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.
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (ankle) was a full participant during Thursday's practice session. That is great news after Rodgers sat out of Wednesday's session. The veteran signal-caller played through an ankle issue during last week's loss to the Buffalo Bills. The fact Rodgers is back to full practice means he should be good to go for the Week 7 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rodgers is showing his age as he has looked lackluster early in the season. He threw for a season-high 294 yards last week, but remains a QB2 for a tough matchup against the Steelers defense.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) was a full participant in practice on Thursday. This marks back-to-back days that Adams has been able to get through a full practice session. The superstar wideout hasn't played since Week 3 due to a hamstring issue. It appears a trade to the Jets has instantly fixed Adams' hamstring problems. He figures to immediately be a primary target for quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the passing game. He'll be competing for targets with Garrett Wilson, but fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned about that. Adams should make his team debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7. Fantasy managers should put Adams in the WR1 conversation for his first game with the Jets.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) practiced in full for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Richardson has missed the last two weeks due to an oblique injury he suffered in the Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he's well on his way to taking back the starting gig under center from veteran Joe Flacco, who tossed five touchdowns and one interception in his two starts. Although Richardson looked shaky as a passer in his first four games before the injury, completing only 50.6% of his passes while tossing six interceptions and three touchdowns. The 22-year-old's rushing upside is undeniable, but injuries and his lack of accuracy are major concerns after he played in only four games in his rookie season in 2024. Richardson should be considered a low-end QB1/high-end QB2 in fantasy if he returns in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (shoulder) was added to the Week 7 injury report on Thursday and was listed as a non-participant. Pierce could now be very much in danger of missing the upcoming game on Sunday versus the Miami Dolphins. The 24-year-old's practice status on Friday and designation on the final injury report will give us a better idea on his status. Pierce has had two 100-plus-yard games in 2024 and has three touchdowns as well, but he's also had a one-catch game and didn't haul in any of his four targets in the Week 6 win over the division-rival Tennessee Titans. With quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) expected to return this weekend, Pierce may be even more of a boom/bust flex option for fantasy managers if he plays. If Pierce is inactive, rookie Adonai Mitchell will have added opportunity in the passing attack.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) upgraded to a full practice session on Thursday after he was listed as a DNP on Wednesday. Pittman missed two practices last week before practicing in full on Friday and playing in the Week 6 win over the division-rival Tennessee Titans. The 27-year-old pass-catcher said after the win over the Titans that his back injury could still land him on Injured Reserve, but the fact that he's back to a full practice on Thursday likely means he'll be available again this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. However, fantasy managers may want to temper expectations for Pittman after he played a season-low in offensive snaps last week. If not for a jump-ball touchdown, he would have disappointed with only three catches for 35 yards. Outside of a 100-yard game in Week 4, Pittman hasn't gone over 40 receiving yards in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (knee) was added to the team's Week 7 injury report on Thursday after he missed practice with a knee injury. Mid-week additions to the injury report are usually never a good thing, so Lockett's status for the Week 7 contest against the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday is firmly up in the air. We'll have a better idea of how serious the 32-year-old's knee injury is based on his status on the final injury report on Friday. If Lockett is unavailable this weekend, second-year wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba will basically become a must-start for fantasy managers in a game that could be a shootout in Atlanta. The emergence of Smith-Njigba has made Lockett more of a volatile, touchdown-dependent WR4/flex in fantasy on a weekly basis. Through six weeks in 2024, Lockett is the WR31 in half-PPR scoring.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (groin) was limited in Thursday's practice session for the second straight day this week. White has been one of the bigger fantasy disappointments in 2024 for a Raiders offense that has tanked, especially after trading away All-Pro wideout Davante Adams this week. The 25-year-old White has missed the last two games due to his groin injury, which has allowed Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah to take over the backfield. White should get his chances when he returns, but he might have already lost lead-back duties to Abdullah. In four games played, White is averaging a career-low 3.1 yards per carry and has not found the end zone. Even if White returns to action in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams, we wouldn't recommend him for starting fantasy lineups.