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Player Updates: Running Backs

Up-to-date player news and fantasy analysis on running backs from around the NFL.

Updates: QBs | WRs | RBs | TEs

🚨 Week 3 🚨

🟢 TNF: Chubb, N. (Cle) · Harris, N. (Pit) SUN: Herbert, K. (Chi) · Robinson, J. (Jax) · Patterson, C. (Atl) · Henry, D. (Ten) · Williams, J. (Det) · Singletary, D. (Buf) · Stevenson, R. (NE) · McCaffrey, C. (Car) MNF: Barkley, S. (NYG)

🟡 TNF: Hunt, K. (Cle) SUN: Pierce, D. (Hou) · Edmonds, C. (Mia) · Hall, B. (NYJ) · Edwards-Helaire, C. (KC) · Wilson Jr., J. (SF) · Cook, D. (Min) · Gordon III, M. (Den) MNF: Pollard, T. (Dal) · Elliott, E. (Dal)

🔴 TNF: Warren, J. (Pit) SUN: Perine, S. (Cin) · Fournette, L. (TB) · Jacobs, J. (LV) · Ekeler, A. (LAC) · Harris, D. (NE) · Taylor, J. (Ind) · Mattison, A. (Min) · Akers, C. (LAR) · Gibson, A. (Was) · Etienne Jr., T. (Jax)

Akers, Cam (LAR)

Week 3: Cam Akers rushed 12 times for 61 yards and one touchdown in the Rams’ Week 3 win over the Cardinals. Akers wasn’t even heard from him in the first half, rushing two times for -1 yards before the break while seeing zero targets, but the Rams chose to feed him in the second half as they attempted to kill the clock. In total, Akers out-carried Darrell Henderson 12-4, and Henderson saw the only target between the two. Akers scored from 14 yards out in the third quarter and had a goal-line look in the fourth but lost a fumble at the one-yard line. Averaging 5.1 YPC Sunday, this is the most we’ve seen from Akers since his torn Achilles in the 2021 offseason. Akers looks like the Rams’ preferred ball-carrier headed into a Week 4 date with the 49ers where he’ll be an RB2/3.

Allgeier, Tyler (Atl)

Week 3: Tyler Allgeier rushed six times for 25 yards in the Falcons’ Week 3 win over the Seahawks, adding a five-yard reception. Allgeier took a clear backset to Cordarrelle Patterson one week after both backs totaled 10 carries. Today, C-Patt went 17/141/1 while Allgeier managed his 6/25. He did at least appear to be safely ahead of Avery Williams. The Falcons seem loath to give Patterson big workloads, but Allgeier hasn’t hinted that he is about to become a touch-based FLEX option behind his veteran, play-making backfield mate.

More on Tyler Allgeier | Atlanta Falcons

Barkley, Saquon (NYG)

Week 3: Saquon Barkley rushed 14 times for 81 yards and one touchdown in the Giants’ Week 3 loss to the Cowboys Monday night. He caught all four of his targets for 45 additional yards in the passing game, pushing Barkley’s total yards to 126 for the night. The lone highlight was a Barkley-esque 36-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to give the Giants a 13-6 lead. They quickly relinquished the lead and never found it again. Prior to the touchdown scamper where he broke multiple tackles on his way to the end zone, Barkley had been bottled up for 39 yards on 11 carries. He continues to look like the only capable player in this offense. Barkley gets a dream Week 4 matchup at home against the lowly Bears, who also somehow have a fluky 2-1 record.

More on Saquon Barkley | NY Giants

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Chubb, Nick (Cle)

Week 3: Nick Chubb rushed 23 times for 113 yards and a touchdown in the Browns’ Week 3 win over the Steelers. Chubb continued his unstoppable start to 2022, twisting the Steelers into knots with his cutting and adding consistent yardage after first contact. His one-yard score in the fourth came after Kareem Hunt failed on back-to-back goal line carries. Chubb runs with a rare combination of fluidity and power. There is not much else to say. Chubb should have positive game script in the Browns’ Week 4 trip to Atlanta, though the Falcons have been a little feistier than expected through two contests.

