Who Should I Start? Kenneth Walker III or Bijan Robinson

Friday, September 5, 2:17 PM

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III will open the season as the starter against the San Francisco 49ers. Walker is coming off a season in which he performed as an RB1 when healthy. Walker's targets were way up, which helped provide him with a solid baseline in fantasy. He draws a solid matchup in Week 1 against a 49ers team that allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2024. That number figures to improve with Robert Saleh back as the team's defensive coordinator, but Walker should have lanes to run through. The Seahawks' offensive line is improved, and the team's offensive coaching staff changes suggest a serious commitment to the run. Walker may cede some work to backup Zach Charbonnet, who has made huge strides as a player, but Walker's big-play ability should keep him among the league's best options at the position if he can stay healthy. As such, Walker is an RB2 with RB1 upside in Week 1.

Friday, September 5, 5:47 PM

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson will go up against the division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Atlanta on Sunday, a team that was able to limit him to 25 carries for 124 yards combined in two games last year. With run-stuffing Vita Vea expected to play for the Bucs in this contest, running the ball could prove challenging again. The 23-year-old running back can contribute through the air as well, though, as he caught 61 passes last year, an average of over three receptions per game, including a seven-catch effort against the Bucs in Week 8. Together with his nose for the end zone (15 total TDs in '24) and the fact that quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will be making just his fourth NFL start, the 23-year-old still projects as a top-three running back for fantasy this week.