- It’s time to pour one out for the Christian McCaffrey managers. We see you, we’re here for you, and we’re forming a support group. If CMC does not play Week 2, then Jordan Mason will jump from RB31 to RB16 behind Rhamondre Stevenson.
- Okay, now for Week 2. In the top tier of running backs, there are a few names you need to keep tabs on to see where they land on the injury report the next few days. The names I am monitoring closely are McCaffrey and DeVon Achane. CMC is already a giant question mark for Week 2, and Achane plays on Thursday and is dealing with some sort of leg or ankle injury. If Achane does miss time, Jaylen Wright and Raheem Mostert will jump up these rankings.
- Outside of those few injuries at the position, you once again have most of your studs at your disposal. The one new name for this group is JK Dobbins. Dobbins established himself as the most electric option for the Chargers in Week 1. There may be a continued 50/50 timeshare with Gus Edwards, but Dobbins is the fantasy option you want, and against an abysmal Carolina Panthers team, he should once again be an RB1 candidate. The last name I think warrants further discussion is Derrick Henry. Henry is one of the most game-script-dependent running backs in the NFL, and in Week 2, that should be working in his favor, unlike it was against the Chiefs.
- The next two tiers, RB16-32, have a number of backs who you are more than likely starting, but there are some questions or concerns based on Week 1 usage or matchup challenges. Let’s start with the concerns: Aaron Jones, D’Andre Swift, and Mostert. Jones is the player I am least concerned about of the group, but he plays the 49ers in Week 2, which is not an ideal matchup. They held Breece Hall to just 3.3 YPC and just over 50 yards. Swift and Mostert are the players I am holding my breath on. Swift was part of an anemic offense for the Bears in Week 1 that looks to have some rookie growing pains still before he can be a safe RB2 option, and Mostert has limited opportunities if Achane is healthy, which leaves us wanting more from the former rushing touchdown leader. Some of my favorites in these tiers this week are Stevenson, Austin Ekeler, Zach Charbonnet, and Bucky Irving.
- The final tier here is mainly for deep leagues or desperation plays, which are usually optional this early in the season. That being said, we want to provide you with as much information as possible, and there are some great names to keep an eye on in week one OR even add to your bench before this week’s games if you have the space available. My favorites are Tank Bigsby, Chase Brown, Ray Davis, Tyrone Tracy Jr., Braelon Allen, and Roschon Johnson.
RB Rankings: Week 2