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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.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 7

Player Notes
Julian Love Oct 17 1:20am ET
Julian Love

The Seattle Seahawks placed starting safety Rayshawn Jenkins (hand) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday and signed safety Ty Okada off the practice squad to the active 53-man roster in a corresponding move. Jenkins, who currently ranks third on the team in tackles with 38, will now be required to miss at least the next four games. The earliest he'll be able to return will be in Week 12 against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals (Seattle is on bye in Week 10). Jenkins has played every snap on defense in 2024, so losing him will be a pretty big blow for the Seahawks' secondary going into their Week 7 game this Sunday versus the Atlanta Falcons. With Jenkins sidelined for the next four games, K'Von Wallace, Coby Bryant and Okada will be options to replace him alongside Julian Love.

From RotoBaller

Juwan Johnson Oct 17 1:20am ET
Juwan Johnson

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson caught all three of his targets in Week 6 for a season-best 48 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He started off the game with a 27-yard gain on a strike from quarterback Spencer Rattler, who was filling in for an injured Derek Carr (oblique) and will likely start again in Week 7. He also had a 30-yard catch-and-run negated by an illegal shift penalty in the third quarter. With Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) ruled out and Taysom Hill (ribs) doubtful for Thursday's game against the Denver Broncos, New Orleans will be short on experienced skill position players. Johnson's usage may very well then skew more towards route running than blocking as it did in Week 6 but even so he will be a risky play so early in the week. Denver has allowed just five passing touchdowns all year (two to tight ends), limiting Johnson's upside. Tight end streamers in deeper leagues might want to take a chance but managers in the typical 10 or 12-team formats can leave Johnson on the wire in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Mike Williams Oct 17 1:10am ET
Mike Williams

New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams (personal) was absent from practice on Wednesday. Over the course of just a few days, Williams was publicly called out by Aaron Rodgers for running the wrong route and then subsequently knocked down a rung on the depth chart after the acquisition of Davante Adams. His relationship with the Jets is likely coming to a close amidst reports that the team will make him available prior to the 2024 NFL trade deadline. The 30-year-old has been relatively quiet this season, catching just 10 passes for 145 yards through six games. He can be avoided in most fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Zamir White Oct 17 1:10am ET
Zamir White

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (groin) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice as the team begins preparation for a Week 7 contest against the Los Angeles Rams. White has missed the team's last two games and has seen his fantasy stock plummet considerably after six weeks of the season. The 25-year-old entered the year as the expected lead back after Josh Jacobs departed in free agency, but it has been Alexander Mattison, and not White, who has become the Raiders' primary ball-carrier. Even if White is able to suit up this Sunday against LA, he might play second fiddle to Mattison in the backfield. The former fourth-rounder is averaging a career-low 3.1 yards per carry for 152 yards and no TDs on 49 carries through four games. White should remain on fantasy benches if he makes his return in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Oct 17 1:00am ET
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (right shoulder) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. The 25-year-old looks like he'll be healthy enough to play against the Buffalo Bills in Week 7, but that doesn't mean a whole lot for fantasy managers or Titans fans. Levis has been one of the worst starting quarterbacks in the NFL this season, completing 66.4 percent of his passes for 699 yards, five touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He has also taken 15 sacks, lost three fumbles, and repeatedly demonstrated poor decision-making. Fantasy managers should continue to avoid Levis in most formats.

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Cedrick Wilson Oct 17 1:00am ET
Cedrick Wilson

Wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. (ankle) popped up on the New Orleans Saints injury report earlier this week but got a full practice in the day ahead of their Thursday night matchup against the Denver Broncos. Wilson was limited in the team's earlier sessions but carries no injury designation going into Week 7. With Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) both ruled out there is an opportunity for Wilson to see more snaps than usual. That may not result in much fantasy value, though. Olave's early departure in Week 6 afforded Wilson three targets while stand-in quarterback Spencer Rattler gave most of his attention to rookie wideout Bub Means. Even without Patrick Surtain (concussion), Denver still boasts a formidable secondary and their pass rush will give Rattler fits. Wilson is not a viable option in fantasy in Week 7.

