Weekly Fantasy Football: Week 3 Running Back Picks
1. Lightning Rice
Rice had a negative game in week 2 against Tennessee, but was still good for 96 total yards and a touchdown. Rice is becoming the most consistent fantasy player in the NFL, and he should have a big game against an injured Rams team that has struggled to stop anyone in the first two weeks.
2. Adrian Peterson
The Vikings are off to a slow start, but it’s not the fault of Peterson, who has 218 rushing yards and two touchdowns in his first two games. Peterson is remarkably consistent even when the rest of the offense struggles. Since McNabb doesn’t provide the passing threat the Vikings were looking for, they will lean more on Peterson to shorten the game against an explosive Lions offense. If they fall behind, he will also play an important role in the passing game.
3. Rashard Mendenhall
With Isaac Redman getting more carries in Week 2 for the Steelers, fantasy owners are beginning to worry about Mendenhall. However, he still had a decent day, including a touchdown, and if he’s going to get on track, it should be against a really bad Colts defense that was blown out by Peyton Hillis in Week 2. Mendenhall is expected to have a strong day. as he solidifies himself as Pittsburgh’s number one running back.
4.Mike Tolbert
Tolbert is another player who performed below great expectations in Week 2. On a positive note, he had 73 receiving yards. He and the rest of the Chargers offense will put up big fantasy numbers hosting a Chiefs team that allowed 89 points in its first two games. Kansas City’s goal-line defense is much more porous than New England’s, which should provide Tolbert with at least one goal-line touchdown.
5.LeSean McCoy
McCoy suffered a hand injury Sunday against the Falcons, but indicated he won’t take it against the Giants. He also rushed for 95 yards and two touchdowns for Atlanta. Although the Giants are a division rival and still have an aggressive defensive line, their linebackers are almost all injured. Injuries to this unit will make it easier for McCoy to find and speed through fast lanes. He will take advantage of this weakness for a great day.
Sleeper: Daniel Thomas
This rookie didn’t play in Week 1, but he had a strong debut, rushing for 107 yards against the Texans. He’ll split time with Reggie Bush, but if Bush can’t handle being a full-time running back, a struggle he had in New Orleans, Thomas will continue to get more playing time.