Who Should I Start? Ezekiel Elliott or Devon Achane

Thursday, September 5, 3:51 PM

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is a risky fantasy play in Week 1 despite having a strong on paper matchup against the Cleveland Browns. The Cowboys backfield is currently one of the murkier ones in the NFL, as Elliott, Rico Dowdle, Dalvin Cook, and even Deuce Vaughn are expected to see the ball. Elliott is a clear Jerry Jones favorite, but out of 49 qualified ball carriers last season, Elliott was 45th in missed tackles and 43rd in yards after contact. He's definitely not the guy he was when he used to play for the Cowboys, leaving him as an RB3 who is likely more of a floor play than anything close to a ceiling.

Thursday, September 5, 3:08 PM

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane will square up against a Jacksonville Jaguars team this Sunday that was stout against the run in 2023. Jacksonville's defense ranked in the top ten (ninth) in total rushing yards a season ago; however, they did allow the ninth-most rushing scores (15). Achane missed six games last season and accrued higher than a 48% snap share in just four of the contests he participated in. However, the former Aggie was uber-efficient with his touches, scoring 11 touchdowns while rushing for an even 800 yards on 103 carries (7.8 YPC) and adding another 197 yards through the air across 27 receptions. He's expected to begin the year splitting time with Raheem Mostert in the Dolphins' backfield, though fantasy managers should have no fears slotting him into their lineups. The second-year running back is an excellent play this week as RotoBaller's RB6 in Week 1 rankings.