RB Strength of Schedule
Tue May 28 9:03am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Robinson setup for big season
Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the running back position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to running backs last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the running backs with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the running backs that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.
| RB SOS | ||
| 1. | Green Bay Packers | 356.01 |
| 2. | Houston Texans | 361.46 |
| 3. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 361.46 |
| 4. | Las Vegas Raiders | 361.48 |
| 5. | Seattle Seahawks | 362.28 |
| 6. | Buffalo Bills | 363.19 |
| 7. | Arizona Cardinals | 363.76 |
| 8. | Dallas Cowboys | 363.9 |
| 9. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 364.51 |
| 10. | Washington Commanders | 364.86 |
| 11. | Chicago Bears | 364.89 |
| 12. | Indianapolis Colts | 365.41 |
| 13. | San Francisco 49ers | 365.86 |
| 14. | New Orleans Saints | 366.49 |
| 15. | New York Jets | 368.23 |
| 16. | Detroit Lions | 368.49 |
| 17. | Philadelphia Eagles | 369.05 |
| 18. | Minnesota Vikings | 369.06 |
| 19. | Carolina Panthers | 369.88 |
| 20. | Cleveland Browns | 370.34 |
| 21. | Kansas City Chiefs | 371.71 |
| 22. | New York Giants | 372.21 |
| 23. | Los Angeles Chargers | 373.19 |
| 24. | Denver Broncos | 373.32 |
| 25. | Cincinnati Bengals | 373.66 |
| 26. | Los Angeles Rams | 374.09 |
| 27. | Baltimore Ravens | 374.16 |
| 28. | New England Patriots | 375.60 |
| 29. | Atlanta Falcons | 376.19 |
| 30. | Miami Dolphins | 377.49 |
| 31. | Tennessee Titans | 378.2 |
| 32. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 378.72 |
The two teams with the easiest fantasy schedules for running backs are the Steelers and Titans, which is interesting because both teams could platoon running backs. The Steelers split the work between Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. And the Titans are likely to use both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. All four backs could be setup for solid seasons with favorable schedules. It is always scary to take a back that might split work but seeing these positive schedules could make pulling the trigger on them a little easier come draft day. All four could be top flex plays for fantasy teams.
The Dolphins had huge success running the ball last year and could have similar solid production this season with the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs. Devon Achane is really looking good in year two. He is expected to get more work and likely lead the backfield in touches. Raheem Mostert had a career season last year and a great schedule but he carries a little more risk. He is 32 years old and now has rookie Jaylen Wright pushing him for playing time. Just something to keep in mind come draft day.
The Falcons are another team with a top-five favorable running back schedule, making Bijan Robinson a very intriguing pick this year. Robinson had a bit of a disappointing rookie season, but a new coaching staff and really favorable schedule make Robinson a huge breakout candidate. He is moving up draft rankings in a hurry and is capable of finishing first overall in fantasy running back scoring because of his skill set.
Rhamondre Stevenson is a possible rebound candidate. He was slowed by injury last year but is back healthy and with the fifth easiest schedule for running backs. Stevenson has shown in the past he can be a big-time fantasy back. Things are looking up for him this year, making him a good buy-low candidate.
The Packers had the easiest fantasy schedule for quarterbacks but get the toughest for running backs. This isn’t great news for new back Josh Jacobs. It is hard to bet against the productive back, though. You just might want to temper expectations for him this coming year. Jacobs could have a few down weeks, especially for his standards.
The Texans signed Joe Mixon to shore up their running back spot, but he carries some concerns. He wasn’t highly productive the last few seasons besides all his scores and now gets the second toughest schedule for running backs. Plus, the Texans are likely to be a pass heavy team, which could limit his workload a little. Mixon could end up being a boom or bust player.
Tampa also has a unfavorable fantasy schedule for running backs. Rachaad White had a big season last year but padded his numbers because of all his work in the passing game. That might be a similar scenario for him, having a tough time to run with this schedule. The positive for White is he is very good in the passing game. You have to worry about his rushing totals, though.
