Another week, another group of new running backs to speculate over. The Dolphins’ and Ravens’ backfields continue to be a fantasy cluster of epic proportions. However, we did see some superstar backs put up some much needed big games, while many upper echelon receivers are left us empty handed. Here’s a recap of Week 3!
RUNNING BACKS
David Johnson saw an astounding 79 snaps in Sunday’s disappointing loss to the Bills. He had 19 rushing attempts for 83 yards and 2 TD’s along with 3 catches on 6 targets for 28 yards. Johnson is looking like the #1 running back in fantasy right now. However, Le’Veon Bell returns this week to challenge him for that title. Speaking of the Steelers, DeAngelo Williams’ 52 snaps resulted in just 8 carries for 21 yards as the Steelers fell behind early. Now, he’ll give way to Bell, but it’s possible Williams will see enough touches in week 4 just to be annoying to Bell owners.
The Cowboys finally utilized their stout offensive line and Ezekiel Elliott saw a whopping 30 carries on 50 snaps for 140 yards. That’s going to be the recipe for success in Big D until Tony Romo returns. Todd Gurley finally delivered a performance worthy of his ADP with 27 carries on 52 snaps. His 85 yards rushing and 2 TD’s allowed owners to breathe a sigh of relief after two weeks of nail-biting. The Eagles’ Wendell Smallwood touched the ball 17 times out of 24 snaps and could be the sneaky waiver wire grab while the Eagles are on a bye this week. In your weekly Falcons RB update: Devonta Freeman (38 snaps) saw 14 carries for 152 yards compared to Tevin Coleman’s 27 snaps, 12 carries and 42 yards. But, Coleman had 3 TD’s compared to Freeman’s 1. The situation continues to be impossible to predict.
WIDE RECEIVERS
The story of the week had to be Terrelle Pryor who practically played every position on the field Sunday. Too bad he wasn’t kicking, or the Browns may have gotten their first win of the year. Pryor played 78 snaps with 14 targets, 8 catches, 144 yards receiving, 4 rushes for 21 yards and a TD. Pryor is the only weapon the Browns have left and may actually be fantasy worthy in all leagues as the “last available weapon” in Cleveland. Mike Evans was the other beast in week 3 playing 78 snaps as well, with 13 targets, 10 catches, 132 yards and a TD. Even in Week 4 against the Broncos, he’s a must start!
Despite his injured knee, Brandon Marshall was on the field for 66 snaps, but produced little. We’ll see if he’s healthier this week versus the Seahawks. Marvin Jones saw 8 targets over 65 snaps, but made the most of them with 6 catches for 205 yards and 2 TD’s. T.Y. Hilton was also quite efficient catching 8 of his 11 targets for 174 and a TD over 63 snaps. The biggest disappointment was Kelvin Benjamin who received just 1 target over 61 snaps. That is a mistake the Panthers can ill afford to repeat again this season. Expect a bounce back against the Falcons this week.
TIGHT ENDS
A Gary Barnidge sighting! 82 snaps with 6 targets and 5 catches for 66 yards was a step in the right direction. However, with Cody Kessler at QB, it’s safe to say he won’t be repeating his 2015 breakout totals. Cameron Brate is now the #1 TE in Tampa. His 70 snaps, 10 targets and 5/46/2 line will make him a very hot waiver wire add this week. Coby Fleener, who was left for dead, resurrected his value with 11 targets, 7 catches for 109 yards and a score. Can he repeat those stats two weeks in a row? Don’t count on it. Rob Gronkowski played just 14 snaps but with extra rest it would appear he’ll be full GRONK this weekend against the Bills. His DFS salary is well below normal. Take notice!
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Joe Pisapia (@JoePisapia17) is the eight-time best-selling author of the Fantasy Black Book Series for baseball and football. He hosts The Fantasy Black Book Show Tues/Turs 7-9pm est & Sunday GameDay 8-11am on FNTSY Network Radio.