ClutchPoints
Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season brings excitement and uncertainty to fantasy football managers everywhere. With no bye weeks and most rosters healthy, lineup decisions can be challenging, especially when separating obvious starts from deeper sleepers and potential busts. The running back position offers some intriguing opportunities and concerning pitfalls that could make or break your week.
The key to Week 1 success lies in identifying running backs with favorable matchups, clear workloads, and positive game scripts. While studs like Saquon Barkley and Bijan Robinson are obvious starts, finding value in the middle tiers requires careful analysis of defensive matchups, offensive schemes, and preseason developments.
This week presents several compelling narratives at the position. Rookie quarterbacks could create negative game scripts for certain teams, veteran backs face new systems, and depth chart battles remain unsettled. Understanding these dynamics helps separate the must-starts from the risky plays.
James Conner emerges as one of Week 1’s most attractive starts, facing a New Orleans Saints defense that allowed fantasy running backs to feast in 2024. The Saints ranked among the worst run defenses last season, surrendering 24-plus fantasy points per game to opposing backfields. Arizona opens as 5.5-point road favorites, suggesting a positive game script where the Cardinals should control possession and lean heavily on their ground game.
Conner enters as Arizona’s undisputed workhorse despite Trey Benson lurking as a potential future threat. The veteran averaged 15.9 PPR points per game in 2024 and brings reliable production to a Cardinals offense expected to emphasize ball control. His impressive 2024 campaign included ranking sixth in missed tackles forced, demonstrating his ability to create additional yardage after contact. With rookie Spencer Rattler starting for New Orleans, Arizona should find themselves in favorable field position throughout the game, creating multiple red zone opportunities for their featured back.
The Patriots’ rookie sensation represents one of Week 1’s most intriguing sleeper options against a Las Vegas Raiders defense that ranked middle-of-the-pack against the run in 2024. Henderson has impressed throughout training camp and preseason, showcasing the explosive playmaking ability that made him a coveted prospect. New England’s improved offensive line provides optimism for enhanced ground game production, and Henderson should benefit from their investment in protection.
Las Vegas travels across the country for a 1 PM ET kickoff, dealing with potential fatigue and adjustment issues that could favor the home team. The Raiders’ defense underwent significant changes this offseason, creating uncertainty about their early-season cohesion. Henderson’s versatility as both a runner and receiver gives him multiple avenues to fantasy success, particularly if the Patriots utilize him in passing game situations. His explosive potential makes him an excellent tournament play with league-winning upside if he breaks through immediately.
Warren quietly positions himself as a strong Week 1 play despite questions surrounding Pittsburgh’s backfield hierarchy. The veteran recently signed a two-year extension, signaling...
