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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
Travis Kelce Sep 30 1:40am PT
Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had seven catches on nine targets for 89 yards in the 17-10 win against the Los Angeles Chargers. Kelce was the primary beneficiary of a first-quarter injury to Rashee Rice. Rice was carted off the field, and Kelce became the top option for the Chiefs passing attack. Today, Kelce's yardage eclipsed the yardage he had gained in the first three games combined. Kelce will look to keep this momentum against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. The Saints have given up the fifth-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends this season, so Kelce should remain productive. The loss of second-year receiver Rashee Rice will have a massive impact on the Chiefs offense moving forward, and Kelce should bring in most middle-of-the-field targets in Rice's absence. The Chiefs tight end is a must-start option against the Saints, and fantasy managers should be excited about his value going forward.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Sep 30 1:40am PT
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy had three catches for 73 yards and a touchdown in the 17-10 win against the Los Angeles Chargers. Worthy broke free for a 54-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter of this contest. The rookie's three catches and 73 receiving yards were both season-highs. Despite having at least one carry in the first three games, Worthy did not have a single opportunity out of the backfield this week. The Chiefs may have planned to bring Worthy along slowly, but those plans may need revision with Rashee Rice sustaining a potentially season-ending injury in the first quarter. Kansas City already lost Marquise Brown for the season, so losing Rashee Rice would presumably leave Worthy as the top option at the wide receiver position. Worthy will look to be more involved against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. The Saints defense has given up the sixth-most passing yards to opposing offenses this season, so there is opportunity for Worthy in this matchup. The Chiefs rookie receiver should still be viewed as a flex option, but hopefully, he will gain a more significant role in the offense after Rice's injury.

From RotoBaller

Samaje Perine Sep 30 1:40am PT
Samaje Perine

Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine had five carries for 14 yards and a touchdown in the 17-10 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The veteran running back scored on a two-yard in the fourth quarter to give the Chiefs the lead. Perine had the second-most carries out of the backfield for Kansas City and averaged 2.8 yards per carry. Despite his receiving prowess, Perine did not have a single target in this contest. Perine ceded receiving work to Kareem Hunt, who had three targets against the Chargers. With the addition of Kareem Hunt and the eventual return of Clyde Edwards-Helaire, there will not be enough touches to go around in the Kansas City backfield. Perine will try to hold onto his secondary role against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. If Steele redeems himself in the eyes of the coaches, Perine may be the odd back out. Despite the uncertainty at the position, the Saints are a good matchup for running backs. The Saints have allowed the fifth-most yards per carry to opposing offenses this season, so Perine should have decent running lanes. The Chiefs backfield is too crowded to know who to start, but there should be more clarity following next week's contest. Perine is a good stash candidate but is best left on benches until we know where he sits in the hierarchy.

From RotoBaller

Kareem Hunt Sep 30 1:30am PT
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt made his season debut in the 17-10 win against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4. Hunt had 14 carries for 69 yards in the contest. The veteran back also brought in two of his three targets for 16 receiving yards. Although rookie Carson Steele was the starter in this game, a first-quarter fumble by Steele allowed Hunt to be the lead back. Hunt averaged 4.9 yards per carry and demonstrated his value as a pass catcher. Hunt will have another opportunity to control the Kansas City backfield against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. The Saints defense has allowed the 11th-fewest rushing yards this season, but they have also given up the fifth-most yards per carry to opposing offenses. If Hunt is given the same opportunity next week, he should be a viable fantasy starter. Given the uncertainty of the situation, it isn't easy to project what Hunt's role will be moving forward, especially since Clyde Edwards-Helaire is set to return soon. If reports come out that Hunt will be the feature back for the Chiefs, he should rank as an RB2. Nevertheless, Hunt is a difficult start, given the one-game sample size.

