NFL Fantasy 2024 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Running backs for Week 4

Jones has played three games as a member of the Vikings, and he's gone off in two of them. He's been given at least 15 opportunities (carries plus targets) each time out so far, logging two appearances with six targets already -- and it's important to note that in PPR leagues, a target is nearly three times as valuable as a rushing attempt. Jones also gets goal-line work and has been highly productive. Now he gets a chance to strike revenge against the Packers team that released him this offseason. Green Bay has allowed runs of 10-plus yards to RBs at the fourth-highest rate in the NFL (17%). The Packers have also allowed 5.0 yards per carry to opposing backs (sixth-highest in the league) and the seventh-most rush yards over expected. Jones and his sombrero are a must-start this week. 

Week 3 was one to forget for the Titans and Pollard, who was held to just 5.9 fantasy points by the Packers. But don't forget that he topped 15 fantasy points in each of his first two games, and he continues to dominate volume. Pollard has at least four targets in every game, logged at least 16 carries in each of the first two games and has played over 60 percent of Tennessee's offensive snaps. I expect better results this week, as the game script should be more favorable against the Tua-less Dolphins. Miami has struggled against the run, allowing rushes of 10-plus yards to opposing RBs at the fifth-highest rate (16.7%) in the NFL. The Dolphins also rank in the top eight in both yards per carry and rush yards over expected allowed to RBs. Pollard should get right in this one. 

Moss has played over 60 percent of the Bengals' offensive snaps in every game, with that number clearing 70 percent in each of the last two weeks. And he continues to be used in the passing game, logging at least four targets in two of three games. That level of usage keeps him in play weekly, and it makes him especially appealing in matchups like this one. The Panthers have struggled against the run for over a year now; this season, they've allowed the fifth-most rushing yards to backs, along with four rushing touchdowns. Get Moss into your lineup. 

I doubted Singletary last week in what looked like a very tough matchup against the Browns -- and I was wrong. He put up a very impressive 18.8 fantasy points and could have had a monster day had he not slid at the 1-yard line at the end of a 43-yard run to grind out the clock. His fantasy points and scrimmage yards have increased each week. He has at least 15 opportunities in every game, and his usage in the passing attack is increasing. (Remember, opportunity is what we care about in fantasy.) Now he gets to face the Cowboys' defense, which has allowed a top-10 fantasy performance by an opposing RB in every week this season. In the last two weeks, Alvin Kamara and Derrick Henry combined for nearly 75 fantasy points against Dallas, which has allowed breakaway runs (runs of 10-plus yards) at the third-highest rate in the NFL (18.1%). No way can you get away from Singletary in this one.

The fact that Harris' 13.6-point day against the Chargers last week counts as his best fantasy outing of 2024 speaks volumes about the type of season he's had. But this is the week to trust him. First of all, Harris brings safe volume: He has at least 17 carries in every game this season, to go along with nine total targets. And he's facing the Colts, who have allowed the most rushing yards to backs this season. Joe Mixon and Josh Jacobs each ran for more than 150 yards against them already this season. If you cannot trust Harris in this matchup, why is he on your roster?

This seemed like a much spicier take on Sunday, when I first started writing it -- before Todd Bowles said on Monday that rookie Bucky Irving has earned more snaps in the Bucs' backfield. At any rate, that development is still problematic for White, because volume is what props up his fantasy value. White's carries have decreased in every game this season, and in Tampa's last two contests, he totaled just 23 receiving yards. He has yet to find the end zone and has been held to single digits in fantasy points in two straight weeks. Last season, White had an NFL worst -110 rushing yards over expected. Not only has Irving out-produced White on the ground, but he is seeing some pass-game involvement -- if the rookie steals even more opportunities, that will basically negate White's fantasy worth completely. Try to avoid this one if you can. 

Last week, I gave White one more chance -- and, well, he flunked miserably, managing just 3.4 fantasy points. You can put the blame on the Raiders getting blown out by the Panthers if you want, but through three games, White is averaging just under five fantasy PPG and has not scored seven in any one contest. He has yet to even reach 50 scrimmage yards in a game. He has played under 40 percent of the snaps in two games and is losing the more valuable opportunities -- snaps on passing downs and goal-line touches -- to Alexander Mattison. I'm not sure why you would trust any back on the Raiders, but if you had to pick one, it should be Mattison. 

I had Swift as a sit last week, but I won't lie: The potentially advantageous matchup against the Colts did make me a little nervous about my prognostication. Well, Swift struggled again, finishing with just 42 yards and 6.2 fantasy points -- he wasn't even the top scoring RB on the Bears. That is very problematic, because not only does he have to deal with an offensive line that is not helping him out (Swift has recorded zero yards before contact this season), but now he has competition from Roschon Johnson, who simply ran better on Sunday. Johnson also earned more targets in Week 3. This looks like another favorable matchup, but continue to fade Swift. 

Like the Bears' backfield, the Broncos' is a mess for fantasy football purposes. Three different backs were used in Week 3. Williams led in snaps and targets, while Jaleel McLaughlin scored the one rushing touchdown among the backs. (Williams and McLaughlin alternated touches at the goal line.) Oh, and Tyler Badie led the team in carries and rushing yards. Not only is there the risk of McLaughlin stealing pass-game work, but Badie ran better than either Williams or McLaughlin at any point this season. Plus, QB Bo Nix is using his legs more (he scored the team's other rushing TD). I would not trust Williams in your Week 4 lineups. 

Perine was a very popular add off of the waiver wire last week -- and then in Week 3, he played a secondary role behind rookie Carson Steele. Perine logged just 36 percent of the Chiefs' offensive snaps, with six carries, 13 routes run and four targets. Not only did Steele have 17 carries, but he also ran more routes. That is not a great sign for Perine's fantasy usefulness. The vet will get work in two-minute drills and obvious passing downs, but with K.C. facing the Chargers and a banged-up Justin Herbert, it does not seem likely that the Chiefs will be in catch-up mode. Plus, Kareem Hunt was added to the 53-man roster this week. Avoid Perine.