Fantasy analysts suggest Week 1 starting lineups for NFL running backs
4 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Oct 14, 2026, 2:31 PM
Last updated Oct 14, 2026
Fantasy football analysts have released recommendations for running back starts and sits ahead of the NFL season opener. James Cook of the Buffalo Bills, Tony Pollard of the Tennessee Titans, and Rhamondre Stevenson of the New England Patriots are suggested as starters for Week 1. Analysts cite volume, team quarterback concerns, and weak opponent run defenses as primary drivers for these decisions. Conversely, owners are advised to bench Kenneth Walker III, Jadarian Price, and Quinshon Judkins. These players face tough defensive matchups or uncertain roles within their respective offenses to begin the season. Decisions for Week 1 remain difficult as managers account for offseason roster changes and shifting depth charts across the league.
- •James Cook is considered a start despite a challenging matchup against the Houston Texans defense.
- •Tony Pollard serves as the primary back for the Tennessee Titans, offering potential for increased carries.
- •Kenneth Walker III remains on the bench for his Kansas City Chiefs debut against the Denver Broncos.
- •Rhamondre Stevenson gains a larger role in the New England Patriots backfield due to the absence of TreVeyon Henderson.
- •Quinshon Judkins is advised against starting due to the Cleveland Browns facing a difficult Jacksonville Jaguars run defense.
- 2:31 PMYahoo Sports — Fantasy Football Start’em, Sit’em in Week 6: RB Edition
- 3:18 PMYahoo Sports — Fantasy Football Start’em, Sit’em Week 2: RB Edition
- 3:56 PMCBS Sports — Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em RB in Week 1: Cam Skattebo, Quinshon Judkins carry added risk
- 2:19 PMYahoo Sports — Fantasy Football Start’em, Sit’em Week 1: RB Edition
"Here are some top starts and sits for the first week of the NFL season, including starting Tony Pollard and keeping Quinshon Judkins on the bench.
"Here are some top starts and sits for the first week of the NFL season, including starting Chuba Hubbard and keeping MarShawn Lloyd on the bench.
"Here are some of the top starts and sits for the sixth week of the NFL season, including starting Woody Marks and sitting Omarion Hampton.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsOct 14, 2026, 2:31 PMFantasy Football Start’em, Sit’em in Week 6: RB Edition
Here are some of the top starts and sits for the sixth week of the NFL season, including starting Woody Marks and sitting Omarion Hampton.
- Yahoo SportsSep 16, 2026, 3:18 PMFantasy Football Start’em, Sit’em Week 2: RB Edition
Here are some top starts and sits for the first week of the NFL season, including starting Chuba Hubbard and keeping MarShawn Lloyd on the bench.
- CBS SportsSep 9, 2026, 3:56 PMFantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em RB in Week 1: Cam Skattebo, Quinshon Judkins carry added risk
Jamey Eisenberg is confident in Skattebo and Judkins despite tough matchups, but who else should you play in Week 1?
- Yahoo SportsSep 9, 2026, 2:19 PMFantasy Football Start’em, Sit’em Week 1: RB Edition
Here are some top starts and sits for the first week of the NFL season, including starting Tony Pollard and keeping Quinshon Judkins on the bench.
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