Here's a look at theScore's running back value rankings for Week 3 (Thursday night game excluded):
Value Rankings
QB | RB | WR | TE
Top 5
Top-end plays are clearly the safest picks this week, led by Charles; he's the best bet for a touchdown as the Chiefs look to control the clock in Green Bay. Bell returns from a two-game suspension to face a Rams defense that has been torched for more than 300 rushing yards in two weeks, while Lynch gets a juicy matchup against the woeful Bears in Seattle.
Next 5
Foster is expected to return from a groin injury this week, and should instantly invigorate a stagnant Houston offense. Ingram is a good play despite facing the impressive Panthers, while the rest of the list focuses on players who should see enough work to return value on their modest salaries. Lewis has the highest ceiling as a fixture in Tom Brady's pass-heavy offense.
Best of the Rest
| # | NAME | OPPONENT | RANK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Matt Forte (CHI) | at SEA | Medium |
| 12 | Jeremy Hill (CIN) | at BAL | Medium |
| 13 | C.J. Anderson (DEN) | at DET | Medium |
| 14 | Carlos Hyde (SF) | at ARI | Medium |
| 15 | Justin Forsett (BAL) | vs. CIN | Medium |
| 16 | Lamar Miller (MIA) | vs. BUF | Medium |
| 17 | Chris Ivory (NYJ) | vs. PHI | Medium |
| 18 | Giovani Bernard (CIN) | at BAL | Medium |
| 19 | Todd Gurley (STL) | vs. PIT | Medium |
| 20 | Danny Woodhead (SD) | at MIN | Medium |
| 21 | DeMarco Murray (PHI) | at NYJ | Medium |
| 22 | LeSean McCoy (BUF) | at MIA | Medium |
| 23 | Joseph Randle (DAL) | vs. ATL | Medium |
| 24 | Jonathan Stewart (CAR) | vs. NO | Medium |
| 25 | Bishop Sankey (TEN) | vs. IND | Medium |
Major changes could be in the offing if Hill and Anderson continue their early-season struggles; Bernard's ranking reflects the Bengals' decreased confidence in Hill, while Anderson and Ronnie Hillman could find themselves in a true time share before long. Gurley could be a sneaky tournament play if he's fit enough to make his NFL debut this week.
Nothing to See Here
| # | NAME | OPPONENT | RISK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | Eddie Lacy (GB) | vs. KC | High |
| 27 | Ronnie Hillman (DEN) | at DET | High |
| 28 | Melvin Gordon (SD) | at MIN | High |
| 29 | C.J. Spiller (NO) | at CAR | High |
| 30 | Devonta Freeman (ATL) | at DAL | High |
| 31 | Frank Gore (IND) | at TEN | High |
| 32 | T.J. Yeldon (JAC) | at NE | High |
| 33 | Ameer Abdullah (DET) | vs. DEN | High |
| 34 | James Starks (GB) | vs. KC | High |
| 35 | Benny Cunningham (STL) | vs. PIT | High |
| 36 | Chris Johnson (ARI) | vs. SF | High |
| 37 | LeGarrette Blount (NE) | vs. JAC | High |
| 38 | Darren Sproles (PHI) | at NYJ | High |
| 39 | DeAngelo Williams (PIT) | at STL | High |
| 40 | Darren McFadden (DAL) | vs. ATL | High |
Lacy's status will remain a secret until later this week; if his ankle remains an issue, he could be looking at a time share with Starks - effectively negating his value against a tough Chiefs run defense. Looking for a flyer in this group? take a chance on Johnson, who could see plenty of action against the 49ers in a game the Cardinals should have well in hand.
