Week 3 Running Back Start/Sit Strategy: Should you start Devin Singletary?

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In this article, I will go over running backs to start and sit for week three of the NFL season. As many of the hot waiver wire pickups may have failed in week two like Peyton Barber, Nyheim Hines, and Adrian Peterson, I will be looking at some running backs who have a good chance of putting up solid fantasy numbers in week three.

Start ‘Em

Melvin Gordon
Melvin Gordon currently ranks 12th in the season’s fantasy football point standings for running backs. He was in a position to battle Phillip Lindsay for touches in the Broncos’ backfield, but now Lindsay is injured with a toe issue that is expected to keep him out for 2-4 weeks. This is a prime opportunity for Melvin Gordon to take advantage of the big number of touches he will be getting. Not to mention, the absence of Drew Lock due to injury will also provide him with more touches in the backfield. The Broncos will face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week three, who have allowed some of the most fantasy points to running backs this season, currently ranking 26th in the league.

Kareem Hunt
Kareem Hunt has proven he has the ability to get a healthy amount of touches in the backfield with Nick Chubb. He had more touches than Chubb in week one, but more importantly, he is able to produce even when Chubb gets more touches. Hunt made due last week with 10 carries for 86 yards and one touchdown against the best rush defense in the league, the Baltimore Ravens. Since the Browns are still trying to figure out their passing game, Kareem Hunt will be a go-to option for their rushing offense. The Browns face a tough rush defense in week three against the Washington Football Team, but he will still be involved in week three. I recommend Kareem Hunt as a low-end RB2 and a possible high-end flex play if you drafted him at his low projected value.

Jerick McKinnon
Jerick McKinnon is part of a three-running back committee that includes Raheem Mostert and Tevin Coleman in San Francisco. However, Raheem Mostert went down last week with a knee injury that is bound to keep him out for week three against the Giants. Meanwhile, Tevin Coleman is close to going on IR for four weeks with a knee injury too. Also, without Jimmy Garrapolo under center, the 49ers will have to be creative in using McKinnon in the backfield. He will certainly get a lot of touches in week three, and after his 77 yards and one touchdown from only three carries, he will be a reliable week three option. He is a solid waiver wire starter for week three.

Devin Singletary
Originally, I was not hot on playing Devin Singletary in fantasy football and he has gotten off to a quiet start for the Bills. However, his handcuff, Zack Moss, has been dealing with an injury that may limit him on Sunday. The Bills face off against the Rams, who are ranked 25th in running back fantasy points allowed. With a possible increase in touches and facing a weak rush defense, Devin Singletary has the tools for a successful week three in fantasy football.

Joshua Kelley

Joshua Kelley had a surprising 23 touch game last week against Kansas City. With Justin Jackson being hurt, Joshua Kelley has taken some of the action and sharing it with Austin Ekeler. The Chargers certainly like having another running back to run the ball and let Ekeler do his thing in the passing game. The Carolina Panthers are one of the teams that have allowed the most fantasy points to running backs this season, making Kelley a solid fantasy football flex play.

Sit ‘Em

Antonio Gibson
Antonio Gibson had high hopes of being the clear starter for the Washington Football Team, and since being disappointed in week one, he did put up 12 fantasy points in week two against Arizona. However, I am still not sold on his ability to be a consistent fantasy starter yet. His limited carries due to his participation in a committee with J.D McKissic and Peyton Barber are not attractive to fantasy owners, especially since their offense is below-average overall. Their matchup against a tough Browns’ run defense is not favorable for Antonio Gibson to be a starter for fantasy.

D’Andre Swift
D’Andre Swift was another highly anticipated threat for the Lions’ offense, but a late addition of Adrian Peterson has made it difficult for Swift to be involved in the Lions’ run game committee. He has put up a healthy total of 22 points this season with his involvement in the passing game. But, for week three the Lions play the Cardinals, who I feel will go up early on the Lions and force them to pass for the rest of the game. I would hold off on D’Andre Swift if you are able to start someone else over him.

Dion Lewis
Dion Lewis is the anticipated starter in place of the injured Saquon Barkley for the New York Giants in week three. Last week against Chicago, he was able to put up 15 fantasy points off of 10 carries in the whole game. However, this week the Giants signed veteran Devonta Freeman to their backfield, who could see some touches in week three. The Giants face off against the San Francisco 49ers defense, who were able to contain the rushing efforts of the New York Jets even without Nick Bosa. I am not a fan of starting Dion Lewis for week three as a fast wavier wire pick up for most leagues.