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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The Buffalo Bills announced that quarterback Josh Allen, along with the team's other starters, will not play in Saturday's preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers. Head coach Sean McDermott originally planned to play his starters, but after the team saw multiple players suffer injuries over the weekend against the Pittsburgh Steelers, they are not taking any chances. Backup quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (knee), wide receivers Curtis Samuel (toe) and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (neck), and tight end Quintin Morris (shoulder) are all expected to miss multiple weeks.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (undisclosed) did not practice on Monday, but head coach John Harbaugh said, "Don't worry about Mark; he's going to be fine." The 28-year-old was involved in a car crash last week, but he reportedly did not suffer any injuries. It's unclear why Andrews is currently out of action, but it doesn't sound as if he's at risk of missing any meaningful time. Andrews missed seven games last season after suffering a cracked fibula and an ankle ligament injury, but he returned for the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He should be ready to go when the season begins, and even though rising wideout Zay Flowers presents solid target competition, Andrews could still be Lamar Jackson's top target in the passing game. He's priced around the TE5 spot in preseason drafts and has overall TE1 upside.
From RotoBaller
The Miami Dolphins released running back Salvon Ahmed on Monday, according to NFL insider Ari Meirov. Ahmed went undrafted out of Washington in 2020 and spent four years with Miami following a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers. In 38 career games, he rushed 163 times for 593 yards and five touchdowns to go along with 40 receptions for 274 yards and one score. With the Dolphins adding rookie Jaylen Wright to an already-crowded running back room featuring Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane, the writing was on the wall for the end of Ahmed's tenure in Miami. Given the injury rate at the running back position, it wouldn't be surprising if he's on an active roster for another team before the 2024 NFL season wraps up.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (undisclosed) has not practiced with the team this offseason due to an undisclosed injury, and head coach Mike McDaniel said he will remain out of action this week. The veteran and former Super Bowl Champion is missing valuable preseason repetitions with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, but the organization might be holding him out as a precaution given his lengthy injury history. If Beckham is ready to go for Week 1, he's an interesting late-round best-ball option, but it would be a surprise if he's a weekly contributor in traditional fantasy football lineups. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle have a tight grip on the No. 1 and No. 2 wide receiver roles, and rookie Malik Washington could make an impact right away. Beckham has not posted more than 600 receiving yards in a season since 2019, so he can be ignored in most formats.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (knee) was knocked out of the preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a knee injury, and head coach Sean McDermott said he will miss a few weeks of action. The Bills are also labeling wide receivers Marquez Valdes-Scantling (neck) and Curtis Samuel (toe) as week-to-week. With Trubisky sidelined, third-string quarterback Ben DiNucci is likely to play most of the Week 3 preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. Trubisky can continue to be rostered in deep Superflex formats, but obviously, he doesn't have any value as long as Josh Allen stays healthy.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel (toe) is considered week-to-week as he deals with turf toe, according to head coach Sean McDermott. This is unfortunate for Samuel and the team, especially since Marquez Valdes-Scantling is also week-to-week with a neck injury. It's never a good sign for a player to pick up preseason injuries, but at least Samuel's injury is manageable, and he could still play in Week 1. Given all the new faces in Buffalo and injuries already starting to pile up, it could take time for the passing game led by Josh Allen to get going in 2024. Still, Samuel remains an intriguing late-round sleeper in fantasy football, while teammates Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir could benefit from his absence this preseason.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase returned to training camp practice on Monday. Due to an ongoing contract dispute with the team, Chase has been present at camp but hasn't been participating in on-field workouts. The 24-year-old star pass-catcher also hasn't seen any preseason action during his hold-in. It remains to be seen if the two sides can work out a long-term contract extension before Week 1 rolls around, but even if they don't, Chase profiles as an elite top-five fantasy wideout with quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist) back to full health after a season-ending wrist injury in 2023. The former fifth overall pick in 2021 out of LSU has all kinds of chemistry with Burrow, dating back to their college days, and has been a Pro Bowler in each of his first three seasons in the NFL, racking up 3,717 yards and 29 touchdowns on 268 receptions.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (foot) did some stationary throwing on Saturday before the team's preseason contest against the Los Angeles Rams without really pushing off on his right foot. Herbert shed his walking boot right at the two-week mark last Thursday as he recovers from plantar fasciitis in his foot. The Chargers haven't been too worried that the 26-year-old won't be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener versus the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, but he is missing a bunch of valuable reps with the rest of the starting offense in training camp and the preseason. Herbert could be dealing with pain in his foot early on in 2024, but he's likely to play through it. His fantasy stock was already trending down this offseason after losing all three of his favorite targets from last year in Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Austin Ekeler. Herbert should now be considered more of a QB2.