Should I Start Alexander Mattison in Week 3? RB Fantasy Football Rankings Analysis

Rule Number 1 of fantasy football: Don't sit your studs. Rule Number 2 of fantasy football: Don't send hate messages to players who have bad weeks.

Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison struggled to find running room in Week 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles' highly-touted defensive line. He also fumbled the ball twice (one of which got called back due to a penalty. Fantasy football managers were not happy with the performance, but let me repeat, do not send hate messages to players.

If you can get past the lack of production from Mattison thus far, there are several reasons to be excited about his Week 3 prospects.

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Alexander Mattison Fantasy Football Outlook

Making a bad situation worse for Mattison managers, the Vikings traded for running back Cam Akers this week. Mattison played over 70% of the snaps in both of Minnesota's games but Akers forecasts to cut into those numbers. The incumbent will get at least one more week as the bellcow of the backfield.

On the season, the former third-round pick has carried the ball 19 times to 62 yards. He's added six catches for 21 yards and a touchdown.

Alexander Mattison Running Backs Rankings Analysis

The ranking staff at Rotoballer places Alexander Mattison just outside of the RB2 range. In PPR formats, the former Boise St. Bronco ranks 52nd overall and 21st among running backs for Week 3.

Mattison is ranked just behind Rachaad White, Najee Harris, and Breece Hall but ahead of guys like Joshua Kelley, James Conner, and Gus Edwards. It's fair to have Mattison placed there, despite the first-year starter having a command over the backfield. He has failed to capitalize on his opportunities so far versus two stout run defenses.

Should I Start Alexander Mattison In Week 3 Fantasy Football?

The Vikings are calling a pass play nearly 78% of the time through two weeks. Game script has played a part in that but they've also abandoned the run due to lack of success. In Week 3, they are matched up against the Los Angeles Chargers, who are statistically one of the worst defenses in football. Los Angeles gives up 6.9 yards per play (most in the league) and the third-most points.

The Chargers defense is still more vulnerable in the passing game than they are on the ground but Mattison will get more chances to carry the rock if Los Angeles can't force the Vikings offense off of the field. This matchup boasts the highest over/under line of the week so points will get put on the board often. View Mattison as a low-end RB2 but one that has a better touchdown chance than other running backs ranked near him.

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