More on Nick Chubb | Cleveland Browns

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Conner, James (Ari)

Week 3: James Conner rushed 13 times for 39 yards in the Cardinals’ Week 3 loss to the Rams. Conner added three catches for 18 yards on five targets in the pass game. His 57 yards in this one were actually Conner’s most in a game through three weeks. The Cardinals have been getting throttled on the scoreboard in all three contests. Conner’s ankle injury didn’t seem to be an issue, but he isn’t making any plays with the ball in his hand. He’ll try to get things going next week at Carolina, but Arizona’s offense has been in a bad place outside of the fourth quarter in Week 2. Conner is looking like a boom-or-bust low-end RB2.

More on James Conner | Arizona Cardinals

Cook, Dalvin (Min)

Week 3: Dalvin Cook (shoulder) has been ruled out for the rest of Week 3 against the Lions. Cook suffered the injury on a third quarter carry, on which he lost a fumble. Cook came off the field holding his arm/wrist. He was evaluated in the medical tent, then returned to the sideline, seemingly fine. However, he was subsequently ruled out with a shoulder injury. The shoulder designation is concerning, given that Cook has a history of shoulder injuries. His status will be critical to monitor ahead of Week 4. Cook finished his day with 17 rushes for 96 yards and a TD.

More on Dalvin Cook | Minnesota Vikings

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Dillon, A.J. (GB)

Week 3: AJ Dillon had 12 rushes for 32 yards in the Packers’ Week 3 win against the Bucs, adding two catches for three yards. Dillon matched Aaron Jones with a dozen carries and drew three targets to Jones’ 4. Jones ran eight more pass routes on the day. Green Bay couldn’t get anything going on the ground against a stingy Tampa front seven. Dillon’s workload has been solid through three weeks. In Week 2, he saw 18 rushing attempts against the Bears. He should be treated as a RB3 as long as Jones is running (slightly) ahead of him.

More on A.J. Dillon | Green Bay Packers

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Dobbins, J.K. (Bal)

Week 3: Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said J.K. Dobbins is in “good shape” after his season debut in Week 3. Dobbins finally returned to the field after missing all of 2021 and the first two games of this season. While clearly on a pitch count in his return, the fact that Dobbins emerged from the game healthy is a big win for everybody. With a Week 4 matchup against the Bills now on tap, it will be interesting to see if the Ravens ramp up Dobbins’ workload in his second game back. He’s a boom or bust player until he proves capable of handling lead-back duties.

More on J.K. Dobbins | Baltimore Ravens

Edmonds, Chase (Mia)

Week 3: Chase Edmonds rushed six times for 21 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the Dolphins’ Week 3 win over the Bills, adding a six-yard reception. The scores were Edmonds’ first in a Dolphins uniform. That’s the good news. The bad is, he was once again out-touched by Raheem Mostert. Edmonds did out-produce Mostert. Handles and yardage were limited for both with the Dolphins running only 39 plays. We know Edmonds maintains play-making potential, but he has not felt particularly close to developing RB2 value in his new home. The Bengals are on tap for Week 4.

More on Chase Edmonds | Miami Dolphins

Edwards-Helaire, Clyde (KC)

Week 3: Clyde Edwards-Helaire rushed seven times for zero yards and one touchdown in the Chiefs’ Week 3 win over the Colts. That’s tough to do, though Edwards-Helaire was able to save his day with a one-yard touchdown plunge and a 5/39 receiving line on five targets. CEH is a screaming sell-high candidate coming off three strong box scores to open the season, but anyone watching can tell he has very little playmaking ability. The Chiefs got rookie Isiah Pacheco three carries to CEH’s two in the second half, for what it’s worth. With Jerick McKinnon also the favorite on passing downs and in two-minute situations, Edwards-Helaire can’t keep up this scoring pace. The window to sell remains open ahead of a brutal Week 4 date with the Bucs on the road.

More on Clyde Edwards-Helaire | KC Chiefs

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Ekeler, Austin (LAC)

Week 3: Austin Ekeler rushed four times for five yards in the Chargers’ Week 3 loss to the Jaguars, adding eight catches for 48 yards. Ekeler saved face in PPR leagues with three catches for 20 yards on the final drive of the game. The contest had been over for more than a quarter, but the starters inexplicably remained on the field until the final whistle. After three weeks, Ekeler is averaging 27 rushing yards per game. His floor has been boosted by weekly average of seven catches, but the ceiling hasn’t been there. He has also given up goal line work to other backs, further hurting his upside. He will look to bounce back as a solid RB1 bet versus the Texans.

