Fantasy Football Start ’em, Sit ’em: Week 1 RBs Include Javonte Williams

Ladies and gentlemen… LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE!!! A brand new NFL and fantasy football season is finally upon us. The excitement is palpable. You can feel the energy in the air. Cue the voice of Mr. CM Punk when you read this next line: “Is it great to be alive on a Sunday afternoon in the USA or what?!” So, without further ado, let’s talk about the Week 1 Fantasy Football Start ’em, Sit ’em for the running back position.

Of course, it’s always important off to a winning start this fantasy football season. Drafts are complete and rosters are assembled. For the most part, you are probably approaching Week 1 fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em decisions based on the draft capital you invested in your respective players. However, league size, roster construction and depth could result in tough decisions for some managers right out of the gates.

Below, we aim to shed some light on those potential close fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em calls at the RB position. This means we are not talking about players like Christian McCaffrey, Breece Hall or Saquon Barkley. However, the RB2 and FLEX positions are a bit more fluid, causing some tough decisions to be made. To help you through these tough decisions, check out our weekly fantasy football rankings and read on for our Week 1 fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em analysis at RB.

Wide Receivers — Week 1 Fantasy Football Start/Sit

Tight Ends — Week 1 Fantasy Football Start/Sit

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Fantasy Football Start ’em, Sit ’em: Week 1 RBs

Start: Javonte Williams Fantasy Outlook vs. Seahawks

Expert Consensus Ranking (ECR) Rank: 26

Year 2 of the Sean Payton era in Denver figures to be an interesting one. With rookie quarterback Bo Nix set to start from the onset, it’s clear that Payton is hell-bent on instituting his culture and his guys. Given the team’s lack of big-name receivers, it’s also clear that the RBs will have a prominent role in both phases of the offense. Javonte Williams heads that backfield, he is well worth a look in this week’s fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em.

There is good reason to be positive about Williams taking a step forward relative to the 2023 campaign. He ended last season upright and got in a full offseason’s worth of reps as a result. The Broncos are hoping that he can return to the explosive form he displayed as a rookie before the injuries set in in his sophomore season. Week 1 presents what should be a favorable matchup as well against a Seattle Seahawks outfit that allowed the sixth-most PPR points to RBs last year.

Start: Chuba Hubbard Fantasy Outlook vs. Saints

ECR Rank: 33

The Carolina Panthers spent a second-round draft pick on Jonathan Brooks this past spring with the clear intention of having him lead the team’s backfield. However, it will be at least four weeks before he even suits up. With Brooks starting the year on the PUP list, the Panthers are set to open up right where they left off last season with Chuba Hubbard as their primary ball carrier.

A consensus ranking of 33rd short-changes the opportunity Hubbard will have as the face of this backfield in Week 1. His only true competition for touches is Miles Sanders, who looked completely washed a year ago and will possibly be unavailable with an injury of his own in the opener. Hubbard closed last season with double-digit PPR fantasy points in seven straight games after assuming the lead role. Look for more steady output to begin the 2024 campaign.

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Sit: Raheem Mostert Fantasy Outlook vs. Jaguars

ECR Rank: 20

Overall, the Miami Dolphins boasted one of the most explosive rushing attacks in the NFL last season. Both Raheem Mostert and then-rookie De’Von Achane were top-24 backs a year ago, with Mostert finishing as the RB5 in PPR scoring. Despite this, I still have qualms about blindly being positive on his overall outlook in 2024 as well as in Week 1 fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em.

After all, this is the Dolphins we are talking about. And once again, the team’s backfield is as crowded as South Beach on a Friday night. Mostert may top the depth chart, but Achane is likely to have a formidable role right away in his second pro season. Oh, and Jeff Wilson Jr. (remember him?) is still around, as is rookie newcomer, Jaylen Wright. View Mostert as a fringe RB2 at best heading into a Week 1 Sunshine State showdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Sit: Najee Harris Fantasy Outlook vs. Falcons

ECR Rank: 22

Najee Harris and the Pittsburgh Steelers open up with a revenge game for new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith. While it’d be great to sit here and say Smith will jumpstart the Steelers’ offense right away, there are a couple of big concerns. First, the offensive line looked horrendous in the preseason. In addition, Smith’s old team, the Atlanta Falcons, actually has some dudes on defense now.

Throughout the 2024 season, Smith should pay dividends for the Steelers’ offense, especially the ground game. Harris will benefit from this, but it’s difficult to trust him in the season-opener. Add in the fact the competition for touches he will get from Jaylen Warren and former Falcon, Cordarelle Patterson, and Harris could easily land outside of the top-24 RBs this week.