Week 3 brings crucial lineup decisions as fantasy football managers navigate early-season surprises and emerging trends. Several running backs are positioned to capitalize on increased opportunities, while others face challenging matchups or declining roles.
The key is identifying players whose situations have improved versus those trending in the wrong direction. Smart managers will look beyond big names to find value in unexpected places.
Week 3 Start ‘Em: Jordan Mason, Minnesota Vikings (vs. CIN)
The stage is set for Jordan Mason to absolutely smash in Week 3. It’s certainly not ideal that the Minnesota Vikings are forced to start Carson Wentz, but it’s not as if JJ McCarthy was lighting up anyway. Plus, it’s even on both sides, as the Cincinnati Bengals are also starting their backup.
Through two weeks, Mason has looked like the better running back between him and Aaron Jones Sr. The former San Francisco 49ers back is averaging more yards per carry (4.1-3.5) and has been nearly as effective in the passing game (three receptions each). This wouldn’t look close if not for Jones’ 27-yard touchdown reception in Week 1.
Mason appeared to be on his way to taking over the Vikings’ backfield. Jones is guaranteeing it for at least one week, as the 30-year-old back is likely to miss the game against the Bengals due to a hamstring strain.
With Ty Chandler on IR, the only other healthy back on the Vikings’ roster is 2023 UDFA Zavier Scott, who has zero career regular-season touches. Playing with a backup QB, we could see heavy volume for Mason against a defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to running backs through two weeks.
Nick Chubb, Houston Texans (at JAX)
Don’t let Nick Chubb’s final stat line deceive you — it wasn’t pretty. The former Brown had 12 carries for 18 yards before he broke loose for his 25-yard go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter. He did have a nice 27-yard catch and run on a screen, but Chubb is rarely involved as a receiver. That was more happenstance than anything.
“Nick Chubb is done.”
“No way he comes back from that.”
Also Nick Chubb:pic.twitter.com/VIKz4gVnfX
— Aaron Leicht (@aaronleicht) September 16, 2025
With that said, Chubb is the clear RB1 for the Houston Texans. He handled 12 carries and caught two passes. We can work with a range of 13-15 opportunities per game. The Jaguars have good numbers against the run so far, but it’s only two weeks. This does not project to be a good defense.
Houston should have a neutral to positive game script throughout. When they get near the goal line, Chubb will get his chances. He’s a solid start in Week 2.
Sit ‘Em: TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots (vs. PIT)
I am preparing to eat a whole lot of crow on TreVeyon Henderson. This is an excellent lesson in fading preseason hype, particularly when it is precipitated by nothing.
Henderson was a Round 5/6 selection for most of the summer. Then, apropos of nothing, he surged into the late third/early fourth round… but nothing had changed. There were no roster moves. No injuries. It was purely a product of the rookie bringing a kickoff back for a touchdown and having a few nice preseason runs.
Henderson flashed upside down in Week 1 but did nothing to earn more work. In fact, he saw his role decrease in Week 2, as the New England Patriots chose to involve Antonio Gibson more in the offense at Henderson’s expense.
While plays like this do nothing for fantasy purposes, they matter in the real world. Henderson’s best asset is his receiving ability. He won’t get on the field unless he cleans this up.
This TreVeyon Henderson tape is brutal. Pass pro considered huge strength coming out of college. You want to see a player of his pedigree have their usage tick upward as season goes on, but I think he’s gonna lose snaps because of this.
— John Zannis (@John_Zannis) September 15, 2025
This is Rhamondre Stevenson’s backfield for the time being. He played 65% of the snaps and had a fantastic outing against the Miami Dolphins.
Of course, the moment I recommend benching Henderson, you know he’ll bust off a long touchdown run. But we have to follow the data. He played 32% of the snaps and was out-carried by Gibson. The RB3 on any team cannot be started. Henderson, despite his talent, is no different.
Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants (vs. KC)
The running back flow in last week’s thrilling overtime game against the Dallas Cowboys was fascinating. Devin Singletary started but played just three snaps for the rest of the game. Cam Skattebo was the second running back in. He and Tyrone Tracy Jr. wound up splitting snaps, but the usage flipped in favor of the rookie.
Tracy ran only one more route than Skattebo, but the Arizona State product won the carry battle 11-5. It appears a changing of the guard may be upon us.
MORE: Free Fantasy Start/Sit Optimizer
Regardless of the workload split, this is a bad matchup against a Kansas City Chiefs defense that is top-10 against the run through two weeks. It’s even more impressive considering they faced Saquon Barkley in Week 2.
Between Skattebo’s increased usage and the rough matchup likely to result in a negative game script, Tracy should be left on the bench this week if possible.
