RBs to start in Week 4
Cardinals’ Kenyan Drake (vs. Panthers): Playing the running back that has faced the Carolina Panthers has been a beneficial trend since last season. To begin the 2020 campaign, Josh Jacobs, the duo of Ronald Jones/ Leonard Fournette, and the duo of Austin Ekeler/Joshua Kelley have all averaged 42.83 fantasy points in each of the first three weeks versus the Panthers (second-most in the NFL).
The next running back to get an opportunity to face Carolina’s dismal run defense is Kenyan Drake of the Arizona Cardinals. Drake has yet to score more than 15 points in a single week this season, but there’s a good chance he surpasses that number on Sunday versus the Panthers.
Bills’ Devin Singletary (vs. Raiders): The only team that has been worse to RBs to begin the season in fantasy football than the Panthers is the Las Vegas Raiders. After allowing 28.4 points to Christian McCaffrey in Week 1 and 38.4 points to Alvin Kamara in Week 2, the Raiders struggled slowing down Rex Burkhead in Week 3, giving up 34.8 points to the 30-year-old running back.
Heading into Week 4, it appears Devin Singletary will be the next running back to face Las Vegas’ porous run defense. Through the first three weeks, the Raiders have surrendered 25 receptions (second-most in the NFL) and 249 receiving yards (most in the NFL) to opposing RBs.
Jaguars’ James Robinson (vs. Bengals): While the Jaguars sputtered offensively, for the most part, in Week 3, Robinson was a bright spot for them. The undrafted rookie would flash his receiving ability, catching six passes for 83 yards, and he would also score two rushing touchdowns.
Immediately after his 30.9-point showing against the Miami Dolphins, Robinson could be in for another stellar game in Week 4 versus the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals have given up the second-most rushing yards (466) and are tied for the third-most rushing touchdowns (4) allowed to opposing RBs so far this season.
Other RBs to consider in Week 4: Falcons’ Todd Gurley (vs. Packers), Rams’ Darrell Henderson (vs. Giants), Texans’ David Johnson (vs. Vikings)
RBs to sit in Week 4
Washington’s Antonio Gibson (vs. Ravens): In Week 2, it seemed as if Antonio Gibson earned the right to be the No. 1 back for the Washington Football Team. Nevertheless, despite J.D. McKissic receiving more snaps for Washington, Gibson would still score a modest 13 points in Week 3 versus the Cleveland Browns.
Seeing the lack of weapons that Washington has — outside of Terry McLaurin and Logan Thomas — Gibson can be a solid option in fantasy football this season. With that being said, the rookie rusher could have a tough time getting going against a Baltimore defense that has allowed just 17.63 points per week (fourth-fewest in the NFL) and is one of two teams that has yet to give up a rushing touchdown to an opposing RB.
Chargers’ Joshua Kelley (vs. Buccaneers): Before the Los Angeles Chargers squared off with the Panthers in Week 3, it appeared as if Ekeler and rookie Joshua Kelley were going to have a split workload. On the contrary, Ekeler emerged as the No. 1 back, outscoring the rookie running back 31.3 to 5.2.
Besides seeing a significant decrease in touches, Kelley also lost a fumble versus the Panthers. Even though Kelley should continue to work alongside Ekeler, don’t expect him to get back on track in Week 4 versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have allowed only 2.9 yards per attempt (second-fewest in the NFL).
