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In this space, we will highlight recommended fantasy football waiver wire pickups to consider as candidates for Week Three of the 2013 fantasy football season, and your fantasy football rosters.
2013 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 3 Running Backs
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BALLER MOVE: Add immediately in all leagues.
ANALYSIS: With Eddie Lacy leaving Week Two with a concussion, Starks made the most of his opportunity to head Green Bay's rushing attack. The versatile Starks ran roughshod over the suspect Redskins' defense to the tune of 132 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. He also added 36 receiving yards on four catches. With the severity of Lacy's injury still unknown, Starks's strong showing should have earned an increased role in the Packers' rushing attack even if Lacy is ready to go in Week Three. Should Lacy miss time bogged down in the NFL's dreaded concussion protocols, Starks has clearly earned the right to carry the Pack's run game Week Three versus Cincinnati.
BALLER MOVE: Add immediately in all leagues.
ANALYSIS: While Bell has been claimed in most leagues, he is still available in many. Joique is a versatile back who has put up huge numbers so far, especially considering he's a backup. Reggie Bush is in no danger of losing his starting role, but his injury list is growing. Should Bush have to sit out a game at any point, Bell would become a must-start in all formats, but especially in PPR. If your league is one of the 35% or so that Bell is still available in, buy now before it's too late!
BALLER MOVE: Stash in deeper leagues (12+ teams).
ANALYSIS: Mikel Leshoure is available in 90% of leagues. This is probably not a shock to most, considering he has yet to register a carry, but he is worth stashing in deeper leagues. Last season, Leshoure put up over 1,000 yards from scrimmage with nine touchdowns on a shared workload as a rookie. Leshoure has all the tools needed to be a successful back in the NFL. Whether he sees the field as Reggie Bush's or Joique Bell's back up due to injuries, or receives the trade he is hoping for, Leshoure has the skill needed to rack up numbers if he is given the opportunity. Leshoure is talented enough to start in the NFL-- the question is only when and for whom he will get that chance.
BALLER MOVE: Add in deeper leagues (12+ teams)
ANALYSIS: Only consider Rodgers if you are desperately thin at RB. Depending on the severity of Steven Jackson's injury, Rodgers could see some time as a starter in a timeshare with Jason Snelling. That said, Snelling outperformed Rodgers in Week Two, running for 19 yards and a touchdown on just two carries, while Jacquizz registrered 17 yards on 11 carries. Both had four receptions, Rodgers for 28 yards, and Snelling for 41. While Snelling stole the backup show, I wouldn't read into this too much, as Rodgers has been the undeniable backup ahead of of Snelling since he was drafted in 2011. If you are in dire need of a RB fill in, Rodgers could suffice for a week or two if Jackson can't go.
BALLER MOVE: Stash in all leagues.
ANALYSIS: As much as I hate to admit it as a LeSean McCoy owner and fan, Chip Kelly's offense makes a full season for Shady far from a guarantee. Should McCoy miss any time, Bryce Brown, still available in 60% of leagues and former High School Player of the Year, stands to step into a huge role. Last season, Brown showed the football world he can still play. In two games against the Panthers and the Cowboys, Brown combined for 347 yards on the ground with four touchdowns, however he did lose three fumbles. Even with his fumble troubles, Brown was a must start last year while McCoy was out. Brown worked throughout the off season on ball control, and if he can keep from putting the ball on the ground, he could see an increased role on the goal line. If Shady misses any time, the list of RBs I would start over Bryce Brown is shorter than many would believe.
BALLER MOVE: Add immediately in all leagues.
ANALYSIS: I'm shocked that Fred Jackson is still available in nearly 50% of leagues. In a year with such a thin RB class, Jackson should at least be riding the pine in nearly every league. In spite of being C.J. Spiller's backup, Jackson has outperformed Buffalo's starter and forced the Bills into a running-back-by-committee situation early in the season. Jackson has proven he still has gas left in the tank, and though Spiller ran for 103 yards in Week Two, Jackson still had 53 all-purpose yards and was the only one who reached paydirt. Regardless of Spiller's comeback week against the Panthers, Jackson still saw just four fewer touches. In today's NFL, Jackson is one awkward tackle away from being the feature back in a dominant Buffalo run game. Even with Spiller leading the way, Jackson has been a viable PPR flex play with his role in the pass game, already hauling in eight balls this year on 11 targets.
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Don’t forget to check back at RotoBaller.com this for up-to-date waiver wire pickups and fantasy football analysis. Good luck with your decisions in Week Three!
