RB Strength of Schedule
Tue May 28 9:03am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Robinson setup for big season
Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the running back position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to running backs last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the running backs with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the running backs that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.
| RB SOS | ||
| 1. | Green Bay Packers | 356.01 |
| 2. | Houston Texans | 361.46 |
| 3. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 361.46 |
| 4. | Las Vegas Raiders | 361.48 |
| 5. | Seattle Seahawks | 362.28 |
| 6. | Buffalo Bills | 363.19 |
| 7. | Arizona Cardinals | 363.76 |
| 8. | Dallas Cowboys | 363.9 |
| 9. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 364.51 |
| 10. | Washington Commanders | 364.86 |
| 11. | Chicago Bears | 364.89 |
| 12. | Indianapolis Colts | 365.41 |
| 13. | San Francisco 49ers | 365.86 |
| 14. | New Orleans Saints | 366.49 |
| 15. | New York Jets | 368.23 |
| 16. | Detroit Lions | 368.49 |
| 17. | Philadelphia Eagles | 369.05 |
| 18. | Minnesota Vikings | 369.06 |
| 19. | Carolina Panthers | 369.88 |
| 20. | Cleveland Browns | 370.34 |
| 21. | Kansas City Chiefs | 371.71 |
| 22. | New York Giants | 372.21 |
| 23. | Los Angeles Chargers | 373.19 |
| 24. | Denver Broncos | 373.32 |
| 25. | Cincinnati Bengals | 373.66 |
| 26. | Los Angeles Rams | 374.09 |
| 27. | Baltimore Ravens | 374.16 |
| 28. | New England Patriots | 375.60 |
| 29. | Atlanta Falcons | 376.19 |
| 30. | Miami Dolphins | 377.49 |
| 31. | Tennessee Titans | 378.2 |
| 32. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 378.72 |
The two teams with the easiest fantasy schedules for running backs are the Steelers and Titans, which is interesting because both teams could platoon running backs. The Steelers split the work between Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. And the Titans are likely to use both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. All four backs could be setup for solid seasons with favorable schedules. It is always scary to take a back that might split work but seeing these positive schedules could make pulling the trigger on them a little easier come draft day. All four could be top flex plays for fantasy teams.
The Dolphins had huge success running the ball last year and could have similar solid production this season with the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs. Devon Achane is really looking good in year two. He is expected to get more work and likely lead the backfield in touches. Raheem Mostert had a career season last year and a great schedule but he carries a little more risk. He is 32 years old and now has rookie Jaylen Wright pushing him for playing time. Just something to keep in mind come draft day.
The Falcons are another team with a top-five favorable running back schedule, making Bijan Robinson a very intriguing pick this year. Robinson had a bit of a disappointing rookie season, but a new coaching staff and really favorable schedule make Robinson a huge breakout candidate. He is moving up draft rankings in a hurry and is capable of finishing first overall in fantasy running back scoring because of his skill set.
Rhamondre Stevenson is a possible rebound candidate. He was slowed by injury last year but is back healthy and with the fifth easiest schedule for running backs. Stevenson has shown in the past he can be a big-time fantasy back. Things are looking up for him this year, making him a good buy-low candidate.
The Packers had the easiest fantasy schedule for quarterbacks but get the toughest for running backs. This isn’t great news for new back Josh Jacobs. It is hard to bet against the productive back, though. You just might want to temper expectations for him this coming year. Jacobs could have a few down weeks, especially for his standards.
The Texans signed Joe Mixon to shore up their running back spot, but he carries some concerns. He wasn’t highly productive the last few seasons besides all his scores and now gets the second toughest schedule for running backs. Plus, the Texans are likely to be a pass heavy team, which could limit his workload a little. Mixon could end up being a boom or bust player.
Tampa also has a unfavorable fantasy schedule for running backs. Rachaad White had a big season last year but padded his numbers because of all his work in the passing game. That might be a similar scenario for him, having a tough time to run with this schedule. The positive for White is he is very good in the passing game. You have to worry about his rushing totals, though.
The Raiders haven’t really settled on a starting running back, but Zamir White is likely to get first shot at the job. That is great news for his fantasy value but the not so great news is his tough fantasy schedule. This could limit the ceiling of White a little. He has risk to begin with because it isn’t 100 percent certain he wins the job. This makes him a bit of a scary pick for fantasy teams.
Kenneth Walker didn’t have quite the breakout second season many hoped but was fairly productive with his work. And the good news is Zach Charbonnet didn’t really put a big dent in his workload. The Seahawks seem happy with Walker as the lead back. The unfortunate news for Walker is he has the fifth toughest fantasy running back schedule. Walker might fail to reach his lofty expectations once again in year three.
