JeremiyahLove

News: 14 hours agoLove rushed 12 times for 22 yards and failed to bring in his only target in the Cardinals' 45-21 loss to the Lions on Sunday.

Spin: Love's meager rushing yardage total actually led the Cardinals on the afternoon, and game script had essentially turned away from the run by halftime with Arizona already down 24-7 at that point. The rookie first-round pick was on the sideline by the final drive of the afternoon, and Love finished with a new career low in rushing yards. The downturn on the ground was particularly drastic when compared to Love's previous two games, when he'd gained 153 yards on 35 carries against the 49ers and Giants. Love and the Cardinals will have an uphill battle to bounce back in Week 6 as well, as Arizona pays a visit to the Rams 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.