RB Strength of Schedule
Tue May 28 9:03am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Robinson setup for big season
Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the running back position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to running backs last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the running backs with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the running backs that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.
| RB SOS | ||
| 1. | Green Bay Packers | 356.01 |
| 2. | Houston Texans | 361.46 |
| 3. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 361.46 |
| 4. | Las Vegas Raiders | 361.48 |
| 5. | Seattle Seahawks | 362.28 |
| 6. | Buffalo Bills | 363.19 |
| 7. | Arizona Cardinals | 363.76 |
| 8. | Dallas Cowboys | 363.9 |
| 9. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 364.51 |
| 10. | Washington Commanders | 364.86 |
| 11. | Chicago Bears | 364.89 |
| 12. | Indianapolis Colts | 365.41 |
| 13. | San Francisco 49ers | 365.86 |
| 14. | New Orleans Saints | 366.49 |
| 15. | New York Jets | 368.23 |
| 16. | Detroit Lions | 368.49 |
| 17. | Philadelphia Eagles | 369.05 |
| 18. | Minnesota Vikings | 369.06 |
| 19. | Carolina Panthers | 369.88 |
| 20. | Cleveland Browns | 370.34 |
| 21. | Kansas City Chiefs | 371.71 |
| 22. | New York Giants | 372.21 |
| 23. | Los Angeles Chargers | 373.19 |
| 24. | Denver Broncos | 373.32 |
| 25. | Cincinnati Bengals | 373.66 |
| 26. | Los Angeles Rams | 374.09 |
| 27. | Baltimore Ravens | 374.16 |
| 28. | New England Patriots | 375.60 |
| 29. | Atlanta Falcons | 376.19 |
| 30. | Miami Dolphins | 377.49 |
| 31. | Tennessee Titans | 378.2 |
| 32. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 378.72 |
The two teams with the easiest fantasy schedules for running backs are the Steelers and Titans, which is interesting because both teams could platoon running backs. The Steelers split the work between Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. And the Titans are likely to use both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. All four backs could be setup for solid seasons with favorable schedules. It is always scary to take a back that might split work but seeing these positive schedules could make pulling the trigger on them a little easier come draft day. All four could be top flex plays for fantasy teams.
The Dolphins had huge success running the ball last year and could have similar solid production this season with the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs. Devon Achane is really looking good in year two. He is expected to get more work and likely lead the backfield in touches. Raheem Mostert had a career season last year and a great schedule but he carries a little more risk. He is 32 years old and now has rookie Jaylen Wright pushing him for playing time. Just something to keep in mind come draft day.
The Falcons are another team with a top-five favorable running back schedule, making Bijan Robinson a very intriguing pick this year. Robinson had a bit of a disappointing rookie season, but a new coaching staff and really favorable schedule make Robinson a huge breakout candidate. He is moving up draft rankings in a hurry and is capable of finishing first overall in fantasy running back scoring because of his skill set.
Rhamondre Stevenson is a possible rebound candidate. He was slowed by injury last year but is back healthy and with the fifth easiest schedule for running backs. Stevenson has shown in the past he can be a big-time fantasy back. Things are looking up for him this year, making him a good buy-low candidate.
The Packers had the easiest fantasy schedule for quarterbacks but get the toughest for running backs. This isn’t great news for new back Josh Jacobs. It is hard to bet against the productive back, though. You just might want to temper expectations for him this coming year. Jacobs could have a few down weeks, especially for his standards.
The Texans signed Joe Mixon to shore up their running back spot, but he carries some concerns. He wasn’t highly productive the last few seasons besides all his scores and now gets the second toughest schedule for running backs. Plus, the Texans are likely to be a pass heavy team, which could limit his workload a little. Mixon could end up being a boom or bust player.
Tampa also has a unfavorable fantasy schedule for running backs. Rachaad White had a big season last year but padded his numbers because of all his work in the passing game. That might be a similar scenario for him, having a tough time to run with this schedule. The positive for White is he is very good in the passing game. You have to worry about his rushing totals, though.
The Raiders haven’t really settled on a starting running back, but Zamir White is likely to get first shot at the job. That is great news for his fantasy value but the not so great news is his tough fantasy schedule. This could limit the ceiling of White a little. He has risk to begin with because it isn’t 100 percent certain he wins the job. This makes him a bit of a scary pick for fantasy teams.
