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FFL: Week 2 | NFL: Week 2

RB Strength of Schedule

Tue May 28 9:03am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Robinson setup for big season


Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the running back position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to running backs last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the running backs with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the running backs that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.

  RB SOS  
1. Green Bay Packers 356.01
2. Houston Texans 361.46
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 361.46
4. Las Vegas Raiders 361.48
5. Seattle Seahawks 362.28
6. Buffalo Bills 363.19
7. Arizona Cardinals 363.76
8. Dallas Cowboys 363.9
9. Jacksonville Jaguars 364.51
10. Washington Commanders 364.86
11. Chicago Bears 364.89
12. Indianapolis Colts 365.41
13. San Francisco 49ers 365.86
14. New Orleans Saints 366.49
15. New York Jets 368.23
16. Detroit Lions 368.49
17. Philadelphia Eagles 369.05
18. Minnesota Vikings 369.06
19. Carolina Panthers 369.88
20. Cleveland Browns 370.34
21. Kansas City Chiefs 371.71
22. New York Giants 372.21
23. Los Angeles Chargers 373.19
24. Denver Broncos 373.32
25. Cincinnati Bengals 373.66
26. Los Angeles Rams 374.09
27. Baltimore Ravens 374.16
28. New England Patriots 375.60
29. Atlanta Falcons 376.19
30. Miami Dolphins 377.49
31. Tennessee Titans 378.2
32. Pittsburgh Steelers 378.72


The two teams with the easiest fantasy schedules for running backs are the Steelers and Titans, which is interesting because both teams could platoon running backs. The Steelers split the work between Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. And the Titans are likely to use both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. All four backs could be setup for solid seasons with favorable schedules. It is always scary to take a back that might split work but seeing these positive schedules could make pulling the trigger on them a little easier come draft day. All four could be top flex plays for fantasy teams.

The Dolphins had huge success running the ball last year and could have similar solid production this season with the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs. Devon Achane is really looking good in year two. He is expected to get more work and likely lead the backfield in touches. Raheem Mostert had a career season last year and a great schedule but he carries a little more risk. He is 32 years old and now has rookie Jaylen Wright pushing him for playing time. Just something to keep in mind come draft day.

The Falcons are another team with a top-five favorable running back schedule, making Bijan Robinson a very intriguing pick this year. Robinson had a bit of a disappointing rookie season, but a new coaching staff and really favorable schedule make Robinson a huge breakout candidate. He is moving up draft rankings in a hurry and is capable of finishing first overall in fantasy running back scoring because of his skill set.

Rhamondre Stevenson is a possible rebound candidate. He was slowed by injury last year but is back healthy and with the fifth easiest schedule for running backs. Stevenson has shown in the past he can be a big-time fantasy back. Things are looking up for him this year, making him a good buy-low candidate.

The Packers had the easiest fantasy schedule for quarterbacks but get the toughest for running backs. This isn’t great news for new back Josh Jacobs. It is hard to bet against the productive back, though. You just might want to temper expectations for him this coming year. Jacobs could have a few down weeks, especially for his standards.

The Texans signed Joe Mixon to shore up their running back spot, but he carries some concerns. He wasn’t highly productive the last few seasons besides all his scores and now gets the second toughest schedule for running backs. Plus, the Texans are likely to be a pass heavy team, which could limit his workload a little. Mixon could end up being a boom or bust player.

Tampa also has a unfavorable fantasy schedule for running backs. Rachaad White had a big season last year but padded his numbers because of all his work in the passing game. That might be a similar scenario for him, having a tough time to run with this schedule. The positive for White is he is very good in the passing game. You have to worry about his rushing totals, though.

The Raiders haven’t really settled on a starting running back, but Zamir White is likely to get first shot at the job. That is great news for his fantasy value but the not so great news is his tough fantasy schedule. This could limit the ceiling of White a little. He has risk to begin with because it isn’t 100 percent certain he wins the job. This makes him a bit of a scary pick for fantasy teams.

Kenneth Walker didn’t have quite the breakout second season many hoped but was fairly productive with his work. And the good news is Zach Charbonnet didn’t really put a big dent in his workload. The Seahawks seem happy with Walker as the lead back. The unfortunate news for Walker is he has the fifth toughest fantasy running back schedule. Walker might fail to reach his lofty expectations once again in year three.

We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy running backs. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the running backs with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.

