The running backs got a reprieve from devastating injuries in week 3. Several players broke out in a big way, while others may have lost their starting gigs. While many injury replacements did not live up to their new starting job, there are players available that can give teams a boost heading into week 4.
Week 3 Recommendations Results (Standard League Scoring)
- Jerick McKinnon MIN - 16 carries 45 yards 1 reception 2 yards - 4 Fantasy Points
- Jay Ajayi MIA - 7 carries 28 yards 1 touchdown - 8 Fantasy Points
- Fozzy Whitaker CAR - 5 carries 22 yards 5 receptions 34 yards - 5 Fantasy Points
- Kenneth Dixon BAL (Stash) - DNP but other Ravens RBs proved why he should be kept
McKinnon and Asiata were both awful versus the stout Panthers run defense, but McKinnon still has value going forward. Ajayi salvaged his day with a touchdown, but his share of the offense is too small to trust. Whitaker got fewer touches than expected and faced a monstrous Vikings defense. Dixon may be the best back on the Ravens roster and should be stashed in every league.
Be sure to read all of our waiver wire pickups headed into week 4.
Week 4 Waiver Wire Picks (Under 50% owned per ESPN)
Dwayne Washington DET 20.4% owned
With the season ending injury to Ameer Abdullah, the Lions have turned to a tandem of Theo Riddick and Dwayne Washington in their backfield. Riddick is the obvious pick in PPR leagues, but Washington will likely handle most of the rushing duties. The Packers do not give up much on the ground, but Washington was still much more effective than Riddick running against Green Bay. Next week brings a matchup with the terrible Bears defense. That could be the coming out party for Washington so this could be the last chance to snag him for nothing.
Jordan Howard CHI 15.5% owned
The Bears have not been an offensive juggernaut so far this season, but starting running backs are still valuable. Jeremy Langford has been struggling and now is going to miss 4 to six weeks with an ankle injury. Ka'Deem Carey is also ailing and may miss time. This means that Howard, a very talented pure rusher, could function as a three down back for the Bears. No matter what the matchup, that type of volume is something to strive for in fantasy. If Howard is available, pick him up immediately as he could be useful for the remainder of the season.
Dexter McCluster SD 5.9% owned
The Chargers signed McCluster to fill a small part of the void left by Danny Woodhead's season ending injury. He did not see a lot of playing time in his first week with the team. That makes sense as he was still getting acclimated to a new playbook and quarterback. Melvin Gordon may continue to dominate the touches in this offense, but McCluster can contribute in a number of ways offensively. It is worth stashing him on the bench to see if he can develop a rapport with Rivers. This pick is much more valuable for PPR leagues.
You may also be interested in our Week 4 Player Rankings.
Going Deep
Orleans Darkwa/Paul Perkins NYG 5% and 1.9% owned respectively
Pass-catching specialist Shane Vereen was lost for at least the next 8 weeks in the Giants last game. With Rashad Jennings unsure playing time due to his own injury, the Giants will be scrambling for warm bodies to suit up. Orleans Darkwa has had some limited success rushing the ball in the past and is a nice pick for standard leagues. Paul Perkins should also see some carries, but he is a better candidate to fill in on passing plays. Perkins displayed nice hands in college and could see a large share of playing time if the Giants fall behind.
