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RB Strength of Schedule

Tue May 28 9:03am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Robinson setup for big season


Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the running back position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to running backs last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the running backs with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the running backs that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.

  RB SOS  
1. Green Bay Packers 356.01
2. Houston Texans 361.46
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 361.46
4. Las Vegas Raiders 361.48
5. Seattle Seahawks 362.28
6. Buffalo Bills 363.19
7. Arizona Cardinals 363.76
8. Dallas Cowboys 363.9
9. Jacksonville Jaguars 364.51
10. Washington Commanders 364.86
11. Chicago Bears 364.89
12. Indianapolis Colts 365.41
13. San Francisco 49ers 365.86
14. New Orleans Saints 366.49
15. New York Jets 368.23
16. Detroit Lions 368.49
17. Philadelphia Eagles 369.05
18. Minnesota Vikings 369.06
19. Carolina Panthers 369.88
20. Cleveland Browns 370.34
21. Kansas City Chiefs 371.71
22. New York Giants 372.21
23. Los Angeles Chargers 373.19
24. Denver Broncos 373.32
25. Cincinnati Bengals 373.66
26. Los Angeles Rams 374.09
27. Baltimore Ravens 374.16
28. New England Patriots 375.60
29. Atlanta Falcons 376.19
30. Miami Dolphins 377.49
31. Tennessee Titans 378.2
32. Pittsburgh Steelers 378.72


The two teams with the easiest fantasy schedules for running backs are the Steelers and Titans, which is interesting because both teams could platoon running backs. The Steelers split the work between Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. And the Titans are likely to use both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. All four backs could be setup for solid seasons with favorable schedules. It is always scary to take a back that might split work but seeing these positive schedules could make pulling the trigger on them a little easier come draft day. All four could be top flex plays for fantasy teams.

The Dolphins had huge success running the ball last year and could have similar solid production this season with the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs. Devon Achane is really looking good in year two. He is expected to get more work and likely lead the backfield in touches. Raheem Mostert had a career season last year and a great schedule but he carries a little more risk. He is 32 years old and now has rookie Jaylen Wright pushing him for playing time. Just something to keep in mind come draft day.

The Falcons are another team with a top-five favorable running back schedule, making Bijan Robinson a very intriguing pick this year. Robinson had a bit of a disappointing rookie season, but a new coaching staff and really favorable schedule make Robinson a huge breakout candidate. He is moving up draft rankings in a hurry and is capable of finishing first overall in fantasy running back scoring because of his skill set.

Rhamondre Stevenson is a possible rebound candidate. He was slowed by injury last year but is back healthy and with the fifth easiest schedule for running backs. Stevenson has shown in the past he can be a big-time fantasy back. Things are looking up for him this year, making him a good buy-low candidate.

The Packers had the easiest fantasy schedule for quarterbacks but get the toughest for running backs. This isn’t great news for new back Josh Jacobs. It is hard to bet against the productive back, though. You just might want to temper expectations for him this coming year. Jacobs could have a few down weeks, especially for his standards.

The Texans signed Joe Mixon to shore up their running back spot, but he carries some concerns. He wasn’t highly productive the last few seasons besides all his scores and now gets the second toughest schedule for running backs. Plus, the Texans are likely to be a pass heavy team, which could limit his workload a little. Mixon could end up being a boom or bust player.

Tampa also has a unfavorable fantasy schedule for running backs. Rachaad White had a big season last year but padded his numbers because of all his work in the passing game. That might be a similar scenario for him, having a tough time to run with this schedule. The positive for White is he is very good in the passing game. You have to worry about his rushing totals, though.

The Raiders haven’t really settled on a starting running back, but Zamir White is likely to get first shot at the job. That is great news for his fantasy value but the not so great news is his tough fantasy schedule. This could limit the ceiling of White a little. He has risk to begin with because it isn’t 100 percent certain he wins the job. This makes him a bit of a scary pick for fantasy teams.

Kenneth Walker didn’t have quite the breakout second season many hoped but was fairly productive with his work. And the good news is Zach Charbonnet didn’t really put a big dent in his workload. The Seahawks seem happy with Walker as the lead back. The unfortunate news for Walker is he has the fifth toughest fantasy running back schedule. Walker might fail to reach his lofty expectations once again in year three.