  RB PLAYOFF SOS  
1. San Francisco 49ers 291.43
2. Washington Commanders 325.2
3. Houston Texans 327.8
4. Pittsburgh Steelers 332.03
5. New York Jets 337.57
6. Cleveland Browns 340.8
7. Las Vegas Raiders 341.1
8. Miami Dolphins 348.27
9. Chicago Bears 350.37
10. Buffalo Bills 350.53
11. Arizona Cardinals 352.8
12. Dallas Cowboys 358.87
13. Detroit Lions 359.7
14. New York Giants 365.67
15. Kansas City Chiefs 366.53
16. Green Bay Packers 368.97
17. Seattle Seahawks 370.23
18. Carolina Panthers 377.15
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 378.37
20. Los Angeles Chargers 380.73
21. Jacksonville Jaguars 381
22. Baltimore Ravens 381.43
23. Cincinnati Bengals 383.50
24. Philadelphia Eagles 391.07
25. New England Patriots 397.95
26. Indianapolis Colts 398.40
27. Denver Broncos 399.53
28. Tennessee Titans 401.63
29. Los Angeles Rams 403.92
30. New Orleans Saints 406.33
31. Minnesota Vikings 407.87
32. Atlanta Falcons 422.4

 

There are two teams with a top-five favorable schedule for fantasy running backs for both the regular season and playoffs. Those teams are the Falcons and Titans. Atlanta actually has the easiest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. Robinson was looking good even before hearing this news but looks even better now. He is making a strong case to be the second running back off the board come draft day.

And Pollard and Spears are intriguing running back options with schedules that could produce big for both during the regular season and playoffs. You just have to worry about one back emerging to grab most of the work. If that happens, one of these backs could end up being a bust.

Minnesota has the second easiest playoff schedule for running backs. Aaron Jones has some injury concerns after the last few seasons, but he could be setup for a big workload with an unsettled quarterback situation in Minnesota. Jones has some good upside with his new team, especially during the playoffs.

One other team to mention for the playoff is New Orleans. Alvin Kamara isn’t getting any younger but remains the lead back and still productive. He still seems to have something left in the tank and could be a big fantasy factor for at least one more season, especially when it matters most in the playoffs. He could be a difference maker, having the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs.

Houston is the lone team in both the top five for the toughest regular season and playoff fantasy running back schedules. This is an obvious concern for Mixon. He is looking more and more like a player you might to avoid come draft day. He might have some big games along the way in this great offense, but you have to wonder about his consistency and playoff performance.

So the top rated fantasy back, Christian McCaffrey, also has the toughest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. You aren’t fading McCaffrey because of this. He is one of those rare backs that it doesn’t really matter who he plays. McCaffrey will produce. We still think he is the clear No. 1 fantasy back. He can still get it done in the playoffs.

Washington has Brian Robinson and Austin Ekekler likely splitting the work at running back, which hurts both their fantasy values. They also get the second most difficult playoff schedule for running backs. We wouldn’t reach too early for either back because of this.

The Steelers have the easiest fantasy running back schedule during the playoffs but fourth toughest for the playoffs. This is a tough one. Both backs have potential for good things, showing they can co-exist last year and produce well for fantasy teams. You just have to wonder if fading in the playoffs will make all that good work during the regular season all for nothing.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 2

Player Notes
Emanuel Wilson Sep 15 11:10am ET
Emanuel Wilson

Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson was the primary backup behind Josh Jacobs during the season opener. The 25-year-old did well as he rushed for 46 yards on four yards with two receptions as well. It was a decent outing given his fairly small workload, which could be reduced even more in Week 2. Fellow back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) is expected to suit up against the Indianapolis Colts this weekend. He figures to be in the mix as well behind Jacobs, which means there probably won't be much fantasy value from Wilson or Lloyd. Both backs are going to play second fiddle to Jacobs who is the workhorse back in Green Bay. The other two backs could be worth stashing in deep leagues, but they aren't worth starting right now.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Sep 15 11:00am ET
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) is currently listed as questionable heading into the Week 2 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. This news came suddenly after Brown's hamstring tightened up on him during Friday's practice. As a result, Brown was placed on the injury report and considered questionable due to the fact it was so late in the week. However, it sounds like Brown's status is a legitimate question heading into this matchup. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Eagles take this down to the wire, which is frustrating for fantasy managers. His absence would mean an increased workload for DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and Saquon Barkley. Possibly, Jahan Dotson gets into the mix, but remains a risky fantasy option even if Brown sits out.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Sep 15 10:40am ET
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) has already been ruled out for the Week 2 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. This comes as no surprise after Love suffered an MCL sprain during the final moments of the Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Packers haven't placed Love on the injured reserve as they only expect him to miss a few weeks. The young signal-caller is reportedly targeting a return in Week 5. It looks like the Packers will still need to get through a few games before Love is ready to play again. That being said, Malik Willis will suit up for Week 2 and figures to remain the starter until Love returns. If he struggles, the Packers could turn to Sean Clifford or bring in a quarterback from outside the organization. However, it seems unlikely that the Packers would bring in another legitimate QB with Love only missing a few weeks. For now, Willis will start under center and he can be avoided in most fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

