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FFL: Offseason | NFL: Divisional

RB Strength of Schedule

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

Related photo caption below

Robinson setup for big season


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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Divisional Round

Player Notes
Byron Young Jan 17 10:20pm ET
Byron Young

Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Byron Young (hamstring) has officially been ruled out for Sunday's Divisional round matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. The 24-year-old has been shelved since picking up a hamstring injury and being placed on injured reserve in late October. Young returned to practice last week and was a full participant each day before being ruled out for their 22-10 Wild Card win over the Green Bay Packers. He logged three full sessions again this week but is evidently not ready to return to game action. For now, teammates Jalen Carter and Milton Williams will lead the charge for the Eagles' defensive front, with Moro Ojomo and Jordan Davis working in behind them.

From RotoBaller

Saquon Barkley Jan 17 10:10pm ET
Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley faces the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in the Divisional Round, a team he torched for 255 rushing yards and two touchdowns in Week 12. The NFL's rushing champion has been the centerpiece of Philadelphia's offense, logging over 20 touches in eight of his last nine games. The Rams allowed 4.52 yards per carry during the regular season and struggled to contain Barkley's downhill running style, as 162 of his 255 yards in their last matchup came after contact. While the Rams' defense has tightened recently, Barkley remains a near-lock for high-volume usage behind one of the NFL's best offensive lines. Expect him to dominate touches and provide the usual production as the Eagles aim to punch their ticket to the NFC Championship.

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DeVonta Smith Jan 17 10:10pm ET
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith heads into Sunday's Divisional Round matchup against the Los Angeles Rams as a pivotal part of the Eagles' passing attack. Smith led the team in receiving during last week's Wild Card victory, catching all four of his targets for 55 yards. This came on the heels of an impressive close to the regular season, where he averaged 79.3 receiving yards per game and scored three touchdowns over his last three contests. With Jalen Hurts now fully recovered and the Eagles facing a Rams defense that has struggled against top-tier wideouts, Smith could be poised for another strong outing.

From RotoBaller

Teagan Quitoriano Jan 17 10:00pm ET
Teagan Quitoriano

Houston Texans tight end Teagan Quitoriano (calf) was downgraded to out for Saturday's road outing with the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round. The 24-year-old was placed on injured reserve in late November and has not returned to the field since picking up a calf injury in Week 12's loss to the Tennessee Titans. Quitoriano appeared in seven games during 2024 but eclipsed 20 snaps in a game just once and did not record a target. Despite logging a week of full practices, he'll garner a questionable tag yet again. If he's not ready to go, fellow tight ends Dalton Schultz, Irv Smith Jr., and Cade Stover will continue to lead the Texans' TE room against the reigning Super Bowl champions.

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Jalen Hurts Jan 17 10:00pm ET
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will look to exploit the Los Angeles Rams defense on Sunday in the Divisional Round. Hurts delivered a solid performance in last week's Wild Card win over the Packers, completing 61.9% of his passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns while adding 36 rushing yards. However, his output was tempered, in part, by the Eagles' reliance on Saquon Barkley. Hurts struggled in the Eagles' Week 12 matchup with the Rams, finishing with just 15 fantasy points as Barkley stole the show. Despite completing 68.2% of his passes, Hurts managed only 179 passing yards and one touchdown while rushing for 39 yards. Facing a Rams defense that allowed one of the league's lowest QB rushing averages, Hurts must lean on his dual-threat ability to deliver a strong playoff performance.

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Deonte Harty Jan 17 9:30pm ET
Deonte Harty

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Deonte Harty (knee) is officially questionable for Sunday's road meeting with the Buffalo Bills. The seventh-year pro was designated to return from IR last week. However, he was inactive for Baltimore's 28-14 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers -- garnering a questionable tag after two DNPs and a full practice session. Harty participated fully in all three team practices this week, so he may get his first in-game action since Week 6 in the Divisional Round. Even if the 27-year-old suits up, he'd likely operate as a kick returner for the Ravens. Though, with fellow wideout Zay Flowers (knee) stringing together three consecutive DNPs and deemed doubtful -- he may get some reps out wide if he plays. Harty did not command a target across his six total snaps through the season's first four weeks.

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Armani Rogers Jan 17 8:20pm ET
Armani Rogers

The Buffalo Bills announced on Friday that they signed tight end Armani Rogers to a Reserve/Futures deal. Rogers, a former undrafted free agent, hasn't appeared in the NFL since 2022 when he played in 11 games (three starts) for the Washington Commanders. The former quarterback was with the Atlanta Falcons on their practice squad during the 2024 season but wasn't active for any regular-season games. The 27-year-old tore his Achilles in the offseason of 2023. In his 11 games with the Commanders in 2022, he caught five of his six targets for 64 yards and no touchdowns while carrying the ball twice for 26 yards. Rogers now latches on with the Bills but won't be eligible to play at all this postseason. He will continue his development as a pass-catcher into the offseason and will hope to remain with Buffalo through training camp this summer.

