AFC
Writer: Brett Ford (@Fadethatman)
Baltimore Ravens
Derrick Henry (BAL) vs. DAL: 26 Carries, 89 Yards, 2 TDs | 1 Target, 1 Reception
The King more than made up for the volume that he didn’t get last week with 26 carries, except the efficiciency wasn’t there against the Cowboys in Rio. After being scrutinized for not using Henry in short-yardage situations last week, Declan Doyle made sure to get Henry the ball in nearly every short-yardage situation in Week 3, to the point where it was easy to anticipate it was coming. Any running back who gets 26 carries is up for consideration for RB1 in any given week. King Henry is paying off for managers so far this season.
Justice Hill (BAL) vs. DAL: 5 Carries, 33 Yards
Used exclusively as a spell back in a change-of-pace situation here and there, Justice Hill excelled at gaining the edge and turning up field. His lack of involvement in the passing game through three weeks of the season is keeping him from any sort of fantasy relevance, even in the deepest leagues.
Buffalo Bills
James Cook III (BUF) vs. LAC: 24 Carries, 154 Yards, TD | 1 Target
A bad fumble on his first carry of the day started fantasy managers with a sour taste in their mouth, but that didn’t last too long. James Cook was fantastic throughout the rest of the game, more than making up for his fumble with 6.4 yards per carry and a touchdown score where he evaded a defender in the backfield to find the paint. Of course managers would love for him to be more involved in the passing game like he was in the first two weeks of the season, but with Johnson back healthy, those days may be over.
Ty Johnson (BUF) vs. LAC: 4 Targets, 4 Receptions, 50 Yards
Johnson was active in the passing game as usual and nearly scored on a long run-after-catch. He was on the receiving end of an incredible Josh Allen escape on a 4th and 7 in the fourth quarter, and was robbed of a touchdown by a holding penalty downfield.
Cincinnati Bengals
Chase Brown (CIN) vs. PIT: 13 Carries, 61 Yards | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 8 Yards
Brown was on the field for 40 of 57 offensive snaps, and absorbed 15 out of 21 running back opportunities in the backfield. He didn’t find the end zone, but was on the field quite a bit, even in the red zone, he just didn’t get his number called as Burrow picked apart the secondary with three passing touchdowns.
Samaje Perine (CIN) vs. PIT: 3 Carries, 9 Yards | 3 Targets, 1 Reception, 5 Yards
Mostly used on third downs, Samaje Perine did garner one red zone carry (on 3rd-and-2) and earned a first down but not a touchdown. He may be more useful in negative game scripts, but for now he’s not a fantasy asset worth investing in.
Cleveland Browns
Quinshon Judkins (CLE) vs. CAR: 18 Carries, 70 Yards | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 9 Yards
Judkins assumed his typical early-down role and managed just under 4.0 yards per carry and added a couple of catches, which is always nice. Managers are still waiting on Judkins to find the end zone as he’s been shut out of the scoring for three-straight weeks now. The Browns offense isn’t exactly the best place to get red zone touches, but at least Judkins had a couple of them this week. If you believed enough to draft him, you might as well keep holding because this team isn’t as bad as we all thought they would be, and positive game scripts would do wonders for Judkins managers.
Raheim Sanders (CLE) vs. CAR: 1 Carry, 17 Yards | 5 Targets, 4 Receptions, 34 Yards
In my mind, Sanders was a goal line back before the season. But with the injury to Dylan Sampson, he’s evolved his game to become the Browns’ reliable pass-catching back through three weeks. He was just six snaps shy of Judkins in this contest and ran more routes than the starting back. Keep an eye on the way the Browns roll out their running backs, because if the game script tilts negative it could mean more usage for Sanders, even to the point where he out-snaps Judkins in some cases.
Denver Broncos
J.K. Dobbins (DEN) vs. LAR: 17 Carries, 49 Yards | 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 4 Yards
Dobbins was an early down workhorse but gave way to Harvey and Badie on passing downs, but couldn’t get anything going on the ground. He probably played 80-90% of the Broncos’ early downs, but it didn’t amount to much for fantasy. This crowded backfield will get even worse when Coleman gets back healthy again.
