Fantasy Football Week 1 Start 'Em & Sit 'Em Running Backs: Raheem Mostert scores early, plus sleeper starters

You're starting De'Von Achane and Mostert this week in a game where the expected total score is 49 points. Mostert was likely drafted as a reserve running back in most leagues, but this week he could be a top-20 Fantasy option since he should lead the Dolphins in touches, even ahead of Achane. Last season, the Jaguars were No. 12 in most Fantasy points allowed to running backs and No. 1 in most receptions allowed to the position, so hopefully Mostert and Achane get work in the passing game this week.

Jahmyr Gibbs is fine despite missing time in training camp with a hamstring injury, but Montgomery should still be considered a quality No. 2 running back in all leagues. Last season, Montgomery scored a touchdown in all but two healthy games, and this Rams defense is depleted compared to last year with Aaron Donald and Ernest Jones gone, along with defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. Gibbs and Montgomery should have the chance for a big game at home.

I was concerned about drafting Jones as a top-20 running back this season, but I'm fine starting him this week against the Giants. When Jones is healthy, he'll be a borderline starter in all leagues, and this should be a positive game script against the Giants no matter what. If the Vikings are playing with a lead then Jones should get plenty of carries. And if Minnesota is trailing then Jones should work in the passing game. Ty Chandler will also be a factor, but Jones should take advantage of this Giants defense, which last season allowed 14 running backs to score at least 13.9 PPR points.

Williams has excelled in training camp and the preseason, and he should do well in this matchup with the Seahawks to be at least a No. 2 Fantasy running back in all leagues. He'll lead Denver in carries and potentially catches, and last year Seattle was No. 2 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. I like Jaleel McLaughlin as a sleeper this week also, but Sean Payton will likely lean on Williams to take pressure off rookie starter Bo Nix in his first NFL start.

This should be an improved Chargers defense this season, but White played Los Angeles last year in Week 15 and scored a season-high 17.5 PPR points. He had 17 carries for 69 yards and a touchdown and caught three passes for 16 yards. I'm hopeful White gets 20 total touches again, and he should be the lead running back for the Raiders in Week 1 and all year. I expect White to finish as a top-20 running back in all leagues in this matchup.

I'm curious to see how the Bears use Swift in tandem with Khalil Herbert and potentially Roschon Johnson, but I would only consider Swift a flex at best in this matchup. The Titans finished last season No. 5 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs, and Tennessee should be tough up front against the run again. I'm hopeful Swift will be involved in the passing game, but Caleb Williams will also take some rushing opportunities to potentially limit Swift's upside.

We have to see how the Commanders use Robinson and Austin Ekeler in tandem, and I'm hopeful Robinson gets the majority of touches. But Robinson's production could be limited if the Commanders are trailing since Ekeler should get more work in the passing game. And this isn't an easy matchup since Tampa Bay was No. 3 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs, and moving Vita Vea in the middle of the Buccaneers defense won't be easy for Washington's offensive line. Jayden Daniels will also take rushing production away from Robinson, so consider him a flex at best in this Week 1 matchup.

We don't know how the Cowboys plan to use Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott in Week 1, so you're better off keeping Dowdle reserved in the majority of leagues. While the reviews for Dowdle have been positive during training camp, he's not guaranteed to get the majority of touches in this tough matchup on the road. And Dallas still needs to prove its revamped offensive line can continue to be dominant, as well as what Dowdle will do in the passing game. I'm excited for him this season, but I don't want to start him in most leagues for Week 1.

I'm curious to see how the Chargers use Edwards and J.K. Dobbins this week, and this could be a tough matchup for this backfield, even at home. The Raiders' addition of Christian Wilkins should dramatically improve their run defense, which was No. 9 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs last season. We know Edwards will likely need a touchdown to be a viable Fantasy option in most leagues, so if he doesn't score then you'll likely be disappointed if you consider him even a flex in Week 1.

It appears like Jaylen Warren (hamstring) will play this week, which lowers the upside for Harris, and this is a tough matchup against the Falcons. I'd only use Harris as a flex in the majority of leagues, even in a revenge game for offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Last year, Atlanta was No. 5 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs and tied for first in fewest rushing touchdowns allowed to the position with five. The Falcons defense should be tough again in stopping the run under new coach Raheem Morris, and Harris' Fantasy production will likely be limited if he doesn't score a touchdown.