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said that wide receiver Christian Kirk (calf) and quarterback C.J. Beathard (groin) won't play in the preseason finale this Friday against the Atlanta Falcons on the road. Kirk missed practice last week due to what is considered a mild calf injury, so the team is playing it safe with him so that he'll be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sept. 8 against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Beathard suffered a groin injury in Saturday's preseason contest. With Kirk out again this week, Gabe Davis and rookie first-rounder Brian Thomas Jr. will see more reps, as well as Parker Washington, Devin Duvernay and rookie Joshua Cephus. When healthy, the 27-year-old Kirk will be looking to bounce back in 2024 after an injury-plagued 2023. He faces competition for targets from Davis and Thomas, but if healthy, he's a solid WR3/flex target in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to sit their starters in the preseason finale this Thursday against the Chicago Bears. "I'll probably sit the starters, the way it looks right now," head coach Andy Reid said. It means that we won't see quarterback Patrick Mahomes and company again until the season kicks off on Thursday night in early September against the Baltimore Ravens. In the first two preseason contests, Mahomes went 11-for-18 for 120 yards passing. The 28-year-old two-time MVP is likely to be without receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) in Week 1, meaning he'll likely lean more on tight end Travis Kelce and rookie first-round wideout Xavier Worthy. Mahomes remains an elite QB1 in fantasy, but without Brown and against a tough Ravens squad, he won't be the most popular DFS play to kick off the regular season.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams (knee) told Jets reporters that he expects to take team reps in training camp practice next week. Williams didn't take too long to come off the Physically Unable to Perform list in camp this summer, but he has yet to mix in with the rest of the team on the practice field as he recovers from a torn left ACL that he suffered in Week 3 of 2023 with the Los Angeles Chargers. With time running out before the start of the 2024 regular season, though, it's possible that Williams isn't given a full workload if he's active for the Week 1 opener in early September. Because of his recovery from ACL and the fact he might not be ready to go early on, Williams' price will be reduced on draft day in fantasy. But when healthy, he's fully expected to be the No. 2 wideout behind Garrett Wilson and could be a nice value pick for fantasy managers as a big-play threat.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (hamstring) is dressed and going through individual drills for the start of the team's training camp practice on Monday. Stafford had to leave a join practice early against the Dallas Cowboys last week due to hamstring tightness and didn't practice the rest of the week or play in Saturday's preseason contest against the Los Angeles Chargers. Head coach Sean McVay had already said he wasn't worried about Stafford missing the Week 1 regular-season opener against the Detroit Lions, and his return to practice this week all but confirms that. In addition to Stafford, offensive guard Jonah Jackson (shoulder) returned to practice on Monday after dealing with a bruised scapula. The 36-year-old Stafford isn't going to play in the preseason finale this weekend against the Houston Texans on Aug. 24, but he should be fine for Week 1 against Detroit, where he'll be a midrange QB2 for fantasy.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders officially named No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels as their starting quarterback on Monday, according to head coach Dan Quinn. What had been expected all along is finally official, and Daniels will make his NFL regular-season debut in the Week 1 opener on Sept. 8 on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 23-year-old former LSU star has looked good in his two preseason performances and went 10-for-12 for 78 yards while running for 13 yards on two carries in Saturday's preseason game against the Miami Dolphins. Daniels has looked like a seasoned veteran while running the offense in training camp heading into his first NFL season, and his dual-threat abilities at the position will give him quite a bit of fantasy upside right away. His receiving corps beyond Terry McLaurin is a little suspect, but Washington's backfield should help take plenty of pressure off him. Daniels will be a high-end QB2 target with QB1 upside in the right matchups in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Dolphins wide receiver River Cracraft (upper-body) is sidelined with an upper-body injury and is expected to miss some time in the regular season. Cracraft had a strong summer in his third season with Miami and seemed likely to start as the third receiver behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, especially with Odell Beckham Jr. (undisclosed) still on the PUP list. However, Cracraft's injury raises the possibility that he could be placed on injured reserve when the Dolphins finalize their 53-man roster. By August 27, the Dolphins will have three options for handling Cracraft: keep him on the 53-man roster until he recovers, initially include him on the roster and then place him on IR on August 28, or put him on IR immediately, which would count as one of the two IR moves allowed on cutdown day under new NFL rules. This situation simplifies the roster decisions and opens up a spot for Erik Ezukanma, who had an impressive preseason debut against Washington. If the Dolphins keep six wide receivers, Ezukanma could join Hill, Waddle, Beckham, Braxton Berrios, and rookie Malik Washington, who will secure a spot on the roster. With these receiver injuries, Hill and Waddle will likely see even more targets, boosting Hill's value as the top overall pick in redraft leagues.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers are parting ways with quarterback Max Duggan. Following Justin Herbert's (plantar fascia) diagnosis of a plantar fascia injury in his right foot on August 1, the Chargers now have two healthy quarterbacks on their roster: Easton Stick and Luis Perez. Duggan was drafted by Los Angeles in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the prior regime before Jim Harbaugh took over as head coach on January 24. Throughout his rookie year, Duggan alternated between the practice squad and the active roster but did not see any regular-season action. He spent all four years at TCU and ended up third on the school's all-time passing list. Duggan was a runner-up for the Heisman Trophy after his standout 2022 season, where he threw for 3,698 yards and 32 touchdowns over 15 games and led the Horned Frogs to the College Football Playoff National Championship, though they lost to Georgia. In the preseason opener, Duggan was 4-of-7 for 41 yards but did not play in the Chargers' game against the Rams on Saturday. With Herbert's injury potentially affecting his performance throughout the season, the diminishing quarterback options for the Chargers are becoming a significant concern.
