Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Week 1: Running Backs

Added on Sep 09, 2010 by Barry in

NFL

#1 Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers (@ Seattle Seahawks)

Even though Frank Gore doesn’t get the kind of recognition that Chris Johnson (Tennessee Titans) or Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings), the San Francisco 49ers running back is amongst the elite at his position in the NFL and will look to prove that fact in Week 1 against the division rival Seattle Seahawks and their weak run defense.

#2 Ryan Matthews, San Diego Chargers (@ Kansas City Chiefs)

Whenever a rookie running back immediately becomes the number one back for a prominent team like the San Diego Chargers, people can be skeptical and for good reason, but Chargers head coach Norv Turner is very confident his rookie and Ryan Matthews will get his first test in the NFL against the lowly Kansas City Chiefs.

#3 Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. Denver Broncos)

There have been reports that Maurice Jones-Drew had knee surgery in the offseason, but the Jacksonville Jaguars have denied these reports and have said that he will be ready to go Week 1 against the Denver Broncos.

Without Elvis Dumervil (torn pectoral muscle), the Broncos will really struggle to contain the Jaguars running game and that means it could be a big day for Jones-Drew.

#4 Stephen Jackson, St. Louis Rams (vs. Arizona Cardinals)

The St. Louis Rams will almost certainly be headed towards another forgettable season, but with Sam Bradford under center things might start to look up. With Bradford being a legitimate threat in the passing game, the Rams will be able to be more effective in the ground game with Stephen Jackson.

In Week 1, the Rams will face off against the Arizona Cardinals and if St. Louis can’t stop Jackson he could have a career day.

#5 Ronnie Brown, Miami Dolphins (@ Buffalo Bills)

The Miami Dolphins live and die by the run and in Week 1 they will go up against one of the worst defenses in the NFL in the Buffalo Bills. With that being said running back Ronnie Brown could have a 100 yard day with one or two touchdowns.

Other notable RBs: Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans; Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings; Matt Forte, Chicago Bears; Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers