Each week Fantasy In Frames is examining some of the most favorable running back matchups each week. So who could be in line for a big performance in Week 3?
The running back landscape has been rather remarkable to start the season with a plethora of injuries and disappointing performances from highly drafted players over the first two weeks. Week 2 saw huge performances from Derrick Henry and Aaron Jones, while Najee Harris who was mentioned here last week had a bounce-back game. And so to Week 3, here are four running back matchups I’m looking to target this coming weekend.
Saquon Barkley (vs. ATL)
SAQUON BARKLEY IS BACK
— PFF (@PFF) September 17, 2021
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After two disappointing outings for the former number two overall pick, Saquon Barkley has the chance to return to form this Sunday. Although his fantasy production was underwhelming there were some positive signs for fantasy managers to take away.
Firstly, we saw his usage increase against Washington from the first game with his snap share percentage and his overall number of touches both taking a step in the right direction, a year on from his ACL injury. He also displayed his breakaway ability with a 41-yard run, more than his entire rushing total the week prior. As the Giants last played on Thursday night Barkley has since had an extra period of rest and I would expect a further uptick in production. New York faces the Atlanta Falcons who have allowed a total of 255 rushing yards so far this season, the 9th most in the league. In a game where the Giants are favorites, this could be the bounce-back game we have all been hoping for from Saquon.
Ty’Son Williams (@DET)
Following injuries to both JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards Ty’Son Williams became the Ravens’ projected starting running back, despite the addition of several veteran backs. Over the first two weeks, although Williams has not quite had the fantasy success many thought he could have, he has still handled the majority of the team’s running back touches and has been efficient with his touches. Over the first two weeks, Williams has registered 6.5 yards per carry, third amongst running backs with at least seven rushes this year.
Williams now faces the Detroit Lions, who have allowed the second-most points to the running back position over the first two weeks of the season. This mirrors the 2020 season in which the Lions were the most favorable matchup for running backs. The Ravens enter the game as around 8-point favorites, meaning Williams should see a positive game script and plenty of opportunities to carve open this below-average defense.
Eli Mitchell (vs. GB)
After being the hottest waiver wire addition after week one, Eli Mitchell was somewhat underwhelming last week against the Eagles. The 49ers’ sixth-round pick in this year’s draft followed up his 104-yard performance with only 42 yards on the ground in week 2, with an additional two yards from two receptions. He was, however, only a matter of inches away from scoring a touchdown, which would have saved his fantasy performance somewhat.
The promising aspect of last week is that Mitchell was the clear lead back, rushing 17 times. This represented around a 70% share of the running back rushes. Although Mitchell came away from the game a little banged up, Kyle Shanahan described the injury as ‘day-to-day’. On top of this, with Mostert out for the year, Ja’Mycal Hasty dealing with a high ankle sprain, and Trey Sermon in the concussion protocol, Mitchell should continue to see the majority of the work – as long as he’s out there. He now faces Green Bay, a team that has already allowed 279 rushing yards this year, the fourth-most in the league. As long as Mitchell is good to go on Sunday night, he should still be in your lineups.
Miles Sanders/Kenneth Gainwell (@DAL)
Miles Sanders has had a fairly solid start to the season, despite not finding the end zone yet in 2021. Sanders saw plenty of work as a receiver in the opening game, reeling in four receptions for 39 yards – adding to his 74-yard rushing performance against Atlanta. A tough 49ers defense limited Sanders to 55 yards on the ground, with a further four yards through the air from one reception in week 2. After a difficult matchup last week, there is a good chance the former Penn State back bounces back on Monday night against Dallas. The Cowboys currently rank 6th in total offensive yards allowed and I would expect this to be a high-scoring, entertaining game, which should see Sanders given plenty of opportunities to produce.
Eagles rookie Kenneth Gainwell may also be a flex option in deeper leagues. Gainwell has cemented his place as the number 2 in the running back room and has seen work in the passing game in both games so far. The fifth-round pick has seen three targets in both games so far, and we should see his role slowly increase as the season progresses. In what is projected to be one of the highest-scoring games of week 3, both Sanders and Gainwell are intriguing options this week.
