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FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

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
Davante Adams Sep 27 6:00pm CT
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Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (Achilles, foot, thigh) has been cleared to play in Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders and wasn't listed on the final injury report on Friday. It's clear that Garrett isn't 100 percent healthy and may not be at all the rest of the year, but he's going to play through his injuries for now. The All-Pro pass-rusher didn't practice on Wednesday, was limited on Thursday and was a full-go on Friday. The 28-year-old reportedly could eventually need surgery on his foot, but he'll be trying to put that off until the offseason. With a potential limited snap count, Garrett will be a more volatile IDP fantasy option. As long as he's on the field, though, he's worth starting in those fantasy formats, especially against a lackluster Raiders offense that will be missing their top receiver in Davante Adams (hamstring) in Week 4.

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Amari Cooper Sep 27 6:00pm CT
Amari Cooper

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper shook off a slow start to the season to catch two touchdowns in a Week 3 loss to the New York Giants. Cooper will look to do more damage in a road matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. The Raiders have been generous to fantasy wideouts in 2024, allowing the 10th-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. Cooper has been pretty boom/bust in this current iteration of the Cleveland offense but the matchup is good and he remains the No. 1 option in the passing attack for the Browns. Treat Cooper as a low-end WR2 heading into Week 4 against Las Vegas.

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Jerry Jeudy Sep 27 6:00pm CT
Jerry Jeudy

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy was quiet in a Week 3 loss, catching just four passes for 27 yards. He will look to bounce back in a road matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. The Raiders represent a plus matchup for Jeudy as they are allowing the 10th-most fantasy points per game to wideouts through three games. That being said, the Cleveland passing attack has looked rough at times this season and Amari Cooper reminded everyone why he's the top receiver in town with seven catches for 86 yards and two touchdowns last week. Jeudy can be treated as a low-end flex option heading into Week 4.

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D'Onta Foreman Sep 27 5:50pm CT
D'Onta Foreman

Cleveland Browns running back D'Onta Foreman has been tough to predict through three games. The veteran saw just one snap in Week 1 then led the Cleveland backfield with 14 carries in Week 2. In Week 3 he was back to being an afterthought with just two carries in a loss to the New York Giants. Foreman will look for a larger share of the workload in a road matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. The Raiders have been a great matchup for running backs this season, allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to the position through three games. The unpredictable nature of Foreman's workload on a weekly basis leaves him as a low-end flex option who has a very high risk of busting. He's best left on fantasy benches in Week 4.

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Jerome Ford Sep 27 5:50pm CT
Jerome Ford

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (knee) has been cleared to play in Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday after putting in a full practice on Friday. Ford was held out of practice on Wednesday, creating some uncertainty about his status this week, but he returned to a limited session the following day. Fellow RB Pierre Strong Jr. (hamstring) missed practice all week and will be held out again this weekend. The Browns have involved D'Onta Foreman some, but Ford remains the team's lead back for as long as Nick Chubb (knee) remains out. The 25-year-old Ford has 39 total touches for 203 yards and one touchdown through three games in 2024 and will enter the Week 4 contest in Vegas as an RB3/flex play for fantasy managers against a banged-up Raiders defense. The Raiders defense has been extremely vulnerable on the ground early on, so Ford has considerable upside in this matchup this week.

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Sam Darnold Sep 27 5:40pm CT
Sam Darnold

The Green Bay Packers' defense and special teams unit will draw a tough assignment as they head home to face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4. The Packers were able to tee off on Will Levis and the Tennessee Titans to the tune of eight sacks, two interceptions, a fumble recovery, and a touchdown in Week 3 as the top-scoring fantasy defense on the week. With the Vikings heading to town riding the hot hand of Sam Darnold, plus Justin Jefferson, former Packer Aaron Jones, and the return of Jordan Addison, the Vikings will be a tall order to stop on all fronts. Look for the Packers to have some success but ultimately, be a middling option on the week for fantasy lineups.

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Alvin Kamara Sep 27 5:40pm CT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hip, ribs) is officially listed as questionable to play in Week 4 against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. Kamara started out the week with a DNP on Wednesday before he was limited in practice on both Thursday and Friday. The fact that the 29-year-old got in two straight days of practice puts him on the right side of questionable leading into Sunday's divisional clash, but fantasy managers will still want to check the Sunday morning inactives list to be sure. If Kamara is out or limited at all, it will mean more work for backup Jamaal Williams. Kamara, who has been a big part of the Saints' offense through three weeks, could see even more work through the air if he suits up and receiver Chris Olave (hamstring). Tight end Taysom Hill is another option for backfield work if Kamara is inactive this week. If active, Kamara needs to be started in all fantasy lineups as a clear-cut RB1.

