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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.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 5

Player Notes
Tank Dell Oct 6 3:50pm CT
Tank Dell

The Houston Texans improved to 4-1 with a 23-20 defeat of Buffalo on Sunday, but wide receiver Tank Dell was only moderately involved with four catches for 38 yards. The second-year wide receiver caught all four of his targets and earned a carry, though he was corralled for a loss of five. It was another modest week for Dell, who is third on the team in targets behind fellow wide receivers Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs. With Collins (hamstring) sustaining an injury on Sunday, though, fantasy managers should be closely watching the Houston injury report ahead of Week 6 against New England.

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Jayden Daniels Oct 6 3:50pm CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels went 14-for-25 with 238 yards with a TD and one interception in his fourth consecutive victory. He added 82 yards on the ground on 11 carries. The Commanders were in complete control of this game and did not need to rely on their passing game too often. His score came off a 41-yard pass to Dyami Brown in the second quarter, and his longest pass off a 66-yard strike to Terry McLaurin. Still, Daniels' ability to use his legs will always provide him a safe floor in any game script. Daniels remains a must-start option in all formats next weekend when he takes on the Baltimore Ravens.

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Jaylen Wright Oct 6 3:50pm CT
Jaylen Wright

Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright toted the rock 13 times for 86 yards in the team's 15-10 victory over their division-rival New England Patriots. The rookie easily saw his most extensive workload of the season in the win and was efficient with his touches (6.6 YPC) -- leading the team in rushing despite seeing six fewer carries than Raheem Mostert (4.2 YPC). The former Volunteer was thrust into a more prominent role early in the first half when running back De'Von Achane (concussion) left the game and did not return. Wright's long gain of the contest was a 17-yard scamper in the fourth quarter. On the ensuing drive, the fourth-round pick ripped off another chunk gain of 16 yards, eventually leading to the team's second touchdown since Week 2 -- a 3-yard dive by fullback Alec Ingold. Wright was actually in on the scoring play; he just didn't have his number called. It's a nice performance by the rookie and a strong rushing performance for the Dolphins as a whole -- totaling 193 yards on the ground. With Miami heading into their bye week, Achane will have extra time to clear the league's protocol before they take on the Indianapolis Colts in Week 7. It's unlikely that Wright would garner such an extensive workload with the second-year back healthy. However, at least the rookie has proven he has the chops to be a difference-maker.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Oct 6 3:50pm CT
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson struggled in a 34-13 loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 5. Watson completed 15 of his 28 passes for 125 yards and one touchdown while adding three carries for 14 yards and losing a fumble in the losing effort. As has been the issue for much of the season, Watson took plenty of hits as the Commanders sacked him seven times over the course of the game while at the same time failing to pass for 200 yards, a milestone he has yet to reach this season. Watson was an interesting sleeper heading into Week 5 thanks to a leaky Washington secondary but he instead failed to take advantage of the plus matchup, turning in yet another mediocre fantasy performance. The veteran quarterback will hope to turn things around ahead of a Week 6 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

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Stefon Diggs Oct 6 3:50pm CT
Stefon Diggs

Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs led the way for his offense with a team-high eight targets and 82 receiving yards on six catches in a 23-20 victory in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills. The former Bill has been regularly involved for Houston so far this season, but became Houston's top receiving option once fellow wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) was ruled out for the game on Sunday. Diggs could become an even more intriguing fantasy option in the weeks to come if Collins misses time. The 4-1 Texans will look to keep rolling with a Week 6 visit to the New England Patriots.

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Brian Robinson Jr. Oct 6 3:50pm CT
Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. tallied just 18 yards but found the end zone twice in their Week 5 victory. The Alabama product salvaged his fantasy day thanks to two goal line carries. Robinson came into this game battling a knee injury during the week, which could have limited him, as he saw only seven carries, which was his lowest of the season. However, given how impressive the Commanders' offense has looked, Robinson had great scoring opportunities despite having a tough day in the run game. Robinson remains a must-start RB2 heading into Week 6.

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Austin Ekeler Oct 6 3:50pm CT
Austin Ekeler

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler ran the ball six times for 67 yards and added 30 yards on two receptions. This was a nice return for Ekeler, as he missed last week's game due to a concussion. Ekeler's best run of the day was a 50-yard carry, his longest carry of the season. The former Charger saw just one less carry than Brian Robinson Jr. due to Robinson battling a knee injury during the week. The 29-year-old remains a low-end RB3 with upside in PPR formats, given his skills as a pass-catcher.

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C.J. Stroud Oct 6 3:40pm CT
C.J. Stroud

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud had a mostly productive day on Sunday against Buffalo, finishing 28-for-38 for 331 yards with one touchdown, one interception, and one fumble in a 23-20 win. Stroud completed passes to eight different receivers and helped set up kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn's 59-yard field goal as time expired with a late completion to backup running back Dare Ogunbowale. The Ohio State product completed his first 10 passes of the game, which included a 67-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Nico Collins in the first quarter. The 23-year-old quarterback has helped Houston to a 4-1 record through five weeks with a trip to New England on the horizon in Week 6.

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Dare Ogunbowale Oct 6 3:30pm CT
Dare Ogunbowale

Houston Texans running back Dare Ogunbowale saved an inefficient running day against the Buffalo Bills with regular involvement in the passing game, hauling in six of seven targets for 57 yards in Houston's 23-20 win. The journeyman running back had a team-high 15 carries, but turned them into just 30 rushing yards. The former Wisconsin Badger saw a higher-than-normal volume of carries due to an injury to starter Joe Mixon (ankle), but his receiving productivity offered some hope he could continue to be involved when Mixon returns. Houston's distribution of carries likely will depend on the injury report prior to a Week 6 game at New England.

