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: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 5
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Injury Status: Week 5
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Lineup Prep: Week 5
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 5
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 5
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 4
- Chad 'Ochocinco' Johnson, James Harrison to fight in exhibition
- Saints QB Derek Carr craves reunion with Davante Adams
- Chiefs place WR Rashee Rice (knee) on injured reserve
- OBJ practices, Dolphins to decide if he plays at Patriots
- Football Hall of Fame pares list of senior nominees
- 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
- 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: NFL Player Props for Week 5 - Fade Buffalo's RB1?
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Mailbag: Jayden Daniels vs. Josh Allen and More
- 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?
The Paur Report
Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 5
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tyler Huntley will line up for his second start of the season this Sunday when the team hits the road to take on the New England Patriots. With quarterback Skylar Thompson (ribs) still tending to an injury that forced him from Miami's Week 3 matchup, the dual-threat 26-year-old will again be at the helm for the Dolphins. His last time out, the former Raven failed to throw a score -- or interception -- leading Miami to 12 total points against the Tennessee Titans. He did add 40 yards rushing on eight carries but was largely ineffective in his first action since Week 18 of last season. This week, Huntley and Miami will get an easier matchup against a Patriots squad that is vulnerable to the pass -- allowing the fourth-most net yards per pass attempt to opposing offenses. It's possible the fifth-year QB keeps himself in the fantasy conversation with his work on the ground. Still, he'll be hard to trust outside of superflex and 2QB formats, based on what we've seen thus far.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams had some question marks surrounding his role entering the season, but after four weeks it's clear to see he remains the bell cow of this backfield. Williams has 23 touches compared to Ronnie Rivers' six in their Week 4 loss to the Chicago Bears, and he's seen no fewer than 16 total touches in each game this year. While the receiving corps is still banged up, the Rams will likely continue to lean on Williams and Matthew Stafford will undoubtedly look to throw his way out of the backfield as well. The Green Bay Packers are right in the middle of the pack when it comes to fantasy points allowed to opposing backfields while they average 20.1 fantasy points allowed per game. Fantasy managers can be confident starting Williams again this week.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has ping-ponged between being the top fantasy football quarterback and an unstartable asset (QB28) over the past four weeks. Blowouts have been to blame. The Bills won two games by an average of 29 points and then lost in Week 4 by 25. A (hopefully) more competitive tilt against the Houston Texans will keep Allen aggressive and throwing for four quarters. Buffalo's signal caller is on the injury report with a left hand injury but he's practicing in full this week. He could be without his top wide receiver Khalil Shakir, who is dealing with an ankle injury. Through all the tribulations, Allen is the QB4 on the season and should be started in all leagues in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford hasn't posted the best start to the season in terms of fantasy football, but he continues to rack up yards and completions. Despite clocking in as the QB29, he has the highest completion percentage of his career this season while averaging 244.5 yards per game. This is all while Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) have been out for two and a half of the four weeks so far. In Week 5, Stafford takes on the Green Bay Packers who have given up the 13th-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks with an average of 17.1 per game. For fantasy managers dealing with byes, Stafford could be a sneaky streaming option since the Packers' offense is likely to put up some big points turning this into a shootout.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton continued his success during Thursday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. Otton hauled in three of his four targets for 44 yards during the overtime loss. This now marks three straight games that Otton has surpassed 40 receiving yards. This is nice to see after Otton had one total reception through the first two weeks of the season. It's worth noting that Otton is going to remain third on the pecking order, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect huge games from him. However, Otton should be able to do enough on a weekly basis to hold TE2 value.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) is officially participating in practice on Friday as the team has officially opened his practice window. According to Ian Rapoport, the team may give him the full three weeks to prepare and get as close to 100% healthy as possible. He last played in Week 16 of last season when he tore his ACL in a game against the Detroit Lions. If he takes the full three weeks to return, that would mean he's on track to play in Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts. There's a chance he could be back for their Week 8 contest, but that's a Thursday night game against the Los Angeles Rams, so it could be a bit early. Hockenson's status will be something to monitor each week, and their bye week in Week 6 could be a great help. With how great the Vikings have played with Sam Darnold at the helm, Hockenson's return could be a breath of fresh air for fantasy managers in desperate need of a tight end.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin continued his successful 2024 campaign during Thursday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. The veteran wideout hauled in five of his six targets for 64 yards in the overtime loss. Fellow wideout Mike Evans saw the red zone attention this week with two touchdowns. Despite that, Godwin still put together a solid performance as he's reached 60 yards or more in four of his five games. The Bucs will now head into a tougher matchup against the New Orleans Saints in Week 6. Evans figures to draw star defensive back Marshon Lattimore which means Godwin should see more looks next week.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans came ready to play during Thursday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. The veteran wideout hauled in five of his seven targets for 62 yards and two touchdowns during the overtime loss. It could've been a bigger game for Evans who was wide open for what looked like his third score but quarterback Baker Mayfield didn't see him. Regardless, fantasy managers will take his two-score game from Evans who now has five touchdowns on the season. He'll head into a tougher matchup against the New Orleans Saints in Week 6. Despite that, Evans should still be able to carve out WR1 value for that game.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (hip) has been dealing with a hip issue which caused him to be a limited participant at practice on Wednesday. The good news, for the injury-riddled Rams, is that he was upgraded to a full participant on Thursday and he's trending in the right direction. With Cooper Kupp (ankle) still not practicing, Robinson is in line for added opportunities alongside Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington. In the Week 4 matchup against the Chicago Bears, Robinson finished with three targets, two receptions, and 37 yards. The matchup against the Green Bay Packers presents a better situation this time around though.