Fantasy Football: Week 3 RB Sleepers to Help Ease Sting of Injuries

Running back is a very fluid fantasy position. While this means that injuries knock out stud backs on a regular basis, it also means there are new guys to pick up the slack. 

If you are like me and are looking for a running back boost for Week 3, here are three sleepers that will come through with solid days, and all will justify being inserted into the second running back slot. 

Daryl Richardson, St. Louis Rams

Week 3 Opponent: Chicago Bears

Daryl Richardson is skyrocketing to NFL relevancy. He is a rookie who was taken in the seventh round, but he has obviously been making a serious impression on the Rams' coaching staff.

So when starting Rams running back Steven Jackson left the game in the second quarter in Week 2, it was Richardson who picked up all the slack. 

He finished the game with 15 carries for 83 yards. It is still unclear what role Richardson will fill next week, but you better believe St. Louis will give him a chance to produce. 

He is not the greatest Week 3 threat, as his production potential being dependent on the health of Jackson, but he is available and will produce against a Bears defense that just allowed the Packers' previously non-existent running game to go for over 100 yards against them. 

Peyton Hillis, Kansas City Chiefs 

Peyton Hillis is emerging as the Chiefs' main back. On Sunday, he led the Chiefs in carries and rushing yards as he finished with 66 yards on 11 runs.

Hillis did have a costly fumble on the goal line, but Kansas went right back to Hillis.

The biggest drawback to Hillis is that Kansas City has been so terrible that they haven't had the luxury of pounding the ball in the ground game.

The good news with Hillis for Week 3 is that he is going against the Saints, and New Orleans' defense has been getting abused, like they are struggling for means of motivation.

Trent Richardson, Cleveland Browns

Admittedly, it is a stretch to call Richardson a sleeper, but the fantasy world was so down on him after his meager Week 1 performance with the terrible Cleveland offense that it is worth shouting out that Richardson is a fantasy must-start. 

Against a solid Bengals' rushing defense, Richardson had 109 yards rushing and 36 yards receiving. He also added a touchdown receiving and rushing. You can see them in this highlight package. 

Richardson will have weeks where he struggles, as defenses don't have a lot to worry about stopping from Cleveland. However, next week will not be one of those weeks. The Bills' defense is not a run-stopping unit.