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.
The Invitational Live Stream
Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis got some work in Saturday's narrow preseason win over the Seahawks. The 2022 No. 86 overall pick went 12-for-16 passing for 116 yards. He added four carries for 30 yards. Willis was more accurate than Mason Rudolph, who went 10-for-17 passing for 125 yards and a touchdown. However, unlike Rudolph, Willis threw an interception. At any rate, Willis will likely remain behind Rudolph on the depth chart heading into the 2024-25 campaign. Yet, unless Will Levis isn't starting, neither backup quarterback will be relevant for fantasy purposes. The Titans will end their preseason with a meeting with the New Orleans Saints.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph had a solid showing in Saturday's preseason victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Rudolph, who agreed to a one-year deal with the Titans this offseason after spending the start of his career in Pittsburgh, threw for 125 yards and a touchdown off 10-for-17 passing. He added four carries for 15 yards. Rudolph appears to have a lock on the No. 2 spot on the depth chart ahead of Malik Willis. However, the signal-caller won't be relevant for fantasy managers during the 2024-25 campaign unless Will Levis loses his job as the starter. The Titans will close out the preseason with a trip to New Orleans versus the Saints.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver Dante Pettis played just 12 snaps in the team's 27-3 preseason win over the Bengals but made them count, catching all three of his targets for 53 yards and two touchdowns, including a 25-yard touchdown grab from Tyson Bagent. Behind receivers DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze, Pettis is vying to be the primary backup. The offseason acquisitions and the switch to offensive coordinator Shane Waldron suggest more three-receiver sets this year, which could elevate the role of the fourth receiver. Pettis has one final opportunity Thursday at Kansas City to secure his spot before the team's season opener on September 8 against the Titans.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze saw an increase in snaps to 20 during the 27-3 preseason win over the Bengals, catching one of two targets for a 45-yard gain from quarterback Caleb Williams. Odunze also rushed for the first time in his professional career, gaining 16 yards. The Bears' offense showed some exciting flashes but generally struggled throughout most of the first half before their first touchdown drive late in the half. Odunze had more opportunities to work downfield with DJ Moore limited to nine snaps and Keenan Allen playing just eight snaps. His final chance to improve in the preseason comes on Thursday at Kansas City before he makes his regular-season debut on September 8 against the Titans.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams appeared in 22 plays during Saturday's 27-3 preseason victory over the Bengals, completing six of 13 passes for 75 yards. Following a stellar debut in a limited appearance, Williams' efficiency took a step back in his second professional outing. His escapability and rushing upside were evident, with a seven-yard touchdown on his only rush of the game. However, he took his first sack against Cincinnati and ended the game with a completion percentage below 50. Williams' final tune-up game is scheduled for Thursday in Kansas City before he hosts the Titans in Week 1 for his regular-season debut.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker completed 12 of 15 passes for 150 yards in Saturday's preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. The 26-year-old also rushed five times for 11 yards, including a seven-yard touchdown. Hooker did lose a costly fumble late in the game but otherwise looked calm throughout his time on the field. As of now, Hooker's performance and higher ceiling give him the edge for the backup quarterback position over Nate Sudfeld, though both players had poor performances in their first preseason games last week. Hooker remains a dynasty stash for now and will look to improve on Saturday's performance in the preseason finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams rookie wide receiver Jordan Whittington once again led all Rams receivers in targets during Week 2 of the preseason in Saturday's game against the Chargers. The rookie out of Texas continues to turn heads this preseason as he recorded five catches for 52 yards on eight targets against the Chargers. Rams coach Sean McVay has spoken about the fact that he believes Whittington will have a role in the offense during his rookie season this year. Alongside Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, Whittington is an interesting name to monitor ahead of draft season.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams running back Boston Scott got just 10 carries in the team's preseason game against the Chargers but he gained 55 yards. He did not record a catch out of the backfield. Scott was outpaced by Zach Evans, who registered 16 carries for 62 yards, but was more efficient on his touches. Scott is battling Evans for the third spot on the depth chart behind returning starter Kyren Williams and rookie Blake Corum. Scott's versatility and his pass-catching ability may give him the upper hand as he competes for that role.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett earned the start and played the team's entire preseason game in a 13-9 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Bennett completed 17-of-31 passes for 213 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The first thing that stands out is that he did a better job of taking care of the ball after throwing four interceptions in the opening preseason game. He found JJ Laap on a long, 47-yard TD strike in the fourth quarter. For the most part, Bennett was effective in this game as he competes to win the backup job behind Matthew Stafford after taking last year off to deal with mental health issues.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams running back Zach Evans led the team's backfield in touches during the second week of the preseason against the Chargers on Saturday. Evans carried 16 times for 62 yards. The 3.88 yards per carry wasn't super efficient but he got some good work in. Boston Scott had 10 carries for 55 yards as the two battle for the third running back spot behind Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. Evans will need to show a little more efficiency on his carries if he wants to impress the Rams' coaching staff. He also did not catch a pass out of the backfield in Saturday's game.