Fantasy Football Player Notes

Week 1 Rankings

Position

Team

Scoring

Bijan Robinson Note
	1. Bijan Robinson ATL (vs . PIT)

Breece Hall Note
	2. Breece Hall NYJ (at SF)

Jonathan Taylor Note
	3. Jonathan Taylor IND (vs . HOU)

Saquon Barkley Note
	4. Saquon Barkley PHI (vs . GB)

Derrick Henry Note
	5. Derrick Henry BAL (at KC)

Travis Etienne Jr. Note
	6. Travis Etienne Jr. JAC (at MIA)

Kyren Williams Note
	7. Kyren Williams LAR (at DET)

Kenneth Walker III Note
	8. Kenneth Walker III SEA (vs . DEN) Walker soldered on through a bunch of injuries last year to still finish as a rock-solid RB2 (RB20). He dealt with a bruised shoulder, a strained oblique, a chest issue, and a tender calf last season. In the 14 games he played at least 41% of the snaps, he averaged 17.3 touches and 82 total yards. Among 49 qualifying backs last year, Walker was 21st in explosive run rate and yards after contact per attempt and fourth in missed tackles forced per attempt. He should have no issues carving up the Broncos run defense that allowed the third-most rushing yards per game, the fourth-highest explosive run rate, and the second-most missed tackles per attempt last season. 33 weeks ago

Jahmyr Gibbs Note
	9. Jahmyr Gibbs DET (vs . LAR)

De'Von Achane Note
	10. De'Von Achane MIA (vs . JAC) Achane was lightning in a bottle last year. He was the RB5 in fantasy points per game. In the eight games he played at least 41% of the snaps, Achane averaged 14.2 touches and 113.8 total yards. Every time he touched the ball, he had the chance to take it to the house, ranking first in explosive run rate, third in missed tackles forced per attempt, and second in yards after contact per attempt. Achane should lead the way for Miami's rushing attack with his zone and gap run game usage. Jacksonville wasn't a strong run defense overall, as they allowed the sixth-highest explosive run rate and the ninth-most rushing touchdowns while sitting with the 14th-highest missed tackle rate. They did, however, defend zone runs well, holding them to the fourth-lowest success rate and yards per carry. Achane's runs were almost even between zone and gap (47.6% vs. 42.7%), whereas Mostert's usage was zone-heavy. Achane had the ninth-highest yards per carry and the fourth-highest success rate with gap runs. Jacksonville allowed the 12th-most rushing yards and the sixth-highest yards per carry to gap runs last season. Achane should rip off some big gains in Week 1 on the way to a superb day. 33 weeks ago

Josh Jacobs Note
	11. Josh Jacobs GB (at PHI) Last year was tough for Jacobs as he tried to follow up on his amazing 2022 season. He was limited to 13 games played and appeared to be running in slow motion when he was on the field. Last season, Jacobs had the 12th-highest stuff rate while also crawling in at 37th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 44th in yards after contact per attempt. With A.J. Dillon out and MarShawn Lloyd banged up, Jacobs could see an 80% snapshare (or higher) in Week 1 with only Emanuel Wilson fully healthy. The Eagles were a tough matchup for backs last year, but they allowed big plays on the ground. Philly allowed the fifth-highest adjusted yards before contact per attempt and the ninth-highest explosive run rate, but that's where the good times end. This run defense also held rushers in check with the eighth-lowest missed tackles, the sixth-lowest yards after contact per attempt, and the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game. Jacobs is a volume play for Week 1. 33 weeks ago

Isiah Pacheco Note
	12. Isiah Pacheco KC (vs . BAL) The Chiefs saw all they needed to last year with Pacheco as their workhorse back, so they let Jerick McKinnon walk in the offseason, which should fuel Pacheco as a weekly 65-70% snap player. In the four games he played without McKinnon active, Pachecho averaged 20.2 touches and 100.7 total yards. He was Kansas City's workhorse, as he played at least 70% of the snaps in three of those four games. Overall, last year, he ranked 12th in explosive run rate and 26th in yards after contact per attempt. Among 48 qualifying backs, he also ranked 28th in yards per route run. At first glance, Baltimore looks like a defense to avoid for fantasy rushers, but there's a lot to like here for Pacheco. While the Ravens held backs to the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game that was mostly fueled by allowing the fewest rushing touchdowns in the NFL. Deeper metrics scream they are a more advantageous matchup, as they allowed the 13th-highest explosive run rate and the eighth-highest missed tackles per attempt. Start Pacheco as an RB1/2. 33 weeks ago

