Darren McFadden @ DEN
Run DMC had back-to-back 100-yard games against the Broncos last season, including arguably the best game (Week 7) of his young NFL career when he rushed for 165 yards and three TDs and caught two passes, one of which went for a another score. Remember, last year McFadden had six 100-yard rushing games and two others in which he gained at least 95 yards. Denver allowed more rushing TDs (26) in 2010 than any other NFL squad, and this season will not start off well for their rush defense.

Brandon Jacobs @ Was

We're diggin' Jacobs in Week 1.

DeAngelo Williams @ ARI
The explosiveness of Williams cannot be denied. He is capable of breaking off long runs on any play from scrimmage. With Cam Newton under center, DeAngelo and his $43-million contract will be featured early and often. The Cards struggled against the run in 2010, allowing an average of 145.2 rushing YPG, and Williams has rushed for at least 108 yards and one TD in all three of his regular-season games against Arizona.

Tim Hightower vs. NYG
There has been a significant amount of preseason hype surrounding Hightower and the Redskins’ zone-blocking scheme, but it remains to be seen just how Shanahan will use running back Ryan Torain. The situation could be fluid as the season progresses, but right now Hightower has the No. 1 job on lockdown, and he should find running room against the Giants on Sunday.

Bench 'Em

Ryan Grant / James Starks vs. NO
Grant has generally been drafted higher, so Starks may represent more value this season, but neither RB in this rotation is a worth playing this week. I think the more explosive Starks will be the better play going forward, as there are indications that Grant has lost a step since coming back from last year’s ankle injury. The 2010 Saints were middle-of-the-road against the run (112.3 YPG, 13 TDs allowed), but this game is more about the Packers aerial attack

Michael Turner @ CHI
Turner’s 334 carries last year produced a mediocre 4.1 YPC, the lowest of his career. In 2008 Turner carried the ball 376 times, and it would not be surprising if the recent heavy workload were taking a toll on the 29-year-old’s body. The Bears trailed only the Steelers in rush defense (90.1 YPG) in 2010, although they did give up 14 TDs on the ground. With the Falcons’ increased focus on the passing game, Turner will not make a huge impact here.

Ryan Mathews vs. MIN
Mathews’ final game of the 2010 season was also his best (26 car, 120 yds, 3 TDs), but I would not expect him to pick right up where he left off. He certainly has the talent and supporting cast to be fantasy gold, but he needs to be more consistent. While his value this week gets a bump because of the absence of the “Williams Wall” due to suspension, the two-back system in San Diego is alive and well. The punishing, bruising style of Mike Tolbert figures to vulture more than a few TDs from Mathews inside the 10 yard line.

Fred Jackson @ KC
Jackson has held off C.J. Spiller to be the Bills No. 1 running back to open the season; however, the Bills offense and weak offensive line will not allow F-Jax much room to run. He had a decent stretch in the middle of the 2010 season, but it was against lesser foes. The addition of nose tackle Kelly Gregg to the Chiefs’ defensive line will factor in clogging lanes up the middle, and the KC run defense was already better than average, surrendering only 11 TDs on the ground in 2010. While Jackson does hold some value in PPR leagues, it seems prudent to wait for a better matchup.

Wide Receivers