RBs to Start in Week 3

Bears’ Jordan Howard (vs. Cardinals): Jordan Howard had a rough go in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks. Howard had just 17 touches in the game, with Tarik Cohen getting five touches. The problem is Howard has failed to reach the end zone through two weeks.

I believe that changes this week against a Cardinals defense that has allowed the most points to RBs so far.

Vikings’ Dalvin Cook (vs. Bills): Dalvin Cook is still trying to get back to where he was pre-injury last year. Cook is the featured back for the Vikings but has still yet to hit pay dirt this season. The Vikings should have a touchdown party against an awful Bills defense (so bad, Vontae Davis retired at halftime to not play there again). The Bills defense has allowed the third most points to RBs this year.

Steelers’ James Conner (vs. Buccaneers): It was a huge drop off in touches in Week 2 for James Conner. Conner finished the game with just 13 touches, luckily the day was salvaged with a touchdown. As long as Le’Veon Bell is absent, Conner should see a huge workload. The Steelers need to keep him involved like they did in Week 1. They face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who allow the fourth most points to RBs.

Under-the-Radar RBs

Patriots’ James White (vs. Lions): James White has been one of the focal points on the New England Patriots offense. White is quietly the 12th highest scoring fantasy RB in the NFL. He’ll likely continue to carve a huge role in this offense, especially until wide receiver Julian Edelman comes back. Newly acquired wideout Josh Gordon could take some targets away as well.

I’m not worried though with him playing the Detroit Lions this week, who have allowed the fifth most points to RBs.

Jets’ Isaiah Crowell (vs. Browns): Isaiah Crowell is playing in a revenge game against his former team. Crowell faces the Cleveland Browns this week, who he’d love to run all over. Hopefully Crowell can repeat his Week 1 success, where he had 22.2 fantasy points.

The Browns allow the ninth most points to opposing RBs.

RBs to Sit in Week 3

Broncos’ Royce Freeman (vs. Ravens): Royce Freeman scored his first NFL touchdown last week against the Oakland Raiders. It’s hard to trust Freeman as a steady fantasy back, only because Phillip Lindsay is getting tons of touches as well. Lindsay has actually gotten more touches through two weeks, with 32 to Freeman’s 23. I’d avoid Freeman against the Ravens, who allow second least amount of points to RBs.

Bills’ LeSean McCoy (vs. Vikings): There’s a few reasons I’m avoiding LeSean McCoy this week. First, he has an injury that will likely make him limited this week , if he even plays. Plus, he plays a tough Vikings defense with a rookie QB in Josh Allen, who will likely struggle to have much success. The Vikings have allowed the fifth least amount of points to RBs so far this year.

There’s better options than McCoy this week.