Five Fantasy Football Running Backs to Avoid in Week 2
Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon and New York Jets’ Breece Hall are among the five fantasy football running backs to avoid in lineups for Week 2. Javonte Williams, Brian Robinson Jr., and Cam Akers are also players to bench, unless there are no other higher-ranked options available. Make sure to check out my Week 2 quarterback, tight end, and wide receiver rankings, as well as waiver-wire additions articles for your preparation. Please note that my rankings are subject to change based on developments, including injuries. Players from Thursday’s Minnesota Vikings-Philadelphia Eagles game have been excluded from the rankings. Below are my top 30 running back rankings for Week 2, and the following running backs should be approached with caution.
Breece Hall
Hall, who has battled injuries in the past two seasons, showcased his talent in his 2023 debut. The second-year running back had an impressive performance against the Buffalo Bills, rushing for 127 yards on just 10 carries, including an 83-yard touchdown run, the longest of Week 1. However, Hall may struggle to find running room against the Dallas Cowboys’ defense in Week 2. The Cowboys dominated the New York Giants in a shutout victory in Week 1, limiting star running back Saquon Barkley to just 51 yards. Although Hall has big-play ability, his explosiveness may be somewhat tempered in this matchup. The Jets are likely to rely more on Dalvin Cook to control the clock and keep Hall fresh. Hall is ranked as the No. 23 option in my Week 2 running back rankings and should be reserved for deeper leagues or leagues with a flex position.
Javonte Williams
Williams had a solid but unspectacular Week 1 performance, totaling 52 rushing yards on 13 carries and five receiving yards on four catches. In Week 2, the Denver Broncos will face a tough Washington Commanders defense that allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs in 2022 and held Arizona Cardinals running backs to just 58 yards on 19 carries in Week 1. This game is likely to be low-scoring, and Williams may struggle to surpass 80 yards from scrimmage. Consider Williams as a low-end RB2 or flex play in deeper leagues, as he is ranked as the No. 25 option in my Week 2 running back rankings.
Joe Mixon
Mixon had a disappointing Week 1 outing, gaining only 70 total yards on 16 touches in the Bengals’ loss to the Browns. In Week 2, the Bengals will face a tough Baltimore Ravens defense that allowed the fifth-fewest rushing yards and sixth-fewest fantasy points to running backs last season. They continued their strong defensive performance in Week 1, holding the Houston Texans’ starting running back to just 38 yards on 11 carries. While Mixon can still be considered in deeper leagues, it’s advisable to explore other options if you have a higher-ranked player on your roster. With the Bengals’ offense expected to bounce back, Mixon may see a reduced workload and share touches with other playmakers. I anticipate Joe Burrow finding a better rhythm with his wide receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Mixon is currently ranked as the No. 27 option in my Week 2 running back rankings.
Brian Robinson Jr.
Robinson had a decent workload in Week 1 for the Commanders, out-carrying Antonio Gibson 19-3. Despite only gaining 59 rushing yards, he salvaged his fantasy performance with a 7-yard touchdown catch. However, in Week 2, the Commanders will go up against the Denver Broncos, who held reigning rushing champion Josh Jacobs to just 48 yards on 19 carries in their Week 1 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Gibson is also expected to receive a larger share of the backfield split. As a result, Robinson is ranked as the No. 28 play for Week 2.
Cam Akers
Akers had a disappointing Week 1 outing against the Seattle Seahawks, gaining only 29 yards on 22 carries. Although he scored a touchdown, his lack of production in the passing game and inefficiency as a runner raise concerns going forward. Akers also faces a tough challenge in Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers, who allowed the fewest rushing yards and fantasy points to running backs last season, and held Pittsburgh Steelers running backs to just 50 yards on 19 carries in Week 1. Until Akers proves himself as the clear leader of the Rams’ backfield and shows improvement in his performance, he should not be included in lineups. For now, he is not ranked in the top 30 of my Week 2 running back rankings.
Week 2 Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings
- Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans vs. LAC
- Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns at PIT
- Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons vs. GB
- Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers at LAR
- Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders at BUF
- Saquon Barkley, New York Giants vs. ARI
- Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers at TEN
- Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys vs. NYJ
- Kenneth Walker, Seattle Seahawks at DET
- Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots vs. MIA
- Dameon Pierce, Houston Texans vs. IND
- Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. KC
- Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions vs. SEA
- Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. CHI
- James Conner, Arizona Cardinals vs. NYG
- Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers at ATL
- James Cook, Buffalo Bills vs. LV
- Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens at CIN
- Jamaal Williams, New Orleans Saints at CAR
- A.J. Dillon, Green Bay Packers at ATL
- Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. CLE
- Miles Sanders, Carolina Panther vs. NO
- Breece Hall, New York Jets at DAL
- Isaiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs at JAX
- Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos vs. WAS
- David Montgomery, Detroit Lions vs. SEA
- Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals vs. BAL
- Brian Robinson Jr., Washington Commanders at DEN
- Samaje Perine, Denver Broncos vs. WAS
- Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins at NE
Remember to check for updates and adjust your lineups accordingly based on any developments or injuries.
Source: UPI
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