Guest of the League
Dimes Best Ball 56
FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

RB Strength of Schedule

Tue May 28 9:03am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

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.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Top 3 Mid-Round Targets

Player Notes
Gardner Minshew II Aug 24 9:20am CT
Gardner Minshew II

Las Vegas Raides quarterback Nathan Peterman completed 12-of-19 passes for 108 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his poise and experience in Friday's 24-24 tie to the San Francisco 49ers. Despite this, his path to fantasy relevance remains obstructed by Aidan O'Connell, who seems to have the inside track for the backup quarterback position behind Gardner Minshew II. Peterman's familiarity with the Raiders could aid his case for a roster spot, but from a fantasy perspective, this performance doesn't elevate him beyond a deep-league watchlist candidate. Even if secured, his role projects to be behind O'Connell, rendering Peterman largely irrelevant for fantasy rosters unless significant changes or injuries alter the depth chart. Fantasy managers should monitor the situation, but Peterman's fantasy impact looks minimal for the upcoming season.

From RotoBaller

Chris Conley Aug 24 8:40am CT
Chris Conley

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Chris Conley drew praise from head coach Kyle Shanahan earlier this week. Shanahan was asked how the 49ers would approach the wide receiver position in the event that Brandon Aiyuk doesn't suit up for the team in Week 1 and beyond. He expressed confidence in the team's in-house options at the position, including Conley. "Conley's had a hell of a camp," Shanahan told KNBR. "He came on strong for us last year, did a hell of a job for last year, and made a number of plays going into the playoffs, in the playoffs and in the Super Bowl. He's been on a lot of teams, too, where he's done it for a while." Shanahan also went on to mention that the team trusts its rookies, as long as they can stay healthy. Aiyuk remains a 49er and Deebo Samuel, Ricky Pearsall, and Jauan Jennings are all ahead of Conley on the depth chart, but the veteran should still carve out a role, and it's no secret that the team trusts him in key, high-leverage moments down the stretch.

From RotoBaller

Jalen McMillan Aug 24 8:30am CT
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan appears set to rank third on the depth chart behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. "It's a foregone conclusion among reporters he's won [the] WR3 job," tweeted Adam Levitan of Establish The Run. Jenna Laine of ESPN echoed this sentiment in a recent article, writing, "McMillan will line up opposite Evans with Godwin in the slot." The Buccaneers have been able to support three fantasy-relevant receivers before, albeit in the Tom Brady era, so there's a chance McMillan could have some appeal in deeper redraft leagues. Plus, even if he doesn't deliver steady production in the No. 3 role, he'd become an immediate FLEX option in most lineups if Evans or Godwin suffered an injury.

From RotoBaller

Tucker Kraft Aug 24 8:30am CT
Tucker Kraft

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft is expected to have a big role within the offense this season, according to an observation from Zach Kruse of Packers Wire. Ever since returning from offseason surgery, Kraft has wasted no time making an impact in training camp. Green Bay has utilized him in the passing game in a variety of ways, and it sounds like he's formed a strong rapport with Jordan Love already. While Kraft is technically listed second on the depth chart behind Luke Musgrave, the latest buzz about Kraft indicates that the two could really split duties at the tight end position. Kraft played at least 90 percent of offensive snaps in six of the Packers' last seven games in 2023, and he didn't miss a single snap in Week 14. Make no mistake: Kraft is going to get involved. He's worthy of consideration for a bench spot in deeper redraft leagues.

From RotoBaller

Kimani Vidal Aug 24 8:20am CT
Kimani Vidal

The Los Angeles Chargers continue to have a heavily-contested competition for the No. 3 running back role, according to Eric Smith of the team's official website. Smith notes that it's possible the team carries four running backs, but that's far from a given. In the event that they stick with three, the team will deploy Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins as its top two running backs with Isaiah Spiller, Kimani Vidal, and Jaret Patterson all competing for the final spot on the depth chart. Perhaps the most prominent name is Vidal, who impressed in Week 2 of the preseason and cost the Chargers a sixth-round pick just a few months ago. However, Spiller has familiarity with the system and Patterson has gone under the radar to make a real push for a roster spot, too. Saturday's clash with the Dallas Cowboys will give these three backs one more opportunity to separate themselves from the competition before rosters trim down on Tuesday.

From RotoBaller

Audric Estime Aug 24 8:10am CT
Audric Estime

The Denver Broncos believe that running back Audric Estime can become a three-down back following some development, according to Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com. Specifically, the team would like to see him "smooth out some rough edges as a receiver and get more consistent in pass protection" before deploying him on a three-down basis. Estime ran for 1,341 yards during his final season at Notre Dame, adding 18 touchdowns and another 142 yards through the air. With Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin also pushing for touches, it's unclear exactly how the Broncos will use their running backs to start the season. Estime will certainly carve out a role, though.