James Cook Note
	13. James Cook BUF (vs . ARI) Last season, in Weeks 11-18, with Joe Brady as the offensive coordinator, Cook was the RB11, averaging 19.6 touches and 104.3 total yards per game. Yes, he only played more than 60% of the snaps twice during that stretch, but it didn't matter. After Week 10, he was 16th in target share (11.4%) among 34 qualifying backs while also ranking 10th in TPRR, fourth in receiving yards per game, and second in YPRR. In those final seven games, among 44 qualifying backs, Cook wasn't spectacular in tackle-breaking metrics, ranking 24th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 43rd in yards after contact per attempt. He was quite good on gap runs (59.8% of his carries), ranking 12th in gap yards per carry and gap success rate. Cook should have a successful Week 1 against an Arizona run defense that allowed the most rushing yards per game and the eighth-highest explosive run rate while logging the third-lowest stuff rate. They also struggled to defend gap runs, giving up the eighth-highest gap yards per carry and the ninth-highest gap success rate. Cook is an RB2 that could produce like an RB1. 33 weeks ago

Rachaad White Note
	14. Rachaad White TB (vs . WAS) White was a volume king last year, which helped propel him to RB10 in fantasy. He ranked fourth in snap share, seventh in opportunity share, and fourth in weighted opportunities. He also ranked top-ten in carries (second), targets (ninth), and red zone touches (ninth). The problem when we look at his 2023 season is that his efficiency was objectively bad. Among 49 qualifying backs, White ranked 42nd in missed tackles forced per attempt, 40th in explosive run rate, and 45th in yards after contact per attempt. White could get similar volume in 2024, and if so, that starts in Week 1. Washington's defense is an enigma for 2024 with new personnel and a new scheme with Dan Quinn's arrival. Even with all of that, I don't think the Commanders' run defense will be a top-shelf unit, as they were a bottom-five collection last season. In 2023, Washington allowed the sixth-most rushing yards per game and the 11th-highest yards after contact per attempt with the eighth-lowest stuff rate. White could volume his way to an RB1 week to begin the 2024 season. 33 weeks ago

Joe Mixon Note
	15. Joe Mixon HOU (at IND) Last year, Mixon was the RB11 in fantasy, ranking eighth in snap share, third in opportunity share, and seventh in weighted opportunities. Among 49 qualifying backs, he ranked 23rd in missed tackles forced per attempt, 37th in yards after contact per attempt, and 10th in zone run success rate. Mixon was also 20th in target share and 26th in YPRR among 48 qualifying backs last season. Mixon should see a bump to his zone rushing rate this season. Last year, Cincy utilized zone for 39.2% of their rushing plays versus Houston's 45.9% rate. The bump in zone rushing won't help him this week against Indy. Last year, Indy allowed the ninth-most rushing yards per game with the ninth-lowest stuff rate, but gap runs gashed them. They held fast against zone with the seventh-lowest success rate and yards per carry allowed. Mixon, with his every-down workload, should be able to take advantage of their weakness against receiving backs, though. Indy allowed the eighth-most receptions and fourth-most receiving yards to backs last year. Anyway, you slice it, Mixon is a strong volume play in Week 1. 33 weeks ago

James Conner Note
	16. James Conner ARI (at BUF) The falloff for aging running backs comes quickly. Based on last year, Conner looks like he can keep it at bay for at least one more season. Last year, he was seventh in explosive run rate, eighth in missed tackles forced per attempt, and fifth in yards after contact per attempt. Conner was the RB13 in fantasy points per game, as he ranked sixth in rushing yards last season. Conner could run wild in Week 1 against a Bills run defense that allowed the seventh-highest explosive run rate, the fourth-highest yards after contact per attempt, and the 12th-highest yards per carry to gap runs in 2023. Last year, Conner saw 53.8% of his rushing volume on gap runs while ranking third in gap yards per carry and second in gap rushing yards. Conner is an RB2 who could return RB1 production in Week 1. 33 weeks ago

Alvin Kamara Note
	17. Alvin Kamara NO (vs . CAR)

David Montgomery Note
	18. David Montgomery DET (vs . LAR) Montgomery's first year as a Lion was a successful one. He was the RB15 in fantasy points per game and averaged 15 touches and 75.7 total yards after returning from injury in Week 10. Among 49 qualifying backs last year, Montgomery was 14th in missed tackles forced per attempt and eighth in yards after contact per attempt. He'll be the thunder to Jahmyr Gibbs' lightning. Montgomery should find running room this week against an average Rams' run defense. Last year, Los Angeles ranked 15th in stuff rate, 16th in missed tackles allowed per attempt, and 17th in yards per carry allowed to zone runs (Montgomery 55.7% zone). Montgomery is an RB2/3. 33 weeks ago

Aaron Jones Sr. Note
	19. Aaron Jones Sr. MIN (at NYG) When Jones was FINALLY healthy last year, we saw the same back that we have come to love for fantasy over the years. In Weeks 15-20, Jones averaged 21.6 touches and 120.3 total yards as he was a weekly stud. During that same stretch, among 47 qualifying backs, he was eighth in explosive run rate and 10th in yards after contact per attempt. IF he can stay healthy (I KNOW it's a big if), he will be awesome in fantasy. The Vikings need another pass catcher to step up opposite Justin Jefferson. No, I don't think it will be Jordan Addison unless his target earning ability has jumped to another level this year. Jones could soak up routes and check-downs this season. Last year, he was still amazing in the passing game. Among 48 qualifying backs, he was sixth in TPRR, eighth in YPRR, and fourth in FD/RR. Jones should have a day on the ground against a run defense that allowed the second-highest explosive run rate, the eighth-highest yards after contact per attempt, and the fourth-most rushing yards per game. The Giants also surrendered the seventh-highest yards per reception to backs last season. Jones could flirt with RB1 numbers this week, but he's best viewed as a strong RB2. 33 weeks ago

