Fantasy Football Buy Low Running Backs: RB Breakout Candidates for Week 3

Buy-Low Running Backs at a Glance

• De'Von Achane, Dolphins
• Chase Brown, Bengals
• Jaylen Warren, Steelers

Whether you're deciding who to start in season-long, who to roster in NFL DFS, or which NFL prop bets to consider via the NFL odds at FanDuel Sportsbook, there are still plenty of ways to buy low on players poised to bounce back from disappointing outings.

While looking ahead at the games across the NFL, which running backs should we buy low on ahead of this week?

All fantasy football projections via our numbers at FanDuel Research, and NFL odds references are to FanDuel Sportsbook. Statistics mentioned are via NextGenStats or Pro Football Focus unless stated otherwise.

Running Backs to Buy Low in Fantasy Football

De'Von Achane, Dolphins

Coming into the season, we knew there was a pretty good chance the Miami Dolphins would struggle offensively, but the fantasy community still liked De'Von Achane enough to make him a second-round pick.

Through two weeks, Miami’s offense has certainly struggled, but I’m still not too worried about Achane, who has racked up 31 carries and 11 targets en route to 159 total yards.

The volume is there, especially through the air, and Achane has played 86% and 76% of the snaps through two weeks.

His TD equity is dragged down by Miami’s poor offense, but between his big-play ability and superb volume, Achane can still turn in an RB1 season. With Achane yet to find the end zone, it might be a good time to trade for him.

Chase Brown, Bengals

Chase Brown is a highly coveted fantasy asset who is off to a good start, so in that sense, it’s a little weird to see him in a buy-low article.

With that said, I’m not sure everyone realizes just how elite Brown’s role has been through two weeks.

In Week 1, Brown got 16 carries and six targets. He followed that up with 20 carries and five targets in Week 2. He’s getting fed.

That kind of volume in any offense would be very appealing, so Brown seeing that many touches in an elite Cincinnati Bengals offense makes him extremely valuable.

Over the rest of the season, there are just five RBs who I’d rather have than Brown — Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson, James Cook, Christian McCaffrey and Jonathan Taylor. He’s a locked and loaded RB1.

Jaylen Warren, Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ offense can’t be this putrid all year, right?

I think they’ll improve some, although I don’t have much conviction with that, but even if they continue performing the way they are, Jaylen Warren can be a good fantasy piece.

Warren’s role jumped in Week 2 as he operated as the clear RB1 for Pittsburgh over offseason addition Rico Dowdle, out-snapping Dowdle 50-18. Although some of that may have been due to the combination of a negative game script and Dowdle dealing with a toe injury at various points in the contest, Warren’s volume has been solid through two games as he’s amassed 21 total carries and 10 total targets.

Warren looks like a quality flex play right now who could move to the RB2 ranks if his Week 2 role is a sign of things to come. I’m willing to take the chance that it is.

Fantasy Football Buy-Low Running Backs FAQ

What does buy low mean in fantasy football?

Buying low means trading for a player whose perceived fantasy value is lower than his expected value going forward. This can happen because of a slow start, difficult matchups, injuries, or concerns about workload.

When is the best time to buy low on a running back?

The best opportunities often come after a running back has produced a few disappointing fantasy performances but still has an encouraging role. Usage, carries, targets, snap rate, and goal-line opportunities can be more important than the player's recent fantasy-point totals.

What should you look for in a buy-low running back?

Look for backs with strong workloads who haven't converted their opportunities into fantasy production. Receiving usage, red-zone touches, offensive-line play, upcoming schedule, and potential changes to the backfield can also help identify undervalued players.

Should you trade for a running back who is losing touches?

It depends on why his workload is declining. A temporary reduction caused by game script or injury may create a buying opportunity, but a permanent shift toward a committee can significantly lower a running back's fantasy ceiling.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.