We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy running backs. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the running backs with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.

  RB PLAYOFF SOS  
1. San Francisco 49ers 291.43
2. Washington Commanders 325.2
3. Houston Texans 327.8
4. Pittsburgh Steelers 332.03
5. New York Jets 337.57
6. Cleveland Browns 340.8
7. Las Vegas Raiders 341.1
8. Miami Dolphins 348.27
9. Chicago Bears 350.37
10. Buffalo Bills 350.53
11. Arizona Cardinals 352.8
12. Dallas Cowboys 358.87
13. Detroit Lions 359.7
14. New York Giants 365.67
15. Kansas City Chiefs 366.53
16. Green Bay Packers 368.97
17. Seattle Seahawks 370.23
18. Carolina Panthers 377.15
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 378.37
20. Los Angeles Chargers 380.73
21. Jacksonville Jaguars 381
22. Baltimore Ravens 381.43
23. Cincinnati Bengals 383.50
24. Philadelphia Eagles 391.07
25. New England Patriots 397.95
26. Indianapolis Colts 398.40
27. Denver Broncos 399.53
28. Tennessee Titans 401.63
29. Los Angeles Rams 403.92
30. New Orleans Saints 406.33
31. Minnesota Vikings 407.87
32. Atlanta Falcons 422.4

 

There are two teams with a top-five favorable schedule for fantasy running backs for both the regular season and playoffs. Those teams are the Falcons and Titans. Atlanta actually has the easiest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. Robinson was looking good even before hearing this news but looks even better now. He is making a strong case to be the second running back off the board come draft day.

And Pollard and Spears are intriguing running back options with schedules that could produce big for both during the regular season and playoffs. You just have to worry about one back emerging to grab most of the work. If that happens, one of these backs could end up being a bust.

Minnesota has the second easiest playoff schedule for running backs. Aaron Jones has some injury concerns after the last few seasons, but he could be setup for a big workload with an unsettled quarterback situation in Minnesota. Jones has some good upside with his new team, especially during the playoffs.

One other team to mention for the playoff is New Orleans. Alvin Kamara isn’t getting any younger but remains the lead back and still productive. He still seems to have something left in the tank and could be a big fantasy factor for at least one more season, especially when it matters most in the playoffs. He could be a difference maker, having the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs.

Houston is the lone team in both the top five for the toughest regular season and playoff fantasy running back schedules. This is an obvious concern for Mixon. He is looking more and more like a player you might to avoid come draft day. He might have some big games along the way in this great offense, but you have to wonder about his consistency and playoff performance.

So the top rated fantasy back, Christian McCaffrey, also has the toughest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. You aren’t fading McCaffrey because of this. He is one of those rare backs that it doesn’t really matter who he plays. McCaffrey will produce. We still think he is the clear No. 1 fantasy back. He can still get it done in the playoffs.

Washington has Brian Robinson and Austin Ekekler likely splitting the work at running back, which hurts both their fantasy values. They also get the second most difficult playoff schedule for running backs. We wouldn’t reach too early for either back because of this.

The Steelers have the easiest fantasy running back schedule during the playoffs but fourth toughest for the playoffs. This is a tough one. Both backs have potential for good things, showing they can co-exist last year and produce well for fantasy teams. You just have to wonder if fading in the playoffs will make all that good work during the regular season all for nothing.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 6