Raheem Mostert Note
	20. Raheem Mostert LV (at LAC) Mostert defied the laws of aging running backs last year as the RB4 in fantasy with 21 total touchdowns. He was still a wizard on a per-touch basis, ranking sixth in explosive run rate and 11th in missed tackles forced per attempt. On paper, this looks like a game where Achane could take the lead for the backfield, though. Jacksonville was an exploitable run defense last year, allowing the sixth-highest explosive run rate and the ninth-most rushing touchdowns while sitting with the 14th-highest missed tackle rate. The problem for Mostert is that they were strong against zone rushing, which accounted for 64.6% of his rushing attempts. Against zone Jacksonville, they allowed the fourth-lowest success rate and yards per carry. Mostert could break a big play at any time, but the odds are lower in Week 1. 33 weeks ago

Najee Harris Note
	21. Najee Harris LAC (vs . LV) Harris was his usual consistent self last season. He finished with his third consecutive season with at least 1,000 rushing yards, eight total touchdowns, and 1,200 total yards. That didn't equate to a smash season, though, as he was the RB30 in fantasy points per game as he split work with Jaylen Warren. Warren will still be a thorn in his side for 2024. What gets lost in the Harris discussion, though, is that he arguably had one of his best seasons on a per-touch basis of his career. Among 49 qualifying backs, he was 10th in explosive run rate, 19th in missed tackles forced per attempt, and 17th in yards after contact per attempt. Harris could have a tough time in Week 1 against a stout Falcons' run defense. While Atlanta allowed the 14th-highest explosive run rate and 13th-most rushing yards per game, they were a tough team overall to run on. They faced the sixth-most rushing attempts last year and held opposing rushers at bay with the sixth-highest stuff rate, the tenth-lowest missed tackles forced, and the ninth-lowest yards after contact per attempt. Harris will have to rely on volume this week. 33 weeks ago

Rhamondre Stevenson Note
	22. Rhamondre Stevenson NE (at CIN) Stevenson's 2023 season was a terrible disappointment, but there's hope that his 2024 campaign will be a wonderful bounce-back story. Last year, after Week 8, we saw glimpses of the Stevenson we thought we were drafting from the outset. In Weeks 9-13 (Stevenson missed the remainder of the season due to a high ankle sprain), among 48 qualifying backs, he ranked 13th in missed tackles forced per attempt and third in yards after contact per attempt. In his three full games in that span, he averaged 20.7 touches and 112.7 total yards as the RB4 in fantasy. The Patriots should look to lean on him in this opening game. Cincy's run defense was atrocious last year, allowing the seventh-highest rushing yards per game and the fifth-highest explosive run rate and missed tackles allowed per attempt. Mondre SZN begins in Week 1. 33 weeks ago

D'Andre Swift Note
	23. D'Andre Swift CHI (vs . TEN) Swift enters the 2024 season at the top of this running back depth chart for Chicago. That top spot could be more assumption and less reality though. Last year, Chicago utilized a full-blown committee, with Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson, and D'Onta Foreman all having moments in the sun. Swift was "good" last season, but he wasn't nearly as good as you might think at first glance. After monster games in Weeks 2 & 3, he proceeded to average only 16.8 touches and 72.4 total yards the rest of the season as the RB25 in fantasy points per game. He also ranked only 40th in yards after contact per attempt and 30th in missed tackles forced per attempt. Swift could have a hard time finding running room in Week 1 against a Titans' defense that allowed the fifth-lowest explosive run rate, the fourth-fewest rushing touchdowns, and the 13th-lowest missed tackles last season. They were also a shutdown defense against backs through the air with the fourth-fewest receptions while also sitting at 16th in yards per reception. 33 weeks ago

Zamir White Note
	24. Zamir White LV (at LAC) White enters this year as the Raiders' workhorse back after proving he can carry the mail down the stretch last year. In Weeks 15-18, he averaged 23.3 touches and 114.3 total yards as the RB12 in fantasy points per game. During this cup of coffee as the team's starter, among 41 qualifying backs, he ranked 13th in explosive run rate, sixth in yards after contact per attempt and 17th in success rate. Last year, the Bolts, overall, had a strong run defense, holding backs to the ninth-lowest explosive run rate with the seventh-lowest missed tackles allowed per attempt. Los Angeles was susceptible to zone runs, though, allowing the ninth-highest yards per carry and the 13th-highest success rate. 53.6% of White's runs as the starter last year were on zone plays. White is a volume-based RB2. 33 weeks ago