From RotoBaller

Carson Steele Sep 30 1:30am PT
Carson Steele

Kansas City Chiefs running back Carson Steele had two carries for six yards in the 17-10 win against the Los Angeles Chargers. Steele was the starter again this week, coming off a performance where he carried the ball 17 times, but things did not go his way in this one. Steele fumbled on his first carry of the game, which led to him only getting one more carry in this contest. The coaching staff plugged Kareem Hunt into Steele's place, and Hunt was efficient with his touches. Steele will try to get back in the good graces of his coaches against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. The Saints have allowed the fifth-most yards per carry to opposing offenses, so Steele should be productive with his touches. It remains to be seen if the team will roll with Hunt as the lead back or if they will give Steele another chance as the starter. The two Chiefs backs could split the workload, capping each other's value. The Chiefs should also be getting Clyde Edwards-Helaire back soon, which would further muddy the situation. Given the uncertainty surrounding the Kansas City backfield, trusting Steele in your starting lineup will be difficult.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Sep 30 1:20am PT
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 19 of his 29 pass attempts (65.5%) for 245 yards and a touchdown in the 17-10 win against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mahomes also threw an interception in this game, making it his fourth straight game with an interception this season and bringing his interception total up to five. Mahomes has also thrown for less than 300 yards in every game this season. Despite his diminished counting stats, Mahomes and the Chiefs remain undefeated through the season's first four weeks. The Chiefs quarterback will look to keep the streak alive against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. The Saints should be a favorable matchup for Mahomes since their defense has allowed the sixth-most passing yards this season. The Chiefs passing attack has not been exciting to begin the year, and it may be getting worse as Rashee Rice is believed to have suffered a significant knee injury in the first quarter. Travis Kelce seemed to be the primary beneficiary of Rice's exit from the game. Mahomes could funnel the passing game through Kelce moving forward, but the volume of their passing attack should remain consistent. The Chiefs have been content in establishing the run, and you cannot argue with their results so far. It is becoming increasingly difficult to rely on Mahomes as a fantasy quarterback this season.

From RotoBaller

Christian Kirk Sep 30 1:00am PT
Christian Kirk

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk had another great performance in Week 4 against the Houston Texans in a 24-20 loss. Kirk finished with seven catches for 61 yards and a touchdown. The former Arizona Cardinal only had two catches in the first two games, but now has 15 receptions in his last two games. His touchdown was also his first of the season. Kirk in past seasons has been a great volume guy which conveys well to PPR leagues, and after two hiccups to start the year, it seems he is back on track. With the Jaguars offense slowly getting better and the potential return of Evan Engram soon, the offense should only get better. Kirk and Brian Thomas Jr. each scored touchdowns against the Texans, seemingly a potential dynamic duo going forward. The Jaguars face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5, where Kirk will once again look to lead the team in targets and catches.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Sep 30 12:40am PT
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. scored and led the team in receiving yards in a 24-20 loss to the Houston Texans. BTJ has been one of the few bright spots for the Jaguars offense so far this season, and that continued in Week 4. He put up six catches for 86 yards and had one of Trevor Lawrence's two passing touchdowns on the day. He also showed off his big play ability once again, averaging 14.3 yards per reception, with his longest reception being 32 yards. The rookie receiver was still behind Christian Kirk in catches and targets, but his down field threat makes him the higher upside pick in fantasy. Kirk's success should be more positive than negative for BTJ, as it will draw defensive attention away. The first round pick has been impressive and will likely only get better as the season progresses. BTJ will look to continue his high-level play in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Sep 30 12:30am PT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle caught all four of his targets for 45 yards and a touchdown in the team's 30-13 home victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday. The All-Pro's status was in doubt for most of the week after missing Week 3 with a hamstring injury but came through for fantasy managers in this one, the highlight a 12-yard head-top touchdown with multiple defenders draped over him in the corner of the endzone. Kittle now holds the lead in fantasy half-PPR points per game among tight ends. It's worth noting that Kittle left the field briefly due to an apparent injury late in the game, but did return. Assuming he's active in Week 5 at home against the Arizona Cardinals, he'll again be a top option for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby Sep 30 12:30am PT
Tank Bigsby

