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Week 3 Running Back Preview: Bijan Robinson Set To Dominate

Top Fantasy RBs for Week 3

Here are the top Week 3 running backs, with usage and matchup takeaways that power our Week 3 RB rankings.

Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers

Bijan Robinson, Falcons

Carolina has already allowed 282 rushing yards, the eighth-most through two games. Bijan Robinson just ran for 143 yards against a far more competent Vikings' defense. Additionally, Robinson has the second-most receiving yards (125) out of the backfield. In 2 games versus Carolina last season, Robinson produced 278 scrimmage yards and 4 TDs. This is a blow-up spot for one of the league's top RBs. 

Tyler Allgeier, Falcons

Carolina has already allowed 282 rushing yards, the eighth-most through two games. Bijan Robinson just ran for 143 yards against a far more competent Vikings' defense. Additionally, Robinson has the second-most receiving yards (125) out of the backfield. In 2 games versus Carolina last season, Robinson produced 278 scrimmage yards and 4 TDs. This is a blow-up spot for one of the league's top RBs. 

Chuba Hubbard, Panthers

Hubbard only has 95 rushing yards through two games. He's supplemented his output with a pair of TD receptions, but Atlanta has been stingy against the pass. Hubbard is dominating Carolina's touches, taking 70% of the rush attempts and having a 13% target share. That kind of usage keeps him solidly in RB2 range, even in a tougher matchup and down a couple of linemen. 

Green Bay Packers at Cleveland Browns

Josh Jacobs, Packers

Jacobs landed on the injury report with an ankle, but there’s been no indication that it’s serious. The veteran has compiled 43 touches over the first two games and should remain busy against a formidable Cleveland defense.

Quinshon Judkins, Browns

The Browns threw Judkins into the fire in his NFL debut, leading to a 10-carry, 61-yard effort. He led all Cleveland RBs in carry share (48%) while mixing in for 16% of the routes. Game script could limit his usage against Green Bay, as the Packers will likely play from ahead. The Green Bay defense has also looked like an elite unit through two weeks, surrendering a stifling -0.19 EPA per rush. Consider Judkins a borderline FLEX option.

Dylan Sampson, Browns

Sampson found the end zone in Week 2, but his usage took a hit alongside the debut of Quinshon Judkins. Sampson took only 19% of the rush attempts, 20% of the routes, and 7% of the targets. Jerome Ford remained involved, too, adding further risk to Sampson as a fantasy option. The matchup with Green Bay looks horrible for scoring and efficiency.

Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars

Travis Etienne, Jaguars

Etienne sits top-9 across formats in fantasy scoring so far. But he also sits just 20th among RBs in carry share and 28th in target share. So he’s not likely to keep scoring at quite the same level. That doesn’t stop him from being a solid RB2 for Week 3 lineups, especially in an offense struggling a bit to pass the ball right now. But consider trying to sell Etienne before he regresses.

Nick Chubb, Texans

Chubb gave us a top-20 fantasy line last week, but he needed a late 25-yard TD run to get there. His other 11 carries tallied just 18 yards. That marked just 12 total rushes in a game in which his team never trailed by more than 4 -- and spent most of the time leading, tied, or down by 1. Combine the meh workload with the meh performance, and sitting Chubb feels a lot more comfortable than starting him.

Woody Marks, Texans

The rookie managed just four touches in last week’s loss to the Bucs. But his 37-yard reception (on his only target) represented Houston’s longest play in a poor offensive performance. We’ll see whether that earns Marks more work this week. He’ll certainly need to grow that work share considerably before we can start him.

Bhayshul Tuten, Jaguars

Don’t let Tuten’s Week 2 TD overshadow that he garnered just 10 touches. That marked a big jump in workload and playing time vs. Week 1, but he’ll need to increase both further to make sense in our fantasy lineups.

Cincinnati Bengals at Minnesota Vikings

Chase Brown, Bengals

Brown is off to a disappointing start, averaging 2.4 yards per carry with four catches through two weeks. And now his ceiling takes a hit without QB Joe Burrow. Brown's usage has been strong, though. He ranks fifth among RBs in expected PPR points and should remain plenty busy with Jake Browning under center. Stick with Brown as a volume-based fantasy starter for Week 3's trip to Minnesota. The Vikings were gashed for 219 rushing yards on 5.8 yards per carry by Falcons RBs last week.

