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Week 2 fantasy lineups depend heavily on matchups — not just star power. Below are running-back recommendations for full-point PPR formats, highlighting players likely to outperform or underperform their projected ranges.
Fabs’s Top 10 Fantasy Running Back Rankings For Week 2
- Jahmyr Gibbs at Bills (Thurs.)
- Bijan Robinson vs. Panthers
- Kenneth Walker III vs. Colts
- Jonathan Taylor at Chiefs
- Ashton Jeanty at Chargers
- Derrick Henry vs. Saints
- Christian McCaffrey vs. Dolphins
- Saquon Barkley at Titans
- James Cook vs. Lions (Thurs.)
- Javonte Williams vs. Commanders
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Week 2 fantasy QBs: Who to start and who to bench
Start of the Week
David Montgomery vs. Bengals (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Montgomery opened the season as Houston’s lead back and delivered three touchdowns for 28.9 fantasy points in Week 1. He commanded nearly a 40% touch share and was the only Houston back with red‑zone opportunities (six looks). Those usage markers, combined with a Bengals defense that surrendered more than 20 points to Bucky Irving last week and ranked near the top for rush success allowed, make Montgomery a clear start.
Start ’Em
Chuba Hubbard at Falcons (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Hubbard posted two touchdowns and 23.7 fantasy points in Week 1 while logging a 29% touch share. With Jonathon Brooks limited to five touches and an 11% share, Hubbard’s role appears secure enough to trust him as a starter, given a favorable matchup versus Atlanta.
Cam Skattebo at Rams (Mon. 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN): Skattebo produced a touchdown and 14.1 fantasy points in Week 1. He handled about 30% of early-down work and drew four red‑zone looks. The Rams allowed the league’s highest rush success rate (73%) last week and will be without Myles Garrett. Even if Aaron Donald suits up, his snap count could be limited after a long absence, which boosts Skattebo’s upside.
Aaron Jones Sr. at Bears (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Jones split early snaps with Jordan Mason in Week 1, but Mason was placed on injured reserve with a broken thumb. That elevates Jones into a clear lead role. Chicago gave up a large rushing day to Chuba Hubbard and ranked worst in rush success percentage last week, so Jones has RB2 ceiling potential. Rookie Demond Claiborne could siphon some touches, but Jones remains startable.
Jacory Croskey‑Merritt at Cowboys (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox): Croskey‑Merritt finished Week 1 with a touchdown and 12.6 fantasy points while commanding a 34% touch share—about 20 percentage points more than Rachaad White. Dallas allowed 4.3 yards per carry and gave up 27.3 fantasy points to Cam Skattebo and the Giants, making Croskey‑Merritt a viable flex option this week.
Additional Starts to Consider
Also in play: Javonte Williams (vs. Commanders), Bucky Irving (vs. Browns) and Travis Etienne Jr. (at Ravens). Each carries matchup appeal or clear volume opportunity entering Week 2.
Running Back Streamers
Blake Corum vs. Giants — Corum reached a 22% touch share in Week 1. The Giants finished Week 1 ranked eighth in EPA per rush, suggesting a reasonable streaming spot for managers in need of upside.
Kyle Monangai vs. Vikings — He posted a 20% touch share and averaged 10 yards per carry against Carolina in Week 1. That efficiency and early role make him worth a look as a short‑term fill‑in.
Kaelon Black vs. Dolphins — Black matched Christian McCaffrey’s Week 1 27.3% touch share in his backfield and draws a favorable matchup in Miami. He’s a low‑owned option with upside for this slate.
Sit of the Week
Quinshon Judkins at Buccaneers (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Judkins was a sit recommendation last week and produced just 14 touches for seven fantasy points in a blowout loss to Jacksonville. While Dylan Sampson’s absence could increase Judkins’ opportunity, the Browns risk falling behind and abandoning the run. Treat Judkins as a low‑flex play at best.
Sit ’Em
Jaylen Warren at Patriots (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Pittsburgh’s backfield looked muddled in Week 1. Although Warren had five more carries than Rico Dowdle, Dowdle played 14 more snaps overall. That split reduces Warren’s ceiling and floor. Both backs are risky starts outside of emergency situations.
MarShawn Lloyd at Jets (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Lloyd was largely ineffective in Week 1, totaling 13 touches and averaging 2.9 yards per carry. He did not start; Chris Brooks took the first snap and logged more playing time. New York’s front held both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears in check in Week 1, so Lloyd looks like a bench option.
Bhayshul Tuten at Broncos (4:05 p.m. ET, CBS): Tuten led Jacksonville’s backfield with a 32% touch share and 4.4 yards per carry in Week 1, but he delivered only 9.8 fantasy points and shared snaps with Chris Rodriguez Jr. The Broncos’ Week 1 showing against the Chiefs may overstate how porous they are versus the run. I’d be cautious starting Tuten in this matchup.
Tony Pollard vs. Eagles (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Pollard managed only 4.4 fantasy points in Week 1 and faces a difficult matchup against Philadelphia. The Titans’ offense looks stagnant, and Philadelphia is a sizable road favorite. With Tyjae Spears cutting into touches, Pollard is best left on the bench.
More Sits
Other backs I’d avoid: J.K. Dobbins (vs. Jaguars), Tyler Allgeier (at Seahawks) and Jonathon Brooks (at Falcons). Each faces usage questions or unfavorable matchups that lower fantasy reliability this week.