From RotoBaller

Jonah Elliss Jan 17 8:10pm ET
Jonah Elliss

Denver Broncos rookie outside linebacker Jonah Elliss (shoulder) suffered a fractured scapula bone in his right shoulder in the wild-card loss to the Buffalo Bills last Sunday, but the good news is that he's expected to be recovered in time to participate in the team's offseason workouts in April. Elliss suffered the injury in the first quarter when he was hit by Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins. His father said that the Broncos are getting second opinions on Elliss' injury to see if he'll need surgery. Elliss also had a partially torn labrum in 2023 while playing at Utah, but this injury isn't related. The 21-year-old third-rounder played in all 17 regular-season games in 2024 and played a big role on a strong Broncos defense, tallying 38 tackles (24 solo), five sacks, seven tackles for loss and six QB hits. He's the younger brother of Kaden Elliss and Christian Elliss, who also play in the NFL for the Falcons and Patriots, respectively.

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Patrick Mahomes Jan 17 7:50pm ET
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ESPN's Adam Schefter said on the Pat McAfee Show that Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson will be a head coach somewhere in 2025, but it won't be for the Dallas Cowboys. Most speculation around the league is that Johnson will join the Las Vegas Raiders, but Schefter says he's "not in that camp right now." Schefter's reasoning for why he's not sold on Johnson going to Vegas is that Johnson has been very selective in where he wants to become a first-time head coach. Not only do the Raiders not have a top pick in the 2025 NFL draft, but they don't have desirable quarterback situation, and they also reside in a division with Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and Bo Nix. Johnson's name has been connected with the Chicago Bears often. The NFC North was the toughest division in the NFL this year, but they do have last year's No. 1 overall pick in QB Caleb Williams.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Jan 17 7:40pm ET
A.J. Brown

Los Angeles Rams cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (thigh) and nose tackle Bobby Brown III (shoulder) are both listed as questionable to suit up on Sunday in Philadelphia against the Eagles in the Divisional Round of the postseason. Despite the questionable tags, head coach Sean McVay said he expects both Witherspoon and Brown to be available to play this weekend. Witherspoon is up in the air after injuring his thigh in Monday night's wild-card win over the Minnesota Vikings. The 29-year-old defensive back was a DNP on Wednesday but was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday. Witherspoon's presence will be good news for a Rams secondary that will be trying to slow down receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Despite not practicing all week, Brown should be available as well after injuring his shoulder on Monday against Minnesota.

From RotoBaller

Travis Bell Jan 17 7:40pm ET
Travis Bell

The Minnesota Vikings signed wide receiver Jeshaun Jones to a Reserve/Futures deal on Friday, the team announced. Jones was with Minnesota for much of the 2024 season on their practice squad but never appeared in a regular-season game. The 25-year-old pass-catcher from Fort Myers, Florida, will now be hoping to continue his development with the organization this offseason and into training camp in the summer. Jones went undrafted out of Maryland. In addition to Jones, the Vikings also signed offensive tackle Trevor Reid, defensive tackle Travis Bell, guard Henry Byrd, defensive backs Kahlef Hailassie and Reddy Steward, defensive end Jonathan Harris, wide receiver Lucky Jackson, tackle Marcellus Johnson, linebacker Gabriel Murphy, quarterback Brett Rypien and running back Zavier Scott to Reserve/Future contracts on Friday.

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Mike Strachan Jan 17 7:30pm ET
Mike Strachan

The Washington Commanders announced on Friday that they signed wide receiver Mike Strachan and cornerback Allan George to Reserve/Futures deals. Strachan, a former seventh-round selection by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2021 NFL draft out of Charleston, spent the first two years of his NFL career with the Colts before playing in four games with the Carolina Panthers in 2023. The 27-year-old will not be eligible to play with Washington in the Divisional Round playoff game on Saturday versus the Detroit Lions, but he'll be hoping to stick around with the organization beyond training camp next summer. He did not appear in any NFL games in 2024. In his three NFL campaigns, Strachan has only produced six receptions on 15 targets for 130 yards and no touchdowns in 23 games (one start). He'll merely serve as receiver depth heading into training camp.

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Deon Bush Jan 17 7:20pm ET
Deon Bush

The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Friday that they activated cornerback Jaylen Watson (leg) from Injured Reserve. In corresponding moves, the team also activated linebacker Swayze Bozeman and safety Deon Bush to the active 53-man roster ahead of the Divisional Round game on Saturday against the visiting Houston Texans. Although Watson was activated from IR, he's not guaranteed to play on Saturday and was listed as questionable on the final injury report on Friday. The 26-year-old defensive back had been on IR since Oct. 22 after suffering a fractured left leg in Week 7 against the San Francisco 49ers, so even if he's active this weekend, expect the Chiefs to keep his snaps limited in his first game back after a long absence. In six games in 2024 before his injury, Watson had 32 tackles (21 solo) and six pass breakups for the Chiefs.