From RotoBaller

Malachi Corley Aug 24 8:10am CT
Malachi Corley

New York Jets wide receiver Malachi Corley "can contribute immediately as a screen [and] gadget player, a la Deebo Samuel," according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.com. Evidently, the rookie is expected to have a role within the offense as early as Week 1. However, Cimini also notes that Corley still projects as the Jets' WR5, though he can solidify his standing on the roster by contributing as a returner. Corley drew plenty of hype as soon as he was drafted this year, but it sounds like fantasy managers will have to wait a little while before seeing him have a steady role in the offense. For now, he's an appealing dynasty option but can be avoided in redraft leagues.

From RotoBaller

Jase McClellan Aug 24 5:30am CT
Jase McClellan

Atlanta Falcons running back Jase McClellan finished Friday's preseason game rushing 12 yards on four attempts with one catch on one target for 11 yards in a 31-0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Although he didn't see much usage in this game due to very minimal offense and time of possession by the Falcons, McClellan finished with solid numbers overall to finish the preseason. McClellan averaged 4.0 YPC on 24 attempts to close out camp, and with Carlos Washington Jr.'s poor performance during the preseason, the strong showing could move him up to the third-string running back to start the season.

From RotoBaller

Jase McClellan Aug 24 5:30am CT
Jase McClellan

Atlanta Falcons running back Carlos Washington Jr. finished his preseason with an inefficient seven rushing yards on four attempts while pitching in one reception for seven yards in Friday night's 31-0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Washington finished the preseason the way he began it, and it can't bode well for his spot on the depth chart with the beginning of the season right around the corner. Although he did find the endzone one time, Washington finished the preseason with an abysmal 2.4 YPC on 29 attempts. Jase McClellan outperformed him in every way during camp, and it wouldn't be surprising to see McClellan jump Washington as the RB3 on the depth chart to begin the season.

From RotoBaller

Spencer Brown Aug 24 5:20am CT
Spencer Brown

Atlanta Falcons running back Spencer Brown led the team in rushing in Friday night's preseason finale with 51 yards on 11 rushes with no targets in the air in a 31-0 blowout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Brown impressed Friday night even though the team did nothing on the offensive side overall. Despite zero work in the passing game this preseason, the young running back had an impressive 5.1 YPC in 15 attempts in the two games that he played. The positive play is always a good sign during this time, but unfortunately for Brown, he will be nowhere near the playing field for the Falcons this upcoming season with at least four running backs ahead of him on the depth chart.

From RotoBaller

Casey Washington Aug 24 5:10am CT
Casey Washington

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington finished Friday's final preseason game with two catches for 32 yards on six targets in a 31-0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. There was no production or efficiency on the offensive side from Taylor Heinicke and the rest of the Falcons. Still, it was another good sign that Washington led the team in targets for both of the preseason games in which he played. KhaDarel Hodge and Ray-Ray McCloud III are firmly ahead of Washington on the depth chart as the No. 3 and 4 wide receivers, meaning a lot would have to go his way to have any fantasy relevance in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Aug 24 5:00am CT
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram caught four passes for 48 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-0 win against the Atlanta Falcons. Engram was a matchup nightmare for Atlanta's backups, especially in the red zone, capping each of Jacksonville's first two drives with a short touchdown. With Travis Kelce getting older, the top of the tight-end rankings has never been wider open. Engram is one of the numerous guys this year with TE1 overall potential. On Yahoo, his ADP is 91, slotting him in at TE8, just after Kyle Pitts. With Calvin Ridley gone, the 29-year-old has huge potential as possibly the top receiving option for Trevor Lawrence. He finished as the TE2 last season, nine points behind Sam LaPorta. Engram could be a massive value in the middle of the draft for those looking to wait on the tight end position.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Aug 24 4:50am CT
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne put up 46 rushing yards on seven carries and three yards on one catch in a 31-0 win against the Atlanta Falcons. He averaged 6.5 yards per carry, and his longest run of Friday's game was 19 yards. The third-year running back looked explosive on the ground against Atlanta's defensive backups and will be a bell-cow once again this season. Etienne currently goes at RB10 and 22nd overall on Yahoo, which feels a little low given his potential volume. He finished as the RB3 last season but was inconsistent down the stretch. However, with a revamped offense and improved offensive line, fantasy managers shouldn't worry about the former Clemson back as a second-round pick with a first-round upside. Managers looking for a running back in the second round should feel good about picking Etienne.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Aug 24 4:40am CT
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence completed eight of 10 passes for 92 yards and two touchdown passes to Evan Engram in a 31-0 win against the Atlanta Falcons. He also added a nine-yard rush. Lawrence made the most of his two drives against Atlanta's defensive backups, leading nine-play, 92-yard, and 13-play, 62-yard touchdown drives. While the Jaguars lost Calvin Ridley this past offseason, Lawrence's chemistry with Engram, Christian Kirk, and Travis Etienne out of the backfield should help the offense remain solid. The former No. 1 overall pick currently goes off the board 16th among QBs on Yahoo, just after rookie QBs Jayden Daniels and Caleb Williams. Lawrence has the combination of great arm talent, solid rushing ability, and past fantasy success to finish as a top-12 QB. He is an intriguing upside option for fantasy managers waiting on quarterback.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Aug 24 4:30am CT
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. caught one pass for a team-high 38 yards in Friday's 31-0 preseason win against the Atlanta Falcons. The LSU product hasn't touched the ball much this preseason, but he's made big plays when he has. BTJ's speed should get him on the field early on, with his main competition for playing time being Gabe Davis, who was signed this offseason from Buffalo. Typically, rookies become valuable in fantasy as they improve later in the season. Given the first-round WR's draft capital and path to playing time, he could easily fall into that category and become a league winner down the stretch. With an ADP of 128, fantasy managers who believes in the talent should take a shot on Thomas as a bench stash.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Aug 24 4:20am CT
Deebo Samuel

