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.
The Cleveland Browns released veteran defensive lineman Quinton Jefferson on Tuesday, according to NFL.com. The 31-year-old appeared in five games for the Browns this season, totaling six tackles and one sack. Jefferson has spent time with six NFL organizations and has compiled 198 tackles, 27.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and 15.5 run stuffs in 108 career games. There might be interest around the league for his services, as defensive line depth has become more of a focal point.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Tampa Bay tight end Cade Otton had eight catches for 77 yards and a touchdown in a loss to the Chiefs. Dynasty Analysis: Otton now has a whopping 31 targets over the past three weeks after the Bucs were ravaged by injuries that wiped out their receiving corps. His last three weeks have also produced over 250 yards and three scores, pushing him all the way up to TE5 on the season. While this pace seems unsustainable, Otton has put his stamp on being no longer a forgotten man, even when Mike Evans and Chris Godwin (or another receiver) are around later this year or next. His dynasty value has taken a major turn for the better,
Dynasty | The Bengals have acquired running back Khalil Herbert from the Bears in exchange for a seventh round pick. Dynasty Analysis: Herbert was the odd man out in Chicago, so trading him seemed to make sense. Zack Moss is dealing with an injury that is now going to keep him out indefinitely. Herbert should slide in as a decent backup for Chase Brown, who suddenly has high-end RB2 value at the very least with Moss down and out for the time being. Herbert should be on rosters as he's one injury away from real in-season value again.
Dynasty | The Cowboys have placed quarterback Dak Prescott on IR. Dynasty Analysis: The awful season for the Cowboys has taken a turn for the worse as Prescott will now miss at least the next four weeks. This is a disaster for Dallas in a season full of them as the 3-5 Cowboys will now turn to Cooper Rush. Prescott's dynasty value has started to sink a touch as he's posted a mediocre season thus far.
Dynasty | The Dallas Cowboys have acquired wide receiver Jonathan Mingo. Dynasty Analysis: The Panthers will receiver a fourth round pick in exchange for Mingo and a seventh round selection. Mingo was a second round pick just last season, but has posted just 55 catches for 539 yards thus far in 24 career games. Dallas must see something they like here as their season doesn't exactly lend itself to be "buyers" at the trade deadline. Mingo is still a decent bench stash in dynasty leagues, but it's hard to see him being a difference maker, especially with Cooper Rush at the helm.
Dynasty | The Steelers have acquired wide receiver Mike Williams from the Jets. Dynasty Analysis: The Jets will receive a fifth-round pick in exchange for Williams, who clearly fell out of favor in New York. The Steelers have been in the mix for just about any wide receiver available and settled for Williams in the end. This could end up being good for both parties, however, as Williams excels on the deep ball, which just happens to be Russell Wilson's specialty. While Williams' production has hit the skids in recent years, this should be enough to stop his dynasty value slide and keep him on rosters.
Buffalo Bills safety Mike Edwards is being released per his request on Tuesday, according to NFL.com. The team is shopping him ahead of the Tuesday 4 PM trade deadline, but if a deal isn't reached, he will be let go. Edwards, a two-time Super Bowl Champion, was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft and spent four seasons with Tampa before one season in Kansas City. He signed with Buffalo this offseason but has played just seven defensive snaps this year. Most teams could use help in the secondary, so expect the veteran to land somewhere in short order.
From RotoBaller
The Pittsburgh Steelers are trading for New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams, according to Ari Meirov of the 33rd Team. New York will get a fifth-round pick in return. The Steelers have been active in wide receiver trade talks, as the team lacks depth behind No. 1 wide receiver George Pickens. Meanwhile, the Williams-Jets pairing has not worked out, and Davante Adams took over his role in the offense after being dealt from Las Vegas. Williams, a former first-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017, has hauled in just 12 receptions for 166 yards in nine games this season. He will provide depth for Pittsburgh and could have a few spike weeks with Russell Wilson under center, but it would be a surprise if he becomes a consistent fantasy football producer at this stage in his career.
From RotoBaller
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Washington Commanders are acquiring defensive back Marshon Lattimore and a fifth-round pick from the New Orleans Saints. The Commanders will send a third-, fourth-, and sixth-round pick in exchange. Lattimore will join a Washington team that is currently 7-2 and shaping up to be a legit contender this season with rookie Jayden Daniels and newly hired head coach Dan Quinn at the helm. The New Orleans have lost seven straight games and will now focus on rebuilding their roster. Through seven games this season, the four-time Pro Bowler has tallied 30 tackles (22 solo), eight assists, and two pass deflections. Lattimore should be expected to move to the top of the depth chart in the DMV and further strengthen a secondary that has allowed the fifth-fewest passing yards per game.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt had 106 rushing yards, one catch, 11 receiving yards and a touchdown in Kansas City's win against Tampa Bay. Dynasty Analysis: Father Time is undefeated, but Hunt keeps throwing haymakers. Now with 414 rushing yards and five touchdowns in five games, the former and now current Chief has been one of fantasy football's biggest surprises this season. The imminent return of Isiah Pacheco is going to throw major cold water on his late season value, but dynasty managers can ride this for the next few weeks, at least. Hunt's dynasty value has stabilized as it looks like he still has some juice left in the tank. Still, he's a risky buy at the moment as a player who could have a sudden decrease in usage.
Dynasty | Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had 14 catches for 100 yards in a win against Tampa Bay. Dynasty Analysis: Kelce's 16 targets led the team. After a brutally slow start, Kelce has been Kelce lately with 43 targets and 37 catches over his last four games. While touchdowns have been tough to come by, it certainly looks like Kelce is going to post another 1,000 yard season if this pace keeps up. He's right back to elite TE1 status now that the Chiefs have seemingly recommitted to him instead of managing his workload.
