We are three weeks into the college football season so this is a good time to review which five players have performed best from a fantasy perspective at each position and also look at one player who has surprisingly been quiet in the first few weeks. Today we review the running backs.
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RELATED: Five best QBs through Week 3
1. Chuba Hubbard, Oklahoma State
A lot has been made of Oklahoma State’s passing attack with quarterback Spencer Sanders and receiver Tylan Wallace but Hubbard has been outstanding as well, leading all running backs in fantasy points through three games. Taking over for Justice Hill in the Cowboys’ backfield, Hubbard has rushed for 521 yards and seven touchdowns on 66 carries and he’s averaged 7.9 yards per touch. The competition gets exponentially tougher in the coming weeks so trading Hubbard for some real value could be the smartest move.
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2. Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin
It is incredible that Taylor is second among running backs in fantasy points because Wisconsin has already had a bye week. Still, the Badgers’ running back has put himself in Heisman Trophy contention early on with 237 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 35 carries and he should be an absolute workhorse this weekend against Michigan as well. One stat that might be missed on Taylor: He leads Wisconsin with three receiving TDs as well.
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3. Cam Akers, Florida State
Florida State has had a disappointing start to the season with losses to Boise State and Virginia and hardly slipping by ULM but Akers has been getting a lot of work and putting up impressive fantasy stats. The former five-star prospect has carried the ball 69 times for 387 yards and three touchdowns, and he also has 10 catches and two more scores. The Seminoles are smartly using Akers in the offense and he’s taking advantage.
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4. J.K Dobbins, Ohio State
Ohio State’s offense is humming and Dobbins has been a huge asset again this season. The former four-star recruit has carried the ball 60 times for 425 yards and four touchdowns and he has a receiving touchdown. There are so many weapons on this offense, including new quarterback Justin Fields, but Dobbins is still a focal point for the Buckeyes. This should be another big weekend for him against Miami (Ohio).
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5. AJ Dillon, Boston College
Boston College suffered an embarrassing home loss to Kansas this past weekend but fantasy football isn’t about wins and losses, it’s about who scores the most points. And Dillon scores a lot. The Boston College running back has 67 carries so far this season for 318 yards and four touchdowns, and has also caught a TD pass. If the Eagles are struggling, they’re going to rely even more on Dillon so getting him on your team would be wise.
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ONE SURPRISING MISS
Jermar Jefferson, Oregon State
Jefferson missed the game this past weekend against Cal Poly as he was in a walking boot on the sidelines. From a fantasy perspective he’s been just OK in Oregon State’s other two games, rushing for 270 yards and a touchdown on 47 carries. He’s owned in 96 percent of leagues and was one of the top fantasy scorers for running backs last season – a big surprise that might have been a one-year wonder. With the injury and an average start to the season, it would be surprising if he can get back into the top 25 at his position over the next few weeks.
