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 [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Injury Status: Week 5
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Lineup Prep: Week 5
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Waivering: Week 5
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: The Weekly Bender: Big Fantasy Wins Crucial Early-Season Battle
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 5
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 5
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 4
- Giants WR Malik Nabers remains out of practice
- Falcons P Bradley Pinion (neck spasms) to play Thursday
- Browns DE Alex Wright (triceps) out for season
- Week 5 TNF: Bucs-Falcons Preview, Odds, Prediction
- NCAA penalizes Raiders coach Antonio Pierce over ASU violations
- Browns RB Nick Chubb: Practice return 'felt like a dream'
- Chiefs open practice window for RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire
- Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill has no interest in being traded
- Dolphins OLB Jaelan Phillips out for season
- Vikings open practice window for TE T.J. Hockenson
- Commanders open practice window for QB Marcus Mariota
- Browns RB Nick Chubb practices for first time since Sept. 2023
- Davante Adams Next Team Odds: Reunion with former QBs favored
- Bucs without Antoine Winfield Jr., 4 others vs. Falcons
- Giants WR Malik Nabers (concussion) misses practice
- Streaking again, Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence keeps faith in U-turn
- Bengals open practice window for DE Myles Murphy
- Cowboys WR Brandin Cooks (infection) to miss Week 5
- NFL Week 5: How low can Patriots-Dolphins go?
- Jets, Saints top WR Davante Adams' wish list
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Goal Line Guide Week 5 | Nico Collins and Texans in Good Spot
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Start Sit Week 5 | All Aboard the Luvu Train
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Start-Sit Week 5 | Bench Garrett Wilson In London?
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Week 5 Defense Stream-O-Matic
- Fantasy Life: Anytime Touchdown Bets for Week 5: All Aboard the Chuba Train
- Fantasy Life: Week 5 Fantasy Life Chronicles: Time To Move On in New England?
- Fantasy Life: Best Bets for Thursday Night Football: Falcons vs. Bucs
- Fantasy Life: Week 5 Guillotine League Game Plan: Geno Smith is on Fire
- Fantasy Life: NFL Pigskin Pick'em: Predicting Every Week 5 Winner
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Buy, Sell, Hold: Time to Test the Market on TE1 Dallas Goedert?
The Paur Report
Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 5
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (groin) is not practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week. White's status for Sunday's divisional clash against the Denver Broncos is now firmly up in the air. The 25-year-old will probably have to practice on Friday in some fashion to have a shot to suit up. It's bad news for a player whose fantasy stock was already on the decline. He has so far averaged a career-worst 3.1 yards per carry on 49 rushing attempts through four games in 2024, with head coach Antonio Pierce saying after last week's win over the Cleveland Browns that Alexander Mattison deserves more touches. Even if White practices on Friday and is active in Week 5 against Denver, it would not be a surprise to see White play second fiddle to Mattison in Vegas' backfield. If White is ruled out entirely, Mattison would have RB2 upside this weekend, with Ameer Abdullah backing him up.
From RotoBaller
Teams like the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs are all monitoring the situation with Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams and are more likely to get involved if the Raiders are willing to take on some of the money owed to Adams, according to sources. Adams is owed $13.5 million the rest of the 2024 season, which is why teams like the Chiefs aren't in all-out pursuit of the six-time Pro Bowler. A trade within the division of a player of Adams' caliber is unlikely to begin with, but this makes the Chiefs even more of a long shot for Adams, even though they may have lost top receiver Rashee Rice (knee) for the rest of the season. The 31-year-old Adams prefers to go to the New York Jets to reunite with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Adams didn't play in Week 4 and is unlikely to suit up in Week 5 against the Broncos, but his rest-of-season fantasy value figures to see a boost if he is traded out of Vegas.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) missed practice on Thursday for a second consecutive day, which is bad news for his potential availability against the Houston Texans. Shakir suffered an ankle injury in the Week 4 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, and while it didn't seem like a major ailment at the time, it could hold him out of Week 5. Fantasy managers with Shakir should see what his practice status and official game status are on Friday before making any final decisions, but it's time to look for a backup plan. If Shakir cannot suit up, tight end Dalton Kincaid should act as Josh Allen's No. 1 target. Wideouts Mack Hollins, Keon Coleman, and Curtis Samuel would become fringe flex plays in that case, but none are sure things this week despite a favorable matchup against the Texans' secondary.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) did not practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Adams injured his hamstring last week and sat out of the Week 4 win over the Cleveland Browns, but the main reason why he hasn't been practicing is because he wants out of Vegas. The veteran All-Pro wideout requested a trade earlier this week and prefers to be dealt to the New York Jets, where he can reunite with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Trade rumors have been swirling ever since it was reported that the Raiders were open to dealing Adams, with plenty of teams interested in the six-time Pro Bowler. Adams isn't expected to play in Week 5 against the Denver Broncos, but his fantasy value would see a boost if he were to move to New York. In Vegas, Tre Tucker has become a much more attractive waiver-wire pickup with a boost for the rest of the season if Adams is traded away, which is now expected to happen.
