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
Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7
Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons (hamstring) is officially active for the Week 7 game on Sunday against the visiting Seattle Seahawks. Simmons didn't practice on Wednesday but was limited on Thursday and Friday before picking up a questionable tag on the final injury report. The 30-year-old won't end up missing a game after suffering a hamstring injury in the Week 6 win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers. It's good news for the Falcons defense as they take on a talented group of Seahawks receivers this weekend. Simmons will start at strong safety for Atlanta. In his first year with the team in six games played, the two-time Pro Bowler has 23 tackles (10 solo), one interception and two pass breakups. Against a potent Seahawks offense, fantasy managers should be fading Atlanta's defense/special teams unit in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk (head) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was officially listed as questionable but ultimately did not return to the contest. He finished Week 7 with zero catches on three targets. He continues to be plagued by drops and also fell down while being targeted on a two-point conversion attempt on Sunday. The Patriots are struggling to stay healthy on the offensive side of the ball with Polk off the field and Demario Douglas (illness) playing a reduced role. Douglas should be good to go for Week 8 against the New York Jets, but Polk is less of a sure thing. He'll presumably be evaluated for a potential concussion and closely monitored ahead of next week's contest. For the time being, Polk is off the fantasy radar.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (illness) is officially active for the Week 7 contest against the hosting Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Walker was a late addition to the injury report on Saturday due to an illness and was listed as questionable, but apparently he's feeling better and will suit up. However, there's a chance we could see backup Zach Charbonnet spell Walker a bit more in what could be a high-scoring affair between two high-paced offenses. Although there might be a bit more bust potential for Walker this weekend, there's no reason for fantasy managers to pull him out of their starting lineups as an RB1. The 24-year-old will look to bounce back on his birthday on Sunday after averaging just 2.68 yards per carry on 19 rushing attempts the last two weeks. The good news is Walker has five touchdowns already in 2024 and has scored in three of his four games.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (hip) and linebacker Brian Burns (groin) are both active for the Week 7 divisional contest on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles. Lawrence and Burns were both listed as questionable coming into Sunday's contest. Meanwhile, cornerback Adoree' Jackson (neck) is out, while safety Dane Belton (illness) is active. With Lawrence officially active, he's in play in IDP fantasy leagues as a starting defensive lineman. The two-time Pro Bowler already has seven sacks in six games in 2024 and is well on his way to setting a new career-high in the category. Burns, who is eligible as a D-lineman and linebacker in many leagues, is also worth a start as a defensive lineman in IDP leagues now that he's officially active. Burns has three sacks and 23 combined tackles so far this year for the Giants defense.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Jeff Wilson Jr. (coach's decision) is a healthy scratch for Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. He is the odd man out as the Dolphins enter Week 7 with a backfield featuring De'Von Achane, Raheem Mostert, and Jaylen Wright. Wilson will continue to be inactive as long as those three are healthy. He should be dropped in most fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas (illness) returned to Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London during the fourth quarter. According to the NFL Network broadcast, Douglas is working through an illness and will continue trying to play, but he may be limited for the remainder of the contest. Hunter Henry and Kayshon Boutte should earn additional opportunities if Douglas isn't 100 percent.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay (knee) is officially active for Week 7 on Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants. Slay was limited on Wednesday, didn't practice on Thursday and returned to a full practice session on Friday before being listed as questionable on the final injury report for the week. Slay was injured in the Week 6 win over the Cleveland Browns, but the injury wasn't serious enough to keep him out of this week's game. The 33-year-old veteran defensive back could have a tough task on hand this week while trying to slow down impressive first-round rookie receiver Malik Nabers, who is returning to the field after missing the last two games due to a concussion suffered in Week 4. Despite the return of Nabers, the Eagles' defense/special teams unit should be considered a top-10 fantasy option against the Giants offense.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones (hamstring) is active for Week 7's game against the Detroit Lions.
Fantasy Spin: Jones had been listed as questionable on the injury report after being a limited participant in two of the team's three practice sessions during the week. He can be a starting option in fantasy leagues this afternoon.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns RB Nick Chubb (knee) is officially active for the Week 7 game.
Fantasy Spin: Chubb probably will see a limited workload this week since he has not played since last season but could still be a possible flex option in some fantasy leagues. He should have more fantasy value as the season goes on.
From TheHuddle
Miami Dolphins WR Odell Beckham Jr. (hamstring, personal) is officially active for the Week 7 game.
