Which running backs have the most favorable fantasy matchups? Who should you consider sitting?
Here's a breakdown of five notable running backs featured in Sean Koerner, Chris Raybon and Matthew Freedman's Week 3 fantasy football rankings.
The No. 1 RB
Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
Kamara is ranked as the No. 1 RB across standard, PPR and half-PPR formats with a position-high floor, median and ceiling projection in the FantasyLabs Player Models. His ranking isn't surprising considering the Falcons consistently get throttled by pass-catching backs.
The loss of linebacker Deion Jones (foot) and strong safety Keanu Neal (torn ACL) certainly doesn't help Atlanta's cause. The Falcons allowed Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey to pile up 14 catches for 102 yards on 15 targets in Week 2.
The Most Favorable Matchups
Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys
The Seahawks defense isn't anywhere near the unit it once was, and if linebackers Bobby Wagner (groin) and K.J. Wright (knee) remain out, this matchup looks even better for the Cowboys running back. Zeke's 20 touches per game ranks as the sixth-highest mark among backs through the first two weeks.
Koerner, Freedman and Raybon all have Elliott ranked inside the top six across standard, PPR and half-point PPR.
Dalvin Cook or Latavius Murray, Minnesota Vikings
Cook (hamstring) will need to be monitored throughout the week, although he claims to be fine. If he gets a clean bill of health, it doesn't get any better than a 17-point home favorite behind an elite defense.
The Vikings should dominate time of possession against the Bills.
Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams
The Chargers' strength is their secondary, not their run defense. They ranked 25th in Football Outsiders' rush DVOA last season, and through the first two weeks, Pro Football Focus has them graded as the No. 25 rush defense.
Gurley is the unanimous No. 2 running back behind Kamara for Week 3.
Matchup Downgrade
David Johnson, Arizona Cardinals
Through the first two weeks, PFF has the Bears graded as the No. 1 run defense. The Cardinals have struggled to get Johnson going as he has totaled only 85 rushing yards on 22 carries so far.
The Cardinals' 16-point implied team total is the second-lowest mark of the slate.
Want another edge? Be sure to keep up with the week's news on FantasyLabs.
