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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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Player Notes
Raheem Mostert Oct 4 6:00pm CT
Raheem Mostert

Miami Dolphins running backs Raheem Mostert (chest) and Jeff Wilson Jr. (knee) have both been cleared to play in Week 5 on Sunday against the division-rival New England Patriots. Mostert has been out of action since the season-opening win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday before being taken off the final injury report after a full practice on Friday. Fantasy managers should be hesitant to use Mostert as a flex play unless they are desperate, though, as head coach Mike McDaniel said that the 32-year-old veteran would likely have his snaps scaled back in his first game back. On top of the expected limited workload, Miami's offense will have far less upside altogether for as long as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) remains sidelined. Miami will likely mix in Mostert and rookie Jaylen Wright behind starter De'Von Achane against New England.

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Deshaun Watson Oct 4 6:00pm CT
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has struggled for a good portion of the 2024 season, throwing for just 727 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions through four games. He has a good chance to bounce back, however, in Week 5's road matchup against the Washington Commanders. Washington's defense has struggled against quarterbacks this season, allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. Watson's play has been up-and-down this year but he has a shot at posting his best fantasy outing of the season in Week 5 thanks to his opponent. Fantasy gamers can treat him as a high-end QB2 on Sunday.

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Dontayvion Wicks Oct 4 6:00pm CT
Dontayvion Wicks

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks is set to start for the team as they head west to Los Angeles and SoFi Stadium to take on the Rams in Week 5. Wicks smashed last week in the Packers' rally that fell short against the Vikings, with five receptions, 78 yards and two touchdowns. After finishing as the overall WR3 last week, Wicks is looking for an encore and he'll have a clearer runway to do just that. Romeo Doubs (personal) and Christian Watson (ankle) are both listed as doubtful on the final injury report for the Packers, so Wicks will need to be relied upon by Jordan Love as a key component in the passing game. With the Rams allowing the second-most receiving yards per game to outside wide receivers, this matchup is a great one for Wicks. Slot him into your fantasy lineups as a low-end WR2 with clear WR1 upside in Week 5.

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Josh Jacobs Oct 4 5:50pm CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has a solid matchup on tap as the Packers head to SoFi Stadium to face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5. While Jacobs has been solid this season, he hasn't put up a top-20 fantasy finish in any of the four games he's played this season despite plenty of opportunity. Jacobs is also looking to get into the scoring column, as he hasn't scored a touchdown this season either. Despite the Packers' willingness to give fellow running back Emanuel Wilson more and more opportunity, Jacobs has a great matchup as the Rams are one of the worst defenses in football stopping the run, as they're 31st in DVOA against the run. Positive regression is on Jacobs' side here, so fire up Jacobs as a low-end fantasy RB1 in this excellent matchup.

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Jayden Reed Oct 4 5:50pm CT
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed has a beautiful matchup on tap as the Packers travel west to face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5. Last week, Reed put up a WR2 overall week with 139 receiving on seven receptions, adding a touchdown grab in the Packers' comeback bid that fell short to the Vikings. In fact, in the two games Reed has played with quarterback Jordan Love, he's been overall WR1 in Week 1 and WR2 last week. The Packers may also be down a couple of receivers as Romeo Doubs (personal) and Christian Watson (ankle) are both listed as doubtful on the injury report, leaving Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Tucker Kraft as the primary pass-catchers for Love and the Packers. Lock in Reed as a fantasy WR1 in an exploitable matchup against the Rams this week.

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Tucker Kraft Oct 4 5:40pm CT
Tucker Kraft

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft is trending upwards for the Packers and with Luke Musgrave (ankle) not having logged any practice time this week, Kraft should be in line for a massive workload as the Packers face the Rams in Week 5. Last week, Kraft ran more routes per dropback (86%) than he has all season and came away with his best fantasy performance of the season, finishing overall TE1 on the week. After a 6-53-1 line against the Vikings, Kraft should be ready to go against the Rams, a defense that allows the highest catch rate to the tight end position. Not to mention that Romeo Doubs (personal) and Christian Watson (ankle) are both doubtful, and the target tree is likely condensed even further. Kraft is a TE1 this week and a worthy fantasy start in the majority of leagues.

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Anthony Richardson Oct 4 5:40pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (concussion) is listed as questionable for Week 5 against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts. In addition to Hines-Allen, linebackers Yasir Abdullah and Devin Lloyd and safeties Darnell Savage (quadriceps) and Daniel Thomas (hamstring) are questionable. Hines-Allen missed practice on Wednesday but was listed as limited on Thursday and Friday, so he's at least progressing through the league's concussion protocol. He still needs to be cleared by an independent neurologist in order to play on Sunday. Fantasy managers in IDP leagues need to have a backup plan in place in case the 27-year-old pass-rusher doesn't get the green light. The Jags defense/special teams unit hasn't moved the needle in fantasy in 2024, but they could be a streaming option in deeper leagues with running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) out and quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) questionable.

