Guest of the League
Dimes Best Ball 23
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.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 5

Player Notes
Darnell Mooney Oct 2 11:40am CT
Darnell Mooney

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney is surprisingly the team's leading receiver after four weeks, and he'll look to maintain that position when the Falcons face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday night. Mooney has shown good chemistry with his quarterback, Kirk Cousins, and as a result, he is averaging six targets per game, hauling in 15 total for 225 yards and a touchdown. Mooney is firmly the team's No. 2 wide receiver, having earned 24 targets to lead receiver Drake London's 31. The 26-year-old will still have a role, and if Cousins can return to his 2023 ways, Mooney could have a solid day. Mooney is still a WR3/FLEX only in 14+ team leagues and looks to build on his production in 2024 in a tough matchup against the Bucs in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Pitts Oct 2 11:30am CT
Kyle Pitts

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts will be set on getting back on track when his team faces the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday night. Pitts laid a goose egg in Week 4, drawing three targets but failing to catch a single pass. The 23-year-old is amid an incredibly disappointing season, hauling in just eight passes for 105 yards and a touchdown. He won't have the easiest matchup, as the Bucs have allowed just 7.8 PPR points per game to opposing tight ends this season. The former No. 4 overall pick is unlikely to have a breakout game in Thursday's matchup. Pitts struggles with separation and is regularly blanketed by opposing defensive backs and linebackers. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for tight end production in Week 5. Pitts is not a definite drop from fantasy rosters yet, but he's approaching that.

From RotoBaller

Kirk Cousins Oct 2 10:50am CT
Kirk Cousins

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins will do what he can to improve his play when the Falcons take on the Tampa Buccaneers on Thursday night. Cousins has a 4:4 TD: INT ratio in 2024, so he's hardly earning the $180 million contract he signed in the offseason. Tampa Bay has allowed the sixth most points to opposing quarterbacks this year. However, the numbers can fool you as they've allowed just one passing touchdown, which is tied for the least amount in the league. The Bucs had to face quarterbacks Jayden Daniels and Jalen Hurts, and their rushing production accounted for a large portion of those points. Tampa Bay isn't an easy team to pass against, and with Cousins and the entire Falcons pass-catching corps being massively disappointing so far, it might be difficult for them to put together good drives consistently. Cousins isn't worth starting in single-quarterback leagues against the Bucs in Week 5. He has no rushing upside, has mediocre production, and is facing a formidable defense against the pass.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Oct 2 9:50am CT
Drake Maye

New England Patriots center David Andrews (shoulder) needs surgery that would end his season but is deciding whether to play through the injury, according to Mark Daniels of MassLive.com. The veteran center is a big part of New England's offense and would be a significant loss for the fantasy prospects of running back Rhamondre Stevenson and could potentially affect whether the Patriots move to rookie Drake Maye at quarterback.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Oct 2 9:30am CT
Davante Adams

The Pittsburgh Steelers have discussed preliminary interest in a trade for Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams according to Josina Anderson. Meanwhile, Adam Schefter reports that the Chiefs are not one of the teams interested in a potential trade for the star receiver. The Steelers are among the growing teams interested in a trade for Adams while the Chiefs are not likely to pursue Adams. Adams has requested a trade out of Las Vegas as soon as possible. Schefter also mentions that Adams has an interest in the Jets and Saints as a potential destination. This is a situation to continue to monitor for fantasy implications with a potential move to the Steelers slating Adams opposite George Pickens as a weapon for Justin Fields. Adams missed last week's game with a hamstring injury and has 18 catches for 209 yards and one touchdown in three games this season. Fantasy managers will want this situation resolved as quickly as possible.

From RotoBaller

Adonai Mitchell Oct 2 9:00am CT
Adonai Mitchell

Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter expressed his confidence in wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, saying "It just hasn't quite happened yet". Mitchell has been good in one-on-one situations according to the Colts OC and he still expects big plays to come for the rookie receiver. Mitchell has just two receptions for 32 yards on the season on 13 targets. With Michael Pittman, Jr., Alec Pierce, and Josh Downs all in the mix now, Mitchell will be reliant on his big-play ability and will have to convert on a better percentage of his targets in order to be fantasy-relevant. It might take time for the rookie to find himself in this offense, so he could be an option by the end of the season. But right now he is not worth rostering until he shows more.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Oct 2 8:50am CT
Davante Adams