Jordan Mason, Vikings

Aaron Jones' hamstring injury leaves Minnesota's backfield to Jordan Mason, Zavier Scott, and potentially Cam Akers. In other words, expect Mason to dominate work. The Vikings are dealing with multiple offensive line injuries. But that concern is mostly offset this week by a plus matchup against the Bengals, who just allowed 126 yards on 5.3 yards per carry to Jaguars RBs last week.

Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots

Jaylen Warren, Steelers

After getting fewer rushes than Kenneth Gainwell in Week 1, Warren took hold of the backfield with 18 touches for 134 yards last week. His backfield touches increased from 54.2% to 66.7%. Gainwell will still get his snaps, but Warren is clearly the top back. The Patriots have done well against the run so far, but Warren’s pass-catching makes him a low-end RB2.

Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots

Stevenson proved he is the lead back for the Patriots with 16 touches for 142 yards. He ended the week as the PPR RB6. The Steelers have been gashed on the ground by both lead backs this season, giving up RB11 and RB9 games. This is a potential smash spot for Stevenson, especially if he can catch a few passes. Trust him as an RB2.

TreVeyon Henderson, Patriots

Antonio Gibson actually got on the field ahead of Henderson last week, which isn’t a great sign for Henderson’s role moving forward. Henderson’s pass protection has been the issue, giving up a sack last week. We did get a flash of his receiving ability, catching two passes for 30 yards. Henderson should stay on your fantasy bench until he gets more playing time.

Kenneth Gainwell, Steelers

Gainwell had 8 touches for 36 yards, another uninspiring performance. You can’t ignore Gainwell getting snaps in the backfield, but he has been averaging only 3.3 yards per touch. He should be benched if possible.

Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles

Saquon Barkley, Eagles

Barkley’s performance has lagged through two weeks, just like the rest of his offense. Although his yards (and yards per carry) increased, Barkley actually dipped from 0.44 rush yards over expected per attempt in Week 1 to minus-0.7 in Week 2, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Of course, he still scored for the second straight game and remains an obvious start.

Kyren Williams, Rams

There’s been lots of talk this week about Blake Corum siphoning work from Williams. But the starter still got 19 touches in the Week 2 win at Tennessee and remains the dominant backfield leader. Philly hits this matchup ranked just 17th in total defensive DVOA and 21st against the run.

New York Jets at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Bucky Irving, Buccaneers

Buffalo just ran for 224 yards and 3 TDs against this defense in Week 2, while Bucky Irving looked explosive against a tough Houston defensive front. Irving is playing a solid 75% of snaps and commanding 69% of Tampa's rushing attempts. He's playing a workhorse role and gets a premier matchup versus a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to RBs. 

Rachaad White, Buccaneers

Rachaad White punched in a TD on Monday, but we can't count on that happening every week. White accounts for 27% of Tampa's rushing attempts but has only commanded a 5% target share as Bucky Irving (16% target rate) has taken over feature back duties. The matchup for White is solid, but he's merely an RB4/flex play with modest PPR appeal. 

Breece Hall, Jets

With Tyrod Taylor taking the start, expect to see a heavy dose of Breece Hall and the ground game in Week 3. Tampa Bay tends to be easier to beat through the air, but the Bucs allowed Bijan Robinson to rush for 100 yards in Week 1, and Nick Chubb scored over 15 fantasy points on Monday. Hall ran for 107 in Week 1 and should see a healthy dose of touches with an outside shot at top-12 volume. 

Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans

Jonathan Taylor, Colts

Through two games, Taylor owns a robust 5.5 yards per carry. He’s encountered some bad TD luck, with Daniel Jones accounting for three one-yard rushing TDs. But that figures to swing back to the RB in time. JT remains a clear RB1 against a Tennessee unit that’s 27th in PFF’s rush defense grades.

