Fantasy football experts recommend starting D’Andre Swift, Chuba Hubbard and Bucky Irving in Week 3

Fantasy football analyst Derek Brown outlined his Week 3 start-sit recommendations for running backs. He highlighted D’Andre Swift (Chicago) as a strong start, noting his fifth-ranked fantasy points per game, high red-zone usage and favorable match-up against a defense that allows a high explosive-run rate. Chuba Hubbard (Carolina) is also advised to start, citing his workhorse role after Jonathon Brooks’ injury and a matchup against a run defense that ranks poorly in several metrics. Bucky Irving (Tampa Bay) received a similar endorsement, with solid snap and rush-share percentages and a favorable outlook against Minnesota’s mixed run defense.

For flex considerations, Brown mentioned Quinshon Judkins (Cleveland) and Bhayshul Tuten (Jacksonville) as potential upside picks, though both face tougher defenses. He cautioned against starting several New England backs, including Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson, due to recent snap-share reductions and inconsistent production. Similarly, New Orleans running backs Travis Etienne Jr. and Alvin Kamara were flagged as risky flex options because of limited usage and poor efficiency in recent games.

"I’m avoiding putting Stevenson in lineups this week if I can help it because of this uncertainty," Brown said.

"Don’t flex Kamara this week as his usage could decline and it’s a bad matchup," he added.

Brown’s advice is based on recent snap rates, rushing attempts, red-zone involvement and defensive statistics for each opponent.