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 2024 season will be a "redshirt" year for New York Jets rookie fifth-round quarterback Jordan Travis (ankle), who is rehabbing from a devastating ankle injury that cut his college career short. The former Florida State star is expected to begin the 2024 regular season on one of the injury lists. The 24-year-old signal-caller hasn't played at all in training camp or the preseason and will merely be trying to work his way back onto the practice field during his first season in the NFL with the Jets. New York is not going to rush Travis' rehabilitation after he started camp on the Non-Football Injury list. Gang Green will open the regular season in a few weeks with Aaron Rodgers as the starter, with Tyrod Taylor serving as his primary backup.
From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans rookie sixth-round wide receiver Jha'Quan Jackson has become a strong candidate for a 53-man roster spot out of training camp, according to ESPN's Turron Davenport. Jackson's explosive playmaking ability is helping him in an intense competition for a backup slot role, and his return potential on special teams hasn't helped his cause, either. Calvin Ridley and DeAndre Hopkins are the team's top two pass-catchers, with Tyler Body set to start out of the slot. If Jackson wins the backup slot role over Kyle Philips, he could become interesting in deeper fantasy leagues in 2024 if Boyd misses time with an injury. The 24-year-old from Tulane is undersized at 5-foot-9 and 188 pounds, but he could factor in as a deep threat occasionally for a new-look Titans offense that is expected to air the ball out much more. For now, Jackson is merely a player to monitor in dynasty/keeper formats.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Dee Eskridge performed well in the Seahawks' preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday. Eskridge finished with three receptions for 19 yards and returned a punt 79 yards for a touchdown. Eskridge is buried on the wide receiver depth chart. His best chance at a roster spot may be as a returner. The former second-round pick has battled injuries and poor play throughout his career. However, his speed and skills as a returner may be an asset to the team.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks second-year running back Kenny McIntosh may have wrapped up the No. 3 running back spot on Saturday. McIntosh drew the start against the Cleveland Browns and finished with one reception for nine yards and one rushing attempt for 56 yards and a touchdown. The Seahawks must have felt like they saw enough from McIntosh because they turned the reins over to undrafted rookie George Holani following McIntosh's touchdown run. McIntosh was a seventh-round pick in 2023. He spent most of the year on injured reserve. McIntosh has been highly efficient this preseason. He has recorded 142 rushing yards and a touchdown on 17 attempts. He should provide the Seahawks with solid depth behind Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet.
From RotoBaller
In his final dress rehearsal on Saturday, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba showed why he was a first-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. Smith-Njigba finished with two receptions for 32 yards on the Seahawks' masterful opening drive against the Cleveland Browns. Smith-Njigba showed off his hands and body control on a contested catch up the right sideline for 25 yards. During his rookie season, Smith-Njigba recorded 63 receptions for 628 yards and four touchdowns. He is poised to take a second-year leap in this offense. What is most encouraging is that the Seahawks primarily deployed three wide receiver sets during their opening drive. This would allow Smith-Njigba to share the field with long-time stalwarts DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. With new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb coming over from the University of Washington and introducing more creativity, Smith-Njigba may be worth a shot at his current draft price of WR39.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants quarterback Tommy Devito could be released when rosters trim down on Tuesday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. DeVito was sacked eight times during the Giants' preseason finale and completed just over 50 percent of his pass attempts, which is not a great result for someone fighting to keep their job. Rapoport notes that DeVito previously expressed confidence in being signed by another team if the Giants cut him, but that's not necessarily a given following Saturday's performance. Of course, New York will keep Daniel Jones and Drew Lock on their roster, so DeVito's stint in the Big Apple hangs in the balance. If the Giants opt to roster just two quarterbacks, DeVito will be looking for a new job.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith went 4/5 for 62 yards and a touchdown on the Seahawks' opening drive against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday. The drive included highlight reel throws of 25 yards to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and a 21-yard touchdown to DK Metcalf. After throwing an incomplete pass to Metcalf on the opening play, Smith went 4/4 over the next four plays to drive Seattle 62 yards for the touchdown. Fantasy managers can hope to see this type of efficiency and effectiveness when the regular season kicks off in a couple of weeks. If Smith plays like this, he will be a streaming option throughout the season. Additionally, this type of play would help support the pass catchers in Seattle.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf beat his defender one-on-one for a 21-yard touchdown reception on Saturday. Metcalf finished his only drive with the lone reception on two targets. The Seahawks' offense looked sharp, and quarterback Geno Smith was accurate and on time. The Seahawks' wide receivers were primarily deployed in three wide receiver sets. This should present a chance for more creativity and create space for Metcalf in the passing game. Metcalf is a redzone and endzone machine. Fantasy managers can draft Metcalf confidently knowing that he will be a featured part of this offense.
