RB Strength of Schedule
Tue May 28 9:03am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Robinson setup for big season
Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the running back position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to running backs last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the running backs with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the running backs that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.
| RB SOS | ||
| 1. | Green Bay Packers | 356.01 |
| 2. | Houston Texans | 361.46 |
| 3. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 361.46 |
| 4. | Las Vegas Raiders | 361.48 |
| 5. | Seattle Seahawks | 362.28 |
| 6. | Buffalo Bills | 363.19 |
| 7. | Arizona Cardinals | 363.76 |
| 8. | Dallas Cowboys | 363.9 |
| 9. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 364.51 |
| 10. | Washington Commanders | 364.86 |
| 11. | Chicago Bears | 364.89 |
| 12. | Indianapolis Colts | 365.41 |
| 13. | San Francisco 49ers | 365.86 |
| 14. | New Orleans Saints | 366.49 |
| 15. | New York Jets | 368.23 |
| 16. | Detroit Lions | 368.49 |
| 17. | Philadelphia Eagles | 369.05 |
| 18. | Minnesota Vikings | 369.06 |
| 19. | Carolina Panthers | 369.88 |
| 20. | Cleveland Browns | 370.34 |
| 21. | Kansas City Chiefs | 371.71 |
| 22. | New York Giants | 372.21 |
| 23. | Los Angeles Chargers | 373.19 |
| 24. | Denver Broncos | 373.32 |
| 25. | Cincinnati Bengals | 373.66 |
| 26. | Los Angeles Rams | 374.09 |
| 27. | Baltimore Ravens | 374.16 |
| 28. | New England Patriots | 375.60 |
| 29. | Atlanta Falcons | 376.19 |
| 30. | Miami Dolphins | 377.49 |
| 31. | Tennessee Titans | 378.2 |
| 32. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 378.72 |
The two teams with the easiest fantasy schedules for running backs are the Steelers and Titans, which is interesting because both teams could platoon running backs. The Steelers split the work between Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. And the Titans are likely to use both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. All four backs could be setup for solid seasons with favorable schedules. It is always scary to take a back that might split work but seeing these positive schedules could make pulling the trigger on them a little easier come draft day. All four could be top flex plays for fantasy teams.
The Dolphins had huge success running the ball last year and could have similar solid production this season with the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs. Devon Achane is really looking good in year two. He is expected to get more work and likely lead the backfield in touches. Raheem Mostert had a career season last year and a great schedule but he carries a little more risk. He is 32 years old and now has rookie Jaylen Wright pushing him for playing time. Just something to keep in mind come draft day.
The Falcons are another team with a top-five favorable running back schedule, making Bijan Robinson a very intriguing pick this year. Robinson had a bit of a disappointing rookie season, but a new coaching staff and really favorable schedule make Robinson a huge breakout candidate. He is moving up draft rankings in a hurry and is capable of finishing first overall in fantasy running back scoring because of his skill set.
Rhamondre Stevenson is a possible rebound candidate. He was slowed by injury last year but is back healthy and with the fifth easiest schedule for running backs. Stevenson has shown in the past he can be a big-time fantasy back. Things are looking up for him this year, making him a good buy-low candidate.
The Packers had the easiest fantasy schedule for quarterbacks but get the toughest for running backs. This isn’t great news for new back Josh Jacobs. It is hard to bet against the productive back, though. You just might want to temper expectations for him this coming year. Jacobs could have a few down weeks, especially for his standards.
The Texans signed Joe Mixon to shore up their running back spot, but he carries some concerns. He wasn’t highly productive the last few seasons besides all his scores and now gets the second toughest schedule for running backs. Plus, the Texans are likely to be a pass heavy team, which could limit his workload a little. Mixon could end up being a boom or bust player.
Tampa also has a unfavorable fantasy schedule for running backs. Rachaad White had a big season last year but padded his numbers because of all his work in the passing game. That might be a similar scenario for him, having a tough time to run with this schedule. The positive for White is he is very good in the passing game. You have to worry about his rushing totals, though.
The Raiders haven’t really settled on a starting running back, but Zamir White is likely to get first shot at the job. That is great news for his fantasy value but the not so great news is his tough fantasy schedule. This could limit the ceiling of White a little. He has risk to begin with because it isn’t 100 percent certain he wins the job. This makes him a bit of a scary pick for fantasy teams.
