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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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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 5

Player Notes
Travis Etienne Oct 2 4:50pm CT
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (shoulder) is on the team's Week 5 injury report after being limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Fellow RB Tank Bigsby (shoulder) was also listed as limited. Etienne injured his shoulder in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Houston Texans before eventually returning, but it led to a bigger role for Bigsby, who had seven carries for a season-high 90 yards on the ground. The 25-year-old Etienne had 11 carries for 50 yards and caught one pass for 10 yards. Both RBs should be available to play in Week 5 versus the division-rival Indianapolis Colts, but Bigsby's efficient performance last week could lead Jacksonville to give him a bigger piece of the backfield pie as the Jags look for their first win of 2024. Etienne should be viewed as an RB2 in fantasy, with Bigsby becoming a more appealing RB3/flex in deeper formats.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Oct 2 4:50pm CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) was able to put in a limited practice on Wednesday. Njoku is slowly working his way back from a high-ankle sprain that he suffered in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Njoku hasn't played in a game since, but he could be tracking toward his return in Week 5 this Sunday to face the Washington Commanders. The Browns coaching staff still wants to see a little more out of Njoku in practice the rest of the week before clearing him, so fantasy managers will need to continue monitoring his progress before throwing him back into starting lineups as a low-end TE1 in what has been a mediocre Browns offense to this point. Backup Jordan Akins hasn't been an answer for fantasy managers as a streamer the last three weeks, as he's caught just six passes for 49 yards and no scores in the three games that Njoku has missed.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Oct 2 4:40pm CT
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. Engram injured his hamstring before the Week 2 contest and hasn't played since. However, the fact that he's back on the practice field should at least give him a shot to play this weekend in a divisional contest against the Indianapolis Colts. Engram will likely need to put in a full practice later this week to avoid a questionable tag on Friday. The 30-year-old caught just one of his four targets for a five-yard gain in the season-opening loss to the Miami Dolphins. When he returns, Engram should become a bigger part of Jacksonville's offense as they look for their first win of the season. Backup Brenton Strange has caught eight of his 14 targets for 96 yards and one touchdown in an elevated role the last three weeks with Engram sidelined.

From RotoBaller

Tank Dell Oct 2 4:30pm CT
Tank Dell

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (chest) was listed as limited in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Dell is reportedly expected to return in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills this Sunday after missing the Week 4 win over the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. The fact that the 24-year-old is already back at practice is a great sign. Through the first four weeks of his second year in the NFL, Dell has been the clear No. 3 wideout in Houston behind Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs, which has limited his fantasy upside considerably as a WR4/flex. The former third-rounder in 2023 out of Houston has nine catches on 17 targets for 99 yards and no scores through his first three games in 2024. The Week 5 contest against Buffalo lines up as a potential shootout, so Dell will have boom/bust appeal if he returns on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Oct 2 4:20pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Updating a previous report, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (abdomen, oblique) was officially limited in Wednesday's practice. Richardson said he wasn't going to practice earlier on Wednesday, but he was just referencing the team portions of practice. Head coach Shane Steichen said Richardson wouldn't necessarily need to practice in order to play in Week 5 against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. The fact that the 22-year-old is practicing at all in the first session of the week is good news for his status this weekend. The second-year signal-caller was injured in the Week 4 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and had veteran Joe Flacco replace him. After a tough start to his second year in the NFL in 2024, including a league-high six picks, the dual-threat QB has fallen to fringe QB1/2 territory. The good news is he has a great matchup on tap if he's cleared to play in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Mostert Oct 2 4:20pm CT
Raheem Mostert

Miami Dolphins running backs Raheem Mostert (chest) and Jeff Wilson Jr. (knee) were both limited in practice on Wednesday. Mostert injured his chest in the Week 1 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and hasn't played since despite being limited in practice all of last week as well. As long as he doesn't suffer a setback this week, though, Mostert should have a good chance to return on Sunday in Week 5 against the division-rival New England Patriots. The 32-year-old doesn't offer a ton of flex appeal for fantasy managers behind De'Von Achane and now that Miami's offense is being run by quarterback Tyler Huntley for at least one more week. Wilson hurt his knee in pre-game warmups before Monday's loss to the Titans and played only two offensive snaps as a result. The 28-year-old should be available this Sunday but is well off the radar for starting fantasy lineups, especially if Mostert comes back in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Keaton Mitchell Oct 2 4:10pm CT
Keaton Mitchell

