1. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs (TEN)

Charles, a name who will appear atop of this ranking list plenty this season, has an awesome matchup against the Titans who give massive points to opposing running backs.  The Chiefs will be without their top wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, which will increase the chances that Charles will find himself catching some passes also this week at home against the Titans.

Projected Statistics:  107 rushing yards, 45 receiving yards, one touchdown

2. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles (JAX)

McCoy kicks off the season with a stellar fantasy ranking this week as the Eagles face Jacksonville’s defense who allow the ninth most fantasy points to running backs. This should be a breeze of an outing for McCoy. Even with fellow back, Darren Sproles sharing field time, McCoy should be poised for plenty of carries, as they’ll likely run the ball frivolously against a Jaguars’ offense who is trying to keep up.

Projected Statistics: 102 rushing yards, 32 receiving yards, one touchdown

3. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears (BUF)

Used not only in the rushing game, but for pass-catching, Forte should see plenty of action at home against Buffalo who should be struggling to keep up with Bears efficiently ticking offense. Likely, Forte will take many handoffs to run out the clock down when Chicago is in the lead.

Projected Statistics: 90 rushing yards, 28 receiving yards, one touchdown

4. Arian Foster, Houston Texans (WAS)

Foster has a friendly, at home matchup against Washington, whose defense gives up the fourth most fantasy points to running backs. With the Texans’ passing game struggling due to their less-than-ideal quarterback situation, look for Foster to have a major role in the team’s season opener. You might as well take advantage of starting Foster, while he’s healthy and the matchup is favorable.

Projected Statistics:  86 rushing yards, 31 receiving yards, one touchdown

5. Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks (GB)

Green Bay’s seventh-worst defense in stopping the rush, should have Beast Mode running wild in a home opener against the Packers. Even if Lynch shares some carries with his other fellow running backs, he should be in true form, especially if the Seahawks’ brutal defense causes them to gain the lead.

Projected Statistics: 88 rushing yards, 25 receiving yards, one touchdown

6. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings (STL)

A.P. gets a Rams defense who ranks sixth last in defending running backs. With that being St. Louis’ weakness in their secondary, Peterson should earn his name all day here, as a heavy prescription of the ground game will certainly take place in the Vikings season opener. Look for Peterson to catch a couple passes along the way as well.

Projected Statistics: 90 rushing yards, 18 receiving yards, one touchdown

7. Zac Stacy, St. Louis Rams (MIN)

Stacy has a more-than-ideal matchup at home against Minnesota’s lower-end ranked rush defense in Week 1.  Also to Stacy’s advantage is the Rams’ quarterback weak spot in backup Shaun Hill starting for the team. Look for a mega-ground attack by the Rams, headed with Stacy taking the lead role in that department.

Projected Statistics: 88 rushing yards, seven receiving yards, one touchdown

8. Andre Ellington, Arizona Cardinals (SD)

Ellington, now the Cardinals’ every-down back should be productive against a home against San Diego, who doesn’t exactly present the staunchest defense against running backs. With no other major running back competition, look for Ellington to rack up some RB1 fantasy points in this friendly matchup. Ellington is showing the makings of an all-purpose running back.

Projected Statistics: 77 rushing yards, 14 receiving yards, one touchdown

9. Montee Ball, Denver Broncos (IND)

Fox & Knighton expect big things from Montee Ball. “I like his growth and maturity.” WATCH: http://t.co/zZrt7JWhBG pic.twitter.com/Yhm3yt0lc1

— Phil Milani (@philmilani) September 2, 2014

Slated to receive most of the early downs and a few passes, Ball should provide a change of pace tempo to the Broncos’ heavy aerial attack. If the Broncos do manage a substantial lead over the Colts, Ball could be in for more yardage as the Broncos kill time on the ground.

Projected Statistics: 70 rushing yards, 19 receiving yards, one touchdown

10. LeVeon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers (CLE)

The Pittsburgh Steelers host Cleveland in Week 1 and could take a substantial lead by the second half, causing them to let Bell roam the field as the team incorporates a heavier dose of ground game. Bell should produce nicely against the Browns who don’t exactly bring a united front to the table.

Projected Statistics: 79 rushing yards, five receiving yards, one touchdown