Fantasy football sleepers-Week 3 last-minute fliers

Running Back Sleepers Week 3

Latavius Murray-Oakland Raiders (FD-7,000, DK-5,800): Murray is outside the top ten on both DraftKings and Fanduel this week, and he’s the option from outside the typical RB1’s that I like most as a fantasy football sleeper this week.  Murray came in at #5 on my RB rankings for the week and is in a great matchup coming off two strong games to start the season as I detailed in that post.

Joseph Randle-Dallas Cowboys (FD-6,500, DK-5,100): With Tony Romo sidelined, the Cowboys will have to rely heavily on their running game, and this week they should be able to expect results against the Falcons who have allowed more fantasy points to opposing RB’s than any other team in the league. Randle hasn’t found the end zone yet this season, but he has put together 116 rushing yards and 56 receiving yards in his first two contests.

Devonta Freeman-Atlanta Falcons (FD-6,500, DK-4,500): Freeman gets the start against Randle’s Cowboys today and should get extensive work since Tevin Coleman is out with a rib injury.  Freeman’s averages haven’t been great in the first two weeks totaling just 43 rushing yards on 22 caries, but he does have a rushing TD and has contributed 63 more yards on seven catches.  Against a Dallas defense that has allowed 122 receiving yards to opposing RBs in the first two weeks of the season, look for Freeman to be involved enough in the passing game and the main back in the running game making him an interesting bargain.

Chris Polk-Houston Texans (FD-5,300, DK-3,400): Polk ended up leading the Texans backfield in rushes and targets last week and appears to have passed Alfred Blue for lead back responsibilities while the Texans await Arian Foster’s return.  Polk gets one more week to show what he can do before Foster comes back and he has a great matchup to do it in this week against the Bucs who have allowed three rushing touchdowns and over 200 yards on the ground to opposing running back sin their first two games of the season.

Bilal Powell-New York Jets (FD-5,200, DK-3,000): Powell is my favorite cheap sleeper this week because he will get enough touches to produce something even if Chris Ivory does suit up for the Jets.  Ivory is a gametime decision against the Eagles, and if he sits Powell will get all the work he can handle.  However, even if Ivory plays Powell will be involved for New York.  In the first two weeks of the season, Powell has 24 carries for an even 100 yards while adding 32 more yards on six catches.  He hasn’t found the end zone which has kept him under the fantasy radar, but he’s worked into a pretty significant time share even when Ivory is healthy.

James Starks-Green Bay Packers (FD-6,500, DK-3,000): Starks value ranges widely from one site to another since his production all depends on the availability of Eddie Lacy. Lacy got in some limited work the last few days and looks like he’ll play although he’s a gametime decision and officially questionable.  If Starks gets some or all of Lacy’s playing time, he’s a steal in one of the most potent offenses in the NFL, but there is a risk he’ll end up riding the bench for much of Monday Night Football and leaving you with a hole at RB. He’s a risk, so if you roll with him make sure you understand what you’re doing.

Fred Jackson-Seattle Seahawks (FD-6,000, DK-3,000): Another running back who could get extra work this week if his team is missing its usual starter is Fred Jackson.  Marshawn Lynch is questionable for this afternoon’s game against the Bears and missed practice Wednesday and Friday.  If he’s declared out, F-Jax would definitely get a bump in playing time and whichever running back gets touches against the Bears should be set up to produce a big week. Like Starks, he’s a risk, but one to take a look at if you think Lynch will miss the game or be limited.

Week 2 Picks: Lamar Miller, Carlos Hyde, Chris Ivory, Ameer Abdullah, Bishop Sankey, Bilal Powell, Lance Dunbar

Next: Wide Receiver Sleepers Week 3