From RotoBaller
The Miami Dolphins have signed former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Anthony McFarland Jr. following an injury to Chris Brooks (concussion), who has entered concussion protocol after Saturday's game against the Washington Commanders. The Dolphins struggle for healthy running back depth beyond Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane. They even had a wide receiver filling in at running back for much of the second half, with Jaylen Wright (undisclosed) also held out due to injury. McFarland, 26, joins Miami, hoping to finally establish himself in the NFL. Drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft from the University of Maryland, McFarland was known for his speed and agility. His rookie season was his most productive, with 33 carries for 113 yards and six receptions for 54 yards. However, his subsequent seasons were marred by injuries, limiting his production and keeping him on injured reserve for significant time. McFarland's tenure with the Steelers included a stint on injured reserve at the start of the 2021 season and another knee injury that sidelined him for most of the 2023 season. Now, with the Dolphins, McFarland can prove himself again.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Sean Clifford was outplayed by third-stringer Michael Pratt during Sunday's preseason game. Clifford finished 6/10 for 43 yards and an interception. Pratt fared slightly better going 10/16 for 52 yards. The Packers could not get anything going on offense without their starters. The offense did not score and the team scored two points as a whole. The quarterbacks combined for a yards-per-completion average of 3.7. Clifford was the Packers' backup quarterback in 2023. He recorded one completion for 37 yards in two games played. The Packers drafted Pratt in the seventh-round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Both players had solid performances during the first week of the preseason. As such, it remains to be seen who will ultimately win the backup job.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Bo Melton recorded two receptions for 10 yards in Sunday's preseason loss to the Broncos. The Packers quarterbacks threw for a total of 95 yards with a 3.7 yards per completion average. Sunday's game was a game to forget for the Packers offense. Melton played a legitimate role for the team in 2023. Once he was activated to the active roster in November, Melton recorded 16 grabs for 218 yards and a touchdown in only five games played. Melton may be fighting for a roster spot with the Packers despite playing in both playoff games in 2023. Melton is currently listed as the Packers' No. 5 wide receiver.
From RotoBaller
Former NFL quarterback Colt McCoy has announced his retirement and will join NBC Sports for its Big Ten college football coverage. McCoy, a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist during his college career at Texas, set an NCAA Division I record with 45 career wins as a four-year starter from 2006 to 2009. He led the Longhorns to the BCS National Championship game in 2010, capping off a perfect 12-0 regular season with a Big 12 title. Drafted in the third round by the Cleveland Browns in 2010, McCoy amassed an 11-25 record over his 36 NFL starts. His final NFL stint was with the Arizona Cardinals in 2023, where he played in two preseason games before being released due to elbow issues. Over his career, McCoy also played for the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, San Francisco 49ers, and Cleveland Browns, finishing with 7,975 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, and 32 interceptions in 56 games.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers second-year wide receiver Malik Heath had another solid preseason outing with three catches for 22 yards. Heath now has five catches for 44 yards this preseason. Heath is buried on the depth chart and is likely fighting for a roster spot as a special-teamer. He recorded 15 grabs for 125 yards and a touchdown during his rookie season with the Packers in 2023. Heath is a big-bodied wide receiver who could provide solid depth behind the Packers' main wide receivers should he make the team. His familiarity with the team could give him a solid chance at a roster spot when final cuts arrive.
From RotoBaller