Looking for Week 1 RB start/sit picks? Here are the running backs to start and sit for your fantasy football lineup. Running back is a relatively straightforward fantasy position on paper, but there are so many variables that can make or break a player’s production. Let’s break down my Week 1 fantasy RB start/sit picks.
Week 1 RB Start/Sit Picks
- Running backs to start: Kenny Gainwell, Rico Dowdle, Tony Pollard
- Running backs to sit: Quinshon Judkins, J.K. Dobbins, Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Fantasy Football Running Back Start/Sit Week 1
Week 1 RB Start: Kenny Gainwell at Bengals
Gainwell was one of my favorite value backs in fantasy drafts this year, and it’s not hard to see why. The veteran is more of a receiver disguised as a running back. He saw a career high in rushing attempts and yards last season, but the immensely talented pass-catcher finally showcased his full abilities on that front.
Gainwell hauled in a ridiculous 73 receptions on 85 targets for 486 yards. Heading to a new home this offseason, Baker Mayfield and the Bucs are going to take full advantage of what he brings to the table. Gainwell’s rushing opportunities may be limited, but he has a clear path to five-plus receptions per game. In this offense, that’s enough to warrant fantasy production. Gainwell should start off strong in Week 1 against a porous Cincinnati defense. Fire him up as a FLEX with upside.
Week 1 RB Sit: Quinshon Judkins at Jaguars
This has absolutely nothing to do with Judkins talent, and everything to do with the situation he finds himself in. The Browns are not going to be good this year… to say the least. Cleveland’s offensive ceiling is capped, they’re not going to move the ball efficiently, and they will likely find themselves down early in most contests.
That’s not a recipe for success when it comes to fantasy running backs. Judkins is everything you’d look for in a young bell cow, boasting fantastic vision, elite athleticism and toughness. The deck is just stacked against him this year. Jacksonville allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs in 2025, and I expect similar numbers from that unit this year. Judkins will still be a matchup-dependent start against some teams, but I hate his outlook against the Jaguars.
Week 1 RB Start: Rico Dowdle vs. Falcons
Fantasy experts are split across the board on Rico Dowdle and Jaylen Warren within the Steelers’ backfield committee this year, which is understandable. Pittsburgh hasn’t exactly been efficient enough to create fantasy production opportunities for multiple backs in recent years. With Mike McCarthy calling the shots, that could change.
McCarthy is a drastically more talented offensive coach, and Pittsburgh has all the pieces to put together a playoff team this season. That will start on the ground, where Dowdle should have the edge as the lead back, while Warren earns receiving and change-of-pace opportunities. The Falcons were poor against the run in 2025 and that doesn’t seem likely to change this season. I expect Dowdle to rush efficiently and have multiple good looks at the end zone in this contest.
Find all of my Week 1 start/sit picks for each position here!
Week 1 RB Sit: J.K. Dobbins at Chiefs
J.K. Dobbins enters the 2026 NFL campaign as Denver’s lead back, but no one’s confident he’s going to maintain that job, or of the opportunities that come with said title. RJ Harvey is an elite receiving back with significant upside, and fourth-round rookie Jonah Coleman wasn’t drafted that high to sit on the bench all year.
At 27 years old, Dobbins is still a weapon for the Broncos, but they’ll want to be considerate of his injury history and keep him fresh. That’s not a promising perspective heading into a tough Week 1 battle with the Chiefs. Keep Dobbins on your bench and re-valuate later on.
Week 1 RB Start: Tony Pollard vs. Jets
What if I told you that Tony Pollard earned 242 carries last year, averaging 4.5 yards per attempt while also hauling in 33 catches? Doesn’t ring a bell? That’s because Pollard put those numbers up within one of the NFL’s most uninspiring offenses. At just 29 years old, the veteran is still fresh enough to serve as Tennessee’s bell cow for another year. Tyjae Spears will cut into the receiving work, but Pollard is the clear top back.
The Titans offense drastically improved from a talent standpoint this offseason. The results still may not be there, but it should be easier sledding for Pollard on the ground. Tennessee opens the season against the Jets, who allowed the most fantasy points to RBs in 2025 and decimated their defense via trades. Pollard is in prime position to put up strong RB2 numbers, with potential for even more.
Week 1 RB Sit: Jacory Croskey-Merritt at Eagles
The door is wide open for Bill to claim the RB1 role in Washington this year. I’m just not sure he’s going to do it. Croskey-Merritt is a fan favorite, but the young back has plenty of holes in his game. With a veteran, established back in Rachaad White waiting in the wings, that could mean a short leash for JCM this year.
Week 1 is not the time to take a chance on an uncertain workload, as the Commanders travel to Philly for a divisional duel. The Eagles weren’t exactly stout against the run last year, but they do still boast one of the best defensive lines in football. It seems to be shaping up for a TD-or-bust outing for Croskey-Merritt, and that’s a game you’d like to avoid in Week 1.
Those are my Week 1 RB start/sit fantasy picks. Stay tuned for more start ’em, sit ’em content over the rest of the week!