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving wasn't able to capitalize on the field during Thursday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. The rookie back rushed nine times for 44 yards while adding two receptions for 12 yards in the receiving game. This marked the first time this season that Irving has been outrushed by fellow back Rachaad White. Irving also lost a critical fumble late in the game. It's unclear if this lackluster performance is going to hurt his stock going forward, but he should still remain in a committee with White. That being said, Irving is worth stashing, but won't have a ton of starting appeal for the Week 6 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White put together his best performance of the season on the ground during Thursday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. White rushed the ball 10 times for 72 yards in what ended up being an overtime loss to Tampa Bay. It's worth noting that 56 of the yards came on one play, so White struggled throughout most of this game. Fellow back Bucky Irving didn't do a whole lot better with a fumble and getting stood up at the goal line. It remains clear that the Bucs are going to use a committee approach at running back. That being said, White will likely only have flex appeal for the Week 6 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson was more efficient on the ground this week but was unable to turn it into a big fantasy outing as the team grabbed a hard-fought win in overtime over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Robinson finished the game with 61 yards on 12 carries while hauling in all three of his targets for 16 yards. The 5.1 yards per carry is a great stat to see, but with one less reception in this game and no touchdowns, he was unable to bounce back from a lackluster week against the New Orleans Saints. Tyler Allgeier was a bit more involved in this contest as he received nine total touches, but the story of this game was the passing game as Kirk Cousins threw the ball 58 times for 509 yards. Robinson's next chance to find the end zone will be against the Carolina Panthers in Week 6.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) has not practiced at all yet this week as he's dealing with what everyone is calling a "mild high-ankle sprain." The star back injured his ankle against the Pittsburgh Steelers in their Week 4 matchup, and Ian Rapoport believes that he's "likely to miss some time" moving forward. He noted that Taylor suiting up for their Week 5 game would be a big surprise. His status past this week will be something to monitor, especially since they don't have a bye week for added rest until Week 14. Trey Sermon is the next man up with Tyler Goodson ready to take some snaps in relief.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons WR Ray-Ray McCloud had six catches (on nine targets) for 66 yards versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday, Oct. 3.
Fantasy Spin: When you pass the ball 59 times, a lot of guys are gonna see action. That included McCloud, who has now been targeted five times or more in four of Atlanta's five games. He looks to be filling the WR3 slot behind Drake London and Darnell Mooney, but the veteran doesn't offer much to fantasy owners with his 66 yards tonight representing a new career high.
From TheHuddle
Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins connected on 42 of his 58 passes for a franchise-record 509 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 1 interception during an overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday, Oct. 3. Cousins was sacked four times.
Fantasy Spin: Uneven for most of the first four games, Cousins morphed into Kirko Chainz on Thursday night, lighting up an injury-depleted Buccaneers secondary for 509 yards, which included a game-tying drive in the final seconds and a game-winning drive on the first possession of overtime. Obviously, this was a once-in-a-lifetime type performance from Cousins, but just go back to his days in Minnesota to remind yourself that he'll have weeks where he tops 300 yards with multiple TDs. He remains a nice QB2 for fantasy owners, though anyone that had him active tonight most definitely LIKED THAT!
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin had five receptions for 64 yards versus the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday, Oct. 3. He was targeted seven times.
Fantasy Spin: After a red-hot start, Godwin has gone back-to-back weeks with less than 70 yards and no touchdowns. He hasn't had a truly bad game, yet, but it feels like he's settling into more of that WR3 spot he's typically filled over the years for fantasy owners. Godwin had two of his better games of last season against the Saints (8-114-0 in Week 4, 3-81-1 in Week 17), so make sure he's in your lineup when those clubs renew acquaintances in Week 6.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans caught five passes (on seven targets) for 62 yards and a pair of touchdowns versus the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday, Oct. 3. They were the 99th and 100th touchdowns of Evans' 11-year career.
Fantasy Spin: While he still hasn't hit the 100-yard mark this season -- in fact, he's finished with less than 65 yards in all but one game -- Evans continues to demand a spot in your lineup by pushing his touchdown total on the year to five. On deck is the renewal of his legendary rivalry with Marshon Lattimore. Get your popcorn ready.
From TheHuddle
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney caught nine of 16 targets for 105 yards and two touchdowns during Thursday's overtime win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was Kirk Cousins' most-targeted teammate as the quarterback attempted 58 passes for a franchise-record 509 yards through the air. Mooney delivered one of the best fantasy performances of his career, and he would've added even more points had he been able to catch a fourth-quarter pass that ultimately went through his hands and hit his chest. The 26-year-old seems to be enjoying a resurgence after leaving the Chicago Bears in free agency. Over his last four contests as a Falcon, Mooney is averaging 18.4 fantasy points per game. He ranks as an appealing WR3/FLEX for Week 6 against the Carolina Panthers.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts converted eight targets into seven catches for 88 yards during Thursday's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The young tight end still hasn't blossomed into a consistent fantasy option, but his productive showing in Week 5 was a step in the right direction. Of course, it was aided by a historic performance by Kirk Cousins, who attempted a whopping 58 passes and tallied a franchise-record 509 yards through the air. This type of yardage likely isn't sustainable for Cousins, but it's possible that his rapport with Pitts will hold strong moving forward. He remains a mid-to-low fantasy TE1 for Week 6 against the Atlanta Falcons.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver caught 12 of 13 targets for 154 yards and one touchdown during Thursday's overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. London was one of the main benefactors as quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for a franchise-record 509 yards in Week 5. He's now averaging 20.5 fantasy points (PPR) per game over the last four weeks, vaulting him into the high-end WR2 territory with WR1 upside. The 23-year-old can finally be trusted in fantasy lineups week after week. He's a must-start option heading into Week 6 against the Carolina Panthers.
From RotoBaller