The New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys have checked in on Las Vegas wide receiver Davante Adams' trade situation according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini. Adams reportedly wants out of Las Vegas as soon as possible. Russini notes that many teams have checked in on the talented receiver, so the Raiders will be patient in ensuring their asking price is met before dealing Adams. The Fresno State product missed last week's game with a hamstring injury and has 18 catches for 209 yards and a touchdown in three games this season. Fantasy managers of Adams will hope for a trade as quickly as possible to resolve a messy situation in Las Vegas. A trade to the Jets would mean a reunion with his former quarterback Aaron Rodgers who he teamed up with in Green Bay. A move to Dallas would slot him opposite CeeDee Lamb and provide another target for Dak Prescott.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Oct 2 8:40am CT
Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (back) was sore after the team's Week 4 game against Baltimore but should be fine for Week 5 against Houston according to coach Sean McDermott. It looks like Allen avoided a serious injury and is on track to face Houston in Week 5 but it will be worth monitoring the injury report this week. Allen is the QB4 on the season, averaging 19.8 fantasy points per game. Allen was 16-of-29 for 180 yards and no touchdown passes against Baltimore in his toughest outing of the season. He will try to bounce back against the Texans this week.

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Oct 2 8:20am CT
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (shoulder) has a bye week to recover from his shoulder injury and should be able to return to the field as the team's starter in Week 6 according to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Titans head coach Brian Callahan has said that Levis will remain the starter when healthy and Rapoport says that should be the case following the team's bye week. Levis hurt his shoulder early in the Monday night game against the Dolphins and the team turned to Mason Rudolph who led them to a win. So far this season, Levis ranks as the QB31 so he should not be on the fantasy radar even upon a return. He still has some potential in dynasty leagues but should not be counted on in one-quarterback leagues this season.

From RotoBaller

Jeffery Simmons Oct 2 2:40am CT
Jeffery Simmons

Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons (elbow) revealed that he suffered a Tommy John ligament injury in his left elbow, which caused him to miss Tennessee's 31-12 victory over Miami on Monday night. The injury occurred due to "friendly fire" during a collision with a teammate. Fortunately, Simmons was informed that he wouldn't need surgery, but he had to wear a large brace on his left arm last week. He missed practice on Thursday and Friday but still traveled with the team to Miami for "Monday Night Football." On Friday, he informed the Titans' medical staff that he felt ready to play, but the team decided to hold him out to prevent further risk, as he couldn't fully extend his arm. The upcoming bye week is well-timed for Simmons as he focuses on regaining full mobility in his arm. He has been working with the team's training staff to manage the injury and has been doing strengthening exercises. So far this season, Simmons has recorded 12 tackles, including two for a loss, along with a sack and a quarterback hit. He will return in Week 6 when the Titans face the Colts at Nissan Stadium.

From RotoBaller

Curtis Samuel Oct 2 2:30am CT
Curtis Samuel

Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady emphasized, "Curtis Samuel has to play more. I need to find ways to get the ball in his hands because good things happen." Despite this, Samuel has struggled through four games, failing to record more than three catches in a single game and not exceeding 22 receiving yards. He's averaging just 12 yards per game, which is concerning for a player who signed a three-year, $24 million deal as a free agent. Additionally, Samuel ranks last among Bills receivers with only 68 snaps. During his time with Brady in Carolina, Samuel had his best professional season, totaling 851 receiving yards, three touchdowns, 200 rushing yards, and two touchdowns. However, that productive version of Samuel has yet to appear in Buffalo, making him look like a disappointment early on. As the Bills approach Week 5, Samuel must receive more targets and be more involved to help the offense advance. Until he shows greater involvement, he's not a recommended fantasy option heading into the matchup against the Texans.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Farley Oct 2 2:30am CT
Caleb Farley

The Carolina Panthers have signed former Titans first-round cornerback Caleb Farley to their practice squad after he tried out for the team earlier in the day. Drafted by the Titans in 2021, Farley's career was hindered by injuries, limiting him to just 12 games in Tennessee, where he recorded 14 tackles. After releasing him in the offseason, the Titans faced a $4.29 million dead money charge. Now, with the Panthers, Farley has another chance to revitalize his career and become the player the Titans envisioned. Carolina's secondary needs significant help, and if Farley can remain healthy, he could quickly earn a role on the field. He's a player to watch moving forward, aiming to make an impact with this new opportunity.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Oct 2 2:20am CT
Garrett Wilson

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson expressed concerns about the team's offensive approach, stating, "I watch football on Sundays and see a lot of teams mixing it up. I don't think we do that." The Jets' offense struggled during their disappointing 10-;9 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 4, scoring only nine points in a lackluster performance. Wilson also had a forgettable game, catching five passes on eight targets for just 41 yards, failing to make a significant impact. This season has been a slow start for the third-year receiver, who has recorded 20 catches for 191 yards and one touchdown on 34 targets across four games. He's on track for 764 receiving yards, a drop from his previous two seasons, where he surpassed 1,000 yards. Wilson was expected to thrive alongside a healthy Aaron Rodgers, but so far, he hasn't exceeded 60 receiving yards in any game this year and hasn't caught more than six passes in a single outing. He's reached the end zone once and has not had a reception longer than 26 yards. Speculation about a potential trade for Davante Adams to the Jets could further complicate Wilson's disappointing 2024 season. Ultimately, the Jets need to make changes to revitalize their offense, especially with tough matchups on the horizon.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Oct 1 9:13pm CT
Davante Adams

