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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
Nick Chubb Sep 29 7:40am CT
Nick Chubb

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (knee) is expected to have his practice window opened on Wednesday in Week 5, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Chubb opened 2024 on the PUP list as he continued to recover from two surgeries to repair ligaments in his left knee that were torn against the Steelers on Sept. 18, 2023. Once his practice window is opened, the star running back will be allowed to practice with the team for 21 days without counting toward the 53-man roster. Before those 21 days expire, the Browns must elevate him to the active roster. If they don't, he'll be ineligible to play this season. We don't know an exact timetable for Chubb's return, and while Cleveland has no interest in rushing him back before he's ready, it sounds like he's ahead of schedule in his recovery. Chubb was a solid fantasy RB1 when healthy but will likely drop the low-end RB2 tier when he returns to the mix.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Hockenson Sep 29 7:40am CT
T.J. Hockenson

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) is almost ready for the team to trigger his 21-day practice window, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Hockenson tore his ACL and MCL in Week 16 last year but has made a speedy recovery and hopes to return within the next few weeks. It's important to note that once the Vikings designate Hockenson to practice, he'll have 21 days where he can practice with the team while not counting toward the 53-man roster. Once those 21 days go by, the team must activate him from injured reserve or rule him out for the remainder of the season. Schefter notes that the former is more likely for Hockenson, with Week 7 or 8 being his target for a return. Once he's back on the field, Hockenson will rank as a high-end fantasy TE1.

From RotoBaller

Joe Mixon Sep 29 7:20am CT
Joe Mixon

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) "has worked hard to be back and even though it seems to be an uphill climb to play, he hasn't given up trying," according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Mixon will test his injury pregame to see whether he can suit up on Sunday afternoon. The veteran hasn't played since Week 2 when he was on the receiving end of a hip-drop tackle. He was able to finish the game but then was sidelined for Week 3. Through two games, he has 228 scrimmage yards and one touchdown. Houston would benefit from having him available on Sunday against the Jaguars, but they also won't rush him back before he's ready. If Mixon can't play this week, Cam Akers would lead the Texans' backfield for the second consecutive game, ranking as a fantasy RB3.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Sep 29 1:00am CT
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (hamstring) is anticipated to play versus Atlanta. The wideout is listed as questionable, with his official availability not expected until near opening kick. However, barring a setback, he should be good to get on the field in Week 4. Olave was relatively quiet during the first two contests of the season. Yet, he finished the Week 3 loss to the Eagles by catching all six targets for 86 yards and a touchdown. With that in mind, Olave is one of the best receivers in the National Football League. As such, he should be featured in all fantasy lineups despite a challenging matchup with the Falcons on the horizon. Olave's likely presence could also mean fewer targets for Rashid Shaheed, although he's at least a flex option after finding the end zone in two of the Saints' three games.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Sep 29 12:40am CT
Deebo Samuel

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) is expected to play in Sunday's showdown with the Patriots. Although the wideout was expected to be out longer, it appears he is ready to roll. While there is a chance he could see fewer snaps than usual, he remains a starting fantasy option in any format. On the other hand, Jauan Jennings, coming off a three-touchdown performance in Week 3, will now go from a must-start to a borderline flex option, especially with George Kittle (hamstring) also anticipated to suit up. Kittle and Samuel's impending returns could also mean Brandon Aiyuk may continue to struggle.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Sep 29 12:30am CT
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (hamstring) is expected to play on Sunday versus the Eagles. The rookie was limited in a few practices throughout the week while missing Thursday's session altogether. Fortunately, the Bucs should have him on the field, barring a setback. Despite Irving seeing considerably fewer snaps than Rachaad White (illness), who is also anticipated to suit up, he has been more productive on the ground. Still, both men are hard to trust, although White still has a higher fantasy ceiling. With that in mind, if the workload changes moving ahead, Irving's value could shift, meaning he's worth stashing for now.

From RotoBaller

Rachaad White Sep 29 12:20am CT
Rachaad White

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (illness) is expected to play against the Eagles. He had a case of food poisoning, resulting in his name being added to the Bucs' injury report. Fortunately, it appears he's feeling better. White has struggled throughout the first three games of the year, running for 66 yards off 31 carries and adding 12 catches for 98 yards. Even worse, he hasn't found the end zone. With that said, despite the added involvement of Bucky Irving (hamstring), who is also in line to play in Week 4, White remains a flex option versus Philly.

