Week 1 of the preseason usually is slow going. However, it is also the rookie showcase as many new talents make their career debut. Of course, we cannot jump to too many conclusions from a few quarters of play in what is essentially a scrimmage game, but some rookies caught our attention.
Fantasy Football Preseason Week 1 Review: Rookie running backs
A look at the most notable rookie running back performances of preseason Week 1.
So to that end, here are some notable rook running backs that impressed in preseason Week 1. Fantasy owners take note.
Fournette came out strong in his NFL debut. The fourth overall pick rushed for 31 yards on nine carries and a touchdown. Though he did not get the start, Fournette was in charge of the back field against the Patriots. Despite suffering a minor foot injury, Fournette looks like he is set to carry the rushing load.
Fournette’s foot injury should not be too alarming for fantasy owners. The problem has nagged him in college, but he has always been able to shake it off and perform. As it looks now, Fournette should be the starter in Jacksonville. If not, he will definitely share a good bit of the load and most of the red zone carries. Fournette is a smart RB1 target.
Mixon is possibly the most talented available rusher in Cincinnati right now. The second-round pick dazzled with six rushes for 31 yards and a noteworthy 11-yard catch in the flat. Mixon was also solid in blitz coverage. Though he was not the official starter, Mixon saw action in the Bengals opening drive alongside Jeremy Hill.
As Hill struggles and Giovani Bernard continues to recover, Mixon is in a good position to become the starting rusher in Cincinnati sooner than later. His early work in preseason Week 1 is a good indicator of how the Bengals feel about their rookie rusher. Owners that want a sure rookie bet, especially in PPR leagues, should jump on Mixon.
Cook was the starter for the Vikings preseason opener and is listed as the No. 1 rusher on the depth chart. He only rushed for 13 yards on five carries, however, he was much more effective in the passing game catching all four targets for 30 yards. Cook will have most of the rushing responsibilities until Latavius Murray is fully healthy.
Cook will have to overcome some challenges early on this season. The Vikings offensive line is weak and missing some key pieces. However, Cook will still be effective as a receiver out of the backfield. Owners in PPR leagues should strongly consider him State as an RB2 option.
McCaffrey looked solid for Carolina in the preseason opener. He rushed seven times for 33 yards, including a smart first-down carry for 12 yards following his blockers. The eighth overall pick is in a good position to share the backfield workload with starter Jonathan Stewart this season.
Carolina likes to work many rushers in the backfield and that is a big upside for McCaffrey. The Panthers have also incorporated plays into the playbook that are designed for McCaffrey’s talent, another good sign. He is poised to be a big factor for the Panthers this season. McCaffrey is a good option for owners looking for a solid RB2.