RJ Harvey (DEN) vs. LAR: 2 Carries, 6 Yards | 7 Targets, 6 Receptions, 41 Yards
The king of one-yard checkdowns, RJ Harvey was very involved in the passing game due to the amount of penetration the Rams’ front was getting in on Bo Nix. Harvey left the game briefly with what appeared to be an upper-body injury but returned later in the second half.
Jonah Coleman (DEN) vs. LAR: DID NOT PLAY
Tyler Badie (DEN) vs. LAR: 1 Carry, 2 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 12 Yards
One carry and one important catch, leave it to Sean Payton to get the fourth-string running back involved when it matters. Badie’s 12-yard reception set up the Broncos first touchdown of the night.
Houston Texans
David Montgomery (HOU) vs. IND: 11 Carries, 33 Yards | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 15 Yards
Woody Marks (HOU) vs. IND: 5 Carries, 15 Yards, TD | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 6 Yards
A second-straight dud for Montgomery after a supremely impressive performance in Week 1. Despite holding a 34-20 snaps lead over his running back mate Woody Marks, Montgomery wasn’t able to do much with his increased usage and opportunity.
Marks on the other hand… well, he also wasn’t able to do much either, but at least he found the end zone. On the Texans’ touchdown drive, Montgomery started in the backfield and played on all but the final two snaps of the drive, when Marks came in and vultured the goal line carry for a score.
Montgomery still owns a clear majority in this backfield, but it continues to creep much closer to a 60-40 split than fantasy managers were hoping for.
Woody Marks goal line TD. It's just whoever is out there last for the Texans. Nothing is by situation. Will make it hard for Monty to have consistent value as an RB2. More of a FLEX value.
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) September 27, 2026
Indianapolis Colts
Jonathan Taylor (IND) vs. HOU: 23 Carries, 68 Yards | 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 4 Yards
Taylor faced off against a tough rushing defense in Houston, and managed just six yards on his first six carries of the game. The Colts kept giving him the ball though as he smashed away at the Texans front seven for 23 carries. He’s the definition of a bell cow back in today’s NFL and he continues to be an elite option for fantasy managers. This was one of the few weeks that he didn’t live up to fantasy RB1 billing, but he ought to be just fine moving forward.
Seth McGowan (IND) vs. HOU: 4 Carries, 14 Yards
Jacksonville Jaguars
Bhayshul Tuten (JAX) vs. NEP: 15 Carries, 73 Yards, TD, 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 17 Yards
Tuten is the RB1 in this offense as demonstrated by his 30 offensive snaps which more than doubled every other running back in this backfield. The touchdown was a little fluky, considering Trevor Lawrence gave himself up on the one-yard line to set up the goal line carry for Tuten. But the starting running back ran 10 routes in this game, more than any other Jaguars back. After getting goal line carries in each of the last two games, the pass game involvement is like the last piece of the complete bell cow running back puzzle for Tuten. If he assumes more of a role on passing downs, he could be a league-winner moving forward.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. (JAX) vs. NEP: 8 Carries, 37 Yards, TD
LeQuint Allen Jr. (JAX) vs. NEP: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 9 Yards
Amber Abdullah (JAX) vs. NEP: 3 Carries, 2 Yards | Target
The rest of the ragtag backs in the Jaguars backfield combined for just one more snap than Tuten (31-30). Rodriguez earned a couple of early red zone looks, punching one in from five yards out. But as long as Tuten continues to play about half the time, he’s the only back with value in Jacksonville. These other guys are just begging for table scraps at the moment.
Kansas City Chiefs
Kenneth Walker (KC) vs. MIA: 18 Carries, 70 Yards, TD | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 3 Yards, TD
After three weeks, it’s still unclear whether or not KWIII is human or 100% touchdown machine. He scored on the Chiefs’ first drive, finding the paint for the third-consecutive game to begin the season. His red zone usage has been among the best in the NFL and he’s finished most of the Chiefs’ drives with touchdowns. He’s been the biggest difference-maker in fantasy so far for managers who were savvy enough to draft him in the second round and the good times ought to continue to roll in an Andy Reid offense that is happy to hammer the rock and use the run to set up Mahomes and the passing offense.
