Should I Start Antonio Gibson Or Rachaad White? Fantasy Football Outlook

Fantasy football players hate making tough decisions with their starting lineup. Picking the wrong guy could result in your losing your matchup. While it’s only Week 1, no one wants to start the season with a loss.

Antonio Gibson and Rachaad White are potential RB2 options for fantasy players. Both running backs were part of a committee last season. Yet, fantasy players should feel comfortable starting either in Week 1.

However, which running back is the better option for fantasy players? Let’s dive into it.

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Should I Start Antonio Gibson?

Last year, Gibson was the RB30, averaging 9.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. The former Memphis star had 149 rushing attempts for 546 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 15 games. Unfortunately, he set career lows in every category.

However, Gibson had 46 receptions on 58 targets for 353 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 2022. The former Memphis star set career highs in every category except receiving touchdowns. More importantly, he will take on the third-down and pass-catching role in 2023 after the Washington Commanders released J.D. McKissic in the offseason.

This week, the former Memphis star faces the Arizona Cardinals. Last year, the Cardinals surrendered 24.2 fantasy points per game to running backs, the fourth-most in the NFL. Furthermore, they gave up the second-most receiving yards (810) and the most receiving touchdowns (six) to running backs.

Should I Start Rachaad White?

The former Arizona State star had a productive rookie season. White was the RB38 in 2022, averaging 6.7 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. The former Sun Devil had 129 rushing attempts for 481 yards and a touchdown. Furthermore, the rookie caught 50 of 58 targets for 290 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 17 games.

White saw his fantasy value take off after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released Leonard Fournette earlier this offseason. While Sean Tucker has been a popular sleeper the past few weeks, the second-year running back is the clear-cut starter in Tampa Bay.

This week, the former Arizona State star faces the Minnesota Vikings. Last year, the Vikings surrendered 21.4 fantasy points per game to running backs, the 10th-most in the NFL. Furthermore, they gave up the ninth-most receptions (89) and receiving yards (659) to running backs.

Which Running Back Should I Start In Week 1?

Both running backs have solid Week 1 matchups. Fantasy players should feel confident starting either as their RB2. However, White is the better option. The Commanders have a talented 1-2 punch in the backfield between Brian Robinson Jr. and Gibson. Meanwhile, the former Arizona State star will have a featured workload.

Furthermore, the Buccaneers must lean on White to win in Week 1. The same can’t be said for Gibson, as the Commanders are heavy favorites over the Cardinals and could sit the veteran running back for most of the fourth quarter.

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