🏆 Week 1 Rushing Matchups For Footballguys Premium Subscribers

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For the most updated version, please click the button below to visit our ​website​.​ Week 1 Rushing Matchups Top 5 Rushing Matchups Kansas City vs Detroit The Kansas City Chiefs are set to embrace a committee approach in their rushing game for the 2022 season. Leading the charge will be [Isiah Pacheco](=), but he won't be alone in the backfield. The Chiefs also have former first-round pick [Clyde Edwards-Helaire](, who adds depth and versatility, and third-down specialist [Jerick McKinnon](. Last season, the Chiefs' rushing offense ranked 19th in the league, averaging 115 yards per game on the ground. This year, their rushing attack faces a significant shift, with a committee of running backs expected to share the load. A notable development for the Chiefs is the reconstruction of their offensive line, particularly at the tackle positions. Donovan Smith and Jawaan Taylor are the new faces on the edges of the line, and their performance will be under scrutiny. The pressure is on, as the Chiefs rely on a formidable interior offensive line led by Creed Humphrey, widely regarded as one of the league's best centers. The Detroit Lions' rushing defense struggled mightily in 2022. They allowed a staggering 146.5 rushing yards per game, which ranked as the fourth-worst in the NFL. The Lions faced significant issues in stopping the run last season. Surprisingly, the Lions didn't make substantial moves to address their rushing defense concerns. Their first-round draft pick, [Jack Campbell](=), may need time to make an impact. The defensive line also remains a question mark, with the Lions placing reliance on third-year player Alim McNeil to take a significant step forward. Additionally, they are counting on [Brodric Martin](), a third-round rookie, who won the competition against Isiah Buggs, signed from Pittsburgh this offseason. This matchup presents an interesting dynamic. Can the Chiefs' new committee of running backs exploit the Lions' porous rushing defense, or will Detroit's efforts to bolster their defensive line and run-stopping capabilities lead to a more competitive battle in the trenches? The outcome will depend on how effectively the Chiefs' new-look rushing attack can navigate the untested waters of the Lions' defensive front. ​ Green Bay at Chicago The Green Bay Packers are gearing up for the 2023 season with a strong emphasis on their rushing attack. Once again, they plan to feature a dynamic dual-running back tandem, consisting of [Aaron Jones]() and [AJ Dillon](. This commitment to the ground game was evident in their pursuit of [Jonathan Taylor](, showing their intention to bolster their rushing options further. Last season, the Packers' running backs carried the ball a combined 400 times, highlighting their reliance on the ground game. With [Jordan Love]() taking the reins as the starting quarterback, the Packers are poised to be a run-first offense, utilizing both Jones and Dillon extensively. Backing up this potent rushing attack is a solid offensive line, led by the talented David Bakhtiari. Matt Bitonti ranks this unit as the 7th best in the NFL for the upcoming season, indicating their ability to create running lanes and protect the quarterback. The Packers' commitment to the run, coupled with a reliable offensive line, sets the stage for a formidable ground game in Green Bay. The Chicago Bears' original plan of rebuilding their young defensive line seems to have encountered challenges, leading to late offseason moves to address their defensive front. They brought in veteran [Yannick Ngakoue]( to bolster their pass rush and increased the role of [Andrew Billings](, who was signed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract. Despite their efforts to reinforce the defensive line, the Bears' rushing defense struggled last season, allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing running backs and ranking third in yards allowed. This is an area they're keen to improve upon. In the linebacker corps, the Bears made significant moves by acquiring TreMaine Edmunds and TJ Edwards, aiming to solidify this part of their defense. Expect to see rookies Gervon Dexter and [Zacch Pickens](=) rotating through the defensive line, especially in situations where the game might get out of hand. While they bring potential, these young players may still need time to develop, potentially leaving room for late-yardage opportunities for opposing running backs. The Bears' success in improving their rushing defense will be a crucial factor in their overall defensive performance in the upcoming season. ​ Baltimore vs Houston JK Dobbins, despite his reported unhappiness, is expected to be on the field for the upcoming week. Dobbins has had limited touches throughout his career, accumulating just 226 career touches. However, he did see a notable increase in volume over the last four games of the previous season, with 12 or more carries in each of those games. The challenge with the Baltimore Ravens' rushing attack is that it has historically been challenging to trust for fantasy football purposes. The presence of Dobbins, [Gus Edwards](), and [Lamar Jackson](=), all vying for