First Glance: Running Back Strength of Schedule ’09

Welcome to March Madness and the

Brew Crew Corner’s first glance of the running back strength of schedule for 2009. Now that the matchups are set, we can formulate which teams will have an easy time running the ball and which teams will struggle. This is based on opponents’ defensive ranking against the run, opponents’ rushing yards allowed and opponents’ rushing TDs surrendered. There are other factors to consider later on towards the start of the season such as injuries, players added and subtracted and rookies that are in the mix. For now we will look at the teams rushing potential as a group looking at the Top 10 easiest schedules and the Bottom 10 most difficult schedules.

Assisting me in analyzing the strength of schedule is an old friend of mine, Allan King. Allan and I go way back to my days in high school. He has been playing fantasy football since 1997 and participates in several leagues. He won a championship last season and is gearing up for more in 2009.

Top 10 Easiest Run SOS for 2009

Rank	NFL Team	Run Rank	RYA	RTDs
1	Baltimore	19.00	123.52	16.50
2	Jacksonville	18.38	119.08	15.63
3	NY Jets	18.31	116.93	14.19
4	Washington	18.19	122.96	16.19
5	Minnesota	17.81	120.86	16.88
6	Pittsburgh	17.69	121.46	15.94
7	San Diego	17.44	121.76	16.06
8	San Francisco	17.44	118.80	16.81
9	Arizona	17.44	118.50	17.06
10	Chicago	17.31	119.08	15.88

The Ravens have the top RB ease of schedule heading in to the 2009 season. The teams they face have an average run defense ranked 19th overall while allowing 123.5 RuYDs and 16.5 RuTDs in 2008. The Ravens last year went with a three-headed monster of Willis McGahee, Le’Ron McClain and Ray Rice. McClain led the team with 902 RuYDs and 10 RuTDs. Look for

Baltimore to continue using all three running backs which means individually, their stats will struggle. The offense does not have playmaking receivers so it will rely heavily on the run game this year. Last year the Ravens finished fourth in RuYDs per game with 148.5.

It’s tough to predict who will emerge as

Baltimore’s primary ball carrier (if any). Willis McGahee will still get his touches (unless he is traded or released), Le’Ron McClain has showed he is more then capable of more then 10 touches and can also handle the goal-line duties. Plus, Ray Rice will be in his second year, and I believe that the Ravens want to see what the kid can do. Joe Flacco will also be in his second season, so maybe the passing game will become more of a threat, leading to more opportunities for the running game. Their favorable schedule is appetizing, but, it’s still a gamble to use a high draft pick on any of the three Baltimore RBs.

The Jaguars are second behind

Baltimore, and Maurice Jones-Drew will be smiling at the schedule. They face teams that ranked 18.4 overall on run defense which averaged 119.1 RuYDs and 15.6 RuTDs. MJD last year lead the team with 824 RuYDs on just 192 carries with 12 RuTDs. Now that Fred Taylor is in

New England, Jones-Drew can take on the bulk of the carries unless they draft a RB in the first round which will keep him from being an every-down back. Last year was a disappointment for the Jaguars’ running team as they finished just 18th overall in RuYDs per game with 110.9. They have a chance to bounce back with the run schedule they will face.

Being in line to be an every-down back, coupled with the schedule the Jaguars face, I think Jones-Drew will be one of the first RBs selected in fantasy drafts this season. He’s shown he can carry the load, and he’s also the goal-line guy. Unless

Jacksonville drafts a RB early in the draft, Jones-Drew is a very savvy pick with a ton of upside.

The Jets were productive last year in running the ball as they finished ninth overall with 125.2 RuYDs per game. The offense struggled down the stretch, however, as Thomas Jones failed to rush for more than 78 yards in the final four weeks of the season and had only two RuTDs in that span. He did lead the team with 1,312 RuYDs and 13 RuTDs. He had some of his touches taken away by Leon Washington, who scored six times last year, with two RuTDs in the final three games. The passing offense will need to be address during this offseason as Brett Favre has retired and the team let free agent Laveranues Coles sign with the Bengals. They will need to be effective in the pass to keep from teams stacking the bocks on Jones and Washington. They face the third-easiest run schedule with teams ranking 18.3 overall on run defense with 116.7 RuYDs allowed and 14.2 RuTDs.

