Looking at the three easiest fantasy football strength of schedules for the running back position in 2026, including the Browns’ Quinshon Judkins.
Add us as a preferred source on Google searches!
It is no secret that the backbone of fantasy football revolves around the running back position. There has rarely been a draft where the first round isn’t dominated by running backs being selected. In recent years, though, receivers have proven to be a hot commodity in drafts, with some managers even using a no-running back strategy.
While I still advocate for building your team around the running back position, if you do forgo the position early, looking at the fantasy football strength of schedules among the position will help you to plan for when you should take a running back. Luckily for you, I am going to break down the three most favorable RB fantasy football schedules to help you make those hard decisions.
Easiest Fantasy Football Strength of Schedules For RBs 2026
1. Cleveland Browns – Quinshon Judkins/Dylan Sampson
The Cleveland Browns are generally not the most advantageous team to target in your fantasy draft, but given what we have seen from Quinshon Judkins in his short NFL career, he has to be a target for you. Before his injury last season, Judkins was averaging just north of 12 fantasy points per game. Given the mystery surrounding the quarterback position, Judkins will be the driving force of this Browns offense to move the ball down the field. Given new head coach Todd Monken’s experience with successful run games (he was the offensive coordinator for Georgia’s championship runs, as well as with Baltimore the last two seasons), Judkins is sure to be featured heavily this season.
Looking at the Browns’ fantasy football strength of schedule this season, they have the Buccaneers, Panthers, Jets, Ravens (2x), Titans, Saints, Raiders, Bengals (2x) and Giants on the schedule. All of those teams gave up 19 or more fantasy points per game to running backs last season. With the lack of strong opposing run defenses, Judkins will have ample opportunities to produce this season. Given his ankle injury last season, if you do draft Judkins, make sure that Dylan Sampson is on your radar as a handcuff, because if Judkins goes down, the schedule is still very favorable for the Browns.
Get Our Award-Winning Fantasy Football Draft Kit
Win along with us by checking out our Award-Winning Fantasy Football Draft Kit! We have everything your leaguemates don’t want you to have, including rankings, the most realistic mock draft tool, cheat sheets, advanced stats, exclusive data, and more! This includes a customizable fantasy football strength of schedule tool, showing you clear buy-low or sell-high opportunities this season!
Check it out at Draft.FlurrySports.org
2. New Orleans Saints – Travis Etienne/Alvin Kamara
The New Orleans Saints are a really intriguing team this season. Given the quality of play that the Saints got out of Tyler Shough, as well as a much improved offensive line, the Saints filled one of their biggest needs by signing Travis Etienne in the offseason. After his breakout season with Jacksonville last year, Etienne brings some explosion and dual-threat ability in both the run and pass game to balance out the offense. Given Alvin Kamara’s injury, there is not much competition going against Etienne, at least to start the season.
The Saints have the Ravens, Raiders, Falcons (2x), Giants, Browns, Panthers (2x), Bears, Bengals, Packers, Buccaneers (2x) and Cardinals on the schedule. All of those teams gave up 19 or more fantasy points to opposing running backs last season. There is a point around the middle to the end of the third round where things get kind of confusing, especially when you have to pick between Cam Skattebo, Etienne and Bucky Irving. If you get to this point and you are looking for a running back, Etienne’s strength of schedule is the deciding factor.
While I am not expecting Etienne to perform as an RB1 this season, his fantasy strength of schedule suggests he can be a value pick at a really imporant position.
3. Philadelphia Eagles – Saquon Barkley/Tank Bigsby
It was obviously a down year for the Philadelphia Eagles last season, but expectations are once again high for the birds this season. There have been a few changes, but the key pieces are still in place. Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley are still set to lead the backfield and will once again provide one of the better rushing duos in the entire NFL. A year removed from his 2,000-yard season, I am expecting Barkley to have another strong season this year.
The Eagles have the Commanders (2x), Titans, Bears, Panthers, Cowboys (2x), Giants (2x), Cardinals, and 49ers on the schedule. All of those teams gave up 19 or more fantasy points per game to opposing running backs last season. The obvious benefit for Barkley and the Eagles is how bad the NFC East was against the run last season. While Hurts will always be a risk to vulture touchdowns from him, Barkley’s usage will be enough to make up for him missing out on a few touchdowns.
Much like any running back with high usage, if you draft Barkley, you must figure out a few to get Tank Bigsby on your roster. The Eagles’ fantasy football strength of schedule is too good for the running backs not to produce.
