Fantasy Football running back rankings in Week 3

The cream has started to rise to the top when it comes to RBs through the first two weeks of the fantasy football season. While there are 32 RB1s in the league, there are really only about 10-15 top-tier backs in the game, and depending on the week, 12 of them always end up on this list. These are the Week three fantasy football rankings.

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12. DeVon Achane-Dolphins:

The Dolphins host the Chiefs this week, and while the result isn’t in much doubt, Achane will find the end zone for the first time this year. In the first two weeks, Achane has had 31 rushes and been targeted 11 times out of the backfield.

The Dolphins will need to target him much more this week than the average 21 times he’s had on average each game. The Dolphins will try to shorten this game, which means more rushes and short passes out of the backfield for Achane. 

11. Ashton Jeanty-Raiders:

Jeanty is developing into that next wave of young and emerging RBs in the game. He isn’t quite Gibbs yet, but he’s getting there. He already has 10 catches out of the backfield and is already one of the game’s best two-way backs in the league.

He has two TDs, but they are both receiving. For the Raiders to keep winning and staying in the game, Jeanty will need to see the lion’s share of touches. He’s had 44 rushes and 13 targets so far this year. Look for him to continue to be in the range of 30 per game. In New Orleans this week, he will continue to fill up the box score.

10. Chase Brown-Bengals:

This past week, the Steelers gave up an uncontested run by Treveyon Henderson. Brown is one of the best between-the-tackles running backs in the game.

That run by Henderson has to be looked at by the Bengals’ brain trust. It would be shocking not to see that play more than once in this week’s game against Pittsburgh. brown will break at least one of them.

9. Breece Hall-Jets:

The Lions are 28th against the run this year, and Hall is having a nice start to the year. He has 210 combined yards and is a real threat to catch the ball out of the backfield. It is obvious the way the team intends to use Hall this season…and this week, the Lions won’t put up much of a fight against him.

8. Jonathan Taylor-Colts:

Taylor and Montgomery will each be active in this must-win game. His numbers this season are eerily similar to Derrick Henry. He’s on pace to score 34 TDs and eclipse 2,100 yards. If it weren’t for the Texans’ defense, Taylor would be higher on this list. For much of the year, he’ll crack the top five.

7. David Montgomery-Texans:

Montgomery’s numbers haven’t been great this season, but he has found the end zone three times. Look for CJ Stroud to find him out of the backfield more in the passing game. This is a must-win game, playing against the Colts, who find themselves in the same boat, at 0-2.

Trying to control the clock and minimizing possessions will be the game plan for the Texans, which plays right into Montgomery’s game.

MORE:Fantasy Football injuries: Crucial updates entering Week 3

6. Bijan Robinson-Falcons:

Robinson is truly wasting his career in Atlanta. He is their only weapon besides Drake London, who has yet to produce. Getting Michael Penix back this week should help the offense overall, and Bijan should have chances in the red zone.

5. Derrick Henry-Ravens:

Henry is always dangerous, but coming off a loss, he’s even more lethal. He’s on pace to score 34 TDs and end the season with 2125 combined yds. The Cowboys are 30th against the run this year…uh oh!

4. James Cook-Bills:

Cook is on pace to break 1600 rushing yds this year, and this is the week where he breaks out for the first time this season. The Bills will build such a lead against the Chargers that they will utilize Cook to work some clock and protect Allen. 150+ yds is on the table this week in Buffalo.

3. Christian McCaffrey-49ers:

A healthy McCaffrey is a thing of beauty and one of the most dynamic RBs in the game. He is at home this week against the Cardinals, whom he has always destroyed. He’s on pace to score 17 TDs this year…he’ll maintain that pace after this week’s game. 

2. Kenneth Walker III-Chiefs:

Has there been a better offseason transaction than Walker going to Kansas City? What a perfect addition he has been for Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes; he’s like the shiny new toy under the Christmas tree. Walker will play his first game away from the friendly confines of Arrowhead Stadium, but it’s a soft-landing zone, playing the Dolphins in Miami.

1. Jahmyr Gibbs-Lions:

Gibbs is home this week, with the Jets heading to Detroit. They have averaged over 30pts this season, and that trend will continue this week, with Gibbs leading the way. Triple-digit yardage and at least one TD is a formality.

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