For me, I would say the offensive struggles for the Jets down the stretch were due to Favre’s inconsistency. However, the Jets will still miss him, and I’m not sure Kellen Clemens, Erik Ainge or Brett Ratliff is the answer at QB for the Jets. Thomas Jones is a safe pick, he doesn’t offer a lot of upside, but, I think he will still be fairly productive as the Jets are still going to want to run the ball.

Washington should continue to get more involved on offense and he offers value in PPR leagues and leagues that include points for return yards.

Last season saw Clinton Portis put up Top 10 numbers as he rushed for 1,487 RuYDs with nine RuTDs. The addition of Shaun Alexander was a non-factor as Alexander had just 11 carries for 24 RuYDs. Ladell Betts posted just 206 RuYDs which showed that Portis carried the load. The Redskins finished as the eighth-best team in rushing yards with 130.9 RuYDs per game. They face teams ranked 18.2 in run defense with 123 RuYDs and 16.2 RuTDs allowed. Another year under Jim Zorn could mean the run game continues to shine.

Clinton Portis will be a first round pick, and deservedly so. He produced very well last year, even when he was nicked up by injuries. Portis’ toughness can’t be questioned, and the Redskins’ commitment to getting him the ball make him a very solid pick. Another year under the same offense should benefit Jason Campbell which will also help Portis’ numbers. Alexander was released and no longer a factor. Betts might just be the most important handcuff in fantasy football. If you draft Portis, make sure you draft Betts.

Adrian Peterson put up 1,760 RuYDs with 10 RuTDs and Chester Taylor had 399 RuYDs with four RuTDs which put the Vikings at fifth overall in RuYDs per game with 146.1. They have a better QB situation this season after trading for Sage Rosenfels and still have one of the best offensive lines in the league. They match up against the fifth-easiest run schedule with teams ranking 17.8 overall allowing 120.9 RuYDs and 16.9 RuTDs.  Peterson could rush for 2,000 yards if he can fix his fumbling problems.

Peterson will go No. 1 in most drafts this year. And why not? He’s only entering his third year (about to enter his prime), his schedule is favorable, the Vikings improved at QB by trading for Rosenfels, the line he runs behind is one of the best in the league, and his numbers can still only go up. If Betts is the most important handcuff in fantasy football then

Taylor is the second.

Taylor could start for a lot of teams in the league. If you draft Peterson with your No. 1 pick, you must handcuff

Taylor.

Pittsburgh had the toughest schedule last year and still pushed through to win the Super Bowl. The strength of schedule is a lot more promising this season as they face the sixth-easiest schedule with teams ranked 17.7 overall on run defense allowing 121.5 RuYDs and 15.9 RuTDs. The team struggled last year running the ball as they finished 23rd with 106.1 RuYDs per game. Injuries hurt them the most as they lost rookie Rashard Mendenhall for the season after just four games and Willie Parker played in just 11 games. Mewelde Moore was a surprise as he rushed for 588 yards with five RuTDs. If Parker and Mendenhall can stay healthy this year, the Steelers can finish in the Top 10 in rushing.

The Steelers are tricky for me at RB. Parker is still pretty solid. But,

Moore also did a nice job filling in. Plus, Mendenhall will be back from his shoulder injury this year and you know the Steelers will want to get him more involved. I’m sure collectively the Steelers RB numbers will be solid. Their O-Line is always stout, and I agree that the Steelers can finish in the Top 10 in rushing this season.