carries, results in a distribution of touches that can be frustrating for fantasy owners. Nevertheless, if one were to place trust in any of the Ravens' running backs, Dobbins would likely be the preferred choice. When given the ball, Dobbins has demonstrated exceptional effectiveness, boasting a career average of 5.9 yards per carry. While the distribution of touches can be uncertain, Dobbins' efficiency when he does get the ball makes him a compelling option in the Ravens' rushing attack. The Houston Texans had a historically poor run defense in the 2022 season, allowing the most fantasy points to opposing running backs. Their struggles extended beyond fantasy points, as they also surrendered the most rushing yards per game (142) to opposing running backs, along with an alarming average of 1.3 touchdowns per game to the position. In an effort to address these deficiencies, the Texans underwent significant changes in their defense. They bolstered their defensive roster through both the NFL Draft, acquiring talent like Will Anderson, and free agency, with notable signings such as [Denzel Perryman](, [Sheldon Rankins](, and [Jimmie Ward](). One point of concern, however, is the starting position of [Christian Harris](=) over Corey Littleton. Harris had a challenging season as a run-stopping linebacker in the NFL last year, and his growth and improvement will be pivotal to the Texans' efforts to shore up their run defense. The success of this rebuilt defense may hinge on Harris's ability to elevate his performance and contribute positively against the run. ​ Miami at LA Chargers The Miami Dolphins enter the 2023 season with significant question marks at the running back position. Despite the need for depth in the backfield, the Dolphins did not make substantial additions to address this area. Moreover, Jeff Wilson, a potential contributor, was placed on Injured Reserve (IR) earlier in the month. With these circumstances, [Raheem Mostert]() is expected to take on the lead running back role. In his appearances last season, Mostert demonstrated his capabilities by averaging an impressive 4.9 yards per carry. He notably carried the ball 14 or more times in four consecutive games last year, showcasing his potential to be a reliable and productive runner for the Dolphins. Backing up Mostert is [Salvon Ahmed](, who, despite opportunities arising from the frequent injuries in Miami's running back room, has struggled to establish himself as a consistent contributor. The Los Angeles Chargers have had challenges in defending against the run in recent seasons. In 2022, they allowed the second-most rushing yards to opposing running backs, surrendering an average of 127 rushing yards per game. This issue persisted in the 2021 season, as they conceded the third-most rushing yards to opposing running backs, averaging 119 yards per game. The Chargers' struggles against the run have raised concerns, and while they made some additions in free agency, notable veteran [Eric Kendricks]() being among them, they still face challenges, especially in the interior defense. Kenneth Murray, one of their linebackers, has faced criticism for his performance, ranking among the league's worst linebackers in this regard. Additionally, issues persist on the defensive line, with players like [Austin Johnson]() and [Sebastian Joseph-Day]() struggling against the run. The secondary's primary focus is on pass defense, leaving room for potential big plays against the run. Improving their rushing defense remains a priority for the Chargers, and addressing these issues will be crucial to their defensive success in the 2 ​ Tennessee at New Orleans The Tennessee Titans boast one of the NFL's premier running backs in [Derrick Henry](=), who continues to establish himself as a force in the league. Henry delivered an impressive performance in the previous season, accumulating 1,538 rushing yards. The Titans have traditionally employed a run-heavy offensive approach, largely relying on Henry's exceptional skills. However, the landscape of the Titans' offense may shift with the addition of wide receiver [DeAndre Hopkins](, potentially leading to a greater emphasis on passing plays compared to previous years. This adjustment could alter the balance of their offensive game plan. One substantial concern for the Titans is their offensive line. The unit has undergone significant remodeling, with four new starters joining the lineup. These new additions include Andre Dillard, Chris Hubbard (who hasn't started since 2019), Daniel Brunskill (formerly a backup in San Francisco), and first-round selection Peter Skoronski. Even the lone returning starter, Aaron Brewer, is changing positions, transitioning from guard to center. The reshuffling of the offensive line has led to uncertainties about its performance, and it's noteworthy that Matt Bitonti has ranked the Titans as having the worst offensive line in the NFL heading into the 2023 season. The New Orleans Saints have historically been known for their formidable run defense over the last five years. However, the 2022 season presented a departure from that tradition as they delivered a rather mediocre performance against the run. The Saints allowed an average of 104 rushing yards per game to opposing running