Kenneth Walker didn’t have quite the breakout second season many hoped but was fairly productive with his work. And the good news is Zach Charbonnet didn’t really put a big dent in his workload. The Seahawks seem happy with Walker as the lead back. The unfortunate news for Walker is he has the fifth toughest fantasy running back schedule. Walker might fail to reach his lofty expectations once again in year three.
We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy running backs. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the running backs with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.
| RB PLAYOFF SOS | ||
| 1. | San Francisco 49ers | 291.43 |
| 2. | Washington Commanders | 325.2 |
| 3. | Houston Texans | 327.8 |
| 4. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 332.03 |
| 5. | New York Jets | 337.57 |
| 6. | Cleveland Browns | 340.8 |
| 7. | Las Vegas Raiders | 341.1 |
| 8. | Miami Dolphins | 348.27 |
| 9. | Chicago Bears | 350.37 |
| 10. | Buffalo Bills | 350.53 |
| 11. | Arizona Cardinals | 352.8 |
| 12. | Dallas Cowboys | 358.87 |
| 13. | Detroit Lions | 359.7 |
| 14. | New York Giants | 365.67 |
| 15. | Kansas City Chiefs | 366.53 |
| 16. | Green Bay Packers | 368.97 |
| 17. | Seattle Seahawks | 370.23 |
| 18. | Carolina Panthers | 377.15 |
| 19. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 378.37 |
| 20. | Los Angeles Chargers | 380.73 |
| 21. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 381 |
| 22. | Baltimore Ravens | 381.43 |
| 23. | Cincinnati Bengals | 383.50 |
| 24. | Philadelphia Eagles | 391.07 |
| 25. | New England Patriots | 397.95 |
| 26. | Indianapolis Colts | 398.40 |
| 27. | Denver Broncos | 399.53 |
| 28. | Tennessee Titans | 401.63 |
| 29. | Los Angeles Rams | 403.92 |
| 30. | New Orleans Saints | 406.33 |
| 31. | Minnesota Vikings | 407.87 |
| 32. | Atlanta Falcons | 422.4 |
There are two teams with a top-five favorable schedule for fantasy running backs for both the regular season and playoffs. Those teams are the Falcons and Titans. Atlanta actually has the easiest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. Robinson was looking good even before hearing this news but looks even better now. He is making a strong case to be the second running back off the board come draft day.
And Pollard and Spears are intriguing running back options with schedules that could produce big for both during the regular season and playoffs. You just have to worry about one back emerging to grab most of the work. If that happens, one of these backs could end up being a bust.
Minnesota has the second easiest playoff schedule for running backs. Aaron Jones has some injury concerns after the last few seasons, but he could be setup for a big workload with an unsettled quarterback situation in Minnesota. Jones has some good upside with his new team, especially during the playoffs.
One other team to mention for the playoff is New Orleans. Alvin Kamara isn’t getting any younger but remains the lead back and still productive. He still seems to have something left in the tank and could be a big fantasy factor for at least one more season, especially when it matters most in the playoffs. He could be a difference maker, having the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs.
Houston is the lone team in both the top five for the toughest regular season and playoff fantasy running back schedules. This is an obvious concern for Mixon. He is looking more and more like a player you might to avoid come draft day. He might have some big games along the way in this great offense, but you have to wonder about his consistency and playoff performance.
So the top rated fantasy back, Christian McCaffrey, also has the toughest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. You aren’t fading McCaffrey because of this. He is one of those rare backs that it doesn’t really matter who he plays. McCaffrey will produce. We still think he is the clear No. 1 fantasy back. He can still get it done in the playoffs.
Washington has Brian Robinson and Austin Ekekler likely splitting the work at running back, which hurts both their fantasy values. They also get the second most difficult playoff schedule for running backs. We wouldn’t reach too early for either back because of this.