The Raiders haven’t really settled on a starting running back, but Zamir White is likely to get first shot at the job. That is great news for his fantasy value but the not so great news is his tough fantasy schedule. This could limit the ceiling of White a little. He has risk to begin with because it isn’t 100 percent certain he wins the job. This makes him a bit of a scary pick for fantasy teams.
Kenneth Walker didn’t have quite the breakout second season many hoped but was fairly productive with his work. And the good news is Zach Charbonnet didn’t really put a big dent in his workload. The Seahawks seem happy with Walker as the lead back. The unfortunate news for Walker is he has the fifth toughest fantasy running back schedule. Walker might fail to reach his lofty expectations once again in year three.
We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy running backs. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the running backs with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.
| RB PLAYOFF SOS | ||
| 1. | San Francisco 49ers | 291.43 |
| 2. | Washington Commanders | 325.2 |
| 3. | Houston Texans | 327.8 |
| 4. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 332.03 |
| 5. | New York Jets | 337.57 |
| 6. | Cleveland Browns | 340.8 |
| 7. | Las Vegas Raiders | 341.1 |
| 8. | Miami Dolphins | 348.27 |
| 9. | Chicago Bears | 350.37 |
| 10. | Buffalo Bills | 350.53 |
| 11. | Arizona Cardinals | 352.8 |
| 12. | Dallas Cowboys | 358.87 |
| 13. | Detroit Lions | 359.7 |
| 14. | New York Giants | 365.67 |
| 15. | Kansas City Chiefs | 366.53 |
| 16. | Green Bay Packers | 368.97 |
| 17. | Seattle Seahawks | 370.23 |
| 18. | Carolina Panthers | 377.15 |
| 19. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 378.37 |
| 20. | Los Angeles Chargers | 380.73 |
| 21. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 381 |
| 22. | Baltimore Ravens | 381.43 |
| 23. | Cincinnati Bengals | 383.50 |
| 24. | Philadelphia Eagles | 391.07 |
| 25. | New England Patriots | 397.95 |
| 26. | Indianapolis Colts | 398.40 |
| 27. | Denver Broncos | 399.53 |
| 28. | Tennessee Titans | 401.63 |
| 29. | Los Angeles Rams | 403.92 |
| 30. | New Orleans Saints | 406.33 |
| 31. | Minnesota Vikings | 407.87 |
| 32. | Atlanta Falcons | 422.4 |
There are two teams with a top-five favorable schedule for fantasy running backs for both the regular season and playoffs. Those teams are the Falcons and Titans. Atlanta actually has the easiest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. Robinson was looking good even before hearing this news but looks even better now. He is making a strong case to be the second running back off the board come draft day.
And Pollard and Spears are intriguing running back options with schedules that could produce big for both during the regular season and playoffs. You just have to worry about one back emerging to grab most of the work. If that happens, one of these backs could end up being a bust.
Minnesota has the second easiest playoff schedule for running backs. Aaron Jones has some injury concerns after the last few seasons, but he could be setup for a big workload with an unsettled quarterback situation in Minnesota. Jones has some good upside with his new team, especially during the playoffs.
One other team to mention for the playoff is New Orleans. Alvin Kamara isn’t getting any younger but remains the lead back and still productive. He still seems to have something left in the tank and could be a big fantasy factor for at least one more season, especially when it matters most in the playoffs. He could be a difference maker, having the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs.
Houston is the lone team in both the top five for the toughest regular season and playoff fantasy running back schedules. This is an obvious concern for Mixon. He is looking more and more like a player you might to avoid come draft day. He might have some big games along the way in this great offense, but you have to wonder about his consistency and playoff performance.
So the top rated fantasy back, Christian McCaffrey, also has the toughest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. You aren’t fading McCaffrey because of this. He is one of those rare backs that it doesn’t really matter who he plays. McCaffrey will produce. We still think he is the clear No. 1 fantasy back. He can still get it done in the playoffs.
Washington has Brian Robinson and Austin Ekekler likely splitting the work at running back, which hurts both their fantasy values. They also get the second most difficult playoff schedule for running backs. We wouldn’t reach too early for either back because of this.