We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy running backs. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the running backs with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.
| RB PLAYOFF SOS | ||
| 1. | San Francisco 49ers | 291.43 |
| 2. | Washington Commanders | 325.2 |
| 3. | Houston Texans | 327.8 |
| 4. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 332.03 |
| 5. | New York Jets | 337.57 |
| 6. | Cleveland Browns | 340.8 |
| 7. | Las Vegas Raiders | 341.1 |
| 8. | Miami Dolphins | 348.27 |
| 9. | Chicago Bears | 350.37 |
| 10. | Buffalo Bills | 350.53 |
| 11. | Arizona Cardinals | 352.8 |
| 12. | Dallas Cowboys | 358.87 |
| 13. | Detroit Lions | 359.7 |
| 14. | New York Giants | 365.67 |
| 15. | Kansas City Chiefs | 366.53 |
| 16. | Green Bay Packers | 368.97 |
| 17. | Seattle Seahawks | 370.23 |
| 18. | Carolina Panthers | 377.15 |
| 19. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 378.37 |
| 20. | Los Angeles Chargers | 380.73 |
| 21. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 381 |
| 22. | Baltimore Ravens | 381.43 |
| 23. | Cincinnati Bengals | 383.50 |
| 24. | Philadelphia Eagles | 391.07 |
| 25. | New England Patriots | 397.95 |
| 26. | Indianapolis Colts | 398.40 |
| 27. | Denver Broncos | 399.53 |
| 28. | Tennessee Titans | 401.63 |
| 29. | Los Angeles Rams | 403.92 |
| 30. | New Orleans Saints | 406.33 |
| 31. | Minnesota Vikings | 407.87 |
| 32. | Atlanta Falcons | 422.4 |
There are two teams with a top-five favorable schedule for fantasy running backs for both the regular season and playoffs. Those teams are the Falcons and Titans. Atlanta actually has the easiest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. Robinson was looking good even before hearing this news but looks even better now. He is making a strong case to be the second running back off the board come draft day.
And Pollard and Spears are intriguing running back options with schedules that could produce big for both during the regular season and playoffs. You just have to worry about one back emerging to grab most of the work. If that happens, one of these backs could end up being a bust.
Minnesota has the second easiest playoff schedule for running backs. Aaron Jones has some injury concerns after the last few seasons, but he could be setup for a big workload with an unsettled quarterback situation in Minnesota. Jones has some good upside with his new team, especially during the playoffs.
One other team to mention for the playoff is New Orleans. Alvin Kamara isn’t getting any younger but remains the lead back and still productive. He still seems to have something left in the tank and could be a big fantasy factor for at least one more season, especially when it matters most in the playoffs. He could be a difference maker, having the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs.
Houston is the lone team in both the top five for the toughest regular season and playoff fantasy running back schedules. This is an obvious concern for Mixon. He is looking more and more like a player you might to avoid come draft day. He might have some big games along the way in this great offense, but you have to wonder about his consistency and playoff performance.
So the top rated fantasy back, Christian McCaffrey, also has the toughest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. You aren’t fading McCaffrey because of this. He is one of those rare backs that it doesn’t really matter who he plays. McCaffrey will produce. We still think he is the clear No. 1 fantasy back. He can still get it done in the playoffs.
Washington has Brian Robinson and Austin Ekekler likely splitting the work at running back, which hurts both their fantasy values. They also get the second most difficult playoff schedule for running backs. We wouldn’t reach too early for either back because of this.
