2023 Fantasy Football Week 3: Start Em’ or Sit Em’ Running Backs

Each week we’ll break down one player that should start in your fantasy lineup and one that would be better left on the bench per position. There are players like Christian McCaffrrey and Derrick Henry who are matchup proof and should be in your starting lineups every week barring a major circumstance.

Running Backs to Start:

Kyren Williams

If you’re not starting Kyren Williams and he’s on your team, you need to. He has multiple touchdowns in both games so far. Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua have been big surprises for the Rams offense this year and as a result of Kyren’s success, the Rams traded Cam Akers away. The Rams are committed to Kyren Williams and we’re rocking with him as a starter for the foreseeable future. 

Travis Etienne

Etienne is our start of the week and we’re projecting he will finish the week as a top 3 scorer. The Jaguars get one of their two annual matchups against the Texans who are no stranger to allowing 200+ yard rushers. The Jaguars shouldn’t have a difficult time at all putting up points against the Texans. Etienne is in store for a monster game. 

D’Andre Swift

After a single carry in week 1, when Swift was able to get starting duties, he rushed for an impressive 175 yards and paired it with a touchdown. The Eagles are going to be riding with the hot hand and this is an offense that can score. Swift sees his workload go up even if Gainwell is back and should be back into your starting lineups. 

Running Backs to Sit:

AJ Dillon

Despite Aaron Jones being banged up, AJ Dillon has been lackluster as his replacement. The Packers now face a New Orleans Saints team that was able to hold all-pro workhorse Derrick Henry without a touchdown. If AJ Dillon starts, he’s not going to have the best day moving the ball. 

Jerome Ford

With Nick Chubb out for the season, Jerome Ford was quickly snagged off the waiver wire in most leagues. After Chubb went out in week 2, Ford had himself a great game with the opportunities he had. That however was against the Steelers, they now get a much better run defense in Tennessee. The addition of Kareem Hunt competing for touches also doesn’t help. Ford is worth the pickup in leagues, but wait until he has a better matchup before we’re comfortable with starting him. 

Joshua Kelley

The Chargers are in store for a shootout against the Minnesota Vikings. With that being said you’d think that Kelley being the starter while Ekeler is out would be worth the start as he’ll have several red zone opportunities. That is not the case as the Chargers lean heavier on the pass and let Justin Herbert do the work when Ekeler is not available. Kelley is a touchdown dependent back during this game.