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby had a great performance in Week 4, putting up 90 yards rushing on just seven attempts in a 24-20 loss to the Houston Texans. The second-year pro improved on his great Week 1 performance of 73 yards on 12 attempts. Travis Etienne Jr. still had more touches than Bigsby, but the young back is making a case to get more playing time going forward. That is great to hear for Jaguars fans, but not for fantasy managers. If Bigsby continues to perform, he will continue to cut into Etienne Jr.'s workload, limiting each player's upside. Bigsby showed off his big play ability with a 58 yard rush and putting up 12.9 yards per carry. That likely isn't sustainable, but it does show he can potentially be at least a solid fantasy option with a limited workload. In Week 5, the Jaguars face the Indianapolis Colts, where Bigsby will look to once again make the most of his touches.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Sep 30 12:20am PT
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. had a quiet day, rushing for just 50 yards on 11 carries in a 24-20 loss to the Houston Texans. He also added one catch for 10 yards. Etienne Jr. wasn't that involved in the running game or the passing game, as he was outshined by Tank Bigsby, similar to Week 1. A big pull for fantasy managers to draft the Clemson product in the early rounds was his potential volume, but through four games, that just hasn't materialized. The Jaguars have been losing in most of their games, meaning more passing situations, and Bigsby is cutting into some of his work. In weeks where he doesn't score a touchdown, Etienne Jr. may struggle to prove his worth to fantasy managers going forward. While the Jaguars running back is still a good start in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts, it is clear his upside is far lower than what fantasy managers expected heading into the season.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Sep 30 12:10am PT
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence had his best fantasy output of the season, passing for 169 yards and two touchdowns in a 24-20 defeat to the Houston Texans. While those numbers still are below expectations for the former number one pick, the offense is at least showing signs of improving. The Jaguars are now 0-4, and are in desperate need of a good game to turn things around. This wasn't quite that, but it was nice to see Christian Kirk and Brian Thomas Jr. do well. While Lawrence himself hasn't had any fantasy success, he at least seems to be building rapport with his receivers. Once Evan Engram returns from injury, Lawrence could finally put it all together and have an above average fantasy performance. The Jaguars face another division rival in the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5 who just let up 312 passing yards and 30+ fantasy points to Pittsburgh Steelers QB Justin Fields. Lawrence will look to continue improving steadily as the season progresses.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Sep 30 12:00am PT
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings proved that he's become more than just an injury replacement in the team's 30-13 home victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday. In Week 3, Jennings had the game of his life, an 11-catch, 175-yard, three-touchdown performance, partially explainable by the injury absences of receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and tight end George Kittle. However, in Week 4 Jennings kept the momentum rolling even with both players back on the field. He led the 49ers in yards and targets by posting three catches -- including a ridiculous over-the-wrong-shoulder snag for 45 yards -- on six targets for 88 yards. Jennings is unlikely to continue pacing all 49ers receivers but has at least forced his way into fantasy consideration until further notice. Jennings gets the Arizona Cardinals at home in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aiyuk Sep 29 11:30pm PT
Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk remained in a fantasy football rut during a 30-13 home win over the New England Patriots on Sunday. Aiyuk came away with two receptions on five targets for 48 yards and is still searching for touchdown number one -- though he did get another end zone target that was picked off. Those looking for more volume from Aiyuk have to be disappointed as today's yardage matches last week's but with five fewer targets. At least this year's career-low yards per reception figure increased today, which was his calling card in 2023. While smart money still says that Aiyuk will turn it around eventually, it has to be disturbing for Aiyuk managers to see third receiver Jauan Jennings outproduce Aiyuk in yards, receptions, and targets again in this one after Jennings' bonanza last week in the absence of Deebo Samuel Sr. It might be true that 2024 won't end up as Aiyuk's best statistical year because of the sluggish start, but he's still young and has too good of a track record to give up on. If anything, he's a good buy-low candidate from managers who have grown impatient and unaware that Aiyuk has always been somewhat volatile and dependent on big plays. He'll get another crack at it next week versus the Arizona Cardinals at home.