After some brief drama this off season, Ladainian Tomlinson will return this season for

San Diego. Although he posted 1,110 RuYDs and 11 RuTDs, it was still a down year for LT owners who selected him on average at No. 1 overall in drafts. The franchising of Darren Sproles can speak a lot about the club feels about LT and his injury history the last two postseasons. LT is no longer the reigning No. 1 player in fantasy leagues, but he still should be a first round selection. The Chargers face the seventh easiest schedule with teams ranking 17.4 overall in run defense with 121.8 RuYDs allowed and 16.1 RuTDs.

San Diego needs to improve in the run game as they finished last year ranked 20th with 107.9 RuYDs per game. I think LT will have something to prove this season and could very well post 1,200+ RuYDs with 12-14 RuTDs.

LT2 was the first pick in most drafts last year. That won’t happen this year. But, I agree that he probably is still worth a first round pick (in 12-team leagues at least). Sproles came out of nowhere last year and he is an explosive little guy. But, I don’t think he’s capable of being an every-down back. He fits the third down role and passing downs role nicely. LT2 should get the majority of touches and be the goal-line guy. I think he can bounce back this year. Sproles (like Betts and Taylor) is a very important handcuff.

Frank Gore was one of the top rushers in the league last year before injuring himself in Week 14. He posted just 58 RuYds the rest of the season. This season he has a chance to run well on an up-and-coming offense. San Franscisco faces the eighth-easiest schedule with teams ranked 17.4 in run defense allowing 118.8 RuYDs and 16.8 RuTD. Gore had just six RuTDs on the ground and is only averaging 5.5 RuTDs a year since entering the league in 2005. That hurts his value in leagues that score heavy for TDs. He should have another great year as he will be the featured back, something that is rare now in the NFL as most teams are moving away from letting one RB carry the full load.

Gore should continue to be one of the top rushers this season. The 49ers offense should continue to improve with Shaun Hill at QB. Gore isn’t the most sexy pick, but, you could do a lot worse than him with your first pick. In a league where RBBC continues to grow, Gore is a valuable RB who gets a lot of touches and will put up very solid numbers as your first round pick, with upside.

Arizona struggled last year to run the ball as they finished last in the NFL with 73.6 RuYDs but they did have 14 RuTDs. Edgerrin James looks to be done. Even if he returns he’s just no longer dependable. Tim Hightower surprised in a few games last season as he vultured 10 RuTDs. The Cardinals will be a pass-first offense and the running game is not utilized as it should. This should be taken into consideration for drafting Hightower in the early rounds. He has some upside as the one game he had 22 carries he posted 109 RuYDs and a TD. I just don’t think he can be an every-down back and the team will rely heavy on the passing game. They have the ninth-easiest run schedule which could help them balance the offense more as they face teams ranked 17.4 on run defense with 118.5 RuYDs per game and 17.1 RuTDs.

The Cardinals are going to continue to be pass-happy. That’s a given. It worked so well for them last year, they will stick with it (with or without Anquan Boldin). James continues to ask for his release, which hasn’t happened yet. Tim Hightower showed signs of being a starting RB. But,

Arizona isn’t thrilled with his indecisiveness in the running lanes. I think the Cardinals will draft a RB at the draft in April. The draft and the preseason will go a long way in telling who will get the most carries at RB in the desert. But, odds are it will wind up being Hightower.

Matt Forte hands down was one of the best steals on draft day. If you did your homework you probably got him for good value. Forte was the best RB in fantasy last year rushing for 1,238 RuYDs and eight RuTDs while adding 63 receptions for 477 ReYDs and four ReTDs. You want a RB like this that can be used on all downs and can get you points both on the ground and through receiving. The Bears face the 10^th-easiest schedule as they play teams ranked 17.3 overall on run defense with 119.1 RuYDs allowed and 15.9 RuTDs.

Forte will go in the first round of most drafts this year. He’s entering his second season. And, he’s the featured back in

Chicago, where they love to run the ball with him. He gets a lot of touches, and he gets the goal-line carries. Forte offers even more value in PPR leagues. I see Forte’s numbers going up this year and he offers a ton of upside.

