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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The Paur Report
Dynasty | Bengals running back Zack Moss will reportedly miss the rest of the season with a neck injury. Dynasty Analysis: Well, that escalated quickly. The Bengals traded for Khalil Herbert today and that move makes even more sense now. The loss of Moss puts Chase Brown squarely in the driver's seat to make a short and long-term impression as the starter. As for Moss, this is concerning as it was slated he was going to miss "at least" the rest of the regular season, meaning he may not even be back for the playoffs should the Bengals claw their way in. His dynasty value is trending in the wrong direction at this point.
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (hamstring) was not at practice on Tuesday, which represents a second straight missed practice after he was listed as a DNP on Monday's estimated practice report. After apparently getting hurt in the Week 9 blowout win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Likely is dealing with a hamstring injury that could keep him out of Thursday night's divisional battle against the Cincinnati Bengals. The 24-year-old will likely need to practice on Wednesday to avoid being ruled out entirely. After a 100-yard performance and a score in the season opener, Likely has failed to come anywhere close to that production since and has seen Mark Andrews become a much bigger contributor at the position. Even if Likely returns to practice on Wednesday and is active on Thursday night, he won't be a recommended fantasy play in Week 10.
From RotoBaller
The Cincinnati Bengals placed both running back Zack Moss (neck) and rookie tight end Erick All Jr. (knee) on season-ending Injured Reserve on Tuesday. Both Moss and All suffered season-ending injuries in the Week 9 blowout win over the Las Vegas Raiders, with All sustaining a torn ACL, which means he might not be ready for the start of the 2025 season next fall. To help replenish the backfield and replace Moss, Cincy acquired RB Khalil Herbert from the Chicago Bears on Tuesday. Herbert should immediately slot in as the team's RB2 behind Chase Brown. All, 24, has now torn the ACL in his right knee for the second time in just over a year. He'll finish his first NFL season with 20 receptions for 158 yards and no scores. The good news for Moss is he won't need surgery on his neck. The 26-year-old had 74 carries for 242 yards and two TDs while catching 23 passes for 187 yards and another score in eight games.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard (quad) is being placed on Injured Reserve, forcing him to miss at least the next four games. In a corresponding move, the team signed free-agent kicker John Parker Romo. Reichard, a rookie sixth-round pick out of Alabama, was a perfect 14 of 14 on his field goal attempts before missing two kicks in the Sunday Night Football victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Evidently, his injury is somewhat to blame, and he will now be sidelined for the next stretch of games. Romo has not attempted a kick in the NFL, but he made 17 of his 19 field goal tries with the San Antonio Brahmas of the XFL in 2023.
From RotoBaller
The Pittsburgh Steelers are trading for Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Preston Smith, according to NFL insider Ari Meirov. The 2015 second-round pick by the Washington Redskins has spent the last six years with the Packers and has collected at least eight sacks in each of the last three seasons. Smith is set to join a talented outside linebacker room headlined by T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, who combined for 26 sacks in 2023. The Steelers also acquired Mike Williams on Tuesday, so it's evident the team is looking to set up for a legitimate playoff run after several years without a postseason victory.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (back, knee) is not practicing on Tuesday leading up to the Thursday Night Football contest against the Cincinnati Bengals. Jackson did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday last week and was listed with back and knee injuries but returned to full practice on Friday before posting a perfect passer rating and three touchdowns in Sunday's win over the Denver Broncos. The team might just be managing Jackson's workload as the season reaches the second half of the year, but fantasy managers should monitor his status and see if he carries an injury designation on Wednesday's final injury report. When active, the two-time MVP is a clear must-start in all matchups.
From RotoBaller
The Tennessee Titans are not looking to trade All-Pro defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons, according to NFL insider Dianna Russini. Russini said one team called Tennessee just to see if he was available, and the answer was a firm "no." The 2019 first-round pick has been in some trade rumors as the Titans stare down a lost season, but the two-time Pro Bowler is not expected to be moved. Simmons will have two more years on his four-year, $94 deal after this season wraps up. He has totaled 259 tackles and 29.5 sacks through his first 75 career games.
From RotoBaller
The Pittsburgh Steelers were interested in trading for New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton ahead of the NFL trade deadline, but the organization sent a fifth-round pick to acquire New York Jets wideout Mike Williams instead. According to Jeremy Fowler, the Giants value Slayton and likely had a higher asking price or were not interested in trading him altogether. It appears Slayton could remain with the G-Men despite trade rumors circulating. The 27-year-old has racked up 32 receptions for 469 yards and one touchdown in 2024. Assuming he remains in New York, he'll continue to be a low-end flex play in favorable matchups for WRs. However, Malik Nabers and Wan'Dale Robinson have been the clear No. 1 and No. 2 options in Daniel Jones' passing game.
From RotoBaller
The Cleveland Browns released veteran defensive lineman Quinton Jefferson on Tuesday, according to NFL.com. The 31-year-old appeared in five games for the Browns this season, totaling six tackles and one sack. Jefferson has spent time with six NFL organizations and has compiled 198 tackles, 27.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and 15.5 run stuffs in 108 career games. There might be interest around the league for his services, as defensive line depth has become more of a focal point.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Tampa Bay tight end Cade Otton had eight catches for 77 yards and a touchdown in a loss to the Chiefs. Dynasty Analysis: Otton now has a whopping 31 targets over the past three weeks after the Bucs were ravaged by injuries that wiped out their receiving corps. His last three weeks have also produced over 250 yards and three scores, pushing him all the way up to TE5 on the season. While this pace seems unsustainable, Otton has put his stamp on being no longer a forgotten man, even when Mike Evans and Chris Godwin (or another receiver) are around later this year or next. His dynasty value has taken a major turn for the better,
Dynasty | The Bengals have acquired running back Khalil Herbert from the Bears in exchange for a seventh round pick. Dynasty Analysis: Herbert was the odd man out in Chicago, so trading him seemed to make sense. Zack Moss is dealing with an injury that is now going to keep him out indefinitely. Herbert should slide in as a decent backup for Chase Brown, who suddenly has high-end RB2 value at the very least with Moss down and out for the time being. Herbert should be on rosters as he's one injury away from real in-season value again.
