Week 1 Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings
Week 1 of the NFL is finally upon us. As you set your lineups and decide what kind of chili you are going to make for game day (you are having chili, right?), take a look at these Week 1 fantasy football running back rankings.
Week 1 Fantasy Football RB Rankings
1. Austin Ekeler
2. Nick Chubb
3. Tony Pollard
4. Derrick Henry
5. Raheem Mostert
6. Alexander Mattison
7. Christian McCaffrey
8. Saquon Barkley
9. Bijan Robinson
10. Joe Mixon
11. Aaron Jones
12. Rachaad White
13. Josh Jacobs
14. Kenneth Walker
15. Travis Etienne
16. Miles Sanders
17. Rhamondre Stevenson
18. Cam Akers
19. J.K. Dobbins
20. Deon Jackson
Fantasy Football Running Back Notes
Christian McCaffrey sits outside the top five this week due to the matchup and the game having one of the lowest implied totals. The Steelers were a top-ten defense against the running game last year, and they’re healthy to begin this year. I see this as a slow, low-scoring slog. If you drafted McCaffrey, you’re obviously playing him; I don’t think he’s the highest scoring running back in Week 1.
Meanwhile, Tampa Bay’s run defense saw significant decline last year. They ranked 15th in rushing yards allowed and 23rd in yards per carry allowed. With Dalvin Cook gone, Alexander Mattison has the keys to this Vikings running game. The Vikings are six-point home favorites in this one. Perhaps the Tampa Bay defensive unit will get back to its stingy ways, but will that happen on the road in Minnesota in the first game of the season?
If Deon Jackson is still available for you, think about grabbing him. Zack Moss returned to practice Wednesday after suffering a broken arm, but Jackson is still expected to start with Jonathan Taylor out. If Moss is out, plug in Jackson against the Jaguars. Last year, Jackson logged 42 rushing yards and a touchdown on top of 10 catches for 79 receiving yards. Be sure to monitor the Moss news. Also make sure to check out our Sleeper promo code if you haven’t done so already.
Jeff Wilson, Jr. is now on the IR, and De’Von Achane has just started taking contact in practice. The Los Angeles Chargers gave up the fifth most rushing yards last year. The Miami Dolphins are going to have to lean on Mostert in the season opener. For what it’s worth, Mostert’s rushing prop is now a few ticks higher than that of his opponent, Austin Ekeler.
Good luck in Week 1!