JeremiyahLove

News: 2 days agoLove rushed 11 times for 41 yards and a touchdown while bringing in two of four targets for nine yards in the Cardinals' 26-14 win over the Chargers on Sunday.

Spin: The rookie had been managing a high-ankle sprain for several weeks, but Love looked to be at full health when he capped off the Cardinals' first possession of the season with a five-yard scoring run around left end. Love found running room mostly at a premium the rest of the afternoon, and he ultimately finished with six fewer carries than veteran backfield mate Tyler Allgeier. Nevertheless, Love's usage also may have been the byproduct of a cautionary approach due to the first-round pick's lack of practice time this summer, and the Notre Dame product therefore could be in store for a larger workload in a Week 2 home showdown against the Seahawks next Sunday.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Love was selected by the Cardinals with the No. 3 overall pick of April's draft. Love has good size and terrific speed (4.36 40-yard dash) to go along with a three-down skill set. He led this year's rookie class in both yards per carry (6.66) and yards after contact (4.16) while ranking second in forced missed tackle rate (3.5) during his collegiate career. He's a capable receiver at all levels, a competent pass blocker and protects the ball well (one fumble on 496 career touches). Love will immediately slot in as Arizona's feature back and, especially considering each of the past nine running backs drafted in the top 12 went on to finish top 12 in fantasy points as a rookie, he should be valued as a midrange RB1 with elite upside.