MarShawn Lloyd Sep 15 10:30am ET
MarShawn Lloyd

Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) is currently listed as questionable ahead of the Week 2 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Despite that, Lloyd is expected to suit up and make his NFL debut. This same hamstring issue held him out during the season opener, but it appears Lloyd is feeling better now. He figures to serve as the primary backup to Josh Jacobs. His workload is unknown, but he should at least be involved in the rushing attack. The rookie back isn't worth starting while Jacobs is healthy, but he should be rostered in all dynasty leagues and stashed in deep leagues.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Sep 15 10:20am ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) has been subject to a bunch of rumors following his injury during Thursday's game against the Buffalo Bills. The young signal-caller suffered what appears to be his fourth concussion over the last five years. As a result, Tagovailoa will meet with neurologists this week to discuss his current condition and his future in the league. However, Tagovailoa has already said he has no plans to retire. He's already seeing concussion specialists and will continue to do so going forward. There still remains no timetable for Tagovailoa's return, but there should be more updates in the coming weeks. Until then, Skylar Thompson figures to start under center for Week 3 and possibly longer.

From RotoBaller

Nick Vigil Sep 15 10:13am ET
Nick Vigil

The Dallas Cowboys elevated TE Princeton Fant and LB Nick Vigil from their practice squad to the active roster Saturday, Sept. 14, for Week 2's game against the New Orleans Saints.

From TheHuddle

Jordan Whittington Sep 15 10:10am ET
Jordan Whittington

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jordan Whittington is someone who could possibly see more action with the team shorthanded at wideout. Stud wideout Puka Nacua (knee) was placed on the injured reserve which means he'll miss at least the next four games. His absence could open up additional playing time for Whittington. However, it's worth noting that Whittington only played two snaps during the season opener. The assumption is that Cooper Kupp, Demarcus Robinson, and Tyler Johnson figure to be the starting trio for this offense. That doesn't mean Whittington can't be involved as well, but he probably won't see enough targets to warrant rostering in most formats outside of dynasty leagues.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Sep 15 9:50am ET
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (calf, Achilles) was placed on the injured reserve on Saturday. This news comes after McCaffrey was sidelined for the season opener due to Achilles tendinitis and a calf strain. He'll miss at least the next four games after being placed on the injured reserve, but he could be out longer than that. Ian Rapoport believes it could take up to six weeks for McCaffrey to heal from his Achilles tendinitis. Possibly, McCaffrey is able to play through the issue after his stint on the injured reserve, but fantasy managers should prepare for him to miss up to six weeks. In his absence, Jordan Mason figures to be the lead back and should be rostered in just about every fantasy format after his showing in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Miles Sanders Sep 15 9:30am ET
Miles Sanders

Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders was the leading rusher for this offense during the Week 1 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Being the leading rusher sounds nice, but Sanders only finished with 22 yards on five carries. He served as the second string back to Chuba Hubbard, but neither back got anything going last week. To be fair, it was a blowout and the Panthers needed to abandon the passing game in the second half of the contest. Regardless, neither player has a good outlook heading into the Week 2 matchup against the Las Vegas Chargers. It looks like both backs are going to split the workload, which is bad news for values as a whole. Sanders could be a deep or dynasty stash, but he isn't worth rostering in most fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Marshon Lattimore Sep 15 9:23am ET
Marshon Lattimore

New Orleans Saints CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring, hip) has been pushing to play in Week 2's game versus the Dallas Cowboys and will participate in pregame workouts to determine if he will play. He had been listed as questionable on the injury report after being unable to participate in any of the team's three practice sessions during the week.