Fantasy Spin: Beckham returned to the lineup last week but did not have any receptions. He should see a few more targets this week but should be avoided in fantasy leagues until Tua Tagovailoa returns to the lineup.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (knee) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. He had been listed as questionable but was expected to play after being activated from the PUP list on Saturday. Chubb will make his season debut this week, just over one year after a gruesome injury that tore numerous ligaments and abruptly ended his 2023 campaign. The 28-year-old is likely headed for a reduced role as the Browns phase him back into the offense, but there are plenty of touches available to him with Jerome Ford (hamstring) sidelined. Chubb figures to split time with D'Onta Foreman on Sunday, and Pierre Strong Jr. could also see some work. Given the poor state of Cleveland's offense, it's tough to justify starting any of their running backs in 12-team fantasy leagues this week.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (shoulder) is officially active for the Week 7 contest on Sunday at Lambeau Field against the Houston Texans. Wicks was limited in practice all week and picked up a questionable tag on the final injury report, but he will suit up after getting injured in last week's win over the Arizona Cardinals. The 23-year-old only caught one of his three targets for nine yards before getting hurt last week and had two receptions for 20 yards the week prior against the Los Angeles Rams. Wicks has found the end zone three times this year, including twice in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings, but he'll continue to be a boom/bust WR4/flex for fantasy managers in a crowded receiver corps in Green Bay that also includes Jayden Reed, Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (coach's decision) is inactive for Week 7 and has been listed as the team's emergency third quarterback. As a result, Dorian Thompson-Robinson is active, presumably as the backup quarterback behind Deshaun Watson. It's possible that this development is merely the result of Thompson-Robinson having a good string of practices, but it could also be preparation for a potential Watson benching, which has been speculated time and time again over the last few games. In the event that Cleveland, currently 1-5, does pull Watson from Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals, they would turn to Thompson-Robinson, not Winston.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) is officially active on Sunday for a big divisional showdown against the visiting Detroit Lions in Week 7. Jones was injured in Week 5 in London against the New York Jets but had the Week 6 bye to heal up and will now return to action this weekend despite being listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report. Fantasy managers can leave the 29-year-old in their starting lineups against Detroit, but Jones could lose some touches to both Ty Chandler and Cam Akers. As a result, Jones should be considered a bit more volatile as an RB2 coming out of the bye week. Jones has just two total touchdowns in five games in his first year in Minnesota, with his last rushing score coming back in Week 1. It's not a great matchup, either, with the Lions allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing RBs in 2024.
From RotoBaller
The New York Giants have declared OG Chris Hubbard, P Jamie Gillan, CB Adoree' Jackson, CB Anthony Johnson, QB Tommy DeVito and DE Carlos Basham Jr. inactive for Week 7.
From TheHuddle
The Houston Texans have declared LB Azeez Al-Shaair, WR Steven Sims, SS Jimmie Ward, LB Henry To'oTo'o, OG Nick Broeker, CB Kamari Lassiter and WR Robert Woods inactive for Week 7.
From TheHuddle
The Atlanta Falcons have declared CB Antonio Hamilton, OG Jovaughn Gwyn, OT Brandon Parker, LB Troy Andersen, DE Brandon Dorlus, OT Elijah Wilkinson and DE Kentavius Street inactive for Week 7.
From TheHuddle
New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas (illness) is questionable to return against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. He was involved in the first half but then exited around halftime. At the time of his departure, he had caught two of three targets for 14 yards. Douglas was Drake Maye's favorite target last week, but the rookie quarterback will now turn to tight end Hunter Henry as his preferred option in the passing game. Kayshon Boutte and Ja'Lynn Polk should also see additional opportunities with Douglas on the sideline.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (toe) is officially active for Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of kickoff. He's widely viewed as the Colts' No. 2 wide receiver but has actually been more productive than Michael Pittman Jr. over the last three weeks. We'll see whether that holds true this Sunday as the Colts return to a healthy Anthony Richardson under center. Richardson replacing Joe Flacco is less than ideal for all of the Colts' receivers, but Downs is still talented enough to be a reliable fantasy WR3 on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) is officially active for Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of kickoff. Pittman averaged 3.7 catches, 29.3 yards, and zero touchdowns per game with Anthony Richardson under center, and those averages jumped to 4.7 catches, 61.7 yards, and 0.7 touchdowns when Joe Flacco replaced the injured Richardson. Now that Richardson is healthy and has reclaimed his starting job, we'll see whether Pittman can keep up his hot stretch of games. Even if the passing offense does take a step backward under Richardson, Pittman is still talented enough to be deployed as a fantasy WR3/FLEX.
From RotoBaller
