Week 1 Running Back Value Rankings
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Here are theScore's running back value rankings for Week 1 (Thursday night game excluded):
Value Rankings
QB | RB | WR | TE
Top Options
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Duke Johnson Jr. (CLE) | at PHI | 9 |
| Todd Gurley (LA) | at SF | 9 |
| Lamar Miller (HOU) | vs. CHI | 8 |
| Ezekiel Elliot (DAL) | vs. NYG | 8 |
With Isaiah Crowell listed as the nominal starter, Johnson's DFS price resides firmly in the bargain bin section of the slate. That's great news considering that Philadelphia has the worst run defense and fifth-worst pass defense in terms of yardage. It's possible that both return value but Johnson's versatility as a receiving threat paired with a lower salary makes him the top option.
Miller hits cash-game returns if he totals around 100 yards from scrimmage, five catches and a touchdown; against the Bears' weak run defense, which allowed the 10th-most rushing yards last season, that's certainly in play.
Mid-Tier Targets
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| DeAngelo Williams (PIT) | at WAS | 7 |
| Isaiah Crowell (CLE) | at PHI | 7 |
| Giovani Bernard (CIN) | at NYJ | 7 |
| Danny Woodhead (SD) | at KC | 7 |
| T.J. Yeldon (JAX) | vs. GB | 7 |
| DeMarco Murray (TEN) | vs. MIN | 6 |
| Derrick Henry (TEN) | vs. MIN | 6 |
| LeSean McCoy (BUF) | at BAL | 6 |
| Mark Ingram (NO) | vs. OAK | 6 |
| Ryan Mathews (PHI) | vs. CLE | 6 |
| Spencer Ware (KC) | vs. SD | 5 |
| Latavius Murray (OAK) | at NO | 5 |
| Matt Forte (NYJ) | vs. CIN | 5 |
| Devonta Freeman (ATL) | vs. TB | 5 |
| David Johnson (ARI) | vs. NE | 5 |
| Doug Martin (TB) | at ATL | 5 |
| Carlos Hyde (SF) | vs. LA | 5 |
| Rashad Jennings (NYG) | at DAL | 5 |
Bernard and Woodhead represent savvy GPP options; their respective teams will lean on their receiving abilities when their traditional backfield mates struggle against strong interior defenses. Similarly, Yeldon's pass-catching skills will see plenty of use if the Jaguars fall behind early.
Johnson could still have a big game, especially if a close grind-it-out affair ensures heavy use of the run game, but this fantasy stud will basically need a repeat of his incredible Week 13 line (three TDs, 229 yards from scrimmage and four catches) to return GPP value. Which is to say that a good Patriots defense should hold him cash game value - or worse.
Nothing to See Here
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Adrian Peterson (MIN) | at TEN | 4 |
| LeGarrette Blount (NE) | at ARI | 4 |
| Thomas Rawls (SEA) | vs. MIA | 4 |
| Jeremy Langford (CHI) | at HOU | 4 |
| Justin Forsett (BAL) | vs. BUF | 4 |
| Eddie Lacy (GB) | at JAX | 3 |
| Melvin Gordon (SD) | at KC | 3 |
| Jeremy Hill (CIN) | at NYJ | 3 |
| Ameer Abdullah (DET) | at IND | 2 |
| Jamaal Charles (KC) | vs. SD | 2 |
| Frank Gore (IND) | vs. DET | 2 |
| Arian Foster (MIA) | at SEA | 1 |
| Matt Jones (WAS) | vs. PIT | 1 |
Despite finishing with the worst record last season, the Titans' pass defense is solid, which should allow them to focus on the task at hand: the Vikings will no doubt hand the ball off to Peterson 20 times on Sunday with so much uncertainty surrounding their QB situation. Teams have stacked the box against the Vikings for years, but Peterson has to slow down eventually.
It's easy to see Lacy being a let down in Week 1; he's expensive and the Jaguars' pass defense is poor enough that Aaron Rodgers shouldn't have any issue getting the aerial attack going.
Smoke and mirrors or an honest assessment? That's the question following Charles across fantasy football as it appears the Chiefs are comfortable with him taking on a lighter load in Week 1. Ware will start the game - and get to take advantage of a weak Chargers run defense.