Week 1 Fantasy Flames running back: Zamir White at Chargers

Week 1 rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE
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Each week, the Noise highlights under-started names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must have started in fewer than 60 percent of Yahoo leagues. Speaking as an accountability advocate, I will post results, whether genius or moronic, the following week. Scoring thresholds (0.5 PPR) – QB: 18 fantasy points; RB: 12 fantasy points (10 for shockers); WR: 11 fantasy points; TE: 10 fantasy points.

Zamir White, Raiders

Start pct.43% on Yahoo Matchup at Chargers Caesars Chargers -3.5 Caesars total 41.5 BetAlytics projection 49.9 rush yds, 3.1 rec yds, 0.29 TDs

The splinters wedged in your keyster from sitting on the fence about starting or sitting White have greatly raised discomfort. Hey, you grabbed him in the middle rounds and have other seemingly more trustworthy options to lean on. The view is completely understandable, but please humor this traveling salesman for a minute.

White is a magnificent play in Week 1, a running back sure to leave you in the black.

A hero during the fantasy playoffs in 2023, the Raiders workhorse flourished as the main man in the money-making stretch. From Weeks 15 through 18, he averaged 99.3 rushing yards on a vigorous 21 attempts per contest. He only forced 15 missed tackles on 104 overall carries (14.4%), but the surface numbers and 3.21 YAC per attempt (RB13) clearly proved those touches were substantive.

The former Georgia Bulldog is likely to again produce on the ground. A bigger back at 6-foot and 215 pounds and blessed with rubber-peeling open-field wheels (4.40 in the 40), White is an intimidating runner — especially working behind what should be a top-half offensive line. RB2 level performances in 12-team leagues should be fairly routine.

Vegas’ opponent alone gives White a house advantage. ESPN’s Mike Clay projects the Chargers’ interior defensive line and linebacker corps to rank at or near the bottom in the league. Last year, they finished No. 15 in most rushing yards surrendered to running backs. The potential for the Bolts to rank much worse is very real.

White’s final few weeks to the 2023 fantasy season was nothing short of spectacular. With only a pedestrian Alexander Mattison spelling him only on occasion, Antonio Pierce’s chain mover should again log at least 15-20 carries in the opener. Available at significant plus money to eclipse 60 yards (+145, DraftKings), White is a gamble worth taking in fantasy or betting.

Fearless Forecast: 17 carries, 72 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 13 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 15.5 fantasy points.

Week 1 Bonus Flames

Chase Brown, Bengals

Start pct.8% on YahooMatchupvs. Patriots

In my actual possession is a bottle of Chase Brown-branded maple syrup. Yes, it exists. One could easily surmise this ardent Illinois supporter is rather enamored with his upside this season. Biased? Slightly, but the excitement is warranted. As written earlier this summer, the buzz surrounding the sophomore back built up throughout training camp. Zack Moss may be the depth chart leader, but Brown is seemingly destined for at least 11-13 touches per game. That may not invigorate the senses, but he averaged 0.91 fantasy points per opportunity last year, good for 12th among all RBs. Behind what should be a top-15 offensive line, his open-field scoot could shine in Week 1. The Patriots trot out an above-average linebacker unit, but question marks along the defensive line are unavoidable. Whether as a receiver, rusher or both, Brown gets down.

Fearless Forecast: 9 carries, 55 rushing yards, 0 rushing touchdowns, 3 receptions, 16 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown, 14.6 fantasy points.

Jerome Ford, Browns

Start pct.31% on YahooMatchupvs. Cowboys

With the Chubb Club still closed due to renovations, Ford is set to sprint out of the garage in Week 1. Kevin Stefanski leaned on the run nearly 44% of the time last season, which likely sets up the veteran for 15-17 carries. Pierre Strong and D’Onta Foreman will spell him, but only sporadically. When pressed into duties in 2023, Ford proved effective as his 2.93 YAC per attempt and top-20 standings in yards created per touch and total missed tackles support. Facing what should be a mediocre, at best, Dallas defensive line and working behind arguably the best offensive front in the AFC, Ford plows forward to a top-20 output.

Fearless Forecast: 16 carries, 64 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 3 receptions, 15 receiving yards, 0 receiving touchdowns, 15.4 fantasy points.

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