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.
Chiefs WR Rashee Rice is our biggest positive mover this past week, seeing his ADP climb 11 spots. As the days continue to pass without a suspension, his ADP continues to climb. See where Rice goes in your next draft at RTSports, taking advantage of our happy hour. Get $25 back in bonus funds if you enter into a TFC between 1-6 PM ET. Sign up here: https://www.fantasychampionship.com/draft-lobby.
Chicago Bears rookie first-round quarterback Caleb Williams, the first overall pick in this year's draft, has made things look effortless at times in the preseason and during training camp. However, there have also been times when Williams shows he's still a rookie while processing how to dissect coverages he's seeing for the first time. Beyond the splashy plays, the ability to navigate pressure and pull things off that can't be taught, what has impressed coaches and teammates the most has been seeing Williams find the answers to what's stumping him in real time. "In terms of what I learned from him is what I've said all along: He always rises to the challenge," head coach Matt Eberflus said. The 22-year-old was the most pro-ready QB prospect in the draft and has all the weapons he needs in Chicago to make a serious rookie-year impact for the Bears and fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears rookie first-round wide receiver Rome Odunze has found ways to stand out in a crowded receivers room during training camp and the preseason while building a connection with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. "He's polished," wide receiver Keenan Allen said. "You don't have to teach him how to play receiver." He's still experienced learning moments this summer, like when his feet were out of bounds upon catching a pass in the end zone in last week's preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, but he's also shown he's not an average rookie. Odunze has highlighted the explosive element he brings to Chicago, but he's likely to struggle for consistency in his first year in the NFL as the No. 3 behind Allen and DJ Moore. Even then, fantasy managers will want to target him as a WR4/flex in standard-sized leagues because of his immense upside and polish.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said that quarterback Jacoby Brissett will start Sunday's preseason finale against the Washington Commanders, and all four of the team's QBs will play, including rookie first-rounder Drake Maye. The Patriots will keep things the same after the veteran Brissett started the first two preseason games. The 31-year-old has so far gone 3-for-10 for just 17 yards and an interception in four drives played in the preseason, and he's going to need to do better this Sunday if he wants to hold off Maye for the starting gig entering the 2024 regular season. Brissett's inconsistency in the preseason and in training camp has opened the door for Maye, who got his first reps with the starting unit in practice this week. Brissett probably still has the slight edge in the competition because of his experience in the NFL, but he probably won't be able to hold Maye off long in 2024.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots QB Jacoby Brissett will start the preseason finale against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Aug. 25.
From TheHuddle
Houston Texans wide receiver Ben Skowronek (leg) returned to practice this week after being out for around a week with a leg injury. The former Ram was impressing in the early goings of training camp according to reports, but he was unable to play in their latest preseason game due to the leg issue. Now that he's back in practice, he'll continue to compete to be a part of one of the deepest receiver corps in the league. Just to make the team as a depth option, he'll be battling with Robert Woods, John Metchie III, and Noah Brown. If Skowronek does make the team, he's not likely to be a viable fantasy option any time soon.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau has battled numerous ailments throughout his career, most recently a rare ankle injury that he played through for most of last season. As Ross Jackson reports, no one has ever played with the same ankle issue Moreau had let alone played almost an entire season. Moreau said his brace that he played in was preventing one of his tendons from flipping over his ankle bone. Now, ahead of his sixth season in the NFL, he's been given a clean bill of health and he's ready to go for the Saints. On the depth chart, he's currently listed as the backup tight end behind Juwan Johnson, but Taysom Hill will likely encroach on plenty of snaps and receiving work as well.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) suffered a high-ankle sprain a couple of weeks ago and was expected to miss 2-to-4 weeks. During the team's most recent practice, Downs did not have a boot on his ankle anymore reports Jake Arthur of Sports Illustrated. The second-year receiver was in a boot and sometimes used a scooter to get around, so his ankle injury seems to be progressing in the right direction. He was still held out of the team's game on Thursday against the Cincinnati Bengals, but his timetable at least seems to be following the 2-to-4 weeks that they initially announced. Downs should get plenty of work in the slot alongside Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce when healthy. He's currently ranked as the 62nd WR in RotoBaller's half-PPR rankings.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Eagles have acquired wide receiver Jahan Dotson from the Washington Commanders. Dynasty Analysis: The Commanders traded the former first round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a third-round pick and two seventh-round picks in 2025. It's a deal that kind of comes out of left field, though Dotson was reportedly being outplayed in camp by both Dyami Brown and Olamide Zaccheus. Dotson will slot in as the third receiver for the Eagles behind AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith. It's a move that certainly doesn't help his dynasty value as the former first rounder won't likely see anything like the 83 targets he had last season.
Dynasty | Parris Campbell moves down the depth chart after the Eagles traded for Jahan Dotson. Dynasty Analysis: This trade represents a tough break for Campbell, who was trying to make a significant impact this year after a lost season with the Giants. Campbell and Dotson are different players but there simply aren't enough targets to keep everyone happy in the receiver room, especially when you keep in mind AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith are going to dominate targets anyway. Campbell is likely not a roster-worthy player at the moment.