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Cam Akers Oct 6 3:30pm CT
Cam Akers

Houston Texans running back Cam Akers scored his second touchdown of the season on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, capping a day in which he had 42 rushing yards on nine carries and caught two of three targets for five yards. The fifth-year back scored on a 15-yard run in the first quarter, his first touchdown of longer than 10 yards since September, 2022. The Florida State product's fantasy relevance going forward, however, will be tied directly to Houston's injury report. Once starting running back Joe Mixon (ankle) is healthy enough to play, Akers' role surely will decrease. Houston travels to New England in Week 6.

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Tyler Huntley Oct 6 3:30pm CT
Tyler Huntley

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tyler Huntley completed 18-of-31 passes for 194 yards and one interception in Sunday's 15-10 win over the New England Patriots. He also rushed three times for seven yards. The 26-year-old performed better in this one than during a tumultuous Week 4 outing, leading his team to their second victory on the season. A lot was working against Miami on Sunday, particularly on special teams, where a blocked punt and botched snap on a field goal highlighted the unit's miscues. Huntley also had a snap launched over his head in the second half on a play when the entire offense wasn't ready sans the center. Despite this, the former undrafted free agent did enough to get the win and even led his team on a touchdown drive -- just the second TD for Miami since losing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) in Week 2. It was an encouraging outing for the Dolphins' offense, especially their ground attack, which totaled 193 yards and punched in the lone score. New England's D posed as one of the better matchups the team has faced thus far, but at least the offense has something to build on heading into their Week 6 bye.

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Eric Murray Oct 6 3:20pm CT
Eric Murray

Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward (groin) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Ward exited in the first half after re-aggravating a groin injury that had caused him to appear on the injury report earlier this week. He finished Sunday's contest with two tackles, bringing his season total to 17 (through four games). Eric Murray and Calen Bullock will handle extra opportunities in the defensive secondary until Ward is healthy enough to play.

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DJ Johnson Oct 6 3:00pm CT
DJ Johnson

Carolina Panthers defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (shoulder) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears. At the time of his departure, he had contributed three tackles, bringing his season total up to 12. The 31-year-old has played slightly less than half of the Panthers' defensive snaps this year but provided a steady, veteran presence on the defensive line. DJ Johnson is expected to earn additional pass-rushing opportunities until Clowney is healthy enough to return.

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Fred Warner Oct 6 3:00pm CT
Fred Warner

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. However, the expectation entering gameday was that Warner would be able to play. Indeed, he'll suit up ahead of a divisional battle at home. Warner has been phenomenal as always, contributing 27 tackles, three forced fumbles, two interceptions, one sack, and one touchdown through four games. He remains a top option in IDP fantasy leagues.

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Devin Singletary Oct 6 2:40pm CT
Devin Singletary

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (groin) is officially inactive for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks. He practiced in a limited capacity on Friday but ultimately entered this weekend listed as doubtful. The 27-year-old had produced 221 rushing yards, 72 receiving yards, and two touchdowns through four games this season. Rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. projects to be the Giants' top running back on Sunday, ranking as an RB3/FLEX in fantasy football. Eric Gray should also see increased opportunities out of the backfield, but he's only a relevant fantasy option in deep leagues.

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Christian Watson Oct 6 2:30pm CT
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (ankle) is officially inactive for Week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams. He had been listed as doubtful after missing practice on Friday. Injuries have been an issue for the talented 25-year-old, who has now missed nine of his last 22 games. Green Bay suddenly finds itself shorthanded at wide receiver with both Watson and Romeo Doubs (suspension) sidelined for Week 5. Look for the Packers to lean on Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Bo Melton, and Tucker Kraft in the passing game on Sunday. Of that group, Reed has the most fantasy appeal. Watson will look to get healthy in time for Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals.

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Luke Musgrave Oct 6 2:30pm CT
Luke Musgrave

Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave (ankle) is officially active for Week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams. He had been listed as questionable and was a true game-time decision. In the end, Musgrave will suit up, but it's worth noting that previous reports suggest he'll have a limited role on Sunday. As a result, we can expect to see a larger dose of Tucker Kraft than usual. Fresh off a big Week 4 with six catches, 53 yards, and a touchdown, Kraft finds himself in the low-end TE1 tier. On the other hand, Musgrave is droppable in most fantasy leagues.

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Bo Nix Oct 6 2:30pm CT
Bo Nix

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (ankle) is officially active for Week 5 against the Denver Broncos. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of kickoff. Indeed, Crosby will suit up after missing just one game due to injury. He has 14 tackles and three sacks through three contests this year. The 27-year-old is a game-wrecker who will look to disrupt Bo Nix and the Denver offense on Sunday.

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Josh Newton Oct 6 2:30pm CT
Josh Newton

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dax Hill (knee) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. Hill exited in the first half and was ruled out very quickly, suggesting his injury could be serious. At the time of his departure, the 24-year-old had logged one tackle. The Bengals were already without Mike Hilton (knee) heading into this game, so the departure of Hill figures to create more opportunities for depth defenders Jalen Davis and Josh Newton.

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Xavier Legette Oct 6 2:20pm CT
Xavier Legette

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (shoulder) exited during the first half of Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears and is officially questionable to return. At the time of his departure, Legette had caught his only target for an eight-yard gain through the air. Carolina is already short-staffed in the passing game with Adam Thielen (hamstring) and Tommy Tremble (concussion) sidelined, so losing Legette is far from ideal. Jonathan Mingo projects to earn more opportunities until Legette can return to the mix.

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