From TheHuddle

Tua Tagovailoa Sep 15 9:20am ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is reportedly scheduled to meet with neurologists early next week. This news comes after Tagovailoa was diagnosed with a concussion following an early exit from Thursday's game against the Buffalo Bills. The meeting with the neurologists should give Tagovailoa better input on his situation and whether or not it's safe for him to play football again. The young quarterback has already been diagnosed with four concussions over the last five years. Dolphins' head coach Mike McDaniel said he wants Tagovailoa to focus on his health, which basically means there's no timetable for his return. Skylar Thompson figures to be the starting quarterback unless the team makes a trade or signs a free agent. The Dolphins are likely going to wait until they get more information on Tagovailoa's status before they make any significant moves.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Sep 15 8:50am ET
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) is expected to be inactive for Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Higgins had been listed as doubtful and was trending toward missing his second consecutive game. His absence isn't official yet and won't be confirmed until 90 minutes before kickoff, but fantasy managers should still start making lineup adjustments and finding players to replace Higgins. Internally, Andrei Iosivas and Trenton Irwin are candidates for more volume, but neither of them should be deployed in typical 12-team leagues.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Sep 15 8:40am ET
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears wide receivers Keenan Allen (heel) and Rome Odunze (knee) are both expected to be game-time decisions on Sunday night, according to NFL Network. As the Bears face the Houston Texans on national television, it sounds like there's a chance they could be without their Nos. 2 and 3 receivers. If only one of the two receivers sit out Sunday's contest, the other would jump to the WR3/FLEX range. If they are both inactive, DeAndre Carter would figure to earn more snaps, but he'd remain off the radar. As of Sunday morning, Schefter notes that Odunze is trending toward playing while Allen will test his injury pregame and could be limited even if he does play.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Van Noy Sep 15 8:40am ET
Kyle Van Noy

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy (eye) is optimistic that he'll play in Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. He had fractured an orbital bone just over one week earlier against the Kansas City Chiefs and is currently listed as questionable. Baltimore is expected to run him through a series of pregame tests to confirm that he can play. The 33-year-old offers a veteran presence on defense. However, his production was cut short in Week 1 as he exited after playing 20 percent of defensive snaps and recording just one tackle.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Sep 15 8:30am ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) will meet with neurologists early this week, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Tagovailoa suffered what is at least the fourth known concussion of his career on Thursday night against the Buffalo Bills. The former first-round pick is likely mulling whether to retire, much like he did during his last concussion. Assuming he's out for a few weeks at the very minimum, Skylar Thompson is slated to start at quarterback for Miami. He's struggled at times and cannot be trusted to support elite or near-elite fantasy production from Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Thompson himself is merely a mid-range QB3 going forward.

From RotoBaller

Puka Nacua Sep 15 8:30am ET
Puka Nacua

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) could miss between five and seven weeks depending on how fast and how well his PCL recovers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Nacua is coming off a historic rookie season and caught four passes for 35 yards early in last week's season opener. Now, he'll be forced to miss some time while Cooper Kupp commands an even greater share of targets on offense. Tight end Colby Parkinson and receivers Demarcus Robinson and Tyler Johnson should help fill the void left by Nacua heading into a pivotal stretch of games.

From RotoBaller

Josh Palmer Sep 15 8:30am ET
Josh Palmer

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer (knee) is "tracking to play" against the Carolina Panthers in Week 2 despite being listed as questionable, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The 24-year-old receiver played 81 percent of snaps in last week's season opener but caught just two of his four targets for 15 yards through the air. He'll look to make a bigger contribution this week against a Panthers defense susceptible to surrendering points. Palmer ranks as a low-end WR3/FLEX, but his floor is a little worrisome.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Sep 15 8:20am ET
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (calf, shin) is expected to suit up against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2 despite being listed as questionable, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The 24-year-old is coming off a phenomenal season opener in which he totaled 138 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, Reed's value takes a significant step back this week with Malik Willis filling in for Jordan Love (knee). Reed is still the Packers' top receiver, but he's merely a WR3/FLEX play on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Marshon Lattimore Sep 15 8:20am ET
Marshon Lattimore

The New Orleans Saints will proceed with caution when deciding whether to make cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hip, hamstring) active for Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. "He's pushing to play, but it's a long season and him being healthy is paramount," Rapoport noted. "He'll work out this morning to see." The 28-year-old was available for just 32 percent of snaps last week, registering two tackles along the way. His presence would go a long way toward slowing down the Cowboys' passing attack, but it sounds like New Orleans is leaning toward holding him out of action.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Sep 15 8:10am ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) "is considered 50-50" to play on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The second-year pass-catcher had logged a full practice on Friday, but the Colts will still be cautious with him and allow him to test his injury pregame before making an official decision on his availability. A Downs absence would lead to more opportunities for Alec Pierce and Adonai Mitchell, but Michael Pittman Jr. is still the only Colts receiver we can trust in fantasy football. He's a low-end WR2 this week.

From RotoBaller