You can run, but you can't hide.
The running back position in fantasy football has been close to a disaster for almost everyone early in the season. Injuries have clouded the outlook for multiple teams across the league; rookies like Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price have fallen short.
All of that is happening while players like David Montgomery go from workhorse to afterthought in just one week's time. Even the top of the draft board hasn't proven to be a safe space, looking at you, De'Von Achane and Saquon Barkley.
WEEK 3 FANTASY RANKINGS: QB | RB | WR | TE | K | D/ST
When you think about it, how many running backs can you feel comfortable starting week to week? Does that number even get to 20?
There is no rhyme or reason to anything that has happened
over the past two weeks. And that only adds to the intrigue for Week 3, for better or worse.
Here are the RBs you should start and the others who should take a seat on the bench in Week 3.
Fantasy football start 'em: Week 3 RBs
Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns vs. Panthers
It hasn't been the start that Judkins envisioned. The second-year back has just 54 rushing yards through two weeks, failing to break off a run of more than nine yards against the Jaguars and Buccaneers. At just 2.2 yards per carry, there isn't much room for optimism heading into the Browns' home opener. However, there is enough room and that is thanks in large part to the Panthers, who are surrendering the most fantasy points to running backs in the early going.
Carved up by D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai in Week 1 as both players rushed for at least 100 yards, Carolina wasn't exactly stout against the Falcons despite winning in blowout fashion. The Browns are riding high after a stunning win in Tampa. Now the club returns home to play a defense that is still finding its way. Judkins is also finding his way – likely to the end zone in Week 3.
David Montgomery, Houston Texans at Colts
Another week, another week to start Montgomery. It didn't go as planned in Week 2, but we aren't getting discouraged by the running back's lack of opportunity against the Bengals. Montgomery totaled just six carries against a stout Cincinnati run defense, but perhaps more concerning was that Woody Marks tallied eight.
It seems safe to say that won't happen again, especially after Montgomery's Week 1 production. The Texans face a must-win game against the rival Colts, who exhausted every ounce of energy trying to defeat the Chiefs. That makes this game a prime letdown spot for the hosts, who now have the difficult task of facing the Texans defense. Expect Houston to control the game, with Montgomery playing a big role, against a Colts unit that has been gashed on the ground through two weeks.
TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots at Jaguars
Henderson wasted no time taking control of the Patriots backfield in his return, totaling 16 carries to only six for Rhamondre Stevenson. Of course, an opening drive fumble probably didn't help Stevenson's case for more work and it'll be worth monitoring if that has any impact going forward. Head coach Mike Vrabel has given no indication that Henderson will take on the bulk of the workload, but that doesn't mean he won't.
The former Ohio State standout is the more explosive back in New England and the Patriots will certainly need him if they want to upset the Jaguars.
Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 3 RBs
Jadarian Price, Seattle Seahawks at Commanders
First-round pick in name only. Every indication from the Seahawks was that Price would play a major role in the offense this season. So far, that hasn't been the case. Granted, Sam Darnold's injury shifted the offense's outlook, but that would've been seen as a good thing for Price's value. It hasn't.
Emanuel Wilson led the team in carries in the Week 2 blowout and Price exited with an injury. Seattle has opted for a more pass-heavy attack in the young season and there isn't a RB-friendly matchup on deck in Week 3. The Commanders are allowing the fewest fantasy points to the position through two weeks. It's hard to believe Price's breakout is coming this week.
Cam Skattebo, New York Giants vs. Titans
If you're looking for logic from the Giants' offense, good luck. Skattebo backflipped after a touchdown in Week 1, but bellyflopped in Week 2. The running back led the team in carries again, but he is splitting it with Najee Harris, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary.
Considering the Giants offense is now without Jaxson Dart, it's hard to envision Big Blue putting up a bunch of points. Then you factor in the committee approach that John Harbaugh's crew is taking in the early going and Skattebo's outlook takes a big hit.
Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Bengals
We want no part of the Steelers offense. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Pittsburgh's offense has posted 23 points through two weeks and now has the added challenge of trying to get right against Cincinnati. The Bengals, as noted earlier, are allowing the fewest rushing yards per game to opposing running backs. While the receiving outlook is better, Warren has been quiet for an offense that has been allergic to the end zone.
Until the Steelers show some signs of life, it's difficult to trust anyone involved with the offense.
Fantasy football start 'em, sit 'ems, Week 3
Looking for more fantasy football advice? USA TODAY Sports has you covered:
→ Need an edge under center? Here are the best quarterback options to start and to sit in Week 3.
→ Tight ends can be the perfect X-factor for any fantasy team. Here's who you should start and sit in Week 3.
→ The wide receiver position is one of the deepest each season. Set yourself up for success in Week 3 with start 'em, sit 'em advice for wideouts.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Start 'Em, Sit 'Em running backs for Week 3 fantasy football
