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

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Anthony McFarland Jr

Part of the excitement surrounding Anthony McFarland Jr was that he was an electric playmaker in college but a lot of it was built off the fact that the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting running back, James Conner, has struggled to stay on the field throughout his career. Conner stuck to the script, leaving the game early with an ankle injury, but McFarland was nowhere to be seen.

The fourth-round draft pick was one of the Steelers players designated as inactive, ensuring that he’d play no part in the 26-16 victory over the New York Giants. Benny Snell Jr is the clear backup and looked very impressive replacing Conner and Jaylen Samuels looks to be the team’s third choice. Dynasty managers will likely continue to stash McFarland and bide their time but his value in redraft leagues is low.

D’Andre Swift

D’Andre Swift’s rushing touchdown papered over the cracks of what was a deeply disappointing debut. In a close, competitive game, the Detroit Lions continually turned to veteran running back Adrian Peterson. Perhaps worse news is that Peterson looked good. This will eventually be Swift’s backfield, but those hoping that he’d come out swinging will be disappointed. He looks as if he’ll join Kerryon Johnson as a supporting player for the time being, although he should improve as his injury moves further into the rearview.

Antonio Gibson

The releases of Derrius Guice and Adrian Peterson looked to have opened up an opportunity for Antonio Gibson. Although he was a wide receiver at the University of Memphis, the Washington Football Team made it clear that his primary position would be running back. Head coach Ron Rivera previously handed a huge workload to a receiving back when he was with the Carolina Panthers and Christian McCaffrey quickly became the most valuable player in fantasy, so it’s understandable that there was optimism.

Unfortunately for Gibson, his role looks to have been greatly overstated. Peyton Barber was the clear top option in the running game and, while he was the underwhelming rusher that he’s always been, he saw the volume and the red zone carries, both of which are incredibly valuable in fantasy football. Gibson should see more opportunities as a receiver than he did in week one (two receptions for eight yards) but it looks as if the transition may be slower than anticipated.