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.
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Keene (knee) tore his ACL in Saturday's preseason game against the New York Giants and will be out for the entire 2024 season. He was placed on injured reserve. This is a tough blow for the former third-round pick, projected to make Houston's Week 1 roster. Keene will now hopefully go through a successful rehab and compete once again for a roster spot in 2025. This doesn't change too much about the Texans' current TE situation, as Dalton Schultz remains the team's No.1 option at that position.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back Pierre Strong Jr. (ribs) went into an ambulance on Wednesday after individual drills. It was then later reported by Cleveland's head coach Kevin Stefanski that Strong suffered a rib injury. There are no more details yet. However, it's a good sign that Strong was able to walk off the field himself. Either way, the 25-year-old is listed as the fourth running back on the Browns' unofficial depth chart, behind Jerome Ford, D'Onta Foreman, and Nick Chubb (knee) when he returns. Strong is not slated to have a huge fantasy impact in 2024, but if he is healthy, monitor his number of touches compared to the rest of Cleveland's running backs.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Jerry Jones said Trey Lance has earned a roster spot. Dynasty Analysis: Lance has been solid in the preseason completing 40-of-64 passes for 339 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions, while adding 78 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in two contests. He may not win the backup job over Cooper Rush but Jones is "guaranteeing" he makes the final roster. He may still be a trade target out there for a QB-needy team at some point in the season so dynasty owners should keep him on their short list if he isn't already rostered.
Dynasty | The Denver Broncos have named Bo Nix their starting quarterback. Dynasty Analysis: As expected. The Broncos promoted a "competition" between Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson but Nix was the heavy favorite after Denver jettisoned Russell Wilson. Sean Payton clearly has all his eggs in the Nix basket, so he was going to do all he could to make this a reality. Nix helped him out by having a solid preseason and looking like he has veteran poise already. Nix will be a QB2 to start but he's certainly in position for early success.
According to Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, quarterback Trey Lance will be on the 53-man roster to start the season. Lance, selected third overall in the 2021 NFL draft by the San Fransisco 49ers, has had a rough start to his career and entered training camp as the Cowboys' QB3. However, Lance has had a good training camp and has been impressive so far in the preseason. In two games, he has completed 40-for-64 (62.5%) of his pass attempts for 339 passing yards, 78 rushing yards, and two total touchdowns. Lance is currently battling Cooper Rush to be the backup quarterback behind Dak Prescott. If he keeps up his improved performance, he may enter Week 1 as Dallas' second-string quarterback.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Treylon Burks (undisclosed) left practice early on Wednesday after landing hard. As he was leaving with a trainer, he held his back/hip area but was still walking on his own. Burks, a former first-round pick back in 2022, has yet to play an entire season in the NFL, having only played 11 games in both of his first two seasons (due to head and knee injuries). Still, while he has played, he has been moderately productive, having caught 49 passes for 665 yards (13.6 Y/R) in his 22 career games. Even if Burks avoids a severe injury, he is mainly a dynasty league or deep-league stash for now.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson says most of the team's starters will play in the preseason finale on Saturday against the hosting Detroit Lions at Ford Field. It's become a compelling storyline out of Steelers training camp as to whether Wilson or Justin Fields will be the Week 1 starter against the Atlanta Falcons, and Saturday's final exhibition outing will mark the last chance for the two signal-callers to make their case for the QB1 job. Pittsburgh's offense under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is set to be one of the NFL's run-heaviest units no matter who's under center in 2024, and while Wilson, 35, offers the attack a veteran stabilizing presence, Fields scored the fifth-most fantasy points per dropback (0.58) among qualifiers last year and would certainly be the more appealing fantasy play of the two if he gets the nod.