Strength of schedule is calculated from the opponents projected fantasy points allowed for the RB position. The best rating is +16 which gives the player the advantage against the defense and indicates an easy opponent, the worst rating is -16 which gives the defense the advantage and indicates a tough opponent.
With Steven Jackson (Falcons) gone, the Rams’ No. 1 tailback job is up for grabs heading into training camp. Richardson, who is the team’s top returning rusher, is penciled in as the starter, but he will have to hold off challenges from Isaiah Pead and rookie fifth-round pick Zac Stacy to keep the job. Richardson toted the rock as St. Louis’ No. 2 tailback during most of his 2012 rookie season. Jackson’s now-former handcuff didn’t score and averaged just eight total touches per game. The Abilene Christian product’s best outing: 15 carries for 83 yards and two catches for 19 yards in Week 2 against the Washington Redskins. Although the dual-threat Richardson is a bit undersized (5-foot-10, 192 pounds), he has explosive 4.4 speed. If Richardson opens the regular season as the lead runner, he would have obvious upside in a featured-back situation. However, the second-year pro still could end up sharing touches with Pead and Stacy in a committee. We probably won’t get an accurate read on the St. Louis backfield situation until the preseason wraps up.