NFL Fantasy Football Week 3 Lock, Load, or Lose? Running Back Edition
Here are the running backs you should be locking, loading, and losing on your fantasy rosters heading into Week 3 of the NFL.
Two weeks down in the NFL and we’ve got a better idea of which running backs are lining up each week, who’s not worth keeping on the roster after all, and who you just might want to pick up on your fantasy lineup if you can manage it. Here are the running backs you should lock, load, and lose going into Week 3.
SEE ALSO: NFL Fantasy Football Week 3 Lock, Load, or Lose? Wide Receiver Edition
Week 3 NFL Fantasy: Running back LOCK
Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders (@ Titans)
It’s tempting to bench Jacobs this week after he failed to get many points in the first two weeks, but don’t give up on him yet. He played 60% of snaps in Week 1 and 72% in Week 2 and is the clear RB1 for the Raiders, despite not being used as a pass catcher. 56.3% of his 126 rushing yards have come after contact. That’s up from 45.1% last season. Against the Titans defense that allowed Saquon Barkley to run all over them, Jacobs should fair well. Lock him into your lineup this week.
Week 3 NFL Fantasy: Running back LOAD
J.D. McKissic, Washington Commanders (vs Eagles)
Only three running backs have more catches this season than McKissic, who’s caught all 10 of his targets. This week, the Commanders face NFC East rivals, the Eagles, who have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to running backs. If he’s available on the waiver wire and you’re in need of a running back, snatch him up this week.
Week 3 NFL Fantasy: Running back LOSE
Cam Akers, Los Angeles Rams (@ Cardinals)
Through his first 12 NFL games, Akers averaged 4.8 yards per carry. Across his last four games, that’s down to 1.8. His shared time with Darrell Henderson make him a risk not really worth taking. In Week 1, he saw just 18% of snaps and three opportunities. Though that went up to 43% and 18 opportunities in Week 2, Henderson was still the preferred pass-game option and it was Henderson who scored the rushing touchdown. Akers hasn’t been the same since his Achilles’ injury. Coupled with the shared time with Henderson, it’s safe to keep him off the lineup in Week 3.