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said that running back Keaton Mitchell (knee) is "right on schedule" and is expected to play at some point this year. "It's impossible to put a timetable on it exactly right now. He isn't close enough yet to talk about it," Harbaugh said when asked when Mitchell could be activated off the Physically Unable to Perform list. The 22-year-old began the year on the PUP list after suffering a torn left ACL last year. He has already missed the first four games of the year and isn't anywhere near a return, so fantasy managers in shallow formats can probably continue to let him ride the waiver wire. Barring a setback, Mitchell may not make his season debut until November, and when he does, he may be no better than the RB3 behind Derrick Henry and Justice Hill in the backfield. Mitchell averaged an eye-opening 8.4 yards per carry in eight games in his rookie year in 2023 and is a strong dynasty/keeper stash.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Oct 2 4:00pm CT
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) logged a limited practice session on Wednesday, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Earlier in the week, head coach Mike Tomlin expressed that he hopes to get the veteran QB through more work during practice. If Wilson continues to progress well he could officially be active as the backup quarterback as Justin Fields has claimed the starting role. Through the first four weeks of the season, the former Super Bowl champion has served as the emergency QB behind Kyle Allen. Fantasy managers in 1QB leagues should leave Wilson on the waiver wire, but superflex managers in deeper leagues should consider stashing Wilson for now, as he could find his way onto the field later in the season.

From RotoBaller

Brian Robinson Jr. Oct 2 4:00pm CT
Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) did not participate in Wednesday's practice due to a knee injury. The Alabama product did not show any sign of an injury during their Week 4 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Robinson's status throughout the week ahead of their matchup against the Cleveland Browns. The 25-year-old has enjoyed an excellent start to the season, as he has found the end zone in all but one game and averaged 15.9 PPR points. No. 2 running back Austin Ekeler (concussion), who did not suit up last week, was a limited participant on Wednesday and remains questionable for this weekend. If both running backs were to miss this weekend's game, Jeremy McNichols could be in line to lead the backfield. McNichols is coming off a career game where he totaled 68 yards on the ground with two scores.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Oct 2 3:50pm CT
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (knee) did not practice on Wednesday, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Warren did not suit up in Week 4 due to an ankle injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Warren's status throughout the week. Warren suffered a hamstring strain before the season opener and was limited in the first week of the season. However, in Week 2, Warren returned to his regular role in splitting work with Najee Harris, totaling 61 all-purpose yards. In addition, No.3 running back Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. Najee Harris should see a heavy workload if Warren and Patterson miss Sunday's match against the Dallas Cowboys and would be a high-end RB2 simply off potential volume.

From RotoBaller

Dameon Pierce Oct 2 3:40pm CT
Dameon Pierce

Houston Texans running backs Joe Mixon (ankle) and Dameon Pierce (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. Mixon suffered an ankle injury during Week 2 and has not returned to the field since. Pierce suffered a hamstring injury following Week 1 and has also remained sidelined. As a result, Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale have served as the top backs over the past two weeks. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Mixon's and Pierce's status before their Week 5 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Even though Akers has averaged just 37 yards on the ground while serving as the starter, he could be a solid flex option if Mixon and Pierce remain out this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Oct 2 3:30pm CT
Diontae Johnson

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) is expected to play this week despite not practicing on Wednesday, according to Darin Gantt of the Carolina Panthers. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring Johnson's status throughout the week, but this is a promising sign that the team is exercising caution with their No.1 pass catcher. The 28-year-old has put his slow start behind him as he has caught at least seven passes and averaged 102.5 yards over the past two weeks with Andy Dalton under center. Johnson has also found the endzone in each of these games. If Johnson is able to suit up as expected on Sunday, he should be viewed as a solid WR2 facing the Chicago Bears.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Shakir Oct 2 3:20pm CT
Khalil Shakir

