Start Jeremiyah Love over Marvin Harrison Jr. — Week 1 Start/Sit Verdict

Love edges Harrison, but the committee keeps this from becoming a confident call

Love wins the comparison because his RB17 market standing and stronger projection carry more weight than Harrison's WR32 profile, but this is not a comfortable start call. His ankle is reportedly on track for Sunday (azcardinals.com 2026-09-08), yet Arizona expects him to share work with Tyler Allgeier (azcardinals.com 2026-09-08), making the workload difficult to trust. Harrison's WR1 role and clean availability offer the steadier setup, but the same low-scoring environment limits his ceiling; Love's real risk is that the committee erases his advantage.

What flips it: A setback in Love's ankle recovery or confirmation of a heavier Allgeier share.

Sources: azcardinals.com · Sep 8, 2026

AI editor

Jeremiyah Love

RB17ARIvs LAC

11.012.814.7 Projected Points

Sit

Marvin Harrison Jr.

WR32ARIvs LAC

7.39.411.5 Projected Points

Toss-Up

Why Jeremiyah Love

Sit

Rookie RB in a committee backfield. Explosive big-play back with breakaway speed and pass-game receiving upside.

Sit — RB17 consensus, projects RB16 this week: LAC is the 8th-toughest matchup vs RBs, 17.0 implied team total caps the ceiling.

Explosive, pass-game-capable talent can overcome a difficult scoring environment if his ankle and workload hold up.
The expected committee is the main reason his stronger profile does not translate into a comfortable start.

Latest on Love

Status

Jeremiyah Love is expected to be ready for the Chargers game Sunday after his preseason ankle sprain.

Even If Jeremiyah Love Is 'The Guy,' Likely Won't Have As Many Carries As You Think azcardinals.com · Sep 8, 2026

Role

Jeremiyah Love is expected to share the Cardinals' running back workload with Tyler Allgeier rather than handle every carry.

Even If Jeremiyah Love Is 'The Guy,' Likely Won't Have As Many Carries As You Think azcardinals.com · Sep 8, 2026

Status

Jeremiyah Love was moving around during Monday's walkthrough and progressing, with an official injury designation not required until Wednesday.

Cardinals optimistic rookie RB Love will be ready for opener ESPN · Sep 7, 2026

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Reported by the sources listed — not independently verified.

Why Marvin Harrison Jr.

Toss-Up

WR1 and primary outside receiver. Polished route runner with elite catch-point ability; 2025 production capped by missed games.

Toss-up — WR32 by consensus and projection: LAC is the 9th-toughest matchup vs WRs, 17.0 implied team total caps the ceiling.

His WR1 identity gives him the clearest route to useful volume if Arizona falls behind.
Clean availability matters here because Love's workload and health remain tied together.

Head-to-head stats

Metric	Jeremiyah Love	Marvin Harrison Jr.
Projected points	11.012.814.7	7.39.411.5
Consensus rank	RB17	WR32
Opponent vs position	LAC · 8 of 320-game sample	LAC · 9 of 320-game sample
Rushing Yards	9 of 32	—
Rushing TDs	12 of 32	—
Rushing Attempts	6 of 32	—
Receptions	6 of 32	11 of 32
Receiving Yards	7 of 32	10 of 32
Anytime TD	6 of 32	4 of 32
Receiving TDs	—	5 of 32
Targets	—	16 of 32
Target share	—	17%(2025)
Reception share	—	14%(2025)
Implied total · spread	17.0+11.5	17.0+11.5
Depth chart	RB1	WR1
Snap share	—	71%(2025)
Injury designation	Questionable	—