Indianapolis Colts running back Demetric Felton ran the ball four times for 44 yards and a touchdown in the team's win against the Bengals. Felton also caught both of his targets for an additional eight yards through the air. Felton struggled with his first three carries, netting just four yards, eventually taking his final carry 40 yards for a touchdown to help seal the win for Indy. Felton didn't see action until the fourth quarter, playing behind Jonathan Taylor, Tyler Goodson, and Evan Hull, indicating he might be on the outside looking in for a spot in the rotation this season. That being said, with the injury to Trey Sermon (hamstring), the RB2 role is up for grabs and Felton made his case for it with his performance.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell caught two of his four targets for 18 yards and a touchdown in the team's win against the Bengals. Mitchell played alongside all of Indy's starters, confirming that he will likely run with the ones for the Colts this season. With Josh Downs (ankle) sidelined with an injury, Mitchell has a shot at competing for the No. 2 receiver in the offense behind Michael Pittman Jr. Fantasy managers should prioritize Mitchell as a high-upside WR3/4 this upcoming season.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts tight end Kylen Granson caught two his three targets for 17 yards in the team's win against the Cincinnati Bengals. Granson's third and final target came from Anthony Richardson and was intercepted for a pick-six by Cincinnati. Granson played alongside all of Indy's starters in the first and second quarters, indicating that he locked up the job as TE1 for the Colts this season. While it's unlikely that the volume in the Colts' passing attack this season can propel Granson into fantasy relevance, fantasy managers can consider him a streaming option with a chance to be upgraded depending on how he is utilized.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts running back Tyler Goodson ran the ball 13 times for 57 yards in the team's preseason win against the Bengals, leading the team in both categories. Goodson also caught two of his three targets for an additional ten yards in the air. For the third preseason game in a row, Goodson has come in as the second running back behind Jonathan Taylor and has seen impressive production in each game. While Trey Sermon (hamstring) is sidelined, Goodson appears to have locked up the RB2 role behind Taylor, making him a name to keep an eye on as a potential handcuff this season. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor this backfield as Goodson vies for the RB2 spot.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson completed eight of his 14 passes for 86 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception in the team's preseason win against the Bengals. Richardson carried the ball once for an additional three yards on the ground. The second-year QB found rookie WR Adonai Mitchell for a touchdown in the first quarter, following it up with a pick-six on the next drive. The former Gator played 25 snaps in the first and second quarters before being taken out. While it wasn't the most encouraging performance from Richardson, he is still a high-end QB1 in fantasy this season with his rushing upside and arm power.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman was the team leader in targets in Thursday's preseason loss to the visiting Chicago Bears at Arrowhead Stadium, but he only hauled in one of his four passes for six yards in the defeat. Hardman brought in a short six-yard reception from backup quarterback Chris Oladokun in a goal-to-go situation in the second quarter on Thursday against the Bears. After catching the game-winning pass for the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII, Hardman is back to provide the club with some depth in the receiving corps, and there's not much reason to believe he won't be a part of the 53-man roster. The 26-year-old veteran deep threat isn't likely to play many snaps when KC's receiving corps is healthy, but he could see some more action in the early going with Marquise Brown (shoulder) currently sidelined.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney made an appearance in Thursday's preseason loss to the visiting Chicago Bears at Arrowhead Stadium, reeling in two of his three passes for 26 yards in the loss. Toney's long gain of the night came on a 20-yard reception from backup quarterback Chris Oladokun in the first quarter on Thursday against Chicago. It was an important performance for Toney, who is fighting to keep his roster spot as a cut candidate on the Chiefs this summer after an utterly disastrous 2023 season. Even if the 25-year-old former first-round pick keeps his job in KC's receiving corps, he isn't likely to be anything more than a gadget player who is used sparingly in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Deneric Prince flopped in his final chance to leave an impression in Thursday's preseason loss to the visiting Chicago Bears at Arrowhead Stadium, going backward for one yard on three rushing attempts and catching his lone pass for three yards in the defeat. Prince had a chance this summer to unseat incumbent veteran Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) as KC's No. 2 back as he deals with post-traumatic stress disorder, but Thursday's effort likely wasn't enough for him to seize the primary change-of-pace role behind workhorse starter Isiah Pacheco. The 24-year-old power back remains likely to make KC's roster as a third- or fourth-string RB, but undrafted rookie Carson Steele has turned heads during the preseason, and Keaontay Ingram also showed well on Thursday against the Bears.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Carson Steele impressed once again in Thursday's preseason loss to the visiting Chicago Bears at Arrowhead Stadium, rushing for 50 yards and a touchdown on just four carries in the defeat. Steele produced a 31-yard, tackle-breaking run to set up his own scoring plunge in the second quarter on Thursday against Chicago. The 21-year-old undrafted rookie out of UCLA has burst onto the scene with the Chiefs this summer, showcasing plenty of versatility and pass-blocking ability with his 228-pound frame. As KC's backfield hierarchy behind workhorse starter Isiah Pacheco remains murky, Steele has likely done enough during the preseason to make the 53-man roster as a fullback even if the team decides to employ four true RBs.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver/running back Velus Jones Jr. led the team in rushing in the team's preseason finale against Kansas City. The converted wide receiver is getting more looks in the backfield during training camp. He made the most of his opportunities Thursday night, tallying 13 carries for 111 yards. That included a 39-yard touchdown late in the third quarter. Jones also caught two passes for 11 yards. The 2022 third-round pick has yet to make an impact at wide receiver, so the move may be enough for him to make the final roster. He also projects to be Chicago's primary kick returner in 2024.
From RotoBaller