KEN AGAIN‼️ pic.twitter.com/zmHfQYZQ8y
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) September 27, 2026
Emmett Johnson (KC) vs. MIA: 6 Carries, 17 Yards
Brashard Smith (KC) vs. MIA: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 4 Yards
Las Vegas Raiders
Ashton Jeanty (LVR) vs. NOS: 19 Carries, 56 Yards | 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 37 Yards
Jeanty was mostly shut down by the Saints rush defense on Sunday, but stayed active in the passing game and kept things moving with elite volume. Fantasy managers looking to buy low ought to do it now, because he will definitely be more involved in games where the Raiders face negative game scripts. With upcoming contests against the Chiefs, Patriots, Bills and Rams, reality might hit Las Vegas hard in the next couple of weeks.
Mike Washington Jr. (LVR) vs. NOS: 5 Carries, 54 Yards, TD
Washington finished an outstanding game with a 37-yard touchdown run and another 4 carries for an additional 17 yards, looking strong and physical in the run game. I didn’t understand the hype in preseason as he popped off a couple of big plays, but I’m starting to come around on MWJ as a really solid RB2 in this league (in real life, not in fantasy).
Mike Washington Jr. TD 🔥
Raiders got themselves one 💎
(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/Pq9hXFhe4M— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) September 27, 2026
Dylan Laube (LVR) vs. NOS: Fumble (LOST)
Los Angeles Chargers
Omarion Hampton (LAC) vs. BUF: 15 Carries, 56 Yards | 1 Target
Hampton barely out-snapped Keaton Mitchell, 29-26, but owned the lion’s share of early down snaps and short yardage looks as well. He looked effective at the beginning of the game, but waned as time went on with the Chargers’ trailing for most of the second half and game-script lending itself more to Mitchell in passing situations. This felt game plan specific as the Chargers looked to expose the Bills with outside runs (Mitchell’s specialty) as opposed to pounding the rock up the middle.
Kimani Vidal (LAC) vs. BUF: 1 Carry, 6 Yards | 3 Targets, 1 Reception, 14 Yards
Vidal got a total of 15 snaps, most of which came in relief of Mitchell as opposed to situations where Hampton would usually be in the game.
Keaton Mitchell (LAC) vs. BUF: 8 Carries, 52 Yards | 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, -5 Yards, TD
Mitchell was more involved from the jump, but as I stated above, it felt more game plan specific than anything else. On his first snap of the game, Mitchell caught a push pass from Herbert and took it around the right end for a touchdown, making a pair of defenders miss on his way to the pylon. Mitchell finished with 26 snaps and 11 opportunities, only five fewer than Hampton. That’s been the closest the split of running back opportunity share has been this season from the Chargers.
Alec Ingold (LAC) vs. BUF: 4 Targets, 3 Receptions, 35 Yards
A blocking back, Ingold slipped out of the backfield for a long completion on a flea-flicker, bailing Justin Herbert out after his protection broke down.
Miami Dolphins
De’Von Achane (MIA) vs. KCC: 3 Carries, 17 Yards | 1 Target
De’Von Achane only got a handful of touches before he left the game in the first quarter with a lower body injury. He did not return.
Ollie Gordon II (MIA) vs. KCC: 17 Carries, 41 Yards, TD | 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 14 Yards
Gordon scored the Dolphins’ first rushing touchdown of the day, capping a 17-play drive with a huge 11-yard run on 3rd and 9 and then a three-yard score on the next play. Gordon was in the game because Achane went down earlier in the drive with an injury and made the most of his opportunity, finishing off a touchdown run and pulling in three catches to help absolutely nobody across the fantasy landscape. Managers will be much more excited about Gordon if he’s able to do the same thing next week after he’s been scooped up on waivers (assuming Achane is unable to return).
