Running back rankings for XFL Week 3

Welcome to Week 3 of the XFL. Two games under our belt means we are starting to get a better handle on usage rates across the league. It’s still a small sample size, but with only ten games on the schedule, it’s better than nothing for sorting through fantasy football rankings.

This remains a pass-heavy league, but some running backs have shown they will get plenty of work. We’re not seeing many rushing touchdowns, but the more touches a player gets, the more opportunities he has to break a big run and potentially get into the end zone.

Through one day of practice, we have a fairly significant injury to note. Seattle running back Kenneth Farrow was a DNP on Tuesday due to a rib injury. Trey Williams picked up his workload, finishing with 11 carries to Farrow’s 10, so this is a situation to keep an eye on. This could end up a committee approach, but whomever gets the start will be worth a look.

Matt Jones is the biggest workhorse running back with ten more carries than the next closest, De’Veon Smith. Jones is only averaging 3.5 yards per carry, but he’s getting a whole lot of work. He has a high floor, and while his ceiling has been a bit lower to date, there’s something to be said for arguably the safest play on the slate.

Tampa Bay presents the toughest situation to figure out in Week 3. De’Veon Smith led the backfield with 16 carries and a reception in Week 1, but had 11 carries and one reception on three targets in Week 2. Jacques Patrick led the team with 14 carries and a reception on two targets in Week 2, after having eight carries and a reception on three targets in Week 1. For now Smith likely has the higher floor, but this could be a game-time decision to see who is starting.

Dallas running back Cameron Artis-Payne raises a tough situation in his own right. He’s the highest scoring running back to date thanks to a two-touchdown, 99-yard performance in Week 2. He dominated LA, and is now the second highest priced running back in Week 3 as he faces Seattle. Lance Dunbar offers considerable value as a pass catcher, and we think he’s worth starting over CAP because of the more consistent play he’s brought thus far.