Chris Johnson vs Broncos – CJ2K owners have to be somewhat frustrated with their stud running back but he gets a gift from the fantasy gods this week, errr, I mean the Broncos. The Broncos have been atrocious against the run for years and this year is no different. Start CJ with confidence as a shoe-in RB1.
Darren McFadden vs Jets – It is a rare occasion when we suggest starting a running back, or any skill player for that matter against the Jets but this is one of them. McFadden should have a struggle on the ground, but should find a lot of success through the air. McFadden is pretty much the engine of the entire Raiders offense and should get enough targets in the passing game to be a solid RB3 this week. A far cry from his usual RB1 status but not enough to sit him this week.
Jonathan Stewart vs Jacksonville – The Panthers square off against Blaine Gabbert making his first NFL start and the Jaguars. the Jags should be down early which means the Panthers should finally have the opportunity to run the ball. Even if that is not the case Stewart is the running back Newton wants on the field with him and thus Stewart can make an impact in the passing game as his eight reception, 100 yard receiving game last week can attest to. Get him in lineups as a solid flex option. If you need to start him as anything more than a RB3 or flex, you did not do a good job in your draft.
Daniel Thomas vs Cleveland – I am going to go out on a limb here and assume that Daniel Thomas’ heavy workload in week 2 had more to do with their week 3 opponent than Reggie Bush or their week 2 opponent. Simply put OC Brian Daboll was preparing his young running back to take on his former team in the Browns. He should get all the work he can handle this week and is a sneaky RB3 play.
David Nelson vs New England – Nelson was one of the pickups of the week for week three and at 6’5, 220 is quickly becoming one of Ryan Fitzpatrick’s favorite targets. Fresh off a ten reception, one touchdown performance, Nelson seems primed for another big week in what should be a shootout of sorts against division rival New England Patriots. Nelson is looking like a flex play in deeper leagues and PPR leagues will being a flex2 in shallower formats.
Beanie Wells vs Seattle – The Cardinals are expected to be protecting a lead this week against the inept Seahawks and after already matching his TD total from last year Beanie appears poised for a big week in Seattle. Beanie is averaging 91.5 yards per game and if he is able to go after suffering a hamstring injury in Thursdays practice he should be primed for a big day. Wells is a high upside RB2 this week if healthy.
Ben Tate vs the Saints – Arian Foster is set to sit out this week which means it will be the Ben Tate show once again. Despite splitting carries over the first two weeks of the season Tate is the 3rd leading rusher in the NFL and would be first had he got the start in week one or if Foster was more forthcoming and sat out week two like he should have. Tate has always been an exceptional talent and can do everything Foster can do, perhaps better. Lock him in as an RB1 this week.
A.J Green – Green is currently a top ten wideout based on fantasy points and gets a most favorable matchup against a 49ers team that has given up the most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. Green is a high upside WR3 in shallower leagues and a WR2 in deeper leagues this week. Admittedly, it is a lot quicker than most expected but we are witnessing the emergence of a player who will be an elite wideout for years to come.
Sit Em
Denarius Moore vs Jets – Coming off of a solid week where many of his current owners just picked him up off the waiver wire many may feel compelled to start him right away. I shouldn’t have to explain to good managers like you why that is not a good idea with the Raiders facing the Jets in week three. He is still an excellent bench stash/bye week filler but Moore first has to permanently ascend to the starting lineup and have a easier cornerback duo to face before we suggest starting him.
Jahvid Best – Best is recommended sit outside of PPR leagues this week against the Vikings. The Vikings have given up a ton of fantasy points to opposing running backs this season but that is more due to the fact other teams were protecting leads than the Vikings defense. Yes, the Vikings should by all accounts be down once again but they get Pat Williams back this week which should stymie the Lions ineffective run game even more than it has already (3.5 YPC).
Cadillac Williams vs the Ravens – Steven Jackson should be held out again this week as returning vs the Raves is just asking for an injury aggravation. Caddy is not a recommended play his week even as a workhorse as he is also banged up. It is completely probable that the Rams will get the lead and start to run the ball a ton, but we are not putting our money on it. As we all know most running backs are recommended sits against Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs and the Ravens and this week is no different.
Thomas Jones vs the Chargers – The Chiefs lost their best offensive player and they were already looking like the worst team in the league. What I mean to say is, do not expect them to be protecting many leads this season. Jones will have better match-ups this year but with the Chiefs expected to be down early and big we know you have better options this week.
Joseph Addai vs Steelers – It is getting to the point where you trot out Addai more because you have no other option than because he is a good running back option this season. The Peyton Manning injury destroyed Addai’s fantasy value and if that wasn’t enough, a rookie named Delone Carter is hot on Addai’s heels for the starting job. There is now a 60/40 timesplit in place and the Colts will be playing from behind in most weeks, not recipes for fantasy success. Add that the Steelers are this weeks opponent and you should do everything you can to find a replacement this week.
Cedric Benson vs the 49ers – If you have better options than Benson is a recommended sit this week. However with that said we understand that the RB crop this year was and is extremely thin and thus you may have to roll with Benson this Sunday. He is no better than a flex option this week vs Patrick Willis and the 49ers. Benson owners will want to pickup Bernard Scott immediately with news that Benson will be suspended for three games hitting the news wire.
Mike Thomas vs Panthers – Versus the Panthers you ask. Well, yes. This has more to do with a rookie QB making his first start than the Panthers cornerbacks. We recommend a wait-and-see approach this week while Gabbert gets is game legs under him. He is still an option in 12-team leagues but if you play any other format get him on the bench.