Player Notes
Spencer Rattler Oct 9 5:50pm CT
Spencer Rattler

New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler is slated to start for an injured Derek Carr (oblique) when the Saints meet the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6. Rattler was a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He was once considered a future first-round pick during his early college days. However, he did not quite live up to expectations and ended up falling to the fifth round. Still, Rattler is a promising prospect with a lot of talent. The Saints have a solid group of skill players in place and a solid defense which should support Rattler. Rookie quarterbacks tend to struggle in the NFL which is unfortunate for a Saints team with playoff aspirations. However, the team clearly feels as though Rattler is ready to step in for a short period of time. Hopefully, he can continue to support production for running back Alvin Kamara (hip/hand) and wide receivers Rashid Shaheed (hip) and Chris Olave.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Oct 9 5:50pm CT
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) has been announced to have torn his oblique. Carr suffered the injury in Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs. He had already been announced to miss multiple weeks, but the fact that this injury is a tear is concerning. Carr had been supporting fantasy relevance for running back Alvin Kamara (hip/hand) and wide receivers Rashid Shaheed (hip) and Chris Olave. It appears as though the Saints will turn to rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler while Carr nurses back to health. While Rattler is a promising prospect, it is uncommon for rookie quarterbacks to experience high-end success in the NFL. Even so, Rattler will have a solid group of skill players around him. Carr has thrown for 989 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024. After a red-hot start, Carr had hit a bit of a skid in recent weeks. He will look to get back on track upon his return from injury.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Oct 9 5:40pm CT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hip/hand) was listed as a DNP in practice on Wednesday. Kamara is the No. 1 running back in fantasy and his absence from practice is a huge concern for fantasy managers. Kamara came out of Week 5's tilt with the Kansas City Chiefs banged up and it appears to have carried over into this week. Kamara has rushed for 388 yards and a whopping five touchdowns in 2024. He has added 23 receptions for 214 yards and a receiving touchdown as well. He has looked like the vintage Kamara that fantasy managers know and love. Fantasy managers should monitor the situation closely to see if Kamara's status for Week 6 is in jeopardy. The Saints offense as a whole is banged up with quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) expected to miss multiple weeks and wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (hip) joining Kamara on the sidelines on Wednesday.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Oct 9 5:30pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) is expected to miss multiple weeks. The Colts have also suggested that Pittman may be placed on injured reserve. Pittman was a non-participant in practice on Wednesday and is listed as doubtful heading into this weekend. This is unfortunate news for fantasy managers as Pittman had just started to come alive. He had at least 113 receiving yards or a touchdown in his last two games. That may be attributed to the presence of quarterback Joe Flacco in the lineup rather than a struggling Anthony Richardson. However, it could be some time before fantasy managers find out if Pittman is able to build on that momentum. Pittman has recorded 22 receptions for 238 yards and a touchdown in 2024. For now, fantasy managers will have to stick him in their IR spot and hope for the best.

From RotoBaller

Rashid Shaheed Oct 9 5:30pm CT
Rashid Shaheed

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (hip) did not practice on Wednesday. This is worth monitoring for fantasy managers as Shaheed has been excellent in 2024. Shaheed has 19 receptions for 338 yards and three touchdowns this season. That includes a game in which he recorded a zero in the box score. Veterans are often provided rest days on Wednesdays, especially if they have an existing ailment so this could be precautionary. However, fantasy managers will need to pay close attention to this situation leading up to the weekend.

From RotoBaller

Tommy Tremble Oct 9 4:40pm CT
Tommy Tremble

Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (concussion) was held out of the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Tremble suffered a scary-looking concussion in the Week 5 loss to the Chicago Bears and is in the league's concussion protocol this week. He still has two more days to improve, but just based on how he looked on Sunday, it would be a surprise if he suited up this weekend against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. Tremble being inactive in Week 6 would open up more playing time for rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders, but fantasy managers should be able to find better TE2 streaming options. Ian Thomas (calf) practiced in full on Wednesday and could come off Injured Reserve to play this weekend, but he, too, should be avoided in fantasy. In four games in 2024, Tremble has only seven receptions for 59 yards. He's off the fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Oct 9 4:30pm CT
Diontae Johnson

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) was listed as a limited participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Johnson was also limited with his ankle injury last week but still played in the Week 5 loss to the Chicago Bears and caught only three passes for 23 yards against a strong Bears defense. Unless the 28-year-old suffers a setback later this week, he should be fine to play in a Week 6 tilt against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. Ever since quarterback Andy Dalton took over for Bryce Young in Week 3, Johnson has a total of 18 receptions on 33 targets for 228 yards and two touchdowns. Despite his disappointing showing in Week 5, Johnson should be trusted as a solid WR2 for fantasy managers this Sunday in a much better matchup against the Falcons defense.

