Week 3 of the NFL was witness to a multitude of authoritative performances from running backs across the league. Eight half backs surpassed 20 standard fantasy scoring points this week compared to six 20-point efforts from Weeks 1 & 2 combined. Many of the stars, including all of the top-4 scorers, were unexpected heroes who may or may not carry a prominent role into future games.

For every stellar outing there, was another disappointing one. On a handful of teams around the league, there are RBs whom are locked in to the starting role, but are still failing to produce (looking at you, all three Florida teams).

This piece will take a look at all of the changes that occurred around the league this week and analyze which backs can be trusted as the workhorse of his team, and yours, moving forward.

 

AFC EAST: Fantasy Football Running Backs (RB)

Baller Stability Rating	Team Name	Primary Running Back	Backup or Handcuff	Longshot Candidate(s)	Waiver     Wire Watch
Questionable	Patriots	LaGarrette Blount	Dion Lewis, James White	Brandon Bolden	N/A
Solid	Jets	Chris Ivory	Bilal Powell	Zac Stacy	Bilal Powell
Questionable	Bills	LeSean McCoy	Karlos Williams	Bryce Brown, Boobie Dixon	Karlos Williams
Solid	Dolphins	Lamar Miller	Damien Williams, Jonas Gray	Jay Ayaji	N/A

 

LaGarrette Blount finally emerged from hibernation Week 3 against a lackluster Jaguars squad. He was active in both the running and passing game, piling up 92 yards from scrimmage with three total touchdowns. Dion Lewis, who was the surprising star of the Patriots backfield up until now, was still active in this one. He recorded 67 yards on 13 total touches and found the end zone as well. Although Blount was certainly the leader of the pack this week, (his 26 standard points were good for fourth among Week 3 RBs) there is more than meets the eye here. It is worth noting that all of his scores came from 1-yard runs and they all came in the second half once the game was firmly in New England's control. Lewis remained the favored back early in the game. While it seems as if Blount will lead the backfield going forward, there is still no telling what the Pats will do week-to-week. James White also saw some action, gaining 34 yards on six touches.

Chris Ivory (quad) was active for a Week 3 butt-whooping from Philadelphia, but did not play a single snap. The likes of Bilal Powell and Zac Stacey did little against a tough Eagles defense, amassing just 33 yards on 12 attempts between them. The Jets abandoned the run game quite early, so there's a possibility the ground attack may have picked up if given the chance. For Powell, the day wasn't too bad, as he picked up 75 yards from scrimmage, including seven receptions on eight targets. Plus, he showed some nice moves in the open field. Expect Ivory to be a must-start for next week's matchup against a thus-far putrid defense for Miami. The game is in London, so anything can happen. Powell may be a sneaky waiver wire pickup if Ivory continues to struggle with injuries.

LeSean McCoy (hamstring) spent most of his afternoon pedaling the stationary bike on the sideline in a Sunday evening trouncing of the Miami Dolphins. There's really no telling if the injury was too serious to play through, or if head coach Rex Ryan was just being careful with his star RB in the easy win. What is clear is that backup half back Karlos Williams shined yet again in McCoy's absence, rushing for 110 yards and a score on just 12 attempts. Williams' 7.8 YPA are second in the NFL among qualified backs and that figure is becoming difficult to ignore. For now, McCoy remains the unquestioned starter in Buffalo. There is talk that the Bills may rest him next week to give the hamstring a chance to heal. If that is the case, Williams is a must-start Week 4, albeit against a tough Giants run defense.

The Dolphins backfield, along with the rest of the reeling team, put up a miserable performance against Buffalo. Lamar Miller went 7-38-0 and looked pretty ineffective all day. Jonas Gray, shockingly, saw the most action on the ground in this one, gaining 49 yards on nine carries. Still, most of that came in garbage time. Miller is still undoubtedly the starter here, as he out-snapped Gray 44-to-16. Damien Williams saw a few touches as well.