Kenneth Walker didn’t have quite the breakout second season many hoped but was fairly productive with his work. And the good news is Zach Charbonnet didn’t really put a big dent in his workload. The Seahawks seem happy with Walker as the lead back. The unfortunate news for Walker is he has the fifth toughest fantasy running back schedule. Walker might fail to reach his lofty expectations once again in year three.
We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy running backs. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the running backs with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.
| RB PLAYOFF SOS | ||
| 1. | San Francisco 49ers | 291.43 |
| 2. | Washington Commanders | 325.2 |
| 3. | Houston Texans | 327.8 |
| 4. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 332.03 |
| 5. | New York Jets | 337.57 |
| 6. | Cleveland Browns | 340.8 |
| 7. | Las Vegas Raiders | 341.1 |
| 8. | Miami Dolphins | 348.27 |
| 9. | Chicago Bears | 350.37 |
| 10. | Buffalo Bills | 350.53 |
| 11. | Arizona Cardinals | 352.8 |
| 12. | Dallas Cowboys | 358.87 |
| 13. | Detroit Lions | 359.7 |
| 14. | New York Giants | 365.67 |
| 15. | Kansas City Chiefs | 366.53 |
| 16. | Green Bay Packers | 368.97 |
| 17. | Seattle Seahawks | 370.23 |
| 18. | Carolina Panthers | 377.15 |
| 19. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 378.37 |
| 20. | Los Angeles Chargers | 380.73 |
| 21. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 381 |
| 22. | Baltimore Ravens | 381.43 |
| 23. | Cincinnati Bengals | 383.50 |
| 24. | Philadelphia Eagles | 391.07 |
| 25. | New England Patriots | 397.95 |
| 26. | Indianapolis Colts | 398.40 |
| 27. | Denver Broncos | 399.53 |
| 28. | Tennessee Titans | 401.63 |
| 29. | Los Angeles Rams | 403.92 |
| 30. | New Orleans Saints | 406.33 |
| 31. | Minnesota Vikings | 407.87 |
| 32. | Atlanta Falcons | 422.4 |
There are two teams with a top-five favorable schedule for fantasy running backs for both the regular season and playoffs. Those teams are the Falcons and Titans. Atlanta actually has the easiest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. Robinson was looking good even before hearing this news but looks even better now. He is making a strong case to be the second running back off the board come draft day.
And Pollard and Spears are intriguing running back options with schedules that could produce big for both during the regular season and playoffs. You just have to worry about one back emerging to grab most of the work. If that happens, one of these backs could end up being a bust.
Minnesota has the second easiest playoff schedule for running backs. Aaron Jones has some injury concerns after the last few seasons, but he could be setup for a big workload with an unsettled quarterback situation in Minnesota. Jones has some good upside with his new team, especially during the playoffs.
One other team to mention for the playoff is New Orleans. Alvin Kamara isn’t getting any younger but remains the lead back and still productive. He still seems to have something left in the tank and could be a big fantasy factor for at least one more season, especially when it matters most in the playoffs. He could be a difference maker, having the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs.
Houston is the lone team in both the top five for the toughest regular season and playoff fantasy running back schedules. This is an obvious concern for Mixon. He is looking more and more like a player you might to avoid come draft day. He might have some big games along the way in this great offense, but you have to wonder about his consistency and playoff performance.
So the top rated fantasy back, Christian McCaffrey, also has the toughest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. You aren’t fading McCaffrey because of this. He is one of those rare backs that it doesn’t really matter who he plays. McCaffrey will produce. We still think he is the clear No. 1 fantasy back. He can still get it done in the playoffs.
Washington has Brian Robinson and Austin Ekekler likely splitting the work at running back, which hurts both their fantasy values. They also get the second most difficult playoff schedule for running backs. We wouldn’t reach too early for either back because of this.
The Steelers have the easiest fantasy running back schedule during the playoffs but fourth toughest for the playoffs. This is a tough one. Both backs have potential for good things, showing they can co-exist last year and produce well for fantasy teams. You just have to wonder if fading in the playoffs will make all that good work during the regular season all for nothing.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
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The Paur Report
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman is expected to take on a more significant role moving forward. The Browns traded starting wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills, creating a void in their receiver room. Tillman, a third-round pick in 2022, recorded 21 catches for 224 yards in his rookie season. With a significant portion of the target share opening up, Tillman may have real upside in the Browns' passing offense. However, that offense ranks near the bottom of the NFL, and fantasy managers should avoid investing in the Cleveland Browns' passing game. The 24-year-old is a speculative add-in to deep leagues, as he should see an increase in the target share with Cooper shipped to Buffalo.