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday due to an ankle injury. The 24-year-old did not show any signs of a previous injury during their Week 4 match against the Baltimore Ravens. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the injury report throughout the week. Shakir has operated as the No.1 option for Josh Allen in the Buffalo passing attack, as he has averaged 4.5 receptions with 57.5 yards per game. He caught a season-high six passes with 72 yards and a score in Week 3 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. If Shakir were to miss Sunday's game, tight end Dalton Kincaid and wideouts Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, and Mack Hollins could see an increase in targets.

From RotoBaller

Ray-Ray McCloud Oct 2 3:10pm CT
Ray-Ray McCloud

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III (ankle) logged a full practice on Wednesday and does not carry an injury designation ahead of Thursday's tilt against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McCloud was a limited participant on Monday and Tuesday due to an ankle injury but was able to practice in full on Wednesday, suggesting the injury was minor. Last week, McCloud caught a season-high six passes for 52 yards and ran a season-high 31 routes. Fantasy managers should view the 27-year-old as a WR3 with upside, as he has begun to have a significant role in the Atlanta passing attack. DFS players should consider using McCloud as a flex play, as he should be on the field quite often.

From RotoBaller

Bijan Robinson Oct 2 3:00pm CT
Bijan Robinson

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (hamstring) is off the injury report and will suit up on Thursday evening when the Falcons face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Robinson was limited during Monday's and Tuesday's practice sessions due to a hamstring injury, but seeing that he does not carry an injury designation into Thursday's game suggests the injury was not serious. Fantasy managers should feel confident slotting Robinson into their lineup as a high-end RB1. The 22-year-old has had a slow start to the season, averaging just 14.2 PPR points per game, but has an excellent opportunity to get back on track on Thursday as the Buccaneers have allowed the 24th-most points to opposing running backs.

From RotoBaller

Cordarrelle Patterson Oct 2 2:53pm CT
Cordarrelle Patterson

Pittsburgh Steelers RB Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 2.

Fantasy Spin: Patterson was productive in Week 4 before the injury, so fantasy players can keep an eye on his status during the week. He will see some touches if he is cleared to play in Week 5 but can be avoided in most leagues.

From TheHuddle

Russell Wilson Oct 2 2:53pm CT
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson (calf) was limited during practice Wednesday, Oct. 2.

Fantasy Spin: Wilson is believed to be making progress in his recovery, but he probably will continue to be sidelined as long as Justin Fields is playing well. He could start for the Steelers at some point this season but should be avoided for now.

From TheHuddle

Ray-Ray McCloud Oct 2 2:43pm CT
Ray-Ray McCloud

Atlanta Falcons LB Troy Andersen (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 2, and has been ruled out for Week 5. RB Jase McClellan (illness) was limited during practice and is listed as questionable. WR Ray-Ray McCloud (ankle) and OT Kaleb McGary (knee) fully participated in practice and are not on the injury report.

From TheHuddle

Davante Adams Oct 2 2:33pm CT
Davante Adams

Las Vegas Raiders WR Davante Adams sees the New York Jets as one of his preferred destinations if he traded because of his familiarity with QB Aaron Rodgers, according to sources.

Fantasy Spin: Adams was linked to the Jets during the offseason, so this could be a possibility before the trade deadline. He would still see plenty of targets if he joined the Jets and would still be a starting option in all fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Davante Adams Oct 2 2:33pm CT
Davante Adams

Las Vegas Raiders WR Davante Adams sees the New Orleans Saints as one of his preferred destinations if he traded because of his familiarity with QB Derek Carr, according to sources.

Fantasy Spin: The Saints probably are a longshot for Adams because they do not have much salary cap space available, but fantasy players can keep an eye on the situation. He has shown a good connection in the past with Carr and could be a starting option in all leagues if he moved to the Saints.

From TheHuddle