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 Chicago Bears have acquired Seahawks linebacker Darrell Taylor in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round draft pick, releasing defensive end Khalid Kareem to make room for him. Taylor, a second-round pick in 2020, missed his rookie season due to a leg fracture but has since made an impact as an edge rusher. Over the past three seasons, he has recorded 21.5 sacks in 49 games, with 13 starts. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Taylor is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2024 season. Last year, he played all 17 games with five starts, totaling 5.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and eight quarterback hits while participating in 44 percent of the defensive snaps. The Bears, who struggled with pass rushing last seasonfinishing with the lowest sack percentage (4.64%) and the second-fewest sacks (30)are looking to boost their ability to pressure quarterbacks. Taylor and Montez Sweat are expected to play a significant role in addressing this need.
From RotoBaller
The NFL has suspended Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones for the first five games of the season due to violating the league's personal conduct policy. The suspension follows a misdemeanor domestic battery charge from his time with the Jaguars last season, which the Florida state attorney's office eventually dropped. Despite this, the NFL conducted its investigation and imposed a five-game suspension. Last year, Jones recorded 34 receptions for 321 yards and two touchdowns with Jacksonville. He will be eligible for reinstatement on October 7, following the Cardinals' Week 5 game against the 49ers, meaning his earliest return to regular-season action would be October 13 against the Packers. In his absence, Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, and Greg Dortch are expected to lead the team's wide receiver corps for the season opener on September 8 against the Buffalo Bills. While this impacts Kyler Murray somewhat, Trey McBride and Harrison Jr. will likely receive even more targets.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (toe/foot) was still not spotted practicing on Friday. Shaheed hasn't been seen at practice due to a toe/foot injury since the middle of last week, likely ruling him out for Sunday's preseason finale against the visiting Tennessee Titans at Caesars Superdome. There's optimism he'll be ready in time for the start of the regular season, though. The 25-year-old deep threat is primed to occupy a significant role in New Orleans' passing game as a volatile WR4/5 bet for fantasy managers this season, considering the Saints' receiving corps is very thin beyond star wideout Chris Olave. Last year, Shaheed put up a strong 9.6 yards per target over 75 targets and 15.6 yards per catch across 46 receptions.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (hamstring) was still not spotted practicing on Friday. Fantasy managers haven't seen Miller on the field for the Saints since the early stages of training camp due to his hamstring injury, which has proven to be a multi-week setback up to this point. Miller is highly unlikely to be available for Sunday's preseason finale against the visiting Tennessee Titans at Caesars Superdome, and there have been rumors he could end up being a surprise roster cut before the regular season begins if New Orleans doesn't want to put him on Injured Reserve. Veteran power back Jamaal Williams makes the most sense as lead back Alvin Kamara's handcuff until Miller finally gets healthy again.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles has confirmed the team's starters will play in Friday's preseason finale against the visiting Miami Dolphins at Raymond James Stadium, so running back Rachaad White will take the field on Friday. Throughout the preseason, rookie fourth-rounder Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker took the majority of reps with White on the sideline. White was a workhorse for the Bucs in 2023, finishing the year with 1,539 scrimmage yards on 272 carries for 990 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns, and 3.6 yards per attempt. In addition, he showcased his pass-catching ability out of the backfield with 549 receiving yards on 70 catches for an average of 8.6 yards per reception. The 25-year-old's inefficiency on the ground puts him in dead-zone fantasy territory among RBs this summer, but White is certainly a solid RB2 option to begin the year as Tampa Bay's lead back.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts tight end Jelani Woods (toe) underwent successful surgery for turf toe on Friday and is expected to miss around four months, according to sources. The Colts are hopeful that Woods can return around Christmas in time for a playoff push. We already knew Woods was going to miss significant time, but now his timeline is a bit more clear. It means that fantasy managers can ignore the 25-year-old in redraft leagues, while his injury will open up more opportunities for the rest of Indy's TE committee that includes Kylen Granson, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree and Will Mallory. Granson, 26, figures to be the Colts' top pass-catching tight end, as evidenced by the fact that he played all five possessions with the starting offense in the preseason finale on Thursday night. Even with Woods out, Granson can be ignored in standard-sized fantasy leagues. He's ranked as RotoBaller's No. 43 TE in half-PPR formats.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders rookie third-round wide receiver Luke McCaffrey has not emerged as an obvious top-four wideout to open his first year in the NFL. However, McCaffrey showed the ability to play physical and even helped as a gunner in the second preseason game against the New York Jets, and he can help on underneath routes as he develops. It should come as a huge surprise, as he has played the receiver position for only two seasons. It's disappointing news for fantasy managers that took a flier on the 23-year-old from Rice, especially after the Commanders dealt Jahan Dotson to the Philadelphia Eagles this week. Washington's top four receivers appear to be Terry McLaurin, Dyami Brown, Olamide Zaccheaus and veteran Jamison Crowder. McCaffrey still has a lot to learn and can be avoided in redraft fantasy leagues for now.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders rookie first-round quarterback Jayden Daniels will not play in the preseason finale on Sunday night against the New England Patriots. It doesn't come as much of a surprise after the Commanders named the second overall pick as their starting QB on Aug. 19. Daniels ended up going 12-for-15 for 123 yards while carrying the ball three times for 16 yards and a touchdown in the two preseason games he appeared in. The 23-year-old signal-caller has done nothing but impress on and off the field this summer, which made the team's decision to name him the starter pretty easy. Washington's receiving depth is very thin beyond WR1 Terry McLaurin, which could be an issue for Daniels in his first NFL season, but his high-upside dual-threat abilities still put him on the QB1/2 borderline. Ideally, fantasy managers will be able to roster him as a high-end backup.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's John Keim writes that it's hard to overstate how much Washington Commanders rookie first-round quarterback Jayden Daniels has impressed his new teammates, thanks to both his on-field play and his off-the-field work ethic. Daniels' ball placement, accuracy and decision-making have all been praised this offseason. He completed 12 of his 15 passes for 122 yards and rushed for a touchdown in his first two preseason contests and was officially named the team's starting QB on Aug. 19. "I've played with a lot of first-time quarterbacks," receiver Terry McLaurin said, "and he plays like this is not going to be his first time playing in this league." It's no secret that the 23-year-old from LSU has all the tools to exceed in the NFL sooner than later, but it remains to be seen if he'll have enough help through the air to be a weekly QB1 option for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's John Keim says that Washington Commanders rookie second-round tight end Ben Sinnott will be one of the team's top-three tight ends this year. Sinnott's versatility is noticeable, as he's been used as a tight end and as a fullback in training camp. He hasn't exactly stood out with an ability to create separation from defenders, but he does excel at running after the catch -- a trait he showed in college at Washington. The 22-year-old caught all three of his targets for 57 yards in last week's preseason game against the New York Jets, but his work came with backup quarterbacks Jeff Driskel and Sam Hartman. Sinnott has plenty to like in dynasty/keeper leagues, but fantasy managers in single-year formats can ignore him for now while he tries to stand out behind starter Zach Ertz and John Bates in his first year in the NFL.
From RotoBaller
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.