Week 1 – 2013 Running Backs (RB) Fantasy Football Rankings

The yard per carry average was terrific for David Wilson in the preseason (close to eight yards) and I wouldn’t be surprised if he averages over five yards per carry through the  regular season.

Playing against soft fronts will be to Wilson’s advantage as defenses will be more concerned with what Eli Manning and his spread passing game will do with the ever dangerous Victor Cruz playing in the slot.

Just don’t expect Wilson to gain positive yards on every play because as we’ve seen in the preseason, Wilson will make a few big plays and then total two yards or fewer with the rest of his touches. Still growing as an overall runner, Wilson should get better as the season moves along in this area, but he will be a threat for over 1,200 yards on the ground this season.

While Wilson was pulled in pass protection during the preseason in favor of Andre Brown, we may see him play in that role with Brown now sidelined with a fractured leg.

Da’Rel Scott is a threat to take over this role in the offense, but I have to feel that when Wilson proves he is competent in pass-pro he will stay on the field. Wilson is a difference maker and he’s just what this team needs to head back to the post season.

Heading into week one of the season, I think Wilson has a chance for a big performance as New York heads out to Dallas for a big divisional game. Dallas is switching from their long time 3-4 base defense to a Tampa-2 style formation with Marty Kiffin calling the shots.

Expect Wilson to take advantage of the Cowboys undersized defensive ends and if he can get to the edge we could see more than one run go for over 25-yards in this game.

Factor in that this will be the first game for the defense to play an entire four quarters, and if Wilson can see regular touches in the second half, we could see a long touchdown run as well. Add it up and I like Wilson as a low-end RB1 option for the open week of the season, and consider him a must start, weekly as long as Brown is out of the lineup.

Week 1 Rankings – QB | RB | WR | TE | K | D/ST |