FTN has created a metric called adjusted line yards which shows the push an offensive line gets vs. a defensive line from the line of scrimmage. This metric helps measure the impact a good or a bad offensive line will have on the ground game in any given week.
In this analysis, we have reviewed the adjusted line yards of the offensive line and defensive line to identify the top matchups for Week 3. Below you will see the matchup rank for each player. The matchup rank represents the rank of the defense based on our adjusted line yards metric.
To see the full analysis and where each offense, defense, and matchup ranks as a whole, go check out our new adjusted line yards metric here on Razzball.com.
If you want to see the original data, you can find it on FTN!
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Top Running Back Starts
Player: Najee Harris
Opponent: Las Vegas Raiders
Matchup Rank: 1st
Najee Harris’ 2023 has gotten off to a rocky start after two back-to-back duds to open the season. In Week 1, Harris rushed for just 6-31 vs. the 49ers, and in Week 2, he failed to hit 50 yards again, going for 10-43 vs. the Browns. However, there is a reason for optimism as the Steelers take on the Raiders in Week 3. This season the Raiders have allowed the 4th most rushing yards, including 123 to James Cook in Week 2. This matchup should get Harris on track, making him an RB2 this week.
Player: Kyren Williams
Opponent: Cincinnati Bengals
Matchup Rank: 6th
The news of Cam Akers being on the trade block has thrust Kyren Williams into an every-down role. In Week 2, Williams played 95% of the snaps and saw 20 touches vs. the 49ers. The crazy part is, we might not have seen Williams’ upside after two tough matchups vs. the Seahawks and 49ers run defenses. Now heading into Week 3, he has a solid matchup vs. the Bengals, who have allowed the 5th most rushing yards to running backs in 2023. This usage, along with a top-10 matchup, makes Williams a must-start RB2.
Player: Joshua Kelley
Opponent: Minnesota Vikings
Matchup Rank: 3rd
Joshua Kelley’s Week 2 spot start was a dud rushing for just 39 yards vs. the Titans. We need to keep in mind that start came against one of the toughest matchups for running backs. Heading into Week 3, we suggest giving Kelley another shot as the Chargers get a much softer matchup vs. the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings have allowed the 2nd most rushing yards to running backs this season. As long as Austin Ekeler remains out, Kelley should be back in lineups as an RB2.
Top Running Back FADES
Player: James Cook
Opponent: Washington Commanders
Matchup Rank: 26th
James Cook has operated as the Bills feature back so far in 2023. Through two weeks, Cook has seen 29 carries and eight receptions, making him the RB9. This Week he gets a tough matchup vs. the Commanders, who held James Conner (14-62) and Javonte Williams (12-44) to subpar performances early on this season. Cook’s role doesn’t make him a full fade, but he’s probably best viewed as a flex play vs. an RB2 in Week 3.
Player: Dameon Pierce
Opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars
Matchup Rank: 31st
It’s been an awful start to the season for the Texans run game. Houston has dealt with a bunch of injuries on the offensive line, which in turn has made Dameon Pierce a non-factor. The issue for Pierce and his fantasy owners is things might not get better in Week 3. The Jaguars have been dominant against the run allowing the 4th fewest rushing yards through Week 2. Pierce should bounce back at some point, but for Week 3, he’s best left on benches.
Player: Miles Sanders
Opponent: Seattle Seahawks
Matchup Rank: 30th
Miles Sanders has been exactly what we thought he be through two weeks, a low-end RB2 that gets volume on a subpar offense. This is reflected in his RB24 rank and his 10.8 PPR PPG. This week he does get an extremely tough test vs. a solid Seahawks rush defense. The Seahawks have allowed a league-high four rushing TDs, which makes them look like a good matchup for running backs. However, Seattle has seen the most rushing attempts against while allowing only the 15th most rushing yards. This leads us to believe if Sanders doesn’t find the end zone, he could be a huge liability this week.
For more from Bobby and his Razzball content, find him on Twitter @bobbylamarco.
Sources: Razzball.com, PFF.com, FantasyPros, FFToday, Pro Football Reference and Football Outsiders