 

AFC WEST: Fantasy Football Running Backs (RB)

Baller Stability Rating	Team Name	Primary Running Back	Backup or Handcuff	Longshot Candidate(s)	Waiver     Wire Watch
Questionable	Broncos	C.J. Anderson	Ronnie Hillman	Juwan Thompson	N/A
Solid	Chiefs	Jamaal Charles	Knile Davis	Charcandrick West, De'Anthony Thomas	N/A
Solid	Raiders	Latavius Murray	Taiwan Jones	Roy Helu	N/A
Volatile	Chargers	Melvin Gordon, Danny Woodhead	Branden Oliver	Donald Brown	N/A

 

It was a concussion-filled evening for the Broncos tail backs. C.J. Anderson missed most of the first half being evaluated in the locker room, but was ultimately cleared and returned to play. Still, for the third straight week, Anderson was held to under 30 yards from scrimmage. It has been a disappointing year thus far for the much-hyped RB, yet it seems he still remains the top option in the Denver backfield. Juwan Thompson saw some action, even getting a goal line opportunity in a crucial moment. He was stopped short (in gruesome fashion) and evaluated for concussion symptoms as well, ending his night. Hillman was the only fully healthy back on Sunday night, as he received the ball on the very next play to vulture the one-yard score. He finished with a meager 16 yards on eight touches and remains an unappealing fantasy option.

The Chiefs could only give Jamaal Charles 11 carries on Monday night, as they were playing catch up against the Packers all game long. Still, Charles managed 82 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns. As always, Charles is a huge red zone threat for the Chiefs and should continue to be for many weeks and years to come. De'Anthony Thomas was the only other back with a carry in this one and it went for -7 yards.

Latavius Murray was very strong in a tight contest against the Browns, posting an impressive 26-139-1 line. Through three games, Murray is averaging over 100 YPG from scrimmage and has established himself as a clear top-10 fantasy running back. His stock should be even higher considering there is no threat or handcuff from the backups in Oakland.

The roles became a bit more defined in the Chargers backfield in Week 3. Melvin Gordon asserted his role as the lead back, although he still has not put up a dominant performance. The rookie ran for 51 yards on 14 attempts. Not terrible. Danny Woodhead is still the main threat in the passing game. His role was much more modest this week, as he reeled in all three of his targets, gaining 32 yards in the process. Branden Oliver saw some serious action as well, rushing for 26 yards on eight carries. For now it seems as if the Chargers will stick with Gordon as the starting back. Yet, Woodhead is likely the most fantasy relevant at this point. In reality, none of them are very good options.

 

AFC NORTH: Fantasy Football Running Backs (RB)

Baller Stability Rating	Team Name	Primary Running Back	Backup or Handcuff	Longshot Candidate(s)	Waiver     Wire Watch
Solid	Ravens	Justin Forsett	Lorenzo Taliaferro	Javorius Allen	N/A
Solid	Steelers	Le'Veon Bell	DeAngelo Williams	Dri Archer	N/A
Volatile	Bengals	Giovani Bernard	Jeremy Hill	Rex Burkhead	N/A
Volatile	Browns	Isaiah Crowell	Duke Johnson	Shaun Draughn	Duke Johnson

 

Despite a mediocre performance, Justin Forsett remains locked in as the starting back in Baltimore. He out-snapped his backups 62-to-9. With that being said, he only managed 13 yards on 10 carries, adding just 16 more yards (on six targets!) in the pass game. Lorenzo Taliaferro and Javorius Allen tallied three carries each, amounting to basically nothing. Things are not looking good for the Ravens.

Back to the real world. Le'Veon Bell looked like his usual self upon returning from suspension Week 3. The star half back was all over the field on Sunday, making significant gains in both the run and pass games. In total, he racked up 132 yards and a score in typical fashion. The two-week dominance of backup DeAngelo Williams appears to be a mere afterthought, as the veteran received just one carry on five snaps. The injury to Ben Roethlisberger (knee) could play a major role for Bell in the weeks to come. There is a possibility that the increased workload will lead to increased production, ultimately benefiting fantasy owners. There is an equal chance that defenses will be allowed to hone in on Bell in Big Ben's absence and severely limit his output. Only time will tell.

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis doesn't seem to have much faith in second-year RB Jeremy Hill. After making comments last week about not playing a back who fumbles the ball, Lewis stated this week that Giovani Bernard will continue to be the trusted guy in tight situations. However, in a Week 3 thriller against the Ravens, Bernard seemed to be the preferred tail back in most occasions. He out-snapped Hill 51-to-26, out-touched him 16-to-12 AND out-gained him 83-to-21. All of this is very bad news for Hill and Hill-owners. The Bengals remain committed to giving Hill a chance to redeem himself. He will have to do something big next week in a tough matchup against a stout Kansas City defensive unit.

It is probably wise to just avoid the Browns backfield when it comes to fantasy. Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson essentially split snaps again on Sunday, with Crowell the clear favorite in the run game and Johnson the main asset in the passing attack. Johnson gained 35 total yards, compared to 36 for Crowell. The continue to provide nearly identical outputs. The problem is, that output is paltry. Johnson may have some PPR/dynasty value moving forward.