Remember the Strength of Schedule is a reference tool for you to use when you’re putting together your draft guide. It does not suggest that since

Baltimore has the easiest run schedule, you should draft Willis McGahee over Adrian Peterson. But it does suggest you should consider Thomas Jones a better option than Steven Jackson. Yes, that Steven Jackson. Now that we know which teams will have an easier time running the ball, let’s look at the ten teams that could struggle to move the ball on the ground.

Top 10 Hardest RB SOS

Rank	NFL Team	Run Rank	RYA	RTDs
10	Oakland	15.81	116.02	14.88
9	Cleveland	15.63	114.58	15.38
8	St. Louis	15.56	112.81	15.31
7	Miami	15.50	110.08	12.81
6	NY Giants	15.31	114.18	13.81
5	Indianapolis	15.25	111.86	14.44
4	Green Bay	14.81	114.65	15.06
3	Carolina	14.13	108.21	12.00
2	Detroit	13.69	108.83	14.13
1	Atlanta	13.56	107.99	12.06

When considering selecting RBs that will carry your team, you have to factor in the schedule they face. Last year’s top RBs could be struggle in 2009.

The Raiders still remain a work in progress. With a new year comes another head coach leading this team. This is the fourth head coach since 2004 with 12 wins among them. That’s three wins a year, on average. Many had hope that Darren McFadden would have the success that Adrian Peterson had his rookie year but injuries, inconsistent offense and a committee at the running back position limited McFadden to just 499 RuYDs and four RuTDs. Almost half of those yards have come in the first two weeks of the season. Justin Fargas lead the team with 855 RuYDs and four RuTDs with Michael Bush adding 419 RuYDs and three RuTDs. There hasn’t been any big off season moves for the silver and black but they were effective in running the ball last as they finished 10th in rushing with 124.2 RuYDs but only nine RuTDs as a team. They face the 10^th-hardest run schedule with teams ranking 15.8 overall in run defense with 116 RuYDs and 14.9 RuTDs. The AFC West faces the NFC East this season which had the Eagles (fourth), the Redskins (eighth) and the Giants (ninth) in the Top 10 in run defense with the Cowboys 12th.

The Raiders RBs are hard to figure out. They have three RBs and it’s anyone’s guess which one will get the most touches, their schedule is tough, and JaMarcus Russell is still unproven at this point. Don’t get me wrong if you can get McFadden later on in your draft, I’d still go for it. He has a lot of upside and he could potentially break out. Bush showed signs of being a legit NFL RB late in the season, and he should get his share of touches as well. Fargas figures to hang around as well. I like McFadden and Bush both over Fargas.

During the 2007 season, the Cleveland Browns had the eighth-best offense in the league but finished just 31st overall last year. They are thin at RB as they have only three on the current roster with one FB. Jamal Lewis still managed to post a 1,000 yard season but had only four RuTDs. He’s posted over 10,000 yards for his career and might have nothing left in the tank. The Browns traded away Kellen Winslow Jr. to Tampa Bay and Donte’ Stallworth status’ is uncertain following his accident in Miami. Talks of Braylon Edwards being traded this offseason have also surfaced which means the offense is a mess and should be avoided this season in drafts. It doesn’t help that they face the ninth-hardest run schedule with teams ranking 15.6 in run defense with 114.6 RuYDs allowed and 15.4 RuTDs. Also keep in mind that they had just six RuTDs on the season, the lowest total in the league, tied with

Cincinnati.

I agree 100% the Browns offense took a big step backward last season, and I see no real improvements so far in the off season to convince me their offense will return to 2007 form this upcoming season. Brady Quinn is going to start (unless he’s traded as some rumors have suggested) and the RB situation just isn’t very attractive. Lewis has a lot of miles on him and I am not sure how much of a workload Jerome Harrison is ready to handle. Factor in the difficult schedule the Browns face and all signs point to avoiding the RB situation in

Cleveland.