Javonte Williams Note
	25. Javonte Williams DAL (at CLE) The offseason reports for Williams have been encouraging. I'm hoping for a bounceback season for Wiliams this year. Last year, he rolled up the volume (264 touches), but his efficiency was severely lacking. Among 49 qualifying backs last season, he ranked 41st in missed tackles forced per attempt and 33rd in yards after contact per attempt. Williams also was 55th in fantasy points per opportunity and 53rd in yards per touch. Seattle offers a chance for Williams to get off to a wonderful start. The Seahawks were among the worst run defenses in the NFL last year, allowing the second-highest rushing yards per game, the third-highest explosive run rate, and the fifth-highest yards after contact per attempt. Williams is an RB2/3 who could outperform his ranking in Week 1. 33 weeks ago

Devin Singletary Note
	26. Devin Singletary NYG (vs . MIN) Singletary should operate as the Giants' new workhorse back. Last year, he proved yet again that he can carry the mail. In Weeks 9-18, he averaged 19 touches and 86.6 total yards as the RB21 in fantasy points per game. Last year, he was 19th in explosive run rate and 22nd in missed tackles forced per attempt. Week 1 looks like it could be a slow start to the season for Singletary if Minnesota is as good at defending the run as they were last season. Minnesota held rushers to the lowest explosive run rate with the eighth-lowest yards after contact per attempt and the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game allowed. Singletary is a volume-based RB2/3. 33 weeks ago

Jerome Ford Note
	27. Jerome Ford CLE (vs . DAL) Ford should be the every-down do-it-all back for Cleveland to open the season. Last season, in Weeks 3-17, when Ford was the starter, he averaged 14.9 touches and 66.6 total yards as the RB20 in fantasy. Ford played well, ranking 13th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 16th in yards after contact per attempt. He faces a confounding Dallas Cowboys run defense, depending on what metric you look at from last year. On one hand, they allowed the second-lowest missed tackles per attempt and the 10th-lowest yards after contact per attempt. Those are frightening stats, but this run defense also had the 12th-lowest stuff rate while allowing the fourth-highest success rate to gap runs and ranking 17th in yards per carry permitted to gap runs (Ford 56.9% gap). Ford is best viewed as a volume-based RB2/3. 33 weeks ago

Tony Pollard Note
	28. Tony Pollard TEN (at CHI) I know what you're thinking..." Hey, this guy told me Pollard was his RB1 overall last year." Yep, I did. I'll own the L here. Tony Pollard was a massive disappointment. I didn't think it was possible for his tackle-breaking ability to go from stellar to putrid, but it happened. The reality is that he had the role that we coveted, though, and he should be considered the lead back for Tennessee entering this season. Last season, he was a volume-eating machine, ranking seventh in carries and 11th in targets among backs. The bright side is that in 2024, he could rebound and look much closer to the player we thought we were getting last year. Last season in Weeks 11-18, among 44 qualifying backs, Pollard ranked 15th in yards after contact per attempt, 21st in explosive run rate, and had the 11th-lowest stuff rate. Unfortunately, if the Bears continue to field a similarly dominant run defense this year as they did in 2023, Pollard could start slow in Week 1. Last year, Chicago had the fifth-highest stuff rate while holding backs to the 11th-lowest yards after contact per attempt and third-lowest explosive run rate. 33 weeks ago

Chuba Hubbard Note
	29. Chuba Hubbard CAR (at NO) With Jonathon Brooks still recovering from his torn ACL, Hubbard should carry the mail for Carolina until he's ready. Last year, as the Panthers starting tailback, he was the RB24 in fantasy points per game, he averaged 19.2 touches and 77.7 total yards. Hubbard wasn't an efficiency maven, though, ranking 30th in explosive run rate, 32nd in missed tackles forced per attempt, and 31st in yards after contact per attempt. Last year, with Dave Cannales, the Bucs utilized zone on 46.7% of their snaps. The Panthers should be a zone-heavy team this year after utilizing it on 53% of their rushing plays last year (Hubbard 57.1% zone). The Saints allowed the 10th-highest yards per carry to zone runs last year. Overall, they allowed the 13th-highest missed tackles per attempt and the 10th-highest yards after contact per attempt. Hubbard is flex-worthy in Week 1 and could easily be a strong RB2 when it's all said and done against the Saints. 33 weeks ago

Gus Edwards Note
	30. Gus Edwards FA (BYE) Edwards enters the 2024 season as the favorite for work in this Bolts' backfield, but he isn't a tough player to hop in the pecking order if J.K. Dobbins can prove he is back or Kimani Vidal outplays both of them. Last season, Edwards was the RB32 in fantasy, with the strength of 13 total touchdowns (fourth-most). Edwards is an early down grinder who only managed a 2.8% target share last season, so all of his value will have to come via rushing. Among 49 qualifying backs, Edwards ranked 25th in explosive run rate, 31st in missed tackles forced per attempt, and 32nd in yards after contact per attempt. The Raiders tightened up as a run defense after Antonio Pierce became the head coach last year, allowing the eighth-fewest rushing yards per game and the third-lowest explosive run rate and yards after contact per attempt. Edwards is a touchdown-dependent flex. 33 weeks ago

