2012 Fantasy Football RB Rankings – Week 1

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The smell of football is in the air. Here are my 2012 Week 1 fantasy football running back rankings.
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1.  Arian Foster, Houston Texans
The number one running back is a TD machine and a dual-yardage threat. Opens against Miami.
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2.  LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles
Vick is banged up so the Birds should lean a little on McCoy against the Browns.
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3. Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens
Rice has a challenge against Cincinnati, but he is also a dual threat. He ran for 295 yards against them last year.
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4.  Matt Forte, Chicago Bears
It will be interesting to see how he shares with Michael Bush and what appears to be an improved passing attack. Great match-up against the Colts.
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5.  Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans
The Pats’ offense could take away the running game, but he can do damage in the passing game and can break one from anywhere.
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6.  Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks
Truly showed his Beast Mode last year, but Arizona did keep him out of the end zone in both meetings.
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7.  Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders
He’s lethal when he’s healthy, which he is right now. He should do well against he Chargers.

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8.  Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Has a great NFL debut lined up against the Panthers, who struggle against the run.
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9.  DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys
Averaged 5.5 ypc last year. With injuries in the passing game, it could be a heavy workload against the Giants.
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10.  Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs
Returns from his knee injury to face the Falcons. Dual threat that can score from anywhere.
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11.  Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
I’m reluctant to bet against All Day despite his short recovery time and lack of preseason.
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12.  Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills
I don’t love his Week 1 draw against the Jets, but he gets the job done. He was much better than he got credit for last year before going down.
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13.  Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers
I think he’ll see less work, but I think initially he will get plenty of action as the Niners clash with the Packers.
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14.  Shonn Greene, New York Jets
I used to like Greene, but he has lost my support. That said, Buffalo struggles to stop the run.
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15.  Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams
He has a lot of carries under his belt, but I think he’ll be good early on. Faces the Lions.
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16.  Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons
He will have to put it in the end zone to have a big game this year as the team has moved more towards the passing attack.  Opens against Kansas City.
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17. DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers
Jonathan Stewart is banged up, which could lead to a solid game for D-Will against the Bucs.
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18.  Darren Sproles, New Orleans Saints
Serving as Drew Brees’ security blanket pays big dividends. Opens against Washington.
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19.  Ahmad Bradshaw, New York Giants
Will be pushed by David Wilson, which should provide motivation against Dallas.
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20.  Reggie Bush, Miami Dolphins
Was last year a fluke? We won’t get an accurate reading against a tough Houston team.
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21.  BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cincinnati Bengals
The Law Firm is steady, but I don’t love his match-up with Baltimore.
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22. Cedric Benson, Green Bay Packers
Tough draw against the Niners, but GB’s passing attack should open things up.
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23.  Trent Richardson, Cleveland Browns
If he does play, he could see limited snaps against the Eagles. I wouldn’t blame you for keeping him on the bench in this one.
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24.  Ronnie Brown, San Diego Chargers
I don’t know if Ryan Mathews will be able to play against the Raiders. If not, Brown could have a solid game.
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25.  Rashad Jennings, Jacksonville Jaguars
Jennings should get the start, but I don’t love his prospects against the Vikings. Mojo will get work.
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26.  Kevin Smith, Detroit Lions
I like his match-up with St. Louis, but I fear his ankle could end his day early.
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27.  Isaac Redman, Pittsburgh Steelers
Redman takes on Denver, but I am concerned with his ability to stay healthy.
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28.  Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Probably the only time you’ll see him this low. I’m not sure how he’ll do or how many touches he’ll get.
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29.  Willis McGahee, Denver Broncos
Tough opening match-up against Pittsburgh. Plus, this is Peyton’s show now.
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30.  Donald Brown, Indianapolis Colts
The Luck Era begins. Brown could find it difficult to move the chains against the Bears.
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31.  Beanie Wells, Arizona Cardinals
I don’t like his match-up against Seattle and don’t think their line or QB play will help his cause.
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Also check out:

• 2012 Week 1 Fantasy QB Rankings
• 2012 Week 1 NFL Picks

• 2012 Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2012 Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2012 Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2012 Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• 2012 Fantasy Football DEF Rankings
• 2012 Fantasy Football K Rankings
• 2012 Fantasy Football Top 50 Rankings

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