Fantasy Football 2008: Week 3 Sleepers and Keepers Running Backs (RBs)

Week three has some very favorable matchups that you should pay attention to. With some notable injuries affecting platoons there is more of chance to find a gem in the rough. Normally I don't list my top tens in order but from now on I will list them in order from greatest to least.
Keepers are defined as players who should be started but are not generally a first round pick. Sleepers are guys that are left on the waiver wire or sitting on someone's bench. Both are worth a look at when deciding who to start for your team.

1) Julius Jones - My number one pick is Julius Jones. I will admit I haven't been a believer with all the attention his old platoon running mate, Marion Barber, is getting. Now that Maurice Morris will most likely miss week 3 and the strong numbers he put up last week, I would say he is a strong RB2 and possibly a RB1 depending on who you have on your team. Did I mention they are playing the St. Louis Rams AND Seattle has no passing game to speak of. This is the week you want to start Julius Jones.

2) Michael Turner - After a monstrous first week and a terrible second week, now is the time to start Michael Turner. I've read that Turner is the only back with a chance to break 300 touches. Atlanta is more than likely going to run the ball with the still not proven Matt Ryan in the QB helm. Again the matchup is favorable as the Falcons face the Chiefs. The Chiefs may be horrible but they do boast a top ten pass defense which should equate to more touches for Turner.

3) Sammie Morris - I'm a big fan. Morris is consistent with a TD in both games. He disappointed with yardage last week piling up a big goose egg but he still got the TD. Maroney and Jordan are both banged up so I fully expect Faulk and Morris to carry the load against a week Miami defense. Sure Cassel should have a fine game but look for Morris to continue his scoring streak. He is a great flex player and would fill in nicely for you bye weeks plus he is more than likely sitting in the Free Agent pool.

4) Matt Forte - This guy is legit. He most likely isn't available in the free agent pool but maybe you can put together a trade to snag him now before he blows up. Forte will be getting the rock a lot considering the QB situation in Chicago. Hester is down and out which leaves less options for Orton. Make the play and grab Forte as soon as you can. He won't pick up Turner like numbers this week but I can't stress enough that now is the time to grab this guy.

5) Marshawn Lynch - For some reason this guy was consistently picked up in the second and third rounds. Buffalo is turning out to be better than expected. This week's matchup against Oakland screams for a big game from Lynch. Trent Edwards has been stingy passing the ball to him but that should change as the season goes on. Lynch has more fantasy points than half of the top ten first round RBs taken ahead of him.

6) Chris Johnson - There is a lot of hype behind this guy and Johnson should not disappoint this week as the Titans take on the lowly Texans. Johnson should eclipse the 100 yard mark and put up decent TD numbers (1 or 2). A great play this week.

7) Steven Jackson - I know he's a first rounder and I know St. Louis sucks. I think this week will be his "breakout" week. He is quick on his feet and should make some good moves in addition to finding the end zone at least once. Plus the Rams passing game is suspect until they can give Bulger more time which doesn't look like will happen anytime soon.

8) Darren Sproles - With LT resting his toe look for Sproles to put up decent numbers against the Jets. Word on the street is LT will start but for how long is anybody's guess. Either way you can pick him up for the handcuff or for the cuff-block. Either one is a good enough reason to start Sproles this week.

9) Reggie Bush - He should put up decent running yardage and maybe even find a rushing TD this week. However that is not the reason to start him. For all intensive purposes Bush is the WR1 for Drew Brees. I say start him and watch him kill on reception yardage especially if you are in a PPR league, this guy is a must start. Not bad for a fourth or fifth rounder.

10) Michael Bush - This is a stretch but a fine time to take a chance. Fargas is down and out with a groin pull. McFadden is banged up and considering pain shots for the Sunday game. This leaves a Turner-like Bush primed to run the ball against Buffalo. I don't expect great numbers because Buffalo has been outstanding against the run. I think Bush could fill a RB2 hole if you needed him. You should find him floating around the FA pool.

If you like my picks then subscribe to my profile and check back next week for week 4 predictions.