The Rams are a team in rebuilding, make no mistake about that. With Torry Holt moving on, the team is left with Donnie Avery as their top WR. Steven Jackson has the potential to be a top-tier stud but injuries over the last two seasons have limited him from having the kind of season he had back in 2006. Still he ended the season on a high note and the GM has pledge to build the team around him. The Rams face the eighth-hardest run schedule as teams rank 15.6 in run defense with 112.8 RuYDs and 15.3 RuTDs. If anyone has the potential to overcome a difficult schedule, it would be

Jackson, but he will be a high-risk, high-reward selection in drafts. Keep in mind that

St. Louis finished 25th in rushing with just 103.1 RuYDs and eight RuTDs.

Jackson is as talented a RB in the NFL as you’ll find. He’s big, strong and can be a workhorse. But, he’s got a couple things working against him. One, he has missed a few games the last couple of seasons due to injuries, and secondly, the Rams are going nowhere fast. I like new head coach Steve Spagnuolo, but, it will take a couple seasons to turn this thing around. On top of letting Holt go, Orlando Pace was also released. I’m not a big believer in Marc Bulger either. As said earlier,

Jackson is a high-risk, high-reward RB. And, he should still go in the first round in most fantasy drafts. But, considering all the concerns surrounding

Jackson, and then factor in a tough schedule; buyer beware.

Many teams that struggled last season such as the Lions, Rams and Chiefs will look to rebound like the Dolphins did in 2008.

Miami added a different dimension to the running game as they featured the Wildcat formation several times which lead to big plays. The Dolphins used a committee approach with Ronnie Brown rushing for 916 RuYDs with 10 RuTDs. Ricky Williams rushed for 659 RuYDs and four RuTDs. Look for a similar approach this season, but I like Brown to take over the starting role in the second half. The Dolphins finished as the 11^th-best rushing team in the league with 118.6 RuYDs and 18 RuTDs. They will be facing the seventh-hardest run defense in the league which ranked 15.5 overall with 110.1 RuYDs and 12.8 RuTDs.

Miami will sneak up on anyone this year and defenses will be waiting on the Wildcat.

Miami was a true a Cinderella team last year. But, I think this season they’ll come down a bit. I do expect Brown to handle starting RB duties, with Williams getting his share of touches. Another year removed from his ACL injury, I think Brown will be a solid No. 2 fantasy RB, with potential to be a No. 1 RB for fantasy squads. But, make sure you handcuff Williams if you draft Ronnie Brown.

The Giants were the league’s best rushing team last year as they ran for 157.4 RuYDs and added 19 RuTDs. This is a run-first team and ran well against a very tough schedule in 2008. The team re-signed Brandon Jacobs who rushed for 1,089 RuYDs and 15 RuTDs. The team let go of Derrick Ward, who ran for 1,025 RuYDs but Ahmad Bradshaw should pick up the slack. Don’t wait to long to take Bradshaw as your handcuff because Jacobs will miss time to injury due to his running style. Danny Ware should pick up the role as the third RB. It won’t be easy for the Giants in 2009 as they face the sixth-toughest run schedule in the league. Teams they face ranked 15.3 in overall run defense with 114.2 RuYDs and 13.8 RuTDs. The Giants have one of the best lines in the league and enough talent to perform as they did in 2008.

I was kind of surprised when the Giants let Ward go. He complemented Jacobs quite nicely. But, this is Jacobs’s show. Barring injury I expect another solid season from Jacobs. And, you should feel pretty good if you land him as your RB No. 2. Jacobs will continue to run behind a great o-line and get all the goal-line work. I expect Bradshaw to handle third down and passing situation duties. The Giants face a tough schedule, but, their o-line, and running game is too good to let Jacobs slide in your draft. I agree if you draft Jacobs don’t wait too long to lock up Bradshaw.