The Steelers have the easiest fantasy running back schedule during the playoffs but fourth toughest for the playoffs. This is a tough one. Both backs have potential for good things, showing they can co-exist last year and produce well for fantasy teams. You just have to wonder if fading in the playoffs will make all that good work during the regular season all for nothing.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
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San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Jacob Cowing led the team in receiving -- and all-purpose yards -- during a 16-10 win over the New Orleans Saints in Santa Clara on Sunday night. The fourth-round pick caught four of five targets for 51 yards while adding a 19-yard carry in his first NFL action. Cowing, an Arizona native, was profiled as a fast and agile but undersized flanker after spending the early part of his college career at UTEP before transferring back home to U of A. He appears to have a good chance to make the team but he'll have to continue earning it, as there is currently a vigorous competition involving many challengers in the 49ers' receiving room. Cowing is unlikely to make a fantasy impact in 2024.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running backs Matt Breida and Cody Schrader each handled seven carries in the team's 16-10 preseason victory over the New Orleans Saints in Santa Clara on Sunday night. Breida, who returns to San Francisco after spending four years elsewhere, made more of his opportunity, taking his carries for 24 yards and catching both of his two targets for 25 yards. With his own seven carries, the undrafted rookie Schrader managed just 15 yards and caught one of three targets for five yards. San Francisco's running back room is banged up right now, and both players sit behind starter Christian McCaffrey as well as backups Elijah Mitchell, Jordan Mason, and fourth-round pick Isaac Guerendo. Neither player is likely to be fantasy-relevant in 2024. Breida would seem to have the inside track out of the two to make the team if the injury problems persist and Schrader is only a fringe deep-dynasty stash.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joshua Dobbs took the bulk of the offensive snaps for the team in a 16-10 preseason victory over the New Orleans Saints in Santa Clara on Sunday night. The 29-year-old entered the game for San Francisco's fourth possession following a struggling Brock Purdy offense. Dobbs would remain at the helm for three point-generating possessions before yielding to Brandon Allen at the half. Dobbs totaled 12 of 21 passes completed for 133 yards with no sacks or interceptions. He added three carries for 25 yards, including an impressive reverse-field scramble for a first down and a one-yard touchdown plunge. While preseason successes -- and failures -- should be taken with a grain of salt, San Francisco has to be happy to see a continuation of the skills Dobbs flashed in 2023 with Arizona and Minnesota. Dobbs is not fantasy-rosterable at this point but should draw some waiver-wire action if Purdy misses time.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton had just one catch that went for a 23-yard pickup on his only target from rookie first-round quarterback Bo Nix in Sunday night's 27-2 beatdown of the visiting Green Bay Packers in the second preseason game. It was a step back after Sutton caught two passes (three targets) from Nix and Jarrett Stidham for 35 yards in the preseason opener last week against the Colts. It means little in the grand scheme of things, though, as the 28-year-old former second-rounder is Denver's unquestioned WR1 and is coming off a 772-yard season with a career-best 10 touchdowns. Target volume shouldn't be an issue in 2024, but fantasy managers need to expect some potential serious TD regression. He currently has a Yahoo ADP of 119.7 in standard-scoring formats, meaning fantasy managers aren't simply falling for his boom in scoring last year and are taking him as more of a WR4/flex.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy made his 2024 preseason debut in a 16-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday night in Santa Clara. Purdy started the game and spent the first three San Francisco offensive possessions under center before giving way to backup Joshua Dobbs. In that time Purdy produced a meager two completions on six attempts for 11 yards while taking one sack. From the beginning, New Orleans did a great job of putting pressure on Purdy, putting him in the grass multiple times. Whether observers blame San Francisco's lack of protection, Purdy himself, or credit the Saints' pass rush, it's wise not to overreact -- or react at all -- to preseason performances by entrenched starters. Purdy will look to shake off more rust when the 49ers take on Las Vegas on Friday night for their preseason finale.