 field-goal attempts this season while making all 11 of his extra points. He will look to rebound in Week 7 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

From RotoBaller

Will McDonald IV Oct 15 6:40am ET
Will McDonald IV

The New York Jets defense allowed 23 points and notched two sacks in a 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 6. New York allowed the Bills to pick up 359 yards of total offense in the contest but played well enough to give the team a chance to win. The Jets got sacks from Quinnen Williams and Will McDonald IV while Jamien Sherwood led the way with seven solo tackles. McDonald has been a force as a pass rusher in 2024 as he already has seven sacks in six games. New York will look to bounce back in Week 7 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Conklin Oct 15 6:10am ET
Tyler Conklin

New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin caught two of his three targets for 10 yards in a 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 6. Conklin came into the game questionable with a hip injury but he ultimately managed to suit up for the close loss on Monday night. The veteran tight end has shown some flashes this season as he had caught 10 passes for 72 yards in his two games prior to the loss to the Bills. Overall, Conklin has 19 catches for 191 yards through six games in 2024. He will be on the map as a TE2/streaming option heading into Week 7 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

From RotoBaller

Allen Lazard Oct 15 6:00am ET
Allen Lazard

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard caught six of his seven targets for 114 yards and a touchdown in a 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 6. Lazard made the play of the game for the Jets as he came down with a 52-yard touchdown catch on a Hail Mary with eight seconds left in the first half. The veteran wide receiver has been a pleasant surprise in 2024 as the Jets' No. 2 receiver behind Garrett Wilson. On the year, Lazard has 26 catches for 354 yards and five touchdowns through six games. Firmly on the map as a weekly flex option in fantasy moving forward, Lazard will face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Mike Williams Oct 15 6:00am ET
Mike Williams

New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams failed to catch any of his three targets in a 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 6. Williams was shaken up on the Jets' final offensive play of the game when he went down attempting to catch an Aaron Rodgers pass that was ultimately intercepted. The Jets took him to be evaluated for a concussion following the completion of the Monday night game. Williams has seen his production decline over the past two weeks as he has just two catches for 25 on seven targets over that span. Look for the Jets to update Williams' status at some point early in the week as they begin preparing to face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Breece Hall Oct 15 5:50am ET
Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall carried the ball 18 times for 113 yards and caught five of his six targets for 56 yards in a 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 6. The veteran back's first 100-yard rushing game of the season was a welcome sight after he had struggled greatly in his previous two games. Hall also made an impact in the passing attack as his 56 receiving yards were third-most on the Jets in the close loss on Monday night. The speedy running back now has rushed for 310 yards and two touchdowns while adding 26 catches for 204 yards and a receiving touchdown through six games. The Jets will now begin preparing to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7. Hall can be considered a mid-range RB1 for that matchup.

From RotoBaller