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FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

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 4

Player Notes
Wan'Dale Robinson Sep 25 6:20am CT
Wan'Dale Robinson

New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson heads into Week 4 after a solid performance in the 21-15 win over the Browns, where he caught seven passes for 61 yards. Robinson has been utilized primarily as a short-area target, averaging 11.57 fantasy points per game in 2024. He has 123 total receiving yards and one touchdown, with 15 receptions and 24 targets. Facing the Dallas Cowboys in Week 4, Robinson must contend with a defense ranked 15th against wide receivers, allowing 594 passing yards this season. His quickness could help exploit Dallas' weaker slot coverage, but the Cowboys have held opposing WRs to just 25.90 fantasy points per game. Robinson's target share offers a stable floor but remains a low-upside flex option in this divisional matchup.

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Dak Prescott Sep 25 5:20am CT
Dak Prescott

The New York Giants defense heads into Week 4 after an impressive performance in their 21-15 win over the Browns, where they recorded eight sacks and limited Cleveland to 15 points. With 14 sacks on the season, second only to the Vikings, the Giants' pass rush is a major strength. They rank 15th against the pass but face a tough test against the Cowboys, who boast the NFL's top passing offense with 857 yards through three games. However, Dallas' rushing offense has struggled, ranking third-worst with only 221 yards. The Giants' ability to pressure Dak Prescott will be critical, as their vulnerability against the pass (with multiple injuries to their secondary) leaves them a risky fantasy play against this high-powered passing offense.

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Roman Wilson Sep 25 3:50am CT
Roman Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin spoke about what rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson needs to do to earn playing time: "He just has to keep working. It's tough to get on a moving train." Ahead of their Week 3 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Steelers made the surprising choice not to dress Wilson, who has been recovering from an ankle injury sustained during training camp. This injury caused him to miss the preseason and the first two games of the regular season. Wilson remained inactive despite logging two full practices to finish the week and having no injury designation going into Sunday. The Steelers only dressed four wide receivers for the game, although running back Cordarrelle Patterson also contributes as a receiver. The team's third-round pick from Michigan in the 2024 NFL Draft is eager to get on the field soon.

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Micah Parsons Sep 25 2:50am CT
Micah Parsons

Dallas Cowboys star pass rusher Micah Parsons described the start of the 2024 season as "extremely humbling." It wasn't just the fact that the Cowboys suffered back-to-back home losses; it was the manner in which they were defeated. Similar to last year's playoff blowout against Green Bay, the defense was overrun in both games. Given the Cleveland Browns' performance this season, the Week 1 road victory feels less significant. The Cowboys have begun their home schedule by surrendering a staggering 888 yards in losses to New Orleans and Baltimore, including 464 yards on the ground. The continued lackluster performances raise doubts about any potential turnaround. With a quick turnaround, the Cowboys must shift their focus from the loss to Baltimore as they prepare to face the Giants on Thursday. The Cowboy's defense should be startable in a good matchup.

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CeeDee Lamb Sep 25 2:20am CT
CeeDee Lamb

Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (ankle) fully participated in Tuesday's practice, which is excellent news following a challenging Week 3. Lamb did not address reporters after Sunday's home defeat to the Baltimore Ravens, a game where he struggled with a lost fumble, dropped a pass, and appeared to have a disagreement with quarterback Dak Prescott on the sidelines. He finished the game with four receptions for 67 yards, but after halftime, he managed just one catch for nine yards on six targets as the Cowboys fell behind 28-6. Fortunately for Dallas, they won't have much time to dwell on their two consecutive losses as they face the New York Giants on Thursday. Lamb has the potential to rebound strongly; last season, he recorded 15 catches for 228 yards and one touchdown in two games against the Giants. This matchup allows him to move past the disappointment against Baltimore and shine against a familiar rival.

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Derwin James Sep 25 2:00am CT
Derwin James

The Los Angeles Chargers will be without star safety Derwin James when they face Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 5. The NFL announced that hearing officer Derrick Brooks, appointed by the NFL and NFLPA, upheld James' one-game suspension without pay due to "repeated violations of playing rules aimed at protecting player health and safety," including an incident during Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. James received a penalty for unnecessary roughness after delivering a head hit to Pat Freiermuth in the Chargers' 20-10 loss to Pittsburgh. Over his last 18 games, he has accumulated five unnecessary roughness penalties, the highest total among defensive players in the league, all involving head contact using his shoulder or helmet. A three-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection, James has registered 21 combined tackles and one sack in three games this season. Last year, he was fined $91,027 by the NFL for similar unnecessary roughness penalties and hits on defenseless players. With the Chargers missing one of their top defensive assets, all Chiefs playmakers should see a boost in value.

