10 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets Heading Into Week 3

James Starks, RB, Green Bay Packers

ESPN Ownership: 8.3%
Yahoo Ownership: 8.0%

I originally had Patriots running back Dion Lewis in this slot, who we recommended last week after his impressive 120 total yards in Week 1 against the Steelers in LeGarrette Blount's absence. And with 138 total yards and a touchdown on 13 touches this week against the Bills -- including 6 receptions for 98 yards -- Lewis is once again a strong add in all fantasy football leagues.

But following Eddie Lacy's ankle injury suffered against the Seahawks during this week's Sunday Night Football game, jumping ahead of him on the priority list is Green Bay Packers running back James Starks. While Bill Belichick is notoriously fickle with his running back usage (if you don't believe me, you can talk to Jonas Gray about that one), in contrast to this, as long as Lacy is out, Starks workload in Green Bay will not be in doubt.

Starks took over as an every down back after Lacy was pulled from the game on the Packers' opening drive, collecting 20 carries for 95 yards and tacking on 4 receptions for 11 yards on the night. And if Lacy is out for an extended period of time, Starks could put up borderline RB1 numbers for the Packers in his place.

Filling in for an injured Lacy in Week 2 of the 2013 season, Starks totaled 168 yards and a touchdown on 24 touches (including 4 receptions) against the Washington Redskins.

And playing next to Aaron Rodgers in what still looks to be a high-scoring offensive unit, expect Starks to get a few more opportunities to put up stats like this one while Lacy nurses his ankle back to full health, making Starks a must-add for Lacy owners or anyone else looking for a short-term solution at the running back position for the next few weeks.