Fantasy Football Week 2: Young RBs Who Will Produce

Several young running backs emerged on fantasy football's radar in Week 1.

Whether it be a second-year pro on a high-octane offense, a rookie gaining the trust of his teammates or a backup thrust into a starting role, there are plenty of young options in the backfield for you fantasy football fanatics.

Here's a look at the youngsters worth starting at RB in Week 2.

3. Stevan Ridley, New England Patriots

Ridley me this, Ridley me that, I gotta have me some Stevan Ridley on my starting fantasy football roster this week.

Turns out the Patriots didn't need BenJarvus Green-Ellis, after all. After letting him walk in the offseason, they have handed the reins over Ridley, who responded by rushing for 125 yards and a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in Week 1.

Ridley, a second-year pro out of LSU, had only 87 rushes last season as a rookie, but he averaged 5.1 yards per carry. He also didn't lose any fumbles, which is big for Bill Belichick.

Arizona's defense did a good job of containing Marshawn Lynch last week (21 carries, 85 yards), but the Patriots will likely go up big against them early, meaning they should be handing the ball off to Ridley a lot down the stretch. Plus, Ridley should have a few scoring opportunities at the goal line.

2. Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Remember when I was touting Doug Martin in the preseason?

Well, turns out he made me proud, rushing for 95 yards and catching four balls for 23 yards against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1. 

That included rushing for 45 yards on seven carries in the fourth quarter, showing he could be a workhorse for the Buccaneers.

I really like this kid and it's no surprise he jumped ahead of LeGarrette Blount on the Bucs' depth chart given the way he ran the ball in Week 1.

Oh yeah, and he's facing the New York Giants in Week 2, who allowed DeMarco Murray to rush for 131 yards on 20 carries to open the season.

1. C.J. Spiller, Buffalo Bills

Maybe it's just me, but I'm pretty sure C.J. Spiller can handle the workload for the Bills until Fred Jackson comes back from his knee injury.

Spiller exploded against the New York Jets in Week 1, rushing for 169 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. With Jackson out in Week 2, he figures to get more carries against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Remember, Spiller racked up 405 total yards and four touchdowns in the final three weeks last season with Jackson injured. He's legit.

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