New England Patriots
Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) vs. JAX: 7 Carries, 22 Yards | 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 22 Yards
TreVeyon Henderson (NE) vs. JAX: 8 Carries, 23 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 6 Yards
Corey Kiner (NE) vs. JAX: 6 Carries, 18 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 9 Yards
In what was an ugly all-around game from the New England Patriots offense, the backfield was a muddled mess as well. Rhamondre Stevenson out-snapped Treveyon Henderson, 33-23, but the early downs were split exactly even while Stevenson monopolized the goal line opportunities and most of the passing downs as well. With the backfield being split this evenly, neither running back holds a ton of consistent value for fantasy managers. Though of course Henderson is the more explosive back (a boom/bust option for sure), Stevenson seems to be the more reliable one for usage and opportunities.
New York Jets
Breece Hall (NYJ) vs. DET: 13 Carries, 32 Yards | 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 23 Yards
Braelon Allen (NYJ) vs. DET: 4 Carries, 14 Yards | 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 3 Yards
Breece Hall was injured in the fourth quarter on a green zone carry, and ended up sitting out the rest of the game. Before that though, Hall was the early-down guy for the Jets, while Braelon Allen played a majority of third downs and the two-minute warning. If Hall were to miss time, Allen’s role could shift into a more bell cow scenario with Isaiah Davis potentially mixing in on pass-catching downs. Unless we get a positive update from the Jets on Hall’s health, Allen will likely be at the top of a lot of waiver claim lists this week.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Rico Dowdle (PIT) vs. OPP: DID NOT PLAY
Jaylen Warren (PIT) vs. CIN: 17 Carries, 127 Yards | 4 Targets, 3 Receptions, 39 Yards
With Rico Dowdle missing with an injury, Jaylen Warren showed exactly what a true Pittsburgh RB1 COULD look like. Warren was on the field for nearly every offensive snap, stepping off just momentarily for a breather here and there. Warren ran 95% of the RB routes, earned 95% of the running back opportunities, and looked darn good doing it against a Bengals rushing defense that made the Houston Texans look extremely one-dimensional a week ago. If Dowdle continues to miss time, Warren becomes a must-start running back in this backfield by himself.
Tennessee Titans
Tony Pollard (TEN) vs. NYG: 17 Carries, 74 Yards | 4 Targets, 4 Receptions, 22 Yards
Pollard was the primary running back for the Titans, owning much more of the opportunities than we’ve seen in weeks previous. Much of that was likely due to Spears’ injury, as we’ve seen a near 50-50 split each of the previous two weeks. Neither one are terribly valuable for fantasy as long as the offense continues to be terrible from back to front.
Tyjae Spears (TEN) vs. NYG: 3 Carries, 5 Yards
Spears missed a couple of practices leading up to the game on Sunday and was used much more sparsely than we had seen in the few weeks prior. He was the primary 3rd-down back and 2-minute drill guy, but that was pretty much it, and it amounting to practically nothing for fantasy.
NFC
Writer: Steven Pintado (@CoachStevenP)
Arizona Cardinals
Jeremiyah Love (ARI) vs. SF: 21 Carries, 90 Yards | 5 Targets, 5 Receptions, 19 Yards, TD
Workhorse Jeremiyah Love may have arrived! The rookie running back dominated the backfield with 21 of the team’s 27 carries in Week 3. It was mostly volume that carried his fantasy production, as his longest run was just eight yards and most of his carries went for five yards or fewer. Love did make an impact through the air, turning a short red-zone reception into a fourth-quarter touchdown.
The biggest takeaway was Love’s control of the red-zone work, with Tyler Allgeier seeing just one carry in that area. Jacoby Brissett also took away a potential scoring opportunity with his own one-yard rushing touchdown. It’s encouraging to see the former third-overall pick finally command the majority of the backfield. The receiving work may remain split, but if Love continues seeing this type of rushing and red-zone volume, his fantasy value is trending in the right direction.