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Bobby Brown III Jan 17 7:20pm ET
Bobby Brown III

Los Angeles Rams inside linebacker Troy Reeder (hamstring) and defensive end Larrell Murchison (foot) were both ruled out for Sunday's Divisional Round playoff matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles despite practicing in full on Friday. In addition, cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (thigh) and nose tackle Bobby Brown III (shoulder) are questionable, but head coach Sean McVay expects them both to suit up in Philadelphia. The 30-year-old Reeder was just designated to return from Injured Reserve on Thursday, so it's not much of a surprise that he won't be available this weekend. And if the Rams pull the upset against the Eagles, Reeder still wouldn't be a lock to come off IR to play in the NFC Championship next weekend. He has not played since Week 7 due to his hamstring injury. In six games before getting hurt, Reeder had 46 tackles (26 solo) in his sixth year in LA.

From RotoBaller

Mecole Hardman Jan 17 7:10pm ET
Mecole Hardman

The Kansas City Chiefs officially ruled out wide receiver Mecole Hardman (knee) on Friday for the Divisional Round contest on Saturday against the Houston Texans. Hardman remains on Injured Reserve but will not be activated for the team's first game of the playoffs as they seek an unprecedented third straight Super Bowl title. The 26-year-old was designated to return from IR back on Jan. 1 but did not play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Denver Broncos. The Chiefs were on bye last week during the wild-card round of the playoffs. If the Chiefs advance to the AFC Championship next weekend, it remains to be seen if Hardman will be available to return after he was limited in practice this week. He has been out since Week 13, so even if he were to return if KC advances, it's unlikely Hardman would have a very big role on offense.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Likely Jan 17 6:20pm ET
Isaiah Likely

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely will regain a big role in the offense as they head to Buffalo to take on Josh Allen and company in the divisional round. Likely was tied for the most targets against the Steelers last week, and led the wide receivers and tight ends in receptions and yards. In Week 4, the running backs dominated both on the ground and through the air for the Ravens, but the Bills have changed considerably since then. Likely will probably take on a bigger role as a pass-catcher with Mark Andrews helping on the offensive line and Zay Flowers (knee) listed as doubtful. Likely could be a sneaky option in DFS tournaments.

From RotoBaller

Rashod Bateman Jan 17 6:20pm ET
Rashod Bateman

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman scored his first career postseason touchdown in the big win over the Pittsburgh Steelers during the Wild Card round. It's likely going to be a bit more difficult against the Buffalo Bills as they roll into freezing cold weather with a chance of a bit of snow. Derrick Henry and company dominated in Week 4 while Bateman saw just one target and caught it for 23 yards. That seems to be all Bateman needs, however, as he had two catches for 24 yards and the touchdown last week. With Zay Flowers (knee) listed as doubtful, Bateman could serve as the outlet outside of the backfield and tight ends.

From RotoBaller

Mark Andrews Jan 17 6:10pm ET
Mark Andrews

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews will have to step up yet again in both the blocking game and through the air as the team travels to Buffalo in freezing cold weather. He only received one target in Week 4 against the Bills because the ground game went wild and they coasted to a win. While they'll look to get going with Derrick Henry, the game won't likely go the same way which means Andrews will have to step up with Zay Flowers (knee) listed as doubtful. Isaiah Likely and Andrews led the team in targets against the Steelers, and they're headed for more of the same in the divisional round.

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Lamar Jackson Jan 17 5:50pm ET
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has produced his best season yet and goes into Buffalo to take on the other MVP candidate in a rematch from Week 4. In that first matchup, Jackson posted 156 yards and two touchdowns on 13-for-18 throwing, and six carries for 54 yards and another touchdown. Both teams have changed considerably since then, but the Ravens' run game definitely hasn't slowed down. The game is supposed to be one of the coldest that Jackson has ever played in which means it could turn to more of a running script again, but it's hard to get better than Jackson in DFS formats. The option should be featured quite heavily while Rashod Bateman can find himself open for a deep strike.

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Derrick Henry Jan 17 5:50pm ET
Derrick Henry

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry is fresh off of a ridiculous 186-yard game with two touchdowns in the Wild Card round, and he sets his sights on the Buffalo Bills. The last time these two teams faced off was in Week 4 when Henry registered 199 yards and a score on 24 carries to go along with three catches for 10 yards and another touchdown. He had a ridiculous 8.29 yards per carry average, and he'll likely be heavily involved once again in a freezing game in Buffalo. At kickoff, the temperature should be around 19 degrees Fahrenheit with a windchill that could reach the single digits. Everything about it signals a heavier ground game where Henry can dish out punishment.

From RotoBaller