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Troy Franklin Oct 17 1:00am ET
Troy Franklin

Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin is looking for an encore in Week 7 on Thursday Night Football against the New Orleans Saints after scoring his first career touchdown in the Week 6 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers. With Josh Reynolds (finger) on Injured Reserve, Franklin played 65% of the offensive snaps -- second-most behind Courtland Sutton -- and caught two of three targets for a season-high 31 yards and the score. The 21-year-old has plenty of familiarity with rookie quarterback Bo Nix from their days playing together at Oregon in college, but so far it's led to just seven catches (15 targets) for 60 yards and a TD in his first five NFL games. The Saints defense has been very friendly for opposing wideouts, so don't be surprised if Franklin makes some noise for the second straight week. For now, he's merely a stash candidate in dynasty/keeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Courtland Sutton Oct 17 12:50am ET
Courtland Sutton

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton is outside the top-50 receivers in terms of average fantasy points per game through six weeks, but he could return some nice value in a Week 7 Thursday night matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Sutton scored his second touchdown of the season in the Week 6 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers and was able to go over 50 receiving yards for the third time this year and third time in the last four games. Although his overall production doesn't jump off the page, Sutton is tied with D.J. Moore for 13th among all wideouts with 47 targets. The 29-year-old is Denver's clear top receiving target, and he seems to be gaining some chemistry with rookie QB Bo Nix. Against a Saints defense that has allowed the sixth-most half-PPR points per game to opposing wideouts in the last three weeks, Sutton is a WR4/flex with upside for more on Thursday night.

From RotoBaller

Jakobi Meyers Oct 17 12:50am ET
Jakobi Meyers

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. However, head coach Antonio Pierce said that he's hopeful Meyers will be able to suit up against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7. It's interesting to see Pierce's optimism given that Meyers missed his first practice of the week, but that certainly doesn't preclude him from progressing and playing on Sunday. There's suddenly extra attention on Meyers, who is the Raiders' No. 1 wide receiver now that Davante Adams has been traded to the New York Jets. Meyers should be evaluated as a mid-to-low WR3/FLEX in most fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Devaughn Vele Oct 17 12:50am ET
Devaughn Vele

Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Devaughn Vele could be heavily involved in the team's Week 7 game on Thursday night against the hosting New Orleans Saints. With Josh Reynolds (finger) on Injured Reserve in the Week 6 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers, Vele played 62% of the offensive snaps and caught four of his six targets for a team-high 78 yards in just his second NFL contest. In the season-opening loss to the Seattle Seahawks, the seventh-rounder out of Utah caught all eight of his targets for 39 yards. Although he's played in just two games, Vele has been extremely efficient with his opportunities and will have another shot to impress this week against a Saints defense that has allowed the sixth-most half-PPR points per game to pass-catchers in the last three weeks. While it's a stretch to call Vele a realistic starting option in fantasy, he should at least be on the watch list in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Oct 17 12:40am ET
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. The 30-year-old's appearance on the injury report is not surprising given that he was sidelined from Week 2 through Week 5 with a hamstring issue. He did return to the mix last weekend and was one of the Jaguars' lone bright spots, catching all 10 of his targets for 102 yards despite playing just 61 percent of offensive snaps. Engram is a productive, high-volume weapon who ranks as a solid fantasy TE1 going forward.

From RotoBaller

Gabriel Davis Oct 17 12:40am ET
Gabriel Davis

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (knee) was officially listed as a limited participant on Wednesday. The 25-year-old was dealing with a knee issue ahead of Week 6, but it didn't stop him from suiting up against the Chicago Bears in London. He proved to be one of the Jaguars' few bright spots, catching five of eight targets for 45 yards and two touchdowns. It's unclear whether Davis' expanded role and production are here to say, but last Sunday's performance at least provides managers with some reasons to be optimistic. He's back on the fantasy radar as a WR4 or WR5 heading into Week 7 versus the New England Patriots.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Oct 17 12:30am ET
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. The 25-year-old has been on a peculiar stretch of games lately; he saw his rushing workload scaled back in Week 5, and then he only registered three carries last Sunday in London. While his reduced opportunities could be attributed to a new hamstring injury, it's also possible the Jaguars simply preferred Tank Bigsby or D'Ernest Johnson in certain scenarios against the Chicago Bears. As a result, Etienne has become tough to trust in fantasy football, even if the team gives him a clean bill of health. He's merely an RB3/FLEX play for Week 7.

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Mason Tipton Oct 17 12:30am ET
Mason Tipton

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Mason Tipton could be in for an increased snap share in Week 7 with Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) both out. Tipton logged a season-high 41% share in Week 6 after Olave departed with his injury just three plays into the game. The extra run did not equate to a more productive day, however, and he finished with one catch for 15 yards on two targets. Unfortunately for Tipton, the Saints square off against the Denver Broncos on Thursday night. Denver has one of the stingiest defenses in the league this season and is allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers. Despite the opportunity to see more time on the field, Tipton shouldn't be counted on as a fantasy asset.