From RotoBaller

Chris Boswell Sep 29 11:20pm PT
Chris Boswell

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell drilled his lone field goal and converted on all three of his extra-point tries in a 27-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Pittsburgh's offense struggled mightily in the first half, but Boswell managed to get the Steelers on the board with a 50-yarder to close the second quarter. Quarterback Justin Fields eventually got things rolling and led the team to the end zone on three of its last four possessions. If the Steelers can carry their momentum from the second half into Week 5, Boswell could be busy against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. In any case, the 33-year-old should at least provide a stable floor for fantasy purposes moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Pat Freiermuth Sep 29 11:10pm PT
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth hauled in five of seven targets for 57 yards and a touchdown in the team's Week 4 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. With Pittsburgh hoping to mount a comeback, Freiermuth made an excellent effort play late in the fourth quarter to score on a short pass from signal-caller Justin Fields. It marked the 25-year-old's first touchdown since Week 3 of the 2023 campaign. Freiermuth continues to be a dependable weapon for Fields as the two have connected on at least four passes in every contest this season. He represents consistency at a position that has been mostly devoid of it for fantasy purposes. Because of his utilization, Freiermuth should remain in fantasy consideration next week despite a tough matchup with the Dallas Cowboys.

From RotoBaller

George Pickens Sep 29 11:00pm PT
George Pickens

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens recorded seven receptions for 113 yards on 11 targets in a 27-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. This was Pickens' best fantasy showing of the season in what was, by far, his most favorable matchup yet. Unfortunately, a few mistakes prevented Pickens from posting even better results. The 23-year-old was careless with the football late in the second quarter and lost a fumble after Pittsburgh drove 91 yards down the field. Later, he dropped an eight-yard pass from quarterback Justin Fields for what would've been his first touchdown of the campaign. Fantasy managers should be encouraged by Pickens' 32% team target share and know that better days are ahead. He'll have an opportunity to bounce back during prime time next Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys.

From RotoBaller

Najee Harris Sep 29 10:50pm PT
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris handled 13 carries for 19 rushing yards and hauled in three of his six targets for 54 receiving yards in a Week 4 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Harris was surprisingly unable to get much of anything going on the ground against a Colts run defense that was shaky through the first three weeks of the season. He still managed to make an impact late in the contest, running through defenders for a 32-yard gain on a short pass from Justin Fields that eventually led to a Steelers touchdown. With Jaylen Warren (knee) inactive, Harris operated as the clear lead back, but Pittsburgh gave opportunities to Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) early and often before he exited with an injury. Harris has drawn at least five targets in back-to-back weeks and is proving to be a dependable option for Fields. If Patterson and Warren are sidelined in Week 5, Harris will get an abundance of touches in a Sunday night clash with the Dallas Cowboys.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Sep 29 10:40pm PT
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce caught one of his two targets for nine yards in the team's 27-24 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. This comes after a string of productive games by the third-year receiver that eventually came to a stop in today's matchup. Despite the low production, Pierce has remained a mainstay in the receiving rotation, playing just three fewer snaps than Michael Pittman Jr. and running just one less route. Given the snap share, Pierce remains a rosterable option in most formats. That being said, he is likely no more than a WR4/5 option in the team's Week 5 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Sep 29 10:30pm PT
Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields completed 22 of 34 pass attempts for 312 yards and a touchdown through the air while logging 10 carries for 55 yards and two additional rushing scores in a 27-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The Steelers struggled on both sides of the ball in the first half, but Fields put the offense on his back and nearly led the team to a comeback win. Fields was sacked four times on Sunday and lost what could have been a costly fumble, but Indianapolis missed a field goal on its subsequent possession. Although he made a few mistakes, Fields reminded fantasy managers of his high-end QB1 upside on Sunday. The 25-year-old is developing chemistry with pass-catchers George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth while continuing to be a threat with his legs. Fields will look to get Pittsburgh back in the win column against the Dallas Cowboys next week.

From RotoBaller