You’ve been there. It’s Tuesday night, your waiver wire claims are pending, and you’re staring at a roster that looked like a powerhouse in August but now feels like a hospital ward. Week 3 is always the reality check. By now, the "wait and see" period for your draft picks has officially expired. Either they’re producing, or they’re a problem.
Honestly, the running back rankings week 3 landscape for this 2025 season is messier than usual. We came into the year thinking the rookie class would ignite the league, but instead, we’re seeing veterans like Jonathan Taylor and Christian McCaffrey act like they’ve found the fountain of youth while the young guns struggle to find a hole. If you’re looking at your lineup and wondering why the "experts" still have certain names in the top five despite a slow start, you aren’t alone.
The truth is, rankings at this stage of the season are often a mix of projection, stubbornness, and a tiny bit of panic. Let’s get into what’s actually happening on the field.
The Elite Tier: No Room for Debate
There are a few guys who are simply untouchable right now. If you have them, you start them. You don't overthink the matchup. You don't look at the weather. You just enjoy the points.
Bijan Robinson has effectively taken over the league. Through the first few games of 2025, he’s not just a running back; he’s the Atlanta Falcons’ entire offensive identity. Entering Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers, Bijan is coming off a monster performance against Buffalo where he looked like he was playing a different sport. He’s second on his team in targets, which is basically a cheat code for PPR leagues. Facing a Panthers defense that has been a sieve against the run, Robinson is the consensus number one for a reason.
Then there's Christian McCaffrey. People keep waiting for the "age wall" to hit, but Year 9 CMC looks a lot like Year 3 CMC. With the 49ers dealing with a litany of receiver injuries, Kyle Shanahan is leaning on McCaffrey like a crutch. He’s on pace for career highs in touches because, frankly, who else is Brock Purdy going to throw to? Against Arizona in Week 3, he’s a locked-in RB1.
✨ Don't miss: Tyrod Taylor Virginia Tech Legacy: Why the Winningest QB Still Matters
Saquon Barkley and Jonathan Taylor round out this top group. Taylor, specifically, has been a revelation. After a weird 2024, he’s back to his "league-winner" form. He’s leading the NFL in explosive runs and forced missed tackles. If you’re playing the Tennessee Titans this week, you’re playing Taylor. Simple as that.
Why the Rookie Hype is Fizzling (For Now)
We were told the 2025 class was legendary. Ashton Jeanty, TreVeyon Henderson, Omarion Hampton—the names were supposed to be everywhere.
What happened?
Well, reality happened. Ashton Jeanty has been stuck behind an offensive line that’s essentially a group of revolving doors. He’s averaging negative yards before contact. That’s not a talent issue; that’s a "he's getting hit in the mouth the second he takes the handoff" issue. While he’s still a must-start because of the volume, the RB1 ceiling we hoped for is currently capped.
Omarion Hampton and TreVeyon Henderson are in even tougher spots. Hampton is dealing with fumbling issues that have landed him in the Jim Harbaugh doghouse, and Henderson is struggling with pass protection. If you can't block, you don't play. It’s a hard lesson for fantasy managers who spent high draft capital on these guys.
The Volume Kings You Can’t Ignore
Volume is king in fantasy football. You can have all the talent in the world, but if you’re only getting eight touches, you’re a bust. That’s why Chase Brown in Cincinnati is such a fascinating case for Week 3.
The Bengals' offense is in a bit of a tailspin with Joe Burrow sidelined, but Jake Browning is doing just enough to keep the chains moving. More importantly, Chase Brown has handled over 90% of the team's rushing attempts. That kind of usage is rare. Even if the Bengals aren't scoring 30 points a game, a guy getting 20 carries and four targets is a fantasy goldmine.
Similarly, Jordan Mason has become the "engine" of the Vikings' offense. With Aaron Jones Sr. on IR, Mason has gone from a depth piece to a focal point. He’s not flashy, but he hits the hole hard and doesn't lose yardage. Against a Bengals defense that can be vulnerable to the power run, Mason is a high-floor RB2 with RB1 upside.
Matchups That Will Make or Break Your Week
A quick look at the schedule shows some glaring opportunities (and traps):
- Bucky Irving vs. NY Jets: Irving has been a "darling" of the advanced stats community. He’s elusive and creates yards out of nothing. But the Jets' front four is no joke. This is a classic "talent vs. matchup" dilemma. I’m leaning toward Irving as a high-end FLEX, but don't expect a 20-point explosion.
- James Cook vs. Miami: The Dolphins/Bills rivalry usually turns into a shootout. Cook has been the most consistent part of the Buffalo offense. He’s averaging 5.2 yards per carry and catching balls out of the backfield. Miami’s defense is fast, but they can be bullied. Cook is a top-10 play this week.
- Javonte Williams at Chicago: This is the "get right" game. The Cowboys have been odd this year, but Williams is finally looking like his pre-injury self. Chicago’s run defense is improved, but they still struggle with physical, downhill runners.
Injuries and The "Next Man Up" Chaos
You have to keep an eye on the injury report right up until kickoff. James Conner is out indefinitely, which opens the door for Trey Benson in Arizona. Benson has the speed to go the distance, but he’s still learning the nuances of the NFL game. He's a risky start against a disciplined 49ers defense.
In Washington, Jacory Croskey-Merritt is the name to watch. With Austin Ekeler out for the season and Jayden Daniels banged up, the Commanders are going to have to run the ball to survive. Croskey-Merritt has shown flashes of being a dynamic playmaker. If you’re desperate for a RB2 or FLEX, he’s a savvy play against a Raiders defense that can be temperamental.
Final Insights for Your Week 3 Lineup
Don't chase last week's points. Just because a guy scored two touchdowns on three carries doesn't mean it’ll happen again. Look for the snaps. Look for the targets.
If you're sitting at 0-2, now is the time to be aggressive. Trade that "big name" who isn't performing for two solid pieces that provide a higher floor. If you're 2-0, hold steady, but don't get complacent. The running back position is a war of attrition.
Your Action Plan:
- Check the Snap Counts: If your RB's snap share dropped below 50% in Week 2, find out why. Was it a blowout? Or is a backup taking over?
- Monitor the O-Line: The Panthers and Packers are dealing with significant injuries up front. This hurts Hubbard and Jacobs more than the rankings suggest.
- Prioritize Receiving Backs: In a year where scoring is slightly down across the league, those 3-5 catches for 30 yards are the difference between a win and a loss.
- Trust Your Gut over the Consensus: If you've watched every snap and see that a player looks slow or tentative, bench them. Rankings are a guide, not a law.
Week 3 is where the contenders separate themselves from the pretenders. Make sure your backfield is on the right side of that line.
👉 See also: Purdue vs USC Tonight: How to Watch the Boilermakers and Why It’s on Peacock
Key Takeaway: Prioritize volume and involvement in the passing game over "projected" talent. Guys like Bijan Robinson and Jonathan Taylor are the gold standard, but the real value is found in the rising snap shares of players like Jordan Mason and Chase Brown. Keep a close eye on the offensive line health in Green Bay and Carolina before locking in your starters.</p