Fantasy Football 2012: Top 5 Rookie Running Backs (Post-Week 1)

Week 1 is in the books for the top-five rookie running backs from last week. There has been movement in the ranks as some guys have stepped up to deliver solid performances in their first NFL games, while others did not make the most of their opportunities.

Or didn’t get that many chances to begin with.

You’ll notice Seattle Seahawk Robert Turbin will be absent from this list, as it’s built for the purposes of which rookie RB I would be most comfortable starting (irrespective of his matchup).

With Marshawn Lynch back and healthy, Turbin is likely just a handcuff. But the Lynch fantasy owner should certainly keep him on the roster.

5. Daryl Richardson, St. Louis Rams

Last Week: Unranked

I'll get this out of the way now: Richardson is not a recommended fantasy start in Week 2. St. Louis Rams incumbent starter Steven Jackson is still healthy and won’t be conceding many carries. But it is worth noting that Richardson ripped off gains of nine and 11 yards on his two attempts at Detroit.

That game was not a blowout. Richardson's carries were not garbage-time stat-boosters. He is worth keeping an eye on for Steven Jackson owners, as he had been battling fellow rookie Isaiah Pead for carries throughout the preseason.

Pead did not record a rushing attempt in Week 1.

4. David Wilson, New York Giants

Last Week: 4

Wilson had ball-security issues in the first NFL game this season. Following his fumble, he didn’t see the ball much. He was mainly relegated to kick-returning duties while Ahmad Bradshaw handled the rushing load.

Wilson will get another shot to make plays soon enough, but if his fumbling issues continue he can’t be a recommended fantasy start. Coach Tom Coughlin already showed the nation that he wouldn’t tolerate those issues.

The Giants rookie should definitely still be owned in all fantasy leagues. If anything were to happen to Bradshaw on the injury front, Wilson would be in line to take most of Eli Manning's handoffs for New York.

3. Alfred Morris, Washington Redskins

Last Week: 5

With as many carries as he got in Week 1, Morris would be No. 1 on this list if he played for a coach that had a track record of consistency in his backfield rotations. The Redskins back wasn’t targeted in this game, but he led all rookies in rushing attempts (28), yards (96) and touchdowns (two).

But there’s still this issue with Mike Shanahan’s propensity to start different running backs at will. If the Redskins’ game plan is similar to what it had against the Saints in Week 1, Morris would likely be a No. 1 fantasy RB. Nobody knows, however, if that will be the case.

Perhaps the biggest problem is that if Morris starts next week, the chances seem to be greater that he won’t start the week after that, and so on. The fantasy football season is too short for a goose egg in your RB slot to be tolerable.

Start him at your own risk.

2. Trent Richardson, Cleveland Browns

Last Week: 2

The third overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft still has to get into his groove at the pro level. In his first home game against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Alabama product registered a modest 39 yards on 19 carries.

Aside from this run against Philly, there wasn't a whole lot for Browns fans to be excited about. 

Richardson is still worth consideration as a fantasy starter by virtue of the amount of touches that he’s slated to receive. He had 20 total touches in his first game back from injury.

As he gains experience and works back to full strength, Richardson should warrant top-20 RB consideration on a weekly basis.

1. Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Last Week: 1

Martin was second in each metric that Morris was first this week. Martin had 24 rushing attempts for 95 yards and no touchdowns. As of Sunday night, Morris was the only rookie to record a rushing score.

But Martin added four receptions for 23 yards to produce a stat line expected of a three-down feature back. He scored as many fantasy points in standard leagues as consensus first-round fantasy draft selection LeSean McCoy of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Martin keeps the top position on this list as the rookie rusher that I’m most comfortable starting in 2012.