Should I Start Raheem Mostert In Week 1? Fantasy Football Outlook

When the offseason began, many fantasy managers likely stayed away from the Miami Dolphins crowded backfield group. With Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., and De'Von Achane all splitting touches, it was a running back room you likely wanted to avoid.

But things have opened up for Miami's backfield in fantasy. Wilson Jr. will start the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, and third-round rookie Achane is still working his way back from a shoulder injury. That means Mostert should be in line for a featured role to begin the year. 

So, should I start Mostert in Week 1? Let's dive in. 

Raheem Mostert's 2022 Season

The 31-year-old veteran running back put together a solid 2022 fantasy season, finishing as the RB25 in PPR formats. A big reason for Mostert's strong year was his ability to stay healthy. He played in 16 games last season while rushing for a career-high 891 yards on 181 attempts. 

Mostert had some highs and lows throughout the fantasy year in 2022. But if you picked the right weeks to play him, he was a valuable RB2/flex play. The veteran had five top-14 running back finishes in PPR formats, including 18-plus fantasy points in three contests.

However, Mostert also provided plenty of low-floor weeks in 2022. He had less than 10 PPR fantasy points in 11 games and only averaged 10.5 PPR points on the year. The veteran was a weekly risky play last season, though, that could change this year with Wilson missing Week 1. 

Should I Start Raheem Mostert In Week 1? 

Assuming you drafted Mostert in the later rounds or picked him up on waivers just last week, there are likely better options on your roster than the Dolphins running back. Still, he could be a solid flex play in Week 1 against a Los Angeles Chargers defense that struggled against the run in 2022. 

The Chargers allowed the fifth most fantasy points per game to running backs (21.7) in 2022, which could be a positive for Mostert on Sunday. But in the matchup between these two teams last year, the veteran wasn't a factor. He had just 11 carries for 37 yards on 37 snaps. 

With Mostert expected to be the featured back in Week 1, there should be plenty of opportunities for him in the Dolphins' ground game. Just remember, though, that he didn't score over 20 PPR fantasy points in any game last year. So, he doesn't have a ton of upside in Week 1. But he does have a strong chance to get in the end zone in a game that is projected to be high-scoring. 

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