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke threw for 114 yards and rushed twice for zero yards in a 13-12 loss to the Baltimore Ravens Saturday. It was an uneventful preseason game for the 31-year-old veteran, with no touchdown passes on 8-for-16 passing. Heinicke seems locked in as the QB3 on Atlanta's roster, but with the Falcons holding out Michael Penix Jr. for the rest of the offseason, he should get plenty of snaps to see how he fares during the rest of the preseason. Heinicke will look to turn things around in the preseason finale on Friday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Carlos Washington Jr. ran nine times in Saturday's game for 39 yards while receiving no work in the passing game in a 13-12 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. After averaging less than 2.0 yards per carry last week on 16 attempts, Washington was much more efficient on the ground this week, averaging over 9.0 per carry. The 25-year-old seemed to have the edge over Jase McClellan for the RB3 job according to the Falcons' official depth chart, but now it seems to be a tight-knit race for that job with McLellan running the ball extremely well so far in the first two preseason games. Look for this race for the RB3 spot to continue on Friday when the Falcons take on the Jacksonville Jaguars.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Josh Johnson put together a nearly perfect half of football in the team's 13-12 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday afternoon. The veteran completed all 11 of his pass attempts for 120 yards and a touchdown and carried the ball twice for eight yards on the ground. The lone miscues were a sack for 12 yards and a miscommunication with the center that led to a fumble, but it didn't officially count in Johnson's box score. In the first quarter, a lot of Johnson's throws were short passing plays, but he ended up completing big play after big play in the second quarter. In the touchdown drive, he completed passes of 12, 13, and 31 yards respectively, capped off by a six-yard score to Owen Wright.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Jase McClellan rushed 11 times for 55 yards and scored a touchdown in a 13-12 preseason loss against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. After leading the team in rushing in preseason Week 1 with 35 yards, McClellan followed suit and led the team in rushing again this week. The lone touchdown for McClellan and the Falcons came with only 39 seconds left on the clock in the fourth quarter and was followed by a failed two-point conversion, which led to the eventual one-point loss. The young 22-year-old out of Alabama has carried the ball 20 times for a solid 85 yards, 4.25 YPC, and one touchdown in two preseason games thus far. The battle for the RB3 in Atlanta looks like a close one this preseason between McClellan and Carlos Washington Jr. The Falcons RB3 battle will continue next week when the Falcons take on the Jaguars on Friday Night at home.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons Kicker Younghoe Koo had a rough time on the field Saturday morning, going 2-for-5 in field goal attempts in a 13-12 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in preseason Week 2. Koo nailed the hard one through the uprights from 54 yards away but missed on a 40-yarder, 45-yarder, and 49-yarder before converting on his last field goal attempt of the night at 24 yards out. It was an uncharacteristic night for one of the league's top kickers, but he has plenty of time to get right before the season begins in September.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth caught his lone target for a 10-yard gain in a 9-3 loss to the Buffalo Bills in preseason action on Saturday. Freiermuth drew the start and played with the first-team offense, ripping off a 10-yard gain on Pittsburgh's second drive of the contest. The veteran tight end had a down season in 2023 but could be primed for a bounce-back as he should see more targets with Diontae Johnson no longer on the team. That being said, the Steelers could be run-heavy on offense so it is best to treat Freiermuth as a mid-range TE2 in upcoming fantasy drafts.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields played well in his team's 9-3 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. Fields completed 11 of his 17 passes for 92 yards and added eight rushes for 42 yards in the loss. Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson got the start and played most of the first half, with Fields taking over with 2:04 left on the clock before halftime. Wilson has missed a portion of camp with a calf injury while Fields has flashed at times. Early in the preseason the Steelers tabbed Wilson as their Week 1 starter but the calf injury plus Fields' solid play has made this an interesting situation to monitor as the Week 1 season opener against the Atlanta Falcons looms in a few weeks.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris carried the ball four times for 17 yards and was not targeted in the passing game in a 9-3 loss to the Buffalo Bills in preseason action on Saturday. Harris got the start and rotated with backfield mate Jaylen Warren with the starters, checking out for the night just before halftime. Harris and Warren are expected to work in tandem in the Pittsburgh offense this season, although the latter left the game in the second quarter with a hamstring injury and did not return. If Warren's injury were to stretch into the regular season, Harris could see bell-cow usage in the early going. Even if Warren heals quickly, Harris is an interesting bounce-back candidate in fantasy this season with run-focused offensive coordinator Arthur Smith calling the plays for the Steelers.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens caught one of his two targets for four yards in a 9-3 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. Pickens could have had a much bigger game as he made an impressive, one-handed contested catch along the sidelines but couldn't quite get his second foot down inbounds, resulting in an incompletion. Pickens is currently slotted in as the Steelers' No. 1 wide receiver as the regular season approaches, although he would be moved to a secondary role if Pittsburgh ends up completing the long-rumored Brandon Aiyuk deal with the San Francisco 49ers. For now, Pickens can be treated as a WR2 in fantasy drafts but could wind up as more of a low-end WR3/flex play if Aiyuk winds up as his teammate.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson made his first preseason appearance with his new team in a 9-3 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. Wilson completed eight of his 10 passes for 47 yards in the contest while taking three sacks. The veteran drew the start and worked about halfway into the second quarter before calling it a night and stepping aside for Justin Fields. Wilson has missed a large portion of camp with a calf injury but the team has been calling him the Week 1 starter, although Fields has performed well in camp and could push Wilson for the chance to be under center in the opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
From RotoBaller