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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 [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 4

Player Notes
David Montgomery Oct 1 7:50am CT
David Montgomery

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery scored a rushing touchdown in Week 4 against Seattle, carrying 12 times for 40 yards and a 1-yard score while adding one catch for 40 yards on Monday night. The Lions' power back showed off his strength by shaking off a tackle in the backfield on his touchdown run but was not overly efficient at 3.3 yards per carry in this game. Jahmyr Gibbs was the featured runner against Seattle with 14 carries for 78 yards and two TDs. Montgomery continues to be heavily involved in tandem with Gibbs and there has been plenty of fantasy production to go around for the talented duo. Montgomery has also shown he can be productive catching passes out of the backfield which only adds to his fantasy value. He should be a fantasy RB1 moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Oct 1 7:50am CT
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown caught six passes for 45 yards and a touchdown and also threw a touchdown pass to Jared Goff on Monday night against Seattle. St. Brown caught all six of his targets but didn't see a massive workload as the Lions' had their ground game going as well in the game. Against a good Seahawks' secondary, St. Brown worked mostly the short field with his long completion in the game being 17 yards. He was able to execute a 7-yard trick play in which he found Goff for a passing touchdown as well which helped his fantasy night. The former USC star should continue to emerge in this offense as the season progresses but there is a lot of competition for looks with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery in the backfield and Jameson Williams coming on at wide receiver.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Oct 1 7:40am CT
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III had a massive Week 4 upon his return from an oblique injury. Walker rushed for 80 yards and three touchdowns on 12 carries. The starting role was firmly in Walker's hands as he out-touched running back Zach Charbonnet 16 to seven. Walker looked awesome evading Lions defenders and ripping off chunk plays. He accounted for three of the Seahawks' four touchdowns and kept them in the game until the end. When Walker has played this season, he has looked the best that he has looked possibly in his entire career. He remains firmly in the RB1 conversation when the Seahawks take on the New York Giants in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Oct 1 7:40am CT
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf finished Monday night's game with seven receptions for 104 yards. He did lose a fumble in the first half that proved to be costly as the Seahawks were never able to close the one-touchdown gap with the Lions. Metcalf has now gone over 100 yards in three straight games. This offense looks really good in 2024 and should only continue to improve as the players and coaching staff get more comfortable. Unlike in previous seasons, this Seahawks regime has made it a point to force-feed Metcalf the ball. He is currently on pace for 153 targets which would shatter his previous career high. Look for Metcalf to continue his excellent run when the Seahawks play the New York Giants in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Oct 1 7:40am CT
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett caught five passes for 61 yards in Week 4. Lockett continues to be a solid security blanket for quarterback Geno Smith and has hovered around five receptions in most games. He did only manage to draw nine targets to DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba's 12 each. Even so, Lockett remains an important part of this offense. He may not deliver consistent WR2 value anymore, but he should continue to be a fantasy asset worth rostering. Lockett should continue his solid play in Week 5 against the New York Giants.

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Jared Goff Oct 1 7:40am CT
Jared Goff

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff threw football's version of a perfect game, completing 18-of-18 passes for 292 yards and two touchdowns against the Seahawks on Monday night. Goff's 18 completions without an incompletion set an NFL record and he caught a touchdown pass from Amon-Ra St. Brown for good measure. The former No. 1 overall pick turned in the QB4 performance on the week as the Lions racked up 42 points on the night. It was by far the best game of the season for Goff and could signify a breakout moving forward for the signal caller of a talented and diverse Lions' offense.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Oct 1 7:40am CT
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba earned 12 targets against the Detroit Lions on Monday night. Smith-Njigba would finish Week 4 with eight receptions for 51 yards. Smith-Njigba has been wildly inconsistent in 2024. He has two games with 12 or more targets and two games with three or fewer. As such, he has been a solid or great start in two games and a fantasy liability in two others. Still, Smith-Njigba is much more of a full-time player in 2024 than he was in 2023. If he can string together a couple of solid games in a row, then he will give fantasy managers a lot more confidence moving forward. For now, he is a good spot start if you need a flex player.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Oct 1 7:40am CT
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith threw for 395 yards and a touchdown in Week 4. He also threw an interception, but he added 38 yards with his legs. Smith's statistical output resulted in 22.6 fantasy points as he continues his solid season. Smith has been consistent in throwing one touchdown in every game in 2024. However, his completion percentage has been high, and he is not slouching as a runner in 2024. Most notably, Smith's chemistry with wide receiver DK Metcalf is seriously propelling this offense. Smith should once again have a chance to deliver high-end QB2 or low-end QB1 numbers in Week 5 against the New York Giants.