Dynasty | Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy failed to catch a pass and ran for -10 yards in the Chiefs win against Tampa Bay. Dynasty Analysis: Yuck. This was as bad as it gets for Worthy, whom the Chiefs are finding it difficult to get the ball to at this point. He's still typically good for a gadget play here and there, but this has been a mess so far. Worthy has proven to be a little more of a project than most expected and while he still has a bright future, it's clear this is going to be a redshirt season. His dynasty value is starting to dip as a result.
Dynasty | Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins had eight catches for 86 yards and two touchdowns in a win against Tampa Bay. Dynasty Analysis: Kansas City had promised to get Hopkins more involved this week and they were certainly true to their word. This was the best we've seen Nuk in years and while this very well could go down as his best game of the season, he suddenly looks like a viable player again. Dynasty managers could likely get a late second round pick for him if they're not in contention, or offer the same capital to acquire him if he could help for the stretch run.
There has been speculation that the Seattle Seahawks could consider trading star wide receiver DK Metcalf (knee) by Tuesday's NFL trade deadline, but ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Seattle will hang onto him. Metcalf suffered an MCL sprain in his knee in Week 7 and has missed two straight contests as a result heading into the team's bye in Week 10. As of right now, the team is optimistic that Metcalf will return in Week 11 to face the division-rival San Francisco 49ers. A trade of Metcalf would have been great news for both receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who blew up in Week 9 against the Rams, and veteran Tyler Lockett. However, it looks like the 26-year-old Metcalf will remain with the team and should be considered the WR1 in Seattle when he returns from his injury. In seven games before getting hurt, Metcalf had 35 catches, 568 yards (16.2 yards per catch) and three touchdowns.
From RotoBaller
The Las Vegas Raiders hired former NFL head coach Norv Turner as an assistant to help guide their offense after the team parted ways with offensive coordinator Luke Getsy following a Week 9 blowout loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Turner, who previously served as the Raiders' head coach in 2004-05, will join his son Scott, who is the front-runner to take over for Getsy as the offensive coordinator. In addition to firing Getsy, the Raiders also cut loose quarterbacks coach Rich Scangarello and offensive-line coach James Cregg. Norv Turner won two Super Bowls as the offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys and went 114-122-1 with Washington, Oakland and San Diego in a head-coaching role over 15 seasons. He is one of the most respected offensive minds in the league and will now have a big challenge on his hands in Vegas, where the Raiders could be moving to quarterback Desmond Ridder.
From RotoBaller
According to sources, trade talks for New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) are "warming up" and "multiple people are involved." Lattimore aggravated a hamstring injury in the Week 8 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and was held out in the Week 9 loss to the division-rival Carolina Panthers as a precaution. His injury obviously isn't serious enough to deter teams from trying to trade for him, and the 28-year-old veteran could be on the move before Tuesday's deadline. The four-time Pro Bowler and former Defensive Rookie of the Year would be a solid addition to a contending team's secondary the rest of the way. In seven games in his eighth year with the Saints in 2024, Lattimore has compiled 30 tackles (22 solo) and two pass breakups. He has 15 career interceptions (two returned for TDs) and 88 pass breakups in his seven-plus NFL seasons.
From RotoBaller
According to sources, New England Patriots wide receiver K.J. Osborn has been involved in trade talks over the last several weeks and is now a target for a few teams ahead of Tuesday's NFL trade deadline. Osborn had some productive seasons with the Minnesota Vikings when quarterback Kirk Cousins was in town, but he's been an afterthought with the Pats and has only seven receptions on 17 targets for 57 yards and a touchdown in his first six games with the team in 2024. The 27-year-old was a healthy scratch in the Week 9 loss to the Tennessee Titans in favor of DeMario Douglas, Kayson Boutte, Kendrick Bourne and rookies Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker. With Osborn so far down the receiving depth chart in New England, it would make sense for the Pats to deal him to a team that would give him more opportunities.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said on 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday that it's likely that quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) will be placed on Injured Reserve, which will require him to miss at least four games. If the Cowboys put Prescott on IR this week, the earliest he would be able to return would be on Dec. 9 against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night to close out Week 14 action. The 31-year-old suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 9 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, and the injury turned out to be worse than the team initially thought it was. Dallas has announced that Cooper Rush will take over under center with Prescott sidelined, which is obviously a downgrade for the Cowboys' entire offense, most notably for receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder), who could be in danger of missing the Week 10 divisional clash against the Philadelphia Eagles.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard caught four of five targets for 48 yards in Monday night's 30-24 overtime loss to the Chiefs, adding two rushes for 21 yards. It was the second consecutive game that the 31-year-old earned five looks from Baker Mayfield and the fourth time this season he's caught at least three passes. Jalen McMillan (hamstring) was inactive for the game and should he miss another week, then Shepard could once again be one of the top receiving options for Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers have a tough matchup with the 49ers in Week 10 so even so, he's still probably only a WR4/5.
From RotoBaller
As expected, the Detroit Lions acquired standout edge rusher Za'Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday, according to sources. The Lions are adding a key pass-rusher to help make up for the loss of All-Pro defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who will miss the rest of the year with a broken leg. Along with Smith, the Lions are receiving a seventh-round pick in 2026 in exchange for a fifth-rounder next year and a sixth-round selection in the 2026 NFL draft. The 32-year-old Smith should help Detroit's defense immediately after recording five sacks, 23 tackles (15 solo), six tackles for loss and seven QB hits in nine games for the Browns this year. Smith's Lions debut will come this Sunday in a Week 10 showdown against the Houston Texans. The three-time Pro Bowler has 65 career sacks in 132 games played after debuting in 2015 with the Baltimore Ravens.
From RotoBaller