I’m back again to guide you through your running back start/sit questions and help you win the championship. Week 3 of the NFL Season is already here. Last week was chaotic and sad because of the injuries that occurred. It’s been a brutal year for running back injuries. We lost Nick Chubb to a horrific injury that I hope and pray he can return from. We also saw Saquon Barkley get injured and likely miss multiple weeks. This year will be a roller coaster like usual, filled with many highs and some lows. I’ll be here to help you navigate your lineups every week as you look towards winning that elusive championship.
Enjoy the NFL season, and remember it is only around for 18 weekends. Watch as much as you can and soak it all in. It goes by fast, and you don’t want to miss out on the best parts.
Also, enjoy the chaos, as this fantasy football season is unlike anything we have ever experienced. It’s a scary sight looking out at the many running back committees. However, I’ll do my best to advise you on your running back start/sit needs. Look below at my running back start/sit for Week Three.
I’ll be helping the Nerd Herd out this season with some running back Start/Sit for that week of fantasy football. Analysis and reasoning will be provided for every player that I mentioned. I’m here to help you win your fantasy football week and, ultimately, the championship. You might remember me from last year as I covered the start/sit for running backs. This year, I’m again covering the running back start/sit.
Be sure to follow our other start/sit articles and authors; they contain great advice to help you each week.
Changing the Call (QB): Mike Hicks
The Cutback (RB): Jake Oliver
Slant Pattern (WR): Tristan Cook
12 Formation (TE): Steven Pintado
Flex on ‘Em (FLEX): Evan Brown
IDP Start/Sit (IDP): Jon Glosser
There is one thing I want to note. For this article and every running back start/sit article I write, I won’t include players like Christian McCaffrey or Austin Ekeler. These are apparent starts so long as they aren’t on bye or injured. If you don’t start them, well, you’re a Taco. I’ll be focusing on players who are a bit harder to decide whether to start or what to expect from them. All scoring in this article series will be PPR. All stats/RB# number finishes come from FantasyPros. So, let’s make this a great season as we watch over 200+ games of NFL football. It’s back! Good luck with this dynasty fantasy football season.
Start: Najee Harris, Steelers, RB19
I get that Harris has had two awful games to start his season. However, he excels on outside zone rushes, and I have to believe that the Steelers will figure that out. He has a nice matchup against the woeful Las Vegas Raiders defense. They are giving up the third-most points to running backs in fantasy, with 28.1 allowed per game.
And if Harris scores a touchdown, he likely gets above the RB19. He’s still worth a start, as there have been so many injuries to the running back position. Harris is healthy and getting plenty of volume. Fire him up one more week as we see if the Steelers can figure out their offensive problems, namely, Matt Canada.
Start: Javonte Williams, Broncos, RB24
Williams is healthy and productive. He’s averaging an average of 3.8 yards per carry. That could be rust as he returns to top playing form. Williams has been tough to bring down, averaging three yards after contact. That bodes well for his future prospects, as once he starts hitting holes, he will get big yardages.
This week, he faces the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins are giving up the fourth most fantasy points to running backs, 27.2 weekly. Williams will get a good portion of those, well above his RB24 prediction.
Honorable Mention: Joshua Kelly RB22, D’Andre Swift RB14
Sit: Rachaad White, Buccaneers, RB17
White has an awful matchup against the Eagles this week. They have shut down Rhamondre Stevenson, Ezekiel Elliott, and Alexander Mattinson. White isn’t nearly as good as Stevenson, so don’t get deluded by his strong Week Two game. He did that against the weak Bears. The Eagles aren’t weak up front in their defensive line. Nor will the Bucs keep this a close enough game to keep the running game going. Sit White if you can.
Sit: Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots, RB11
Yes, you should still start Stevenson, but if you have other options, seriously consider sitting him. At least lower your expectations, as he has a tough game against the Jets. The Jets are a defense-first team. They have a great defensive line and tough linebackers. The Jets are allowing just 19.7 points per game to running backs. This will be a close game between the two, but I’d look elsewhere, as Stevenson is just averaging 2.8 yards per carry. That won’t add up to a big game this weekend unless he gets lucky for a touchdown. Remember, don’t rely on touchdowns.
Honorable Mention: Jerome Ford RB25
Good luck this week with your running back start/sit dilemmas!
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As always, May the Force be with You…
