Houston Texans RB Dameon Pierce: A Low-End RB2 or Flex Play in Week 3
MIAMI, Sept. 19 (UPI) — Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce joins James Cook as one of the five fantasy football running backs to avoid starting in Week 3. To help you prepare for your matchups, you can find my Week 3 rankings for quarterbacks, tight ends, and wide receivers, as well as my waiver-wire additions articles. Please note that these rankings are subject to change based on any developments or injuries that may occur. Due to their Thursday matchup, San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants running backs have been removed from my rankings. Additionally, Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb, who suffered a season-ending knee injury on Monday, should be removed from all lineups. Keep an eye on the status of injured running backs Austin Ekeler, David Montgomery, and Aaron Jones as they may impact your starting lineups. Here is my Top 30 running back rankings for Week 3:
- Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans at CLE
- Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys at ARI
- Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons at DET
- Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. HOU
- Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers vs. NO
- Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions vs. ATL
- Kenneth Walker, Seattle Seahawks vs. CAR
- Miles Sanders, Carolina Panthers at SEA
- D’Andre Swift, Philadelphia Eagles at TB
- Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams at CIN
- Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders vs. PIT
- Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots at NYJ
- Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos at MIA
- Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals vs. LAR
- Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins vs. DEN
- Breece Hall, New York Jets vs. NE
- Brian Robinson Jr., Washington Commanders vs. BUF
- Jamaal Williams, New Orleans Saints at GB
- Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens vs. IND
- Joshua Kelley, Los Angeles Chargers at MIN
- Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers at LV
- Zack Moss, Indianapolis Colts at BAL
- Alexander Mattison, Minnesota Vikings vs. LAC
- Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs vs. CHI
- James Conner, Arizona Cardinals vs. DAL
- Dameon Pierce, Houston Texans at JAX
- James Cook, Buffalo Bills at WAS
- Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns vs. TEN
- Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. PHI
- A.J. Dillon, Green Bay Packers vs. NO
James Conner has been a disappointment this season, ranking outside the Top 14 in points per game among running backs. Even as an RB2, I would avoid starting him in Week 3. In Week 1, Conner managed 64 yards on 14 carries against a solid Washington Commanders defense. While he bounced back with 103 yards and a touchdown against the New York Giants in Week 2, I believe he will struggle against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3. The Cowboys have allowed the fewest total yards and touchdowns to running backs in the league through two weeks. Not to mention, the Cowboys are likely to take an early lead and control possession, limiting Conner’s opportunities. He is ranked No. 25 in my rankings.
Dameon Pierce of the Houston Texans has had a slow start to the season, with just 69 rushing yards in his first two games. Facing the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road in Week 3, Pierce is unlikely to have a breakout game. The Jaguars have been stingy against the run, allowing only 93 rushing yards and no touchdowns to running backs in their first two matchups. While Pierce may perform better against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4, I would keep him on your bench for this week. He ranks as my No. 26 running back.
James Cook had an impressive Week 2 performance, putting up the 11th-most fantasy points among running backs with a 159-yard game against the Las Vegas Raiders. However, I do not anticipate the same level of success against the Washington Commanders in Week 3. The Commanders have been tough against running backs, surrendering the seventh-fewest fantasy points through two games. Cook should still provide value as a low-end RB2 or flex play, but if you have a higher-ranked player, I would consider benching him. He sits at No. 27 in my rankings.
Jerome Ford of the Cleveland Browns is expected to take over as the lead back in Chubb’s absence due to a knee injury. In Week 2, Ford impressed with 131 total yards and a touchdown while filling in for Chubb. However, in Week 3, the Browns face the Tennessee Titans, who have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. With the Titans likely to dominate time of possession and give their own workhorse back Derrick Henry a heavy workload, Ford should only be considered for a starting spot if you are in a deep league and desperate for a flex option. He is my No. 28 running back for the week.
Rachaad White has produced well so far this season, ranking in the Top 20 for fantasy points per game among running backs. However, most of his production came from a standout Week 2 performance against the vulnerable Chicago Bears defense, where he racked up 103 rushing yards and a touchdown. This week, White and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers go up against a tough Philadelphia Eagles defense that has allowed just 82 rushing yards to running backs through two games, without surrendering a touchdown. With the Buccaneers likely playing from behind and relying more on their passing game, White’s value relies heavily on him finding the end zone. He lands at No. 29 in my rankings.
Please adjust your lineups accordingly and keep an eye on any updates or injury news before finalizing your Week 3 starting lineups.
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