More on Austin Ekeler | LA Chargers

Elliott, Ezekiel (Dal)

Week 3: Ezekiel Elliott rushed 15 times for 73 yards and one touchdown in the Cowboys’ Week 3 win over the Giants Monday night. After posting rushing lines of 10/52 and 15/53 in Weeks 1 and 2, Elliott finally visited pay dirt for the first time this season with a one-yard touchdown plunge in the third quarter to tie the game at 13-13. Tony Pollard still out-shined him with a 13/105 rushing output, but he’s not going away and was still involved at the goal line earlier in the game. The Cowboys are deploying a true timeshare out of the backfield. Elliott and Pollard saw one target apiece, with Elliott catching his for two yards, though he still has negative receiving yards on the year. Elliott will be a TD-or-bust RB2 next week against the Commanders.

More on Ezekiel Elliott | Dallas Cowboys

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Etienne Jr., Travis (Jax)

Week 3: Travis Etienne rushed 13 times for 45 yards in the Jaguars’ Week 3 win over the Chargers, adding three catches for 30 yards. Nearly a third of Etienne’s touches came on the final drive when the team was using him to put the game away. Before that, James Robinson was the team’s lead back. The two split the backfield targets at three a piece. Etienne’s touch count has risen in each of the past two weeks, but the Jags also won both of those games, giving their backfield more looks as a group. For now, he’s an electric committee-back working toward a larger role. That should be good enough for low-end RB3 numbers in Week 4 against the Eagles.

More on Travis Etienne Jr. | Jacksonville Jaguars

Fournette, Leonard (TB)

Week 3: Leonard Fournette had 12 rushes for 35 yards in the Bucs’ Week 3 loss to the Packers, adding five catches for 35 yards. Fournette, who entered Week 3 questionable with a hamstring issue, still has a death grip on the primary ball carrier and pass-catching role in Tom Brady’s offense. He ran a route on a strong 77.7 percent of Brady’s drop backs against Green Bay; only Russell Gage saw more targets (13) than Lombardi Lenny on the day. There’s little indication the decidedly un-explosive Fournette is going to cede an inch to rookie Rachaad White, though White should be rostered in most 12-team leagues as insurance in the case of a Fournette injury.

More on Leonard Fournette | Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Gainwell, Kenneth (Phi)

Week 3: Kenneth Gainwell managed just three touches last game for the Eagles, two fewer than fellow backup Boston Scott, and also had a ball hit off his hands and result in an interception; Gainwell remains firmly behind Miles Sanders on the depth chart despite a favorable Week 3 matchup with a Washington defense allowing 157 yards per game on the ground, which is 28th in the league.

More on Kenneth Gainwell | Philadelphia Eagles

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Gibson, Antonio (Was)

Week 3: Antonio Gibson had 12 rushes for 38 yards and a touchdown in the Commanders’ Week 3 loss to the Eagles, adding one catch for two yards. Gibson (kind of) saved his fantasy day with a fourth quarter one-yard touchdown plunge with the game out of reach. It was a disappointing outcome against a Philly defense that had given up the league’s highest EPA per rush coming into Week 3. As usual, Gibson was not involved in the Commanders’ passing offense while J.D. McKissic caught six of his nine targets for 32 yards. Gibson’s time as Washington’s primary ball carrier could be coming to an end with the return of Brian Robinson (lower body) as soon as Week 5. Gibson should get one more game in his current role next week against the Cowboys. He should be treated as a no-ceiling RB3.

More on Antonio Gibson | Washington Commanders

Gordon III, Melvin (Den)

Week 3: Melvin Gordon rushed 12 times for 26 yards and a touchdown in Denver’s Week 3 win over the 49ers, adding five catches for 29 yards on six targets. 22 of those receiving yards came on a Russ Wilson chest pass as he scrambled forward into what looked to be a tackle near the line of scrimmage. Gordon had two fumbles: one on another catch where he was lucky to recover it on his own in front of the defender who forced it, and another on a run that Russ fell on. However, Gordon got both Broncos red zone carries on their only visit to the territory and came away with a fantasy-saving touchdown run. Denver take on Las Vegas in Week 4 and Gordon will be on the FLEX line.

