NFL Fantasy Football Week 1: Running Backs

NFL running backs are the core of any fantasy football team. Week one had some great performances as well as some truly disappointing ones. No knowledge is insignificant to a fantasy football owner so let's take a look at the success and failure stories of week one running backs.

Success #1 - Adrian Peterson - Minnesota Vikings

The top quarterback and top running back each showed their worth this week as was expected. Adrian Peterson ripped off 180 yards and 3 scores on 25 rushing attempts against the Browns. He also caught one pass for 18 yards. Peterson plays against the Lions this week so should, as usual, be an automatic start.

Success #2 - Mike Bell - New Orleans Saints

If you look at my article reviewing NFL waiver wire and free agent picks for this week you'll see why Mike Bell belongs here. Taking over for the injured Pierre Thomas he showed his worth breaking off an astonishing 143 yards on 28 carries. If he's available in your fantasy leagues I highly suggest picking him up as a spare running back.

Success #3 - Julius Jones - Seattle Seahawks

Julius Jones was only handed the pigskin 19 times but he definitely made the most of those carries. He broke the one hundred yard mark, grabbing 119 and adding a score. He also caught two balls for 19 yards.

Success #4 - Tim Hightower - Arizona Cardinals

Tim Hightower was the leading receiver on a talented Cardinals roster, grabbing 12 balls for 121 yards. He also managed to get 15 yards in 8 carries on the ground, though he failed to score. If he's available in a ppr (point per reception) league, he's well worth using a roster spot on.

Failure #1 - Ladanian Tomlinson - San Diego Chargers

The great LT managed to only garner 55 yards on 13 carries on prime time. He also only grabbed one pass for a measly yard, though he did reach the end-zone once. When the game was on the line the Chargers chose to hand the ball to Darren Sproles instead of Tomlinson and Sproles managed to get the game winning score. Tomlinson owners should keep a close eye on if and how his carry load changes in the coming weeks.

Failure #2 - Brian Westbrook - Philadelphia Eagles

When you're a receiving back for one of the most prolific offenses in all the NFL you're expected to put up stats. So while Westbrook didn't have a bad day, he didn't put up the kind of numbers that owners who grabbed him in the first round were hoping. Westbrook managed only 64 yards with his 13 carries and only 8 yards on 3 catches. He did score once, however.