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The 2020 NFL season has officially begun with the Kansas City Chiefs knocking off the Houston Texans by a final score of 34-20. While the final score was not close, it was a good game and fans could not have been more excited to have live football back on the television. Now, it's time to look ahead to a full slate of games on NFL Sunday, invoking fantasy football outlooks.
Looking specifically at the AFC North, there are plenty of questions surrounding the division. Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens are entering as the team to beat after a 14-2 regular season record in 2019 and of course having the reigning NFL MVP on their side. However, the Cleveland Browns improved dramatically this offseason, as did the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals.
Pittsburgh has veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger back after an elbow injury kept him out of most of the 2019 season. Cincinnati took a big step forward with the addition of No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow. Cleveland fired Freddie Kitchens, brought in a great offensive mind in Kevin Stefanski to replace him, and also added tight end Austin Hooper in free agency.
Those are just a few of the moves that they were made this offseason in the AFC North. But, the running back position will remain extremely important in this division. Mark Ingram, James Conner, Nick Chubb, and Joe Mixon are All-Star-caliber backs.
All of that being said, what should their respective teams and fantasy football players be expecting from these running backs in Week 1? Let's take a look.
Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
Let's start with the Browns and star running back Nick Chubb. After carrying the football 298 times for 1,494 yards and eight touchdowns last season, Chubb is looking to stay just as productive if not more. He also ended up catching 36 passes for 278 yards.
Baker Mayfield is set for a major bounce-back season, but a lot of that will have to do with what kind of production Chubb puts up. Against the Ravens in Week 1, Chubb will come out strong. It would be reasonable to expect around 110 yards and a touchdown on the ground and four catches for 25 yards.
Those numbers place Chubb as a legitimate fantasy football RB1 option for this week.
Mark Ingram, Baltimore Ravens
Next up, the Ravens are entering their second season with Mark Ingram as their starting running back. He may be getting older, but he is still a consistent threat. The Browns have a solid defense, but it isn't anything that should scare the Ravens away from pounding the ball on the ground with Ingram.
During the 2019 season, Ingram racked up 1,018 yards and 10 touchdowns on 202 carries. He also caught 26 passes for 247 yards and another five scores through the air.
Ingram may not receive as many touches in 2020 due to the presence of rookie running back J.K. Dobbins. Baltimore is high on the youngster, but Ingram will still be their lead back. He should end up with 75 yards and a score on the ground in Week 1 against the Browns.
Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals
One of the running backs that ended up getting paid for their efforts was Joe Mixon, who received a four-year, $48 million contract from the Bengals. He more than deserved that contract and is primed for another quality season in 2020.
Mixon produced 1,137 yards and five touchdowns on the ground last season in 278 carries. In addition to his rushing numbers, Mixon caught 35 passes for 287 yards and three scores. Those numbers show just how valuable Mixon can be for the Bengals and your fantasy football roster.
Against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1, Mixon is going to have a field day. The Chargers simply do not have a good defense. Mixon should end up with 120 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the afternoon.
James Conner, Pittsburgh Steelers
Finally, we come to the Steelers and starting running back James Conner. While there have been some concerns about consistency when it comes to Conner, Mike Tomlin and company are confident that the running back will produce big numbers this season. They certainly plan to utilize him like a workhorse.
Conner ended the 2019 season with just 464 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. He suffered through injury issues and simply was unable to be productive for the Steelers. That needs to change in 2020 with Roethlisberger back on the field.
Thankfully, there is no denying the talent that Conner brings to the field. He will be going up against a New York Giants team that leaves a lot to be desired on the defensive side of the ball. Pittsburgh will see Conner destroy the Giants to the tune of 100 yards and two touchdowns. Obviously, in turn, a solid fantasy football option.
