RBs to Start in Week 2

Steelers’ James Conner (vs. Chiefs): James Conner showed out in his first NFL start last week. Conner racked up 135 yards rushing on his way to scoring 34.2 fantasy points. This made him the second highest-scoring RB in fantasy last week.

Conner should be able to get it going again this week against the Chiefs, who allowed 51.3 total points to RBs last week.

Bears’ Jordan Howard (vs. Seahawks): Here’s another guy that makes it on to my list again from last week. Jordan Howard looks like he will be used a ton in the Chicago Bears’ new offense. Howard touched the ball 20 times against the Green Bay Packers last week, while Tarik Cohen touched it just eight times.

That’s a good sign that he’ll be used in the passing game more. He should be able to display those skills against a weaker Seattle Seahawks defense in Week 2.

Redskins’ Adrian Peterson (vs. Colts): Adrian Peterson had a flashback-type of game in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals. Peterson had 28 total touches for 166 yards and a touchdown. It was vintage AP.

Hopefully he can stay healthy, as he looked like a perfect fit in the Washington Redskins offense. This week, he faces a Colts defense that lacks talent.

Under-the-Radar RBs in Week 2

49ers’ Alfred Morris (vs. Lions): Alfred Morris should see himself have a better week against the Detroit Lions. Last week, the 49ers faced a stingy Minnesota Vikings defense. It was expected that their offense would struggle, as they did. This week, though, he faces a Lions defense that looked abysmal on Monday night against the New York Jets.

I wouldn’t mind starting Morris’ backup, Matt Brieda, as well in deeper leagues, as 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan likes a rotational backfield.

Redskins’ Chris Thompson (vs. Colts): Alongside Peterson, the Redskins still have Chris Thompson as a receiving/change-of-pace back. In Week 1, Thompson had 24.8 fantasy points. This had him as the fifth highest-scoring RB. I like him again this week as he faces a Colts defense that struggled with Joe Mixon and Giovani Bernard last week.

RBs to Sit in Week 2

Seahawks’ Chris Carson (vs. Bears): Chris Carson, for right now, is the lead back for the Seahawks. He only got 10 touches last week, making it hard to judge how he’ll be used in this offense.

With the uncertainty of his complete role and his matchup this week against the Bears, I’ll pass on Carson this week.

Raiders’ Marshawn Lynch (vs. Broncos): Marshawn Lynch showed flashes of his old self at the beginning of Monday night’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. Lynch scored a 10-yard touchdown, carrying guys into the end zone with him. The game became out of reach in the second half, making Lynch a non-factor.

This week he faces a tough Denver Broncos defense that won’t allow many running lanes.