More on Melvin Gordon III | Denver Broncos

Hall, Breece (NYJ)

Week 3: Breece Hall rushed eight times for 39 yards in the Jets’ Week 3 loss to the Bengals, adding six receptions for an additional 53 yards. With the Jets in a negative game script and Joe Flacco passing 52 times, there was sure to be some targets going around. Hall benefitted and was able togain 92 total yards. Hall ran well today on his limited number of carries. While it’s still a committee with he and Michael Carter, Hall showed today that he is indeed a back with dual-threat skills.

Harris, Damien (NE)

Week 3: Damien Harris rushed 11 times for 41 yards and one touchdown in the Patriots’ Week 3 loss to the Ravens, adding two receptions for five additional yards. Harris had one less carry than Rhamondre Stevenson on the afternoon but salvaged an otherwise quiet day with a two-yard score early in the third quarter. Harris and Stevenson have seen a fairly even touch split on the season, but it was Stevenson who was the better fantasy asset in this one. As was the case last season, Harris looks like a touchdown-dependent option in Week 4 against the Packers.

More on Damien Harris | New England Patriots

Harris, Najee (Pit)

Week 3: Najee Harris rushed 15 times for 56 yards and a touchdown in the Steelers’ Week 3 loss to the Browns, adding three receptions for five additional yards. Harris’ five-yard touchdown to open the second quarter featured a pair of violent stiff arms and a powerful finish near the goal line. Fantasy managers will take it, but he is averaging just 59 yards from scrimmage through three contests. The supposed touch monster has also yet to better 15 carries. Harris has at least managed to reach 18 handles each of the past two weeks. The workloads aren’t the problem so much as Harris’ supporting cast. Although it was better tonight, the offensive line remains a liability. Mitch Trubisky, meanwhile, is threatening precisely nobody under center. Harris will nevertheless remain on the RB1/2 borderline for his plus Week 4 matchup with the Jets.

More on Najee Harris | Pittsburgh Steelers

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Henderson, Darrell (LAR)

Week 3: Darrell Henderson rushed four times for 17 yards in the Rams’ Week 3 win over the Cardinals. He failed to catch his only target in the passing game. Henderson out-carried Cam Akers 4-2 in the first half, but with the Rams nursing a lead after the break, it was all Akers, who finished with 12/61/1 and no targets. Akers has looked like the Rams’ preferred ball-carrier the past two weeks, relegating Henderson to RB3 status ahead of a Week 4 date with the 49ers.

More on Darrell Henderson | Los Angeles Rams

Henry, Derrick (Ten)

Week 3: Derrick Henry rushed 20 times for 85 yards and one touchdown in the Titans’ Week 3 victory over the Raiders, adding five catches for an additional 58 yards. The pass game role was a welcome sight for fantasy managers in Week 3, adding additional floor to Henry’s standard bruising running ability. The 143 combined yards marks his most on the young season and is a reminder of what the physical runner can do when given volume. The Titans offensive line largely held their own, routinely leading to more yards before contact than Henry has seen to this point in the season. The increased pass game involvement will be needed for a Week 4 showdown against division rivals Indianapolis Colts, a team allowing just 77.0 rush yards per game through three weeks.

More on Derrick Henry | Tennessee Titans

Herbert, Khalil (Chi)

Week 3: Khalil Herbert rushed 20 times for 157 yards and two touchdowns in Chicago’s Week 3 win over the Texans, adding two catches for 12 yards. With David Montgomery (knee/ankle) sidelined for the majority of the game, Herbert took over and dominated carries in the red zone. The production was buttressed by a 52-yard scamper in the third quarter, but he didn’t really need that to look good. If Montgomery is out for any period of time, Herbert should not be left on your waiver wire. The Bears simply are committed to the run in a way few other teams in the NFL are. They’ll take on the Giants in Week 4.

More on Khalil Herbert | Chicago Bears

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Hines, Nyheim (Ind)

Week 3: Nyheim Hines rushed three times for seven yards and caught 5-of-6 targets for 23 yards in the Colts’ Week 3 win over the Chiefs. Hines’ six targets were second on the team behind Michael Pittman’s eight, and Hines has now seen target counts of 6, 5, and 6 through three games. He just doesn’t score touchdowns, making Hines a low-floor RB3 most weeks. Hines will fill that role next week against the Titans.

