2021 Week 3: Fantasy Football Running Backs to Start

Who to start and who to sit? That’s the question that plagues everyone who plays fantasy football on a weekly basis? It’s the question that leaves players anguishing in tears and second-guessing. Okay, maybe that’s a little dramatic but there’s some truth to it.

Honestly, it’s the one question you need to answer right in order to do well in this crazy game of fantasy. Will you get it right all the time? No, because football will surprise, especially if you buy into the adage: On any given Sunday, any team can beat any other team. But relax, we’re here to help you work through those decisions with as much information as you need to be confident in a decision you can stand by.

Here are the Week 3 Fantasy Football Running Backs to Start.

Running backs are the life force of every NFL offense, but whether you start them or leave them on the bench depends on how many touches they get, where they get those touches and how well they pick up the blitz. It’s the difference between an RB2 and a Flex, a PPR starter and a non-PPR grinder. Do you have a feature back or a specialist? Studs aside, here are the borderline backs we would start this week.

Melvin Gordon / Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos vs. New York Jets

Through two weeks this running back by committee is still split evenly 50/50 and if not for a few receptions, Melvin Gordon’s day would’ve been overshadowed by what the rookie is doing on the ground. However, it’s tough to decide if one back has a clear lead over the other, that’s why we’re recommending both as solid flex plays against a Jets defense that’s allowing over 20.0 fantasy points to each opponent.

Since the split is equal, we’re believing that each should get near a dozen carries and a few good looks from Teddy Bridgewater. Williams has done nothing to lose his position but just has not had the goal line touches. Still, the Jets present another opportunity to get a piece of Denver offense that’s rolling, despite missing Jerry Jeudy.