Fantasy Football Week 1 Rankings: 3 Running Backs to Leave on the Bench

Don’t get too excited, sparky.

Just because you love your fantasy team and want to start all of the top picks doesn’t mean you should.

Playing the matchups is how you win in fantasy, and simply trotting out the top selections isn’t the greatest way to kick off the season.

Here are three running backs that should be kept on the bench for the opening weekend.

1. Ray Rice vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Rice is usually a must-start every week of the season…except for two games a year. Those two are when the Ravens matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Steelers have historically kept him in check, and it’s hard to think this year will be any different. Last year, he had a grand total of 84 yards and one TD in three games against the stout Steelers run defense.

Expect a similar performance considering the Steelers have had an entire offseason to prepare for Week 1.

As tempting as it is to start your first-round pick, skip Rice on Sunday.

2. Reggie Bush vs. New England Patriots

It’s very unclear what Miami plans to do with Bush, and starting him against the Pats right off the bat is not a grand idea.

Will he get the touches? Will Bush lose out to Daniel Thomas? Will he just be a returner?

These are questions you don’t want to ponder in Week 1. Be safe and see how Bush fares with his new team before starting him on your own.

3. Ahmad Bradshaw vs. Washington Redskins

The Redskins defense looks like one of the best units in the game this preseason.

They suffocated the run, and enter the season knowing they have to play exceptionally well to mask a less-than-stellar offense.

Bradshaw missed the beginning of training camp waiting on a contract. With a healthy Brandon Jacobs set to cut into some of his carries, especially around the goal line, expect Bradshaw to race out of the gate slowly.