NFL Fantasy 2024 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Running backs for Week 1 (2024)

James Conner

Arizona Cardinals ARI

AT

Buffalo Bills

Conner averaged 17.8 fantasy PPG in Kyler Murray’s starts last season. Conner has the potential to finish any week he plays as a fantasy RB1, but that is especially true this week. First, running the ball would allow the Cardinals to control the clock and keep Josh Allen on the sideline. Second, the strength of the Bills defense is the pass rush and secondary, but they are thinner than ever at linebacker. I expect the Cardinals to attack a run defense that allowed the fifth-most yards per carry in 2023. Trust Conner in this matchup.

Raheem Mostert

Miami Dolphins MIA

VS.

Jacksonville Jaguars

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Everyone is very excited for De’Von Achane entering the 2024 season, but Mostert is not going away. Not only did he get a new contract from the Dolphins this offseason, but in the one drive we saw Tua Tagovailoa play in the preseason, Mostert dominated the workload. He also has a long history with head coach Mike McDaniel, dating back to their time together with the 49ers. We may see more of a split between the two backs than last year, but Mostert will certainly have a role, especially near the goal line. In a high-powered offense that will often lean on its running backs, Mostert remains a must-start until we see otherwise.

Javonte Williams

Denver Broncos DEN

AT

Seattle Seahawks

I really warmed up to Williams this summer. He is a full season removed from a severe knee injury, and sometimes that's when a player gets his burst back. Williams looked good in the limited preseason action he saw, turning seven carries into 32 yards (4.6 YPC). He also caught two of his targets for 20 yards. This is about trusting the volume and talent. The Seahawks have a new coach and a completely revamped defense, but for what it’s worth, they did allow the second-most rushing yards and TDs to RBs last season.

Zamir White

Las Vegas Raiders LV

AT

Los Angeles Chargers

I may have had some concerns about White during draft season, but he’s certainly in play for fantasy in Week 1. Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said last week that he expects a lot of early down usage to go to White. This game could quickly turn into a run-off between these two teams. As long as the game remains close, White should see plenty of volume. While they have a new regime, the Chargers did struggle against the run last year, allowing 4.1 yards per carry and 18 rushing touchdowns. In total, they allowed the eighth-most fantasy PPG to the position.

Austin Ekeler

Washington Commanders WAS

AT

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I have been an Ekeler supporter since before it was cool. I have drafted him on a bunch of teams. But I am opting to take a wait-and-see approach with how the volume is distributed in Washington. Ekeler likely will have the passing downs on lock, but I expect a split on the ground volume. The goal-line carries could go either way. Also, it looks like a tough matchup. Tampa allowed the fifth-fewest rushing yards and fifth-fewest fantasy PPG to running backs last season.

Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers PIT

AT

Atlanta Falcons

There is reason to be excited about Warren this season, but I don’t think this is a week to start him. Warren suffered a hamstring strain in the second preseason game, sat out the final preseason contest and missed a lot of practice time since. While he expects to suit up in Week 1, I can’t help but wonder if he is 100 percent up to speed and will see his usual workload. It’s also worth noting the Steelers have a new OC in Arthur Smith, who brought Cordarrelle Patterson with him from Atlanta. Plus, the Falcons have added a lot to their defense. I would play it safe and go in another direction.

Zack Moss

Cincinnati Bengals CIN

VS.

New England Patriots

We need to figure out how the Bengals’ workload will be distributed in the early parts of the season. Until we have more clarity, I would opt to avoid starting Moss and Brown. We could see these two eating off of each other’s plates on a team that should pass a bunch, and this could be a tough matchup as well. The Patriots allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards in 2023. The floor is too low for both backs to trust them in the opening week of the season.

Ezekiel Elliott

Dallas Cowboys DAL

AT

Cleveland Browns

I am happy to see Zeke wearing the star again. It just feels right. That doesn’t mean I want to start him or Dowdle in Week 1. You can throw Dalvin Cook into the mix as well if you want! The Cowboys let their top running back walk in the offseason, and I expect them to pass the ball a ton. Given that we do not exactly know how the work will be distributed and they face a tough Browns defense, I would avoid this backfield at all costs.