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Dynasty $125 - FFL: Week 5 | NFL: Week 5

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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Player Notes
Brian Robinson Jr. Oct 4 12:20pm CT
Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said that running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) is "trending in the right direction" to play in Week 5 against the Cleveland Browns despite not practicing on Wednesday or Thursday. Robinson returned to practice on Friday, although his status for Sunday's contest could come down to a game-time decision. Fantasy managers should expect him to be listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report. With Austin Ekeler (concussion) returning to action in Week 5 after sitting out the Week 4 win over the Arizona Cardinals, B-Rob won't have nearly as much upside as he did heading into last week's game with Ekeler ruled out. If the 25-year-old were to be ruled out, Jeremy McNichols, who had two rushing touchdowns last week, would split backfield touches with Ekeler. If B-Rob is active, he'll be an RB2 for fantasy managers against Cleveland.

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Malik Nabers Oct 4 12:20pm CT
Malik Nabers

The Seattle Seahawks defense/special teams is headed into a matchup against the New York Giants in Week 5. The Giants will be playing without star rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (concussion) who has meant everything to this offense. Running back Devin Singletary (groin) may not play in this game either, however, he did manage to return to practice on Friday. Without either of those players, the Giants are left with very little playmakers on offense and a shaky offensive line. The revamped Seahawks defensive front should have a field day getting to quarterback Daniel Jones in this game. As such, they should have plenty of sacks and could force several turnovers as a result of the pressure. While this squad was annihilated by the Detroit Lions in Week 4, they should absolutely be in your lineup in Week 5.

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Kenneth Walker III Oct 4 12:20pm CT
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) is coming off a huge three-touchdown performance against the Detroit Lions in Week 4. What is even more impressive is that Walker had not played in two weeks and immediately regained his starting job as a workhorse running back. This coaching regime loves Walker, and his stronghold over his workload will continue as long as he is healthy. The Giants are No. 14 against opposing running backs in fantasy. As such, Walker should feast in a game that the Seahawks should win handily. Fire Walker up as an RB1 in Week 5.

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Jonathan Taylor Oct 4 12:20pm CT
Jonathan Taylor

The Indianapolis Colts officially ruled out running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) for the Week 5 game this weekend against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Things were trending this way after Taylor suffered what was described as a minor right high-ankle sprain in the Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 25-year-old isn't going on Injured Reserve but he's out for this week and could be up in the air to face the division-rival Tennessee Titans in Week 6. It's a big blow for Indy's offense, which could also be without quarterback Anthony Richardson (abdomen, oblique) against Jacksonville. With Taylor out, Trey Sermon is expected to be the Colts' primary back in Week 5, giving him RB2/3 plug-and-play fantasy appeal off the waiver wire if you have Taylor or are desperate for some RB help this week. In addition to Sermon having a bigger role, Tyler Goodson will also see more work as the backup.

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D.K. Metcalf Oct 4 12:20pm CT
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (hand) has been nothing short of excellent in 2024. Metcalf has 24 receptions for 366 yards and two touchdowns this season. He has dominated three weeks in a row with over 100 receiving yards. The New York Giants are the No. 14 team against opposing wide receivers but there is no one on their defense who should scare you away from Metcalf at home. It is noteworthy that Metcalf is nursing a hand injury. He was able to practice fully on Wednesday but was downgraded to limited on Thursday. Metcalf's practice participation will need to be closely monitored as we head into the weekend. However, if Metcalf plays then he will be a no-brainer starter in fantasy football.

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Diontae Johnson Oct 4 12:10pm CT
Diontae Johnson

As expected, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) was removed from the final Week 5 injury report on Friday after he put in a second straight limited practice. Johnson was given a DNP in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, but the Panthers all along expected him to play this Sunday against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The 28-year-old needs to be locked into all starting fantasy lineups despite the tough matchup against Chicago's defense on the road. In two games since quarterback Andy Dalton took over for Bryce Young under center, Johnson has caught 15 of his 27 targets for 205 yards and two touchdowns. High volume should be expected yet again with Adam Thielen (hamstring) still on Injured Reserve.