Joseph Addai was on my list of most disappointing fantasy players last season. Drafted on average fourth overall, he finished 37th in Shark leagues as he ran for just 544 RuYDs and five RuTDs. I wouldn’t spend a first-round pick on Addai as he could disappoint again. We will have to monitor the teams approach as the Colts enter the Post-Dungy era. They let Dominic Rhodes go this offseason who led the team with six RuTDs on 538 RuYDs. The Colts were 31st in rushing in 2008 with only 79.6 RuYDs and 13 RuTDs. They face the fifth-toughest run schedule as teams ranked 15.25 overall against the run with 111.9 RuYDs and 14.4 RuTDs.

Addai was considered a bust by many fantasy owners last season. For a Top 5 pick, he was truly disappointing. That said, I think Addai can bounce back nicely this season. He’s still young, the Colts o-line is still pretty decent, and let’s face it, they still have Peyton Manning. Addai may go late in the first round of fantasy drafts, but, if you can land him as your RB No. 2, I feel that will be very good value. Sure, their schedule is tough, and Tony Dungy has retired. But, I still expect the Colts to be the same Colts we have seen the last few years. As of now,

Rhodes has not been re-signed. But, look for the Colts to possibly bring him back.

The Packers had an inconsistent season but finished in the middle of the league in run offense. They ranked 17th in the league with 112.8 RuYDs and 11 RuTDs. Ryan Grant lead the way with 1,203 uninspiring RuYDs and only four RuTDs. Grant posted four games with 100+ yards. He had the bulk of the carries as Brandon Jackson had just 45 carries for 248 RuYDs and one RuTD. The Packers will struggle this year as they face the fourth-toughest run schedule as teams ranked 14.8 against the run with 114.7 RuYDs and 15.1 RuTDs.

Grant had a very average season after he burst on to the scene in 2007. This season, I expect more of the same from 2008. They have a tough schedule, and

Jackson figures to get more touches. Let someone else in your draft use an early pick on Ryan Grant, and then grab

Jackson later on. He might be starting before long in

Green Bay.

The Panthers are a good running team. They finished third in the league with 152.3 RuYDs and lead the league with 30 RuTDs, six more than

Tennessee. DeAngelo Williams was a draft day steal as he put up 1,518 RuYDs and 18 RuTDs. Many felt Jonathan Stewart would take over the starting job during the preseason but Williams took hold of it. Still, Stewart was effective as a change of pace RB and posted 833. The Panthers will look to get Stewart more involved while keeping Williams fresh. This will hurt both their draft stock and you would have to take them in back-to-back picks in order to secure both RBs on your team. They will be facing the third-hardest run schedule as teams ranked 14.1 on run defense with 108.2 RuYDs and 12 RuTDs. I would still take a chance on the

Carolina running game but 30 RuTDs will be hard to match. The perfect scenario would be for the Panthers to swap Julius Peppers for Jay Cutler but it may look as if both players will be staying put.

I don’t expect Williams to have a season like last. But, I could be wrong. He was a steal for fantasy owners last season. But, as said above

Carolina figures to get Stewart more touches, and they face a pretty tough schedule against the run and that will hurt both RBs’ numbers. Still, you can rely on Williams as a very solid RB No. 2 with potential for RB No. 1 numbers again. Stewart should be considered a solid option for your flex position and possibly RB No. 2, he’s also an absolute must for a handcuff to Williams.

The always rebuilding Detroit Lions. If they won twice as many games this season, would they still be 0-16? The fact is they have nowhere else to go but up. The run game has been a problem for this team and they ranked last season 30th in the league with just 83.2 RuYDs and 10 RuTDs. Kevin Smith led the way and posted decent 976 RuTDs and eight RuTDs. Good player to have off the bench in your leagues as he can catch the ball out the backfield. He might be drafted too early in drafts because he is the started but the team still has a long way to go in rebuilding and face the second-worst run schedule in the league. They will be facing teams ranked 13.7 with 108.8 RuYDs and 14.1 RuTDs. The will also be playing seven games against Top 10 run defenses as they go up against the Vikings (first) twice, the Steelers (second), the Ravens (third), the Bears (fifth) twice and the Redskins (eighth). That schedule alone should make you think twice about taking Smith in the early rounds.