 

AFC SOUTH: Fantasy Football Running Backs (RB)

Baller Stability Rating	Team Name	Primary Running Back	Backup or Handcuff	Longshot Candidates	Waiver     Wire Watch
Solid	Colts	Frank Gore	Josh Robinson	Tyler Varga	N/A
Soon-to-be-Solid	Texans	Arian Foster	Chris Polk, Alfred Blue	Jonathan Grimes	N/A
Volatile	Titans	Bishop Sankey	Dexter McCluster, Antonio Andrews	Terrance West, David Cobb	Antonio Andrews, Dexter McCluster
Solid	Jaguars	T.J. Yeldon	Denard Robsinson, Bernard Pierce	Corey Grant	N/A

 

Frank Gore bounced back well on Sunday, racking up 94 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns. After a pedestrian performance against the Jets Week 2, it was nice to see Gore get going in a crucial win against Tennessee. There is no one behind Gore on the depth chart threatening the veteran's hold on starting duties. Look for Gore to keep things rolling in a Week 4 matchup against Jacksonville.

Alfred Blue got the nod in Houston's Week 3 matchup against the Buccaneers and came through in a big way. The leader of the alleged RBBC posted a 31-139-1 line, finally providing a spark for the Texans run game. The dominant performance really came out of nowhere, much to the chagrin of owners who swapped Blue for Chris Polk Week 3, like myself. All of this will soon be in retrospect, as it appears that Arian Foster may be poised for a Week 4 return against a red-hot Falcons team. When Foster returns, the RBBC will quickly turn into a backup-by-committee. If Foster needs another week to recover, look for Blue to get the nod one more time. It is worth noting that Jonathan Grimes made his mark in the passing game, hauling in 4-of-4 targets for 19 yards.

Another bizarre week from the Titans backfield. The unexpected star of Week 3 was Antonio Andrews, who amassed 61 yards on a team-leading 13 touches with a touchdown. Through three weeks, three different backs have led the Titans in scoring. The wise move would be to stash one or two of them, but keep them on the bench. There's no telling who will be the starter from week to week. McCluster and Sankey put up nearly identical performances. However, it is important to take into account McCluster's team-leading 36 snaps compared to 23 for Andrews and 18 for Sankey.

There was really nothing to be proud of on either side of the ball in Jacksonville's demeaning loss against New England on Sunday. It was another uninspired performance from Yeldon, who gained 42 yards on 13 touches. No Jaguars running back has recorded a touchdown yet this year. All four tail backs saw a piece of the action on Sunday as the Jags tried to jump start a lackluster ground attack any way possible. Still, Yeldon received a vast majority of the snaps and carries, further assuring that he is locked in as the top guy. It would not be shocking to see that change eventually if the rookie continues to disappoint.

 

NFC EAST: Fantasy Football Running Backs (RB)

Baller Stability Rating	Team Name	Primary Running Back	Backup or Handcuff	Longshot Candidates	Waiver      Wire Watch
Volatile	Giants	Rashad Jennings	Andre Williams, Shane Vereen	Orleans Darkwa	N/A
Questionable	Eagles	DeMarco Murray	Ryan Mathews,Darren Sproles	Kenjon Barner	N/A
Solid	Cowboys	Joseph Randle	Darren McFadden, Lance Dunbar	Christine Michael	Lance Dunbar
Volatile	Redskins	Matt Jones	Alfred Morris	Chris Thompson	N/A

 

The three-headed monster continued to be raged on for the Giants on Thursday night against the Redskins. Although the rushing game was somewhat more effective this time, no single RB distinguished himself as they all received nearly the same amount of snaps and produced similar amounts of yardage. This is a pure RBBC and no back will hold any value until he begins to create some separation from the other two. For the record, Rashad Jennings was the only one who factored into the passing game, catching 3-of-3 targets for 25 yards.

The Eagles ground game finally found some consistency in the absence of starter DeMarco Murray. Going against a tough Jets defense, Ryan Mathews rushed for 110 yards on 25 carries while Darren Sproles added 17 yards and a score. The pair added another 39 yards on six receptions. This has become an interesting situation. It is not entirely clear whether or not Murray will resume starting duties upon his return Week 4. His salary is likely too large to make him a backup, but a committee approach is not out of the question. Look for Ryan Mathews to see a bigger piece of the pie in the weeks to come.