The Steelers have the easiest fantasy running back schedule during the playoffs but fourth toughest for the playoffs. This is a tough one. Both backs have potential for good things, showing they can co-exist last year and produce well for fantasy teams. You just have to wonder if fading in the playoffs will make all that good work during the regular season all for nothing.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
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Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward (groin) is officially questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills with a groin issue. Ward also took a big hit in the opening play of the game, but he stayed in the game until the groin injury forced him to the sidelines. Eric Murray is the next safety on the depth chart, but Ward's status will be monitored as the game goes on. The Texans' defense has done a good job in the first half at limiting the Bills to just three points.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin turned in another productive game in a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5. Conklin caught six of his nine targets for 55 yards in the loss, ranking second on the team in catches and receiving yards while finishing third in targets. The veteran tight end has emerged as a quality part of the New York offense over the past, having caught 15 passes over that span. Working his way into the low-end TE1 conversation, Conklin will next take on the Buffalo Bills in Week 6's Monday night game.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard caught four of his 10 targets for 34 yards and a touchdown in a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5. Lazard finished second on the team in targets while hauling in his fourth receiving touchdown of the season as the Jets threw 54 times against a leaky Vikings secondary in the loss. The veteran wideout has emerged as one of Aaron Rodgers' favorite targets this season while playing a secondary role beside Garrett Wilson. Lazard remains on the map as a decent flex play in fantasy as the Jets will now gear up to take on the Buffalo Bills in Week 6's Monday night game.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams caught two of his four targets for 25 yards in a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5. Williams had been trending upward in the Jets offense over the past few weeks but he took a step back on a day where the team threw the ball 54 times against a leaky Minnesota secondary. The veteran wideout now has 10 catches for 145 scoreless yards over five games this season. He will look to carve out a larger role in his team's offense in Week 6's Monday night game against the Buffalo Bills.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets running back Braelon Allen carried the ball five times for 13 yards and added a 15-yard catch in a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London in Week 5. Allen and Breece Hall both struggled against a fierce Minnesota run defense in the loss while Aaron Rodgers dropped back to pass a season-high 54 times in the close loss. Allen has been quiet over the past two weeks, having run for 47 scoreless yards and catching just two passes over that span. The rookie running back remains a quality stash as a handcuff in fantasy moving forward but he can't be trusted as a flex option in starting lineups until the Jets get their running game back on track. Allen will face off against the Buffalo Bills in Week 6's Monday night game.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) won't play in the team's Week 5 contest while he deals with a hamstring issue, but as trade talks start to "ramp up," he's expected to be healthy by next week. Ian Rapoport says that his sources are telling him that Adams is already nearing full health and the Raiders are starting to get into some intense trade talks over the superstar wideout. So far, the New Orleans Saints have been the most aggressive, but the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers have been calling and making offers as well. However, his old friend Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets remain on the top of Adams' list. According to Rapoport, the deadline to get a deal done is Tuesday, so his trade status will be something to monitor over the next couple of days.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson caught 13 of his 22 targets for 101 yards and a touchdown in a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London in Week 5. Wilson easily set season highs across the board while drawing a ridiculous 22 targets against a leaky Minnesota secondary, although his 101 receiving yards still come in as a bit of a disappointment considering how much work he got. Wilson's touchdown came midway through the fourth quarter and put the Jets down just four points, but it wasn't enough as they were able to find the end zone again. Wilson will look to build upon his strong outing in Week 6's Monday night game against the Buffalo Bills.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets running back Breece Hall struggled for a second straight game in a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5 in London. Hall gained just 23 yards on nine carries while adding three catches for 14 yards in the close loss to Minnesota. The Jets opted for an extremely pass-heavy offense against a Vikings defense that has shut down opponents' running games but has struggled to slow the pass, which hurt Hall in the final box score. Hall has now run for just 27 scoreless yards over his past two games after scoring three times over the first three weeks of the season. Worth kicking the tires on as a buy-low this upcoming week, Hall will look to bounce back in Week 6's Monday night game against the Buffalo Bills.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (concussion) won't return to Sunday's matchup with the New England Patriots. He wasn't on the field long before suffering a concussion, so he'll finish the day with only three carries for 18 yards. With Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) on the shelf, the Dolphins can't afford any more injuries on that side of the ball. With that in mind, Raheem Mostert (chest), who returned for Week 5 after missing the fins' previous three games, will likely handle the bulk of the carries out of the backfield for the remainder of contest.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 29 of his 54 passes for 244 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions in a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London in Week 5. Rodgers threw a season-high 54 times as the Jets tried to take advantage of a leaky Minnesota pass defense but he also wound up throwing a season-high in interceptions along the way, including one that was returned 63 yards for a touchdown. The veteran quarterback did suffer a scare in the third quarter as he came up holding his left leg after taking a big hit but he ultimately didn't miss any snaps. He later told reporters that he suffered a sprained lower ankle. Now sitting on seven touchdowns and four interceptions through five games, Rodgers will begin preparing to take on the Buffalo Bills at home in Week 6's Monday night game.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) is questionable to return to Sunday's matchup with the Buffalo Bills. The wideout was on a roll before going down with a hamstring injury, catching two passes for 78 yards and a touchdown. There should be an update on his status soon. But in the meantime, Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell will remain the top receiving options for C.J. Stroud.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones (hip) rushed for 29 yards on seven carries against the New York Jets in Week 5 before he left the game because of a hip injury. He also caught one pass for 24 yards during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players will need to monitor Jones' practice participation this upcoming week to see if he has a chance to play in Week 6. He is a starting option in all fantasy leagues when healthy, but players will need other options ready in case he sits out.