From RotoBaller

Trey Sermon Oct 9 4:20pm CT
Trey Sermon

Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon (collarbone) popped on the Week 6 injury report after not practicing on Wednesday. In addition to Sermon, Jonathan Taylor (ankle) also missed practice and could be in danger of missing his second straight game in Week 6 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans. If Sermon is indeed in danger of missing this weekend's game, the Colts could be down to Tyler Goodson and Evan Hull in their backfield against Tennessee if both Taylor and Sermon cannot suit up. The 25-year-old Sermon was a great plug-and-play flex for fantasy managers that threw him into their lineups in the Week 5 loss to the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars, as he saw a season-high 10 carries for 38 yards and his second touchdown of the year while adding six receptions for 25 yards through the air. Fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on the practices statuses of both Sermon and Taylor the rest of the week.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Oct 9 4:13pm CT
Drake Maye

Dynasty | The Patriots are starting quarterback Drake Maye this week. Dynasty Analysis: The Patriots chose to start the season with Jacoby Brissett at the helm and the results turned out to be about as expected. New England is 1-4 and have a real chance of seeing their season spiral out of control, so they're turning to the rookie. It's a best-case scenario for Maye as he shouldn't be under too much pressure as the team has simply looked anemic. Still, there is a real lack of offensive talent on this team, so it's fair to wonder just how this is going to go. Maye's dynasty value should rise with some solid performances.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Tank Dell Oct 9 4:13pm CT
Tank Dell

Dynasty | The Texans have placed wide receiver Nico Collins on injured reserve. Dynasty Analysis: Collins has gone from an afterthought, to a serviceable receiver, to a possible lineup staple, to a WR1, to perhaps the best receiver in fantasy leagues over the past three years. This is a major buzzkill as he has been flat-out dominant. Savvy owners who aren't competing right now could make a "buy low" play for his services to a team desperate to win, but you're not likely to get him. Unfortunately, he's going to be out for at least four weeks and that should open up targets for Tank Dell, Stefon Diggs, Dalton Schultz and others.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Aidan O'Connell Oct 9 4:13pm CT
Aidan O'Connell

Dynasty | The Raiders will replace Gardner Minshew at quarterback with Aidan O'Connell. Dynasty Analysis: The Raiders are 2-3 and while Minshew hasn't been awful, he also hasn't done anything to make anyone believe this looks like a playoff team. With Davante Adams likely on the way out, this is starting to look a little like a lost season for Las Vegas, so it makes sense for them to see if O'Connell can provide a spark. In his 11 games last year, he threw for 2,218 yards with 12 touchdowns and seven interception looking relatively average most Sundays. At this point, the Raiders are likely going to be scouting the college scene pretty hard in search of who may be their next signal caller. If O'Connell falls on his face, they could also scour the trade market (Russell Wilson could be available). Minshew can be dropped in dynasty leagues while O'Connell is back on the map.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Michael Pittman Jr. Oct 9 4:10pm CT
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice. In addition to Pittman, Josh Downs (toe) also popped on the Week 6 injury report and didn't practice. It's not a great start to the week for Pittman and Downs, but they still have two days left to get back onto the practice field. Given his injury and the fact that we still don't know if quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) will play this Sunday against the division-rival Tennessee Titans, Pittman's fantasy outlook is a bit up in the air. He had 11 receptions for 88 yards and no touchdowns in the first three weeks with Richardson at the helm but has exploded for 11 catches for 150 yards and his first touchdown of the year in the last two weeks with Richardson injured. Pittman's fantasy upside may actually be higher if Richardson misses another week.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Oct 9 4:00pm CT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (ribs) is good to go on Thursday night, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Kittle was a limited participant during the first two practice sessions of the week but was able to upgrade to full participation on Wednesday. The 31-year-old should be locked into all starting lineups as he faces a Seattle defense that has allowed the 19th-most points to opposing tight ends. Kittle has found the end zone in each of the past three games he has played in and averaged 61.7 yards and 6.3 receptions during this span. He should be viewed as a TE1 and should also be considered as a solid flex option in all DFS formats on Thursday evening.

