Mon May 19 9:53am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
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. | Baltimore | 359.12 |
2. | Detroit | 361.44 |
3. | Washington | 363.13 |
4. | Chicago | 363.15 |
5. | Los Angeles Chargers | 364.99 |
6. | Las Vegas | 365.23 |
7. | Buffalo | 365.36 |
8. | Denver | 365.76 |
9. | Minnesota | 365.95 |
10. | Pittsburgh | 366.19 |
11. | New York Giants | 366.33 |
12. | Cincinnati | 368.36 |
13. | Kansas City | 370.96 |
14. | Dallas | 371.06 |
15. | Green Bay | 371.22 |
16. | Philadelphia | 374.34 |
17. | Cleveland | 375.65 |
18. | Indianapolis | 376.77 |
19. | Tennessee | 380.94 |
20. | Jacksonville | 382.3 |
21. | Miami | 385.28 |
22. | New England | 385.90 |
23. | Houston | 388.39 |
24. | Los Angeles Rams | 389.64 |
25. | New York Jets | 392.14 |
26. | Carolina | 392.3 |
27. | Tampa Bay | 394.26 |
28. | Seattle | 394.40 |
29. | San Francisco | 395.91 |
30. | Arizona | 397.31 |
31. | Atlanta | 402.24 |
32. | New Orleans | 404.73 |
The Saints have the easiest fantasy schedule for running backs this season. This is great news for Alvin Kamara, who could have a big season if he can stay healthy. New Orleans has plenty of questions at quarterback after the retirement of Derek Carr. Kamara could be the focal point of new head coach Kellen Moore’s offense. He could get a huge workload with a favorable schedule.
Bijan Robinson had a huge season last year and seems setup for more success this year. He gets the second most favorable schedule. You can make a strong case for Robinson to be the top pick in this year’s draft and a great schedule helps that case even more.
The Cardinals, 49ers and Seahawks round out the top five most favorable schedules for running backs. James Conner is getting older but continues to be the lead back for the Cardinals and produced a solid season last year. He could be setup for more of the same this year.
Christian McCaffrey is a huge injury risk but might have the highest ceiling of any running back. He is the ultimate boom-or-bust pick. And you have to love seeing the easy schedule for him. He might be worth rolling the dice on this season.
Kenneth Walker gets a new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak calling plays for him this year. Kubiak has a history of producing some big-time fantasy back. This is great news for Walker as is his very favorable schedule. He might have a career-best season.
You never want to go against Derrick Henry but having the toughest schedule for running backs is a little concerning. Plus, he is another year older with a ton of carries under his belt. We would still expect plenty of success from Henry but he might not be able to repeat last year’s huge season.
The Lions have arguably the top rushing offense in football but that will be put to the test this year with the second toughest schedule for running backs. Jahmyr Gibbs is one of the top fantasy backs in the game right now and will be hard to slow no matter the opponent. You do have to worry a little about this schedule, though, especially with the Lions having a new offensive coordinator calling plays. Maybe the run offense won’t be quite as potent as last year.
The Commanders, Bears and Chargers also have top five most challenging schedules for running backs. Washington doesn’t have the most potent rushing attack to begin with, so going with any of their backs on your fantasy roster might not be a risk worth taking.
Chicago seems setup for a better season running the ball with Ben Johnson now calling plays, but there remain questions about their running backs. Is D’Andre Swift their clear top option and can he take his game to a new level? The Bears options at running back are a little scary for fantasy owners right now.
The Chargers like to run the ball and have two new backs leading the backfield, but both could carry a little risk because of a tough schedule. Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris have some real potential in this offense, but you have to wonder how consistent they might be splitting carries and playing a lot of challenging rush defense.
