Onto the running backs! First we highlighted the signal callers, now we go to the guys who are going to be toting the rock early and often in Week 1. Whether their top 5 justification is based on volume or upside, the following five guys are the cream of the crop in the opening week of the season. You should feel very good about your lineup if you have one, possibly even two of these guys in your seasonal or daily lineup.

Todd Gurley @ SF

Gurley is going to get the ball early and often in this contest. It’s going to be a ground and pound kind of game where Gurley will likely approach 30 carries. He decimated the 49ers defense last season (140+ total yards, 1 TD) and Chip Kelly’s new club has done nothing to improve upon last year’s 28th ranked rush defense. Huge Week 1 for Gurley.

Lamar Miller vs. CHI

Miller has always been a quality fantasy asset, but he never got the workload he deserved. He’s going to get that and then some with the Houston Texans. The Chicago defense is improved from last season, but they are dealing with a handful of injuries on that side of the ball. Expect 22-25 touches for Miller with no less than 125 total yards and a touchdown.

Ezekiel Elliot vs. NYG

Did you see him at Ohio State? Did you see him in the preseason? Do you see his offensive line? He’s going to be able to put up big numbers against his division rival. Lock him in as a RB1.

Adrian Peterson @ TEN

Tennessee’s defense is slightly better, but AP’s fantasy value is hugely aided by his volume of work. He’s going to get the ball a ton, as we all know. Here is an unofficial picture of the Minnesota playbook for Week 1, but still highly accurate.

 

 

 

 

 

DeAngelo Williams @ WSH

In 10 games last season that Le’Veon Bell did not play, Williams racked up 898 total yards with nine touchdowns. He’s going to get the ball in a few different ways against Washington, good enough for a top 5 fantasy week.

Catch the rest of my Fantasy Football Top 5 for NFL Week 1:

Top 5 Fantasy Football QB for NFL Week 1

Check out how my Top 5 matches up with Fantasy Alarm's rankings:

Week 1 Seasonal Rankings

Week 1 DFS Rankings

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