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Week 5 Fantasy Football Running Back Preview

Top 50 Fantasy RBs for Week 5

Let's dig into the reasons you should -- or shouldn't -- play these guys ...

Check out the other positions as well:

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New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings

Breece Hall, Jets

Hall is coming off one of the worst performances of his career against the Broncos, only having 18 total yards on the day. This was likely an aberration, and Hall’s talent will win out. The Vikings have been one of the best fantasy defenses against the run due to game script, but Hall’s pass-catching keeps him as a top-five option this week.

Aaron Jones, Vikings

Jones has had over 100 total yards in three of his four games and is a central part of the Vikings offense. Though he didn’t score a TD last week, Jones was able to gash the Packers defense. The Jets will be a more difficult match-up, but Jones volume makes him a top 10 option this week.

Braelon Allen, Jets

Allen had nine touches last week and outscored Breece Hall. He will likely hover around that touch number each game, which makes him a tough start, but Allen is showcasing talent that the Jets want to put on the field. He has RB3 potential if he can find the end zone if you are desperate for a flex.

Ty Chandler, Vikings

Chandler only had four touches for 12 yards last week, but he is only two weeks removed from a 82 yard rushing performance on only 10 carries. The lack of volume and difficult match-up doesn’t make Chandler very appealing this week.

Cleveland Browns at Washington Commanders

Brian Robinson Jr., Commanders

We’ll see if Robinson can overcome a knee issue and suit up. He’s handled 17, 16, and 21 carries over the past three weeks, with the biggest number coming last Sunday without Austin Ekeler (concussion). We expect Ekeler to return against Cleveland, but Robinson’s play thus far suggests he’ll remain the go-to rusher. He’s top-ten in the league in yards after contact per rush (3.84) and rush EPA (+3.3).

Jerome Ford, Browns

This week, the Browns designated Nick Chubb to return from the PUP list. We won’t see him against Washington, but he’s likely nearing a return. After seeing 86% of the designed rush attempts in the opener, Ford has handled 26%, 63%, and 67% over his past three. Despite O-line and QB issues, the 25-year-old has tallied 5.2 YPC and quietly ranks tied for third among RBs in receptions. He’s a viable RB2 in a plus matchup.

Austin Ekeler, Commanders

Ekeler (concussion) returned to a limited practice on Wednesday. He’s tracking to return against Cleveland, although he’s not someone to trust beyond FLEX territory. The former Charger saw only 9% and 26% of Washington’s rush attempts in his two healthy games.

Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots

De’Von Achane, Dolphins

Playing alongside fill-in QB Tyler Huntley, Achane’s production hit rock bottom against Tennessee (5.9 PPR points). He handled only 38% of the rush attempts but set a season-high in route rate (68%). A diverse role keeps Achane in startable range, although the floor is low without Tua Tagovailoa.

Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots

Stevenson’s up to four fumbles on the season. (He’s lost two.) HC Jerod Mayo said this week that he might give Antonio Gibson more work, and we certainly believe it. Despite a positive matchup, the volatility in Stevenson’s role makes him a fringe top-20 RB. 

Antonio Gibson, Patriots

While it’s a small sample, Gibson’s up to 5.3 yards per carry and 11.7 yards per catch. Given recent comments from Jerod Mayo, it’s possible Week 5 turns up a season-high in touches. New England also enters the weekend as small home favorites.

Raheem Mostert, Dolphins

Mostert hasn’t suited up since Week 1 due to a chest injury. If active, he’ll carry a low ceiling with Miami down to their fourth-string QB. The Fins are implied for only 17.75 points against a Pats defense slotted 18th in rush defense DVOA.

Carolina Panthers vs. Chicago Bears

Chuba Hubbard, Panthers

Hubbard now has two straight RB1 games and is the focal point of the Panthers offense with Andy Dalton at the helm. He is dominating the touches at the position, running clearly ahead of Miles Sanders. With Jonathon Brooks not returning, Hubbard is a solid RB1, even in a tough match-up against the Bears.

D’Andre Swift, Bears

Swift resurrected his season last week with 170 total yards including a TD. He also had seven catches on seven targets, coming through for a huge game. It may be tough to trust Swift, but it is an easy match-up against one of the worst defenses in the NFL. He is a low end RB1 this week.

Miles Sanders, Panthers

Sanders has been dealing with an illness and missing practice, and he is still running well behind Chuba Hubbard. He did score a rushing TD two weeks ago and averaged 5.3 yards per carry last week. There are some glimmers, but he is TD dependent in a tough match-up. He is an RB4 at best.

