5. C.J. Spiller, Buffalo Bills

Spiller would normally be higher on this list, but he likely won’t get as much work catching the ball in Week 1 as he normally would. New England had the fourth-best passing defense in the league last season, and Spiller was only able to catch six passes in two games against New England last season, according to ESPN. There’s also the chance that the undrafted Jeff Tuel could be throwing him the ball, which would potentially slow down Buffalo’s offense entirely.

Game Projection: 17 carries, 90 yards, two catches, 10 receiving yards

4. Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks

Going up against the Carolina Panthers to start the season, Lynch has an easy matchup. The Panthers allowed over 131 yards per game on the ground to opponents last season, according to NFL stats, and Lynch will be in top shape to begin the year. Lynch was great during the first month of the season last year, earning more yards in September than in October and November, according to CBS Sports. The Seahawks will be looking to get off to a good start, and Lynch will take them there.

Game Projection: 22 carries, 100 yards, one touchdown, one catch, 10 receiving yards

3. Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Bucaneers

Any running back going up against the Jets is bound to have a big day. New York had the seventh-worst rushing defense last season, according to NFL stats, which just won’t cut it against a guy who had over 1,900 total yards this season. Martin is a feast or famine type of back, but this will be one of the weeks he helps teams rather than hurting them.

Game Projection: 29 carries, 120 yards, one touchdown, two catches, 20 receiving yards yards

2. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

It just wouldn’t be fair to put the No. 1 overall pick in most drafts any lower than this, now would it? It’s not just that Peterson is obligated to be this high, though, he deserves it going up against the Detroit Lions. Detroit was in the middle of the pack in terms of rushing defense last year, but in two games last year Peterson gained 273 yards in two games against the Lions. Expect the Vikings to want to control the clock to keep Calvin Johnson off the field, so Peterson could see upwards of 30 carries here.

Game Projection: 25 carries, 120 yards, one touchdown, three catches, 35 receiving yards

1. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs

Charles got back on the right track in 2012 after struggling in 2011, and looks to carry that over into an easy opening matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jacksonville allowed 19 rushing touchdowns to opposing teams last year, the second-most in the league, via NFL stats, and they’ll be going up against a back who ran for 1,509 yards last season. Charles could get close to passing 150 yards on the ground, and will definitely get in the end zone at least once, if not twice.

Game Projection: 30 carries, 150 yards, two touchdowns, one catch, 15 receiving yards