JeremiyahLove

News: 3 days agoLove rushed 21 times for 90 yards and brought in all five targets for 19 yards and a touchdown in the Cardinals' 36-30 loss to the 49ers on Sunday.

Spin: Sunday may have marked the official crowning of Love as the Cardinals' unquestioned lead back, as he took 19 more carries than veteran backup Tyler Allgeier. All of Love's rush attempts, rushing yardage, receptions, receiving yardage and targets were new career-high figures for the rookie first-round pick, who also recorded his first receiving touchdown on a one-yard grab early in the fourth quarter. His draft pedigree and talent always made an ascension to the No. 1 role a matter of when and not if, and it will be interesting to see how the Notre Dame product fares in what could be a favorable Week 4 road matchup against the Giants 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.