Brian Robinson Jr. Note
	31. Brian Robinson Jr. WAS (at TB) Robinson Jr. will be quite good this year, but he opens with a brutal matchup to begin the 2024 season. Last year, he didn't get enough credit for his performance. Robinson Jr. was the RB22 in fantasy points per game, ranking 22nd in explosive run rate, 13th in yards after contact per attempt, and fifth in yards per route run. In the 12 games in which he played at least 40% of the snaps, Robinson averaged 15.5 touches and 77.9 total yards per game. Robinson Jr. will probably sniff at least 15 touches in Week 1, but he probably needs a touchdown to pay off. Last year, Tampa Bay allowed the fifth-fewest rushing yards per game while giving up the fifth-lowest missed tackles per attempt and the seventh-lowest yards after contact per attempt. Robinson is an RB2/3. 33 weeks ago

Zack Moss Note
	32. Zack Moss CIN (vs . NE) If the camp reports are right, Moss should open the season immediately, splitting work with Chase Brown. That's not the hope for anyone who drafted him this summer, but it's likely the reality. Last year, in the seven games he played at least 50% of the snaps, he finished with 21.1 touches and 98.5 total yards per game. Overall, he ranked 15th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 18th in yards after contact per attempt last year. Cincy could lean into their passing game this week with what projects to be a tough matchup on the ground. Last season, New England allowed the second-lowest explosive run rate and the LOWEST missed tackles per attempt and yards after contact per attempt. I wouldn't trust Moss as an RB2 in my lineups but rather as a middling flex play. 33 weeks ago

Chase Brown Note
	33. Chase Brown CIN (vs . NE) Brown should be heavily involved this season after working as a breather back last year. Last season, Brown was impressive on a per-touch basis, although the sample size is pretty limited (44 carries). Among 77 backs with at least 40 carries, Brown ranked 12th in yards after contact per attempt and 16th in missed tackles forced per attempt. The rushing matchup is tough for Brown, but he could exploit the Pats through the air. Last season, New England allowed the second-lowest explosive run rate and the LOWEST missed tackles per attempt and yards after contact per attempt. The Pats did give up the ninth-most receptions and the 13th-most receiving yards to backs last season. Among 67 qualifying backs last year, Brown ranked first in YPRR and FD/RR. Brown is flex-worthy in Week 1. 33 weeks ago

Tyjae Spears Note
	34. Tyjae Spears TEN (at CHI) Spears lines up as a decent flex/RB3 for Week 1. He'll have to rely on his big play ability (which Spears can do), as the matchup is brutal. Last year, he was fifth in explosive run rate and 14th in yards after contact per attempt. He proved that he can be a matchup nightmare in the passing game as well, ranking seventh in target share, 10th in TPRR, and 17th in YPRR. With the rushing matchup looking like nightmare fuel for the Titans' backs, Spears could outscore Pollard in Week 1 if the team leans into his receiving chops. Last year, Chicago had the fifth-highest stuff rate while holding backs to the 11th-lowest yards after contact per attempt and third-lowest explosive run rate. The Bears were abysmal at stopping backs through the air, giving up the highest yards per reception, the second-most receptions, and the most receiving yards. 33 weeks ago

Austin Ekeler Note
	35. Austin Ekeler WAS (at TB) This isn't a matchup to consider sneaking Ekeler into your flex. Even if we want to excuse Ekeler's 2023 performance, this is a brutal matchup on the ground and through the air for backs. Last year among 49 qualifying backs, Ekeler ranked 38th in yards after contact per attempt and 46th in missed tackles forced per attempt. Last year, Tampa Bay allowed the fifth-fewest rushing yards per game while giving up the fifth-lowest missed tackles per attempt and the seventh-lowest yards after contact per attempt. Daniels isn't likely to check down much, as he will more likely take off running when his options downfield are covered. We should look to Ekeler's pass game involvement if on limited target volume when the matchup dictates that his efficiency with that work could see a matchup bump. That isn't the case here. Last year, Tampa Bay allowed the fourth-lowest yards per reception and the eighth-fewest receiving touchdowns to backs. Sit Ekeler. 33 weeks ago

Ezekiel Elliott Note
	36. Ezekiel Elliott FA (BYE) Who will be the leading ball carrier for Dallas in 2024? Elliott? Rico Dowdle? Dalvin Cook? We shall see. Unless Jerry Jones is down on the field calling plays for Dallas, I will make my bets on the other backs in this backfield. Elliott looked like a back on his last legs last year. Last season, among 49 qualifying backs, he ranked 45th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 43rd in yards after contact per attempt. No bueno. The on-paper matchup for Dallas's backs is mouth-watering, but it's fair to question whether they have the juice to take advantage of it. Last year, Cleveland allowed the highest explosive run rate and missed tackles allowed per attempt while also giving up the second-highest yards after contact per attempt. Elliott is a touchdown-dependent flex dart throw. 33 weeks ago

