The third game of the NFL preseason is traditionally the “dress rehearsal,” the week when most teams play their starters into the second half. It’s the one week of preseason that most feels like real football, even though we’re still waiting two weeks for the games to start mattering in the schedule. So if you’re looking for final starting lineups and depth charts getting settled, look no further than the third preseason game.
Fantasy football 2017: Running back sleepers to watch in preseason Week 3
The third preseason game is when the starters get the most playing time. We look at some fantasy sleeper candidates at running back to watch this weekend.
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This is probably the most crucial weekend in fantasy football preparation. After this week’s games, draft season really kicks into gear as owners get their teams set up for the season-long grind ahead. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some potential sleeper candidates to watch at running back this week, and some final notes to take into your draft room.
Hunt had a field day against the Cincinnati Bengals last week, putting up 63 yards on 11 touches. He has a real chance to supplant Spencer Ware for the starting job, making him a must-own player in most fantasy formats. Be sure to monitor how the Chiefs use Hunt and Ware against the Seattle Seahawks on Friday night.
Mike Gillislee has a hamstring injury that’s kept him out for most of training camp, giving Burkhead ample time to work with Tom Brady and the first team. He’s done a lot with his opportunities, taking 10 touches for 70 total yards and playing a role in the passing game even with James White still involved.
The Patriots backfield is always messy and hard to predict, but Burkhead’s been the hot hand so far and should have a prominent role in New England’s offense this season.
Chris Carson, Seattle Seahawks
Carson will get more snaps with the first team with Thomas Rawls and C.J. Prosise sitting out yet another game. He continues to look more explosive and decisive than Eddie Lacy, who is shaping up as the odd man out in this backfield. Despite Rawls’ injury woes, Pete Carroll has maintained that he’s the starting RB, but don’t count out Carson’s potential to carve out a role in his rookie year. He’s a decent “wait and see” flier in the late rounds of fantasy drafts.
Isaiah Crowell remains the lead back in Cleveland, but Johnson shouldn’t be forgotten quite yet. With 61 receptions his rookie year and 53 in 2016, Johnson has settled in as a poor man’s Theo Riddick. The Browns won’t use him in the ground game much, but they value him as a pass catcher and he’ll be useful in PPR leagues.
If you’re feeling iffy about Ty Montgomery as a full-time running back, then Williams is a nice handcuff to have around. The fourth-round rookie got the start in last week’s preseason game while Montgomery nursed a leg injury, getting five carries for 15 yards. Montgomery is expected to play this week’s game against the Denver Broncos, but Williams has done enough to put himself on the fantasy radar for now.
