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.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens hauled in both of his targets for 26 yards in the team's 24-17 preseason loss to the Detroit Lions. Although he lost six yards on his first reception, the third-year pro made up for it on the very next play with a 32-yard gain on a perfect deep pass from quarterback Russell Wilson. The pair was pulled from the contest immediately following the opening drive, which resulted in a touchdown. Barring any last-minute surprises, Pickens appears primed to enter the regular season as Pittsburgh's undisputed WR1. He offers plenty of upside in the middle rounds of fantasy drafts with the Steelers' offense expected to improve in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills running back Frank Gore Jr. (knee) is scheduled to undergo X-rays after suffering an injury during Saturday's preseason finale. This is a shame considering how well Gore has been playing in the preseason. He rushed for 101 yards on 18 carries with one touchdown before exiting on Saturday. He's competing with Ray Davis and Ty Johnson for the backup role behind James Cook. Gore doesn't have a great fantasy outlook right away with Cook being the workhorse back in Buffalo. However, he has decent potential and is a solid hold in deep or dynasty formats, assuming the results from his testing come back negative for any significant damage.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Cordarrelle Patterson handled three rushing attempts for 31 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's preseason loss to the Detroit Lions. Patterson worked with Pittsburgh's first-team offense as a complement to Najee Harris with Jaylen Warren (hamstring) sidelined. He exploded for a 31-yard score on the Steelers' opening drive and earned one touch on their second possession. Given Patterson's history with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and the lack of proven receiving options on Pittsburgh's offense, the 33-year-old could see utilization in the regular season, especially if Warren misses time. He is best left undrafted in most fantasy leagues, however.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro (hamstring) didn't return for the second half of Saturday's preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills. Pineiro was forced to exit the game due to mild hamstring soreness. Head coach Dave Canales said afterwards that Pineiro is fine and the team held him out for precautionary reasons. Before exiting, Pineiro made both his extra-point attempts and a 45-yard field goal during the first half of Saturday's game. The assumption is that Pineiro should be fine for the regular season opener against the New Orleans Saints.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields completed three of his four pass attempts for 40 yards and added four rushing yards on two carries in a preseason loss to the Detroit Lions. Fields followed up an impressive scoring drive led by Russell Wilson with a touchdown drive of his own and remained in the contest for two additional possessions. The 25-year-old looked sharp early, most notably on a strike to tight end MyCole Pruitt for a gain of 22 yards that set up an easy score for La'Mical Perine. His second drive was much less successful as Fields was credited with a fumble on a clear miscommunication with rookie center Zach Frazier. Following the game, head coach Mike Tomlin declined to name a Week 1 starter, but it would be surprising at this point to see Fields get the nod over Wilson. The situation is still worth monitoring for fantasy purposes due to Fields' immense rushing upside.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (leg) is expected to be available for the regular season opener, according to head coach Dan Campbell. Reynolds suffered a leg injury during Thursday's practice. It's not believed to be serious, but Reynolds was held out of the preseason finale for precautionary reasons. He's currently competing with Sione Vaki for the No. 3 role in Detroit. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery are the two primary options in this backfield. It's unlikely that Reynolds or Vaki have a significant role in the backfield while Gibbs and Montgomery are healthy. Whether he's healthy or not, Reynolds can probably be avoided in most fantasy formats.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett will serve as the backup for Week 1 and Week 2 of the regular season. This was expected to happen with Jimmy Garoppolo suspended for the first two weeks of the season. Bennett sat out of the preseason finale after starting the first two games. He threw for 437 yards with two touchdowns and five interceptions during the preseason. Those aren't exactly great results, but Bennett isn't likely to see the field at all in 2024. Matthew Stafford should be full healthy and ready to go for the season opener. Garoppolo should take over as the primary backup once he's cleared to play, so Bennett is unlikely to play at all unless Stafford gets injured in the first two games.