Fantasy Football Week 3 Rankings: Ranking Worst RB Plays

Bench a starting running back? No, I'm not crazy. Depending on your depth, or your waiver-wire savvy, benching a player thought of as an every-week starter can be a wise move depending on his matchup that week.

Sure, there are players that should never sit unless they're hurt or it's the bye—the Vikings' Adrian Peterson, for example, who is a one-man team on his own.

But others are more of a risky play. Here, I will detail three backs who don't look to have a good shot at racking up yards, touchdowns and points for your fantasy teams this week.

Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints (vs. Houston Texans)

Ingram appears to have gotten off to a slow start this season, but his numbers say otherwise: He's had 27 carries for 91 yards over two games compared to Pierre Thomas, who has rushed just 14 times for 72 yards.

It's a safe bet that as the season wears on, Ingram will usurp Thomas as the every-down back for the Saints and he should be featured prominently in their Week 3 game against the Texans.

However, that doesn't mean he's worth starting on your fantasy roster. The Texans have the best statistical defense in the league through two games, and have held their opponents to 217 rushing yards. Though their strength currently lies (uncharacteristically) in their passing defense, much of it has to do with stopping inferior aerial teams.

Look for a stouter Texans rush defense this week and more passes from the Saints; with that will come a decrease in Ingram's stats.

Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills (vs. New England Patriots)

Jackson, at 30 years old, hasn't shown any signs of wear or age in his first two games this season, netting a total of 229 yards and two touchdowns on 35 carries.

However, he gained those yards shredding the terrible run defenses of the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs. This week's game against the Patriots won't be so easy for Jackson.

The Patriots are ranked 11th in rush defense, allowing on average 98 rushing yards per game. Considering that Jackson will be splitting his carries with C.J. Spiller, it does not bode well for Jackson to make a major contribution to your fantasy team this week.

Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts (vs. Pittsburgh Steelers)

Addai's production is steadily decreasing this season with the faltering Colts offensive attack claiming yet another victim. He's quickly being surpassed by rookie Delone Carter, who was initially thought of as a goal-line, short-yardage back but has impressed in his two games and carried 11 times against the Browns.

This is contrasted to the 14 carries for Addai, who lost entire offensive series to Carter. He had 101 yards against the Browns, including 37 via receiving. However, he's going to be shut down by a Steeler run defense that allows impressive performances by just one running back in the league (hint: It's not Addai).

Keep in mind that if you want to bench Addai this week, you're even better off trying to move him in a trade package or releasing him to the waiver wire. If you've got your mind set on carrying a Colts running back, it looks like Carter will be the man for you for the remainder of the season.