Dynasty | The Cowboys have placed quarterback Dak Prescott on IR. Dynasty Analysis: The awful season for the Cowboys has taken a turn for the worse as Prescott will now miss at least the next four weeks. This is a disaster for Dallas in a season full of them as the 3-5 Cowboys will now turn to Cooper Rush. Prescott's dynasty value has started to sink a touch as he's posted a mediocre season thus far.
Dynasty | The Dallas Cowboys have acquired wide receiver Jonathan Mingo. Dynasty Analysis: The Panthers will receiver a fourth round pick in exchange for Mingo and a seventh round selection. Mingo was a second round pick just last season, but has posted just 55 catches for 539 yards thus far in 24 career games. Dallas must see something they like here as their season doesn't exactly lend itself to be "buyers" at the trade deadline. Mingo is still a decent bench stash in dynasty leagues, but it's hard to see him being a difference maker, especially with Cooper Rush at the helm.
Dynasty | The Steelers have acquired wide receiver Mike Williams from the Jets. Dynasty Analysis: The Jets will receive a fifth-round pick in exchange for Williams, who clearly fell out of favor in New York. The Steelers have been in the mix for just about any wide receiver available and settled for Williams in the end. This could end up being good for both parties, however, as Williams excels on the deep ball, which just happens to be Russell Wilson's specialty. While Williams' production has hit the skids in recent years, this should be enough to stop his dynasty value slide and keep him on rosters.
Buffalo Bills safety Mike Edwards is being released per his request on Tuesday, according to NFL.com. The team is shopping him ahead of the Tuesday 4 PM trade deadline, but if a deal isn't reached, he will be let go. Edwards, a two-time Super Bowl Champion, was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft and spent four seasons with Tampa before one season in Kansas City. He signed with Buffalo this offseason but has played just seven defensive snaps this year. Most teams could use help in the secondary, so expect the veteran to land somewhere in short order.
From RotoBaller
The Pittsburgh Steelers are trading for New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams, according to Ari Meirov of the 33rd Team. New York will get a fifth-round pick in return. The Steelers have been active in wide receiver trade talks, as the team lacks depth behind No. 1 wide receiver George Pickens. Meanwhile, the Williams-Jets pairing has not worked out, and Davante Adams took over his role in the offense after being dealt from Las Vegas. Williams, a former first-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017, has hauled in just 12 receptions for 166 yards in nine games this season. He will provide depth for Pittsburgh and could have a few spike weeks with Russell Wilson under center, but it would be a surprise if he becomes a consistent fantasy football producer at this stage in his career.
From RotoBaller
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Washington Commanders are acquiring defensive back Marshon Lattimore and a fifth-round pick from the New Orleans Saints. The Commanders will send a third-, fourth-, and sixth-round pick in exchange. Lattimore will join a Washington team that is currently 7-2 and shaping up to be a legit contender this season with rookie Jayden Daniels and newly hired head coach Dan Quinn at the helm. The New Orleans have lost seven straight games and will now focus on rebuilding their roster. Through seven games this season, the four-time Pro Bowler has tallied 30 tackles (22 solo), eight assists, and two pass deflections. Lattimore should be expected to move to the top of the depth chart in the DMV and further strengthen a secondary that has allowed the fifth-fewest passing yards per game.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt had 106 rushing yards, one catch, 11 receiving yards and a touchdown in Kansas City's win against Tampa Bay. Dynasty Analysis: Father Time is undefeated, but Hunt keeps throwing haymakers. Now with 414 rushing yards and five touchdowns in five games, the former and now current Chief has been one of fantasy football's biggest surprises this season. The imminent return of Isiah Pacheco is going to throw major cold water on his late season value, but dynasty managers can ride this for the next few weeks, at least. Hunt's dynasty value has stabilized as it looks like he still has some juice left in the tank. Still, he's a risky buy at the moment as a player who could have a sudden decrease in usage.
Dynasty | Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had 14 catches for 100 yards in a win against Tampa Bay. Dynasty Analysis: Kelce's 16 targets led the team. After a brutally slow start, Kelce has been Kelce lately with 43 targets and 37 catches over his last four games. While touchdowns have been tough to come by, it certainly looks like Kelce is going to post another 1,000 yard season if this pace keeps up. He's right back to elite TE1 status now that the Chiefs have seemingly recommitted to him instead of managing his workload.
Dynasty | Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy failed to catch a pass and ran for -10 yards in the Chiefs win against Tampa Bay. Dynasty Analysis: Yuck. This was as bad as it gets for Worthy, whom the Chiefs are finding it difficult to get the ball to at this point. He's still typically good for a gadget play here and there, but this has been a mess so far. Worthy has proven to be a little more of a project than most expected and while he still has a bright future, it's clear this is going to be a redshirt season. His dynasty value is starting to dip as a result.
