Week 1 Running Back Start 'Em Sit 'Em: Should You Start Deon Jackson, Breece Hall?
Week 1 is here and it's time for the first installment of our running backs Start 'Em and Sit 'Em. These are all backs who fantasy players may have questions about this week. I will let you know if they should be in your lineup or on your bench for the season opener.
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Start 'Em
Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs
The lack of love for Pacheco this offseason has been mind-numbing to me. I have been higher on him than most, but deservedly so. He's by far the best running back on the best offense in football. Many people point to Jerick McKinnon as a threat to his fantasy value, however, over two years with the Chiefs McKinnon has averaged just 34.5 receptions per year and 486 yards per season. Those aren't numbers to fear.
This week Pacheco kicks off the season on Thursday Night Football against the Lions who were abysmal against the run last year. I don't love going off last season too much because things change in a hurry in this league, but I doubt they are suddenly top 10 against the run. I anticipate him getting upwards of 15 carries and a catch or two. There is no reason he can't reach 100 yards this week, and if he finds the end zone it will be a great start to the season for the second-year back.
Jamaal Williams, New Orleans Saints
Williams is a start/sit that many people have been asking about on Twitter. The concern is that he faces off with the Titans, who were the best team against the run last season. While this is a concern, I am still starting Williams while he has the New Orleans backfield all to himself. With Alvin Kamara suspended and Kendre Miller dealing with injury concerns, I can't see myself benching the NFL's reigning TD leader regardless of the matchup. He may be a bit more of a flex option this week, nevertheless, he belongs in your lineup.
Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins
This week is Mostert's best shot to be a feature back this season. Jeff Wilson has landed on IR, Salvon Ahmed is dealing with a head and neck issue, and there are two rookies behind him looking for snaps. Ultimately I expect rookies De'Von Achane and Chris Brooks to have a massive role in this offense, but probably not right out of the gates. This week you can plug Mostert in with confidence and bank on him leading the Dolphins' backfield in touches by a comfortable margin. This week I am projecting him to see 12-15 opportunities, and with his big-play ability that's enough for a big game.
Deon Jackson, Indianapolis Colts
Jackson is another guy who is a strong start this week, but you may never start him again. As we all know by now, Jonathan Taylor has landed on the PUP and is out for at least four weeks. Zack Moss is also out this week with a broken arm, however, he is expected to return in Week 2 and is the favorite for the starting role. Jackson will start this week and his only competition is rookie Evan Hull, who was a less-than-spectacular prospect entering the draft process. If you are looking for a flex option this week, Jackson is a sneaky good start against the Jags this week.
Sit 'Em
Breece Hall, New York Jets
I don't see how you can confidently start Hall this week. He is returning from a torn ACL with very limited practice time this summer and the team brought in Dalvin Cook to be the RB1. Hall could and probably will overtake Cook at some point this season, but I don't expect that to happen until at least Halloween. There is very little reason to want to start Hall. Cook caps his ceiling and his knee makes him a risk regardless of competition. You should be taking a wait-and-see approach with Hall until further notice. The matchup with the Bills isn't great either.
Samaje Perine, Denver Broncos
Perine was a fantasy favorite for early-season work about a month ago. Then Javonte Williams made a miraculous return from an ACL injury and actually played in the preseason. Not only did Williams play, he saw a good amount of work. There is now a chance that Perine is limited to four or five touches this week against the Raiders. I just don't trust that the work will be there and that workload will only shrink as the season goes on. Fantasy managers made an educated guess on Perine that made a lot of sense. Nevertheless, there is a real chance we all missed on him and he was a wasted pick. Time will tell, but for now, leave him on the bench. You'll know by Week 3 if he is worth starting or cutting.
D'Andre Swift, Philadelphia Eagles
I want to see what the Eagles' backfield rotation looks like before start relying on their running backs. This backfield has been unpredictable at times in the past and this summer has done us no favors to help clear things up. Swift can be started as a flex in a pinch, but I'd advise avoiding this entire backfield if at all possible this week. There is a chance that Kenneth Gainwell or even Rashaad Penny will serve as the lead back. This is a risky start that's probably not worth the risk unless you are in a deeper league.
Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks
I am planting my flag with Kenneth Walker. Walker will be the clear RB1 this season and I view the rookie as little more than a complementary piece. Charbonnet should be viewed closer to a handcuff than a high-upside RB2. I am anticipating about an 80-20 split in this backfield with Walker emerging as a top-15 fantasy running back this year. As long as Walker is healthy, Charbonnet should be on your bench.