Jaylen Warren Note
	37. Jaylen Warren PIT (at ATL) Warren sounds like he is trending toward playing Week 1, but I'd monitor injury reports for the rest of the week. I'll update his status as we get more information. The Steelers could definitely use his explosive skill set against the Falcons. Last year, Warren ranked third in explosive run rate, first in missed tackles forced per attempt, and second in yards after contact per attempt. He was also 12th in yards per route run and fifth in targets per route run. While he was the RB29 in fantasy points per game last season, he also finished as an RB2 or better in weekly fantasy scoring in 50% of his games. Atlanta was a tough run defense to face last year with the sixth-highest stuff rate, the tenth-lowest missed tackles forced, and the ninth-lowest yards after contact per attempt. Warren is an RB3/flex. 33 weeks ago

J.K. Dobbins Note
	38. J.K. Dobbins FA (BYE) The offseason talk around Dobbins has been positive. Unfortunately, he didn't play in the preseason, so it's all speculation right now regarding what he can bring to the table and his role this season. I would be shocked if he was given 15 or more carries out the gate. Last year, in Week 1, Dobbins tore his Achilles. I expect the Chargers to ease him in. Considering that and a tough rushing matchup, Dobbins is better off staying on your bench this week. The Raiders tightened up as a run defense after Antonio Pierce became the head coach last year, allowing the eighth-fewest rushing yards per game and the third-lowest explosive run rate and yards after contact per attempt. 33 weeks ago

Rico Dowdle Note
	39. Rico Dowdle CAR (at NO) Dowdle is a McCarthy favorite who will compete with Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook to be the lead back for this offense. It's easily possible he is the best back on this roster, considering his current competition. Last year, among 53 qualifying backs, he ranked 16th in yards after contact per attempt while also having the 23rd lowest stuff rate. Dowdle is nothing more than a middle-of-the-road flex for Week 1 because we have no clue what the division of labor will be. The matchup is nice, though, so if you need a flex with some upside, I don't hate wedging Dowdle into lineups in a pinch. Last year, Cleveland allowed the highest explosive run rate and missed tackles allowed per attempt while also giving up the second-highest yards after contact per attempt. 33 weeks ago

Blake Corum Note
	40. Blake Corum LAR (at DET)

Jaleel McLaughlin Note
	41. Jaleel McLaughlin DEN (at SEA) King Jaleel is READY TO BE UNLEASHED! I've been talking about the Broncos passing down back since January. I can't wait to see him crush in this role in Sean Payton's offense. Last year, he was a magician on a per-touch basis, ranking 14th in explosive run rate, fifth in missed tackles forced per attempt, fourth in yards after contact per attempt, and fourth in yards per route run. Payton has been as consistent as they come with featuring his back in the passing game. This will continue in 2024. Over the last nine seasons, Payton has coordinated an NFL offense; he has never finished lower than fourth in targets to the running back position. The Seahawks were among the worst run defenses in the NFL last year, allowing the second-highest rushing yards per game, the third-highest explosive run rate, and the fifth-highest yards after contact per attempt. They also allowed the 10th-highest yards per reception and the ninth-most receiving yards to backs. McLaughlin is flex-worthy in Week 1 (especially in PPR leagues). 33 weeks ago

Tyler Allgeier Note
	42. Tyler Allgeier ATL (vs . PIT)

Ty Chandler Note
	43. Ty Chandler MIN (at NYG)

Zach Charbonnet Note
	44. Zach Charbonnet SEA (vs . DEN)

Khalil Herbert Note
	45. Khalil Herbert IND (vs . HOU) As good as Herbert was last year on a per-touch basis, Chicago was reluctant to commit to him as the clear lead guy all year. Last season, he ranked 12th in explosive run rate and ninth in missed tackles forced per attempt. In the eight games he played at least 43% of the snaps last season, he averaged 14 touches and 77.8 total yards.With Swift on the roster, Herbert should be best viewed as his direct backup with some stand alone value. This isn't the week to attempt to get cute and play him as a flex though against a Titans' defense that allowed the fifth-lowest explosive run rate, the fourth-fewest rushing touchdowns, and the 13th-lowest missed tackles last season. 33 weeks ago

Antonio Gibson Note
	46. Antonio Gibson NE (at CIN) Gibson is a stash/handcuff. It's too dicey to plug him into a starting lineup in Week 1 until we see how New England divides up the workload. I will say, though, that Gibson was impressive on a per-touch basis last season, ranking first in missed tackles forced per attempt and eighth in yards after contact per attempt. While consensus is down on the Patriots' offense this year, Gibson is a strong end-of-the-bench bet. 33 weeks ago

Ray Davis Note
	47. Ray Davis BUF (vs . ARI)

Trey Benson Note
	48. Trey Benson ARI (at BUF)