From TheHuddle
According to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer, the Colts could get quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) back in the lineup for the Week 6 matchup with the Titans. The signal-caller suffered an oblique injury during the Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fortunately, Glazer indicated the injury isn't expected to keep him out for long. In the meantime, veteran Joe Flacco, who got the start in Week 5 versus Jacksonville, will operate under center and is worth adding to multi-quarterback fantasy formats as long as Richardson remains on the shelf.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets WR Mike Williams caught two passes for 25 yards against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5. He was targeted four times during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Williams has been eased back into the offense so far this season but has not been targeted more than five times in any game in 2024. He seems to be behind Allen Lazard on the depth chart and probably can be avoided in most leagues.
From TheHuddle
Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold went 14-for-31 for 179 yards, zero touchdowns and one interception against the New York Jets in Week 5. He also rushed for 11 yards on five carries during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Darnold was held without a touchdown for the first time this season and did not have much success during the second half of the game. He may be involved in a high scoring game against the Detroit Lions next week and could be a low-end No. 1 quarterback in some deeper leagues.
From TheHuddle
New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers completed 29-of-54 passes for 244 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions in Week 5 against the Minnesota Vikings.
Fantasy Spin: The Jets found themselves down 17-0 in the second quarter, which explains why Rodgers had to throw so often versus Minnesota. Rodgers' three interceptions were his most since a Week 9 loss to the Detroit Lions in the 2022 season, when he also threw three picks as a member of the Green Bay Packers. He will look to rebound from this performance in Week 7 versus the Buffalo Bills and should continue to be viewed as a QB2 option in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jack Conklin (hamstring) has been ruled out for the Week 5 contest on Sunday against the Washington Commanders, while left tackle Jedrick Wills (knee) is active. Conklin made some progress at practice this week, but he remains out of action and will be hoping to make his 2024 debut in Week 6 against the Philadelphia Eagles. The good news is the Browns' offensive line will get their left tackle back after he hurt his knee in Week 3 and was forced to sit out of the Week 4 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. The Browns' offense has been well below average through the first four weeks of the season, but they have an opportunity to be successful this weekend against a porous Commanders secondary. The return of Wills should be seen as good news for quarterback Deshaun Watson as they look to get back into the win column.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets star cornerback Sauce Gardner (head) was removed from the Week 5 game in London against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter and was being evaluated for a concussion. Gardner was taken to the locker room for evaluation and came back out onto the field. He has been on the sidelines with his helmet on but hasn't gone back into the game. The 24-year-old is most likely questionable to return. He injured himself while colliding with teammate Quincy Williams. If Gardner goes into the league's concussion protocol after this game, he'll be up in the air to face the division-rival Buffalo Bills in Week 6, although he'll also have extra time to recover. At this point with time winding down in the fourth quarter in London, it seems unlikely that Gardner will be allowed to return to the field. Before leaving, Gardner had just one tackle.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard (pectoral) is officially active for the Week 5 contest against the Houston Texans on Sunday. Bernard was listed as questionable to play with a pectoral injury, but he will be active as the Bills look to bounce back from a blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4. Cornerback Taron Johnson (forearm) and safety Taylor Rapp (concussion) have been ruled out, so an already thin Bills defense will have some question marks in their secondary against a strong Texans offense. Bernard will be returning to the field for the first time since suffering a pectoral injury in Week 2 against the division-rival Miami Dolphins. The 25-year-old has 11 combined tackles in his two games played and is back on the radar in IDP fantasy leagues now that he's back in action for Buffalo. The Bills' defense/special teams unit should be faded on the road in Week 5 against Houston.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) is officially inactive for Week 5 against the visiting Buffalo Bills on Sunday, while wide receiver Robert Woods (foot) is active. Pierce has been making progress with his hamstring injury in recent weeks, but he will now miss his fourth straight game after being injured in the Week 1 win over the Indianapolis Colts. With Joe Mixon (ankle) having already been ruled out, the Texans will once again roll with Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale in their backfield this weekend against a beat up Buffalo defense. Akers hasn't exactly impressed anyone the last two weeks with Mixon and Pierce out, but just from a volume standpoint alone, he's in play as an RB3/flex in Week 5. Woods shouldn't be on the radar for a starting fantasy spot on Sunday, especially with Tank Dell (chest) returning from a one-game absence. Woods has only three catches for 28 yards so far this year.
From RotoBaller
