FanDuel NFL: Best lineup for Week 3

Running Backs: Jay Ajayi, Miami Dolphins-$8,200, Mike Gillislee, New England Patriots-$6,800

In his season debut last Sunday Ajayi did not disappoint, with 28 carries for 122 yards along with two catch for four yards while playing 64 of 68 snaps against the Los Angeles Chargers. Now a favorable matchup is coming in week 3 against the New York Jets who have allowed three rushing touchdowns and 4.7 yards per carry to opposing running backs so far this season.

Ajayi was held out of Wednesday’s practice with a knee issue, which is a concern due to his history of issues with his right knee and a report of ongoing knee soreness at the same point heading into Week 2. So keep an eye on his status, and be ready to swap him out for someone else if he is inactive on Sunday.

With this same lineup otherwise, Kareem Hunt ($8,300) and Devonta Freeman ($8,200) are two alternatives in the same price range that can fit in Ajayi’s place.

Through two games, Gillislee has 33 carries for 114 yards and four touchdowns. 13 of those carries have come in the red zone, with seven inside the 10-yard line and five inside the 5-yard line. He has stepped into the LeGarrette Blount role in New England’s running back rotation, which is as stable a role as there is in that group.

It’s not an incredibly favorable matchup for Gillislee against the Houston Texans Week 3, and it’s worth noting Blount had over 100 rushing yards and two touchdowns in Week 3 last year when J.J. Watt injured during the game. But I still like Gillislee to find the end zone again, and perhaps get some extra work as the Patriots grind out the clock with a lead late in Sunday’s game.