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper (undisclosed) is back practicing on Wednesday in training camp. Cooper left last Thursday's practice with soreness, but he's back on the field for the Browns on Wednesday after only participating in walkthroughs in Tuesday's session. The 30-year-old fantasy stalwart is back on track toward making an appearance in Saturday's preseason finale against the hosting Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. After collecting the third-most yards per reception (17.4) among qualifiers at his position last year, Cooper is primed to act as quarterback Deshaun Watson's alpha target and a steady WR2 option for fantasy managers once again in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has named rookie quarterback Bo Nix the starter for the regular-season opener on Sept. 8 against the hosting Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. After shining by completing eight of his nine passes for 80 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's preseason win over the Green Bay Packers, Nix has forced the hand of the coaching staff to thrust him right under center for Week 1. The 24-year-old Oregon standout was the No. 12 overall pick in the NFL Draft, and while he's more of a QB2 for fantasy purposes to begin the year, Nix's presence will certainly offer Denver's offense far more upside over Jarrett Stidham or Zach Wilson. There should be plenty of ups and downs for Nix in Year 1, but the Broncos' offense becomes more exciting all around with this decision.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (foot) was back at practice on Monday, which is a good sign, but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport believes this injury may linger into the regular season. Herbert is recovering from a plantar fascia problem in his right foot, and there's a chance his mobility will be limited until he's fully healed from the issue at some point later this year. On top of that, the 26-year-old star signal-caller missed nearly three weeks worth of valuable reps in training camp as he acclimates to new head coach Jim Harbaugh's offensive scheme. After seeing most of his previous top targets from last season depart this offseason, Herbert is trending down for fantasy purposes and heading into 2024 as a borderline QB1/2.
From RotoBaller
Greg Auman of Fox Sports believes running back Chase Edmonds (undisclosed) is one of the bigger names on the roster bubble for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this summer. Edmonds hasn't been able to practice or play for weeks in training camp because of an undisclosed injury. Lead back Rachaad White, rookie fourth-rounder Bucky Irving, and Sean Tucker seem to be locks now for Tampa Bay's 53-man roster, and the question is whether the team keeps Edmonds as a fourth back. The 28-year-old veteran receiving back bottomed out in 2023 with the Bucs, rushing for just 3.6 yards per carry over 49 attempts and catching only 14 passes in 13 appearances, so Edmonds might need a change of scenery for any real shot at fantasy relevance in 2024.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said that both quarterbacks Drake Maye and Jacoby Brissett will play in Thursday night's preseason finale against the Washington Commanders as they continue their QB battle. Brissett entered training camp as the favorite to win the starting job under center to kick off the 2024 season, but he has struggled in two preseason games, while Maye looked much better last week. How each QB fares this weekend against Washington figures to decide the competition. Brissett has more experience in the NFL, but Maye, the third overall pick in this year's NFL draft, is much more mobile and has a stronger arm for downfield throws. Even if Maye doesn't win the starting job heading into Week 1, the 21-year-old figures to be starting games for New England sooner than later in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) remains the favorite for second-string duties behind Isiah Pacheco, but the former first-rounder hasn't been on the field much of late in training camp while he deals with ongoing struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder, primarily stemming from what he describes as a "self-defense situation" in 2018. "But it's real, real bad dehydration, dropping weight real fast, but it's really just mentally, just not being there," Edwards-Helaire said. Head coach Andy Reid admitted it's a sensitive situation, but he wouldn't go as far as to say CEH was a candidate to start the regular season on Injure Reserve. With Edwards-Helaire missing some time this summer, both undrafted free agents Deneric Prince and Carson Steele have stood out, and either one of them could leapfrog CEH on KC's RB depth chart this year if more issues arise.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (oblique) is dealing with an oblique injury and is not suiting up for training camp practice on Wednesday. Until we know more, we'll assume the Eagles are playing it safe with Goedert with two weeks to go until the start of the 2024 regular season. The 29-year-old probably will not suit up in Saturday's preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings. Goedert, the team's top pass-catching tight end, missed three games late last season due to a fractured forearm but still had a career-high 59 receptions for 592 yards and three touchdowns in 14 regular-season contests. However, he also had a career-low 10.0 yards per catch as the clear third passing option behind receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. With running back Saquon Barkley taking valuable targets away in the passing game in 2024, Goedert finds himself on the TE1/2 borderline.