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick, who hasn't played in a regular-season game in the NFL since 2021 after suffering back-to-back season-ending injuries in training camp the last two years, led the team in catches (four), targets (four) and receiving yards (30) while catching one of the two receiving scores in Sunday night's 27-2 win over the visiting Green Bay Packers. All four of his targets came from rookie first-round quarterback Bo Nix, including his touchdown reception, a four-yard bullet from Nix. It's great to see the 30-year-old back healthy, but as of right now, Patrick isn't being drafted in standard-sized fantasy leagues. If he can stay healthy, though, he has proven in the past he can be a reliable pass-catcher and chain-mover behind Courtland Sutton. If Nix wins the starting QB job and helps improve Denver's offense from what it was a season ago, Patrick could be an early waiver-wire pickup.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos running backs Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin each had three carries apiece for exactly 17 yards each in Sunday night's 27-2 victory over the visiting Green Bay Packers. Williams caught his only target for an impressive 15-yard gain, while McLaughlin caught his only target for only a four-yard pickup. Blake Watson led the backfield with six carries for 20 yards, while quarterback Jarrett Stidham had the team's only rushing touchdown, a nine-yard scamper into the end zone. Rookie Audric Estime had four carries for 14 yards and caught one of his two targets for seven yards. The 24-year-old Williams' fantasy stock is down heading into 2024 despite going over 1,000 scrimmage yards for a bad Broncos offense in 2203. He's another year removed from a devastating knee injury and is primed to be the Broncos' lead back in what could be an improved offense under rookie QB Bo Nix. If Williams can regain his explosiveness and tackle-breaking ways, he could be a great RB2/3 value pick at his current 107.1 Yahoo ADP in standard-scoring leagues.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos rookie first-round quarterback Bo Nix only helped his chances of winning the QB competition in the team's 27-2 preseason win over the visiting Green Bay Packers on Sunday evening, completing eight of his nine pass attempts for 80 yards and a touchdown. Nix also carried the ball three times for 12 yards. The 12th overall pick out of Oregon got the start in this one after Jarrett Stidham started the preseason opener. Through two preseason contests, the 24-year-old has been much more impressive than Stidham with his poise running the offense while displaying a rocket arm. Nix went 15-for-21 last week against the Colts for 125 yards and a touchdown. His lone TD pass on Sunday was a four-yarder to receiver Tim Patrick. An illegal forward pass took away a potential second touchdown pass. Denver still has one preseason game remaining, but as of now, Nix appears to be the favorite to open the regular season as the Broncos' starter under center.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham went 7-for-11 for 65 yards, no touchdowns and an interception that was batted into the air at the line of scrimmage, while adding a nine-yard touchdown run in Sunday night's 27-2 preseason win at home over the Green Bay Packers. After underwhelming in his start in the preseason opener last week against the Colts, Stidham was outplayed by rookie first-rounder Bo Nix yet again. Nix started this one and went 8-for-9 for 80 yards and a touchdown. Stidham began the offseason as the slight favorite to win the QB competition over Nix, solely based on his experience in head coach Sean Payton's offense from 2023. However, through training camp so far and two preseason contests, things have changed. Nix is now considered the favorite to win the starting gig under center heading into Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks, barring something crazy happening these next few weeks.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Falcons running back Jase McClellan ran for 55 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries in Atlanta's preseason loss to Baltimore. Dynasty Analysis: It was a solid performance for McClellan, who is attempting to make the team behind Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. While he likely won't have much of a role behind those two and has done little to push Allgeier for the backup job, McClellan's name remains one to keep on watch lists.
Dynasty | Bears receiver Dante Pettis had three catches for 53 yards and two touchdowns in the Bears preseason win against the Bengals. Dynasty Analysis: Pettis is attempting to lock down the fourth receiver job behind DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze and this likely helped. He's bounced around the league for a few years but has typically produced when called upon. He's another name to keep filed away should he win the job and see the Bears incur an injury or two at the receiver position.
