Running back non-PPR rankings for Week 3 fantasy football

Last week gave us another blow up game from Aaron Jones, the return of Leonard Fournette, Miles Sanders and James Conner and a whole lot of injuries that are trying to sink our fantasy teams. This week we wont have Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, or Raheem Mostert to count on, so we may have to get a little more inventive. But, let’s take a look at some of the injury damage before we delve into who might help us out this week, shall we?

Injury news

The Rams running backs are a group to keep an eye on this week, as Cam Akers and Malcolm Brown aren’t 100 percent, while Darrell Henderson had a breakout day last week. Brown seems like he’ll play, but isn’t a sure bet while Akers has separated cartilage in his ribs, which is probably a pain tolerance thing. If he does play, let’s hope they can give him a pain killer without injecting it directly into his lungs. If all three play, it’s anybody’s ball game.

The 49ers are also hurting big time, but we know that Tevin Coleman is going on IR and Mostert “likely won’t play” according to Kyle Shanahan. Jerick McKinnon and Jeff Wilson will likely share work, but McKinnon has been outstanding so far and is a no-doubt start against the Giants.

Christian McCaffrey is out for 4-6 weeks with an ankle injury and Mike Davis will take over his spot while Curtis Samuel could see some carries as well. Davis caught nine passes in comeback mode last week and has value as a flex play this week against the Chargers.

Saquon Barkley’s season-ending injury pushes Dion Lewis, Wayne Gallman and now Devonta Freeman all into the mix. For this week, the get a 49ers defense that is without Nick Bosa, Solomon Thomas and Dee Ford, so there is room there for fantasy production. The question is, will one back get enough work to be a fantasy asset? If I’m taking the risk here, it’s for Dion Lewis, but only as a flex.

Streaming RBs

Joshua Kelley, Panthers

The Panthers have given up six rushing touchdowns to running backs and rank 29th against the run in DVOA through two games. Kelley is very much in a committee with Austin Ekeler, making both Ekeler and Kelley startable in this matchup.

Myles Gaskin, Dolphins

Gaskin is getting enough work to be useful against a weak Jaguars defense. His ten receptions so far give him a good floor in PPR leagues and he appears to have won the bulk of the work. He’s not a sexy play, but he should give you useful numbers in a flex spot.

James Robinson, Jaguars

Sticking with the Thursday night theme, Robinson has averaged 5.1 yards per carry on 32 attempts while the Dolphins have allowed 4.82 yards per carry. Robinson has averaged 18 touches per game and appears settled into his role as the starter.