True stud running backs are difficult to find in fantasy football.
It's not easy to just draft a couple of great RBs and then plug them in every week. You need to draft many running backs, scour the waiver wire, watch for injuries and play the matchups.
And with most leagues requiring you to start two, three or even four running backs, it means that you have to be smart and dig deep at the position.
To help you out, I put together this summary of our top 10 ranked running backs for week 1.
You can also check out our full list of RB rankings or use our free who should I start tool for an interactive way to use our fantasy football rankings.
For custom advice tailored to your fantasy team, our premium league sync tools instantly tell you who to start or sit every week.
No teams have a bye week this week, so you have a full slate of players to choose from.
Week 1 Rankings Home | Week 1 QB Rankings | Week 1 WR Rankings | Week 1 TE Rankings | Week 1 Kicker Rankings | Week 1 Defense Rankings
Full Rankings
If you want to dive head-first into the full set of projections for this week, here are our rankings for each format:
You can also get custom rankings tailored to your league with our import tool. It's part of the Premium Membership.
Rankings Summary
1. Josh Jacobs - RB (LV)
Josh Jacobs had a bye last week. We're projecting 25.4 carries, 117.9 yards and 0.9 touchdowns for Josh Jacobs this week as he faces the Broncos.
2. Austin Ekeler - RB (LAC)
Austin Ekeler was on bye last week. Our system projects Austin Ekeler for 16.7 carries, 69.1 yards and 0.6 touchdowns versus the Dolphins this week.
3. Christian McCaffrey - RB (SF)
Christian McCaffrey is playing against the Atlanta Falcons this week. We're projecting him for 14.8 carries, 62.4 yards and 0.5 touchdowns. McCaffrey was on bye last week.
4. Tony Pollard - RB (DAL)
Tony Pollard was off last week with a bye. He faces the New York Giants this week. We're projecting him for 19.2 carries, 92.0 yards and 0.7 touchdowns.
5. Derrick Henry - RB (TEN)
Derrick Henry was on bye last week. He is playing against the New Orleans Saints this week. We're projecting him for 23.6 carries, 95.3 yards and 0.6 touchdowns.
6. Aaron Jones - RB (GB)
Aaron Jones had a bye last week. He is up against the Bears this week. Our system projects him for 18.6 carries, 86.9 yards and 0.6 touchdowns.
7. Nick Chubb - RB (CLE)
Nick Chubb was off last week with a bye. He faces the Bengals this week. We're projecting him for 21.2 carries, 91.0 yards and 0.7 touchdowns.
8. Travis Etienne - RB (JAX)
Travis Etienne had a bye last week. Our system projects Travis Etienne for 18.7 carries, 89.4 yards and 0.7 touchdowns versus the Colts this week.
9. Isiah Pacheco - RB (KC)
Isiah Pacheco faces the Lions this week. He is projected for 14.1 carries, 64.0 yards and 0.6 touchdowns. Pacheco was off last week with a bye.
10. Saquon Barkley - RB (NYG)
Saquon Barkley was on bye last week. Our system projects Saquon Barkley for 20.5 carries, 86.4 yards and 0.7 touchdowns versus the Cowboys this week.
For more, check out our full rankings here.
Import Your League For Custom Advice
One thing that people frequently say is that they wish it could be easier to see these rankings and projections next their own fantasy team roster.
Luckily, you can do that easily with our premium league sync tools. They work with ESPN, CBS, Yahoo, NFL.com, Sleeper and MyFantasyLeague. Plans start at just $2.99 per month with a full 30-day money back guarantee.