backs, ranking them 9th-worst in the NFL. While the overall rushing defense numbers were less impressive, it's notable that only three running backs managed to exceed 100 rushing yards in a game against the Saints. This indicates that they yielded yardage to multiple running backs but did not allow many dominating individual performances. The Saints did face significant losses on the defensive line, with departures such as [Marcus Davenport](=), [David Onyemata](), and [Shy Tuttle](=)during the offseason. Although they added talent through the draft, signing Bryan Breece, as well as bringing in [Khalen Saunders]( and Nathan Shephard, the departures represent a significant loss for the Saints' defensive line. As a result, more pressure will be placed on their strong linebacking group, featuring players like [Pete Werner]() and [Demario Davis](=). While the Saints are well-coached, developing cohesion among the defensive line may take some time as they adapt to these significant changes. Bottom 5 Matchups Cleveland vs Cincinnati The Cleveland Browns made the decision to move on from [Kareem Hunt]() in the offseason, as Hunt struggled to showcase the burst he had displayed earlier in his career. The Browns have now solidified their backfield with [Nick Chubb](=) as the primary ball carrier, occasionally complemented by [Jerome Ford](), a 2022 5th-round pick with limited career carries. The Browns boast one of the NFL's best offensive lines, particularly on the interior, led by guards Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller. This is an offense that relies heavily on the run, and it will be interesting to see how they can factor in the mobility of [Deshaun Watson]() into the mix as they have high aspirations for the 2023 season. On the defensive side, the Cincinnati Bengals surprised many by having one of the league's best run-stopping units in 2022, a marked improvement from their historical weaknesses against the run. The key factor was the impact of [DJ Reader]( when healthy, as he emerged as an elite run-stopping tackle, holding opposing running backs to just 78 rushing yards per game, the fourth-best mark in the NFL last season. The Bengals' linebacker corps, led by [Germaine Pratt]() and [Logan Wilson](, lacks notable weaknesses. It's a well-coached unit that benefits from the presence of an elite defensive line, allowing the linebackers ample space to clean up tackles.This matchup pits the Browns' rushing offense, anchored by [Nick Chubb](=) and a formidable offensive line, against the Bengals' stout rushing defense. Will Chubb and the Browns' O-line overpower the Bengals' defensive front, or can Cincinnati's impressive run-stopping abilities thwart Cleveland's ground game? The outcome will likely hinge on which team prevails in the battle in the trenches. ​ ​New Orleans vs Tennessee The New Orleans Saints enter the 2023 season with a significant setback in their rushing attack as star running back [Alvin Kamara]( will be sidelined for the first four games due to suspension. This absence will test the Saints' backfield depth and their ability to adapt. To fill Kamara's shoes, the Saints have added [Jamaal Williams](, who is expected to carry the bulk of the workload during Kamara's absence. Williams comes off a productive season in Detroit, where he rushed for 1,066 yards, showcasing his ability to be a workhorse back.One bright spot for the Saints is their offensive line, which is considered a top-5 unit according to Matt Bitonti's rankings. Led by standout players like Ryan Ramczyk, Andrus Peat, and Cesar Ruiz, the offensive line should provide solid support for the running game, making it easier for Williams to make an impact. The Tennessee Titans boasted a historically impressive run defense last season, which was a perfect complement to their weaker pass defense. They held opposing running backs to just 63 rushing yards per game, showcasing their dominance in stopping the run. This formidable run defense is anchored by a stout defensive line featuring standouts like Jeffrey Simmons and [Denico Autry](. Their ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage and control the trenches makes running the ball against the Titans a daunting challenge. The Titans also benefit from having two of the best run-stopping safeties in the NFL, [Kevin Byard]() and [Amani Hooker](. These safeties provide crucial support in run defense and help make the Titans one of the league's most formidable units against the ground game. While replicating the same level of dominance is always a challenge in the NFL, the Titans' rushing defense remains a force to be reckoned with and a unit that opposing teams should approach with caution. Houston at Baltimore The Houston Texans' offense faced significant challenges in the previous season, but one bright spot was the performance of running back [Dameon Pierce](=). Despite the team's struggles, Pierce managed to average 4.3 yards per carry and nearly reached 1,000 rushing yards, despite playing in just 13 games. His contribution was vital to the Texans' offense. However, the Texans continue to grapple with issues on their offensive line. While Laremy Tunsil provides stability at left tackle, the interior of the offensive line remains a weak point, particularly