Price Debuts as Seahawks RB1 vs Patriots

Jadarian Price's first NFL carry is tonight. The Seahawks' first-round pick is the clear Week 1 lead back against the New England Patriots at Lumen Field (8:20 ET / 5:20 PT, NBC) with Zach Charbonnet starting the year on PUP, per Seahawks.com and NBC Sports' Pro Football Talk.

Kickoff is a Super Bowl LX rematch. TreVeyon Henderson is OUT for New England with an ankle injury, so Seattle's rookie faces a Patriots backfield leaning on Rhamondre Stevenson. That is the board for Wednesday night.

RB1 with Charbonnet on PUP

Charbonnet is recovering from an ACL injury and is parked on the physically unable to perform list. PFT called Price the clear-cut No. 1 with George Holani and Emanuel Wilson behind him. Mike Macdonald said he is excited for JD's first game and first NFL carry. Price said the moment is a dream come true and that his mom will be in the building.

Price did not play in the preseason but treated a joint practice against the Titans like a game. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said Price will be a big factor even if Seattle uses two or three backs. Holani figures into third downs and pass protection. Do not invent a 20-carry lock. Expect Price to lead the room.

Patriots without Henderson, rematch stakes

Reuters confirmed Henderson did not practice all week after an Aug. 24 slip and is ruled out for the opener. Ben Brown (knee) is also OUT. Christian Barmore is cleared. On Seattle's side, Ty Okada is OUT, while Nick Emmanwori and Tory Horton are questionable. Prior notes on Henderson sitting Week 1 already framed New England's backfield problem. Tonight is Price's debut problem.

Fantasy managers should rank Price as the primary Seahawks runner until Holani steals obvious passing-down snaps. Season-long drafts that took him as the Charbonnet fill-in get their first live look under the lights. DFS stacks that need a volume stamp can wait for in-game usage, but the pregame lean is Price first.

Seattle wants the defending champs to look like themselves on night one. New England wants Stevenson to carry a heavier bag without Henderson. Price is the new variable. First carry, first drive, first answer for a backfield that spent August without its veteran lead.

Lumen Field. Rematch energy. A rookie with the ball and a heavy Week 1 workload waiting. That is opening night for Jadarian Price.