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Deshaun Watson Sep 27 5:40pm CT
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson struggled in a home loss to the New York Giants in Week 3, throwing two touchdown passes but getting sacked eight times on 37 pass attempts. He will look to get back on track in a road game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. The Raiders have been relatively generous to opposing quarterbacks so far this season, allowing the 11th-most fantasy points per game to the position. That being said, Watson hasn't done much to inspire confidence in him in fantasy this season, throwing just three touchdowns and two interceptions through three games. Still looking for his first 200-yard passing game this season, Watson should be on benches in fantasy as a low-end QB2 heading into Week 4's matchup.

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Brock Purdy Sep 27 5:30pm CT
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San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams (toe) is listed as questionable for the Week 4 contest against the visiting New England Patriots on Sunday, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Williams was also under the weather this week. He did not practice on Wednesday, was a full-go on Thursday and missed another practice on Friday, leading to his questionable tag. Williams' toe became sore on Thursday and was bothering him again on Friday. The 36-year-old's status heading into Sunday's contest is worth watching, mainly for quarterback Brock Purdy against an underrated Patriots defense. Purdy's blind-side protection would be a big downgrade if Williams, an 11-time Pro Bowler, is unable to suit up this Sunday. Williams held out for the entirety of training camp and the preseason before striking a long-term extension with the Niners just before Week 1 of the regular season.

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Brayden Narveson Sep 27 5:30pm CT
Brayden Narveson

Green Bay Packers kicker Brayden Narveson has been excellent for the Packers and looks to keep his good fortune going as Green Bay hosts the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4. Narveson has booted home three field goals in every game this season and has been a top-10 fantasy kicker in each week as well. With Jordan Love (knee) possibly returning in Week 4, Narveson's outlook also gets a bump up as the Packers' offense should have more opportunities to score or get into the opponent's end of the field. With Narveson kicking well and averaging double-digit fantasy points per game this season, he's perfectly capable of being a solid contributor at kicker in fantasy lineups for Week 4's game in Green Bay against the Vikings.

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Dameon Pierce Sep 27 5:30pm CT
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Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) missed practice all week and has officially been ruled out for the Week 4 contest on Sunday against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. The Texans were saying earlier this week that Pierce was making progress from his hamstring injury and was close to returning, but that won't happen this week. The 24-year-old will miss his third straight game after being injured in the Week 1 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Joe Mixon (ankle) is questionable and is danger of missing a second straight game as well, so Houston could be forced to use Cam Akers as their lead back once again. If Mixon is inactive on Sunday, Akers can be plugged in as an RB3/flex for fantasy managers looking for help at the position. Pierce's next chance to return will be in a Week 5 meeting against the Buffalo Bills.

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Tucker Kraft Sep 27 5:20pm CT
Tucker Kraft

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (shoulder) has turned in two consecutive full practices and is off of the injury report for Week 4 as the Packers head home to host the Minnesota Vikings. Kraft has been a minimal producer for fantasy purposes this season, with just four receptions this season, but Kraft is playing the majority of snaps and routes over fellow tight end Luke Musgrave in the Packers offense. With the tight end position in fantasy being the wasteland that it is, Kraft's outlook looks a lot better if Jordan Love (knee) returns as the starting quarterback even in a tougher matchup against the Vikings. Consider Kraft a low-end streamer at tight end this week against the Vikings this week.

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Jayden Reed Sep 27 5:10pm CT
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Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed should be plenty involved in Week 4 as the Packers head home to face the Minnesota Vikings. Reed has been the top fantasy option amongst the Packers' pass-catchers, even with Malik Willis at quarterback. Averaging 30 rushing yards per game this season in addition to his receiving workload, Reed has been a versatile option for fantasy managers as he's stuck in lineups with Willis starting. The Packers may get Jordan Love (knee) back under center, which would universally help the entire offensive ecosystem with ceiling and floor for fantasy purposes. Trust Reed as a low-end WR2 this week even in a tough matchup against the Vikings.