Dynasty | Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams has told Las Vegas he prefers to be traded. Dynasty Analysis: Well, that escalated quickly. Adams has seemingly had enough of what the Raiders have had to offer and would like to move on. In addition, the Raiders are reportedly telling teams they'd like at least a second round pick and additional compensation in return. Teams like the Jets, Ravens, Steelers, Commanders and a few others could all be in the market for a top receiver, so this could materialize quickly. Adams' dynasty value will hinge on where he ends up for sure with staying in Las Vegas quickly becoming the worst of all options.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Justin Watson Oct 1 9:00pm CT
Justin Watson

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justin Watson could find himself with a larger role on offense going forward. The Chiefs are going to be shorthanded for some time after Rashee Rice (knee) went down on Sunday. The expectation is that rookie Xavier Worthy and tight end Travis Kelce are going to be the focal points in the receiving game. However, Watson might end up seeing more work as well. He hauled in two of his three targets for 27 yards during Sunday's win. Watson knows the offense well and finished with nearly 500 yards in a part-time role last season. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Chiefs give Watson more responsibility with the team limited on offensive weapons. Fantasy managers shouldn't rush to add Watson, but keep him on their radar, especially in deep leagues.

From RotoBaller

Trey Sermon Oct 1 8:40pm CT
Trey Sermon

Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon is likely to take over as the lead back heading into the Week 5 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Fellow back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) exited early on Sunday and is now a candidate for the injured reserve. That being said, Sermon figures to see an expanded role in the offense with Taylor undoubtedly going to miss time. Last week, Sermon rushed five times for eight yards in the win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sermon has bounced around the league quite a bit since being taken in the third round by the San Francisco 49ers in 2021. He has never been able to establish himself in the league, but this appears to be his best chance. The 25-year-old is going to be one of the most popular waiver wire additions this week. Fantasy managers who are desperate for help at running back should take a look at Sermon as he could be a viable option due to the volume of carries he could see.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Oct 1 8:30pm CT
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) missed his third game in a row on Sunday. Brown missed most of practice last week before returning for a limited session on Friday. The team ultimately held him out for the Week 4 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Luckily, the Eagles have a bye in Week 5 and Brown's injury is not considered to be a long term issue. The hope is that Brown can rest and prepare for their next matchup against the Cleveland Browns on October 13. That is nearly two weeks from now, so the assumption is that Brown should be able to get back on the field by then. When healthy, Brown is a stud and a must-start in fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Oct 1 8:20pm CT
Davante Adams

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams has reportedly been considering a trade for the last few weeks. The 31-year-old originally came to the organization to be paired with his friend Derek Carr. The Raiders decided to make a change at quarterback and moved on from Carr after the 2022 season. The veteran wideout no longer has a desire to play for the Raiders, so a trade could be coming in the next few weeks. One of Adams' preferred destinations is the New York Jets. That shouldn't come as much of a surprise as Adams could be paired up with former teammate Aaron Rodgers. Both players were together for many years on the Green Bay Packers. A trade to the Jets should be an immediate boost to Adams' fantasy value. He'll have to fight for targets with Garrett Wilson, but the team as a whole is an upgrade over the Raiders current roster.

From RotoBaller

Chigoziem Okonkwo Oct 1 8:10pm CT
Chigoziem Okonkwo

Tennessee Titans tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo recorded one catch for five yards in the team's win over the Dolphins on Monday night. With quarterback Will Levis (shoulder) exiting early, Okonkwo was not a factor, seeing just three targets in the game as the Titans relied heavily on the running game. The three targets were actually a season-high for the tight end, who has not become a big part of the Titans' offense yet. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for options at the position, and Okonkwo can be left on the waiver wire.

Austin Ekeler Oct 1 7:10pm CT
Austin Ekeler

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) said on Tuesday that he is tracking toward being able to play in Week 5 on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. It sounds like Ekeler expects to be back on the field this weekend and said he's feeling more like himself as he goes through all of the steps in the league's concussion protocol. With Ekeler out in the Week 4 blowout win over the Arizona Cardinals, Jeremy McNichols had a fruitful day as the backup to Brian Robinson Jr. while playing 38% of the offensive snaps. McNichols had eight carries for 68 yards and two touchdowns and added a six-yard reception. With Ekeler on his way back sooner than later, fantasy managers may not want to spend too much to pick up McNichols off the waiver wire. Ekeler should dominate passing-game work out of the Commanders' backfield when he returns.

From RotoBaller