From RotoBaller

Gabriel Davis Sep 29 12:10am CT
Gabriel Davis

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder) is expected to be on the field for Sunday's showdown against the Houston Texans. It doesn't appear the shoulder injury will be enough to keep him out of the lineup for Week 4. However, the 25-year-old has only eight catches for 123 yards throughout the first three games of the 2024-25 campaign. But, he has at least logged more snaps than any of the other Jags' wideouts, so he has that going for him. Still, Davis is hard to trust from a fantasy standpoint, although he remains a flex option, especially with Evan Engram (hamstring) sidelined again.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Sep 29 12:10am CT
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) is expected to play in Sunday's matchup versus the Rams. He's missed the last two games because of a heel injury. Fortunately, it appears the issue is behind him. While Allen had just four receptions in the Week 1 win over the Titans, he was targeted 11 times. As such, he's a starting fantasy wideout in any format, with his presence likely resulting in fewer targets for Rome Odunze, who had a six-catch, 112-yard, one-touchdown outing in Week 3 against the Colts.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Sep 29 12:00am CT
Diontae Johnson

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (groin) is expected to suit up for Sunday's clash with the Cincinnati Bengals. The wideout currently carries a questionable designation heading into this one because of a groin injury. Fortunately, it appears the Panthers will have him on the field as the team searches for their second win of the season. Johnson was quiet through the first two contests of the 2024-25 campaign. However, with Andy Dalton under center for the Week 3 win over the Raiders, Johnson erupted by amassing eight catches (14 targets) for 122 yards and a touchdown. Keep him starting in all fantasy setups

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Sep 28 11:50pm CT
Alvin Kamara

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hip, rib) "is planning to play" in Week 4 versus Atlanta. The 29-year-old didn't practice on Wednesday before logging limited sessions on Thursday and Friday. However, it appears he'll be good to go on Sunday. Kamara has had an excellent 2024-25 campaign thus far, totaling five touchdowns. As such, he's a must-start in all fantasy formats despite a challenging matchup on the horizon.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Sep 28 10:50pm CT
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce reeled in one of his two targets for 44 yards in the team's win over the Chicago Bears in Week 3. Pierce has surprisingly led the way for the Colts' receiver room, racking up 225 yards through the first three weeks. Pierce has been the most successful recipient of deep passes from QB Anthony Richardson and has caught a number of touchdowns in the process. It's unlikely he will retain this success in Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers defense. The Steelers have allowed the fifth-least passing yards and the fourth-least fantasy points to opposing WRs. Given his low target share and reliability on big plays for fantasy production, Pierce is not a strong start this week in most lineups. He is the WR63 in our staff's half-PPR Week 4 rankings.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Sep 28 9:40pm CT
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) has reported that he plans to play this Sunday when the team hosts the visiting Los Angeles Rams. This is excellent news for Caleb Williams and Chicago's offense. However, fantasy managers may want to demonstrate caution starting the veteran wideout upon his return. Los Angeles has been one of the easier matchups thus far for opposing passing attacks -- allowing the sixth-most yards (746) and second-most scores (7) through the air. Despite this, it is difficult to predict his role in the offense. During his last action in the team's 24-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans, Allen led the team in targets with 11 but was out-caught and out-gained by DJ Moore. Moore again led the team in receiving (yards, targets, and receptions) during Week 2 but took a back seat to rookie sensation Rome Odunze in Week 3 when he broke out with 112 yards and a score on six receptions -- tying for the team lead in targets with Cole Kmet (11). It may be best to take a wait-and-see approach with this trio for now, but if Williams attempts 50 passes a game, all three wideouts could have valuable outings.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Sep 28 9:30pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson completed ten of his 20 passes for 167 yards, two interceptions, and no touchdowns in the team's Week 3 win over the Bears. He also added 24 rushing yards on the ground. After an excellent fantasy performance in Week 1, Richardson has struggled to keep up the momentum over the last two games. His high rate of turnovers, low-volume passing, and diminishing rushing over the most recent stretch have hindered his fantasy output. This week may be no different as the Colts gear up to host the Steelers, one of the best defensive units in the league. The Steelers' defense has allowed the least fantasy points to opposing QBs this season, with an average of 8.1 points per game. They are also in the top five in passing yards, rushing yards, and total points allowed. Given his recent form, and likely one of the hardest matchups he'll face all season, managers in 1QB formats should consider keeping Richardson on the bench this week. He is currently the QB16 in our staff's Week 4 rankings.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Sep 28 9:20pm CT
Davante Adams

