RBs to start in Week 1

Vikings’ Dalvin Cook (vs. 49ers): Dalvin Cook will be playing his first game since tearing his ACL early last season. Cook comes into an offense full of talent and will be utilized as a dual-threat back. Last year, Cook was off to a fast start in his rookie year, scoring 65.4 points before suffering his injury.

Look for Cook to start fast again against the 49ers who allowed the sixth most points to RBs last year.

Titans’ Derrick Henry (vs. Dolphins): Derrick Henry will be in a backfield that is still yet to be determined how he’ll be utilized. The Titans signed Dion Lewis in the offseason to compliment Henry. Henry should see the bulk of the carries, while Lewis is the receiving threat. The Dolphins allowed the seventh most points to RBs last year, so Henry should have himself a nice day.

Especially with no Ndamukong Suh in Miami anymore.

Bears’ Jordan Howard (vs. Packers): Jordan Howard has quietly been one of the best RBs in the NFL the last two years. Howard has rushed for 2,435 yards on 528 carries (4.6 yards per carry) and 15 touchdowns in his two seasons. The only knock on Howard is that he’s not a huge factor in the passing game. The Bears RB should get to a fast start against a Packers defense that allowed the 10th most points to RBs last year.

Under the Radar RBs

Lions’ Kerryon Johnson (vs. Jets): It seems like Kerryon Johnson has been given the starting job at RB in Detroit. The Lions have struggled to run the ball for years now, hoping Johnson can bring a spark to their offense. Johnson was a talented RB at Auburn, where he rushed for 1,391 yards on 285 carries (4.9 yards per carry) and 18 touchdowns just last year. Now in Week 1, he faces a Jets defense that allowed the ninth most points to opposing RBs last year.

Ravens’ Alex Collins (vs. Bills): Alex Collins should be getting the majority of the carries for the Ravens. Collins impressed last year, rushing for 973 yards on 212 carries (4.6 yards per carry) and six touchdowns. Like Howard, though, Collins isn’t used in the passing game much. Collins should be used more this season, as the Ravens try to take pressure off quarterback Joe Flacco’s shoulders. The Bills allowed the most fantasy points to RBs last year.

RBs to sit in Week 1

Redskins’ Adrian Peterson (vs. Cardinals): I know Adrian Peterson will get tons of touches for the Redskins. The thing is, it remains to be seen what he can still do at 33 years old. Peterson was solid last season when he was traded to the Cardinals. Since Derrius Guice tore his ACL in the preseason, Peterson will be the guy in Washington.

Peterson faces his former team in Week 1, which allowed the sixth least amount of points to RBs last year.

Seahawks’ Chris Carson (vs. Broncos): Chris Carson should begin the season as the Seahawks starting RB. Carson started in just three games last year, which was his rookie season. Seattle apparently likes him enough to make him the starter this season. The Seahawks kick off the year against an elite Broncos defense that allowed the fourth least amount of points to RBs.