As we roll into Week 3 of the NFL season, there are still a ton of question marks surround fantasy running backs.  While it can be hard to project who will have big games this week, it’s much easier to identify the guys who are going to struggle.  Here’s a look at four guys you should avoid if possible in Week 3. 

1. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Seattle Seahawks

Jones-Drew still isn’t 100 percent after that insane flying tackle by Charles Woodson last weekend and the Jaguars’ offense can’t seem to do anything right.  Which is seriously bad news for them, as they get to travel to Seattle and take on the Seahawks top-tier defense.  Needless to say, things aren’t going to go well for Jones-Drew and Co. on Sunday.  If you can avoid starting Jones-Drew, do it at all costs. 

2. C.J. Spiller, Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets

Obviously if you drafted Spiller, there’s probably no way you can afford to sit him.  So unless you’re seriously stacked at running back, this is geared more towards weekly fantasy players.  Pro Football Focus has the Jets ranked as the best run defense in the league, and they’ve held talented ‘backs like Doug Martin and Stevan Ridley to well under 100 yards on the ground and allowed almost no yardage to running backs in the passing game.  Spiller is going to have a seriously tough day against the Jets surprisingly talented defense this weekend. 

3. DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers vs. New York Giants

Williams is off to a good start this season, his first as a feature ‘back, compiling 161 rushing yards on 38 carries through two games.  But this week he goes up against a Giants’ defense that Pro Football Focus has rated as the second-best run defense in the league this season.  New York has yet to yield 100 yards rushing this season and will do a good job containing Williams. 

4. James Starks, Green Bay Packers vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Starks was a popular waiver-wire add this week, due to his breakout performance in place of the injured Eddie Lacy against the Washington Redskins last weekend. But unless you are a Lacy (or possibly David Wilson) owner, there was really no point to pick him up.  Lacy will be ready to go after the bye week, meaning this will be Starks only game as the featured guy.

  If that didn’t mess with his value enough, Starks has to face the highly-talented defense of the Bengals this week.  PFF has them graded as the fourth best run defense and they’re allowing just 62.5 yards per game, which is sixth best in the NFL.  While Green Bay’s offensive line has been better than expected, they’re going to have serious issues with Cincinnati’s front seven and Starks will have a very hard time getting the yardage necessary for fantasy relevance this week.  Sit him unless you’re absolutely desperate.