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Football season is finally here and underway! We’re taking a look at running backs in Week 3 in this piece. With a jam-packed slate, we have a list of RBs you should avoid at all costs and others that you should absolutely find a spot in your lineup for. Let’s dive in!
Start: Carson Steele — Kansas City Chiefs (at ATL)
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Kansas City starting running back Isiah Pacheco landed on IR and is slated for surgery. He’ll be out for the next several weeks. In response, the Chiefs brought back a familiar face in Kareem Hunt. However, Hunt is headed for the practice squad as he tries to work himself into playing shape. The starting running back role in Kansas City is prime for fantasy value. As of now, rookie Carson Steele could lead the way for the foreseeable future. Steele turned seven carries into 24 yards last week. If he gets 15-20 touches in Week 3, he’ll be worthy of a starting spot in your lineup.
Sit: Aaron Jones — Minnesota Vikings (vs HOU)
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Aaron Jones has had a quiet start to his Vikings tenure. It should stay that way in Week 3 in a difficult matchup versus the Texans. Houston is allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs through the first two games of the season. Their pass rush and linebacker play have been exceptional. Jones could find some success in the passing game, though he managed just 9.80 FP last week despite hauling in five receptions.
Start: Brian Robinson Jr. — Washington Commanders (vs CIN)
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Brian Robinson Jr. was dominant against the Giants last week. The third-year back rushed for a career-high 133 yards on just 17 carries. While Austin Ekeler had a decent game in his own right (85 scrimmage yards), Robinson Jr. is a better pure runner and will see between 15-20 touches weekly. Teams having to worry about Jayden Daniels’s scrambling ability has helped open up lanes for Robinson Jr. Even if this offense doesn’t score a ton of points, we could see the Commanders’ rushing attack finding success against the Bengals in this one.
Sit: Najee Harris — Pittsburgh Steelers (vs LAC)
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Opportunity hasn’t been an issue for Najee Harris. He’s seen 37 carries through two games, which is tied for sixth among all running backs. However, he’s yet to score a touchdown and has seen minimal usage in the passing game (four targets). Week 3 should be a defensive battle between the Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers. Harris likely ends the game with 20-plus carries, but his efficiency and touchdown upside is limited.
Start: Tony Pollard — Tennessee Titans (vs GB)
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There was a bit of confusion regarding Tennessee’s backfield in the offseason. Through two weeks, former Cowboy Tony Pollard has run away with the No. 1 role. He’s out-touched backup Tyjae Spears 41-16 thus far. Pollard has seen heavy usage on the ground and through the air. Against the Jets, Pollard handled 17 carries and was targeted six times (catching five) in the passing game. It’s only a matter of time until he breaks off a few big plays. The Packers were gashed by Saquon Barkley two weeks ago and surrendered 135 yards to Jonathan Taylor in Week 2.
Sit: Rachaad White — Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs DEN)
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Rachaad White enters Week 3 with a questionable tag. He should be avoided in all formats heading into a fairly favorable matchup against the Broncos. Last week, White was limited to just 18 yards on 10 carries before exiting the game with an injury. Rookie Bucky Irving wasn’t much better (22 yards on 7 carries), but was impressive in his NFL debut. We could see Tampa Bay handing the keys over to Irving in this one as White nurses back to health. Even if White plays, we’d temper any expectations of him having a big week.
Start: Rhamondre Stevenson — New England Patriots (vs NYJ)
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Rhamondre Stevenson has been a workhorse for the Patriots thus far. Through two weeks, only Josh Jacobs and Jordan Mason have handled more carries than Stevenson. The New England rusher has scored a TD in both games this season. A big part of Stevenson’s usage has been due to game-script. Both games have been close, allowing the Patriots to lean on their run game. We see a similar situation unfolding against the division rival Jets. New York’s offense hasn’t looked impressive, which could lead to a defensive battle. Stevenson should get plenty of opportunities if that happens.
Sit: Ezekiel Elliott — Dallas Cowboys (vs BAL)
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This is not the Ezekiel Elliott of old. The former All-Pro is averaging just 3.5 YPC through two weeks and managed just 16 yards on the ground against the Saints. Week 3 sees Dallas preparing for an 0-2 Baltimore Ravens team that boasts the best rushing defense in the league. No team has allowed fewer rushing yards than the Ravens thus far. Beating Baltimore will come down to Dak Prescott and the Dallas passing game, giving us enough motivation to bench Elliott for another week.
Start: Josh Jacobs — Green Bay Packers (at TEN)
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The Packers will lean on Josh Jacobs for as long as starting QB Jordan Love is on the mend. Jacobs tallied 20 carries last week before the first half concluded. He ended the game with 32 carries for 151 yards. However, Jacobs’ fantasy value has been a bit limited due to his low usage in the passing game and a lack of touchdowns. We think the latter changes in Week 3. Jacobs has solid odds to score his first Packer touchdown against a 0-2 Titans squad.
Sit: D’Andre Swift — Chicago Bears (at IND)
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Chicago’s offense has been disappointing, but the run game has been especially bad thus far. D’Andre Swift was brought in from Philadelphia to lead the backfield, but has managed just 48 yards on 24 carries through his first two weeks in Chicago. Swift and this offense have better days ahead, but we’re wary about the Week 3 outlook. The Colts have gotten destroyed on the ground through the last two weeks, allowing over 150 yards to both Joe Mixon and Josh Jacobs. However, Swift’s skillset leans more toward the pass-catching game than as a pure runner. And, the Colts allowed just 19 receiving yards to Mixon and Jacobs.
