Mark Ingram, Pierre Thomas, Khiry Robinson's Fantasy Outlook After Week 1

The New Orleans Saints have a rather crowded backfield featuring Mark Ingram, Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson. However, after the team's overtime thriller against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1, a pecking order appears to be established.   

Running backs were given a total of 26 carries on Sunday, and Ingram received half of them. The four-year veteran rushed 13 times for 60 yards—an average of 4.6 yards per carry—and two touchdowns during the team's 37-34 loss. 

Cecil Hurt of the Tuscaloosa News noted Ingram was running with authority:

"

Mark Ingram with the go-ahead TD. He still looks mad. Ask the Atlanta safety.

— Cecil Hurt (@CecilHurt) September 7, 2014"

Ingram's solid showing was simply a continuation from his vastly improved 2013 season. Last year, he rushed 78 times for 386 yards and one touchdown during the regular season, and lit it up in the playoffs with 28 rushes for 146 yards and a score.

It certainly looks as though head coach Sean Payton is ready to give Ingram a larger workload in 2014. Due to his production and goal-line work, fantasy owners should consider him as a viable starting option going forward.

Thomas rushed seven times for 31 yards on Sunday; however, his real value comes as a receiver out of the backfield. In 2013, he quietly accumulated 77 receptions for 513 yards, and after gaining 58 yards on six receptions against the Falcons, he could be on pace for similar numbers.

Mike Clay of Pro Football Focus tweeted his take on the dual-threat running back:

While Thomas doesn't have much value in standard-scoring leagues—he could be considered a flex option at best—he still holds nice value in PPR formats.

Robinson received a bit of hype from fantasy enthusiasts over the offseason due to the playmaking ability he flashed in a small sample size last season. After one game in 2014, it looks as though he won't be a reliable fantasy option after gaining 28 yards on six carries.

Unlike Thomas, Robinson isn't a reliable receiver, and with Ingram getting the bulk of the workload on the ground, the second-year player will solely remain a handcuff at this point.