Jones headed west this offseason to become the RB1 for the division
rival Vikings. After an injury marred middle of 2023, Jones returned
in Week 15 and went on a tear to end the season. His five straight
100-yard games showed that there is still something left in the
tank for the 29-year-old back. He faces a Giant defense that’s
improved it’s pass rush in the offseason, but had a bottom
five run defense last season. It’s imperative that the Vikings
establish Jones in this game to give Darnold a chance to make
plays with play-action.
Despite the free agent signing of Zack Moss, Brown has been a preseason
sleeper on many draft boards. He offers legit big play ability,
something this offense has lacked from the backfield in recent seasons.
His elite athleticism, and ability in the passing game should be
a sure pathway to playing time. It remains to be seen exactly how
the touches will flesh out in this backfield, but in a game the
Bengals should control from the jump, go with Brown’s upside.
While PPR leagues should probably take a pass, White should dominate
early and goal line work for the Raiders. White gives Vegas a
bruising, athletic back that will be the focal point of the running
game. Volume shouldn’t be a problem, even if he won't offer
much as a pass receiver. This game should be a lower scoring slugfest,
perfect for establishing and sticking with the run game.
Swift joins a crowded Chicago backfield, and while there is no doubt
in his ability, he’s about to enter true committee territory. Khalil
Herbert is a better pure runner, and Roshon Johnson won’t be completely
ignored. Swift IS a big play waiting to happen, but like most of
the 2nd half of the season last year, he will be prone to some duds.
The Titans were a top-10 run defense last season and yielded the
4th fewest receptions to running backs.
Stevenson was the lone bright spot on a terrible Patriot team
last season, and unfortunately things haven’t gotten markedly
better. The quarterback position is in flux, the receivers are
neophytes, and the offensive line is one of the worst in the league.
Volume is the only saving grace, as his efficiency will continue
to suffer. There could be some PPR points to soak up in this one,
but a FLEX spot would certainly feel more comfortable than RB2.
Desperation more than anything brought Elliott back to Dallas.
His efficiency numbers have begun to fall off a cliff, and his
2023 value was buoyed by dump offs. There has been little indication
to the pecking order of this backfield, especially with the recent
addition of Dalvin Cook. Start him if you must, but tons of things
would have to go right (or wrong!) for Elliot to be on rosters
for the entire season.