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel, Sr. saw his only preseason action of the summer in a 24-24 tie with the Las Vegas Raiders on Friday night. The 28-year-old took the field with the starting unit for San Francisco's first three possessions and showed early rapport with quarterback Brock Purdy, toe-tapping the sideline for a 27-yard gain on the first play from scrimmage. Samuel, Sr. finished with two catches on three targets for 32 yards. The most important thing for 49ers fans and fantasy managers is that Samuel came away healthy after taking an awkward high/low combo shot on his second reception. Samuel, Sr. will be a low/mid WR1 when the 49ers open up against the New York Jets at home on September 9.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Aug 24 3:50am CT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle looked sharp in a 24-24 preseason tie with the Las Vegas Raiders on Friday night. Kittle, who suited up in neither of the 49ers' two previous preseason games, caught three of four targets for 34 yards in Vegas. Kittle got his work in during the first quarter with the first team, including quarterback Brock Purdy and wide receiver Deebo Samuel. It was noted during the broadcast, however, that San Francisco's starters were facing Las Vegas' number three defensive unit. Kittle will be ready to roll as a mid-level fantasy TE1 in Week 1 when the 49ers open up at home against the New York Jets.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Mason Aug 24 3:20am CT
Jordan Mason

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason made his case to enter 2024 as the team's primary backup by leading all rushers in Friday night's preseason 24-24 tie with the Las Vegas Raiders. The third-year undrafted Georgia Tech product took eight carries for 42 yards, including a four-yard touchdown. He also caught one of two targets for seven yards. Mason is locked into a positional battle with the incumbent but banged-up Elijah Mitchell, rookies Isaac Guerendo and Cody Schrader, as well as veteran Matt Breida. It would seem that Mitchell would have the inside track for the job behind Christian McCaffrey after spending the better part of a season-and-a-half occupying the position. However, Mason showed much more burst in 2023, averaging 5.2 YPC to Mitchell's 3.7 YPC. Guerendo didn't do much to leapfrog Mason, gaining 10 fewer yards in three more carries than Mason, though Guerendo did have an impressive kick return for a near-touchdown. Fantasy managers looking for Christian McCaffrey's handcuff will have to speculate or wait until the situation becomes clearer.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Aug 24 2:50am CT
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy shook off a bit more rust in a 24-24 preseason tie at the Las Vegas Raiders. The 24-year-old completed nine of twelve pass attempts for 96 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception. He was sacked once and took one carry for a 14-yard gain. Overall, Purdy looked better than he did last week versus New Orleans while he took the offensive snaps in the first three San Francisco possessions on Friday night. Purdy showed rapport with fellow starters, involving Deebo Samuel and George Kittle for five of his nine completions, albeit against Las Vegas' third unit. The interception is better attributed to an excellent defensive play than any mistake by Purdy as Sam Webb deflected a frozen rope intended for a slanting Samuel, which landed in Chris Smith II's hands. The real mistake Purdy made on the play was throwing his head at Smith II's legs in a successful -- but meaningless -- attempt to end the return. Luckily, he wasn't hurt. Purdy will begin his 2024 season on September 9 against the New York Jets on the QB1/2 border for fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Wright Aug 23 10:50pm CT
Jaylen Wright

Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright rushed seven times for 36 yards in Friday night's 24-14 defeat at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He added 41 yards and four receptions on six targets. Wright saw the most touches of all Dolphins' running backs but was the second to enter the game behind Jeff Wilson Jr., who ran with Mike White and the second-team offense. He saw a few snaps with Mike White but did most of his damage after Skylar Thompson came in to finish out the game. The fourth-round pick was stuffed a few times early on but showed off his strength and athleticism on his other runs and ultimately ended the game with a strong 5.1 yards per carry. His passing-game usage is also positive news as he looked spry in the open field, regularly turning the corner and bursting up the sideline for an extra chunk of yards. The former Volunteer is vying for the RB3 job behind Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane to open 2024 with Miami, and his performance tonight did not hurt his chances. Wright is the RB52 in Yahoo!'s ADP and a nice handcuff option or flier in deep leagues late in drafts.

From RotoBaller