Eddie Lacy's Updated 2014 Fantasy Outlook Heading into Week 4

Eddie Lacy's fantasy owners are freaking out right now after three lackluster games. Although everyone overpaid for the sophomore running back on draft day, his season will only get better from here.

Expected to break the 100-yard barrier regularly, Lacy has instead needed three weeks to collect that many yards on the ground. Heading into Week 4, many owners' first-round pick has amassed 36 carries for 113 yards. The Green Bay Packers rusher has yet to score a touchdown.

Week	Opponent	Carries	Rush YDs	TDs
1	at Seattle Seahawks	12	34	0
2	New York Jets	13	43	0
3	at Detroit Lions	11	36	0

On Sunday, Lacy experienced what is hopefully his 2014 nadir, coughing up his first fumble of the season while arriving at the wrong end zone against the Detroit Lions.

ESPN's Christopher Harris summarized his terrible day.

With an average draft position of 5.0, per FantasyPros, Lacy is barely edging out a certain wide receiver in rushing yards. Bleacher Report's Ian Kenyon brought attention to the disturbing detail:

Although Lacy is more concerned with Green Bay's 1-2 start, fantasy managers can pretend this line shared with ESPN.com Rob Demovsky is an apology to them.

"I don’t know if I have to be more patient or speed things up," Lacy said. "But one way or another I'm responsible for the run game."

His September has gone horribly, but his owners are left with little recourse but to wait and hope for better. Trading him for pennies on the dollar is foolish, and dropping a perceived No. 1 running back is insane.

Besides, his production should improve with a friendlier schedule.

Take another look at his opening three opponents. The Detroit Lions have allowed 191 yards on 68 carries this season. The New York Jets gave up 2.0 yards per carry through their first two games. Fellow early-round option Montee Ball tallied just 38 yards on 14 carries against the Seattle Seahawks.

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

Lacy has endured a brutal slate that will shift in his favor during the upcoming weeks.

Anyone who benches him against the Chicago Bears in Week 4 will regret that decision. Last season's worst rushing defense surrendered 5.0 yards per carry through the opening two matchups of the season. Then, he faces the Minnesota Vikings, who allowed 101 rushing yards and a touchdown to Stevan Ridley.

The Packers haven't enjoyed many leads this season. If they jump out to a big edge against Minnesota—like the New England Patriots did—they'll also lean on the run.

If the fumble-prone Ridley could work his way back into Bill Belichick's good graces, Lacy should be fine after one fumble.

As noted by Anita Marks in the video above, hold your panic until after those matchups. If he leaves those bouts with few yards and no scores, it's panic time. Until then, count on the guy who averaged 4.1 yards per carry and amassed 11 scores last year to regain his form.

If anything, those who hold no Lacy stock should see if his owner is eager to cash out.

An impatient person is a savvy fantasy veteran's best friend. Well, only if you're a self-centered person who exploits your best friend for your own personal gain.

Lacy has a steep hill to climb to erase these frightful three weeks. Chances are he won't rebound enough to finish as a top-five fantasy back, but he's also not plunging down to irrelevancy either.