with center Juice Scruggs and Kenyon Green, both of whom lack experience. To address these concerns and provide support for [Dameon Pierce](=), the Texans added [Devin Singletary](=). Singletary is expected to share the workload with Pierce, and his history as a complementary back suggests that he could excel in this role, even if he may not be suited for a workhorse workload. The Baltimore Ravens have established themselves as a formidable force against opposing running backs. In the previous season, they allowed just 78 rushing yards per game to running backs, which was the fourth-best performance in the league. Their success against the run can be attributed to their strength up the middle. Defensive tackle [Michael Pierce]() plays a crucial role as a space-eater, creating opportunities for linebackers [Roquan Smith]( and [Patrick Queen](=) to excel. Smith and Queen are recognized as two of the most athletic linebackers in the NFL and are particularly effective when they don't have to contend with shedding blocks. The Ravens' rushing defense has been so dominant that only one running back managed to surpass the 100-yard mark against them last season. Their well-rounded and talented unit in the middle of the field contributes significantly to their success in containing opposing running backs. Tampa Bay at Minnesota The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter the season with several questions surrounding their offense, primarily due to the retirement of [Tom Brady](, who had been leading the team. In the running back department, [Leonard Fournette](), a significant contributor, is no longer with the team. All signs are pointing toward [Rachaad White](=) taking on a prominent role in the backfield, with [Sean Tucker]() serving as a complement. However, there isn't much to generate excitement about this offense, particularly given their performance in the previous season. Even with Brady and Fournette, the Buccaneers ranked last in rushing yards in 2022, managing just 76 yards per game on the ground. To make matters more challenging, the team has brought in Dave Canales as the new offensive coordinator, who has a pass-first approach. This could potentially limit their rushing production in the upcoming season. The Minnesota Vikings have the makings of an incredibly strong defense for the upcoming season, following a year in 2022 that was somewhat underrated. While they lost [Eric Kendricks]() in the offseason, they have made significant improvements to their defense. Adding [Marcus Davenport](=) to the mix is a notable upgrade. Additionally, they solidified their secondary by acquiring Byron Murphy, which should contribute positively to their rushing defense as well. In the previous season, the Vikings had a defense that was somewhat similar to the Tennessee Titans, in the sense that their pass defense struggles made their run defense appear stronger than it was. However, with the addition of Davenport and the presence of veteran [Dean Lowry](=) on the defensive line, this defense has the potential to improve upon its performance against opposing running backs. In 2022, they allowed an average of 89 yards per game to opposing running backs, which ranked 12th-best in the league. Pittsburgh at San Francisco The Pittsburgh Steelers head into the 2023 season with a looming question regarding the allocation of snaps at the running back position. Head coach Mike Tomlin has a tendency to prefer a workhorse back who can carry the ball 18-20 times per game. However, the emergence of [Jaylen Warren](=) in both practice and the preseason may force a re-evaluation of this strategy. Warren performed excellently in 2022 in limited playing time, averaging an impressive 4.9 yards per carry. In contrast, [Najee Harris]( has struggled to exceed a 4.0 yards-per-carry average in two consecutive seasons. One of the persistent concerns for the Steelers is their offensive line, which remains a work in progress. This may further support the argument for getting the ball into the hands of the more explosive Warren to potentially create big plays on the ground. On paper, the San Francisco 49ers have a strong case for being the top defense heading into the 2023 season. They are coming off a season in which they allowed just 60 rushing yards per game to opposing running backs, which represents the lowest such figure since the 2019 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This is a defense that boasts the best linebacking group in the NFL, featuring [Fred Warner]() and [Dre Greenlaw](, along with a formidable defensive line that includes [Arik Armstead](=) and [Nick Bosa](. Given the strength of the 49ers' front seven, it's anticipated that they will present significant challenges to the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line, potentially making it difficult for the Steelers to establish their running game in their upcoming matchup. [Read Full Article]() ​ Thanks for reading, and thanks for being a Footballguys Premium Subscriber. [avatar] Joe Bryant Guide ​ ​ ​ ​ [[twitter]​]()[[facebook]​]([[discord]​]()[[youtube]​]()[[instagram]​]() Written By Joe Bryant. News by Sigmund Bloom and Cecil Lammey Was this email forwarded to you? 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