From RotoBaller

Jason Myers Oct 1 7:40am CT
Jason Myers

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers only managed to deliver two fantasy points on Monday night. Myers was 3/3 on extra points. However, Myers' lone field goal attempt came from 62 yards at the end of the first half. The kick would have been a career-high. The Seahawks also scored four touchdowns, but they went for two on one of them which left points on the field for Myers. The Seahawks' offense continues to consistently be in scoring positions in 2024. As such, Myers should have no shortage of opportunities to continue scoring points. Keep him in your lineup and enjoy the benefits.

From RotoBaller

Jahmyr Gibbs Oct 1 7:40am CT
Jahmyr Gibbs

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs led the team in rushing on Monday night against the Seahawks, carrying the ball 14 times for 78 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Gibbs didn't add his normal pass-game involvement as he did not catch a pass out of the backfield in the game. Nonetheless, it was a very productive game for Gibbs, scoring on two short runs. The Alabama product out-carried David Montgomery 14-12 in this game and was able to convert a few goal-line chances and find the end zone. Both running backs should be extremely productive moving forward. Once Gibbs gets more looks in the passing game out of the backfield, he profiles as one of the top fantasy options at the position.

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Oct 1 5:10am CT
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan stated that if Will Levis is healthy, he will be the starting quarterback without question. Levis seemed to sustain an injury while scrambling for yardage during Tennessee's second drive. He was seen grimacing on the "Monday Night Football" broadcast as he threw on the sideline midway through the first quarter. When the Titans regained possession with 4:14 left in the quarter, backup Mason Rudolph took over. Prior to his exit, Levis had completed three of four passes but had also thrown an interception.

From RotoBaller

Micah Parsons Oct 1 4:10am CT
Micah Parsons

Coach Mike McCarthy announced that the Dallas Cowboys are preparing for Sunday Night Football against the Pittsburgh Steelers without the expectation that All-Pro DE/OLB Micah Parsons (ankle) will be available. Parsons has never missed a game due to injury at any level, but it seems likely he will sit out his first on Sunday due to a high left ankle sprain. After sustaining the injury in the fourth quarter of Thursday's victory over the New York Giants, Parsons was seen wearing a protective boot and using a scooter to move around on Monday. An MRI has confirmed the diagnosis of a high ankle sprain.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Poyer Oct 1 2:50am CT
Jordan Poyer

Miami Dolphins safety Jordan Poyer (shin) left Monday night's game against the Tennessee Titans due to a shin injury and did not return. The injury occurred in the first half, forcing the 33-year-old to sit out for the remainder of the matchup. Originally a seventh-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013, Poyer was waived during his rookie season and later signed by the Cleveland Browns. He spent over three seasons in Cleveland, starting only 10 games. However, he significantly increased his impact after joining the Buffalo Bills, where he became a key player in their defensive unit and earned both Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. Poyer has been a standout this season, racking up 19 tackles (11 solo) in just three games. His absence will be felt, as the veteran safety's production is hard to replace, leaving a noticeable gap in Miami's defense.

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Chop Robinson Oct 1 2:20am CT
Chop Robinson

Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (knee) exited his Week 4 game against the Tennessee Titans due to an injury. It appears he may have tweaked his right knee, which forced him to leave the rest of the Monday Night Football matchup. This incident comes just two months after the Dolphins activated Phillips, who had ruptured his right Achilles in late November 2023. The extent of his injury remains unclear, but head coach Mike McDaniel noted that Phillips left the stadium wearing a knee brace. Losing Phillips is a significant blow, especially considering the effort he put in to return after the Dolphins exercised his fifth-year option just six months ago. With this latest setback, the Dolphins have now lost at least one key player in each of their last three games. If Phillips has to miss time, rookie Chop Robinson and veteran Quinton Bell are likely to see increased playing time.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Sep 30 11:40pm CT
Anthony Richardson

