NFL 2017: 5 Running backs to start in Week 3

Running Backs are the backbone of an offensive unit, they are the ones who do the dirty work of fighting through tackles and trying to gain that extra yard which can move the team closer to the end zone.

Their versatile nature is quite beneficial to fantasy players as they can receive the ball too, which helps in the yardage count.

Well, here are the 5 Running Backs who could start in Week 3:

#5 Christian McCaffery/RB/Carolina Panthers:

Anybody who kept a tab on college football knew that Christian McCaffrey was a star in the making, a shifty running back, tough to tackle, with choppy feet for instant cuts, assisting in immediate change of direction. But the biggest drawback was his size: standing at 5'11'' and 202 pounds, his ability to fight through tackles was always under a cloud of doubt.

This weakness of his was fully exploited by the 49ers and the Bills as the Panthers O-line couldn't create open lanes for him. McCaffrey could manage only 57 rushing yards on 21 attempts, though he handled his receiving game better with 72 yards on 9 receptions.

These statistics may not mean much as it's still too early in his career but he needs to act fast if he wants to retain his place in the starting lineup. What better matchup than the Saints to make a statement against, a team which has allowed 4.1 yards per rush and 13.9 yards per reception this season with 7 touchdowns. Look for somebody as talented as McCaffrey to bounce back this weekend.

#4 Theo Riddick/RB/Detroit Lions:

Theo Riddick is one of NFL's best pass-catching RBs

This is one match-up made in heaven, one of NFL's best pass-catching running backs versus the team which basically hates facing pass-catching running backs. When Riddick steps onto the Ford Field on Sunday afternoon, he will be facing a Falcons secondary which allowed Bears running back Tarik Cohen 47 yards on 8 catches with 1 TD and Green Bay Packers running back Ty Montgomery 75 yards on 6 catches with 1 TD.

Riddick hasn't had the best of starts to his NFL season with 19 rushing yards on 10 attempts and 44 receiving yards on 9 catches with 1 TD, but he is a must own in week 3 because of Falcons' weakness in defending pass-catching RBs.

His value in PPR leagues is much higher than in standard leagues because of Ameer Abdullah's presence in the backline but against a vulnerable Falcons back seven, expect Riddick to lead the backfield in targets.

#3 Chris Thompson/RB/Washington Redskins:

Chris Thompson could make his way in with Kelley and Reed in doubt

With Rob Kelley and Jordan Reed both listed as questionable for Sunday's match against Oakland, Chris Thompson can be in for an increased number of touches and targets. Redskins coach Jay Gruden said on Wednesday that Thompson will be used as a third down back and the top receiver out of the backfield, as he wants to keep him injury free.

His start to the season has been quite impressive with 81 rushing yards for 2 TD on 6 attempts and 81 receiving yards for 1 TD for 7 catches. Rookie back Samaje Perine is expected to shoulder the responsibility of the running game for the Redskins, but he is a rookie after all, and if things don't go according to plan, Thompson might see an extended run in the rushing department.

The raiders allowed Matt Forte to go for 91 yards (53 rushing and 38 receiving) in week 2, since Thompson plays a similar role for the Redskins, expect him to have similar stat line. Thompson is a solid option in PPR format because of his versatility on the football field.

#2 Tarik Cohen/RB/Chicago Bears:

Cohen may have been listed as a running back but isn’t traditionally one

The rookie out of North Carolina has been Bears' most impressive player in the regular season. He's already rushed for 79 yards in 12 attempts and caught 16 of his targets for 102 yards and currently leads the Bears in total rushing yards, targets & receptions.

With Jordan Howard still nursing an injury and not playing at his best, Tarik Cohen looks to be the guy who will take on the burden of running the rushing game for Bears. He will be up against a Steelers defence which has allowed only 454 yards to the opposition in two games, averaging 3.3 yards per carry and 9.7 yards per reception. Expect him to have a busy match. Cohen will be a starting option in PPR format and a FLEX option in standard format.

#1Chris Carson/RB/Seattle Seahawks:

Chris Carson leads the Seahawks in touches

The 7th round pick out of Mississippi had caught our attention in pre-season and has maintained it ever since. He currently leads the Seahawks in touches (26) and total rushing yards (132 yards).

With Rawls and Proise not playing NFL level football at the moment, expect Carson to lead the rushing game for the Seahawks in week 3. He faces a Titans secondary this week which allowed 669 yards in its last two games, averaging 3.9 yards per carry and 11.5 per reception.

The most impressive aspect of his game has been his ability to collect yardage after contact, averaging 4.4 yards after defenders close down on him. Consider Carson to be an RB2 option for your team.