RBs to start in Week 3
Jaguars’ James Robinson (vs. Dolphins): Besides Minshew, Jacksonville’s offense has been filled with fantasy goodness to begin the season. Following the release of Leonard Fournette before the season, undrafted rookie, James Robinson, had been remarkable for the Jaguars in the first two weeks.
Robinson has scored 31 fantasy points thus far (14th most among RBs) and gets a chance to face a Miami defense that is conceding five yards per carry, which is the fifth-worst mark in the NFL. Also, it’s important to note that Robinson has received 32 of Jacksonville’s 34 running back attempts this season.
Patriots’ James White (vs. Raiders): Ahead of Sunday night’s exciting contest between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, James White was a late scratch for the Patriots. The veteran running back discovered that his father passed away in a car accident, while his mother was in critical condition.
Provided that, it remains to be seen if White rejoins New England before they face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3. If he’s ruled out in Week 3, then Rex Burkhead would become an intriguing option in fantasy football. Regardless of who is suiting up, the Raiders have permitted the fourth-most receptions (16) and the most receiving yards to opposing RBs (177). Putting football aside, we send our condolences to White and his family while he deals with the tragic situation involving his parents.
Other RBs to consider in Week 3: Bears’ David Montgomery (vs. Falcons), Chargers’ Joshua Kelley (vs. Panthers), 49ers’ Jerrick McKinnon (vs. Giants)
RBs to sit in Week 3
Texans’ David Johnson (vs. Steelers): Running the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers just hasn’t panned out for teams so far this season. To kick off the season in Week 1 against the New York Giants, the Steelers held Saquon Barkley to an eye-popping six yards on 15 attempts.
Then, in Week 2, Pittsburgh limited Melvin Gordon to 3.7 yards per attempt on 19 carries. The Steelers are the only team in the NFL that have yet to allow 100+ rushing yards and a rushing touchdown this season. Even though David Johnson might be a must-start in some leagues, it may be wise to proceed with caution on starting him if you have a viable replacement. If not, then don’t expect Johnson to be one of your key contributors in Week 3.
Panthers’ Mike Davis (vs. Chargers): A vast majority of leagues have people clamoring to claim Mike Davis off of waivers due to the injury to McCaffrey. Davis is likely going to see the most touches — at least to begin Sunday’s contest with the Chargers — after catching eight passes for 74 yards in Week 2.
However, Davis is squaring off against a Chargers defense that just limited Clyde Edwards-Helaire to 70 scrimmage yards on 16 touches this past week. Plus, Davis might not be the only player getting carries this week, with Curtis Samuel, Trenton Cannon, and possibly Reggie Bonnafon all having a chance to see work in the running game.
