The running back fantasy landscape has undergone major changes over the past few years, with many stud RBs changing places, suffering injuries, or falling behind an emerging youngster on the depth chart. Our job is to navigate these uneven waters and steer you to smooth sailing with our Week 1 fantasy RB PPR rankings.
Running backs may have less value on the real-life free agency market, but they remain incredibly valuable to fantasy owners, even in PPR leagues. Even though Justin Jefferson has been deemed the consensus No. 1 pick this season, half of the top 10 players in FantasyPros' consensus ADP are RB.
Let's get right to our rankings. Here's our full Week 1 RB rankings for PPR leagues, including write-ups about the elite options, the top waiver targets and sleepers, and the biggest injuries of note. Good luck and go get those Week 1 wins!
WEEK 1 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Who are the best PPR fantasy RBs in Week 1?
It should come as no surprise that PPR gods Austin Ekeler (vs. Dolphins) and Christian McCaffrey (@ Steelers) sit atop our Week 1 RB rankings in PPR. They were the only two skill-position players who finished near Justin Jefferson in PPR scoring last season, and their roles won't soon diminish even if the offenses around them are fully healthy.
Joining those two at the top is Falcons rookie Bijan Robinson (vs. Panthers), the odds-on favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. Robinsongives us an RB1 ceiling from Day 1 behind a strong offensive lineagainst a weak Carolina run defense.
How about a divisional battle to start off a massive contract year for Saquon Barkley (vs. Cowboys) after the former Rookie of the Year gambled on himself with a one-year deal? We're all in on this guy in 2023. We're also all in on Tony Pollard (@ Giants) in his first full season without Ezekiel Elliott. In the eight games in which Pollard garnered 12-plus carries last season (including two against the Giants), he averaged 92.5 rushing yards.
Last year's rushing champ Josh Jacobs (@ Broncos) didn't make the top five, but he remains in the top 10. We expect some negative regression from Jacobs, but we still like his volume and opportunity within an evolving Raiders offense. As for Najee Harris (vs. 49ers), the regression we think will be positive as Pittsburgh can't possibly throw to him less than the 53 times they did last season. He caught 74 passes in his rookie season, people — throw him the damn ball!
WEEK 1 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Who are the best fantasy RB waiver pickups Week 1?
This section will obviously carry more weight in Week 2 and beyond, as the majority of fantasy teams have just been drafted and we have yet to see a single minute of regular season action. However, a couple of names bear mentioning in light of recent news and developments.
Your first priorities on the waiver wire should be at least one of the Colts' Zack Moss (arm), Deon Jackson, and Evan Hull (vs. Jaguars). As we wrote recently, we like Jackson's floor but thinkHull has a higher ceiling, at least as long as Moss is out.
If you're in a shallow league, be sure to check ifDolphins rookie De'Von Achane (@ Chargers) is available. Achane should launch right into RB2 on Miami's depth chart behind Raheem Mostert now that Jeff Wilson Jr. hit the IR due to "finger and midsection" issues. An RB2 in a Mike McDaniel offense can be as valuable as an RB1 on a bad team (like the Bears and Rams). Mostert has never been a picture of good health himself, so workhorse volume could be on the not-so-distant horizon for the rook as long as he's over his preseason shoulder issue.
Who are the best fantasy RB sleepers Week 1?
We're somewhat leery about Broncos second-year back Javonte Williams (vs. Raiders), who tore his ACL, LCL, and PCL in Week 4 of 2022 against this same Vegas squad. Samaje Perine is the sleeper back to play this week, even with Williams active. During his tenure with the Bengals, Perine filled in admirably whenever Joe Mixon missed time, and we expect strong results from him in his Broncos debut against a poor Raiders rushing defense.
Don't forget about Bills second-year back James Cook (@ Jets), who finally sits atop Buffalo's RB depth chart now that Devin Singletary bounced for Houston. Cook draws a tough matchup against Gang Green, but his ceiling remains high in PPR leagues. His pass-catching skills and open-field burst make him a solid upside option for any teams struggling with starting RB depth or suffering from Week 1 injuries.
Jamaal Williams (vs. Titans) isn't much of a pass-catcher at this point, but with Alvin Kamara suspended, Williams should see 15-plus touches. Rookie Kendre Miller (hamstring) could also surprise if he's active.
What are the biggest RB injuries Week 1?
Former rushing champ Jonathan Taylor (ankle, back) begins the season on the PUP list, so Deon Jackson and Evan Hull (vs. Jaguars) should get bumped to RB1 and RB2 unless Zack Moss returns from the broken arm he sustained in late July.
Breece Hall (knee) could be limited this week, so if you have higher-floor options, you might want to consider them. The same goes for Javonte Williams (knee), who will be active but could be limited. De'Von Achane (shoulder) could also be out, which would be a real shame with Jeff Wilson Jr. (finger, midsection) already ruled out.
We'll be updating these RB PPR rankings throughout the remainder of the preseason, so check back for the latest player movement and analysis.
Fantasy RB PPR Rankings Week 1: Who to start, sit at running back
Rankings based on full-point PPR scoring formats
26
Best of the Rest
26 Khalil Herbert, Bears vs. Packers
27 Cam Akers, Rams @ Seahawks
28 James Cook, Bills @ Jets
29 Brian Robinson Jr., Commanders vs. Cardinals
30 Deon Jackson, Colts vs. Jaguars
31 Samaje Perine, Broncos vs. Raiders
32 Ezekiel Elliott, Patriots vs. Eagles
33 David Montgomery, Lions @ Chiefs
34 Dalvin Cook, Jets vs. Bills
35 Rashaad Penny, Eagles @ Patriots
36 D'Andre Swift, Eagles @ Patriots
37 Raheem Mostert, Dolphins @ Chargers
38 Antonio Gibson, Commanders vs. Cardinals
39 Evan Hull, Colts vs. Jaguars
40 Tyler Allgeier, Falcons vs. Panthers
41 Devon Achane, Dolphins @ Chargers
42 Jerick McKinnon, Chiefs vs. Lions
43 AJ Dillon, Packers @ Bears
44 D'Onta Foreman, Bears vs. Packers
45 Damien Harris, Bills @ Jets
46 Kenneth Gainwell, Eagles @ Patriots
47 Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Chiefs vs. Lions
48 Zach Charbonnet, Seahawks vs. Rams
49 Elijah Mitchell, 49ers @ Steelers
50 Kendre Miller, Saints vs. Titans
51 Devin Singletary, Texans @ Ravens
52 Gus Edwards, Ravens vs. Texans
53 Tank Bigsby, Jaguars @ Colts
54 Michael Carter, Jets vs. Bills
55 Roschon Johnson, Bears vs. Packers
56 Cordarrelle Patterson, Falcons vs. Panthers
57 Chase Edmonds, Buccaneers @ Vikings
58 Zamir White, Raiders @ Broncos
59 Jaylen Warren, Steelers vs. 49ers
60 Chuba Hubbard, Panthers @ Falcons