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson completed each of his two pass attempts for 26 yards in a 24-17 preseason loss to the Detroit Lions. George Pickens was the only player targeted by Wilson on the team's first drive of the contest. The duo connected for a 32-yard gain that eventually set up a Cordarrelle Patterson rushing touchdown. Although head coach Mike Tomlin declined to name a Week 1 starter on Saturday, the team certainly gave Wilson QB1 treatment when it pulled him from the preseason finale after one scoring drive. If Wilson struggles early in the regular season, Justin Fields could push for the starting job, making the veteran a risky selection as a low-end QB2 in superflex fantasy drafts.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers kicker Greg Joseph was solid in his final preseason game, making both field goal attempts and kicking home an extra point in the Packers' 30-7 win against the Baltimore Ravens. Joseph made a 36-yard attempt in the beginning of the second quarter, nailed a PAT in the third quarter, and then with just under two minutes left in the fourth quarter, drilled a 55-yard attempt. Joseph is in a tough kicking competition with incumbent starter Anders Carlson, but the race is a bit close to call at this moment. The Packers wanted to give Carlson some legitimate competition and Joseph, last season's kicker for the Minnesota Vikings, was just that throughout camp. Wait and see before drafting either kicker in fantasy, but whoever wins the Packers' job should have decent value given how powerful the Packers' offense is.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers second-year kicker Anders Carlson struggled as a rookie, missing five extra points and making 27-of-33 field goals last season. In today's final preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, Carlson made both extra point attempts and made a 54-yard field goal in the first quarter, but missed a 32-yard field goal wide right in the fourth quarter. While Carlson has been solid throughout camp in his battle with former Vikings kicker Greg Joseph to retain the starting kicker job, the final miss this preseason may linger in the head of head coach Matt LaFleur when making his decision. Carlson seems to have an edge on Joseph but could have a shorter leash once the season begins. Carlson is tough to trust as a fantasy selection at kicker, but could be a waiver wire add if things are going well as the Packers should be one of the better offenses in the league.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Malik Heath led the Packers in all receiving categories during their final preseason tune-up against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday afternoon. Heath, the second-year receiver out of Ole Miss, led the Packers with five targets and a four-catch, 39-yard effort, including a third-quarter touchdown from Sean Clifford. The Packers sat Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks, leaving the starting wide receivers to be Heath and Bo Melton, of whom Heath is battling to be the team's WR5 this season. The Packers have an embarrassment of riches at the receiver spot, so the team may opt to keep six on the 53-man roster, but the race is too close to call if the Packers only keep one. Heath was a sporadic contributor last season but was not fantasy-relevant. He shouldn't be drafted, but if any of the receivers ahead of him are hurt, Heath could contribute if he makes the roster.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Bo Melton scored a touchdown on a beautiful throw from rookie Michael Pratt on Saturday afternoon in the Packers' final preseason matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. With the Packers sitting Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks, Melton got some extra time to shine on Saturday and delivered with that second-quarter score. Melton only earned two targets and caught one, but made it count. While the first four receivers are set in stone for the Packers, the fifth wide receiver slot is up for grabs between Melton and second-year pro Malik Heath, who also caught a touchdown on the day. The Packers may opt to keep both Melton and Heath on the 53-man roster, but if not, it's likely a decision between the two. For fantasy purposes, there's no need to draft Melton but keep an eye on him if any of the other receivers get hurt as Melton was productive toward the end of 2023 for the Packers.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Jaren Hall played well in the team's last preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, completing 17 of 25 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns while adding 11 yards on the ground. The 26-year-old led the Vikings on five consecutive scoring drives and left the game with a 23-3 lead. The second-year quarterback out of BYU was on the roster bubble with the possibility of joining the Vikings' practice squad but may have made the final cut as Hall looked sharp and decisive. If Hall does indeed get cut, expect him to be swiftly signed by another team. The former BYU Cougar likely will enter the 2024 regular season as the Vikings' QB3 behind starter Sam Darnold and backup Nick Mullens.