Tyler Allgeier (ARI) vs. SF: 2 Carries, -1 Yard | 4 Targets, 4 Receptions, 10 Yards
Veteran Tyler Allgeier appears to have lost his role on the ground after seeing 17 carries in Week 1. He has just seven carries over the last two games, including only two in Week 3. One of those opportunities came in the red zone, but it resulted in negative yardage. Allgeier was more involved in the passing game early, recording three receptions by the beginning of the second quarter. It’s clear the Cardinals want to feature their highly drafted rookie Jeremiyah Love, which has significantly reduced Allgeier’s role. Unless his rushing workload increases again, Allgeier will be difficult to trust for fantasy.
Atlanta Falcons
Bijan Robinson (ATL) vs. GB: 29 Carries, 194 Yards, 2 TDs | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 18 Yards
Bijan Robinson dominated on TNF against the Packers. The Falcons got Michael Penix back in this game, but they decided to make Robinson the focal point of the offense. Robinson had a season-high 29 carries and gashed the Packers’ run defense, finishing with a 70% attempt share. He was explosive throughout the game, with two runs of 20-plus yards that went for 31 and 55 yards. After failing to record a red-zone touch through the first two weeks, Robinson finished with 11 red-zone touches, which helped lead to two rushing touchdowns.
We would have liked to see Robinson more involved in the receiving game after finishing with only two targets, but the Falcons led for most of the game, so they didn’t need to rely on him as much through the air. Plus, Penix and Drake London seem to have a special connection in the passing game. You should never doubt Robinson when he’s on the field because, one way or another, the Falcons are going to give him opportunities to produce.
Brian Robinson Jr. (ATL) vs. GB: 10 Carries, 50 Yards, TD
Brian Robinson Jr. had only three touches in the first half, but with the Falcons playing from ahead, he saw a few more opportunities than he normally would. Robinson made the most of those touches, scoring on a seven-yard run early in the third quarter for his first touchdown of the season.
Carolina Panthers
Chuba Hubbard (CAR) vs. CLE: 19 Carries, 82 Yards | 4 Targets, 4 Receptions, 28 Yards
Chuba Hubbard had a game of two different halves. In the first half, the Browns’ defense gave him absolutely nothing on the ground, consistently holding him to gains of just one or two yards. His lone bright spot came on a short five-yard reception that Hubbard turned into a 25-yard gain, helping get Carolina into field-goal range before halftime. The key takeaway was that Hubbard handled every running back touch in the first half.
Things opened up for Hubbard after halftime, as he rushed nine times for 63 yards. He did a much better job finding running lanes and broke off multiple 10-plus-yard gains, including a 16-yard run late in the fourth quarter that helped set up a touchdown. Hubbard finished with 82% of the Panthers’ rushing attempts, showing that he should operate as a workhorse with Jonathan Brooks on IR.
AJ Dillon (CAR) vs. CLE: 4 Carries, 16 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, -2 Yards
AJ Dillon was used sparingly throughout the game, with his first touch not coming until the fourth quarter. His best play was an 11-yard run that helped move the offense into position for an eventual field goal. Dillon played the majority of that drive but was barely involved outside of it, showing he currently has a very limited role in the backfield.
Dallas Cowboys
Javonte Williams (DAL) vs. BAL: 19 Carries, 98 Yards, TD | 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 5 Yards
Javonte Williams had another solid fantasy performance, finishing with 18.3 in PPR leagues. Williams was used early and often, totaling nine touches over the Cowboys’ first two drives and helping the offense put up 10 early points, including a touchdown of his own on the second drive. He ran well and consistently found open running lanes, but the Cowboys eventually moved away from the ground game as the matchup turned into more of a shootout. Williams still broke off a 22-yard run in the third quarter that set Dallas up for a long field-goal attempt, which was ultimately blocked.
Williams remains the clear lead back, with Tyler Goodson taking over as the primary backup in this game. The one concerning trend is Williams’ declining involvement in the passing game over the last two weeks, including minimal production in Week 3. As long as the rushing volume and scoring opportunities remain strong, though, Williams continues to have a reliable role in this backfield.