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (ankle) sat out of practice for a second straight day this week on Thursday. Head coach Antonio Pierce said on Wednesday that he was hopeful that Meyers would play this Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams despite missing Wednesday's practice, but two straight missed practices isn't a good sign. The 27-year-old will need to at least be limited in practice on Friday to have a shot to suit up in Week 7. It's especially concerning after Meyers missed the Week 6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Raiders are a mess right now after trading All-Pro wideout Davante Adams to the Jets this week. If Meyers misses a second straight game, look for Tre Tucker, DJ Turner and rookie tight end Brock Bowers to lead the team in aerial targets.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) was added to the Week 7 injury report after putting in a limited practice on Thursday. Smith-Schuster's status for the Super Bowl rematch against the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday is now firmly up in the air. It's bad news for a Chiefs offense that has already lost receivers Rashee Rice (knee) and Marquise Brown (shoulder) for the entire season. Running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) is also on Injured Reserve. The 27-year-old Smith-Schuster was a hot waiver-wire pickup after the Week 5 win over the New Orleans Saints in which he caught seven of eight targets for 130 yards. Depending on what he's able to do in practice on Friday, Smith-Schuster could be in danger of sitting out this weekend. KC would be forced to turn to Justin Watson, Mecole Hardman and Skyy Moore behind rookie Xavier Worthy if Smith-Schuster is unavailable.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (foot) was listed as limited on Thursday in the team's first practice of the week. White was inactive for the team's Week 6 win over the division-rival New Orleans Saints, which allowed rookie Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker to share the backfield in the blowout victory. Both Irving and Tucker went over 100 scrimmage yards in the impressive performance, which has led to the Buccaneers going to a three-man backfield committee once White is able to return to full health. It's bad news for the 25-year-old White, who has easily been the least efficient of the Bucs' three backs through six weeks of the season. Tampa plans to go with the hot-hand approach, so all is not lost for White, but for now, he's on the outside looking in after missing last week's game due to injury. And with Tampa not playing until Monday against the Ravens, White isn't a recommended fantasy play.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receivers Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Jordan Whittington (shoulder) were both limited in practice for the second straight day on Thursday. Kupp suffered a left high-ankle sprain in Week 2 and hasn't played since, but he's getting closer to making a return and could be active this Sunday in a great matchup against the floundering Las Vegas Raiders. The 31-year-old veteran is most likely to be listed as questionable on Friday, but he still has one more day to impress the coaching and training staff. Head coach Sean McVay said on Wednesday that Kupp was trending in the right direction. Fantasy managers definitely will want to get Kupp back in their starting lineups if he's able to get the green light to play. He was looking like a league-winner before his injury, catching 18 of 27 targets for 147 yards and a touchdown in two games.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) was limited in practice for the second straight day of the week on Thursday. Mixon made his return to the field in the Week 6 win over the New England Patriots after missing three games due to an ankle sprain and saw 13 carries for 102 yards and a touchdown while adding two catches for 30 yards and another trip to paydirt. The Texans are most likely giving the 28-year-old some extra rest this week after his return in Week 6. Unless he suffers a setback, fantasy managers should leave Mixon locked into their starting lineups this week for Sunday's game on the road against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mixon has only played in three of six games in his first year in Houston, but he's averaging 5.5 yards per carry and has scored three times.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (hamstring) is active and will make his 2024 season debut on Thursday night against the visiting Denver Broncos. Miller will be active for the first time all year in his second NFL campaign, but he's likely to operate as the RB3 behind Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams, leaving him completely off the fantasy radar. The 22-year-old third-rounder out of TCU last year has been a bust early in his career and has been injured more often than not. In his rookie season, he appeared in only eight games but was quite productive, going for 156 rushing yards and a touchdown on 41 carries while catching 10 of 11 targets for 117 additional yards. Miller could eventually become the direct backup to Kamara, but he'll need to stay healthy in order to do that.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) has officially been ruled out for Thursday night's contest against the visiting Denver Broncos. Carr will miss his second straight game after suffering a left-oblique strain in the Week 5 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The 33-year-old veteran signal-caller came into this game listed as doubtful, so fantasy managers weren't expecting him to play anyway. We'll have to wait and see if he can return to play in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Rookie QB Spencer Rattler will make his second straight start in Week 7 but will be without receivers Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee). Against a tough Broncos defense, expect the Saints to lean heavily on running back Alvin Kamara and the short passing attack. Rattler will be a low-end QB2, at best, in superflex fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