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (quadriceps) had two good runs during training camp practice on Wednesday to start team drills and looks close to being back to full health, if he wasn't already. Mixon missed the first two-plus weeks of camp with a quadriceps injury, but he returned on Aug. 11 and appears to be fully back up to speed with his new team. In Mixon's absence, Dameon Pierce didn't take advantage of the extra reps and could be in jeopardy of not making the final 53-man roster. Mixon is in another explosive offense under second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud and should see the vast majority of backfield work in Houston. However, the 28-year-old hasn't been as efficient as a ball-carrier in recent seasons with the Bengals and may not be able to make up for it with the high volume of pass-catching work he had in Cincy. Still, he should be used enough by the Texans in 2024 to warrant consideration as an RB2 in fantasy drafts.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (back) returned to training camp practice on Wednesday after leaving Tuesday's practice early to have his lower back checked out. Fantasy managers were holding their collective breath on Tuesday when it was announced that Barkley left the practice field and didn't return. It appears that the 27-year-old avoided a serious injury, although there's a good chance he won't suit up in Thursday's preseason finale against the New England Patriots. Injuries are always a concern with the former second overall pick of the New York Giants in 2018 out of Penn State, but when healthy, Barkley could have even more fantasy upside as a high-end RB1 in 2024 in his first year with the Eagles. Kenneth Gainwell and Will Shipley would likely form a two-man committee backfield for the Eagles this year if Barkley misses any time along the way.
From RotoBaller
The New York Jets think quarterback Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) will be ready to go for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sept. 9 against the San Francisco 49ers. "I think he's absolutely ready to go," head coach Robert Saleh said. Saleh said Rodgers was "where we needed him when he first walked in. His arm is still 30 and he's got plenty of mobility." It's pretty impressive for a 40-year-old signal-caller that missed all of his first season in New York due to an Achilles tear. However, the two-time MVP had returned to practice at the end of last year and hasn't had any setbacks this offseason. It will be interesting to see how Rodgers rebounds from a lost season at his age, but fantasy managers certainly shouldn't be expecting too much, especially in a tough Week 1 matchup against the 49ers' elite defense. Remember, Rodgers was coming off one of the worst seasons of his career in his final season in Green Bay in 2022.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Colts tight end Jelani Woods is set to undergo toe surgery. Dynasty Analysis: Woods is going to be out for "a significant amount of time" after missing all of last season due to injury as well. Woods flashed big upside in his 25/312/3 rookie season in 2022 but that now seems like ages ago. This injury is going to push him to droppable status in dynasty leagues as managers are simply not going to be willing to wait for yet another injury to heal.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (thumb) is dealing with a minor right-thumb injury that will keep him out of most, if not all, of Wednesday's joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The odds are near zero that Hill will play in Friday's preseason finale. He was limited in practice on Tuesday and was wearing a brace on his hand/wrist. Head coach Mike McDaniel said the injury isn't expected to impact Hill's availability for the Week 1 regular-season opener. Basically, the Dolphins are playing it safe with the Cheetah this week. If it was already the regular season, Hill would most likely be practicing and playing. Fantasy managers should have no worries selecting the 30-year-old speedster as one of the first wideouts off the board with one of the first picks of the first round in upcoming drafts. Hill led the NFL with 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns in 16 regular-season games in 2023.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (undisclosed) missed two weeks of training camp practice due to an undisclosed injury, but he was back on the practice field on Wednesday and is fully expected to be good for the Week 1 regular-season opener in two weeks. Waddle was taking part in individual drills on Wednesday during their joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tyreek Hill (thumb) is being held out on Wednesday as a precaution, and Odell Beckham Jr. (undisclosed) hasn't practiced all summer, so Miami's receiving corps is banged up, to put it lightly. The 25-year-old Waddle probably won't play in Friday's preseason finale against the Bucs, but fantasy managers shouldn't be worried that he won't be ready for the regular-season opener. Even with Hill soaking up tons of targets, Waddle qualifies as a strong WR2 target in fantasy after his third straight 1,000-yard campaign in 2023.
From RotoBaller