The Steelers have the easiest fantasy running back schedule during the playoffs but fourth toughest for the playoffs. This is a tough one. Both backs have potential for good things, showing they can co-exist last year and produce well for fantasy teams. You just have to wonder if fading in the playoffs will make all that good work during the regular season all for nothing.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
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The Paur Report
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 4
Green Bay Packers defensive backs Jaire Alexander (groin, quadriceps), Carrington Valentine (ankle) and Kitan Oladapo are all inactive for the big Week 4 divisional clash at Lambeau Field on Sunday versus the undefeated Minnesota Vikings. The biggest name here is Alexander, who came into this contest listed as questionable with multiple injuries that kept him out of practice on Friday. His absence is a big blow to the Packers as they look to try and slow down All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson and the returning Jordan Addison (ankle). With Alexander out, the Packers called up Kamal Hadden and Robert Rochell from the practice squad on Saturday. The Packers defense/special teams unit should be considered a borderline starting fantasy option in 12-team leagues this weekend against a Vikings team looking to start 4-0.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (groin) is officially active against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4 on Sunday. Johnson popped up on the Week 4 injury report on Thursday but will play, as expected. Johnson got off to a slow start with his new team in 2024 with just five catches for 34 yards with quarterback Bryce Young running the offense. In the Week 3 win over the Las Vegas Raiders with veteran QB Andy Dalton taking over, Johnson was a new man, catching eight of 14 targets for 122 yards and his first score of the year. Johnson has WR1 upside against a lackluster Bengals defense this weekend as the Panthers look to win two straight. Not only did Dalton get Johnson involved last week, to put it lightly, but fellow wideout Adam Thielen (hamstring) is on Injured Reserve, so Johnson should eat once again. Anyone that has Johnson rostered should have him in their starting lineups on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) is officially active for the Week 4 tilt against the visiting Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at Soldier Field. With Allen back for the first time since the season-opening win over the Tennessee Titans, Velus Jone Jr. will be a healthy scratch for Chicago. Allen was sidelined the last two games with a heel injury that dates back to late last year in his final season with the Los Angeles Chargers. The 32-year-old veteran's return is good news for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and bad news for rookie receiver Rome Odunze, who went off with Allen sidelined in the Week 3 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Allen did see a healthy 11 targets in the season opener from Williams, but he caught just four of those passes for 29 yards and no scores. In a game in which Allen's snaps could be limited in his return, he figures to be a shaky WR4/flex option for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder) is officially active for Week 4 versus the Houston Texans. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's divisional contest. Davis has appeared in all three games this season, catching eight passes for 123 yards and zero touchdowns. At the moment, he's merely a bench stash in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Jalen McMillan (hamstring) is officially out for Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles after he was listed as doubtful on the final injury report on Friday. McMillan tweaked his hamstring during practice on Friday and will miss the first game of his career after going for three receptions on six targets for 59 yards and one touchdown in his first three games. He has averaged 19.7 yards receiving per game and has effectively become the No. 3 behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. But for Sunday's game at Raymond James Stadium, expect Trey Palmer to take over McMillan's duties against Philly. It's unclear if McMillan will be able to return on a short week in Week 5 versus the Atlanta Falcons next Thursday. For now, McMillan is merely a deep-league stash for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is still several weeks away from playing, barring an injury to Jacoby Brissett, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. While Maye did see the field in garbage time against the New York Jets last week, the No. 3 overall pick has not yet been ramped up to NFL speed and continues to see roughly 30 percent of snaps in practice. The Patriots evidently aren't ready to make a change at quarterback yet, which means the starting job still belongs to Brissett. The veteran has completed 61 percent of his passes for 368 yards and one touchdown so far. Despite the low offensive numbers, Patriots fans and fantasy managers in deep leagues have to be excited that he hasn't turned over the football through three weeks. On a less positive note, he's taken nine sacks between a porous offensive line.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams tight end Davis Allen (back) is officially active for the Week 4 game on Sunday against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Allen was listed as questionable for this weekend's game but will suit up as the team looks for their second straight victory on the road in a hostile environment. Even with both receivers Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) missing another game, Allen is off the fantasy radar as he works behind starting tight end Colby Parkinson. Parkinson himself has been disappointing in recent weeks with both Kupp and Nacua injured, and the Rams offense could struggle on the road against a tough Bears defense in Week 4. Through three games in 2024, Allen has only been targeted once, in the Week 1 loss to the Detroit Lions, and he was unable to haul in the pass. Not much will be expected of him against Chicago.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (knee), who was listed as questionable, is officially active for the Week 4 contest on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium. Vea suffered a knee injury in Week 2 and missed last week's loss against the Denver Broncos. Getting Vea back will be a much-needed boost to Tampa's defensive line as they look to slow down Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, who has gotten off to a strong start early in his Eagles tenure. Although the Broncos didn't really impose their will on the ground last week, Vea's absence from a pass-rush perspective was felt, as they were unable to sack rookie quarterback Bo Nix at all. Vea could have his snaps limited in his return to action against the Eagles, but his presence alone is a big boost for the Bucs' D as they look to slow the Eagles down.