More on Nyheim Hines | Indianapolis Colts

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Hunt, Kareem (Cle)

Week 3: Kareem Hunt rushed 12 times for 47 yards in the Browns’ Week 3 win over the Steelers, adding three receptions for 14 additional yards. ➡️ Hunt now has 30 touches for 135 scoreless yards over his past two appearances. That is despite the fact that he received carries from the Steelers’ three- and one-yard lines in the fourth quarter this evening. He couldn’t convert, and Nick Chubb came in to finish the job one play later. Hunt will continue operating as a solid RB2/FLEX in this run-based offense, but Chubb ensures his spiked weeks will be few and far between.

More on Kareem Hunt | Cleveland Browns

Ingram II, Mark (NO)

Week 3: Mark Ingram rushed five times for 18 yards and a touchdown in the Saints’ Week 3 loss to the Panthers. Ingram was strictly a backup in this game but was fortunate to sub in for Alvin Kamara in the red zone. He punched in the Saints’ first score of the day from five yards out. Ingram is only worth holding onto as an insurance policy on Kamara.

More on Mark Ingram II | New Orleans Saints

Jacobs, Josh (LV)

Week 3: Josh Jacobs rushed 13 times for 66 yards in the Raiders’ Week 3 loss to the Titans, adding five receptions for 31 additional yards. Jacobs, who traveled on his own to Tennessee on Saturday, led Las Vegas’ backfield by a wide margin against the Titans, accounting for 13-of-16 running back carries and 6-of-8 running back targets on the day. The 19 total running back opportunities came on 64 offensive plays for the Raiders, meaning Jacobs accounted for a hefty 29.7% of the offensive opportunities in the narrow defeat. Look for Jacobs to continue his increased pass game involvement in Week 4 as the Raiders play host to a Broncos team allowing only 78.0 rush yards per game.

More on Josh Jacobs | Las Vegas Raiders

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Jones, Aaron (GB)

Week 3: Aaron Jones had 12 rushes for 36 yards in the Packers’ Week 3 loss to the Bucs, adding three catches for 11 yards. Jones led A.J. Dillon in pass routes and targets while splitting the rushing workload right down the middle. Dillon’s fantasy day could have been less nauseating had he held on to a reception near the goal line. He was hit from behind and fumbled the ball in one of the Packers’ few green zone visits. Jones’ usage and production has been highly volatile through three weeks, but he should be a fine RB2 play in Week 4 against the Patriots.

More on Aaron Jones | Green Bay Packers

Kamara, Alvin (NO)

Week 3: Alvin Kamara rushed 15 times for 61 yards in the Saints’ Week 3 loss to the Panthers, adding two catches for 12 yards. Kamara coughed up a first-quarter fumble that was returned for a touchdown by Panthers defensive end Marquis Haynes. The Saints’ lost this game by five, so the touchdown could have been the difference between a win and a loss. Jameis Winston struggled in this game and that is reflected in Kamara’s receiving line. He was targeted seven times but only came away with two catches. Mark Ingram also stole a carry at the five-yard line that he punched into the end zone. With two dissapointing weeks under his belt, Kamara will look to rebound versus the Vikings.

More on Alvin Kamara | New Orleans Saints

McCaffrey, Christian (Car)

Week 3: Christian McCaffrey rushed 25 times for 108 yards in the Panthers’ Week 3 win over the Saints, adding two catches for seven yards. The Saints never showed any life in this game, so the Panthers were able to sit on a lead for almost the entire game. That allowed them to get McCaffrey running downhill versus an exhausted New Orleans defense. McCaffrey was the focal point of the offense, but that mainly came through his work on the ground. He was only targeted four times. The Panthers never made it closer than 16 yards from the end zone, so there was no goal-line work for McCaffrey to take care of. McCaffrey enters Week 4 as a low-end RB1 versus the Cardinals.

More on Christian McCaffrey | Carolina Panthers

Mixon, Joe (Cin)

Week 3: Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said Joe Mixon (ankle) should be good to go for Thursday’s game against the Dolphins. Mixon was unable to finish Sunday’s game against the Jets, with Samaje Perine handling all of the touches in the fourth quarter. Taylor doesn’t appear to be concerned about Mixon’s status heading into a short week against a Dolphins defense that’s allowed 100+ rushing yards in each of its last two games. Assuming Mixon is a full-go, he’s a low-end RB1 in Week 4.