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George Kittle Sep 27 5:10pm CT
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San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (hamstring) is good to go and was removed from the final injury report for Week 4 against the New England Patriots on Sunday, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. The writing was on the wall for Kittle to return after a one-game absence in the Week 3 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Rams when he returned to practice on Wednesday. The fact that the 30-year-old isn't even on the final injury report means he should be available for a full complement of snaps this weekend. Fantasy managers everywhere need to return him to a starting lineup spot, especially with receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) potentially missing a second straight game with a calf strain. Kittle had a healthy 11 receptions on 13 targets for 116 yards and a touchdown in the first two weeks of the season. His return will surely boost quarterback Brock Purdy's prospects as a QB1 in fantasy this week.

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Romeo Doubs Sep 27 5:00pm CT
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs will face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4 and getting Jordan Love (knee) back at quarterback will be a huge coup for the Packers' pass-catchers, including Doubs. After a Week 3 where Doubs caught just one ball for 18 yards on two targets, Doubs has been a bit lost in the shuffle since Malik Willis has been quarterback over the past two weeks. A feather in his cap though is that Doubs routinely runs the highest percentage of routes per dropback amongst Packers wide receivers, so you know he's going to be on the field more than any other receiver. Consider Doubs a low-end flex option, even if Love returns under center for the Packers at home against the Vikings.

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Christian Watson Sep 27 4:50pm CT
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson will need some big plays to hit his fantasy ceiling in a tough matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Watson had his best production of the season, but it still wasn't enough to really warrant fantasy consideration as he caught two balls for 67 yards in Week 3 against the Tennessee Titans after being left without a target in Week 2. Watson's snaps are also of concern, as they've steadily decreased from Week 1 to Week 3 as he's been rotated with some of the other receivers for the Packers. A Jordan Love (knee) return from injury will help Watson's outlook immensely, but for Week 4 against the Vikings, Watson is merely a flex option that you're hoping catches a long touchdown.

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Luke McCaffrey Sep 27 4:40pm CT
Luke McCaffrey

Washington Commanders rookie wide receiver Luke McCaffrey had a career-best 44 yards in their Week 3 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals but should not be relied upon in any starting lineups this weekend. After catching three passes in the season opener, the Rice product was held off the scoresheet in Week 2. However, McCaffrey responded in Week 3 by logging the third-most snaps at the position and bringing in three passes. His best catch of the night came on a fourth down when quarterback Jayden Daniels found him for 30 yards. Fantasy managers should continue to view the third-round pick as a solid stash candidate. He could emerge as a consistent weapon in this offense later in the fall, but for now, he remains a high-risk play in DFS formats on Sunday.

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Austin Seibert Sep 27 4:40pm CT
Austin Seibert

Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert remained perfect through his Washington tenure on Monday night as he went 1-for-1 on field goal attempts and 5-for-5 on extra points. In his Commanders debut in Week 2, Seibert scored all of their points in a divisional win over the Giants, going a remarkable 7-for-7 on field goal attempts. Even though Seibert has spent time on several teams during his five-year career, he may have found a new home in the DMV. Given that their game against the Cardinals holds a high 50-point total, Seibert should have plenty of opportunities to put points on the board, which makes him an intriguing streaming option in deeper formats.

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Jayden Daniels Sep 27 4:40pm CT
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Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels enjoyed a breakout performance last week on Monday Night Football and looks to keep it rolling in the desert against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Last week, Daniels eclipsed 250 passing yards and threw for two scores for the first time in his career after relying primarily on his legs during the first two games of the campaign. With his incredible rushing ability, Daniels has scored over 30 PPR points twice. This week, he faces the Arizona Cardinals in a game with the highest point total of the week at 50, suggesting this could be a high-scoring affair and should open the door for significant fantasy opportunities. Daniels should be locked into all starting lineups and viewed as a high-end QB1.

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Josh Jacobs Sep 27 4:40pm CT
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Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has been solid all season but will face a stout Minnesota Vikings defense on Sunday at Lambeau Field. The Vikings are a top-seven in defensive EPA per rush. Having given up the sixth-fewest fantasy points to the running back position this season, Jacobs has a tall task ahead of him to carve out an RB1 week. That said, Jordan Love (knee) is questionable to return under center for the Packers, so the overall outlook on the Packers' chances against the Vikings is dramatically improved if Love is the quarterback. Jacobs' snaps have decreased in three straight weeks from 73% to 52%, but he is still firmly the workhorse in this backfield, even with Emanuel Wilson taking a handful of touches in the past week or two. Jacobs isn't quite an RB1 this week but is a solid RB2 in a tough matchup this week against Minnesota.

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