There is no bigger fantasy unknown than the rookie class. Taking a risk on a rookie may be scary, but we hope to make the decision a little easier for the opening week of football. Some of these rookies proved this preseason they are ready for the big show. Others have not lived up to their hype yet. So which rookie running backs will keep your team competitive in Week 1? We break down the rookie rushers to start and sit for the first week of the regular season.
Week 1 fantasy football start/sit advice: Rookie running backs
Which rookie running backs should owners play and avoid in the first week of the regular season?
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Start
Hunt’s stock blew up when the Chiefs named him the feature back after Spencer Ware went down for the season. That is huge for Hunt owners. Kansas City builds its offense around running backs. Hunt will have a ton of touches, both carries and passes, out of the backfield. Starting Hunt is a no-brainer for all league types.
Named the starter early in camp, Cook is another rookie rusher who will own the backfield as a carrier and a catcher for Minnesota. The Vikings are putting all their eggs in Cook’s basket. Latavius Murray and Jerick McKinnon seem like afterthoughts in Minnesota at this point, implying that the team’s first pick will be the workhorse even in the red zone.
Sit
While there is a lot to like about Mixon, owners have to keep in mind the he is the third rusher on the depth chart in Cincinnati. There is no doubt he has the size, speed, and power that owners crave; however he is in a crowded backfield which means the second-round pick will not have a high number of touches. Mixon may work his way up the Bengal food chain at some point, but it is highly unlikely he will break out the first game of the season.
OK, no one would fault any owner who decides to start Fournette Week 1. However, the fourth-overall pick is no sure bet. He has faced some concerning setbacks in camp, namely re-aggravating a chronic foot injury in the first week of preseason. Fournette also faces a big test in the Texans. J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney can disrupt any running game. Do not be surprised if Fournette’s numbers are average or below this week.
