Fantasy Football 2022: Week 1 RB Rankings

We made it. Week 1 finally kicks off this week and your favorite rankings analyst is back with some RB rankings.

It has been a long road, but football is finally back, and I couldn’t be more excited writing this first article for the season. Now that drafting is over, it comes down to who you need to start each week.

This is where I come in. I will be here every Wednesday for your weekly RB rankings. My list is based on half PPR scoring, and I will be giving my top-50 RBs for the week.

Now that you have some background, let’s get into some notes I have on this list.

Week 1 Running Back Notes:

Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints

My top four comes as no surprise, but I do have Alvin Kamara breaking the top five at number five this week. Kamara fell in drafts, with uncertainty about the quarterback position or if he would be suspended. So, if you were lucky enough to grab him in the second round, then you have a top-five RB for Week 1.

Kamara will face off against the Falcons, who last season gave up the 10th most fantasy points to RBs at 18.8 fantasy points per game. In their two meetings, last season Kamara had 18.4 points in Week 9 and 17.2 in Week 18.

The Saints will rely on Kamara, and I expect him to have a top-five finish for Week 1.

Antonio Gibson, Washington Commanders

Next, I have Antonio Gibson at RB22 for Week 1 against the Jaguars. Jacksonville is one of the lower-ranked defenses in the league and gave up 18.8 fantasy points to RBs last season. But, the thing is Gibson did not have a great preseason.

It looks as if he will lose all the pass-catching plays to J.D. McKissic. But, Gibson still makes it close to the top 20 because rookie running back Brian Robinson Jr. will miss the first four weeks of the season. If Robinson was in, Gibson drops into the 30s.

I would be wary of starting Gibson as an RB2 this week. I see him more as a flex option this week or on the bench.

Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots

Last, I have Rhamondre Stevenson at RB30. Just five slots behind Damien Harris at RB25. By Week 3, Stevenson will be ahead of Harris, but for now, I would like to play it safe for Week 1.

The Patriots will face off against the Dolphins. They are an improved team, but last season gave up the 12th most points to running backs. Stevenson is going to be used heavily in the passing game with a 50/50 split. It has been said Stevenson will have an increased role on third down.

All of this points to Stevenson taking over this backfield. Week 1 will show his outlook for the season and he is a high-end flex option this week.

Be sure to check out the rest of the list, and good luck on your Week 1 matchup.

Week 1 RB Rankings