Sep 23-
5 Running Backs For Week 3 on OwnersBox
In week 2 on OwnersBox the running back position was not important to our $10,000 grand prize winner. In the Sunday only contest the winner had Kenneth Gainwell and Ronald Jones. The pair combined for 9 total points. Does this mean you should save your money at the running back position to spend elsewhere? I’m not sure it’s necessary, but in any case I have 5 running backs at a great value for you in week 3.
Jonathan Taylor ($6900) vs Tennessee Titans
Taylor has already been a top-10 running back in rushing attempts through the first two weeks and this is sure to improve with Jacob Eason, Brett Hundley or a hobbled Carson Wentz at quarterback in week 3. I’d expect this offense to run through Taylor this week and the Colts offensive line to dominate the Titans. The Colts weren’t converting rushing attempts inside of the 2-yard line last week but it should be much easier against the Titans. The Titans have given up a touchdown on every drive inside of the 5-yard line.
We’re looking at a Derrick Henry esque workload for Taylor in week 3. He should see 20+ rushing attempts combined with some receiving work as the passing game plan will be limited and risk averse. After going against two top tier rushing defenses in Seattle and Los Angeles expect Taylor’s 3.3 yards per carry to vastly improve.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire ($5800) vs Los Angeles Chargers
Should fantasy managers be giving up on Clyde after a costly fumble last week in Baltimore? Perhaps. But I see this as a get right game for Edwards-Helaire at home against the Chargers. The Bolts could not stop the Cowboys running game last week without Justin Jones. The defensive tackle still isn’t practicing this week etiher. The Cowboys ran for 198 yards, resulting in the Chargers now giving up 6.1 yards per carry on the season.
As 6.5 point home favourites the Chiefs should find themselves in a positive game script and as a result run the football. The numbers don’t indicate it but I thought Clyde looked good last week against a stout Ravens run defense. Andy Reid won’t shy away from giving the ball back to Clyde this week as he’s proven in college and the NFL that he takes great care of the football. Last week was his first career fumble. Just when everyone else is down on him is when you can take advantage of a low roster percentage player on OwnersBox.
James Robinson ($5300) vs Arizona Cardinals
The running back position finally seems to be moving in the correct direction for fantasy managers. Robinson was on the field for 73% of snaps and Carlos Hyde only had a share of 13% of the rushing attempts in week 2. Combine this with the fact that Trevor Lawrence has thrown 5 interceptions in his first 2 starts and Robinson should be the focal point of the offense against Arizona.
Dalvin Cook ran wild on the Cardinals last week, averaging 6 yards per carry. With how electric the Cardinals offense has been for the last two weeks the Jaguars need to try to control the clock and dominate time of possession. That is the best way to for a bad team to stick around is by limiting turnovers and staying on the field. Look for Robinson to see 17-20 opportunities this week and be a safety blanket for Trevor Lawrence.
Mike Davis ($4900) vs New York Giants
The Falcons kicked off the season by losing their first two games by a combined 49 points. This doesn’t bode well for a fantasy football running back. Even so, Davis managed to rank top-20 in running back rushing attempts and top-3 in running back targets. Now the Falcons head to New York to play a giants team that has given up 28.5 points per game.
With a more competitive game script Davis should see even more opportunities to produce fantasy points. With 17 touches per game so far, 23-25 touches is likely in a game the Falcons have a real good shot at winning. The Giants are currently giving up 5.0 yards per carry to opposing running backs, ranking 29th in the NFL. The importance of the running back position in Arthur Smith’s offense cannot be overstated. Even with Cordarelle Patterson’s success through 2 weeks Davis has still seen the field much more often, 69% of snaps to Patterson’s 34%. Get Davis into your lineup at a very affordable price.
Javonte Williams ($4700) vs New York Jets
The Javonte Williams coming out party will be arriving this week, so you better get your ticket. Williams has been splitting time with Gordon and has been the more efficient back. Last week Melvin Gordon averaged just 2.4 yards per carry against the Jaguars while Javonte averaged 4.9. The Broncos are 10 point favourites in this game and as a result should run the ball heavily.
Javonte’s price on OwnersBox is in the same range as Cordarelle Patterson and Nyheim Hines. He should see much more opportunity then those running backs. Williams is averaging 3.04 yards after contact while his longest run is only 16 yards. The Denver tackle breaker is bound for a big play. Look for Williams to prove why he should be the top option in Denver after week 3.
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