Week 3 running back sleepers and streamers have arrived and Brian Robinson delivered for those who started him, including myself. First thing is first, the players that make their way into these articles, are being started by me. They will not be started in every league, but for the most part, they are in my lineup.
I will never put a player on any weekly articles that I do not feel confident starting for myself. With that being said, a TON of players woke up in Week 2, but there are still some running back sleepers that will help us win in Week 3 as well as some streamers. Here we go.
Week 3 Running Back Sleepers and Streamers
Sleepers
Austin Ekeler @ Cincinnati Bengals
Austin Ekeler was once one of the five best running backs for fantasy football. Life comes at you fast and Ekeler is now the RB2 behind Brian Robinson on the Washington Commanders. Ekeler saw 43% of the snaps compared to Robinson’s 60%. With that being said, Ekeler is still averaging double-digit points through two weeks. He is not 20 ppg Austin Ekeler anymore, but his receiving skill is what will keep him fantasy-relevant until he retires. The Bengals gave up six receptions to Chief running backs in Week 2 and 149 rushing yards. Fire up Ekeler in your flex position in Week 3.
Bucky Irving vs. Denver Broncos
Bucky Irving has seen just a 31% and 35% snap count in the first two weeks. Rachaad White has seen a 70% and 71% snap count yet, he only has 8.1 more points than Irving thus far. White has not been efficient and has taken a step back from his RB1 finish last season. The 2-0 Tampa Bay Buccaneers get the 0-2 Denver Broncos. I expect this game to be over by the third quarter with the Bucs utilizing their running backs to close the game out. I like Irving to be able to score double-digit points and once again show he is the better player between him and White.
Streamers
D’Andre Swift @ Indianapolis Colts
The Colts just gave up 32 carries and 151 yards on the ground to Josh Jacobs in Week 2. D’Andre Swift has been a letdown through two weeks, but in Week 3, he has the match-up. With Caleb Williams dealing with some struggles to start his career, Swift needs to step up and make it easier for his quarterback. D’Andre Swift will have his best so far in 2024 and have a top-15 finish with a touchdown. A much softer run defense should open up passing lines for Caleb Williams and his weapons and make Swift a great streamer for running back sleepers and streamers.
Zamir White/Alexander Mattison vs. Carolina Panthers
The Las Vegas Raiders’ running backs have 88 yards on the ground through two weeks. The only positive thing about this, is they have the perfect matchup to pick things up. The Raiders get to face the Carolina Panthers who are bad pretty much in every single department. The Panthers gave up 180 rushing yards in Week 1 and 219 yards in Week 2. Chances are, Alexander Mattison is on the waiver wire in your league. If you have Zamir White, start him with confidence. This is the perfect matchup for him to make up for the lackluster first two weeks.
In much deeper leagues, start Mattison as his receiving upside cannot be ignored and he has shown to be able to run the ball fairly well every blue moon. When it comes to sleepers and streamers, these two are very scary but should see nice production in a lop-sided game favoring the Raiders.
Make sure to check out all of our Week 3 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!