Fantasy Football Week 3 Rankings: Ranking the 5 Riskiest RB Plays

As you prepare to set your fantasy football lineups for Week 3, consider these running backs risky starts heading into the weekend:

5. Cedric Benson, Bengals

Benson has been productive in two games to start the season, rushing for nearly 200 yards and a score on 41 carries. He gets the 49ers' No. 1 ranked rushing defense this weekend, however, which should present a much bigger challenge. However, that ranking might be a bit misleading, as the 49ers played a Seahawks team lacking in offense and the Cowboys who insisted on throwing the ball. Because of that, he's not the riskiest start.

4. James Starks, Packers

Starks was active for two games against the Bears last season, and the results were mixed. He hardly contributed in the Packers Week 17 win, but three weeks later, Starks was the lead back in the NFC championship game, rushing the ball 22 times for 74 yards and a score. You'd have to think he'd be somewhere in the middle of those two performances on Sunday, especially with the Packers tendency to throw. That makes him a risky start this weekend.

3. Steven Jackson, Rams

Coming off a quad injury and facing the Ravens defense isn't a promising combination for Jackson. While he looked explosive before his injury, there's no way to tell how effective he might be in his first week back. Baltimore's defense is going to be angry, too. After dismantling the Steelers on both sides of the ball, the Ravens took an emotional step back last Sunday. They'll be looking to get back to Week 1 form this weekend.

2. Tim Hightower, Redskins

Hightower went MIA in the second half against the Cardinals, with rookie Roy Helu taking a bunch of carries and Hightower relegated to the bench. That might not be the case moving forward, but Hightower has a tough matchup on his hands this Monday night. He'll be facing the Cowboys, who are second against the run so far this season and are giving up just three yards a carry. Hightower will still get touches, but temper your expectations.

1. Felix Jones, Cowboys

Jones has been a disappointment through two games, and a separated shoulder certainly doesn't help his case heading into Week 3. It appears as if he'll be ready to go Monday night, but that doesn't mean he's going to be effective. The Cowboys look like a pass-heavy team despite Jason Garrett's claims that his offense was going to be more balanced with him as head coach. Until Jones is healthy and we start seeing better production, he's a risky start.