From RotoBaller

Jaleel McLaughlin Oct 17 12:30am ET
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin just cannot be trusted in starting fantasy lineups for a Week 7 primetime clash against the hosting New Orleans Saints on Thursday night. McLaughlin checks in as the RB58 in terms of half-PPR points per game through six weeks in his second year in the NFL. The Broncos are averaging just over 100 rushing yards a game in 2024, with neither McLaughlin nor Javonte Williams doing much on the ground. The lone bright spot is that McLaughlin has found the end zone twice (one rushing, one receiving), but he's only seen double-digit carries once (back in Week 1) and is averaging a paltry 3.2 yards per carry on 36 attempts. The volume just isn't there for McLaughlin to be a viable starting option for fantasy managers, especially now that rookie Audric Estime is back in the mix.

From RotoBaller

Ricky Pearsall Oct 17 12:20am ET
Ricky Pearsall

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (chest) was a full participant in practice on Wednesday. Although Pearsall is still on the non-football injury list as a result of being shot during an armed robbery attempt in the preseason, he's one step closer to making his NFL debut after the 49ers opened his 21-day practice window earlier this week. Essentially, the 49ers have three weeks to activate Pearsall from the non-football injury list. During that span, he can practice with the team, but he can't appear in a game until he's activated. If 21 days pass and Pearsall is still not activated, he's done for the season. As of now, it appears as though the rookie is trending in the right direction and will be able to make his NFL debut sooner rather than later. He's presumably competing with Jauan Jennings for the No. 3 role behind Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.

From RotoBaller

Javonte Williams Oct 17 12:20am ET
Javonte Williams

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams, and the Broncos' ground attack in general, have been a big disappointment heading into a Week 7 primetime game against the New Orleans Saints on Thursday night. Williams is averaging a career-low-tying 3.6 yards per carry with 213 rushing yards and no touchdowns on 59 carries through six games. He's caught 20 passes for 143 additional yards. The 24-year-old is averaging just 7.6 half-PPR fantasy points per game, fewer than Dameon Pierce and Jeremy McNichols. The good news is he'll face a Saints defense that has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points per game to the RB position this year, including the fourth-most points in the last three weeks. It's hard to get excited about Williams in starting fantasy lineups based on what he's produced so far, but he has the potential to be a serviceable RB3/flex this week on the road.

From RotoBaller

Bub Means Oct 17 12:10am ET
Bub Means

It took injuries to the New Orleans Saints top two receivers, but rookie Bub Means will likely get his first NFL start on Thursday when Week 7 begins. With Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) declared out, Means has a chance to build off his impressive Week 6 performance. In that game, he tied running back Alvin Kamara for the team lead in both catches (five) and targets (eight), gaining 45 receiving yards and scoring a touchdown after taking over for Olave, who was forced out of the game on the Saints' third offensive play. Unfortunately, Means' opportunity comes against the Denver Broncos, who have held opposing wide receivers in check better than anyone else this season. Over their first six games, they have allowed the fewest fantasy points per game and just one touchdown to the position. The one glimmer of hope for Means is that Denver will be missing the elite play provided by cornerback Patrick Surtain II (concussion). Means projects as a WR5 and is a risky play in the first game of the week.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Oct 17 12:10am ET
Bo Nix

Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix has an opportunity on Thursday night on the road at the Caesars Superdome to continue his positive momentum against the New Orleans Saints. Nix comes into the Week 7 contest as the QB21 in average fantasy points at his position, but he's shown notable progress in the last three weeks with 482 passing yards, five touchdowns and one interception after throwing for 600 yards, no TDs and four picks in his first four NFL games. The Saints defense has allowed 15.1 fantasy points per game to QBs (ninth-fewest), but they've also surrendered the fourth-most passing yards per game (262.2). By no means has Nix been great so far -- Denver's offense is averaging 18.7 points per game -- but he's shown flashes of his potential as the 12th overall pick and has a matchup to exploit this week. Fantasy managers should consider him a low-end QB2 in superflex formats.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Oct 16 11:40pm ET
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hand) was limited in practice all week managing a lingering hand injury but is expected to play in Thursday's game against the Denver Broncos. New Orleans was probably just taking it easy on the league leader in total touches (132) on a short week. Kamara will likely be relied on heavily to produce for a Saints offense that will be missing several skill position players, with Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) already declared out and Taysom Hill (ribs) designated as doubtful. Kamara was targeted eight times by rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler in Week 6, who will likely get another spot start with Derek Carr (oblique) listed as doubtful. Denver's defense has been among the most effective in the league this season but Kamara should still be in starting lineups when Week 7 kicks off on Thursday night.

From RotoBaller