More on Joe Mixon | Cincinnati Bengals

Montgomery, David (Chi)

Week 3: David Montgomery (ankle/knee) left Week 3’s game against the Texans and is doubtful to return. Montgomery got rolled up on while pass blocking, and walked off the field under his own power. The Bears immediately sent him to the blue medical tent, and from there he exited to the locker room. He had three carries for 11 yards before departing. Obviously if he misses real time, this is a Khalil Herbert waiver wire rush week.

More on David Montgomery | Chicago Bears

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Mostert, Raheem (Mia)

Week 3: Raheem Mostert rushed eight times for 11 yards in the Dolphins’ Week 3 win over the Bills. Mostert had zero catches on two targets. Not a productive day, though Mostert did again out-touch Chase Edmonds. It was Edmonds, however, who found the end zone twice on his seven handles. Mired in a true 50-50 committee in an offense that could look different on a weekly basis, Mostert has yet to establish legitimate FLEX value in Miami, including for Week 4 against the Bengals.

More on Raheem Mostert | Miami Dolphins

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Patterson, Cordarrelle (Atl)

Week 3: Cordarrelle Patterson rushed 17 times for 141 yards and a touchdown in the Falcons’ Week 3 win over the Seahawks, adding a 12-yard reception. The career day on the ground was Patterson’s second in three weeks to usher in 2022. His touchdown was a 17-yarder in the second quarter where he appeared shot out of a cannon into the seam. He followed his blockers for six. Elsewhere, Patterson was piling up yards after first contact, throwing some stiff arms and even at one point unveiling a hurdle. The Falcons seem to want to limit Patterson’s touches when possible, but they clearly thought he was their best means of moving the ball in Seattle. They were correct. Patterson will remain on the RB2/FLEX borderline for Week 4 vs. Cleveland.

More on Cordarrelle Patterson | Atlanta Falcons

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Penny, Rashaad (Sea)

Week 3: Rashaad Penny rushed 14 times for 66 yards in the Seahawks’ Week 3 loss to the Falcons, adding a three-yard reception. Penny remained mired in a three-man committee, though he did handle 14-of-21 running back carries. He comfortably out-snapped Ken Walker and DeeJay Dallas. Would-be third-down back Travis Homer departed early with a rib injury. Penny’s 14 carries were a new season high, but it’s still not enough for the noted “rhythm” back. There has been little indication coach Pete Carroll will consider a different deployment moving forward, making Penny a rather-uninspiring FLEX despite his 10-12 carry floor.

More on Rashaad Penny | Seattle Seahawks

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Perine, Samaje (Cin)

Week 3: Samaje Perine rushed nine times for 47 yards in the Bengals’ Week 3 win over the Jets, adding two catches for 14 additional yards and a touchdown. Perine wasn’t much of factor early in the game outside of a 12-yard touchdown catch, but it showed that he’s clearly the man behind Joe Mixon. This was even further evidenced by the fact that he finished the game after Mixon left with an injury late in the third quarter. Perine could end up being an important waiver wire pickup should Mixon miss any time.

More on Samaje Perine | Cincinnati Bengals

Pierce, Dameon (Hou)

Week 3: Dameon Pierce rushed 20 times for 80 yards and a touchdown in Houston’s Week 3 loss to Chicago, adding two catches for 21 receiving yards on two targets. Pierce fumbled twice, once in the red zone that was ignored by Lovie Smith, and another time inside his own 20 that led to a rest-of-game benching. (To be fair, it was two-minute drill offense anyway and these snaps have typically been Rex Burkhead’s this season.) It was a promising third game and Pierce’s rushing totals suffered from Bears defenders getting plenty of penetration on a bad Houston offensive line. The game script likely won’t be as friendly next week for the Texans against the Chargers, assuming that Justin Herbert comes out of Week 3 without any new reasons for concern.

More on Dameon Pierce | Houston Texans

Pollard, Tony (Dal)

Week 3: Tony Pollard rushed 13 times for 105 yards in the Cowboys’ Week 3 win over the Giants. After totaling just 22 yards in a disastrous Week 1 against the Bucs, Pollard has been lights out the last two weeks, amassing 203 yards and one touchdown on 26 touches versus the Bengals and Giants. The Cowboys are deploying a true timeshare with Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott, and it was Elliott who found the end zone in this one, punching in a one-yard score on his way to 15/73/1 on the ground. Pollard’s long run went for 46 yards, and he’s averaging over 6.7 YPC the last two weeks. Pollard will be an RB2/3 next week against the Commanders.

