We are in Week 3 of the NFL season. The Running Back position continues to be a train wreck. There seems to be less and less players to choose from with all the running back by committees. The key is to fine the guys who will get 15+ carries and going up against weaker run defenses.
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Premium Options
Le’Veon Bell returns from his two game suspension and has an interesting match-up. The St. Louis Rams are not as bad as the first two weeks appear but the Pittsburgh offense is point machine for running backs. DeAngelo Williams was successful the last two weeks so he will still have some role in the past but Bell will be one of the most consistent running backs all season.
The Chicago Bears are disaster right now without Jay Cutler. Marshawn Lynch should easier find the endzone once or twice this weekend. The only minor concern is that the Bears get blown out too quickly so Lynch gets a reduced touches.
Adrian Peterson got going last week after being ignored in Week 1. The Vikings seem to have figured out they win or lose behind Peterson. San Diego was shredded last week by Cincinnati and I expect the same thing this weekend.
With Bell returning for Pittsburgh, Jamaal Charles will be far less owned that he probably should be. As I mentioned last week one of the best things about Charles is that game flow does not really effect his productivity. He is such a vital part of the passing offense that even if the Chiefs fall behind early in Green Bay, he will just rack up plenty of receptions.
Value Options
Joseph Randle has been part of a three-headed monster for the Dallas Cowboys this year but he is getting the most playing time. Brandon Weeden is that starter now so the Cowboys have to rely on the running game. Randle has managed 17 carries per game so far which is decent considering the time share. Atlanta has given up the most fantasy points per game to RB’s. I like Randle’s chances of hitting 100+ total yards and a TD this week.
This is another pick based purely on volume of touches. Jonathan Stewart has 35 carries the first two weeks but has not looked good. He does however get New Orleans this week who if they don’t Drew Brees will likely be in big trouble. Stewart does lose out on some TD chances with Cam Newton around. New Orleans seems to be headed for major offensive struggles which will lead to plenty of carries this week for Stewart with Caroline controlling the clock.
Devonta Freeman will get his chance to shine with Tevin Coleman out with a broken rib. With Terron Ward (an undrafted free agent), the only other RB around he will get almost all of the touches. This is an improved running game going up against a team who just lost their starting QB. Dallas has been one of the easier teams to run on the past few seasons which should lead to good things for Freeman.
Bargain Options
James Starks will be the most owned RB if we get early confirmation on the status of Eddie Lacy being out. Starks looked good last week after Lacy went down and is sitting at a discounted price. He is minimum on DK, cheap on FF and very reasonable on FD. A bargain like this makes lineup building much easier if he is the lead back.
I am not the biggest Isaiah Crowell fan but he has been getting consistent carries. Cleveland is a run first team going about against Oakland who really struggles to stop the run. Crowell has a very nice price on every site and he should be locked in for 15 to 20 carries along with a good shot for a TD.
Bilal Powell’s value will really depend on how healthy Chris Ivory is. Ivory was able to play last week but is said to be very sore and with a short week it could make his status a bit iffy. Powell has managed 30 touches the first two games with Ivory playing so that would only get better if Ivory can’t go. Powell probably isn’t even that crazy of a play if Ivory can go against Philadelphia who seems to be falling apart with his cheap price.