We are still in the early stages of the fantasy football regular season, so deciphering between random variance and future heavyweights remains a challenge. With an increase in injuries, our lineup decisions are only getting more difficult. Let’s take a look at our RB start/sit Week 3 plays. These are only a small sample of start/sit decisions for the week, though. For all your lineup questions, check out our PFN Consensus Rankings.
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Which RBs Should You Start in Fantasy This Week?
Who are a couple of RBs ranked outside the top 24 that fantasy managers should consider getting in their lineups this week?
Joshua Kelley, Los Angeles Chargers (at MIN)
It happens all too often. Fantasy managers shell out a bunch of FAAB for a backup they know is going to take nearly all of the injured starter’s workload, and he just isn’t anywhere near as good as the starter.
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Joshua Kelley played as much as we expected. More, in fact. He was out there for 79% of the snaps. The problem is he turned 13 carries into 39 scoreless yards. As a result, fantasy managers may be scared away this week. I say go back to the well one more time.
The Tennessee Titans have an elite run defense. Of course, Kelley was going to be stymied. He’s not a special player. Thankfully, the Minnesota Vikings are a different story.
D’Andre Swift is a solid player. However, anyone could’ve run through the cavernous holes created by the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line last week. Swift ripped off an incredible 175 yards against the Vikings.
The Los Angeles Chargers have a very good offensive line. If Austin Ekeler sits another week due to his sprained ankle, Kelley is back on the menu.
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons (at DET)
After outproducing Bijan Robinson in Week 1, fantasy managers likely were giddy about starting Tyler Allgeier in Week 2. Things did not go as planned, with Allgeier managing just 48 scoreless yards.
While Robinson is clearly the vastly more talented player, and will eventually pull away, Allgeier’s usage is still significant. He saw a whopping 16 carries as the backup last week. Allgeier also ran 13 routes and played 44% of the snaps. He is on the field and seeing plenty of work.
The Atlanta Falcons scored all of their touchdowns via quarterback Desmond Ridder last week. He threw one and ran for one. The week before, Robinson and Allgeier combined to score three times. That could easily change this week, and I believe it will.
Allgeier is still the primary goal-line back. If the Falcons get in close, which I imagine they will, Allgeier can punch one in.
I can see Allgeier taking 13-15 carries for around 60-70 yards and a touchdown this week. That’s a very viable RB2.
Which RBs Should You Sit in Fantasy This Week?
Who are a couple of RBs ranked inside the top 36 that fantasy managers might want to move away from this week?
Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. PHI)
So, Rachaad White puts up a big game against one of the worst run defenses in the league, and all is forgiven, right? Forget the league-worst efficiency in 2022. Forget the dreadful Week 1 performance this year. It’s all systems go for the replacement-level talent!
Not so fast. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are definitely better than most of us thought they’d be, but this is still not a good situation for White. Most importantly, the matchup this week is terrible.
The Eagles completely erased Alexander Mattison last week, holding him to 28 yards on eight carries. In Week 1, they limited an actually talented Rhamondre Stevenson to 25 yards on 12 carries. I’m not optimistic about White’s prospects on Monday.
Given White’s status as the clear lead back, he can always fall into the end zone. But unless he scores, fantasy managers who start him will likely be disappointed.
Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns (vs. TEN)
No, you should not regret dropping all that FAAB on Jerome Ford this week. Yes, you should probably bench him this week if you can.
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The Titans are going to be a problem for running backs all season. Sure, the volume will be there, but it was there for Kelley last week, and that didn’t go so hot. It was there for Jamaal Williams in Week 1, and he managed 45 yards on his 18 carries.
We are fading running backs facing Tennessee this season. We are especially fading backup running backs making their first career start on a lackluster offense.
The volume will be there for Ford. It, unfortunately, probably won’t matter. Similar to White, or any running back, a short touchdown is always possible. That is likely Ford’s only path to a quality fantasy outing in Week 3.