From RotoBaller
The Cleveland Browns traded their top wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday, opening up a significant void in their passing game. Current Browns tight end David Njoku is most likely to fill that void. The 28-year-old has hauled in 10 of 15 targets for 89 yards over three games in 2024. Njoku has ranked second on the team in targets over the past two weeks and has the trust of quarterback Deshaun Watson. The Browns are frequently trailing in games, forcing them to throw the ball more. However, the passing game has not been efficient. Given fantasy's current tight-end landscape, Njoku is valued as a mid-to low-end TE1 and a sold TE option in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (concussion) is expected to advance in the concussion protocol and be a non-contact participant in Wednesday's practice, according to team reporter Art Stapleton. The rookie out of LSU missed each of the last two games after suffering a concussion in the Week 4 contest against the Dallas Cowboys. In his first four professional bouts, Nabers racked up 35 receptions for 386 yards and three touchdowns. He saw a whopping 52 targets, which still ranks ninth in the league despite his two absences. If he returns in Week 7, he's a must-start fantasy option against the Philadelphia Eagles. Philly has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to wideouts, and Nabers has already established himself as a clear starter in all matchups. Fellow wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson will have a lower floor and ceiling with the return on Nabers, but he's still firmly on the fantasy football radar in PPR setups. Nabers ranks second among WRs in PPR fantasy points per game (22.9) so far this year.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (hamstring) could be out a few weeks due to a hamstring injury. Goedert was injured in the third play of last Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns and did not return. According to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Goedert will be "out a few weeks." The 29-year-old will likely miss Sunday's matchup against the New York Giants and could potentially miss more games. Goedert is having a solid season, catching 24 of 29 targets for 301 yards across five games in 2024. Grant Calcaterra replaced Goedert in Week 6 and would see an uptick in snaps and targets with Goedert sidelined. Fantasy managers searching for a replacement for Goedert or need tight end help in deep leagues can add Calcaterra as a streamer for Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Titans have signed running back Joshua Kelley to their practice squad. Dynasty Analysis: This could be an indication Tyjae Spears is going to miss some time with a hamstring injury. Kelley was having a hard time finding a home after never really turning out to be a difference maker with the Chargers. He could have some value should the Titans call him up, but he's not a player to spend your free agent money on at the moment.
Dynasty | The Bills have released wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Dynasty Analysis: The Bills needed to make a move after trading for Amari Cooper, and MVS gets the axe. He had just two catches for 26 yards on the season, so this comes as little surprise. With Davante Adams being traded to the Jets, it's also unlikely he has a home there as a retread with Aaron Rodgers. Instead, MVS will need to look elsewhere for employment. He should be picked up by a receiver-needy team, but he's well off the dynasty radar.
Dynasty | The Texans have traded running back Cam Akers to the Minnesota Vikings. Dynasty Analysis: Houston will get a conditional sixth round pick in exchange for Akers and a seventh round conditional selection. In other words, Minnesota grabs Akers on the cheap for the second straight season and will hope he can help out should Aaron Jones miss time. Akers could be a decent fill-in but his career has clearly reached "journeyman" status. Akers could carve out some short-term value in Minnesota, but time will tell.
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New York Jets safety Chuck Clark (ankle) has been placed on the injured reserve on Tuesday. This news comes a day after Clark was forced to exit early during Monday's loss to the Buffalo Bills. Clark exited that game in the first half due to a high-ankle sprain. He will now be forced to miss the next four games after being placed on the IR. Ashtyn Davis stepped in at strong safety and played well in the absence of Clark. The expectation is that Davis will continue starting until Clark is ready to play again. Davis should be a viable option, but he is still a downgrade defensively over a stud like Clark.