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Miles Sanders Oct 4 12:10pm CT
Miles Sanders

Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (illness) missed some practice time this week while being under the weather, but he was removed from the final Week 5 injury report on Friday and will suit up on Sunday at Soldier Field to face the Chicago Bears. The 27-year-old was able to practice in full on Friday after missing the sessions on Wednesday and Thursday. Especially against a stout defense on the road, fantasy managers should have better flex options at the RB position than Sanders in Week 5. Through the first four weeks as the backup to starter Chuba Hubbard, Sanders has 25 carries for 91 yards (3.6 yards per carry) and has found the end zone once, adding eight catches for 32 yards. His fantasy stock is going to plummet even further once rookie RB Jonathon Brooks (knee) comes off the Non-Football Injury list soon to make his NFL debut.

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Justin Fields Oct 4 12:00pm CT
Justin Fields

The Dallas Cowboys' defense has had a very up-and-down season through the first month. They looked like the unit we were all used to a season ago in Week 1 against Cleveland, but quickly fell off a cliff for Weeks 2 and 3. Week 4 against the Giants was no tough test, and now Dallas will face a conservative Pittsburgh Steelers offense in Week 5. Quarterback Justin Fields has been on a hot streak, accounting for six touchdowns and one turnover in the past three games. There are better streaming options available this week. Dallas is a fringe startable unit, but check free agency first for a better option against a weaker offensive unit.

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Jake Ferguson Oct 4 11:50am CT
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson has been one of the few consistent tight end options this season. With Brandin Cooks (knee) ruled out for Sunday night's game in Pittsburgh, Ferguson should figure to see a consistent target share again. Ferguson has seen 21.6% of passes come his way when in the lineup this season, accounting for the second-highest percentage of targets on the team behind only CeeDee Lamb. The 25-year-old should be thrown into lineups this weekend in all formats despite going up against a tough Pittsburgh secondary. Dallas has leaned on the passing game and should continue to do so in Week 5.

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Brandon Aubrey Oct 4 11:50am CT
Brandon Aubrey

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey has been the top option at his position this season. The Cowboys play in Pittsburgh on Sunday night in what could be a lower-scoring game. Despite the tough matchup, Aubrey should remain in all lineups. The number one kicker in fantasy cannot be cut from rosters, forcing him into lineups in a tough matchup. Downgrade expectations for Aubrey this week, although he still remains a top-three option at the position.

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Noah Brown Oct 4 11:50am CT
Noah Brown

Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (groin) was ruled out for Sunday's game, according to JP Finlay of 1067 The Fan. Brown participated in Wednesday's practice in a limited fashion but was unable to practice on Thursday, which suggests the injury was more severe than previously expected. The 28-year-old has begun to emerge as the No.2 wideout opposite of Terry McLaurin, as he has caught three passes in every game and saw a season-high four targets last week. Through this stretch, Brown has averaged 37 yards each game. Fantasy managers should expect Terry McLaurin, tight end Zach Ertz, and running back Austin Ekeler to see a slight uptick in targets with Brown sitting out. Third-round pick Luke McCaffrey could also see an increase in playing time along with Olamide Zaccheaus and Dyami Brown and are worth a look as a flex option in 14+ team leagues.

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CeeDee Lamb Oct 4 11:40am CT
CeeDee Lamb

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb remains one of the top fantasy options at the position going into Sunday night's matchup with Pittsburgh. Despite a road matchup in a tough nighttime environment against the eighth-best secondary against opposing receivers, Lamb remains a no-brainer start due to his high volume share and unlimited fantasy ceiling. With Brandin Cooks (knee) ruled out for the game and Rico Dowdle (wrist) banged up, even more work should go Lamb's way in prime time. The 25-year-old is one of the few matchup-proof players in fantasy and should be started in all formats this weekend.

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Brian Robinson Jr. Oct 4 11:40am CT
Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) was seen at Friday's practice, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic. Standig noted that the portion of practice that was open to the media was very brief and did not provide much clarity on his status heading into Sunday. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the injury report later on Friday afternoon as the Alabama product will likely carry a designation into the weekend as he did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. The 25-year-old has enjoyed an excellent start to the season as he has found the end zone in all but one game and eclipsed 100 yards in two of them. If Robinson suits up, he should be viewed as a high-end RB2. If he is unable to play, fantasy managers should lock Austin Ekeler into their lineup, as he should be expected to see a significant uptick in opportunities.

