Which defense allows the most fantasy points to running backs?

Based on the 2026 season, the Carolina Panthers allow the most fantasy points to running backs (about 5.4 PPR points per game), making them the softest matchup to target.

Is it a good matchup to start a running back against the Saints?

The New Orleans Saints are one of the best matchups in the league to start a running back. They allow the 7th-most fantasy points to running backs in the NFL, surrendering roughly 4.7 PPR points per game to the position.

How many fantasy points do the New Orleans Saints allow to running backs per game?

The New Orleans Saints defense allowed about 4.7 PPR fantasy points per game to running backs across the 2026 season (17 games).

Defense vs Position › New Orleans Saints vs RB

New Orleans Saints Defense vs RB

Fantasy points allowed by the New Orleans Saints to running backs, with the matchup rank and whether it is a spot to start or sit.

The New Orleans Saints allow the 7th-most fantasy points to running backs in the NFL, giving up about 4.7 PPR fantasy points per game to the position based on the 2026 season, which makes them an excellent matchup to start a running back against.

4.7

PPR pts / game allowed to RBs

7th

most generous defense to RBs (of 32)

26th

fewest fantasy points allowed (toughest = 1st)

An excellent matchup

to start a running back against

What the New Orleans Saints defense allowed to running backs, per game, over the 2026 season (17 games). These per-game averages prove the matchup: higher numbers mean an easier defense to score on.
Stat allowed to RBs	Per game
Fantasy points (PPR)	4.7
Rush yds	20.4
Rush TD	0.2
Receptions	0.8
NFL rank (1 = allows most)	7th of 32

Last updated October 3, 2026 · Data source: 2026 NFL season game logs (Sleeper), PPR scoring.

Where the Saints rank vs running backs

Across the 2026 season the Carolina Panthers gave up the most fantasy points to running backs (the softest matchup to target), while the Houston Texans allowed the fewest (the toughest). The New Orleans Saints land at 7th of 32, so treat this as one of the best matchups in the league to start a running back.

How to use this matchup

Start your studs regardless

Elite running backs stay in your lineup even in a tough matchup. This page matters most for borderline flex and streaming calls.

Attack a soft spot

A generous defense is a green light to stream a mid-tier running back or trust a boom-or-bust play.

Check the full schedule

One week is noise. Use the strength of schedule tool to see every defense ranked at each position.

Get advice for your roster

Sync your league in My Team or run a start/sit check to see who to play this week.

Saints defense vs other positions

New Orleans Saints vs QB New Orleans Saints vs WR New Orleans Saints vs TE

Starting a running back? Check the player

Jahmyr Gibbs Bijan Robinson Jonathan Taylor Derrick Henry James Cook III Ashton Jeanty