Fantasy Football: Recapping running back touches for key backfield splits in Week 3
**Week 3 Running Back Usage Breakdown: Key Backfield Splits to Watch**
As we dive into Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season, many fantasy football managers—including myself—are still trying to make sense of running back deployment across the league. Backfield splits have been tough to narrow down for several key committees this season. But it’s still early, so don’t fret—we’ll figure this all out.
Below, we break down RB touches for some important backfields to shed light on usage trends and help guide your fantasy waiver wire and roster decisions moving forward.
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### Washington Commanders
Oh, Commanders… when will you figure out who’s leading your backfield?
Heading into Week 1 with Austin Ekeler sidelined due to an Achilles injury, many believed rookie Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt would assume the lead role. We also expected Jeremy McNichols to be in the mix, with Chris Rodriguez Jr. active and involved. Washington’s starting QB Jayden Daniels (knee) was out, so Marcus Mariota started, which hinted the Commanders might lean on the run game—and they did, running the ball 32 times.
The problem? RB usage was all over the place. Here’s the breakdown:
– **Jeremy McNichols** had a breakaway 60-yard touchdown run that made up the bulk of his production.
– **Chris Rodriguez Jr. (C-Rod)** and rookie **Croskey-Merritt** saw more work overall.
– Croskey-Merritt scored his second touchdown of the season but was the only back to see a target in the passing game—a single five-yard catch.
– Mariota even had some designed runs, which made sense.
– WR Deebo Samuel also had three carries for 18 yards, adding a wrinkle to the backfield touches.
Game script played a role—the Commanders built a commanding 34-10 lead and never looked back. This three-man split situation is complex and volatile. All three backs have fantasy value, albeit likely as bench options rather than starters. An injury could thrust one into a clear lead role, but until then, patience is key.
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### Cleveland Browns
If it wasn’t clear before Week 3, it’s crystal now: this is Quinshon Judkins’ backfield.
In a narrow victory over the Packers, Judkins dominated touches, rushing 18 times for 94 yards and a touchdown. Fellow rookie Dylan Sampson saw only one carry for two yards and wasn’t targeted in the passing game at all.
Jerome Ford, the seasoned veteran who led the backfield in snaps the previous week, logged four catches for 10 yards. Judkins also added a one-yard reception.
Is Sampson being phased out? Possibly, at least on the ground. Judkins has clearly established himself as the lead back and should continue to command touches moving forward.
For fantasy managers who drafted Judkins, your patience is paying dividends—he has clear RB1 upside.
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### New England Patriots
This backfield feels like a vicious cycle of ineptitude.
– Week 1: TreVeyon Henderson appeared poised to overtake Rhamondre Stevenson.
– Week 2: Stevenson exploded, reaffirming his role.
– Week 3: Stevenson’s two costly fumbles led to him getting benched, and the Patriots relied more on Henderson and Antonio Gibson.
In the Week 3 loss to the Steelers:
– Henderson led the backfield in touches with 14 (including three catches) but managed just 47 yards.
– Stevenson saw seven touches for 56 yards.
– Gibson had seven rushes for 28 yards but also fumbled.
– QB Drake Maye added seven carries for 45 yards.
This backfield may be even messier than Washington’s. While Stevenson should get another shot to lead, another fumble could cost him that role. Henderson still has to prove himself and overcome recent errors. Gibson remains a nuisance, stealing a few touches but offering little upside.
Overall, it’s difficult to trust any of these backs right now. We’ll need more games to see who eventually emerges as the lead.
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### Carolina Panthers
The Panthers added Rico Dowdle to back up Chuba Hubbard, who signed an extension before the season.
Hubbard continues to lead the backfield with 19 touches (including two catches) for 76 yards in Week 3.
Dowdle made his presence known with double-digit touches (11), totaling 38 yards and a touchdown. QB Bryce Young also scored a rushing touchdown in a 30-0 win over the Falcons.
This could be a result of game script—the Panthers built a large early second-half lead, which allowed for a more split workload.
Still, Dowdle has received more touches each week, smartly positioning himself as a premier backup. His touchdown came late in the game with the Panthers already up 20-0, so it may just be a one-off.
If you haven’t grabbed Dowdle off waivers yet, consider doing so—whether or not you own Hubbard.
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### Jacksonville Jaguars
We’re now into the second game featuring the two-man backfield of Travis Etienne Jr. and Bhayshul Tuten.
Etienne continues to dominate touches with 16 in Week 3 against the Texans, scoring another touchdown—his second of the season (first rushing).
Tuten got back into the end zone early with a red zone touchdown and finished with six carries for 21 yards.
Tuten may continue to see goal-line work and “vulture” touchdowns, which could limit Etienne’s ceiling in standard scoring leagues.
Etienne remains a solid RB2, but Tuten is emerging as a viable FLEX option.
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### Final Thoughts
Running back committees remain one of the toughest calls in fantasy football early in the season. Volatility and unpredictable touch splits make it challenging to confidently start many committee backs.
Patience and monitoring are key—injuries or changes in game script could quickly elevate a lesser-known back into a lead role.
Stay active on the waiver wire and keep an eye on opportunity trends to gain the edge as the season progresses.
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https://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy/article/fantasy-football-recapping-running-back-touches-for-key-backfield-splits-in-week-3-214940647.html