More on Tony Pollard | Dallas Cowboys

Robinson, James (Jax)

Week 3: James Robinson rushed 17 times for 100 yards and a touchdown in the Jaguars’ Week 3 win over the Chargers, adding three catches for 16 yards. Robinson’s day was made by a 50-yard rushing touchdown on a fourth-and-one from midfield. He got the start over Travis Etienne and had a strong lead over him until the final drive when Etienne cleaned things up versus a battered LA defensive line. Etienne ended the day with 13 carries for 45 yards. Robinson is the top back in this committee and is trusted on passing downs, giving him a strong shot at returning RB2 numbers any given week. He will look to repeat the performance when he faces the Eagles next week.

More on James Robinson | Jacksonville Jaguars

Sanders, Miles (Phi)

Week 3: Miles Sanders had 15 rushes for 46 yards in the Eagles’ Week 3 win against the Commanders, adding one catch for -2 yards. No other Eagles running back had more than three carries. Sanders’ highlight was a 13-yard run in the first half, as the Eagles didn’t even try to get anything going on the ground with Jalen Hurts doing whatever he wanted against the Washington secondary. Despite the slow Week 3 outing, Sanders remains the team’s primary ball carrier and has some involvement in the passing offense. He’ll be a RB2/3 option in Week 4 against the Jaguars.

More on Miles Sanders | Philadelphia Eagles

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Singletary, Devin (Buf)

Week 3: Devin Singletary caught 9-of-11 targets for 78 yards and a touchdown in the Bills’ Week 3 loss to the Dolphins, adding nine carries for 13 additional yards. Singletary led the Bills in carries, receptions and receiving yards while tying Stefon Diggs for the team lead in targets. The receiving usage set career highs across the board. Under unrelenting pressure, Josh Allen was forced to check down time and again. The Bills also dominated time of possession, running 90 plays to the Bills’ 39. That’s a staggering differential. This kind of usage will not be a common occurrence for Singletary, especially since Zack Moss and James Cook both remained involved this afternoon. Singletary continues to operate as a fine FLEX option but does not seem to be graduating to RB2 status despite the elite nature of his offense. Baltimore is on tap for Week 4.

More on Devin Singletary | Buffalo Bills

Stevenson, Rhamondre (NE)

Week 3: Rhamondre Stevenson rushed 12 times for 73 yards and one touchdown in the Patriots’ Week 3 loss to the Ravens, adding four receptions for an additional 28 yards. Stevenson out-touched Damien Harris 16-13 on the afternoon, averaging a solid 6.3 yards per touch. Stevenson rushed for 10+ yards on several carries on the afternoon and managed to find the end zone on a one-yard touchdown early in the third quarter. Unquestionably the most versatile back in the Patriots’ backfield, it was only a matter of time before Stevenson would have his first strong fantasy performance of the season. His receiving upside provides a safer floor than that of the touchdown-dependent Harris, but he’s still a low-end RB2 in a backfield that remains fairly split on opportunities.

More on Rhamondre Stevenson | New England Patriots

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Swift, D'Andre (Det)

Week 3: Speaking Monday, Lions HC Dan Campbell suggested RB D’Andre Swift (shoulder) could be held out through the team’s Week 6 bye. There’s still a lot to figure out here, but it sounds like Swift is going to miss some time one way or another. Campbell said that Swift would benefit from taking off the next two weeks, making his return after the team’s Week 6 bye. Should this come to fruition, that would put Swift out until October 23rd, when the team returns in Week 7 to face the Cowboys. We’ll get more information on Swift’s status for Week 4 as the week progresses, but it sounds like a multi-week absence isn’t off the table. Should Swift miss any time, Jamaal Williams would be a weekly top-24 option.