Dynasty | Bears receiver Rome Odunze had one catch for 45 yards and one carry for 16 yards in the Bears preseason win against the Bengals. Dynasty Analysis: Odunze nearly had a highlight reel touchdown catch but his foot touched out of bounds. Odunze has clearly looked NFL ready all off-season and could push Keenan Allen to be the second receiver for the Bears this season. While dynasty managers may need to be a little patient with him, it certainly seems as if this top-3 rookie pick has a long and productive career ahead of him.
Dynasty | Texans wide receiver John Metchie had six catches for 68 yards and a touchdown in Houston's preseason win against the Giants. Dynasty Analysis: The preseason reports on Metchie have been all positive and this just solidifies those. Unfortunately, he's buried on a depth chart behind Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, and Tank Dell at the moment. However, Diggs is on what amounts to a one-year deal and Metchie could be waiting in the wings for a bigger role in the future. He's a player to certainly keep your eye on in dynasty leagues and a possible back-of-the-roster stash at the moment.
Dynasty | Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers had four catches for 54 yards in the Giants preseason loss to Houston. Dynasty Analysis: The Giants offense looks anemic but you can hardly blame Nabers, who looks like he can get open against just about anyone. Daniel Jones needs to improve quickly for Nabers to unlock his full potential but everything we've seen thus far merits him being a top two rookie draft pick. In short, Nabers looks the part of a future dynasty WR1.
Dynasty | Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance completed 15-of-23 passes for 151 and a touchdown, while adding 34 rushing yards and another score in the Cowboys preseason win against the Raiders. Dynasty Analysis: Lance has been working to unseat Cooper Rush for the backup job behind Dak Prescott and this won't hurt. It's really the first positive sign we've seen from Lance in some time and it could even make a quarterback-needy team knock on Dallas' door to see if a trade is possible next week. Lance remains a possibility for a back-end roster spot in deep dynasty leagues, despite his early career struggles.
Pittsburgh Steelers starting center Nate Herbig (shoulder) is expected to miss "a significant amount of time." He was injured in Saturday's preseason matchup with the Bills. Unfortunately, further testing revealed a torn rotator cuff for the 26-year-old. Of course, this is another tough blow for the Steelers offense, with Russell Wilson (calf) battling an injury throughout camp and Jaylen Warren (hamstring) anticipated to miss a few weeks. It also isn't good news for guys like Justin Fields, Najee Harris, and George Pickens. At any rate, rookie center Zach Frazier, selected with the No. 51 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, will presumably enter the starting lineup.
From RotoBaller
According to NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (neck) was diagnosed with a sprain. The veteran wideout was injured in Saturday's preseason clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fortunately, X-rays came back negative. However, it appears his availability for Week 1 versus the Arizona Cardinals is up in the air. MVS, who signed with Buffalo this offseason, caught a subpar 21 passes for 315 yards and one touchdown in 16 games with the Chiefs in 2023-24. But with Stefon Diggs now in Houston, the door is open for anyone on the depth chart to take over as the No. 1 option for Josh Allen.
From RotoBaller
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. won't suit up for the team's preseason finale versus Jacksonville. Fortunately, it appears the rookie isn't injured. However, head coach Raheem Morris opted to hold him out of Saturday's matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. With that said, Kirk Cousins (Achilles) won't suit up, meaning Taylor Heinicke and John Paddock will presumably close out the preseason for Atlanta before the club preparers for Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (hamstring) may miss "a few weeks," according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The 25-year-old exited Saturday's preseason battle with the Buffalo Bills with a hamstring injury and was ruled out shortly after. Warren finished last season by running for 764 yards and four touchdowns off 149 carries, adding 61 catches for 370 yards. Of course, this isn't the kind of update fantasy managers had hoped for heading into the 2024-25 campaign. Fortunately, Warren has time to recover before the Steelers begin the season versus the Atlanta Falcons. If he doesn't suit up for that one, Najee Harris would presumably see more touches, with Cordarrelle Patterson expected to provide relief.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers DT Nick Williams (knee) exited the preseason game against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Aug. 18, with a knee injury and is questionable to return.
From TheHuddle
