J.K. Dobbins, Rico Dowdle, De'Von Achane: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Picks for Fantasy Football Week 1

With all your fantasy football drafts now complete, it's time to shift your attention to which players you will be starting and sitting in Week 1. Most of the time, you'll start the stud players you drafted in the first couple of rounds. But there are also those sneaky value picks in the later rounds who could be solid starts this week. 

Three running backs fantasy managers will need to decide to start or sit in Week 1 are J.K. Dobbins, Rico Dowdle, and De'Von Achane. These three backs could all be solid starts this week. 

So, should you start Dobbins, Dowdle, or Achane in Week 1? Let's dive in.

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Should I Start J.K. Dobbins for Fantasy Football?

Since entering the league, Dobbins has dealt with a handful of season-ending injuries. In 2021, he tore his ACL in preseason, and then last year, he tore his Achilles in Week 1. As a result, the 25-year-old has played in just nine games over the last three years. Now, he'll get a new start with the Los Angeles Chargers after signing with them in free agency. 

However, he's too risky to trust in Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders. While reports have been great surrounding his recovery, there's a strong chance he splits almost evenly with Gus Edwards out of the backfield. With Edwards likely locked into that goal-line role, Dobbins should only be started in deeper formats this week.

History tells us RBs don’t come back well from Achilles injuries. Training camp reports are always glowing; don’t let a month of positive news outweigh years of data and analysis from learned doctors.

*Drafts JK Dobbins in fantasy once*

Look at the depth chart! Easy RB1 upside!

— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) September 2, 2024

He is the RB46 in our PPR consensus staff rankings.

Should I Start Rico Dowdle for Fantasy Football?

No one knows how the Dallas Cowboys backfield will play out in 2024. While Ezekiel Elliott figures to be the primary goal line and early-down back, Dowdle should be extremely involved as well. The 26-year-old rushed for 361 yards and two touchdowns last season while also catching 17 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns. 

Dowdle will no doubt have a role on an offense that features two older backs in Elliott and Dalvin Cook. But how much of a role remains to be seen. That's why the former undrafted running back is better left on your bench in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns. 

Sounds like #Cowboys RB Rico Dowdle is the favorite to be RB1.

“In a room that includes Elliott and Dalvin Cook, Dowdle should be the favorite to lead the Cowboys in rushing attempts and rushing yards this season,” via @jonmachota

Dowdle stock 📈 pic.twitter.com/pXJ7J1bxhY

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 3, 2024

He is the RB41 in our PPR consensus staff rankings.

Should I Start De'Von Achane for Fantasy Football?

Half of the fantasy community is on Achane, and the other half is out on him. Either way, though, if you drafted the explosive running back early in your fantasy drafts, you are starting him in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

The Dolphins and Jaguars have one of the highest over/under (49.5) this week, and Achane has the upside and potential to score 30-plus fantasy points on any given week. The matchup is also great for him, as Jacksonville allowed 4.2 yards per carry and 770 receiving yards to opposing running backs last season. So, lock in the second year back in your fantasy lineups this week. 

He is the RB6 in our PPR consensus staff rankings.

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