As expected, New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (ribs) is inactive for the Thursday night clash against the Denver Broncos. Hill is dealing with fractured ribs and will miss his third straight game. The 34-year-old veteran do-it-all player was listed as doubtful to play this week. The good news is that Hill was limited in practice all week, so he should have a good shot at returning for the Saints in Week 8 versus the Los Angeles Chargers. With Hill out again, it means more playing time for both Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau, but they'll be TE2 sleeper options, at best, even with receivers Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) out in Week 7. Hill has two rushing touchdowns in three games played in 2024, but it's come on only 16 touches. He's a boom/bust TE2 in fantasy when he's active.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee), who was limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday, said he has "passed every test by a mile" from a medical standpoint. Hockenson's knee is healed, but he has no predictions on when he'll make his 2024 debut. The likeliest targets are in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night or in Week 9 versus the Indianapolis Colts. The 27-year-old is making progress, but the Vikings aren't going to rush him back too soon. Hockenson must be rostered in all fantasy leagues, as he has the potential to be an immediate TE1 contributor when he returns to the field. However, those expecting him to return this Sunday against the division-rival Detroit Lions will most likely be disappointed.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (wrist) put in a second straight day with a limited practice session this week on Thursday. Samuel was seen shaking his arm during the Week 6 win over the division-rival Seattle Seahawks last Thursday night, but he played through it and didn't seek treatment during the game. It suggests that he should be just fine to play this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs in a Super Bowl rematch. The 28-year-old pass-catcher had his second 100-yard receiving game last week and caught his first receiving touchdown in the process. If running back Jordan Mason (shoulder) is limited or out, Samuel should see more work out of the backfield as well. He's tracking as a high-end WR2 for fantasy managers, especially if Jauan Jennings (hip) is unable to play.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) and Michael Wilson (ankle) were both limited in Thursday's practice session. Harrison suffered a concussion in the Week 6 loss to the Green Bay Packers and put up a goose egg for his fantasy managers. Still needing to clear the league's concussion protocol in order to play on Monday night against the Los Angeles Chargers, Harrison will be a very shaky fantasy option this week. And with Wilson also banged up, Greg Dortch could be a popular streaming option if one or both of Harrison or Wilson are out or limited. Tight end Trey McBride would also have a much higher fantasy ceiling. The next couple days of practice will give us a much better idea of the statuses of Harrison and Wilson for Monday night. Harrison must get clearance from an independent neurologist in order to play against the Bolts.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (shoulder) was limited in practice for the second day in a row this week on Thursday. Mason has been wearing a non-contact jersey during practices this week after suffering a left AC joint sprain in his shoulder in last Thursday's win over the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. There's a good chance that the 25-year-old will be questionable for Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs. It could cause some difficult decision for fantasy managers with the 49ers playing in the later slate this coming Sunday. Mason has been a must-start RB1 in fantasy with Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) on Injured Reserve this year. If Mason isn't healthy enough to play this weekend, rookie Isaac Guerendo will be a plug-and-play option after nearly rushing for 100 yards after replacing Mason last Thursday.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) missed practice on Thursday with a nagging hamstring issue. It's an injury that gave Evans some problems during the team's Week 6 win over the division-rival New Orleans Saints, but it doesn't sound like anything too serious, with head coach Todd Bowles expecting Evans to return to practice on Friday or Saturday. The Buccaneers play on Monday night this week versus the Baltimore Ravens. The 31-year-old could eventually get a questionable tag on Saturday's final injury report, but as of right now, he appears to be on the right side of questionable. After catching three touchdown passes in Weeks 4 and 5, Evans came back down to earth last week with just two catches for 34 yards. If he's active on Monday night, fantasy managers should consider him a low-end WR1/high-end WR2 against Baltimore.
From RotoBaller