There has been plenty of debate about when the Green Bay Packers will be getting running back Josh Jacobs back. While there are many differing opinions, almost no one is expecting him to be available in Week 1.
That leaves us with the question of which Packers running back is the back to own and, more importantly, start in Week 1. MarShawn Lloyd was the locked-in favorite to be the unquestioned RB1 after the news of Jacobs being placed on the commissioner's expect list broke, but Kaleb Johnson has built up some steam in the fantasy community as we've neared the start of the season.
— SleeperPackers (@SleeperPackers) September 2, 2026Chris Brooks is also in the mix and could be a much more significant factor in this rushing attack than anybody is expecting. Which running back will be the best option in Week 1?
RB MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay Packers
Lloyd feels like the obvious answer here. He's the most explosive of the three backs. Injuries have been a major concern, limiting him to just one game and six carries in his two-year career. However, we are only worried about one week right now, and he's healthy heading into their Week 1 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. There is no way we would bench a fully healthy player because we are worried that he might get hurt in a game.