Lance Dunbar is not a running back. In the 2015 season, Dunbar has run the ball just twice for 13 yards. Yet, through three games, Dunbar has reeled in 21-of-22 targets for 215 yards. His role in the passing attack has increased with each passing week and his value in PPR continues to soar. Meanwhile, Joseph Randle put on a clinic, posting a 14-87-3 line. I think it's safe to say that Randle is the starting half back in Dallas, while Dunbar has created a new NFL position. Darren McFadden continues to receive occasional work, going 6-35-1 against the Falcons. Both Randle and Dunbar are worth owning in most league formats.

In yet another shocking turn of events, third-string tail back Chris Thompson led the Redskins backfield in fantasy scoring in a Week 3 whooping fro the Giants. The relatively unknown RB out-snapped Alfred Morris and Matt Jones combined. Jones, who was the surprising sensation of Week 2, rushed the ball 11 times for 38 yards and fumbled for the second time in three games. If the ball security issues continue for Jones, he will no longer be trusted with regular duties. For now, it would seem like he's the top guy moving forward. Thompson is likely just a one-week wonder, while Morris has, for some reason, faded into the background.

 

NFC WEST: Fantasy Football Running Backs (RB)

Baller Stability Rating	Team Name	Primary Running Back	Backup or Handcuff	Longshot Candidates	Waiver Wire Watch
Solid	49ers	Carlos Hyde	Mike Davis	Reggie Bush, Jerrod Hayne	N/A
Solid	Seahawks	Marshawn Lynch	Thomas Rawls	Fred Jackson	Thomas Rawls
Questionable	Cardinals	Chris Johnson, Andre Ellington	David Johnson	Stepfan Taylor	N/A
Questionable	Rams	Tre Mason, Todd Gurley	Benny Cunningham	Isaiah Pead	N/A

 

Carlos Hyde led the 49ers backfield in a crushing loss to the Cardinals on Sunday, rushing for 51 yards on 15 carries. The Niners did not have much time to run the ball as they dug themselves into a deep and early hole. If San Francisco ever plays another good game this season, expect Hyde to put up big numbers. If they continue to play from behind like they have the past two weeks, Hyde may never have a chance to prove his worth over the course of an entire game. Mike Davis saw some meaningful time, but only managed 11 yards on eight touches.

It was a short day of work for Marshawn Lynch, who only saw 11 snaps before exiting with a hamstring injury. In his stead, undrafted rookie Thomas Rawls went off to the tune of 104 yards on 16 carries. The Seahawks are awaiting the MRI results on Lynch's hamstring. As soon as he is healthy, which could very well be this week, Beast Mode will resume his role as the only RB in the Seattle backfield. In his absence, Rawls, along with veteran Fred Jackson, will split carries. Considering the ball security issues Jackson displayed earlier this year, the team may elect to go with Rawls more often. He could be a valuable waiver wire pickup depending on Lynch's availability. The Seahawks will have an extra day to decide as the team hosts the Lions on Monday night.

Behold, the Chris Johnson of old! Johnson had another solid week in the absence of Andre Ellington as the Cardinals trounced the Niners on Sunday, posting a dominant 22-110-2 line, adding a 40-yard reception. Ellington is set to return Week 4, which will likely trigger an interesting backfield situation for the surging Cardinals. It would be impossible for Arizona to bench C. Johnson after a week like this. Also, rookie David Johnson has earned a regular role out of the backfield with his impressive play. My prediction is that C. Johnson will continue to receive the bulk of the work in the ground game, while Ellington and D. Johnson gain yards in the pass game.

In his first week of NFL action, Todd Gurley saw only 14-of-52 snaps and gained only nine yards on six attempts. Tre Mason led the team again in snaps (23) attempts (9) and yards from scrimmage (31). Obviously, he didn't put up a stellar performance, either, and by no means strengthened his hold on the job. Make no mistake, Gurley will take over this job soon. Jeff Fisher hinted at Gurley seeing more action in Week 4. Count on his workload increasing with each passing week. Benn Cunningham now has 10 receptions for 122 yards on the season.