Emari Demercado (DAL) vs. BAL: Healthy Inactive
Tyler Goodson (DAL) vs. BAL: 6 Carries, 22 Yards,
Detroit Lions
Jahmyr Gibbs (DET) vs. NYJ: 20 Carries, 99 Yards, 2 TDs | 8 Targets, 7 Receptions, 65 Yards, TD
Jahmyr Gibbs had a monster day, showing exactly why he was a top pick in fantasy drafts. He accounted for 42% of the Lions’ touches in the first half and did most of his damage through the air with four receptions for 41 yards. Backup Sione Vaki saw all four of his carries in the first half, as Gibbs held just a 7-4 advantage in carries.
The Lions made adjustments in the second half and started to dominate with Gibbs handling a much bigger workload. He added 16 touches after halftime, including three in the red zone, and consistently picked up yards against a Jets defense that had no answer for him. His longest run went for 17 yards, while an 18-yard gain in the fourth quarter was called back due to a holding penalty. Gibbs continues to be an unstoppable force in this offense and remains one of the most dominant running backs in fantasy lineups.
Sione Vaki (DET) vs. NYJ: 4 Carries, 6 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 11 Yards
Green Bay Packers
MarShawn Lloyd (GB) vs. ATL: 4 Carries, 11 Yards| 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 7 Yards
Chris Brooks (GB) vs. ATL: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 4 Yards
Kaleb Johnson (GB) vs. ATL: 4 Carries, 6 Yards | 3 Targets, 1 Reception, 10 Yards
You could group all three Packers running backs together from this game, and it still would have been considered a horrible performance for one player. Green Bay split the workload early between MarShawn Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson, as the two combined for seven of the backfield’s eight carries in the first half. They were completely shut down by a solid Falcons run defense, though injuries along the Packers’ offensive line may have also played a role. In the second half, the entire backfield combined for just three touches.
It’s becoming clear that this backfield isn’t going to be heavily utilized. Even in negative game scripts, Packers running backs have combined for just a 10% target share. This is a backfield to continue avoiding until Josh Jacobs returns to the field.
Los Angeles Rams
Kyren Williams (LAR) vs. DEN: 15 Carries, 88 Yards | 6 Targets, 5 Receptions, 49 Yards
Blake Corum (LAR) vs. DEN: 6 Carries, 15 Yards | 4 Targets, 2 Receptions, 0 Yards
Compared to previous weeks, the Rams’ duo of Kyren Williams and Blake Corum looked further apart in this game. They continued to split drives throughout the game, with Williams getting the first opportunity before Corum took over more on the following drive. Williams still consistently handled the passing-down work and red-zone opportunities, which is great for his fantasy value. He also made several big plays, including a 30-yard run on his second drive followed by a short reception that he turned into an 18-yard gain.
Williams consistently found ways to create extra yardage, while Corum wasn’t nearly as efficient with his touches. We normally see more burst and aggressive running from Corum, but that wasn’t there in this game. It seems that in a more competitive game script, Corum’s role shrinks compared to the blowouts from the first two weeks, when he received more opportunities. This is still Williams’ backfield, and you can confidently start him as an RB2, while Corum remains more of an RB3/FLEX option whose value will depend heavily on game script.
Minnesota Vikings
Aaron Jones Sr. (MIN) vs. TB: 17 Carries, 58 Yards | 6 Targets, 5 Receptions, 34 Yards
Aaron Jones Sr. had a mediocre first half, averaging just 3.7 yards per carry. He still controlled the backfield with nine carries compared to just two for Demond Claiborne, but never made a major impact on the ground. Jones opened the second half with a 14-yard run, his longest of the game, but the Buccaneers’ run defense did a great job bottling him up for most of the afternoon.
Jones made his biggest impact through the passing game late in the fourth quarter as Minnesota fought its way back. He picked up key receptions of 11 and 12 yards that helped set up multiple field goals and eventually contributed to the Vikings’ victory. Most importantly for fantasy, none of the backup running backs made a serious dent in Jones’ workload.
