Week 3 Start and Sit running backs

The weekly breakout performers are starting to show their value. If you find yourself in a hole after the first two weeks, our Start 'Em/Sit 'Em for running backs should provide some direction.

By Erik Tjaden

Sep 14, 2011 at 1:21 pm ET • 3 min read

Week 3 is upon us and by this time we have noticed some breakout performers and waiver wire gems, it may be time to start benching some of your first-rounders. If you started off terribly (like I have) you can still make up some ground. If you are riding high, keep the pedal down and mash your opponents.

Check out some of these picks as I feel confident you can get a solid performance out of these guys.

Last Week's Running Back Starts: Marcus Coker (26 Fantasy points), Ralph Bolden (4), Perry Jones (21), Kevin Parks (15), David Sims (9), Branden Oliver (32), Anthon Samuel (18), Tevin Drake (8)

Grade: B. An average of more than 16 points per back is not too shabby. Bolden, Sims and Drake hurt, but I was spot on with Oliver, Jones and Coker.

Last Week's Running Back Sits: Malcolm Brown (6), James Sims (27), Michael Dyer (27), Ryan Bass (11), Robbie Rouse (18), Ronnie Weaver (1)

Grade: F. I didn't expect Dyer or Sims to go off like they did, and this crushed my picks.

Start Em! Running Backs (BCS)

Andre Ellington, Clemson vs. Auburn: Auburn wasn't able to stop Robert Turbin in Week 1 and Vick Ballard ran roughshod on them last week. Ellington is a different type of runner, but he is clicking and should enjoy a productive day against the Tigers.

Terrance Ganaway, Baylor vs. Stephen F. Austin: Ganaway had a surprise performance in the season opener against TCU and should have no trouble putting up a similar performance in half the time against the Lumberjacks. While Robert Griffin will certainly be the star of the show, his presence in the backfield will keep pressure off Ganaway all season.

Josh Harris, Wake Forest vs. Gardner-Webb: Harris has averaged more than 22 carries per game so far this season, and those carries should go for nice yardage and at least a couple scores against Gardner-Webb.

All 120

Doug Martin, Boise State vs. Toledo: Toledo played inspired defense against Ohio State but they will be worn down when they face a superior team in the Broncos. Boise State is riding high and will look to bring down the Rockets. Martin is a better rusher than the Rockets have faced all year and should enjoy a multi-score game.

Lennon Creer, Louisiana Tech vs. Houston: Creer took a week to remind us of his dominance last year but it was a doozy. He had 33 carries, 177 yards and three scores against a quality FCS opponent in Central Arkansas. Against Houston, Creer will be counted on to wear down their smallish defense while also keeping the score close until Case Keenum and Company run away with it.

Robert Clay, New Mexico State vs. UTEP: Clay has been quietly performing for the Aggies as he had 97 yards and a score against Minnesota last week. UTEP, on the other hand, is downright putrid on defense, having surrendered almost two 100-yard rushers against Stony Brook and letting SMU's Zach Line punish them for over 100 yards and two scores last week. The Aggies will ride Clay and their momentum as they bounce the Miners.

Sit Em! Running Backs (BCS)

Jeff Scott, Ole Miss vs. Vanderbilt: Scott had a fantastic showing last week but it was against Southern Illinois. Vanderbilt, on the other hand, is playing inspired defense so I don't see Scott doing much against the surging Commodores.

Tauren Poole, Tennessee vs. Florida Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley has been open about his disappointment with the rushing attack which should hit a stone wall against the Will Muschamp-led Gators. Tyler Bray will take to the air against the conference foe, but I don't see Poole doing much more than trying to keep the defense from focusing too much on Bray.

All 120

Lance Dunbar, North Texas vs. Alabama: Dunbar couldn't get much going against the Houston defense so you have to just hope he doesn't get hurt against the Tide.

Adonis Thomas, Toledo vs. Boise State Thomas had a rough going against Ohio State and the Bronco defense could be even better. Besides, the Rockets are going to be gassed after pulling off the near upset and will not be ready for Boise State.

Jasmin Hopkins, Northern Illinois vs. Wisconsin: Don't get me wrong, I think the Huskies will score, but between Chandler Harnish doing everything on offense and a score that will likely become lopsided early, Hopkins will be lucky to have a good night.