 

NFC NORTH: Fantasy Football Running Backs (RB)

Baller Stability Rating	Team Name	Primary Running Back	Backup or Handcuff	Longshot Candidates	Waiver Wire Watch
Questionable	Packers	Eddie Lacy	James Starks	Alonzo Harris	James Starks
Volatile	Lions	Ameer Abdullah,Joique Bell	Theo Riddick	Zach Zenner	Theo Riddick
Solid	Bears	Matt Forte	Jacquizz Rodgers	Jeremy Langford	N/A
Solid	Vikings	Adrian Peterson	Jerick McKinnon	Matt Asiata	N/A

 

Unfortunately for the Packers half backs, Aaron Rodgers accounted for all five Packers touchdowns with his arm in a dominant victory over the Chiefs on Monday night. The good news is that Eddie Lacy's ankle looked fine, as the bruising back plowed through Kansas City's stout defense for 87 yards on 13 touches. James Starks saw plenty of action in this one despite Lacy's clean bill of health, carrying the ball 17 times for a meager 32 yards. It's not exactly clear whether Starks received so much work due to Lacy's ankle or if the Packers plan on moving forward with a two-tiered rushing attack. As long as this situation remains, Starks will continue to hold value in most fantasy formats.

The Lions run game remained putrid on Sunday night against the Broncos. Through three weeks, Detroit's 45.0 rush YPG are, by a considerable margin, the lowest total in the league. Ameer Abdullah saw the most snaps (37), Joique Bell received the most carries (10), Abdullah rushed for the most yards (23), while Bell scored the only touchdown. The hidden aspect of these stats is the prominence of Theo Riddick in the passing game. Riddick has now caught 15-of-18 targets for 144 yards and a score in 2015. Not only is Riddick worth a look on the waiver wire, he may be the only fantasy-worthwhile back in detroit despire being the third stringer.

Matt Forte is officially the only meaningful asset left on a ravaged Chicago roster. He couldn't do much against the Seahawks defense, unsurprisingly. Forte posted a 20-74-0 line as the Bears were shut out in Seattle. Jacquizz Rodgers added 11 yards on four carries.

Another day at the office for Adrian Peterson. The MVP half back graced us all with a 20-126-2 performance on Sunday. In standard fashion, Peterson dismantled the Chargers defense and seems to be rolling like his old 2012 self. Matt Asiate and Jerrick McKinnon both saw a handful of snaps and carries. Hey, someone has to go to work while AP catches his breath.

 

NFC SOUTH: Fantasy Football Running Backs (RB)

Baller Stability Rating	Team Name	Primary Running Back	Backup or Handcuff	Longshot Candidates	Waiver Wire Watch
Solid	Saints	Mark Ingram	Khiry Robinson	C.J. Spiller	N/A
Questionable	Falcons	Devonta Freeman	Tevin Coleman	Terrone Ward	N/A
Solid	Panthers	Jonathan Stewart	Fozzy Whittaker	Cameron Artis-Payne	N/A
Questionable	Buccaneers	Doug Martin	Charles Sims	Mike James, Bobby Rainey	Charles Sims

 

Mark Ingram retained his hold as the main man in New Orleans, racking up 99 yards from scrimmage with a rushing touchdown. Khiry Robinson assumed the backup duties, as he out-snapped, out-carried and out-gained C.J. Spiller on the ground. Although the Saints have been using their backfield often in the passing game, Ingram has been the main beneficiary of that, catching 16-of17 targets for 152 yards. If Spiller is planning on contributing at all this year, he hasn't shown it yet.

Devonta Freeman was the story of Week 3. The second-year back accounted for 193 yards from scrimmage with a whopping three scores. This was one of the all-time dominant fantasy performances from a running back. With Tevin Coleman (ribs) sidelined, Freeman had his way with a ravaged Cowboys defense. The Falcons took advantage of injuries to the Dallas defense, including a long stretch of the game during which Sean Lee was in the locker room getting stitches in his lip. There is essentially no one behind Freeman and Coleman in the Atlanta backfield. As long as Coleman is out, look for Freeman to be the only and only guy here.

Why must we continue to dwell on this? Jonathan Stewart remains the only serviceable running back in Carolina, as he rushed for 52 yards on 14 carries Week 3. With that being said, he hasn't been terribly productive thus far. In 145 snaps, Stewart has carried the ball 49 times for 170 yards (3.5 AVG) and no touchdowns. While Stewart is a must-own in most league formats, its possible he should be benched until the Panthers can turn their run game around.

The tides have begun to turn in Tampa Bay. Doug Martin narrowly out-snapped Charles Sims 31-to-30; however, Sims was easily the more productive of the two in the passing game. Sims gained 41 yards on two receptions including a 32-yard touchdown pass. For now, Muscle Hamster continues to receive the bulk of the work, as he out-carried Sims 14-to-6. If he continues to be ineffective, look for the more talented Sims to take over starting duties in Tampa sooner rather than later. Pick up Sims immediately.

 

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