Week 3 of the NFL season has arrived! Injuries have already thrown a wrench into multiple backfields around the league, so it’s time to take a deep dive into the position.
Let’s break down my Week 3 start ’em, sit ’em fantasy football running back picks.
Start ‘Em: Brian Robinson Jr. (Commanders) at Bengals
Many of us weren’t sure what to make of the Commanders’ backfield entering the season. Robinson was coming off a solid 2023 campaign in which he racked up over 1,000 scrimmage yards. However, Washington added one of the best dual threat quarterbacks through the draft and signed a big name in Austin Ekeler.
Through two weeks, concerns about Robinson’s role have evaporated. The 25-year-old was involved in both the running and passing game in Week 1 against Tampa Bay and proceeded to torch the Giants on the ground in Week 2, accumulating 133 rushing yards.
Robinson is the clear lead back in Dan Quinn’s run-first scheme, and that should result in strong production on Monday against a Bengals defense that has allowed a whopping 159.5 rushing yards per game.
Sit ‘Em: Aaron Jones (Vikings) vs. Texans
Jones still possesses a decent PPR floor thanks to his pass-catching ability, but Ty Chandler is really making a case for more touches. Minnesota’s backup received 10 carries in the Vikings’ Week 2 upset over San Francisco and turned them into an impressive 82 yards, greatly outproducing his backfield mate.
While the veteran is still a premier playmaker, he’s also 29 years old with a sizable injury history. Minnesota is going to limit his touches with another competent option available in Chandler.
This week, Minnesota draws a Texans defense that has allowed the seventh-fewest rushing yards per contest. If you take Anthony Richardson’s Week 1 stats out of the equation, Houston has absolutely stymied opposing runners. DeMeco Ryans’ gameplan is pretty clear: he’s going to send the house and see if you can handle the pressure. That doesn’t bode well for Jones’ potential fantasy production.
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Start ‘Em: Tony Pollard (Titans) vs. Packers
Will Levis has made some… interesting… decisions in each of Tennessee’s games, but take those out of the equation and the Titans have been more competitive than most were expecting. A large part of that is thanks to Pollard, who has proven his worth early on.
The versatile back has amassed 144 rushing yards on an efficient 4.4 YPC, also catching eight balls on 10 targets for 52 yards. Tyjae Spears is dealing with a small ankle issue, which could result in an increased snap share for Pollard. However, even if Spears is a full-go, the former Cowboy has earned the right to start in fantasy lineups.
Pollard’s explosiveness has been on display early and often, and that should remain the case against a Packers defense that is allowing 142 rushing yards per game. Considering his efficiency and how favorable this matchup is, we’re nearing must-start territory for Tennessee’s lead back on Sunday.
Sit ‘Em: Zamir White (Raiders) vs. Panthers
While a matchup with the Panthers is incredibly enticing, White is a sit for me until further notice.
Zeus is still the lead back in Vegas, but there are two main problems. The first is his lack of efficiency. Whether you put that on the Raiders’ offensive line — which I do, for the most part — or White himself, the 24-year-old has really struggled, averaging just 3.1 yards per attempt.
The second issue is the presence of Alexander Mattison. White was out-snapped by his backfield mate in Week 1, which was quite concerning. That wasn’t the case on Sunday against Baltimore, but Mattison still found a way to vulture the Raiders’ lone rushing touchdown.
While I believe in Zeus’ talent, Offensive Coordinator Luke Getsy appears content riding the hot hand, which will continue to result in an inconsistent workload for White. It’s impossible to trust him, even against an atrocious defense, until he proves himself and actually gets into the end zone.
Check out my full Week 3 start/sit article with picks at each position here!
Start ‘Em: Zach Charbonnet (Seahawks) vs. Dolphins
If Kenneth Walker III is unable to suit up for a second straight week, Charbonnet becomes a must-start. However, even if Walker plays, there’s room for strong numbers for the second-year back.
Charbonnet found a path to production alongside Walker in Week 1 through the passing game, catching a touchdown. Stepping into a larger role against the Patriots, rushing efficiency was still an issue but he found the end zone for a second consecutive outing. The versatile back also caught all five of his targets for 31 yards, proving his worth in PPR leagues.
This week, Seattle takes on a Dolphins defense that has been quite vulnerable against the run. With no Tua Tagovailoa to operate Miami’s high-octane offense, the game script could work in Charbonnet’s favor even more.
Those are my start ’em, sit ’em Week 3 fantasy football running back picks! Stay tuned for more fantasy advice next week.
All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS or DKSB contests.