From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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From TheHuddle
The Green Bay Packers signed former Jacksonville Jaguars veteran kicker Brandon McManus to a one-year deal on Tuesday, according to a source. McManus is expected to be kicking for the team right away in Week 7 this Sunday versus the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field. It's been a revolving door at kicker in Green Bay for the last several seasons. Rookie Anders Carlson was wildly inconsistent last year before Brayden Narveson missed five of his 17 field-goal tries in six games this year. The Packers will be hoping the 33-year-old McManus can bring some stability to the position. In his 10 years in the NFL (nine with the Denver Broncos), McManus has made 81.4% of his field-goal attempts. In 17 games last year for Jacksonville, he went 30-for-37 on field goals and 35-for-35 on extra points. He could quickly return to the fantasy radar with the Packers.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions and defensive tackle Alim McNeill reached an agreement on an undisclosed four-year contract extension on Tuesday. McNeil was in the final year of his rookie deal in 2024 after the Lions selected him in the third round (72nd overall) of the 2021 NFL draft out of North Carolina State. The 24-year-old had 112 tackles (49 solo), eight sacks, 15 tackles for loss, 20 QB hits, two pass breakups and a forced fumble in his first three years in Detroit. Through five games in 2024, McNeill has picked up eight tackles (five solo), 2.5 sacks, three tackles for loss, four QB hits and a pass breakup. He's not exactly on the fantasy radar in IDP leagues, but McNeill just became a lot more important to Detroit's defensive line with star pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson (leg) out for the year.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent S Adrian Amos (Jaguars) signed an undisclosed contract with the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday, Oct. 15, per his agents.
From TheHuddle
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said on Tuesday that the league's review of the most recent sexual-assault allegations against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is ongoing, despite the fact that Watson's camp already settled the latest lawsuit with the plaintiff. If the NFL finds that the newest complaint rises to a new violation of their personal-conduct policy, it can levy further sanctions against Watson, including another suspension, a fine or more counseling. Not only has Watson looked terrible in 2024 through the first six weeks of the season, but he just lost his top receiver -- Amari Cooper was traded to the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday -- and the possibility of another suspension is on the table. Through the first six weeks, Watson checks in as the QB24 in overall fantasy points and should only be rostered in superflex leagues at this point.
From RotoBaller
The Tennessee Titans signed free-agent running back Joshua Kelley to their practice squad on Tuesday and promoted defensive back Tre Avery from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster in a corresponding move. Kelley comes to the Titans after spending training camp this summer with the New York Giants before they released him prior to the start of the regular season. The 26-year-old was originally drafted in the fourth round by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020 out of UCLA. Kelley spent his first four years in the NFL in LA, averaging 3.6 yards per carry while scoring six rushing touchdowns on 320 total carries. For now, he'll provide extra depth at RB for Tennessee after Tyjae Spears suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 6 loss to the division-rival Indianapolis Colts. For now, fantasy managers can continue to ignore Kelley.
From RotoBaller
The Buffalo Bills released wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling on Tuesday, a move done to create space for the newly acquired Amari Cooper, according to a source. Even with Buffalo having questionable receiver depth after the offseason departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, Valdes-Scantling was an afterthought in the Bills offense in his six games with the team. He caught two of his nine targets for 26 yards and no scores. The 30-year-old will now hit the open market and look to latch on with another team for the rest of the 2024 campaign. His most likely destination is probably back with the Kansas City Chiefs, who have been looking for receiving reinforcements since losing both Rashee Rice (knee) and Marquise Brown (shoulder) for the entire season. A return to KC might make MVS worth a waiver-wire flier in deeper leagues.
From RotoBaller
The Arizona Cardinals placed kicker Matt Prater (knee) and defensive lineman Bilal Nichols (neck) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, meaning both players will have to miss at least the next four games. Nichols will miss the rest of the season. To replace Prater on the active 53-man roster, the Cardinals elevated Chad Ryland from the practice squad. In the last two games with Prater out, Ryland has gone 5-for-6 on field goals and made both of his extra points. Prater made all six of his field goals and went 10-for-10 on extra points in his four games, surpassing the career 1,800-point plateau. The earliest Prater will be eligible to return from IR will be after the team's Week 11 bye for a Week 12 contest against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. Ryland will be a poor streaming option for fantasy managers in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich said on Tuesday that wide receiver Mike Williams (head) cleared the league's concussion protocol after he was being examined by trainers late in the Monday night loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills. Williams suffered a head injury late in the game in Week 6 and was unable to catch all three of his targets to add injury to insult. He also received criticism from quarterback Aaron Rodgers for running the wrong route on the final play for the Jets that led to an interception. It's just all bad for the 30-year-old. The Jets finally acquired receiver Davante Adams from the Raiders on Tuesday, and now the team is planning to ship Williams out of town. At this point, a change of scenery might be best for Williams, who has caught just 10 passes for 145 yards and no touchdowns in six games for Gang Green this year.
From RotoBaller
