RBs to Start in Week 1
Colts’ Jonathan Taylor (vs. Jaguars):
Besides adding Rivers under center, the Indianapolis Colts have a new face at the running back position in rookie Jonathan Taylor. Even though he’ll share the workload with Marlon Mack, Taylor is the more explosive player and should have plenty of opportunities to shine in Week 1.
The Colts will get their season underway versus a Jacksonville Jaguars team that is obviously hitting the reset button. Despite adding Josh Allen, C.J. Henderson, and Josh Allen in the last two drafts, Jacksonville’s defense no longer features guys like Jalen Ramsey, A.J. Bouye, Yannick Ngakoue, and Calais Campbell.
Even with those guys in their defense last season, the Jaguars were 29th in defensive DVOA and allowed 5.1 yards per attempt (second-most in the NFL). Provided that, there’s no reason why Mack and Taylor can’t both be feasible options in fantasy football in Week 1.
Ravens’ Mark Ingram (vs. Browns): The Baltimore Ravens boasted the most dominant rushing attack in 2019 with Jackson at quarterback. With Jackson entering his third year, the Ravens should have one of the best rushing offenses once again in 2020.
Along with Mark Ingram though, Baltimore now has rookie J.K. Dobbins that could command some touches out of the backfield. Still, Ingram figures to maintain a role in the Ravens’ offense — at least to begin the season.
Even with Jackson and Dobbins also contributing on the ground, Ingram is poised for a nice outing for versus the Cleveland Browns. A season ago, the Browns surrendered the eighth-most fantasy points to RBs.
Patriots’ Sony Michel (vs. Dolphins): There was much speculation on who could start at RB for the Patriots in 2020. Sony Michel was recovering from foot surgery this offseason and Damien Harris was seeing first-team reps in training camp.
However, Michel has since returned and Harris will miss the first three games of the season due to a hand ailment. With that in mind, Michel will have three weeks to prove that he deserves to keep the starting gig in New England’s offense.
Last season, Michel failed to show explosiveness on the ground, averaging a mere 3.7 yards per carry. Luckily for him, he’ll face a Miami defense in Week 1 that gave up the 10th most yards per attempt and the seventh-most fantasy points to RBs in 2019.
Other RBs to consider in Week 1: Patriots’ James White (vs. Dolphins), 49ers’ Raheem Mostert (vs. Cardinals), Bears’ David Montgomery (vs. Lions)