We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy running backs. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 15-17, 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. | Los Angeles Chargers | 333.27 |
2. | Pittsburgh | 336.3 |
3. | Buffalo | 339.4 |
4. | Las Vegas | 340 |
5. | Dallas | 345.03 |
6. | Detroit | 345.03 |
7. | Miami | 355.9 |
8. | Arizona | 356.17 |
9. | Los Angeles Rams | 357.73 |
10. | New York Giants | 364.3 |
11. | Washington | 367.6 |
12. | Kansas City | 369.32 |
13. | New England | 371 |
14. | Atlanta | 372.2 |
15. | Cincinnati | 372.33 |
16. | Green Bay | 374.93 |
17. | Houston | 377.63 |
18. | Denver | 377.77 |
19. | Chicago | 379.7 |
20. | Minnesota | 379.8 |
21. | Jacksonville | 380.27 |
22. | Carolina | 381.17 |
23. | Tennessee | 381.23 |
24. | Philadelphia | 396.73 |
25. | Baltimore | 397.93 |
26. | Cleveland | 400.1 |
27. | San Francisco | 417.58 |
28. | Tampa Bay | 419.6 |
29. | Indianapolis | 421 |
30. | New Orleans | 429.35 |
31. | Seattle | 429.73 |
32. | New York Jets | 430.63 |
The Seahawks and Saints are two teams that make both the easiest schedule lists. This is great news for anyone really looking at grabbing Kamara and Walker this season. These guys could end up being difference makers for fantasy owners.
The Jets actually have the most favorable playoff schedule. There was talk this offseason that the team might try to trade Breece Hall, but that didn’t happen. As long as he is around, Hall will lead the backfield and get a lot of work. He could produce big down the stretch this year.
The Colts and Bucs also have top-five favorable schedules for the playoffs. Bucky Irving had a breakout rookie season and will start from day one this year. He also has a pretty easy overall schedule, making him a very attractive option for fantasy teams.
And Jonathan Taylor continues to lead the Colts backfield and could get a ton of work once again in an offense that might be a little run heavy. He gets overlooked at times for some reason, but Taylor remains one of the best in the game and could be a huge factor in the fantasy playoffs.
The Chargers are the only team with unfavorable schedules for both the entire season and the playoffs. Los Angeles actually has the hardest schedule for the playoffs. This is not good news for their split backfield this season. You might want to move these guys down your rankings a little more.
Pittsburgh has the second most challenging schedule for the playoffs. The Steelers are another team with a likely split backfield. Both Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson could have some struggles in the big games for fantasy owners. Just something to keep in mind for draft day.
The Bills, Raiders and Cowboys have top five tough schedules during the playoffs. Dallas stands out on the list because they already have some question marks for running backs. None of their backs might be worth taking because of the uncertainty and challenging playoff schedule.
James Cook and Ashton Jeanty are both highly rated fantasy backs this year. We might not ding them too much in your rankings, though. The Bills have an elite offense and don’t get slowed by too many defenses. Expect more of the same from Cook this year. And Jeanty is setup for a huge workload in the Raiders offense, including in the passing game. This gives him a great weekly floor to produce even if he isn’t able to find a ton of room to run the ball.
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 jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison's trial date in connection to his 2024 DUI citation is now set for July 15 in the Superior Court of California. Addison pleaded not guilty in December. Even if Addison is found not guilty, it's possible he'll face a suspension from the league during the 2025 season. A potential suspension hanging over his head makes him more volatile of a fantasy asset heading into his third NFL season. The 23-year-old former 23rd overall pick in 2023 out of USC took a slight step back in his second year in the league in 2024, but he was still plenty effective in Minnesota's offense with 63 catches on 99 targets for 875 yards and nine touchdowns in 15 regular-season games. Addison missed two games with an ankle sprain. He's not a heavy target guy with Justin Jefferson around, and it's uncertain how his chemistry will be with QB J.J. McCarthy. Target Addison as a WR3 in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent S Justin Simmons (Falcons) and his representation has been in communication with the Carolina Panthers this offseason, although no deal is imminent, according to Joe Person of The Athletic.
From TheHuddle
Per the team, the San Francisco 49ers have agreed to terms with fourth-round rookie defensive lineman C.J. West on a four-year, $5.2 million contract. The 23-year-old was a three-year collegiate starter who culminated his time in the NCAA with the Indiana Hoosiers in 2024 after four campaigns with Kent State. West is a three-technique defensive tackle with good athleticism for his size (6-foot-1, 316 pounds), though he lacks length for the position. Currently, he's listed second (unofficially) on the team's depth chart behind teammate Kevin Givens, and figures to play a rotational role behind him if he displays confidence in camp. While his numbers in college were nothing to write home about, his blend of agility and strength could make him a sneaky standout on the team's defensive front, considering the presence of superstar pass-rusher Nick Bosa.
