Fantasy Rookie Report NFL Week 1: Is Jonathan Taylor a top-10 RB?

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NFL: Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts was one of the top fantasy rookies in week one (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

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Jonathan Taylor

Things didn’t get off to the best start as Jonathan Taylor looked to be firmly entrenched in a three-man running back committee. But Marlon Mack’s season-ending achilles injury sets the stage for Taylor to have a huge role. Nyheim Hines will continue to operate primarily as a passing-down back, although he was more involved as a runner than previous years.

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This is Taylor’s opportunity to establish himself as one of the top running backs in the league, though. He’s running behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL and if he continues to see targets as a receiver then he could be fantasy gold, potentially even forcing his way into the top 10 RB conversation.

James Robinson

James Robinson found himself with the perfect opportunity to establish himself as the starting running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars and the coaching staff wasn’t lying when they said that they thought that he could be their workhorse. Only two players were responsible for 100% of their team’s rushing attempts in week one – Derrick Henry and James Robinson.

Robinson rushed 16 times for 62 yards and had one reception for 28 yards. Just as importantly, the Jags looked good, beating the Indianapolis Colts. If they can remain competitive then Robinson should continue to see the volume. 90 scrimmage yards is a solid start; if he can become more effective in the red zone then he could be a safe weekly play.

Joshua Kelley

Those people who thought that it was going to be the Austin Ekeler show for the Los Angeles Chargers will have been surprised by Joshua Kelley’s performance in week one. Joshua Kelley slotted into the role vacated by Melvin Gordon’s departure and performed admirably.

Ekeler is clearly the RB1 in the Chargers backfield and Justin Jackson’s return from injury would open up more of a competition for the complementary role. Still, if Kelley can see double-digit touches every week and continue to be a factor in the red zone then he will be a valuable asset in both dynasty and redraft.

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