Fantasy Football Week 3: Maurice Jones-Drew and RBs to Sit

Running backs are key to any good fantasy team. The majority of owners know this (except the guy who goes tight end in the first round), but the owners who can make the right start 'em, sit 'em decisions at running back rise to the top.

Hype has a way of impacting the way owners think, as does a big name. Neither of these factors should ever come into play when making a running back decision. The focal point of any decision, but especially a running back decision, should come down to the matchup.

Week 3 of NFL action has stirred up plenty of hype around certain names and given fantasy owners tough decisions up and down the lineup.

Fortunately, these decisions can be made easily through careful analysis. Here are three running backs to bench without hesitation.

Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Seattle Seahawks

At times a big name can be just that—nothing more than a name.

There was a time when Maurice Jones-Drew could carry the Jacksonville Jaguars on his back and take fantasy owners along the for the ride en route to a championship.

Those times are long gone.

Jones-Drew is officially past his prime. Through two games in 2013, Jones-Drew has rushed for just 72 yards and no touchdowns on 25 attempts. Things will get worse in Week 3 against the NFL's No. 1 overall defense.

If that is not enough to sway owners, MJD may miss the game anyway with an ankle injury.

James Starks, Green Bay Packers vs. Cincinnati Bengals

James Starks is the flavor of the week, and why not? As NFL Network's Ian Rapoport details, Starks put together a shocking performance last week:

Starks' ability to post over 100 yards against Cincinnati in Week 3 would be even more shocking. The problem is, the Bengals only allowed two backs to go over 100 yards last season and it has not happened yet this year.

Starks is what happens when a sleeper back goes against the NFL's worst rush defense, as he did against Washington last week. Last week was the time to start Starks, but it was impossible to know starter Eddie Lacy would leave early with an injury.

While Starks is the starter, he now has to deal with a perennially tough defense known for stopping the run. Avoid at all costs.

Trent Richardson, Indianapolis Colts vs. San Francisco 49ers

Starks may be the flavor of the week, but Trent Richardson is the biggest name as the Cleveland Browns traded their star back to the Indianapolis Colts.

Richardson's fantasy outlook with the Colts is incredible—just not right away.

Kevin Bowen of the Colts' official website says Richardson will start for Indianapolis this week, regardless of his only recent arrival:

So far in 2013 Richardson was only permitted to rush 31 times, which wound up only translating to 105 yards and a 3.5 yards per carry average. Now Richardson is tasked with not only learning a new offense, but going against a San Francisco defense that ranks in the Top 15.

It would be different if Richardson had joined the Colts a few weeks ago. Give it a few weeks and Richardson could be a top option. For now owners need to stash Richardson on the bench.

Note: All stats courtesy of NFL.com.

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