Deejay Dallas (MIN) vs. TB: 1 Carry, 2 Yards
Demond Claiborne (MIN) vs. TB: 3 Carries, 1 Yard
New Orleans Saints
Travis Etienne Jr. (NO) vs. LV: 13 Carries, 57 Yards | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 13 Yards
Travis Etienne Jr. led the team in touches but unfortunately left the game with an injury. Through roughly two and a half quarters, Etienne handled the majority of the backfield work, with Alvin Kamara mostly rotating in for a couple of drives. The Saints clearly didn’t trust their offensive line near the goal line, as Etienne could have had multiple touchdown opportunities, but New Orleans instead threw three touchdowns from inside the five-yard line.
Etienne was just okay on the ground, with his best run coming on a 16-yard gain in the third quarter. Outside of that run, he managed just 41 yards on 12 carries. Unfortunately, the big gain came at a price, as Etienne appeared to grab his hamstring near the end of the run before being tackled out of bounds. Etienne remains more of an RB3 for fantasy, but the injury will be something to monitor heading into next week.
Alvin Kamara (NO) vs. LV: 9 Carries, 36 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 5 Yards
Kendre Miller (NO) vs. LV: 4 Carries, 14 Yards | 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 5 Yards
CJ Donaldson (NO) vs. LV: 1 Carry, 5 Yards
Alvin Kamara was used primarily as a change-of-pace option while Travis Etienne Jr. was on the field, but he didn’t do much with his opportunities. After Etienne left with an injury, Kamara split the backfield work with Kendre Miller, who didn’t record a touch until Etienne exited. Neither back was particularly effective on the ground, although Kamara did break off an 11-yard run. If Etienne’s injury lingers into next week, we could see Kamara and Miller split the workload, making this a backfield to monitor.
New York Giants
Cam Skattebo (NYG) vs. TEN: 20 Carries, 60 Yards | 4 Targets, 3 Receptions, 40 Yards
Despite a Giants win, this offense looked very bad at football, and Cam Skattebo had to fight for almost every yard. His best run came in the second half when he finally found some space for a 13-yard gain. We loved seeing 20 carries, but he managed just 60 rushing yards and averaged 3.0 YPC. According to Next Gen Stats, Skattebo ran a total 74 yards after contact, showing just how little help he received before contact.
Skattebo’s best play came early in the first quarter when he lined up out wide and turned a reception into a 30-yard gain, helping set up an early Giants field goal. Skattebo was expected to be a volume-based fantasy back, and the 20 carries are encouraging, but his continued lack of efficiency is becoming a concern, especially with Najee Harris involved in the backfield.
Najee Harris (NYG) vs. TEN: 9 Carries, 52 Yards
Backup Najee Harris was the more efficient runner in this matchup. He started seeing touches early in the second quarter while the game was still close and broke off a few solid runs, including an 11-yard gain. It was surprising that Harris didn’t see more work, especially considering he entered halftime averaging 7.2 YPC compared to just 1.4 for Skattebo. If Harris continues to be the more efficient runner, he could start eating into Skattebo’s workload moving forward.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. (NYG) vs. TEN: 1 Carry, 3 Yards
Devin Singletary (NYG) vs. TEN: Healthy Inactive
Seattle Seahawks
Jadarian Price (SEA) vs. WAS: 5 Carries, 15 Yards, 1 Fumble (Lost) | 3 Targets, 1 Reception, 7 Yards
Rookie Jadarian Price had a day to forget after fumbling for the second straight game. He started strong with an 11-yard carry, but fumbled on Seattle’s second drive and was essentially benched afterward. Price didn’t see another opportunity until late in the second quarter and briefly returned for the opening drive of the third, but his touches disappeared as Seattle fell behind. His only reception also came early in the third quarter.
His receiving role remains limited with only three targets on the season, which makes it even more important that he takes advantage of his rushing opportunities. Seattle needs to find a way to get the rookie going rather than relying so heavily on the passing game. With Zach Charbonnet getting closer to returning, Price could see his opportunity in the starting lineup quickly fade if the ball-security issues continue.
