Running Back Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em For Fantasy Football Week 3 – Sports Illustrated

Key Takeaways:

• Several major publications have weighed in on NFL Week 3 running back decisions.
• Javonte Williams and DK Metcalf stand out in ESPN’s matchup notes.
• Sleepers such as Omarion Hampton and Jauan Jennings are highlighted by The New York Times.
• NFL.com’s top 150 RB/WR/TE rankings offer a broad view of flex options.
• Sports Illustrated focuses specifically on start/sit recommendations for running backs.

Week 3 Running Back Outlook

The buzz surrounding Week 3 of the NFL season centers on one of the most critical positions in fantasy: the running back. Fresh updates from multiple outlets—including Sports Illustrated, NFL.com, ESPN, The New York Times, and Yahoo Sports—provide a variety of viewpoints on which players might break out and which might struggle.

Sports Illustrated’s Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Guidance

Sports Illustrated headlines the conversation with “Running Back Start ’Em, Sit ’Em For Fantasy Football Week 3.” While the detailed content remains beyond paywall access, the core takeaway is that managers must weigh weekly matchups to decide whether their running backs are set for a strong showing or likely to be overshadowed by tough defenses.

NFL.com’s Top 150 Flex Rankings

Alongside Sports Illustrated’s start/sit approach, NFL.com presents a comprehensive list featuring “Top 150 RB/WR/TE lineup options.” Such a wide-ranging ranking system helps fantasy owners compare the relative value of running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends on a single scale, making flex player decisions more manageable.

ESPN’s Standout Players

For ESPN’s coverage, “Matchup rankings: Javonte Williams, DK Metcalf stand out in Week 3” suggests that certain players—Williams and Metcalf among them—could provide better-than-usual returns. Though Metcalf is a receiver, his mention underscores that running backs aren’t the only offensive pieces benefiting from favorable Week 3 matchups. It prompts managers to assess the broader context of their lineup.

The New York Times’ Sleepers and Projections

The New York Times places a spotlight on “Sleepers, projections, starts, Omarion Hampton, Jauan Jennings and more.” While key details are limited, the reference indicates potential untapped value in emerging players who might be overlooked in traditional rankings. Fantasy managers aiming for an under-the-radar strategy might benefit from considering overlooked talents with high upside.

Yahoo Sports’ 2025 Perspective

Yahoo Sports features a forward-looking piece, “2025 Fantasy Football Rankings: Justin Boone’s top wide receivers for Week 3.” While it focuses on wideouts, it underscores the importance of analyzing each position’s depth and performance trends for the current slate of games. Pairing wide receiver insights with running back projections can offer a well-rounded approach to team management.

Closing Thoughts

In navigating the complexities of Week 3 fantasy football, leveraging insights from multiple sources can be the difference between a decisive win and a painful loss. By cross-referencing start/sit advice, exhaustive rankings, matchup summaries, and sleeper highlights, managers can better shape their lineups and maximize their point potential during a crucial stage of the season.