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Jaylen Warren Oct 9 3:50pm CT
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (knee) was limited during Wednesday's practice, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. The 25-year-old has been sidelined since Week 3 after suffering a knee injury early in that game. The 25-year-old was initially deemed doubtful for this weekend's game, according to his head coach, Mike Tomlin, but seeing him participate in practice early in the week is a promising sign. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week. If Warren can suit up against the Las Vegas Raiders, he should be viewed as a solid flex option in PPR formats, given his pass-catching ability. If he cannot play, Najee Harris should see a heavy workload with Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) already ruled out.

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Zack Moss Oct 9 3:50pm CT
Zack Moss

Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss (foot) did not practice on Wednesday, according to Mike Petraglia. Petraglia further noted that the running back did walk out in his uniform but could not participate in any drills. The 26-year-old suffered the injury in Sunday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Before the injury, Moss logged nine carries for 24 yards and added three catches for 28 yards. Through the early part of the season, Moss has been deployed as the lead back in Cincinnati, with Chase Brown serving as the No.2 option. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Moss' status during the week, as he could be in danger of missing Sunday's game. After totaling just over 40 yards through the first two weeks of the season, Brown has tallied at least 50 all-purpose yards in each of the past three games and could be a high-end RB2 on Sunday if Moss were to be held out of action.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Oct 9 3:40pm CT
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) was a full participant in practice for the first time in over a month on Wednesday, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Wilson suffered a calf injury before the season opener, which allowed Justin Fields to take over starting duties. While fantasy managers should still expect Fields to remain the starting QB for the time being, Wilson could eventually take over the job in the coming weeks, given that he is now at full strength. Last week, Fields went 15-for-27 in their loss to the Dallas Cowboys and threw for just 131 yards. Fantasy managers in superflex formats should consider stashing Wilson, as he could move to the top of the depth chart if Fields continues to struggle.

From RotoBaller

Dameon Pierce Oct 9 3:30pm CT
Dameon Pierce

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) is expected to return this weekend, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. The 24-year-old has been sidelined since the opening week of the season with a hamstring injury. Cam Akers took over No.2 duties in his absence and eventually became the starter when Joe Mixon (ankle) suffered an injury following Week 2. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring Joe Mixon's status, as Pierce could be the top option out of the backfield if Mixon is kept out of action. Since breaking out in his rookie campaign with an impressive 939 yards, Pierce has been stuck in a reserve role. However, he is worth a speculative add this week as he could be a solid flex option if he gets the starting nod against the New England Patriots.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Oct 9 3:20pm CT
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) was seen at Wednesday's practice, according to Brooks Kubena of The Athletic. This is a great sign, as Brown missed the past three games due to a hamstring injury after injuring his hamstring during a Week 2 practice. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the 27-year-old's status throughout the week, but seeing him at practice early in the week is promising. In the season opener, Brown caught five of his ten targets for 119 yards and a score. If Brown can suit up on Sunday, he should be viewed as a high-end WR1 facing the Cleveland Browns.

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DeVonta Smith Oct 9 3:20pm CT
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (concussion) will practice on Wednesday according to Jeff McLane of the Inquirer. McLane further noted that the 25-year-old is still in concussion protocol but still has time to be cleared before Sunday's game. The former first-round pick suffered a concussion in Week 3 against the New Orleans Saints. Before the injury, Smith caught at least seven passes in the first three weeks and averaged 79.7 yards per game with one total score. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week. If Smith can suit up, he should be viewed as a low-end WR1 facing the Cleveland Browns, who have allowed the 21st most points to opposing wideouts.

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Devin Singletary Oct 9 3:10pm CT
Devin Singletary

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (groin) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, according to Dan Salomone of Giants.com. Singletary was held out of action last weekend due to a groin injury. The veteran running back was able to log a limited session last Friday but was ultimately kept sidelined. However, seeing him log a limited session early in the week is a positive sign for his status for this weekend's game. In his absence, fifth-round rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. led the way last Sunday, totaling 129 yards on the ground in their victory over the Seattle Seahawks. If Singletary can suit up, he should be viewed as a high-floor RB2 facing the Cincinnati Bengals.

From RotoBaller