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers rookie quarterback Michael Pratt was solid in his final preseason outing against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday afternoon. Pratt was 8-of-12 for 80 yards with an 18-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter to Bo Melton. He also threw an interception in the third quarter to Trenton Simpson, where Pratt recklessly came flying in to make the tackle and was shaken up on the play. In the post-game press conference, head coach Matt LaFleur said Pratt "lost his wind" when trying to make the post-interception tackle. Pratt is battling incumbent backup quarterback Sean Clifford to be the QB2 behind Jordan Love this season, but the race is too close to call yet. The Packers travel to Brazil and open their season on September 6 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Sean Clifford struggled yet again in the Packers' third and final preseason contest against the Baltimore Ravens. Clifford was 6-of-14 for 53 yards with a touchdown pass to Malik Heath in the third quarter. The second-year pro from Penn State Clifford and rookie Michael Pratt alternated every two drives in their heated QB2 battle behind Jordan Love. Pratt has outplayed Clifford in the last two preseason contests but the race is too close to call with Clifford having the leg up with one more season of experience. The winner of this battle will be Love's direct backup when the Packers travel to Brazil to open their regular season on Friday, September 6 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Jaren Hall played most of the second half against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, looking sharp in his limited passing opportunities. The 2023 fifth-round pick completed four of his five passes for 87 yards and two scores while rushing for 11 yards on two attempts, including an incredible 71-yard bomb to Jeshaun Jones. The Vikings were ahead by multiple scores for much of Hall's playtime, so he did not have many chances to show off his arm, but he was effective when he could. The second-year quarterback bounced back from a disappointing first preseason game, and at a good time for that, too -- the backup quarterback position in Minnesota has been in flux with rookie J.J. McCarthy (knee) being placed on injured reserve earlier this week. Hall made his case to be on the 53-man roster for the Vikings and will need to fight off Nick Mullens and newly signed Matt Corral for the opportunity.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (foot) will undergo surgery and is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks. "DaRon Bland experienced foot discomfort on Wednesday of last week during training camp in Oxnard," the team disclosed in a statement. "Imaging revealed a stress fracture in his foot." The 25-year-old had a monster season in 2023-24, finishing with a league-leading nine interceptions, returning five for a touchdown. Without question, his absence is significant for the Cowboys' defense overall. Rookie Caelen Carson is anticipated to take over while Bland is out of commission.
From RotoBaller
According to Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles, running back Chase Edmonds (undisclosed) is expected to begin the season on the injured reserve list. No surprise here, considering the veteran back has been battling an unspecified ailment throughout training camp. Of course, the No. 1 spot on the depth chart is held by Rachaad White, who narrowly missed the 1,000-yard rushing mark in 2023-24. As a result, Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker will be looking for scraps, although neither player should be viewed as anything more than an insurance policy.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston will start in Saturday's preseason matchup with the Seattle Seahawks. Under normal circumstances, a lineup move for a preseason game wouldn't mean much. However, with Deshaun Watson (arm) having issues with "general arm soreness" of late, the Browns would benefit from giving Winston all the snaps he can handle. It also means Watson won't get his first taste of in-game action since November until the Browns commence the 2024-25 campaign on September 8 versus the Dallas Cowboys, so the signal-caller could have some residual rust to shake off. Of course, guys like Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, and David Njoku (undisclosed) may suffer from a production standpoint if Watson struggles.
From RotoBaller
The Bears cut tight end Tommy Sweeney on Saturday. He signed a deal with Chicago a few months ago after spending his entire career in Buffalo. The 29-year-old appeared in 24 contests for the Bills. However, he had just 18 catches for 165 yards and one touchdown. With Cole Kmet, Gerald Everett, and Marcedes Lewis on the roster, the Bears are set heading into the 2024-25 campaign. Regarding Sweeney's future, there's a chance he could at least earn a spot on another team throughout the National Football League. Yet, his fantasy value can't get any lower, nor will it improve anytime soon.
From RotoBaller