More on D’Andre Swift | Detroit Lions

Taylor, Jonathan (Ind)

Week 3: Jonathan Taylor rushed 21 times for 71 yards in the Colts’ Week 3 win over the Chiefs, adding three catches for 20 yards on five targets. Since his monster Week 1 against the lowly Texans, Taylor has been held to a combined 30/125/0 rushing line over the last two weeks against the Jaguars and Chiefs. Matt Ryan just isn’t threatening defenses at all with his arm. Taylor was stuffed on a couple goal-line looks, and rookie TE Jelani Woods ended up catching a pair of touchdowns, one- and 12-yarders. Taylor has been a bit of a disappointment for fantasy players as the 1.01 pick, but he’ll look to get back in the end zone next week against the Titans.

More on Jonathan Taylor | Indianapolis Colts

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Walker III, Kenneth (Sea)

Week 3: Ken Walker rushed three times for 19 yards in the Seahawks’ Week 3 loss to the Falcons, adding three receptions for 14 additional yards. Walker was a rather distant No. 2 back in a three-man committee. He was out-carried 14-3 by Rashaad Penny and watched DeeJay Dallas and Travis Homer handle most of the third downs. Homer was knocked out with a rib issue. We know Walker has explosive play-making ability, but the Seahawks have a carries logjam between their rookie and Penny, and it’s not surprising Penny is receiving preference for now. It’s a long season, of course, while Penny has a lengthy injury history.

More on Kenneth Walker III | Seattle Seahawks

Warren, Jaylen (Pit)

Week 3: Jaylen Warren rushed four times for 30 yards in the Steelers’ Week 3 loss to the Browns, adding a three-yard reception. Warren posted only 26 fewer yards than Najee Harris on 11 fewer carries. He also had a 35-yard gain on a shovel pass called back by penalty. All four of Warren’s rushes gained at least six yards. That had to catch the Steelers coaching staff’s attention as Harris continued to appear stuck in quicksand, but Warren’s second quarter fumble surely did, too. Thankfully Pittsburgh recovered. Harris’ uncontested backup, Warren is shaping up as a potential plug-and-play RB2 in the event of a Harris injury.

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Williams, Jamaal (Det)

Week 3: Jamaal Williams rushed 20 times for 87 yards in the Lions’ Week 3 loss to the Vikings, adding two receptions for 20 yards on two targets. Williams saw additional playing time against the Vikings with D’Andre Swift dealing with an ankle injury that he appeared to tweak during the game. However, Williams was clearly the Lions’ preferred short yardage back. His two-yard TD came after Amon-Ra St. Brown converted a 4th-down down to the two yards line. Swift was in the game for the 4th-down conversion but was pulled for Williams at the goal line. Williams also got the call on two short 4th down carries, both of which came after commercial breaks—indicating that Williams is the Lions’ preferred short yardage short-yardage back. Williams scored a second TD on a nice 13-yard run. He drew an excessive celebration penalty on that score after daring to pump three times. With swift ailing and with a clear short-yardage role, Williams sets up as a low-end RB2 play against the Seahawks in Week 4.

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Williams, Javonte (Den)

Week 3: Javonte Williams rushed 15 times for 58 yards in Denver’s Week 3 win over San Francisco, adding three catches for two yards on five targets. Denver built an 11-play, 58-yard drive off five Williams carries for 39 yards in the second quarter. While the targets look good in the box score, none of Williams’ catches happen in a position for him to go anywhere without breaking tackles. Williams more-or-less alternated plays with Melvin Gordon despite looking more explosive, which will come as a surprise to nobody who has paid attention to Broncos football over the last year and three games. A juicy matchup against a Raiders team that allowed Derrick Henry to get his groove back is on tap for Week 4.

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Wilson Jr., Jeff (SF)

Week 3: Jeff Wilson rushed 12 times for 75 yards in San Francisco’s Week 3 loss to Denver, adding three catches for 31 additional yards on three targets. Wilson fumbled on San Francisco’s final drive of the game, but he probably just saved 49ers fans a different painful way of seeing Jimmy Garoppolo end the game. Wilson’s 37-yard carry in the first quarter set up the lone 49ers touchdown of the game, and he had an 18-yard carry that got the 49ers into Denver territory before a Garoppolo sack quickly ended the drive. While he’s still a good back, San Francisco’s offensive line situation is starting to look dire and that could ratchet down his fantasy value. He’s best-approached as a low-end RB2 in Week 4’s game against the Rams.

More on Jeff Wilson Jr. | San Francisco 49ers

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