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) is now considered week to week after picking up an injury in the waning minutes of the team's Thursday practice, Adam Schefter reports. Well, that escalated quickly. The Raiders wasted no time ruling Adams out of their home tilt against the visiting Cleveland Browns this Sunday, but it now appears this injury could sideline him longer. Head coach Antonio Pierce contemplated a quarterback change this week and ultimately ruled against it, but he'll now be without his star wideout for at least one week. Hamstring injuries can linger, so fantasy managers will want to monitor the 31-year-old's status over the coming days. Teammate Jakobi Meyers will likely benefit the most from his absence, and rookie tight end Brock Bowers projects to be heavily involved. Meyers presents as a WR3 with upside ahead of the matchup against Cleveland, while Bowers -- who leads all tight ends in receptions (18) -- is in a smash spot. Second-year wide receiver Tre Tucker and former undrafted free agent DJ Turner will also be in line for an uptick in snaps.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Taylor Sep 28 9:00pm CT
Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts running back continued his hot start to the season in Week 3, running the ball 23 times for 110 yards and two touchdowns in the team's win. Taylor now gears up for a Week 4 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers have made for a tougher matchup to RBs this season, allowing the third least rushing yards per game at 71.3. On top of that, they've also allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs this season. Despite the tougher matchup, Taylor's volume makes him a worthwhile start in Week 4. Taylor has seen a 90.5% opportunity share, the fourth highest of all RBs, and 51 carries, the ninth most amongst RBs. While he will face a lower ceiling than in weeks past against Pittsburgh's defense, fantasy managers can confidently start Taylor given his high-end usage. He is currently the RB6 in our staff's half-PPR weekly rankings.

From RotoBaller

Devin White Sep 28 8:50pm CT
Devin White

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Devin White (personal) has been ruled out again by the team for their Week 4 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. White, who spent the first five seasons of his career in Tampa Bay after being selected fifth overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, was acquired by the Eagles this offseason. However, he has yet to appear in a game thus far in the 2024 season. The 26-year-old spent most of training camp as Philadelphia's starting middle linebacker but was eventually beaten out by Nakobe Dean for the job. He would miss Philly's season-opener with an ankle injury before being a healthy scratch against Atlanta and New Orleans. It'd be a surprise to see the former first-round pick not appear this season after a productive stint during his time as a Buccaneer, though it's difficult to project precisely when or if he'll return to the field.

From RotoBaller

Malik Washington Sep 28 8:40pm CT
Malik Washington

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington (quadriceps) is officially listed as questionable for the team's Week 4 home matchup against the Tennessee Titans on Monday Night Football. The rookie wideout has yet to make his NFL debut after suffering a quad injury earlier this month. However, after a week of limited practice, he may have a chance to do so this weekend. The sixth-round pick flashed his explosiveness during the preseason. He would be a nice boost to a Dolphins squad with just three receivers without injury designations on their active roster. If Washington can suit up, he could see a decent snap share rotating behind Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Braxton Berrios. Berrios would stand to cede most of the snaps. However, the 23-year-old is not a recommended option in an offense that has struggled over the past few weeks sans Tua Tagovailoa (concussion). Tyler Huntley will get the start on Monday, and the team projects to deploy a run-focused game plan.

From RotoBaller

Michael Pittman Jr. Sep 28 8:40pm CT
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. caught four of his targets for 36 yards in the team's Week 3 win against the Chicago Bears. Pittman has yet to live up to his ADP this season, with the Colts' struggles through the air being the main culprit. He now gears up for a Week 4 matchup when the Colts host the Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the best defensive units in the league thus far. On top of that, Pittman will likely see a ton of coverage from Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr., who has allowed an average of just 28 receiving yards to the WRs he's faced through the first three weeks. Pittman has slowly been climbing down the ranks after his first three performances of the season, and Sunday's matchup might be where fantasy managers look to finally put him on the bench. Pittman doesn't come into this matchup with an incredibly safe floor and carries huge bust potential, given the matchup. He is currently the WR38 in our staff's half-PPR rankings for Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Myles Garrett Sep 28 8:17pm CT
Myles Garrett

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (Achilles, foot, thigh) has been cleared to play in Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders and wasn't listed on the final injury report on Friday. It's clear that Garrett isn't 100 percent healthy and may not be at all the rest of the year, but he's going to play through his injuries for now. The All-Pro pass-rusher didn't practice on Wednesday, was limited on Thursday and was a full-go on Friday. The 28-year-old reportedly could eventually need surgery on his foot, but he'll be trying to put that off until the offseason. With a potential limited snap count, Garrett will be a more volatile IDP fantasy option. As long as he's on the field, though, he's worth starting in those fantasy formats, especially against a lackluster Raiders offense that will be missing their top receiver in Davante Adams (hamstring) in Week 4.