From RotoBaller
The Miami Dolphins opened wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.'s practice window this week, and he was listed as a full participant on Monday. The three-time Pro Bowler signed a one-year deal with Miami this offseason after posting 565 receiving yards and three touchdowns with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023. Dolphins wide receiver coach Wes Welker said Beckham looked "great" in his first practice with the team this season, and his full practice designation suggests he will play on Sunday against the New England Patriots. However, until Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) returns to action, it would be surprising if Beckham is on the fantasy football radar. Even when Tagovailoa does return, it could be tough for Beckham to earn targets alongside Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The 2014 first-round pick has notched a 600-yard receiving season since 2019 and appears to be well beyond his prime. He could have late-season value if Hill or Waddle get banged up and Tagovailoa is under center, but for now, he is best left on the waiver wire.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) suffered a serious-looking knee injury in the Week 4 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, but the team is still waiting on information about the severity of his injury. This situation is an ongoing development, so fantasy managers will need to be patient. However, Chiefs reporter Pete Sweeney said Rice was spotted in the Chiefs locker room "walking about normally" with no crutches. Again, not much information is known about his ailment, but he was originally feared to have suffered a torn ACL. Hopefully, the fact that he is walking without crutches is a positive sign for his outlook, but this is a "wait and see" situation. In Rice's absence, rookie wideout Xavier Worthy and veterans Justin Watson and JuJu Smith-Schuster are expected to see extra targets. However, tight end Travis Kelce could regain his target hog status.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is on the Injured Reserve list after suffering another scary-looking concussion in the Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Despite the concern after suffering yet another head injury, the belief is Tagovailoa is expected to return when he's eligible in Week 8 against the Arizona Cardinals. "[Tua] has been symptom-free and he has been meeting with neurologists," NFL insider Adam Schefter said. "And I don't believe that anybody's told him anything right now to dissuade him from wanting to play." Tagovailoa has missed two games so far and will be required to miss the Week 5 game against the New England Patriots. The team goes on a bye in Week 6 before a game against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 7. Fantasy managers with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De'Von Achane are likely to have to deal with a lack of production from those three stars for now, but based on the latest information, it would be surprising if Tagovailoa does not return to start later this month.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) logged a limited practice on Wednesday with an oblique injury, and he is back on the field for Thursday's practice session. The 22-year-old exited the Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers twice before ultimately being ruled out, but it appears he could start the Week 5 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. After an overall QB4 finish in Week 1, Richardson has failed to finish among the top 20 quarterbacks in each of the last three weeks. His start to the season is not what fantasy managers expected, but if he plays in Week 5, he should be in a great spot for production. The Colts could be without Jonathan Taylor (ankle), and the Jaguars have allowed the most fantasy points per game to QBs through the first month of the new campaign. If he doesn't produce in this matchup, his rest-of-season outlook will become bleak. If Richardson cannot suit up, veteran Joe Flacco will get the start, and Colts wideouts Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs will have higher ceilings.