From RotoBaller
The Jacksonville Jaguars released wide receiver Denzel Mims on Sunday morning, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Mims has bounced around several NFL teams throughout his young career. Originally a Jets second-round pick, the Baylor product has also been rostered by the Lions, Steelers, and Jaguars. However, he hasn't appeared in a regular-season game since 2022 with New York. He played in 10 games that year, catching just 11 passes for 186 yards. He's still searching for his first NFL touchdown.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers backup quarterback Easton Stick has very little job security as the preseason wraps up, according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic. While Popper projects that Stick will make the team's initial 53-man roster, he notes that the Chargers could look to upgrade the backup quarterback role by signing someone who is cut by another team when rosters trim down on Tuesday. Los Angeles previously signed Luis Perez to compete with Stick, and while Perez likely didn't do enough to win a roster spot, all signs point to the Chargers seeking an upgrade over Stick. Of course, this news has minimal fantasy football implications as Justin Herbert is the Chargers' starting quarterback and has an incredibly firm hold on his job. He ranks as a fringe top-12 fantasy quarterback heading into the 2024 campaign.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Ernest Jones has been given permission to seek a trade, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Jones, a team captain, is heading into a contract year, and the two sides have not made significant progress on an extension. As a result, Jones gets to explore his options on the trade market. The 24-year-old made a significant impact on defense last year, registering 145 tackles and 4.5 sacks over 15 games. If traded, he would represent a major addition to an NFL roster with less than two weeks until the regular season gets underway.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson is expected to have a significant role in the receiving game, especially with Lawrence Cager (groin) missing extended time, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com. Johnson, a rookie, is in line to open the year as New York's top pass-catching tight end after Darren Waller retired during the offseason. The Penn State product caught 34 passes for 341 yards and seven touchdowns in his final collegiate season last year. He ranks as a low-end TE2 in most redraft leagues ahead of the 2024 campaign.
From RotoBaller
Daniel Popper of The Athletic projects that Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal will make the roster and be listed third on the depth chart behind Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins. The competition for the third running back slot appeared to be wide open heading into the Chargers' final preseason game, with Vidal, Jaret Patterson, and Isaiah Spiller all competing for the role. Vidal didn't play in the preseason finale, which could suggest that he's already locked up a roster spot. The rookie led the team in rushing yards during Week 2 of the preseason, and he also caught two passes. Even if Vidal is confirmed as the Chargers' No. 3 running back, he should be avoided in fantasy football given his depth role behind Edwards and Dobbins.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams running back Boston Scott rushed 11 times for 34 yards in the team's final preseason game against the Houston Texans on Saturday. He was targeted once in the passing game but did not record a catch. Scott wasn't very efficient on his touches as he closed out his preseason. He is competing with Zach Evans for a backup role behind Kyren Williams and rookie Blake Corum. There wasn't much to see here as the Rams struggled to move the ball on offense as they went deep into their depth chart in the last preseason tuneup. Although Evans scored twice, neither Scott nor Evans really separated themselves in the preseason.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams running back Zach Evans led the team's backfield with 14 carries for 45 yards and two rushing touchdowns in Saturday's preseason finale against the Houston Texans. Evans scored on runs of 4 and 3 yards. It wasn't an extremely efficient game for Evans, but he was able to find the end zone twice and out-rushed his competition in Boston Scott (11 carries for 34 yards). Evans and Scott are competing for a backup role behind Kyren Williams and Blake Corum.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins made his lone field goal attempt in a 37-33 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in preseason action on Saturday. Hopkins made his preseason debut in the game, booting a 37-yarder before calling it a night and letting Lucas Havrisik take over kicking duties. Hopkins was dealing with an undisclosed injury earlier in training camp, so his availability on Saturday is a good sign that he will be ready for Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys. The veteran kicker was productive for the Browns last season, hitting 33 of his 36 field goals and adding 24 extra points but he's probably not worth considering as a top-12 fantasy kicker for the upcoming season.
From RotoBaller