Through the opening weeks of the NFL season, we’ve been able to gather valuable backfield data. From snap share to receiving vs. rushing workloads and matchup-based results, a sample size has been established to help determine which running backs you should start or sit. With that in mind, let’s break down my RB start/sit Week 3 picks.
Check out my full Week 3 start/sit article with picks at each position here!
Start ‘Em: Jordan Mason (Vikings) vs. Bengals
The Vikings may end up having no other choice but to give Jordan Mason 20-plus touches on Sunday.
Everything’s falling apart in Minnesota, and we’re only two weeks into the season. Reigning NFL Coach of the Year and renowned quarterback savant Kevin O’Connell hasn’t been able to crack the riddle that is J.J. McCarthy. He won’t get another shot to do so for at least a couple of weeks either, as the redshirt rookie picked up a high ankle sprain.
With McCarthy sidelined, the Vikings turn to journeyman Carson Wentz, which likely means running the ball is going to become a focal point of the gameplan. There’s just one problem: the starting RB is hurt. Aaron Jones strained his hamstring in last week’s loss to Atlanta and is unlikely to play.
That sets up Mason, who is a very capable bellcow, for a massive workload against a Bengals defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing RBs. Need I say more? We could be looking at RB1 numbers from the 26-year-old on Sunday.
Sit ‘Em: Quinshon Judkins (Browns) vs. Packers
Judkins impressed in his NFL debut against a tough run defense. The rookie rushed 10 times for 61 yards, adding three catches for 10 yards. After a tumultuous offseason, Judkins is officially firmly locked in as Cleveland’s lead back. That will lead to plenty of strong fantasy opportunities this year.
It just won’t happen against the Packers.
If you’re not new to my start/sit articles, you know I have one rule thus far in 2025: Avoid Green Bay.
The Packers are a nightmare for everyone lining up on the offensive side of the ball. Micah Parsons and company have decimated Detroit and Washington this season, the two reigning NFC Championship participants. If Green Bay can dominate teams of that caliber, the Browns stand virtually no chance. Keep Judkins on your bench this week.
Check out my full Week 3 start/sit article with picks at each position here!
Start ‘Em: Jaylen Warren (Steelers) at Patriots
Warren earned a “Start” nod for me last week, and I’m running it back. Pun not intended.
Entering the season, some believed rookie Kaleb Johnson had a shot to lead the Steelers’ backfield. However, after one of the most brutal kick return gaffs I’ve ever seen, Johnson will almost certainly be a minuscule part of the gameplan for at least a few weeks. Meanwhile, it’s been Warren who has established himself as the clear RB1 in Pittsburgh.
The 5’8 back hasn’t been particularly efficient rushing the ball, but he’s more than made up for it as a receiver. Through two weeks, Warren has recorded six receptions for 108 yards and a touchdown. This Sunday, he draws an extremely favorable matchup against New England. The Patriots just allowed De’Von Achane to torch them as a receiver out of the backfield with eight catches for 92 yards and a touchdown. Warren holds strong RB2 value as the Steelers look to bounce back.
Sit ‘Em: David Montgomery (Lions) at Ravens
As a David Montgomery truther for the entirety of his career, I must admit… I am concerned. His weak production in the season opener could be chalked up to Green Bay’s stifling defensive line, but only managing 13.1 PPR points and 12 touches in a 52-21 rout of the Bears? That’s noticeable for all the wrong reasons.
In the past two years, Montgomery has dominated on the ground in blowouts, grinding away at opposing defenses with 20 or 25 carries. This year, it appears his usage may be held in check by the Lions to avoid injury risk at 28 years old. Meanwhile, the reigning fantasy RB1 is also seeing a significant downtick in touches, as Jahmyr Gibbs only received 15 opportunities.
With Ben Johnson out of the picture, it seems the Lions are looking to throw the ball more. That’s bad news for their RB2, making me wary of his outlook against Baltimore.
Looking for more RB start/sit Week 3 picks? Stay tuned for my MNF fantasy start/sit article! New RB start/sit picks drop weekly!
Start ‘Em: Rhamondre Stevenson (Patriots) vs. Steelers
The Tre’Veyon Henderson preseason show appears to have just been the opening act for Stevenson, who has served as the clear top running back in New England to open the season.
After dominating backfield touches in Week 1 but not translating them into production, the veteran back made a statement against Miami. Stevenson took 11 carries and five receptions for 142 total yards and 21.2 fantasy points. Receiving work is supposed to be Henderson’s advantage, but the rookie only managed a pair of catches to go along with his three carries for 10 yards.
While I do expect the speedy Ohio State product to ultimately make more of an impact, as long as Stevenson holds onto the ball, he’ll continue to operate as the top back. That should prove beneficial for his fantasy outlook against the Steelers, who just allowed Kenneth Walker to run all over them in Week 2.
Those are my RB start ’em, sit ’em Week 3 fantasy football picks! Stay tuned for more fantasy advice throughout the week.
All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS or DKSB contests.
