Week 3 Running Back Value Rankings
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Here are theScore's running back back value rankings for Week 3 (Thursday night game excluded):
Value Rankings
QB | RB | WR | TE
Top Options
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Melvin Gordon (SD) | at IND | 10 |
| DeAngelo Williams (PIT) | at PHI | 9 |
| Isaiah Crowell (CLE) | at MIA | 9 |
| DeMarco Murray (TEN) | vs. OAK | 8 |
| Ezekiel Elliott (DAL) | vs. CHI | 8 |
| C.J. Anderson (DEN) | at CIN | 8 |
| Frank Gore (IND) | vs. SD | 8 |
Gordon's sample size is too small to fully buy him as a breakout, but the odds are in his favor. He has three rushing TDs already - compared to zero all of last season. With Danny Woodhead out for the season, Gordon is in an excellent spot to once again return top value while not being among the most expensive RB options.
Williams would pair nicely with Gordon as he will continue to be ridden into the ground in Le'Veon Bell's absence. Williams is pricey, but he has rushed 58 times for 237 yards; both numbers lead the league. Crowell has the most yards per carry at 6.5. With the Browns facing a horrible QB situation with both starters out, Crowell will get the ball repeatedly against Miami.
Mid-Tier Targets
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Eddie Lacy (GB) | vs. DET | 7 |
| David Johnson (ARI) | at BUF | 7 |
| Matt Forte (NYJ) | at KC | 7 |
| T.J. Yeldon (JAX) | vs. BAL | 6 |
| Christine Michael (SEA) | vs. SF | 6 |
| Ryan Mathews (PHI) | vs. PIT | 6 |
| Latavius Murray (OAK) | at TEN | 6 |
| Justin Forsett (BAL) | at JAX | 6 |
| Jeremy Langford (CHI) | at DAL | 6 |
| Rashad Jennings/Shane Vereen (NYG) | vs. WAS | 6 |
| Duke Johnson Jr. (CLE) | at MIA | 5 |
| Fozzy Whittaker (CAR) | vs. MIN | 5 |
| Theo Riddick (DET) | at GB | 5 |
| Spencer Ware (KC) | vs. NYJ | 5 |
| Todd Gurley (LA) | at TB | 5 |
Lacy has showcased decent averages with 4.3 over a middling number of carries through two weeks, though he's been clearly favored over James Starks. While the Lions got into a gunslinging contest in Week 1, they haven't done well against the run so far as DeMarco Murray averaged 7.4 yards per carry in Week 2. If Lacy gets appropriate volume, he'll exceed expectations.
If Jennings is hurt, Vereen's value will jump. Washington has allowed five rushing touchdowns, easily the worst in the league through two weeks. Whomever is pegged to be the favored back will be worth consideration. Gurley can't be written off just yet, but he hasn't rewarded his backers through two weeks - averaging 2.7 yards per attempt without a single TD.
Nothing to See Here
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Giovani Bernard (CIN) | vs. DEN | 4 |
| LeSean McCoy (BUF) | vs. ARI | 4 |
| Charles Sims (TB) | vs. LA | 4 |
| Carlos Hyde (SF) | at SEA | 3 |
| Matt Jones (WAS) | at NYG | 3 |
| Jerick McKinnon (MIN) | at CAR | 3 |
| Chris Thompson (WAS) | at NYG | 3 |
| Jamaal Charles (KC) | vs. NYJ | 3 |
| Jay Ajayi (MIA) | vs. CLE | 3 |
| Thomas Rawls (SEA) | vs. SF | 2 |
| Cameron Artis-Payne (CAR) | vs. MIN | 2 |
Bernard is the difference maker in Cincinnati's offense and his use in the passing game will keep him as a person of interest, though the Broncos' defense remains touted. If Bernard has a better week than expected, Denver's D will need to be slightly re-evaluated.
With Charles tentatively returning to the fold, it casts uncertainty on Kansas City. Spencer Ware is probably the safer bet this week, but neither is all that appealing. Ajayi will get the bulk of the Dolphins' snaps, but he has not looked good in Miami, so even a cushy matchup against the Browns could go south. Expect a Ryan Tannehill-heavy day, instead.