George Holani (SEA) vs. WAS: 3 Carries, 10 Yards | 5 Targets, 5 Receptions, 48 Yards
Emanuel Wilson (SEA) vs. WAS: 9 Carries, 14 Yards
Emanuel Wilson remained the early-down back following the Price fumble, even getting the first carry on the following drive. Wilson was inefficient, though, struggling to find any room to run. Most of his opportunities came in the first half before the team eventually abandoned the run.
George Holani made a bigger impact in the passing game, handling most of the passing-down work. He was effective with his opportunities, picking up a few 10-plus-yard receptions, including three catches on a late fourth-quarter drive that resulted in a Seattle touchdown. With Price benched, Wilson handled the early downs while Holani worked in passing situations, but neither showed a role consistent enough to make a major fantasy impact.
San Francisco 49ers
Christian McCaffrey (SF) vs. ARI: 15 Carries, 75 Yards, TD| 5 Targets, 4 Receptions, 41 Yards
Christian McCaffrey finished with another strong outing against the Cardinals. The 49ers struggled to establish the run in the first half, throwing 17 passes compared to just seven rushing attempts. McCaffrey still dominated the backfield touches over Kaelon Black, 7-1, with his best play coming on a short reception that he turned into a 13-yard gain.
San Francisco offense changed after halftime, running the ball 16 times compared to just 10 pass attempts. McCaffrey benefited from the shift, breaking off several strong runs that helped set up scoring opportunities. He also narrowly missed out on a one-yard touchdown after Black was stopped at the goal line following a six-yard run. McCaffrey continues to dominate this backfield and remains one of the elite running backs in fantasy.
Kaelon Black (SF) vs. ARI: 4 Carries, 17 Yards | 1 Target
Jordan James (SF) vs. ARI: No Stats
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bucky Irving (TB) vs. MIN: 15 Carries, 46 Yards| 4 Targets, 2 Receptions, 12 Yards
Kenny Gainwell (TB) vs. MIN: 3 Carries, -4 Yards | 5 Targets, 2 Receptions, 14 Yards
Sean Tucker (TB) vs. MIN: No Stats
Bucky Irving operated as the clear workhorse for most of the game. He ran efficiently in the first half at around 4.0 YPC, but Tampa Bay leaned too heavily on an ineffective passing game, with Baker Mayfield completing just 9 of 19 attempts before halftime. Irving continued dominating the backfield through the third quarter, while Kenny Gainwell didn’t record his first touch until late in the quarter. Irving also had a 15-yard reception wiped out by a penalty.
The biggest concern came in the fourth quarter, as Irving did not play undisclosed inover the final 10 minutes. His last touch came with 12:44 remaining on a one-yard run, with his absence later labeled as an jury. Gainwell handled the backfield work the rest of the way but was very inefficient on the ground. If Irving’s injury causes him to miss time, Gainwell could see an increased role while potentially opening the door for Sean Tucker to return to the rotation.
Washington Commanders
Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS) vs. SEA: 19 Carries, 36 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 7 Yards
Rachaad White (WAS) vs. SEA: 8 Carries, 35 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 6 Yards. TD
Kaytron Allen (WAS) vs. SEA: No Stats
The Commanders’ running backs were, for the most part, very inefficient on the day. Outside of Rachaad White’s quick pass over the middle for a six-yard touchdown, there wasn’t much production. Jacory Croskey-Merritt was the clear lead back on the ground, but averaging just 1.8 YPC was not encouraging. His day could have looked much better, as Croskey-Merritt had a 48-yard touchdown run called back due to a penalty late in the first quarter.
The first half was all Croskey-Merritt, as he led White 13-3 in touches. Things became more balanced in the second half, with Croskey-Merritt still leading 7-6. You have to wonder how long the Commanders will continue leaning on Croskey-Merritt, as he is averaging just 3.0 YPC on 47 carries this season. White has looked like the more efficient runner at 4.5 YPC, and this game continued to show that. One positive is that the Commanders had 30 carries in this game, which could be a sign of things to come with Marcus Mariota at quarterback.