Top Waiver Wire Running Backs for Week 3
Week 3 has a mix of pretty reliable running back additions in the short term and some even for the longer term. Javorius Allen and Giovani Bernard lead the way for Week 3 pickups.
1. Giovani Bernard (RB-CIN) 46% OWN
With the injury to star running back Joe Mixon, the Bengals will have no choice but to look towards Bernard to help fill the void. Mixon had surgery on his knee and will miss at least two weeks.
The good news is that the Bengals know Bernard can be a productive and reliable running back in the absence of Mixon and do not need to rush him back. Fantasy owners however, should be rushing to pick up Gio and use him in the short term.
Expect low-end RB1 type stats while Mixon is on the shelf. Tra Carson could also get a few snaps, but Gio is the one to own here.
Javorius Allen (RB - BAL) 27% OWN
The Ravens talked a big game about Alex Collins before the season started but his usage hasn't matched the hype. Collins has looked better but the touches and snap counts are almost identical with Allen.
It seems as though moving forward a split will likely continue but hopefully the Ravens do more rushing than passing because Joe Flacco looks lost at times.
To make matters even more complicated, Kenneth Dixon is also still in the mix and has 13 touches versus 20 each for Collins and Allen.
This is a true running back by committee approach and anyone who owns Collins thinking he would be a workhorse back is now hugely disappointed.
Expect Allen to be a RB2 and has upside potential if he happens to snag a touchdown or two.
3. Aaron Jones (RB - GB) 71% OWN
Aaron Jones is on track to play in Week 3 and so far the production from running backs has been mostly average to say the least.
Jamaal Williams has been leading the way with 31 attempts for 106 yards and no touchdowns with 3 catches for 12 yards. For two weeks, that doesn't sound very impressive.
If Aaron Jones plays next week and plays well then there is a very good chance he will be the lead back and is worth taking a chance on. Expect him to start slow in Week 3 and build up to a larger role moving forward.
4. Austin Ekeler (RB - LAC) 67% OWN
The Chargers have an elite running back in Melvin Gordon and will continue to ride him as their primary back. However, Ekeler has been an important part of the offense as well.
In two weeks Gordon has 39 touches versus 24 for Ekeler. Ekeler has more rushing yards (116) compared to Gordon and already has a touchdown through the air.
Ekeler may not be a sexy running back to own, but he will put up reliable RB2 stats each week. If Gordon ever gets hurt then he would become an absolute fantasy monster.
He is owned in most leagues by now, but if he is still available then definitely pick him up. He is a reliable starter on just about any fantasy team on any given week.