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Greg Zuerlein Oct 4 5:40pm CT
Greg Zuerlein

New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein will head to London to take on the Minnesota Vikings in London in Week 5. Zuerlein has been a bit erratic of late, having missed two of his six attempts over the past two games. He will look to get back on track but he may have a hard time against a Vikings defense that is allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing kickers this season. To make matters worse, the Jets offense plays slow and hasn't been very high-scoring this season, which has limited Zuerlein's attempts. He settles in outside the top-20 fantasy kickers this weekend.

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Brian Robinson Jr. Oct 4 5:30pm CT
Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) was officially listed as questionable for the Week 5 contest against the Cleveland Browns. Robinson popped up on the injury report this week and was unable to practice on Wednesday and Thursday. However, he returned to the field with a limited practice on Friday to give himself a chance to play this weekend. He's expected to be a game-time decision, but the good news is he's "trending in the right direction" to be active, and we'll know whether he's active or not before the first slate of games kicks off on Sunday. Austin Ekeler is returning after a one-game absence due to a concussion, so if Robinson is active against Cleveland, he'll definitely have more competition for touches, making him more of an RB3/flex in fantasy. If B-Rob is inactive, expect Jeremy McNichols, who scored two rushing touchdowns last week, to split the backfield with Ekeler.

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Tank Bigsby Oct 4 5:30pm CT
Tank Bigsby

Jacksonville Jaguars running backs Travis Etienne Jr. (shoulder) and Tank Bigsby (shoulder) were both limited in practice all week and have been removed from the final injury report for Week 5 on Friday. They will both be active on Sunday to take on the division-rival Indianapolis Colts. Even though Bigsby is coming off his best game of the year in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Houston Texans, Etienne should be considered a strong RB2 choice for fantasy lineups with Etienne cleared to play. Etienne has averaged 4.6 yards per carry for 214 yards and two rushing touchdowns on 47 carries through the first four weeks, also catching 10 of his 15 targets for 48 yards in the air. He will continue to be Jacksonville's primary RB, but Bigsby may be a thorn in his side all year long as the Jaguars look to give Bigsby a bigger role.

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Maxx Crosby Oct 4 5:20pm CT
Maxx Crosby

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (ankle), who missed the first game of his career in the Week 4 win over the Cleveland Browns, is listed as questionable for Week 5 against the division-rival Denver Broncos on Sunday. Crosby missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday but returned to a limited session on Friday, giving him a chance to play this weekend. Cornerback Decamerion Richardson (hamstring), safety Trey Taylor (knee) and linebacker Luke Masterson (knee) have been ruled out, while linebackers Divine Deablo (oblique) and Kana'i Mauga (calf) are questionable. Fantasy managers in IDP fantasy formats will want to return Crosby to their starting lineups if he's active, but he's not a lock to return against Denver. Against a shaky Broncos offense and a rookie QB, the Raiders D/ST is on the streaming radar this weekend, regardless of Crosby's status.

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Michael Mayer Oct 4 5:20pm CT
Michael Mayer

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (personal) missed practice all week and has been ruled out for the Week 5 contest on the road in Denver against the division-rival Broncos. Mayer left the team to tend to a personal matter last week, so this will be his second straight absence. It's bad timing for the 23-year-old, too, with receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) also missing a second straight game. He has taken a clear back seat to impressive rookie Brock Bowers at the position through his first three games in 2024, with Mayer catching only four of his seven targets for 21 yards and no touchdowns. Bowers disappointed last week with Adams and Mayer out, but he's a weekly TE1 play for fantasy managers. With Mayer out again this week, Harrison Bryant should have a bigger role once again behind Bowers. Bryant isn't worth starting in fantasy.

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Jordan Love Oct 4 5:20pm CT
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) was limited in practice on Wednesday but turned in two full practices on Thursday and Friday and was not on the final injury report heading into Week 5's matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. Love's first game since a knee injury in Week 1 was excellent, as he shook off some early rust and ended up with 389 yards and four touchdowns as the Packers rallied but ultimately came up short against the Vikings in Week 4. That kind of passing volume was great to see and bodes well for the team going forward. The Rams have allowed the third-most passing touchdowns (8), which is a plus matchup for Love and the Packers. Love makes for an easily startable option at quarterback in what should be a fantasy-friendly matchup.