From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
New York Jets WR Josh Reynolds is the 'clear favorite for the WR2 job,' according to ESPN.com's Rich Cimini.
Fantasy Spin: Most notably, it means Reynolds is running ahead of Allen Lazard and fourth-round speedster Arian Smith. How much it actually means for fantasy is another story, since the winner of the receiver battle figures to be the third-best option - behind Garrett Wilson and rookie Mason Taylor - in a one-read, RPO-heavy offense that caters to Justin Fields' skill set. The winner of the No. 2 receiver battle can probably be ignored in all but the deepest leagues.
From TheHuddle
The Athletic's Stephen Holder writes that Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell had one of the most impressive performances at last week's mandatory minicamp. The 22-year-old second-round pick (52nd overall) in 2024 had an uneven and frustrating rookie campaign and finished with 23 catches on 55 targets for 312 yards and no touchdowns in 17 games (seven starts). Mitchell also looked good in training camp last summer, so now it's a matter of him taking his practice reps into the regular season. "I think last offseason, same thing. Did some really good things. He's had a hell of an offseason so far through OTAs. [I] expect that to continue through training camp. But getting to those game situations, [it's] just continuing to get those game reps and really taking that next step," head coach Shane Steichen said. Mitchell has the talent to take the next step, but target volume could be an issue again.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb (knee) said he is fully healed from the knee injuries that forced him to miss all of last season. He has been a disruptive force from the moment he return to the field for voluntary organized team activities, and that continued into mandatory minicamp, according to ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques. If he can stay healthy in 2025 alongside pass-rushers Chop Robinson and Jaelan Phillips, Chubb could have a nice bounce-back season. Chubb tore his ACL, meniscus and patellar tendon in Week 17 of the 2023 season, but it's promising to see that he's already looking back to his pre-injury form. The 28-year-old former fifth overall pick by the Denver Broncos in 2018 out of North Carolina State had a career-high 73 tackles (45 solo), 11 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 22 QB hits and a league-high six forced fumbles in 16 starts before his injury in 2023.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said that contract talks were "still fluid." "Nothing has been resolved yet. It's still an ongoing situation." After a career year in 2024 in which Smith set franchise records for the tight end position, he's angling for an extension heading into the final year of his deal in 2025 and was a no-show at mandatory minicamp as a result. Miami would like to retain the 29-year-old, but if the two sides can't get something done before the start of the regular season this fall, it's possible that he'll be traded. Smith finished last year with 88 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns, ironically with Miami's offense taking a step back overall. If he remains in South Beach this year, Smith should remain a big part of the offense, but fantasy managers should probably expect a step back as a midrange TE1.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins TE Jonnu Smith's contract situation is still a fluid, ongoing process, according to his agent Drew Rosenhaus.
Fantasy Spin: Smith is coming off a career year with an 88-884-8 stat line at the age of 29. He's probably going to regress a bit, and there's uncertainty about where he'll be. So if you can get him as a TE2, that's the best scenario. Otherwise, you'll need an upside TE2 for the low-end TE1.
From TheHuddle
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Bengals and defensive end Trey Hendrickson have resumed discussions surrounding a new contract. The 30-year-old has been a force on the defensive side of the ball, amassing 35 sacks in the last two seasons combined. As expected, he wants a new deal. Although things at least appeared promising when talks between both sides began, the situation went south quickly, with Hendrickson recently skipping mandatory minicamp. The Bengals have one of the best offenses in the National Football League. However, it's a different story as it pertains to the team's defense. Rookie Shemar Stewart has also been absent while awaiting a contract to his liking, which indirectly has increased the urgency to get a new deal done for Hendrickson. With that in mind, there is renewed hope that negotiations are heading in a positive direction. On the other hand, there is still plenty of time for that to change.
