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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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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 5

Player Notes
Greg Dulcich Oct 5 9:40am CT
Greg Dulcich

Denver Broncos tight end Greg Dulcich hasn't been anywhere near the fantasy radar so far in 2024, and that doesn't figure to change in Week 5 as the team takes on the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. Dulcich enters this weekend outside of the top-50 tight ends in half-PPR scoring, having caught five of his 12 targets for 28 yards and no touchdowns through four weeks. All of his production came in the first two weeks of the season against the Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers. In the last two games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets, the team's two wins, Dulcich has no catches on just one target. Denver's low-scoring offense has not had nearly enough passing volume with rookie quarterback Bo Nix to support more than one fantasy relevant pass-catcher. The 24-year-old Dulcich belongs on the waiver wire in most leagues.

From RotoBaller

Wil Lutz Oct 5 9:40am CT
Wil Lutz

Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz has a good opportunity for a bounce-back performance in the Week 5 divisional tilt at home in the thin air of Denver against the Las Vegas Raiders, a team that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to kickers per game so far in 2024. Lutz is coming off his worst performance of the year, missing his first kick of the season. He made just one field goal and one extra point in the 10-9, Week 4 upset over the New York Jets in rainy and wet conditions last weekend. Denver's offense has been among the worst in the NFL so far this year, but Lutz surprisingly ranks as the No. 10 kicker heading into Week 5, thanks to 10 successful field goals and four extra points. The floor will continue to be low for Lutz with quarterback Bo Nix running the show, but Denver's offense should be able to move the ball better this weekend against a Raiders defense that could be without All-Pro pass-rusher Maxx Crosby (ankle). Lutz is in the streaming conversation at kicker.

From RotoBaller

Josh Reynolds Oct 5 9:30am CT
Josh Reynolds

Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds (foot) is rostered in only 2% of Yahoo leagues and shouldn't be anywhere near starting fantasy lineups for the team's Week 5 matchup at home against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. Reynolds surprisingly entered the Week 4 tilt against the New York Jets leading the team in receiving yards after three weeks, but he proceeded to put up a donut last Sunday with no catches on only two targets in the 10-9 upset win. Conditions should be more favorable against a softer Raiders defense this weekend, but Reynolds belongs on the waiver wire in most fantasy leagues as the WR2 in one of the weakest offenses in the NFL. At best, he's a volatile WR4/flex for those desperate in deeper formats. Reynolds has 11 catches on 17 targets for 174 yards and no touchdowns through four games, placing him outside the top-50 wideouts in half-PPR scoring.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Oct 5 9:00am CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) is expected to be a game-time decision for Week 5 versus the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. He was limited this week and is officially listed as questionable to play on Sunday. Fowler notes that Richardson can't necessarily worsen his current injury, so his Week 5 status primarily hinges on pain tolerance and functionality. The 22-year-old has been an underwhelming fantasy option over the last three weeks, but he'd have a real chance to turn things around this weekend against a Jaguars defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. If healthy, he'd rank as a low-end QB1. Otherwise, Joe Flacco would earn the start.

From RotoBaller

Marquis Haynes Oct 5 8:53am CT
Marquis Haynes

The Carolina Panthers promoted LB Marquis Haynes from their practice squad to the active roster Friday, Oct. 4. In another move, CB Justin Hardee was released from the practice squad.

From TheHuddle

Demarcus Robinson Oct 5 8:50am CT
Demarcus Robinson

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson is still searching for his first game of the season with double-digit fantasy points. The veteran has been an upside-based, big-play threat so far, playing at least 85 percent of snaps in all four weeks but failing to catch more than two passes in any of his last three games. Robinson has been utilized as an option deeper downfield, which naturally leads to more contested passes and fewer receptions. Still, every game, he's one big gain away from having WR3/FLEX relevance, especially in his increased role with Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) still sidelined. This week, he's facing a Green Bay Packers defense that has allowed the eighth-most touchdowns and ninth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Fantasy managers can evaluate him as a low-end WR4 for the time being.

From RotoBaller

Colby Parkinson Oct 5 8:40am CT
Colby Parkinson

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson has streaming appeal as a fringe top-12 player at the position heading into Week 5 versus the Green Bay Packers. Parkinson has delivered modest production through four games so far, catching 12 passes for 113 yards. His usage has been impressive as he played 100 percent of snaps in Week 3 and commanded a season-high seven targets in Week 4. This week, Parkinson has a favorable matchup against the Packers, who have allowed the most touchdowns and the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this year. With Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puca Nakua (knee) still sidelined, there are extra targets available for Parkinson. He's a matchup-based fringe TE1 this week.