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Jalen Tolbert Oct 4 11:40am CT
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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert should see an expanded role on Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Brandin Cooks (knee) has been ruled out, opening up an every-down role for the 25-year-old. Tolbert has 13 receptions for 160 yards and a touchdown through four games. He recorded a season-high nine targets and 82 yards against Baltimore in Week 3. While Pittsburgh's secondary (8th against opposing receivers) is no easy matchup, Dallas has gotten little production out of their rushing attack this season and has been forced to lean on the pass. Tolbert should see targets on Sunday, making him a flex candidate with many bye weeks and injuries limiting available options.

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Austin Ekeler Oct 4 11:40am CT
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Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) was officially cleared to play on Sunday, according to JP Finlay of 1067 The Fan. Ekeler logged a full practice on Thursday and will now return to game action this weekend. The former Charger suffered a concussion in Week 3 and was unable to suit up last weekend. Through his first three games as a Commander, Ekeler has taken the backseat to Brian Robinson Jr. as he has typically been deployed in passing situations. The 29-year-old has tallied at least 22 receiving yards in every game, with a high of 52 in Week 1. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Brian Robinson Jr.'s status heading into the weekend, as he has been dealing with a knee injury throughout the week. If Robinson were to miss Sunday's game, Ekeler should see an uptick in work and be viewed as a solid RB2 with upside.

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Jaelan Phillips Oct 4 11:30am CT
Jaelan Phillips

The Miami Dolphins defense/special teams is one of the more intriguing plays in Week 5 when they face the New England Patriots on the road. Miami's defensive unit has allowed the seventh-most points per game in the league this year (25.8) but is averaging just the sixth-fewest yards per game to opposing offenses (282.0). Conversely, New England's offense ranks at the bottom of the league in total offense per contest (238.8) and second-to-last in scoring (13.0 PPG). The Dolphins will be missing linebacker Jaelan Phillips (knee) for the rest of the season and could be down safety Jordan Poyer (shin) after he was forced from their 31-12 loss to the Tennessee Titans. However, the Fins have recorded an interception in back-to-back outings and three sacks in 2-of-4 contests thus far. They're RotoBaller's DST8 for this week's rankings.

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Dak Prescott Oct 4 11:30am CT
Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has strung together back-to-back QB1 fantasy performances, but the same should not be expected from the veteran heading into Sunday night's matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh has the sixth-best defense against opposing quarterbacks through the season's first month, creating a tough matchup for the Cowboys' signal caller. Brandin Cooks (knee) has also been ruled out, leaving Prescott with fewer options in the passing game than usual. Prescott is still playable, but beware that both his ceiling and floor will be more limited than usual. Consider sitting the 31-year-old in one quarterback leagues.

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Dalton Schultz Oct 4 11:20am CT
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz enters Week 5 against Buffalo coming off his most productive game of the season, albeit for just three catches and 34 receiving yards. The veteran tight end is still playing a ton of snaps for Houston nearly 84% but he hasn't been the pass-catching option fantasy managers had hoped thus far. However, Buffalo blitzes less than any team in the league and Houston's backfield has been impacted by injuries, possibly opening the door for a higher volume of short-yardage throws that could benefit a tight end. Still, Schultz has been tough to trust in a Texans offense with many mouths to feed.

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Trey McBride Oct 4 11:20am CT
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (concussion) is "good to go" for Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers, according to Dani Sureck of the Arizona Cardinals. McBride suffered a concussion during their Week 3 loss to the Detroit Lions and was held out of last weekend's game. During the first three weeks of the campaign, McBride has seen at least six targets his way in every game, with a high of nine in the opening week. The tight end has caught at least five passes in two games and averaged 40.7 yards in each game. Fantasy managers should confidently lock the 24-year-old into their lineup this weekend as a high-end TE1 despite facing a tough San Francisco defense.

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Stefon Diggs Oct 4 11:20am CT
Stefon Diggs

With his former Buffalo Bills teammates visiting this week, Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs continues to be a solid WR2 play. The 30-year-old has allayed concerns about his usage on a new team by playing 81% of snaps, drawing more than eight targets per game, and putting up three top-20 finishes in four weeks. The Bills' pass defense ranks first against fantasy wide receivers thus far, but Diggs and fellow wideout Nico Collins are drawing so much volume each week that they still belong in starting lineups. And if you're a believer in revenge games, the former Bill is definitely looking for a big performance on Sunday.

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