Start 'Em, Sit 'Em, NFL Week 1: RBs Javonte Williams, Bhayshul Tuten to Thrive?

The NFL opens the 2026 season with a star-studded schedule for Week 1. Many divisional foes will face each other, including the Vikings hosting the Packers and the Giants taking on the Cowboys.

As we dive into Week 1 matchups, some running backs are set to thrive. Others might struggle out of the gate against a difficult opponent.

Below, let's list some NFL Week 1 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em candidates for the RB position, including picks to consider on PrizePicks for Javonte Williams, Bhayshul Tuten, and more. Keep this analysis in mind when making your Week 1 fantasy football decisions.

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Start: Cowboys RB Javonte Williams

Game: Cowboys vs. Giants – Sunday, September 13, 8:20 p.m. ET

Projections via PrizePicks: 73.5 Rush Yards, 17.5 Rush Attempts, 14 Fantasy Score

In his first season with the Cowboys, Javonte Williams set career highs in carries (252), rushing yards (1,201), and rushing TDs (11). Per Pro Football Focus, he ranked seventh among RBs in forced missed tackles and 12th in explosive runs.

The Cowboys rewarded his strong play by signing him to a three-year extension during the offseason. Behind him on the depth chart are Malik Davis and Emari Demercado, neither of whom should challenge him for significant carries.

Williams begins the season with a favorable matchup against the Giants, who were last in rush EPA allowed last season, according to RBSDM. They can put pressure on the QB, but asking them to be significantly better at stopping the run might be difficult after they traded away star DT Dexter Lawrence.

When Williams faced the Giants in Week 2 last season, he rushed 18 times for 97 yards and a TD. Stopping Williams might be an uphill battle for the G-Men.

Add Javonte Williams to your PrizePicks lineup now.

Start: Jaguars RB Bhayshul Tuten

Game: Browns vs. Jaguars – Sunday, September 13, 1 p.m. ET

Projections via PrizePicks: 50.5 Rush Yards, 11.5 Rec Yards, 10 Fantasy Score

The Jaguars lost RB Travis Etienne Jr. to the Saints after he led the way at RB last year, rushing 260 times. It might be difficult for any one player to replicate that kind of workload this season.

With that said, there is the promising Bhayshul Tuten, who wasn’t used much after being selected in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Jaguars also added RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., who had 6 TDs with the Commanders in 2025. Even RB LeQuint Allen Jr. could have a role in the passing game.

The Jaguars’ backfield might be inconsistent, but it figures to have a heavy workload in Week 1 with the team being a significant favorite over the Browns. If Jacksonville builds a big lead early, it could run a lot in the second half.

Should Tuten approach 15 carries, he can provide enough production to be a viable fantasy option.

Add Bhayshul Tuten to your PrizePicks lineup now.

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Sit: Commanders RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Game: Commanders vs. Eagles – Sunday, September 13, 4:25 p.m. ET

Projections via PrizePicks: 40.5 Rush Yards, 10.5 Rush Attempts, 39.5 Rec Yards

It was an inconsistent 2025 campaign for Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who was taken in the seventh round.

He flashed upside, including posting two games with at least 100 rushing yards. He also averaged 4.6 yards per carry while, per PFF, being seventh in yards after contact per attempt.

The Commanders did add RB Rachaad White, who will likely at least be a factor in passing situations.

Croskey-Merritt can be a significant fantasy contributor, but facing the Eagles in Week 1 isn't ideal. Philly was ninth in rush EPA allowed last year and also gave up the fifth-fewest points per game (19.1). The defense should again be the strength of the team.

In two meetings against the Eagles last season, Croskey-Merritt combined for 54 rushing yards and a TD over 21 carries. It’s difficult to have much faith in him for their first meeting this campaign.

Add Jacory Croskey-Merritt to your PrizePicks lineup now.

Sit: Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard

Game: Bears vs. Panthers – Sunday, September 13, 1 p.m. ET

Projections via PrizePicks: 0.5 Player TDs (Demon)

Last season was a disappointment for RB Chuba Hubbard, who eventually lost carries to Rico Dowdle. After posting 4.8 yards per carry in 2024, Hubbard’s yards per carry dropped to 3.8. He only finished with 134 attempts, which was nearly half his total from the year prior.

Dowdle departed for the Steelers, but Hubbard still isn’t in a position to thrive.

The Panthers selected RB Jonathon Brooks in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but he's only played in three games since then because he tore the ACL in his right knee twice. While he dealt with some soreness to end the preseason, his status isn’t in jeopardy yet for Week 1 against the Bears.

The Panthers may at least go with a committee to begin the year, and Brooks very well could run away with the job as the season moves along. That makes it difficult to feel good about Hubbard producing a valuable stat line.

Add Chuba Hubbard to your PrizePicks lineup now.

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Among the RBs who could thrive in Week 1 is Williams, who has the potential to carve up a porous Giants run defense. Tuten may also be in line for a busy day if the Jaguars end up with a run-heavy approach against the inferior Browns.

As far as two backs who might struggle, things aren’t lining up favorably for Croskey-Merritt and Hubbard in their matchups.

Don’t wait until Week 1's kickoff — make your NFL picks on PrizePicks now and earn real money if you’re right. Just pick players, predict More or Less on their stats, and cash in if you’re right. With Team Picks, you can make predictions on game winners, spreads, and over/unders, now available in 36 states.

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