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Greg Joseph Sep 25 1:10am CT
Greg Joseph

New York Giants kicker Greg Joseph heads into Week 4 after scoring only three extra points in the 21-15 win over the Browns. In his first game as a New York Giant, Joseph missed the only field goal he attempted from 48 yards out. Facing the Dallas Cowboys in Week 4, he is looking to make a more significant impact on the game as he tries to hold on to a roster spot. Managers will want to look to other teams, as Joseph is just a placeholder until Graham Gano returns.

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Theo Johnson Sep 25 1:00am CT
Theo Johnson

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson heads into Week 4 after contributing only one reception for 13 yards in the team's 21-15 win over the Browns. He almost scored the first touchdown of his career as he was targeted in the end zone, but the ball was just out of his reach. Johnson has averaged 1.70 fantasy points per game this season as he is still adjusting to life in the NFL. However, he faces a tough test against the Dallas Cowboys, who rank 13th in defense against tight ends and have allowed just 7.47 fantasy points per game to the position. As of now, Johnson is best left on the waiver wire.

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Malik Nabers Sep 25 12:40am CT
Malik Nabers

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers enters Week 4 after another elite performance in the 21-15 win over the Browns, where he hauled in eight catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Nabers has quickly become the primary pass catcher for Daniel Jones, leading the NFL with 37 targets and 22.83 fantasy points per game through three weeks. The defense of the Dallas Cowboys have been more vulnerable to wide receivers, ranking 15th against the position and allowing 594 passing yards through three games. This offers some opportunity for Nabers, but Dallas still holds opposing WRs to 25.90 fantasy points per game. His volume gives him a high floor, but managers can still hope for continued greatness in this divisional matchup.

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Devin Singletary Sep 25 12:30am CT
Devin Singletary

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary enters Week 4 following a solid performance in the 21-15 win over the Browns, where he rushed for 65 yards on 16 carries and added four receptions for 43 yards. Singletary is averaging a respectable 15.5 fantasy points per game in 2024 (ranked as the 13th RB overall), primarily thanks to his usage as the Giants' lead back. The Dallas Cowboys defense has been the worst defense against the run, allowing the most rushing yards in the league with 557 in only three games. Singletary's volume gives him a safe floor, and Dallas' porous run defense provides the potential for him to be a No. 1 back in Week 4.

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Daniel Jones Sep 25 12:10am CT
Daniel Jones

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones enters Week 4 (on Thursday) following a solid showing in the 21-15 win over the Browns, where he posted 236 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 20 rushing yards. Jones is averaging 14.9 fantasy points per game in 2024, with 67 rushing yards, four passing TDs, and two interceptions. The Dallas Cowboys' defense has been poor this season, ranking fourth in fantasy points allowed to QBs, averaging 19.39 fantasy points per game in 2024. Jones looks to take advantage of the matchup. His rushing upside may be crucial, and he has some upside (especially with rookie phenom Malik Nabers on his side), but he's still a risky fantasy start in this tough divisional matchup.

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Tim Patrick Sep 24 9:00pm CT
Tim Patrick

Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick has been signed from the practice squad to the active roster on Tuesday. He spent the first three weeks on the practice squad, but he saw game action in each of the last two contests. The Lions were going to be forced to sign him anyway if they brought him back up from the practice squad again this week. Patrick will now stick on the active roster as depth going forward. He has hauled in three of his five targets for 20 yards in two games with the Lions. Patrick put together multiple successful seasons as a member of the Denver Broncos. The veteran wideout probably won't be fantasy relevant, but is a nice depth piece to have on the roster.

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Darius Slayton Sep 24 8:50pm CT
Darius Slayton

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (thumb) was a limited participant during practice for the second day in a row. This doesn't come as much of a surprise after Slayton was forced to exit early during Sunday's game. However, the 27-year-old returned to the game and his testing on his hand came back clean. That being said, the Giants are likely just being cautious with Slayton as they head into a short week. Hopefully Slayton can be upgraded to full on Wednesday with a game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday. If he misses Week 4, Wan'Dale Robinson and Malik Nabers should see increased looks in the offense. Both wideouts have been viable options for this offense early in the season.

