It seems like just yesterday we were giddy with excitement for the onset of the NFL season. Now, in the blink of an eye, we will be a quarter of the way through the season after this weekend. Crazy to think about, right?
By now, you know the drill: Here are some running backs you should really avoid playing this week if you can.
Arian Foster, Houston Texans vs. Seattle Seahawks
Given that you likely drafted Foster in the first round, it’s probably hard to bench him. But if you have a deep running back stable (or for you weekly fantasy players) avoid starting Foster if you can. He’s currently the 21st fantasy running back with 28.7 total points.
Seattle’s run defense is the ninth best in the league this season according to Pro Football Focus, with a 11.3 grade. it's also allowing just 95 rushing yards per game, which is 12th best in the league. With Foster likely to split carries with Ben Tate, he’s not going to put up the numbers worthy of a starting roster spot in most leagues.
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans vs. New York Jets
Johnson comes into Week 4 as the 24th ranked fantasy ‘back with just 25.8 points in standard leagues. He’s failed to carry a strong preseason into the regular season and is going to have a tough day against the Jets’ top-ranked defense according to PFF. They’re also sixth best in the league with just 79.7 yards-per-game allowed, which certainly spells a long day for Johnson.
Lamar Miller, Miami Dolphins vs. New Orleans Saints
Miller came into 2013 with so much promise as a fantasy stud, replacing Reggie Bush in the Dolphins’ offense. But he’s done very little so far, compiling just 134 yards on 32 games, which is good for 30th best with 20.9 fantasy points.
Meanwhile, the Saints’ new defense under Rob Ryan have shocked many and really turned things around. They’re allowing just over 100 rushing yards per game - but the way the Dolphins have ran the ball this season, Miller won’t even get close to that plateau.
David Wilson, New York Giants vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Wilson has been the biggest letdown for fantasy owners, by far, this season. In his second year in New York, and first as the lead back in the Giants’ offense, Wilson was supposed to be a surefire fantasy stud. But after early (and numerous) fumble issues, Wilson has been in Tom Coughlin’s doghouse ever since, and thus relegated to fantasy relevance.
He’s currently the 59th-best fantasy ‘back with a measly .08 points in standard leagues and playing against the Kansas City Chiefs No. 1 ranked defense. It’s a no-brainer that this isn’t going to end well for Wilson owners.