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Davante Adams Oct 4 5:10pm CT
Davante Adams

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) has officially been ruled out for Week 5 against the division-rival Denver Broncos on Sunday after missing practice all week. Adams injured his hamstring last week and also missed the Week 4 win over the Cleveland Browns. His hamstring injury isn't considered too serious, but Adams is likely to sit out for the Raiders until he's traded, with him reportedly angling to be dealt to the New York Jets so that he can reunite with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Fantasy managers have to keep him benched and hope the Raiders can work out a trade to send him out of town sooner than later. With the 31-year-old out this week and likely not playing against for the Raiders, Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker and DJ Turner would start in three-receiver sets. Tucker is only rostered in 17% of Yahoo leagues. He has WR4/flex appeal in deeper leagues in Week 5.

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Zamir White Oct 4 5:10pm CT
Zamir White

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (groin) was considered doubtful to play in Week 5 against the division-rival Denver Broncos on Sunday, but he's now officially been ruled out after missing practice all week. The disappointing White is probably being dropped in shallower fantasy formats after disappointing through the first three weeks and now sitting out. Head coach Antonio Pierce already said after the Week 4 win over the Cleveland Browns that Alexander Mattison has deserved more touches in the backfield moving forward. Mattison will get his chance as the unquestioned lead back this weekend, albeit in a matchup against a Broncos defense that has been surprisingly strong so far in 2024. Behind Mattison, Ameer Abdullah and rookie Dylan Laube will back him up. With White officially out, Mattison jumps into RB3/flex territory for fantasy managers.

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Cooper Kupp Oct 4 5:10pm CT
Cooper Kupp

The Green Bay Packers defense and special teams unit heads west to play the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5 and could be a solid unit to start in fantasy this week. The Rams' offense has been decimated by injury with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua this season, whittling the pass-catchers down to Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell, and Jordan Whittington at wide receiver. This should be a plus matchup for the Packers as they have been opportunistic, to say the least. Green Bay has been a top-14 fantasy D/ST in every game they've played this season and has averaged two interceptions, one fumble recovery, and just over four sacks per game as a unit. In a plus matchup, the Packers are definitely startable in fantasy given how they've performed so far.

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Brayden Narveson Oct 4 5:00pm CT
Brayden Narveson

Green Bay Packers kicker Brayden Narveson was a top-10 fantasy kicker through the first three weeks of the season, going 9-of-11 in field goal attempts while making each of his six extra-point attempts. In Week 4, the wheels fell off last week against the Vikings. Narveson missed both field goal attempts on the afternoon but converted on all three extra-point attempts in the Packers' furious comeback bid that fell short. The Packers did not release Narveson after his lackluster performance as he got a vote of confidence from head coach Matt LaFleur, but the leash on Narveson can't be too long heading into Week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams. Even with a quartet of teams on bye this week, there are safer, less volatile options as your fantasy kicker than Narveson.

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Zach Ertz Oct 4 4:50pm CT
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz tallied a season-low 22 yards in their Week 4 victory over the Arizona Cardinals but remains a solid low-end TE1 this weekend. Throughout the early part of the season, the veteran tight end has seen at least three targets in every game and averaged 7.5 PPR points. He caught a season-high 62 yards in Week 2, and a season-high five catches the following week. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels continues to improve as a passer every week, and all Washington pass catchers should eventually benefit from this. With several top options at the position on their byes (Dallas Goedert and Sam LaPorta) this week, Ertz is worth a look as he could see an uptick in opportunities with Noah Brown (groin) ruled out.

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Austin Seibert Oct 4 4:50pm CT
Austin Seibert

Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert has remained perfect since moving to the DMV and has now entered streaming territory in Week 5. Seibert started his Washington career in an impressive manner, going 7-for-7 against the New York Giants. Over the past two weeks, Seibert has not been called upon as often, but still went a perfect 3-for-3 on attempts and 9-for-9 on extra points. The Commanders offense has looked quite impressive over the past two weeks and, as a result, has put Seibert in several scoring opportunities. The Commanders may struggle to find the end zone, facing a tough Cleveland Browns defense, making Seibert a sneaky streaming option.

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Jayden Daniels Oct 4 4:40pm CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels should be viewed as a high-end QB1 this weekend as he faces the Cleveland Browns. Since losing the first game of the season, the former number-two overall pick has led Washington to three straight victories. During this stretch, Daniels has averaged 24.2 PPR points per game with an average of 237 passing yards and 43 rushing yards. He has found the end zone five times (three through the air and twice with his legs) and has only turned the ball over once. Given his current performance, he should be locked into all lineups despite the difficult matchup against the Browns, who have allowed the seventh-fewest points to opposing QBs.

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