Chicago Bears WR Keenan Allen (heel) is officially active for the Week 4 game.
Fantasy Spin: Allen will return to the lineup after a two-week absence and should have a good role in the passing game against the Los Angeles Rams. He can be a starting option in most fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
The Los Angeles Rams have declared WR Cooper Kupp, QB Stetson Bennett, DL Desjuan Johnson, DE Brennan Jackson, OT Geron Christian and RB Cody Schrader inactive for Week 4.
From TheHuddle
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson is not active for Week 4's game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Fantasy Spin: Wilson will only be available in this afternoon's game if a third quarterback is needed. QB Justin Fields will receive his fourth start of the season but should only be a starting option in deeper two-quarterback fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara (hip, ribs) is officially active for the Week 4 game.
Fantasy Spin: Kamara should continue to be a significant part of the Saints offense this week and is a must-start option in all fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
As expected, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) will return for a Week 4 divisional showdown on Sunday at Lambeau Field against the undefeated Minnesota Vikings after spraining his left knee in the Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil. Love has been limited in practices the last two weeks and has been given the green light to return after missing two games. The Packers could have some packages for backup QB Malik Willis after he led the club to two wins with Love out, and fantasy managers shouldn't expect Love to be moving as well in his first game back as he wears a brace on his knee. Expect an aggressive Vikings defense to bring plenty of blitzes to test Love's mobility in and out of the pocket. Love's return surely makes Green Bay's receiving weapons intriguing again in fantasy, while Love will be a more volatile QB1 option for managers in his first game back.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) and wide receiver Roman Wilson (coach's decision) are both inactive for Week 4 versus the Indianapolis Colts. Russell Wilson has yet to make his Steelers debut, and he'll operate as the team's emergency third quarterback for the fourth consecutive week. Justin Fields will start at quarterback for Pittsburgh while Kyle Allen backs him up once again. As for Roman Wilson, the rookie has missed two games due to injury and two games as a healthy scratch so far. He has yet to make his NFL debut, instead remaining buried on the depth chart behind George Pickens, Calvin Austin, Van Jefferson, and Scotty Miller.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running backs Rachaad White (illness) and Bucky Irving (hamstring) are both officially active on Sunday for a Week 4 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium. White was a late addition to the injury report this week and was listed as questionable on Saturday due to an illness, but he will play. Through the first three weeks of the season, White has underwhelmed as Tampa's lead back, averaging just 2.1 yards per carry on 31 rushing attempts for 66 yards and no touchdowns, adding 12 catches for 98 yards. Meanwhile, the rookie Irving has averaged 6.2 yards per tote on 25 carries for 154 yards while catching five passes for 28 yards. Irving has looked more spry and has obviously been more productive, potentially leading to a more even split this weekend in Tampa. Both backs should be considered RB3/flex plays against the Eagles as the Bucs look to bounce back after a lackluster showing against Denver in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
The Jacksonville Jaguars have declared OG Cole Van Lanen, S Darnell Savage, OT Javon Foster, LB Myles Cole, LB Devin Lloyd, DT Jordan Jefferson and TE Evan Engram inactive for Week 4.
From TheHuddle
The Minnesota Vikings have declared CB Dwight McGlothern, DB Fabian Moreau, WR Trishton Jackson, QB Brett Rypien, OT Walter Rouse, LB Ivan Pace Jr. and DT Levi Drake Rodriguez inactive for Week 4.
From TheHuddle
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tanner Hudson (knee) is officially inactive for Week 4 versus the Carolina Panthers. He had been listed as questionable but will ultimately miss his third consecutive contest. Hudson hasn't played since Week 1 when he caught two passes for 18 yards and lost a fumble. Mike Gesicki, Drew Sample, and Erick All have looked solid at the tight end position this year, so even when Hudson is healthy, he might not have much of a role on offense. He should be avoided in all fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley (toe) is officially inactive for Week 4 versus the Denver Broncos. He had been listed as doubtful, so his absence Sunday is not much of a surprise. The 32-year-old will miss his second consecutive contest. Through the first two weeks of the year, he registered 12 tackles. Jamien Sherwood and Quincy Williams will be tasked with anchoring the Jets' linebacking core against Denver on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
The New York Jets have declared LB Braiden McGregor, OT Morgan Moses, RB Israel Abanikanda, LB C.J. Mosley, OT Carter Warren, DT Leonard Taylor III and CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse inactive for Week 4.
From TheHuddle