From RotoBaller
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will "debut a bit of a slimmer look" at training camp. The multi-time All-Pro wasn't happy with his conditioning last season, so he lost 25 pounds in an attempt to improve his productivity. He is coming off one of his worst years since entering the National Football League in 2013, finishing the 2024 campaign with 97 receptions while amassing career-lows in yards (823) and touchdowns (three). The Chiefs are stacked on the offensive side of the ball. However, there is no denying the chemistry between Kelce and quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Only time will tell if the weight loss will help Kelce get back on track, although it appears his stock is starting to trend up heading toward training camp.
From RotoBaller
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the New York Jets have made a contract offer to wide receiver Garrett Wilson. Fowler added that both sides "have exchanged some numbers," so it's unknown how close the wideout actually is to agreeing to a new deal. The 24-year-old is coming off the best season of his career, catching 101 passes for 1,104 yards and seven touchdowns. It's a new era in New York, with the team hiring former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to serve as the head coach. The team also parted ways with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, replacing him with Justin Fields. It's safe to say the Jets will need Wilson happy and motivated if the club hopes to return to the playoff conversation. While there are some questions about Wilson's fantasy outlook with a new signal-caller and head coach, he should continue to be a consistent performer for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) looked "a lot stronger" in the ninth day of offseason workouts compared to the beginning. "They like the way he's throwing the ball," said Fowler. "They feel very comfortable with where he's at going into training camp." The 22-year-old suffered a meniscus tear last summer, preventing him from suiting up for his rookie campaign. Fortunately, it appears that the injury is behind him. With receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at McCarthy's disposal, he should have some quality showings this season. Naturally, there could be some growing pains. Still, the young signal-caller definitely has a higher ceiling than most around his age, making him a perfect addition to any dynasty roster. His redraft outlook might also improve, assuming he continues to impress in the next few months.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers LB T.J. Watt was absent from mandatory minicamp due to contract concerns, but the holdout is not considered contentious, according to sources Sunday, June 15.
From TheHuddle
Houston Texans rookie second-round wide receiver Jayden Higgins impressed during the team's mandatory minicamp, according to ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime. Higgins made one-handed catches with starting cornerback Kamari Lassiter in coverage and also connected with quarterback C.J. Stroud on other plays. He will be pushing for a role in his first year in the NFL and could seal a starting spot by the second week of training camp this summer if he continues to play well. For being 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, the young pass-catcher and Iowa State product moves extremely well. Nico Collins is Houston's clear WR1, but Higgins has the potential and athleticism to surpass Christian Kirk as the team's WR2 sooner than later in 2025. In his final season at Iowa State, Higgins had 87, catches, 1,183 yards and nine TDs. He's worth a late-round flier in deeper single-league fantasy formats.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers linebacker Isaiah Simmons, the former eighth overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2020, was shuffled among linebacker, safety and nickel defensive back with the Cardinals and New York Giants and never excelled at any of those positions. Part of the reason he signed with the Packers was their willingness to let him play exclusively at linebacker. ESPN's Rob Demovsky writes that Simmons has had the chance to line up with the starters at linebacker during the offseason program, despite the fact that Green Bay is deep at the position. "Honestly I feel like this is the most comfortable in a system I've been since I've been in the league," Simmons said. It's a notable development for the former Clemson start, but it won't guarantee a career turnaround, especially if he's not playing regularly. The 26-year-old had a career-low 21 tackles in 17 games (one start) with the Giants in 2024.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's Brady Henderson writes that Seattle Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence has managed to make an impression on his new teammates and to set a tone with the younger ones despite the non-contact nature of spring practices. "We haven't been able to play next to each other or anything like that, but I think just the type of leadership and mindset that he brings to the team is just phenomenal," defensive tackle Leonard Williams said. "He's a dog. He speaks a lot, he plays hard. He's going into Year 12 and he's out there practicing harder than some of the rookies. So we're getting on the rookies saying, 'OK, this is an example. This guy's going into Year 12. He's got nothing to prove, but he's out there working his craft as hard as he can every day.'" The 33-year-old hasn't appeared limited at all this offseason after playing in just four games with Dallas in 2024 due to a foot ailment.
From RotoBaller