Ollie Gordon's time is here.
At least, it appears that way, although when Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel was asked about Gordon's workload this week, he replied, "That sounds like a fantasy football question."
So there's a bit of unpredictability on the table for the former Oklahoma State running back. And his overall ability came into question a bit during the 2024 season, when he struggled mightily after being maybe the top RB in the country the year before.
But it's Week 1, and De'Von Achane is dinged up, and Gordon may have no choice but to get some solid action, and he could potentially deliver big time.
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Why Ollie Gordon is a Week 1 fantasy football sleeper
Gordon has a couple things going for him: availability and opportunity.
The rookie is available in 60% of leagues on ESPN.
And with Achane hurting (but expected to play), Gordon should see touches, particularly down near the goal line.
"The sixth-round rookie is De'Von Achane's backup while Jaylen Wright recovers from a lower-leg injury that could keep him out of the first month of the season," writes ESPN's Eric Moody. "Achane is expected to play as he recovers from his own injury (calf), but don't be surprised if Gordon has close to 10 touches in short-yardage and goal-line situations. The Colts allowed 18 rushing touchdowns last season, tied for seventh most in the league. Gordon rushed for 34 touchdowns over his final two seasons at Oklahoma State, winning the 2023 Doak Walker Award as college football's top running back."
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Should I start or sit Ollie Gordon in fantasy Week 1?
Ollie Gordon isn't an automatic start for Week 1, but he's not a bad FLEX play. It's hard to say that he's just a sit, because there is upside here.
If Gordon finds the end zone, he pretty much pays off the decision to start him almost no matter what.
He's an ideal player to pick up to potentially play if Christian McCaffrey is out (although this is tricky, because Gordon's game kicks off before CMC's).
If nothing else, Achane owners should make sure Gordon is on their team if he's still in the free agent pool.
Gordon is probably a safer start this week than trendy Jacory Croskey-Merritt, just because workload seems a bit more assured for Gordon.
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