The Lions? Well, they’ll always have 0-16, right? Smith is a pretty good RB. He put up decent numbers as a rookie on the worst team in football. He’s a solid flex option and possibly RB No. 2 , but, I wouldn’t trust him for much more then that. I agree that Smith will probably go too early in drafts this summer. I’d rather take a stud WR (like teammate Calvin Johnson) over Smith.

The Falcons overcame plenty of adversity to make the playoffs behind rookie QB Matt Ryan. That success was due to the running game which

Atlanta finished second, behind the Giants with 152.7 RuYDs and 23 RuTDs. Newly acquired RB Michael Turner stepped into the spot light to put up 1,699 RuYDs with 17 RuTDs. No doubt Turner should be a first-round RB in the Top 3. The concern will be the schedule he will face, as the Falcons face the hardest run schedule in 2009. Teams ranked 13.6 overall on run defense with 108 RuYDs and 12.1 RuTDs. Jerious

Norwood is a good change of pace, third-down RB but should only be considered a handcuff incase Turner is injured. I like Turner but he has a gauntlet of a schedule. He faces six teams in the Top 10 in run defense and plays another three against teams in the Top 15. The worst defense he faces is

Buffalo, who ranked 22nd.

The Burner was a beast for the Falcons last year and fantasy owners alike. Turner will undoubtedly go in the Top 5 in most fantasy drafts this year. But, there are a couple causes for concern here. One is the obvious difficult schedule, second is the Falcons aren’t going to surprise anyone this year, and lastly Turner took on a big workload last season, and there is the possibility of it catching up with him this season, or possible getting injured. On the bright side, Ryan is only going to get better so defenses can’t stack the box against the running game. Turner is a workhorse RB, and you can feel confident with him as your RB No. 1 as long as you know the small risks involved.

Norwood is a change of pack back, and if you’re in a PPR league or a league that rewards points for return yards, he’s a solid flex option, and an obvious handcuff to Turner.

I hope that everyone is doing well with their brackets. I still have my final four alive in two of my brackets, so we will see what the Sweet 16 will bring. Continue to enjoy your off season and get ready for the 2009 draft season.

Thanks again to Allan King for his assistance with this article and thank you for reading.

Below is the complete RB Strength of Schedule for all 32 teams.

Rank	NFL Team	Run Rank	RYA	RTDs
1	Baltimore	19.00	123.52	16.50
2	Jacksonville	18.38	119.08	15.63
3	NY Jets	18.31	116.93	14.19
4	Washington	18.19	122.96	16.19
5	Minnesota	17.81	120.86	16.88
6	Pittsburgh	17.69	121.46	15.94
7	San Diego	17.44	121.76	16.06
8	San Francisco	17.44	118.80	16.81
9	Arizona	17.44	118.50	17.06
10	Chicago	17.31	119.08	15.88
11	Seattle	17.31	118.07	16.50
12	New Orleans	17.25	117.16	14.13
13	Denver	16.88	118.53	14.38
14	Buffalo	16.81	115.53	13.38
15	Dallas	16.63	116.78	14.81
16	Tennessee	16.44	112.69	14.44
17	Kansas City	16.25	116.80	14.88
18	Houston	16.25	114.06	14.38
19	Cincinnati	16.19	117.87	15.25
20	Philadelphia	16.00	115.45	15.13
21	Tampa Bay	15.94	112.25	13.38
22	New England	15.94	112.07	13.94
23	Oakland	15.81	116.02	14.88
24	Cleveland	15.63	114.58	15.38
25	St. Louis	15.56	112.81	15.31
26	Miami	15.50	110.08	12.81
27	NY Giants	15.31	114.18	13.81
28	Indianapolis	15.25	111.86	14.44
29	Green Bay	14.81	114.65	15.06
30	Carolina	14.13	108.21	12.00
31	Detroit	13.69	108.83	14.13
32	Atlanta	13.56	107.99	12.06