Jamaal Williams Note
	49. Jamaal Williams FA (BYE)

Bucky Irving Note
	50. Bucky Irving TB (vs . WAS)

Alexander Mattison Note
	51. Alexander Mattison MIA (vs . JAC)

Samaje Perine Note
	52. Samaje Perine CIN (vs . NE)

Justice Hill Note
	53. Justice Hill BAL (at KC) Hill is an interesting deep league/desperation flex play for Week 1. While Derrick Henry will shoulder much of the backfield load for 2024, we are still unsure how much Hill will play. Hill could be passing down back or seeing the field more when the team is trailing. We just don't know. While the spread is tight and doesn't foreshadow Baltimore getting buried in this game, the matchup is too juicy to disregard Hill this week totally. Hill proved capable of ripping off chunk plays last year, ranking 23rd in missed tackles forced per attempt and 20th in explosive run rate. 52.4% of his runs were on zone plays, where he had the third-highest yards per carry on zone runs (5.8). The Chiefs allowed the tenth-highest explosive run rate and the 13th-highest yards after contact per attempt last year. Even if Hill only gets a handful of touches in this game, it only takes one big play for him to pay off. 33 weeks ago

Jordan Mason Note
	54. Jordan Mason MIN (at NYG)

Miles Sanders Note
	55. Miles Sanders DAL (at CLE)

D'Onta Foreman Note
	56. D'Onta Foreman FA (BYE)

Tank Bigsby Note
	57. Tank Bigsby JAC (at MIA)

Braelon Allen Note
	58. Braelon Allen NYJ (at SF)

Kenneth Gainwell Note
	59. Kenneth Gainwell PIT (at ATL)

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Note
	60. Tyrone Tracy Jr. NYG (vs . MIN)

Dameon Pierce Note
	61. Dameon Pierce HOU (at IND)

Audric Estime Note
	62. Audric Estime DEN (at SEA)

Cordarrelle Patterson Note
	63. Cordarrelle Patterson PIT (at ATL)

Emanuel Wilson Note
	64. Emanuel Wilson GB (at PHI)

Trey Sermon Note
	65. Trey Sermon FA (BYE)

Will Shipley Note
	66. Will Shipley PHI (vs . GB)

Pierre Strong Jr. Note
	67. Pierre Strong Jr. CLE (vs . DAL)

Eric Gray Note
	68. Eric Gray NYG (vs . MIN)

D'Ernest Johnson Note
	69. D'Ernest Johnson FA (BYE)

Carson Steele Note
	70. Carson Steele KC (vs . BAL)

Deuce Vaughn Note
	71. Deuce Vaughn DAL (at CLE)

Ty Johnson Note
	72. Ty Johnson BUF (vs . ARI)

Isaac Guerendo Note
	73. Isaac Guerendo SF (vs . NYJ)

Emari Demercado Note
	74. Emari Demercado ARI (at BUF)

Ronnie Rivers Note
	75. Ronnie Rivers LAR (at DET)

Isaiah Davis Note
	76. Isaiah Davis NYJ (at SF)

Jeff Wilson Jr. Note
	77. Jeff Wilson Jr. FA (BYE)

Dalvin Cook Note
	78. Dalvin Cook FA (BYE)

Evan Hull Note
	79. Evan Hull PIT (at ATL)

Roschon Johnson Note
	80. Roschon Johnson CHI (vs . TEN)

Chris Rodriguez Jr. Note
	81. Chris Rodriguez Jr. WAS (at TB)

Ameer Abdullah Note
	82. Ameer Abdullah FA (BYE)

Craig Reynolds Note
	83. Craig Reynolds DET (vs . LAR)

Michael Carter Note
	84. Michael Carter ARI (at BUF)

DeeJay Dallas Note
	85. DeeJay Dallas ARI (at BUF)

Kyle Juszczyk Note
	86. Kyle Juszczyk SF (vs . NYJ)

Tyler Goodson Note
	87. Tyler Goodson IND (vs . HOU)

Cody Schrader Note
	88. Cody Schrader LAR (at DET)

Kendall Milton Note
	89. Kendall Milton CIN (vs . NE)

Raheem Blackshear Note
	90. Raheem Blackshear CAR (at NO)

Sean Tucker Note
	91. Sean Tucker TB (vs . WAS)

Royce Freeman Note
	92. Royce Freeman FA (BYE)

JaMycal Hasty Note
	93. JaMycal Hasty FA (BYE)

Jordan Mims Note
	94. Jordan Mims NO (vs . CAR)

Kenny McIntosh Note
	95. Kenny McIntosh SEA (vs . DEN)

Dare Ogunbowale Note
	96. Dare Ogunbowale HOU (at IND)

Alec Ingold Note
	97. Alec Ingold MIA (vs . JAC)

Travis Homer Note
	98. Travis Homer CHI (vs . TEN)

C.J. Ham Note
	99. C.J. Ham MIN (at NYG)

