1 of 5 | Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (R) is ranked as a low-end RB2 or flex play for Week 3. Photo source: [File Photo by David Tulis/UPI | License Photo](https://www.upi.com/News_Photos/view/upi/7a7d9f72aa0cc3de202c24d3ab4dda26/)
MIAMI, Sept. 19 (UPI) — In Week 3, it is best to avoid starting Dameon Pierce and James Cook in your fantasy football lineups. For more information on Week 3 wide receiver rankings and waiver-wire additions, you can find articles on my website. Keep in mind that my positional rankings are subject to change based on injuries and other developments.
Due to a knee injury, Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb is most likely out for the season. Additionally, injured New York Giants star Saquon Barkley should be benched. Keep an eye on the injuries to Austin Ekeler, David Montgomery, and Aaron Jones before deciding to start them in your lineups.
Here are my Top 30 running back rankings for Week 3. The running backs listed below are ranked just outside the Top 24 in my rankings.
James Conner:
Conner has not been performing well this season, ranking outside of the Top 14 in points per game among running backs. Even as an RB2, I would avoid starting him in Week 3. The Arizona Cardinals will be facing the Dallas Cowboys, who have been strong against running backs and have not allowed any touchdowns to the position.
Dameon Pierce:
Pierce has had a slow start to the season, failing to surpass 40 rushing yards in his first two games. The Houston Texans will be playing against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have been tough against running backs, allowing only 93 rushing yards and no scores through two games. It is best to keep Pierce on your bench until Week 4.
James Cook:
Although Cook had a strong performance in Week 2 with 159 yards, he should not be expected to replicate that success against the Washington Commanders. The Commanders have been stingy against running backs, ranking seventh in fewest fantasy points allowed to the position. Consider benching Cook if you have a higher-ranked player.
Jerome Ford:
With Chubb out due to injury, Ford is expected to take over as the lead back for the Browns. However, he will face a tough test against the Tennessee Titans in Week 3. The Titans have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. It is recommended to only start Ford if you are in a deep league and need a flex option.
Rachaad White:
White has been decent this season, but most of his production came from one standout game. Against the Philadelphia Eagles, White may struggle as the Eagles have been solid against the run, allowing only 82 rushing yards and no touchdowns to running backs. Unless White finds the end zone, his value will be limited.
For the full Week 3 running back rankings, see below:
1. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans at CLE
2. Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers vs. NYG
3. Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys at ARI
4. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons at DET
5. Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. HOU
6. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions vs. ATL
7. Kenneth Walker, Seattle Seahawks vs. CAR
8. Miles Sanders, Carolina Panthers at SEA
9. D’Andre Swift, Philadelphia Eagles at TB
10. Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams at CIN
11. Alexander Mattison, Minnesota Vikings vs. LAC
12. Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders vs. PIT
13. Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots at NYJ
14. Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos at MIA
15. Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals vs. LAR
16. Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins vs. DEN
17. Breece Hall, New York Jets vs. NE
18. Brian Robinson Jr., Washington Commanders vs. BUF
19. Jamaal Williams, New Orleans Saints at GB
20. Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens vs. IND
21. A.J. Dillon, Green Bay Packers vs. NO
22. Joshua Kelley, Los Angeles Chargers at MIN
23. Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers at LV
24. Zack Moss, Indianapolis Colts at BAL
25. James Conner, Arizona Cardinals vs. DAL
26. Dameon Pierce, Houston Texans at JAX
27. James Cook, Buffalo Bills at WAS
28. Matt Breida, New York Giants at SF
29. Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns vs. TEN
30. Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. PHI
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt celebrates with fans after his fumble recovery and 16-yard run for a touchdown in the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on September 18, 2023. The Steelers defeated the Browns 26-22. [Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI | License Photo](https://www.upi.com/News_Photos/view/upi/7a7d9f72aa0cc3de202c24d3ab4dda26/)
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