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (ribs) missed the Week 4 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a rib injury, but he practiced on Wednesday and is back on the field on Thursday ahead of the Week 5 showdown with the Buffalo Bills. His practice status this week is a good sign for him to return, but fantasy managers should follow his injury destinations for the rest of the week. In three games this year, Dell has caught just nine of his 17 targets for 99 yards and no touchdowns. It's early in the season, but it looks like he's the clear WR3 behind Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs in CJ Stroud's offense. The Bills have surrendered the second-fewest fantasy points per game to wideouts this year, so even if Dell is back in action on Sunday, he's riskier to start than ever. Fantasy managers in deep leagues might want to roll the dice on him in the flex spot, but managers in traditional setups can probably find a better option until Dell shows signs of life.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) is still not practicing just three days away from the Week 5 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The third-year man out of Florida is dealing with a strained hamstring and has not played since Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts. Starter Joe Mixon (ankle) has missed each of the last two games and has not practiced this week, so Pierce is missing a chance to see extra touches. If both backs are out again in Week 5, Cam Akers would be in line to earn another start, but he will likely share touches with Dare Ogunbowale and J.J. Taylor. The Bills have surrendered the most fantasy points per game to running backs this season, so although Akers has struggled, he is in consideration for a flex spot if he's again the RB1 for Houston.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) is practicing on Thursday after logging a limited practice session on Wednesday. The former Chargers' star missed the Week 4 game against the Arizona Cardinals due to a concussion, but he appears to be on track to play against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Meanwhile, Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) missed practice on Wednesday and was not seen on the field to begin Thursday's practice as he deals with a knee injury, so Ekeler could be in line to carry a meaningful workload in Week 5. Backup running back Jeremy McNichols could also be utilized as a low-end flex option if Robinson misses this week. McNichols rushed eight times for 68 yards and two touchdowns in his first game as the team's RB2 last week.
From RotoBaller
After not practicing to begin the week on Wednesday, Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) was not seen on the practice field on Thursday. Robinson's Week 5 status against the Cleveland Browns is firmly up in the air, but the good news for the Commanders is that running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) appears to be tracking towards a return after missing the Week 4 win over the Arizona Cardinals. If B-Rob is unable to play this weekend, it would be Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols, who scored twice last Sunday, sharing backfield touches for the Commanders. Fantasy managers in dire straights at the RB position in Week 5 may want to take a look at McNichols on the waiver wire with both Robinson and Ekeler on the injury report. Robinson is currently the RB11 in half-PPR scoring in fantasy through the first four weeks of the season in a Commanders offense that has been rejuvenated by impressive rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) is practicing on Thursday after missing Wednesday's session with an ankle injury. Despite being a DNP in practice on Wednesday, the Panthers said they fully expect Johnson to suit up for a Week 5 tilt against the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Johnson also battled a groin injury in the Week 4 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Things weren't looking good for Johnson and his fantasy managers after two weeks, but things have changed drastically after the Panthers benched quarterback Bryce Young for veteran Andy Dalton. In the last two games with Dalton running the offense, Johnson has caught 15 of his 27 targets for 205 yards and two touchdowns. The 28-year-old is going to continue seeing high volume with Adam Thielen (hamstring) on Injured Reserve, too. Johnson is a must-start, even against a tough Bears defense.