Sione Vaki Note
	100. Sione Vaki DET (vs . LAR)

Trayveon Williams Note
	101. Trayveon Williams FA (BYE)

Hunter Luepke Note
	102. Hunter Luepke DAL (at CLE)

Avery Williams Note
	103. Avery Williams PHI (vs . GB)

Jeremy McNichols Note
	104. Jeremy McNichols WAS (at TB)

Patrick Ricard Note
	105. Patrick Ricard BAL (at KC)

Adam Prentice Note
	106. Adam Prentice FA (BYE)

Julius Chestnut Note
	107. Julius Chestnut TEN (at CHI)

Khari Blasingame Note
	108. Khari Blasingame FA (BYE)

Ellis Merriweather Note
	109. Ellis Merriweather GB (at PHI)

Reggie Gilliam Note
	110. Reggie Gilliam BUF (vs . ARI)

Mike Boone Note
	111. Mike Boone FA (BYE)

Hassan Haskins Note
	112. Hassan Haskins LAC (vs . LV)

Myles Gaskin Note
	113. Myles Gaskin FA (BYE)

John Kelly Jr. Note
	114. John Kelly Jr. FA (BYE)

Jaret Patterson Note
	115. Jaret Patterson LAC (vs . LV)

British Brooks Note
	116. British Brooks HOU (at IND)

Patrick Taylor Jr. Note
	117. Patrick Taylor Jr. SF (vs . NYJ)

Keaton Mitchell Note
	118. Keaton Mitchell BAL (at KC)

Isaiah Spiller Note
	119. Isaiah Spiller LV (at LAC)

Deneric Prince Note
	120. Deneric Prince FA (BYE)

Kareem Hunt Note
	121. Kareem Hunt KC (vs . BAL)

Jawhar Jordan Note
	122. Jawhar Jordan HOU (at IND)

Michael Burton Note
	123. Michael Burton DEN (at SEA)

Malik Davis Note
	124. Malik Davis DAL (at CLE)

Jerick McKinnon Note
	125. Jerick McKinnon FA (BYE)

Keaontay Ingram Note
	126. Keaontay Ingram KC (vs . BAL)

Ke'Shawn Vaughn Note
	127. Ke'Shawn Vaughn FA (BYE)

Boston Scott Note
	128. Boston Scott FA (BYE)

Carlos Washington Jr. Note
	129. Carlos Washington Jr. ATL (vs . PIT)

Salvon Ahmed Note
	130. Salvon Ahmed IND (vs . HOU)

Jermar Jefferson Note
	131. Jermar Jefferson FA (BYE)

Dante Miller Note
	132. Dante Miller NYG (vs . MIN)

Joshua Kelley Note
	133. Joshua Kelley FA (BYE)

Matt Breida Note
	134. Matt Breida FA (BYE)

George Holani Note
	135. George Holani SEA (vs . DEN)

Tyler Badie Note
	136. Tyler Badie DEN (at SEA)

Gary Brightwell Note
	137. Gary Brightwell CIN (vs . NE)

Tyreik McAllister Note
	138. Tyreik McAllister LV (at LAC)

Tyrion Davis-Price Note
	139. Tyrion Davis-Price PHI (vs . GB)

Kevin Harris Note
	140. Kevin Harris FA (BYE)

Ty Montgomery II Note
	141. Ty Montgomery II FA (BYE)

Michael Wiley Note
	142. Michael Wiley WAS (at TB)

Zach Evans Note
	143. Zach Evans NYJ (at SF)

Nick Bawden Note
	144. Nick Bawden FA (BYE)

Jashaun Corbin Note
	145. Jashaun Corbin FA (BYE)

Jonathan Williams Note
	146. Jonathan Williams FA (BYE)

Snoop Conner Note
	147. Snoop Conner FA (BYE)

Frank Gore Jr. Note
	148. Frank Gore Jr. BUF (vs . ARI)

Dontrell Hilliard Note
	149. Dontrell Hilliard FA (BYE)

Emani Bailey Note
	150. Emani Bailey CAR (at NO)

Dillon Johnson Note
	151. Dillon Johnson FA (BYE)

Tony Jones Jr. Note
	152. Tony Jones Jr. FA (BYE)

Patrick Laird Note
	153. Patrick Laird FA (BYE)

Brandon Bolden Note
	154. Brandon Bolden FA (BYE)

Latavius Murray Note
	155. Latavius Murray FA (BYE)

Pooka Williams Jr. Note
	156. Pooka Williams Jr. FA (BYE)

Chris Brooks Note
	157. Chris Brooks GB (at PHI)

Wendell Smallwood Note
	158. Wendell Smallwood FA (BYE)

Anthony McFarland Jr. Note
	159. Anthony McFarland Jr. FA (BYE)

Demetric Felton Jr. Note
	160. Demetric Felton Jr. WAS (at TB)

Jonathan Ward Note
	161. Jonathan Ward PIT (at ATL)

Lew Nichols III Note
	162. Lew Nichols III PHI (vs . GB)