The Tennessee Titans defense shut down the Dolphins in a dominant 31-12 win at Hard Rock Stadium on Monday night. Playing with a 3rd string quarterback who was signed to the team just two weeks ago, the Dolphins struggled to move the ball all night, as their quick screens and end-arounds did not move the needle. Credit to this unit who needed a confidence-boosting performance to get their season back on track after letting Malik Willis carve them up a week ago. The Titans recorded two sacks, a fumble recovery, and a safety when they forced an intentional grounding call on quarterback Tyler Huntley in the end zone. Even without superstar defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons who is nursing an elbow injury, the Titans held Miami to 3.5 YPC, including a 1.5 mark for star running back De'Von Achane. A bye week is up next, but Week 6 brings a rivalry matchup to Nashville against the Indianapolis Colts and a mistake-prone quarterback in Anthony Richardson,

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DeAndre Hopkins Sep 30 11:20pm CT
DeAndre Hopkins

Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins caught two passes on four targets for 31 yards in a 31-12 min over Miami on Monday night. It was the second consecutive week Hopkins lead the team in receiving, although he was only able to muster 4.1 half-PPR fantasy points in this one. After quarterback Will Levis went down in the first quarter, the Titans virtually abandoned the passing game for the remainder of the contest and forced Miami to stop their ground attack, which they were unable to do. Because of this, Hopkins saw a limited number of looks with backup quarterback Mason Rudolph only attempting 17 passes in the game. The Titans now head into their bye week, but will likely need to throw a lot more when the Colts come to town in Week 6. Consider Hopkins a WR4 for fantasy moving forward due to the continued uncertainty surrounding this offense.

From RotoBaller

Tyjae Spears Sep 30 11:10pm CT
Tyjae Spears

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears rushed 15 times for 39 yards and a touchdown, adding two catches for zero yards against the Miami Dolphins on Monday night. It was Spears' highest touch-total of the season by a considerable margin, with the Titans opting for a ground-and-pound game plan based on the ineptitude of Miami's offense. Spears' wasn't very efficient on the ground with a 2.6 YPC mark, but he made up for this with a seven-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, juking a defender out of his socks before plowing into the end zone untouched. After a tough start to the year, it was great to see Spears that involved in the offense, and he should continue to be a heavily featured player after the Titans return from their Week 5 bye to face the Colts.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Ridley Sep 30 11:10pm CT
Calvin Ridley

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley caught one pass for five yards on three targets and gained 10 yards on one rushing attempt in a 31-12 win over the Miami Dolphins. It was clear from the get-go that the Titans were going to rely heavily on their ground game, which was even more evident after quarterback Will Levis left the game in the first quarter with a shoulder injury. While it was a massively disappointing fantasy day for Ridley, the Titans simply did not need to throw the ball much at all because of how poor the Dolphins' offense was in this game. Next up is a bye week for the veteran receiver, but after that comes a choice matchup with a very beatable Colts secondary in Week 6. Ridley has been very hard to trust of late, but if the Titans can figure some things out on offense during the bye week Ridley should still be on the fantasy radar as an OK flex option in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Sep 30 10:40pm CT
Tony Pollard

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard rushed 22 times for 88 yards and a touchdown, adding two receptions for 20 yards in a 31-12 win over Miami. The Titans ground game was stifled early, as Pollard was only able to muster 20 yards from his first ten carries. He broke this open with a 41-yard scamper in the 3rd quarter, almost scoring a touchdown but was eventually brought down at the seven-yard line. Miami's defense was worn down from that point forward, as Pollard enjoyed multiple runs of 10+ yards, capping off his productive night with a TD on a fourth and goal with 24 seconds left. While Tyjae Spears received 17 touches in this game, Pollard remains the workhorse and should be a top-12 option vs. a soft Indianapolis run defense in Week 6 after the Titans bye.

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Will Levis Sep 30 10:20pm CT
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph went nine of 17 for 85 yards in a 31-12 win at Miami on Monday night. Rudolph entered the game after Will Levis injured his shoulder while diving for a first down in the opening quarter. Levis came out of the medical tent and appeared to be healthy enough to re-enter the game, but head coach Brian Callahan opted to go with the veteran Rudolph the rest of the way, which featured a very run-heavy game plan. With the Dolphins not being able to do much of anything on offense, the Titans didn't ask much of Rudolph, but the former Steeler was mistake-free and was able to lead the Titans to multiple scoring drives. It's possible that there may be a quarterback controversy in Nashville based on the decision from the Titans' head coach, but neither player will be a great fantasy option in Week 6 vs. the Colts.

From RotoBaller