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There are a ton of enticing running back plays in Week 3 of the 2020 NFL season, and a few backups could get a chance to step into larger roles because of all the injuries that occurred in Week 2. We’ll help you sort through the mess by going over some of the top plays and fades at the running back position for Week 3 here.
Running back Starts
Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers vs. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have been terrible defensively this year and have given up more fantasy points to running backs than any other team in the NFL. While Ekeler will split touches with Joshua Kelley, that shouldn’t affect his upside much. The Chargers run the ball more than any other team in the league, so Ekeler will likely get more than 10 carries mixed in with a few targets through the air.
Miles Sanders, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Sanders had a strong 2020 debut against the Los Angeles Rams and tallied 95 rushing yards on 20 carries while also hailing in three catches. He left some points on the table by losing a fumble and was targeted seven times in Week 2. Jalen Reagor is set to miss multiple weeks with a thumb injury, so Philadelphia’s do-it-all back could receiver a heavier workload moving forward because of his team’s depleted receiving corps.
Running back Sits
Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Mixon ranks sixth in the NFL in carries with 35, but ranks 23rd in rushing yards with 3.3 yards per carry. While it’s clear that Cincinnati wants him to be an important part of its offense, he doesn’t match up well against the Eagles’ formidable defensive front. The Bengals are fine letting Joe Burrow chuck up as many passes as it takes to keep games competitive.
Leonard Fournette, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Denver Broncos
Fournette exploded for 103 yards and two scores on 12 carries against the Carolina Panthers in Week 2, but don’t get carried away and think that he’s won the starting job over Ronald Jones II. The Panthers have the worst run defense in the NFL so far this season, and Bruce Arians hasn’t given any indication that Jones will be taking a back seat to Fournette moving forward.