Fantasy Football RB Rankings Week 1: Your Starting Lineup's Secret Weapon
Alright, guys! Welcome back to another thrilling season of fantasy football. You've drafted your team, and now it's time to set your lineup for Week 1. Today, we're diving deep into the fantasy football RB rankings to help you make the right calls and start your season with a bang! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and fantasy football rb rankings week 1.
Why RBs Matter in Fantasy Football
Before we dive into the rankings, let's quickly recap why running backs are so crucial in fantasy football. RBs are typically the workhorses of their respective offenses, touching the ball more often than any other position. They're involved in both the running and passing games, making them potential point-scoring machines. Plus, having a solid RB can help you win your league's rushing title, which often comes with a sweet prize!
Fantasy Football RB Rankings: Top 15 for Week 1
Alright, enough chit-chat. Let's get down to business. Here are your top 15 fantasy football RB rankings for Week 1, based on a standard scoring format (1 point per 10 yards rushing/receiving, 6 points per rushing/receiving TD).
1. Christian McCaffrey, CAR
- 1. The Panthers' workhorse is a threat to score from anywhere on the field, totaling 2,399 yards from scrimmage and 19 TDs in
- 2020. With a favorable matchup against the Jets, McCaffrey is a must-start.
2. Dalvin Cook, MIN
Cook is coming off a monster 2020 campaign, rushing for 1,557 yards and 16 TDs. With the Vikings' passing game in flux, expect Cook to see a heavy workload against the Bengals. His explosive playmaking ability makes him a strong RB1 candidate.
3. Derrick Henry, TEN
The Titans' bruising RB is looking to build on his 2020 season, where he rushed for 2,027 yards and 17 TDs. Despite facing a tough Arizona defense, Henry's elite blend of size and speed makes him a must-start in all formats.
4. Alvin Kamara, NO
Kamara's versatility makes him a fantasy football cheat code. In 2020, he totaled 1,688 yards from scrimmage and 21 TDs. With the Saints' passing game banged up, Kamara could see an increased workload against the Packers.
5. Aaron Jones, GB
Jones has been one of the NFL's most efficient RBs since entering the league in 2017. In 2020, he averaged an impressive 5.5 yards per carry and scored 11 TDs. With the Packers' offense clicking on all cylinders, Jones is a strong RB1 play against the Saints.
6. Ezekiel Elliott, DAL
Zeke is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2020 season. With a fresh start under new head coach Mike McCarthy and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, Elliott has RB1 upside against the Buccaneers.
7. Saquon Barkley, NYG
Barkley is back from an ACL injury and ready to reclaim his status as an elite fantasy RB. With a favorable matchup against the Broncos, Barkley has the potential to explode in Week 1.
8. Joe Mixon, CIN
Mixon is coming off a career year, rushing for 1,113 yards and 8 TDs in 2020. With the Bengals' offense looking improved, Mixon has top-5 RB potential against the Vikings.
9. Nick Chubb, CLE
Chubb is one of the league's most talented RBs, but inconsistency in the Browns' passing game has held him back. With a favorable matchup against the Chiefs, Chubb has the potential to break out in Week 1.
10. Austin Ekeler, LAC
Ekeler is a PPR machine, totaling 91 receptions in his last two healthy seasons. With the Chargers' offense looking improved, Ekeler has top-5 RB upside against the Washington Football Team.
11. Jonathan Taylor, IND
Taylor showed flashes of brilliance as a rookie, rushing for 1,169 yards and 11 TDs. With the Colts' offense clicking on all cylinders, Taylor has RB1 potential against the Seahawks.
12. Ezekiel Jefferson, PHI
Jefferson had a solid rookie campaign, rushing for 859 yards and 6 TDs. With the Eagles' offense looking improved, Jefferson has RB2 upside against the Falcons.
13. Najee Harris, PIT
Harris is the Steelers' new workhorse RB, and he has the potential to make a significant fantasy impact. With a favorable matchup against the Bills, Harris has RB2 upside in his debut.
14. J.K. Dobbins, BAL
Dobbins showed promise as a rookie, rushing for 805 yards and 9 TDs. With the Ravens' offense looking improved, Dobbins has RB2 potential against the Raiders.
15. Aaron Jones, GB
Jones is a talented RB who has been held back by injuries. With the Packers' offense clicking on all cylinders, Jones has RB2 upside against the Saints.
Week 1 RB Sleepers
1. Mike Davis, ATL
Davis filled in admirably for Christian McCaffrey in 2020, rushing for 642 yards and 6 TDs. With the Falcons' offense looking improved, Davis has RB2 upside against the Eagles.
2. Darrell Henderson, LAR
Henderson showed promise as a rookie, rushing for 624 yards and 5 TDs. With the Rams' offense looking improved, Henderson has RB2 upside against the Bears.
3. Javonte Williams, DEN
Williams is the Broncos' new RB1, and he has the potential to make a significant fantasy impact. With a favorable matchup against the Giants, Williams has RB2 upside in his debut.
Week 1 RB Avoid
1. James Robinson, JAX
Robinson had a solid rookie campaign, rushing for 1,070 yards and 7 TDs. However, the Jaguars' offense is in flux, and Robinson faces a tough matchup against the Texans.
2. Antonio Gibson, WSH
Gibson showed promise as a rookie, rushing for 795 yards and 11 TDs. However, the Washington Football Team's offense is in flux, and Gibson faces a tough matchup against the Chargers.
3. Chuba Hubbard, CAR
Hubbard is the Panthers' backup RB, and he has the potential to make a fantasy impact if Christian McCaffrey goes down. However, Hubbard is not a reliable fantasy option in Week 1.
Final Thoughts
Alright, guys, that's all for now. Remember, these fantasy football RB rankings are just a starting point. Be sure to monitor the news and adjust your lineups accordingly. Good luck in Week 1, and here's to a fantastic fantasy football season!
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