From RotoBaller

Matt Prater Oct 5 8:20am CT
Matt Prater

Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater (left knee) returned to practice in a limited capacity on Friday. This was an improvement after he missed two consecutive practices, but it still leaves some uncertainty about his availability. The Cardinals are officially listing him as questionable for Week 5 versus the San Francisco 49ers. Prater has remained quite effective in his age-40 season, converting all 10 of his extra points attempts and all six of his field goal attempts. Fantasy managers can continue to start Prater in leagues with 12 teams or fewer.

From RotoBaller

Cam Akers Oct 5 8:20am CT
Cam Akers

Houston Texans running back Cam Akers is trending toward drawing his third consecutive start in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills. Akers has seized an increased role in the Houston backfield with both Joe Mixon (ankle) and Dameon Pierce (sidelined). Mixon has already been ruled out for this week's contest, and while the Texans are leaving the door open for Pierce, he missed two of three practices this week and faces an uphill battle to play. Therefore, it's looking like Akers will draw the start for the third week in a row. He has posted limited results on reduced opportunities during that span, registering just 74 rushing yards, eight receiving yards, and one touchdown. On a promising note, Akers could fare better this week against a porous Bills run defense. Buffalo has allowed the second-most fantasy points and the second-most receptions to opposing running backs this year, positioning Akers in the low-end RB2 tier for Sunday's clash.

From RotoBaller

Carl Granderson Oct 5 6:30am CT
Carl Granderson

The New Orleans Saints defense has held opposing offenses to 20 points or fewer through the first four weeks of the season. The team is averaging two takeaways and 2.5 sacks per game as well. In Week 5, the Saints hit the road to face the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night. The Chiefs are usually a threat to put up points but injuries have ravaged Kansas City's offense, leaving them short of personnel. Additionally, quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been shaky so far, tossing about five interceptions against his six touchdown passes. The Chief's o-line has done well at limiting pressure on Mahomes, at least, and will make it hard for Carl Granderson and the rest of the Saints' front line to add to their sack total. The Saints are viable in deeper leagues and not a bad bet based on their performance through the first four weeks of 2024.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Oct 5 5:50am CT
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr started the season by posting more than 20 fantasy points in back-to-back games. However, in Weeks 3 and 4 the signal-caller couldn't crack double digits. Carr went 28-for-36 last week, setting new highs in completions and pass attempts in the young season, but he failed to reach 250 passing yards for the fourth straight game. In Week 5, the Saints head to Kansas City to play the Chiefs on Monday night. The Chiefs permitted Justin Herbert to throw for just 179 yards in Week 4 and they have given up just 13.5 fantasy points per game over their last three. Carr faces the additional challenge of playing behind an offensive line missing three starters that is facing an aggressive defensive front led by lineman Chris Jones. Unless you are managing a two-QB league team dealing with bye week complications, then Carr should be left on the wire in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Rashid Shaheed Oct 5 5:50am CT
Rashid Shaheed

The New Orleans Saints' tendency to run 12 personnel concentrates their passing attack on wide receivers Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave. Shaheed owns a 25.5% target share as a result and, leaving out the egg he laid in Week 3, he is averaging 18.3 PPR points per game in 2024. In Week 5, the Saints head to Kansas City to face the Chiefs on Monday night. The Chiefs have done well to limit opposing wide receivers' production in 2024, holding them collectively to 113 yards per game. Still, Shaheed has shown several times over that his ability to break a big play and the Saints will likely need to look to him again to have a shot at getting past Kansas City. There may be additional work for him as the other main weapons in the Saints' offense, Olave (hamstring) and Alvin Kamara (hip/ribs) both popped up on the team's injury report this week. Shaheed's long touchdown potential keeps him in the WR3 range for Week 5 and he can have a slight boost in value in leagues that award points for return yards.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Oct 5 5:10am CT
Tua Tagovailoa

The New England Patriots' defense should garner significant fantasy appeal heading into Week 5 versus the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins have limped to the finish line in each of their last three games, losing to the Bills, Seahawks, and Titans all by at least 19 points. The absence of Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) has been a major factor as the Dolphins are averaging just 8.3 points over the last three weeks. While the Patriots might be a tier down from even the Titans, New England's defense has legitimate top-five upside as it prepares to face an offense led by Tyler Huntley. Miami quarterbacks have three fumbles over the last two weeks and have struggled to produce points and yardage, giving the Patriots a great opportunity to capitalize. Their defense is a top-12 unit in fantasy football for this week.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Oct 5 5:10am CT
Anthony Richardson

The Jacksonville Jaguars defense/special teams unit could be an interesting waiver wire add in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts. With Jonathan Taylor already ruled out and Anthony Richardson potentially also out, that leaves an offense led by Joe Flacco and Trey Sermon in the backfield. While Flacco played solid in relief last week, he could be prone to turnovers, especially with a lackluster run game behind him. If the Jaguars defense can make the Colts offense one-dimensional, they could be primed for a big day. The defense hasn't been great so far this season, but a banged-up division rival seems like a prime matchup for an improved performance. Even if Richardson does suit up, the Jaguars are a decent play, as the young QB has been turnover prone during his short career. Fantasy managers can do better, but the Jaguars D/ST is a solid option in Week 5 that is very likely available on the waiver wire.

