Fantasy Football Rankings Week 3: Top 15 RBs Heading into This Week

The top 15 fantasy football running backs for Week 3 aren’t exactly what one would expect heading into the season. Jamaal Charles has been placed on IR, Felix Jones is banged up and teams dedicated to multiple running backs seem to be selecting their starters.

It's officially Week 3 of the NFL season, and running backs are starting to come into their own as they brace for the long haul.

There are a lot of divisional matchups this weekend and a lot of games that should stay close through four quarters. This will keep the running game for most teams relevant. Other teams are matched up against brutally inferior foes, which means garbage time fantasy points by the bundle.

Here are your top 15 running backs for Week 3.

15. Ben Tate at New Orleans

Arian Foster could play in Week 3, but Ben Tate will continue to see the bulk of the carries. He has been putting up excellent numbers and should be owned in 100 percent of fantasy leagues.

The Texans will need to establish the run if they hope to compete with New Orleans.

14. Beanie Wells at Seattle

Beanie Wells has been silencing critics with consistent play as the full-time running back. He looked good against a Redskins front seven in Week 2, and Washington's rush-defense is much better than Seattle's.

13. Jahvid Best at Minnesota

The Vikings' defense seems to be tailing off, and Jahvid Best is definitely on the up.  

The Lions will put up a lot of points on the road this week, and Best is likely to find pay dirt.

12. Michael Turner at Tampa Bay

The Buccaneers have a solid run-defense, but the Falcons will be sure to force feed Turner in Week 3.

This should be a close game, but the Falcons won’t have any reason to abandon the run.

11. Maurice Jones-Drew at Carolina

The Jaguars have had a lot of trouble moving the ball, but MJD remains productive.

The Panthers will be slinging the ball around in Week 3, so the Jags will lean on their best player to keep it close as they try to control the clock.

10. Ryan Mathews vs. Kansas City

Ryan Mathews finally looks like a legitimate starting RB, and Kansas City's run-defense was already dismal heading into the season (the loss of Eric Berry makes it even worse); Fred Jackson averaged 5.6 YPC against them in Week 2.

9. Peyton Hillis vs. Miami

The Dolphins' run-stoppers aren't scaring anyone, and Peyton Hillis looks solid again in 2011. He should have no trouble running over an undersized front seven on his way to a solid Sunday.

8. Adrian Peterson vs. Detroit

The Lions' defense is constantly improving, but Adrian Peterson is Adrian Peterson.

Donovan McNabb has been a disappointment thus far, so expect the Vikings to continue to lean on AP in Week 3.

7. Darren McFadden vs. New York (Jets)

There is no question the Jets have one of the better defenses in the league.

However, McFadden has looked nothing short of extraordinary and will continue to put up solid numbers in Week 3.

6. Matt Forte vs. Green Bay

This should be a high-scoring affair, and Matt Forte is the most dynamic player the Bears have on offense. He'll remain a factor in the passing game even if the Packers take an early lead.

Forte is a must-start.

5. Frank Gore at Cincinnati

Frank Gore will perform well in a close game, as the 49ers will frequently call upon their best player.

The Bengals' rushing defense also leaves a lot to be desired.

4. LeSean McCoy vs. New York (Giants)

If Michael Vick is out, the Eagles will give McCoy even more touches than usual. He's looked excellent through two weeks and will have a great day against New York's inexperienced linebacking corps.

3. Rashard Mendenhall at Indianapolis

The Steelers should dominate the Colts on Sunday night, so Mendenhall will be force-fed the ball as they run out the clock.

A touchdown and 120-plus yards are realistic expectations.

2. Chris Johnson vs. Denver

CJ2K struggled against two solid run-defenses in Baltimore and Jacksonville, but he should have no trouble breaking out this week against a beatable Denver rush-defense.

1. Ray Rice at St. Louis

Ray Rice has been dominant in 2011 and is scoring a lot more thanks to the addition of bruising fullback Vonta Leach.

If the Ravens get out to an early lead, Rice could see close to 30 touches.

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