Tony Pollard, Titans

Before Week 1, the Titans coaching staff indicated that they wouldn’t put too much on Pollard’s plate. Instead, he’s handled 38 of 40 team RB carries and both RB targets through two games. Tyjae Spears is set to miss another game, setting Pollard up for useful volume. One potential negative, though: Tennessee might be without G Kevin Zeitler and OT JC Latham due to injuries. 

Las Vegas Raiders at Washington Commanders

Ashton Jeanty, Raiders

It’s been an awful start for Jeanty’s NFL career, averaging -0.10 yards before contact. The O-line for the Raiders has done Jeanty no favors, and his touch share decreased to only 70% in Week 2. He becomes a difficult start as more of a low-end RB2 this week. 

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Commanders

JCM only had four touches in Week 2, which resulted in 17 yards. But Austin Ekeler will miss the year, which could cause snap increases. Ultimately, JCM won’t add much as a pass catcher, and Jeremy McNichols should step into that role. He’s an RB3 this week. 

Jeremy McNichols, Commanders

McNichols may take Austin Ekeler’s receiving role on the Commanders and could be in line for a handful of catches this week. With less clarity about how the team will replace Ekeler, McNichols should remain on the bench until more information is available.

Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers

Omarion Hampton, Chargers

Hampton watched Najee Harris take over the backfield work in the fourth quarter last week and match him at 10 opportunities (carries plus targets) for the game. We’ll see whether that holds into this week or shifts back to the rookie. But the uncertainty makes Hampton a risky starter if you have sturdier options.

J.K. Dobbins, Broncos

Dobbins’ playing time dipped in Week 2. That included slipping from a narrow lead in Week 1 pass snaps to a close third behind RJ Harvey and Tyler Badie in Week 2. But Dobbins’ 14 carries easily led the backfield again, and he has scored in each game so far. The uncertainty keeps him from being a good starting option, especially against a Chargers D that has played well through two weeks. But you could do worse if you’re looking outside the top 24 for an option.

RJ Harvey, Broncos

Harvey’s role remained limited in Week 2, though he nudged ahead of J.K. Dobbins and Tyler Badie in pass snaps. The target numbers showed little change, and Harvey did almost nothing on the ground. So he’s not in play for fantasy lineups yet. We’ll watch for further progress in role and/or performance.

Najee Harris, Chargers

Harris took over the fourth-quarter backfield last week and matched Omarion Hampton with 10 opportunities for the game. That’s not enough to make much fantasy impact, though, and we’ll have to see whether the work share swings back toward the rookie this week. Harris belongs on a roster in most leagues, but shouldn’t be in your Week 3 lineup.

New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks

Alvin Kamara, Saints

Kamara is averaging 16.0 carries and 4.0 targets per game so far, ranking 10th among RBs in expected PPR points per game. He sits 13th in actual PPR points per game. Week 3 brings a tough spot in Seattle, but Kamara's role should keep him locked into fantasy lineups.

Ken Walker, Seahawks

Walker was AWESOME last week, ripping off 105 yards and a score on 13 carries and averaging a massive 4.69 yards after contact per attempt. He remained in a time share, playing fewer snaps and finishing with two fewer carries than RB Zach Charbonnet. But we have to believe Walker's piece of the pie grows after that Week 2 showing. Expect 15+ touches with the Seahawks 7.5-point home favorites over the Saints.

Zach Charbonnet, Seahawks

We'll keep an eye on the foot injury that has Charbonnet on this week's injury report. If that's a non-factor, he'll be an upside RB3 or Flex play in a great spot at home for the Saints, who have allowed 4.7 yards per carry to RBs this year.

Dallas Cowboys at Chicago Bears

Javonte Williams, Cowboys

There's nothing fluky about Williams' production so far. He's getting strong usage and is running well. Next up is a Bears defense that's allowed the second-most fantasy points to RBs through two weeks. Williams' Cowboys are sporting a 26-point implied total -- third-highest on the week.

D’Andre Swift, Bears

Swift continued to operate as Chicago's workhorse before garbage time last week. But he turned his 20 touches into just 65 yards. Don't be surprised if he starts losing more work to RB Kyle Monangai or RB Roschon Johnson. But Swift does get an excellent Week 3 matchup against the Cowboys, who rank 24th in run defense DVOA and 32nd in Pro Football Focus run defense grades.

Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Christian McCaffrey, 49ers

McCaffrey had 19 touches for 107 yards and a TD last week, even with Mac Jones at QB. The 49ers aren’t going to overload him, but McCaffrey’s receiving makes him a must-start every week with RB1 overall potential in PPR leagues. The Cardinals are giving up 10.7 PPR points per game to opposing RBs, 23rd in the league. It’s a great spot for CMC.

James Conner, Cardinals

Conner has scored a TD in each game, but has only averaged 48 total yards per game so far this season. Trey Benson has also got more work with Conner, only averaging 63% of backfield touches so far this season. The 49ers are middle of the pack, giving up 3.6 yards per carry to RBs so far. Ultimately, it pushes Conner as a low-end RB2 this week.

Trey Benson, Cardinals

Benson got his first red zone touch last week and is getting some work as a receiver and a runner. Benson’s speed and big play threat make him a high ceiling play, though he isn’t getting enough touches to be consistent. He is a low-end RB3 this week. 

Kansas City Chiefs at New York Giants

Isiah Pacheco, Chiefs

Pacheco’s handled 50% of Kansas City’s rushes, compared to 43% for Hunt. Not ideal for Pacheco, who’s looking to rebound from an injury-ruined 2024. The good news? Week 3 turns up a strong Giants pass rush, one that might put extra emphasis on the run. The Chiefs should also be able to play from ahead in this game, helping boost Pacheco’s FLEX appeal.

Kareem Hunt, Chiefs

Stuck in a timeshare, Hunt managed only 3.6 yards per carry on 13 attempts. There’s no ceiling to chase here. 

Cam Skattebo, Giants

Skattebo saw a 12% carry share in the opener, and then saw that number jump to 55% in Week 2. If the reversal holds – as we expect – the rookie will have a shot at 10-12+ touches against Kansas City. Negative game script is a potential issue here, but note that Skattebo also beat Tyrone Tracy in Week 2 route rate (42% to 40%).

Tyrone Tracy Jr., Giants

Tracy popped up on the injury report with a calf. He should be fine for Sunday night’s matchup vs. Kansas City, but we’d try not to use him after his usage dipped in Week 2. As The Athletic’s Dan Duggan writes, rookie Cam Skattebo “might have already surpassed Tyrone Tracy as the top running back.”

Detroit Lions at Baltimore Ravens

Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions

Baltimore has allowed the second-most receptions (17) to RBs. Meanwhile, Gibbs' 13 grabs rank third at the position. Additionally, Gibbs ranks 18th in rushing. That dual-threat ability keeps him firmly inside top-10 status, and this week's matchup against a Ravens' defense that has allowed 28.1 PPR points per game to RBs looks superb. 

David Montgomery, Lions

Baltimore has been one of the worst pass defenses through two games, but they've also allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to RBs. Expect John Morton to exploit that weakness and rely on his two-headed backfield to slow down Baltimore's potent offense. Montgomery can still be a reliable runner and receiver, and he's commanded all of the carries inside the opponent's 5-yard line so far. Montgomery remains a solid RB2 with plus TD potential in a game that projects to exceed 50 points. 

Derrick Henry, Ravens

The Browns bottled up Derrick Henry last week, but he should get back on track in Week 3. Detroit has allowed both starting RBs they've faced to exceed 14 PPR points and score a TD. It's rare to see Henry have back-to-back quiet games, so expect him to get back on track in a game that boasts the highest projected points scored on this slate. 

Justice Hill, Ravens

Justice Hill is only taking 11% of Baltimore's rushing attempts, but he's playing quite a bit. Hill commands a 44% snap share, and his 11% target rate ranks third on the team. Hill is averaging 5 fantasy opportunities per game, which is enough to put him on the flex radar in a game that has the highest projected score in Week 3.

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Jody Smith, Analyst

Jody Smith has been playing fantasy football for over 30 years, the last 15 as an analyst, writer, and editor. Jody's rankings have been among the most consistent, placing him inside the top-10 in multi-year accuracy.