From RotoBaller
For the second straight day, Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders wasn't seen at practice on Thursday. Sanders wasn't included on the first injury report of the week on Wednesday, so it's unclear why he's not out on the field with the rest of his teammates. The 27-year-old lost the starting gig to Chuba Hubbard in his first year in Carolina in 2023, when he averaged a career-low 3.3 yards per carry on a career-low 129 rushing attempts. He has been the No. 2 behind Hubbard through four weeks this season, too, averaging a paltry 3.6 yards per carry on 25 rushing attempts, gaining 91 yards and scoring once on the ground. He's added eight catches for 32 yards. Carolina's offense has looked much better after they benched quarterback Bryce Young, but Sanders is still a low-upside RB4/flex for fantasy managers as the No. 2 behind Hubbard.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) is missing yet another practice on Thursday. Mixon injured his ankle in the Week 2 win over the Chicago Bears and hasn't played since. The fact that he has yet to practice this week means he's trending toward missing a third straight contest in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills. Dameon Pierce (hamstring) hasn't played since the season opener and was also a DNP on Wednesday, so Houston's backfield could once again be split this Sunday among Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale. Mixon is going to have to get on the practice field on Friday to even have a shot at returning against Buffalo. As of right now, fantasy managers should keep Mixon on their benches. Akers hasn't exactly excited fantasy managers that have streamed him the last two weeks, as he's racked up 74 rushing yards and no touchdowns on 22 carries while catching one pass for an eight-yard touchdown.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll said running back Devin Singletary (groin) will miss a second straight practice this week on Thursday. Singletary said he has a chance to play in Week 5 on the road against the Seattle Seahawks, but two straight days of DNPs says otherwise right now. He is going to need to practice on Friday to give himself a real shot at playing this weekend. The Giants are expected to be without star rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (concussion) as well, so if Singletary cannot suit up, the G-Men will be missing two of their best offensive pieces. If Singletary does suit up this weekend, he should be considered a low-end RB2/high-end RB3/flex in fantasy against a Seahawks run defense that has been better so far in 2024. Rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. figures to see most of the backfield work for the Giants if Singletary is limited or ruled out entirely.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that the team is waiting for swelling to be reduced in wide receiver Rashee Rice's injured right knee, and further tests are scheduled for next week. Rice injured his knee early in the Week 4 win over the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers, and initial fears were that the 24-year-old suffered a season-ending torn ACL. He has already been ruled out for Week 5 against the New Orleans Saints on Monday night, but the team has held off on officially ruling Rice out for the rest of 2024. For the time being, the Chiefs offense is without two of their best playmakers in Rice and running back Isiah Pacheco (leg), making things much more difficult for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. At least this Monday against the Saints, expect him to lean more on rookie Xavier Worthy and tight end Travis Kelce, while wideouts Justin Watson and JuJu Smith-Schuster will also be more involved to help pick up the slack. Rice needs to be stashed in all leagues.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) said he's still dealing with his ankle sprain and isn't likely to practice for the second straight day on Thursday. It's not a serious injury, but there is still a lot of uncertainty around his availability for Sunday's contest against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Two DNPs in a row is bad news for Taylor's fantasy managers leading into Week 5. If the 25-year-old is unable to get back on the practice field by Friday, he seems unlikely to be ready to play against the Jaguars this weekend. The good news, though, is that Taylor's ankle injury doesn't appear to be a multi-week issue, and it's definitely not as severe as the ankle issue that he dealt with in 2022. Taylor's injury has made Trey Sermon a popular waiver-wire pickup this week, as he'll operate as Indy's lead back on Sunday if Taylor is inactive.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll said that rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (concussion) is making progress in the league's concussion protocol, but he won't be on the practice field for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Daboll said the team will wait as long as possible before making a determination for his Week 5 status against the Seattle Seahawks, but time is obviously running low to clear the remaining steps. The Athletic's Dan Duggan doesn't see Nabers being cleared for Sunday. The Giants play in the late slate on Sunday as well, so this is shaping up as a situation to avoid for fantasy managers with Nabers being more of a long shot to play this weekend. It's a big blow for New York's offense, as Nabers currently leads the league with 35 receptions. Wan'Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton and Jalin Hyatt will all have elevated roles on Sunday in the passing game if Nabers is ruled out, as expected.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Davante Adams' preference is to be traded to the New York Jets. Dynasty Analysis: The Saints are also reportedly high on his list. Say what you will about Adams, but he clearly values friendships with quarterbacks as Derek Carr (Saints) and Aaron Rodgers (Jets) are the two he had the most success with. This should come as no surprise as speculation about Adams going to the Jets started nearly immediately after Derek Carr left Las Vegas and Aaron Rodgers was moved to New York. The Raiders are saying they'll take the best deal on the table, so this is far from a done deal. What does seem to be set is the fact Adams has likely played his last game for the Raiders. His dynasty value will hinge on where he lands.
