Start 'Em, Sit 'Em RBs: Week 3 fantasy football

Running back has been a volatile position in fantasy football again in 2024. Top pick Christian McCaffrey is yet to play and was placed on injured reserve for the next few weeks. Other top picks like Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Kyren Williams aren't in the top 15 through two weeks of action.

Instead, lower picks like Alvin Kamara, J.K. Dobbins, and James Conner have been surprising top producers at the position. With these players producing unexpectedly well, fantasy football managers can gameplan their RBs on a week-to-week basis.

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This week features some intriguing matchups for non-stud running backs and a few worth avoiding. Here are five running backs to start – and five to sit – in Week 3.

Fantasy football start 'em: Week 3 RBs

Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns (vs. New York Giants)

Ford had a rough time in Week 2 with just 64 total yards on eight touches against the Jaguars. Things should be much better in Week 3 against a Giants defense allowing nearly 190 yards per game to running backs so far in 2024.

Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars (at Buffalo Bills)

Etienne's found the end zone in each of the first two weeks of the season but is yet to reach 60 yards from scrimmage in a game. That could change against a Bills defense that's allowed the second-most catches (15) and yards (145) to running backs in the league so far in 2024.

Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. Denver Broncos)

White had a dud of a week (23 total yards) against the Lions in Week 2. But he'll have a much more fantasy-friendly opponent in Week 3. The Broncos are allowing 144 total yards per game to running backs and gave up two touchdowns to running backs in their most recent road game, Week 1's 26-20 loss to the Seahawks.

David Montgomery, Detroit Lions (at Arizona Cardinals)

The Lions lost in Week 2 but Montgomery found the end zone for the second consecutive week. Arizona should be an easier out this week. The Cardinals just allowed the incredibly banged-up Rams to get 18 fantasy points out of their running backs (in PPR leagues). Detroit's much better and healthier and Montgomery will benefit from that.

Jordan Mason, San Francisco 49ers (at Los Angeles Rams)

Speaking of injuries, the 49ers will be without wide receiver Deebo Samuel in Week 3 against the Rams and McCaffrey is on injured reserve with his Achilles and calf injuries. That means more carries for Mason against a Rams defense allowing 28.5 points per game to opponent running backs.

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Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 3 RBs

Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings (vs. Houston Texans)

Jones had a down week against the 49ers in the Vikings' win in Week 2. But that will likely continue against a Texans defense that is holding opposing running back groups to just 48 yards per game.

James Conner, Arizona Cardinals (vs. Detroit Lions)

Conner's been a top-10 RB in all formats in both Week 1 and Week 2. That will likely change in Week 3 against one of the best run defenses in the league. Detroit's allowing just 57 total yards per game and one touchdown to running backs in 2024 on 41 total touches.

Ezekiel Elliott or Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys (vs. Baltimore Ravens)

Either Cowboys running back is worth avoiding in Week 2. They both failed to get much going against the Saints last week and face the top run defense in the league this week. Baltimore's allowing 66 yards per game to opposing running backs and a league-best 2.7 yards per carry.

Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. Los Angeles Chargers)

As a group, Pittsburgh had a solid week on the ground against Denver in Week 2. Harris had the majority of the touches (18 of 31) and managed 74 total yards. He will likely fare worse this week against a Chargers defense allowing 15.7 points per week to opposing running backs.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 3: 9 RBs to start or sit