From RotoBaller

Andy Dalton Oct 5 5:10am CT
Andy Dalton

The Chicago Bears' defense and special teams aim to maintain their strong performance against the Carolina Panthers this week. While some may be hesitant to back the Bears due to the Panthers averaging 30 points per game with former Bear Andy Dalton at quarterback, the Bears represent the most formidable challenge Dalton has faced. Dalton boasts a 66.2% completion rate in his two starts and averages 269.5 passing yards per game. This improved play has contributed to wide receiver Diontae Johnson achieving back-to-back games with over seven catches, 80 receiving yards, and a touchdown for the first time in his career. The Bears have yet to allow more than 21 points in a game and are tied for third in the NFL with eight takeaways. Expect the Bears to slightly disrupt Dalton's resurgence and force him into a turnover or two.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Oct 5 3:00am CT
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings will try to continue his unlikely run as a fantasy difference-maker when the team squares off against the Arizona Cardinals at home on Sunday. Against New England last week, Jennings paced all 49ers receivers with three receptions on six targets for 88 yards. It was one thing for Jennings to have a career day in Week 3 with Deebo Samuel Sr. and George Kittle absent, but it was quite the surprise to follow it up with a fantasy-useful performance with everyone healthy. Arizona's pass defense is tied for 14th in half-PPR points allowed to opposing wide receivers, which makes for a decent opportunity for San Francisco's receivers. However, Jennings is still a dubious bet to continue producing like he has, given the talent of Samuel Sr., Kittle, and Brandon Aiyuk demanding targets. Jennings is a consensus WR4 and a risky FLEX play in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Oct 5 2:30am CT
Deebo Samuel

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. will line up against the Arizona Cardinals at home on Sunday. Last week versus New England, Samuel Sr. caught three of five targets for 58 yards plus two carries for 14 yards rushing after spending some time on the injury report. His day, disappointing as it was, was somewhat saved by a single 53-yard reception. Arizona, coming into the game tied for 14th in half-PPR fantasy points allowed to wide receivers, represents a decent opportunity for Samuel Sr. Also worth noting is that the Cardinals' defense has been sixth-worst against the run and Samuel Sr. usually gets at least a couple of carries. He's averaging 13 half-PPR points in fantasy so far. Start a healthy Samuel Sr. as a back-end WR1 in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Oct 5 2:10am CT
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze is set for a bounce back this Sunday against a vulnerable Carolina Panthers secondary. In Week 5, Odunze will go up against the 19th-ranked pass defense in the league, allowing an average of 209.3 yards per gamean encouraging matchup for him. He has a chance to score this week, as the Panthers have surrendered multiple touchdown passes in every game this season. Last week, Caleb Williams missed Odunze on a potential deep touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams, but both players are improving with each game. While Odunze's long-term potential is clear, his current 14.9% target rateranking 78th among wide receiversmakes him less appealing as a fantasy starter. He won't be a reliable option until the Bears' offense finds its rhythm or Odunze surpasses Allen in targets. However, with a favorable matchup against the Panthers, he could see the end zone, positioning him as a WR4 with significant risks and potential rewards.

From RotoBaller

Cole Kmet Oct 5 2:10am CT
Cole Kmet

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet is a borderline starter this week, thanks to a favorable matchup against the struggling Carolina Panthers secondary. In Week 5, Kmet will face the 19th-ranked pass defense in the NFL, which allows an average of 209.3 yards per game, presenting a solid opportunity for him. However, with all three starting wide receivers now healthy, Kmet's usage has reverted to more typical levels following his breakout in Week 3. He has been held to under 35 receiving yards in three of his four games this season. Kmet appeared on the Bears' first practice report for Week 5 as limited due to a knee injury. Still, he participated fully in practice the following day, likely clearing him for Sunday's matchup against the Panthers. He has a chance to score this week, as the Panthers have allowed multiple touchdown passes in every game this season.

From RotoBaller

Cairo Santos Oct 5 2:10am CT
Cairo Santos

Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos is a solid fantasy option for Week 5 against the Carolina Panthers. Although he has struggled in the past two weeks, managing only one field goal in each game, he did convert all three of his extra point attempts and his lone field goal in the Bears' 24-18 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4, totaling six points. As one of the top streaming kickers and a viable bye-week replacement, Santos has a favorable matchup this week. The Panthers allow a league-high 32.3 points per game and an average of 2.3 field goals per contest. With this in mind, the veteran kicker presents an appealing lineup option for fantasy managers in Week 5.

From RotoBaller