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Keaontay Ingram Sep 24 8:40pm CT
Keaontay Ingram

Kansas City Chiefs running back Keaontay Ingram has been waived by the organization on Tuesday. Ingram was the odd man out with Kareem Hunt being added to the active roster. There was no more room for Ingram with Carson Steele, Samaje Perine, and now Hunt all in the mix while Isiah Pacheco (leg) recovers. Ingram rushed for 134 yards on 62 attempts over parts of two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. He didn't play a single snap despite being active for the game last week. The 24-year-old will look to catch on elsewhere as depth.

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Kwon Alexander Sep 24 8:30pm CT
Kwon Alexander

The Denver Broncos reportedly had free-agent linebacker Kwon Alexander in for a visit on Tuesday. The former fourth-round pick was a Pro Bowl linebacker with Tampa Bay, but has mainly been used as depth over the last few years. The 30-year-old had 41 tackles, one sack, and one interception in nine games (two starts) with the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. Alexander should be healthy now and appears ready to contribute to an NFL roster. He should still have something left in the tank and his presence should be an asset to this Denver defense, assuming he does sign there.

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Ventrell Miller Sep 24 8:20pm CT
Ventrell Miller

Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (foot) is expected to miss several weeks of action. This news comes a day after Oluokun was forced to exit early during Monday's loss to the Buffalo Bills. The star linebacker is reportedly dealing with plantar fasciitis, which is something that is really only healed by rest. Ventrell Miller took over after Oluokun left on Monday and figures to see increased playing time going forward. The loss of Oluokun is huge considering he has recorded over 170 tackles in each of the last three seasons.

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Justin Fields Sep 24 6:20pm CT
Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Steelers left guard Isaac Seumalo (pectoral) has a chance to play in Week 4. He suffered his injury prior to the opening of the regular season and has yet to play in 2024. He is a huge piece of a much improved Steelers O-line. Should Seumalo return this week he would provide a massive boost for Steelers running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Additionally, Seumalo would help quarterback Justin Fields, and by extension, wide receiver George Pickens and tight end Pat Freiermuth. If he is unable to play in Week 4, then fantasy managers can find comfort in the fact that Seumalo appears to be close to returning. This situation is worth monitoring for everyone rostering Steelers skill position players.

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Byron Murphy II Sep 24 5:50pm CT
Byron Murphy II

Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (hamstring) may be on his way to missing time. The rookie has contributed to the defensive turnaround that the Seahawks have displayed thus far in 2024. New head coach Mike Macdonald has this unit playing at a high level and Murphy has six total tackles and a half-sack. The Seahawks D/ST has been one of the better units in fantasy thus far. It is the No. 1 defense in passing yards allowed per game. Additionally, the defense has given the offense shorter fields which has increased the fantasy output of Seahawks skill players. The Seahawks indicated that Murphy may miss time by signing defensive tackle Matt Gotel to their practice squad. Hopefully Murphy's absence will be short in order to keep the Seahawks defense playing at as high a level as possible.

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Austin Ekeler Sep 24 5:30pm CT
Austin Ekeler

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) is in the concussion protocol. Ekeler is also being treated for a laceration on his ear. Ekeler was having a productive night before his injury. He recorded three carries for 35 yards and a touchdown, and two receptions for 22 yards. Ekeler also returned a kick 62 yards to set up the Commanders in excellent field position which ultimately led to a touchdown. The news is a bummer for fantasy managers who were getting surprisingly good production out of Ekeler in all three games this season. He may not be the same player that he was with the Chargers, but he has had flex value. If Ekeler cannot play in Week 4, then Brian Robinson Jr. figures to see a boost in an already solid workload. The only other running back on the Commanders' active roster is Jeremy McNichols so it remains to be seen if they will bring anyone else in.

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Kareem Hunt Sep 24 5:10pm CT
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt was signed to the active roster on Tuesday. Hunt was signed to the Chiefs' practice squad after the loss of Isiah Pacheco (fibula). While he was inactive in Week 3, he appears to be on track to play in Week 4. Hunt returns to Kansas City after a productive five seasons in Cleveland. At 29 years old, Hunt is a relatively inefficient running back at this stage in his career. However, he has a nose for the end zone. In 2023, Hunt rushed for 411 yards and nine touchdowns. He was primarily a short yardage option and only averaged 3.0 yards per carry. With Samaje Perine and Carson Steele in line ahead of Hunt, he does not figure to have a lot of fantasy value. However, should either of those two players get hurt, Hunt should still have enough juice to be a solid flex play in fantasy football.

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