Roschon Johnson, Bears

Johnson split time with Swift early last week with both players being effective. Swift took over after a few big runs, but Johnson should continue getting some goal line looks moving forward. The Panthers are one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, so if you want to throw up a TD prayer, Johnson can be a high end RB4.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Derrick Henry, Ravens

Henry has been dominant over the last two weeks with the Ravens setting up a power run game to dominate the line of scrimmage. The Bengals have a bottom six defense against the run this year, and have given up big games to less talented runners. Even without doing much in the passing game, Henry is a clear RB1 with top five potential this week. 

Zack Moss, Bengals

Chase Brown nearly equaled Moss’ touches last week and has been getting worked more into the Bengals offensive gameplan. Moss still was the goal line RB though and likely keeps the TD opportunities. Unfortunately, this week is a tough match-up for the Bengals run game with the Ravens boasting one of the best run defenses in the league. Moss settles in as a low end RB2.

Chase Brown, Bengals

Brown got more opportunities after looking like the better back, but his bread and butter will be in the passing game. Zack Moss still got the goal line work, so Brown will need a big play to pay off. Unfortunately, this week is a tough match-up for the Bengals run game with the Ravens boasting one of the best run defenses in the league. Moss settles in as a high end RB3.

Justice Hill, Ravens

Hill caught all six of his targets last week for 78 yards and a TD and is the clear pass-catching back for the Ravens. His targets haven’t been consistent, but with the Bengals able to match points, the Ravens may need to turn to Hill again in this game. He is an RB3 with big PPR potential.

Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans

James Cook, Bills

Since a 22-touch opener, Cook has averaged just 10.3 carries and 2.3 targets per game over the last three. Some of that is due to that stretch featuring two blowout wins, but Cook has been losing work to RBs Ray Davis and Ty Johnson even in the first half. This weekend brings a road game against a Texans defense that ranks fourth in run defense DVOA and 13th in adjusted fantasy points allowed to RBs. Houston has allowed the fewest catches and receiving yards to RBs.

Cam Akers, Texans

With RBs Joe Mixon (ankle) and Dameon Pierce (hamstring) expected to be out again, Akers will get another shot to lead Houston’s backfield. It was a three-man committee last week, though, with Akers handling 13 of 21 RB carries and zero targets. Akers does get a plus matchup against a Buffalo defense that's been gashed for 471 rushing yards on 5.2 yards per carry by RBs. The Bills rank 25th or worse in EPA allowed per rush, rushing success rate, and yards before contact per attempt. They sit dead last in adjusted fantasy points allowed to RBs.

Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars

Travis Etienne, Jaguars

Etienne has been limited in practice this week with the shoulder he hurt last Sunday. But he re-entered that game and still beat Tank Bigsby in playing time, carries, routes, and targets. Expect Etienne to remain the top back for a solid matchup with the Colts, who sit just mid-pack in run-defense DVOA. Indy has been the seventh most friendly RB defense by our adjusted fantasy points allowed. That’s enough to keep Etienne a solid starting option for Week 5.

Trey Sermon, Colts

Sermon clearly takes over the Indy backfield lead with Jonathan Taylor out this week. He has played more than three times as many snaps as No. 3 RB Tyler Goodson so far this season (42-12). That included many third downs even with Taylor healthy. Sermon has seen just 1 target through four games, though; same as Goodson. So don’t be surprised if Goodson takes on the Sermon role with Sermon upgrading to Taylor’s spot. And we’ll see who would get primary work in 2-minute drill situations. Taylor has still been taking that back from Sermon. Collectively, the Colts have the fewest RB receptions this season (8). So there hasn’t been much receiving value for anyone. That hurts the ceiling and floor for everyone in the backfield. There’s upside to this week’s matchup with the Jags, who arrive as the league’s worst defense by DVOA. But Jacksonville trails way behind the rest of the league in pass defense while ranking a pretty solid 11th in run-defense DVOA. Sermon’s in play for what should be a pretty healthy rushing workload. But he sits outside RB2 territory in our PPR rankings, and on the edge of that range in formats with less reception scoring.

Tank Bigsby, Jaguars

Bigsby out-dueled Travis Etienne in rushing yards last week – for the second time in four games. But he still trailed the starter in playing time, carries, pass routes, and targets – even though Etienne hurt a shoulder in the first quarter and missed some time. Bigsby’s also dealing with his own shoulder issue this week. He’s worth stashing if you have room. But only use Jacksonville’s No. 2 RB if you really need him.

Tyler Goodson, Colts

Jonathan Taylor’s absence makes Goodson the complementary receiving back (probably) for this week. That’s not a particularly attractive spot in the offense with the fewest RB receptions in the league through four weeks. Joe Flacco starting would boost the reception upside, but we also don’t yet know how big a role Goodson will play.

Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos

Javonte Williams, Broncos

Williams has just two top-30 PPR finishes through the first four weeks. But he projects for 12+ touches this week as home favorites vs. Vegas. This backfield should mainly be a 1-2 punch with Jaleel McLaughlin, as Tyler Badie is out with a back injury.

Alexander Mattison, Raiders

HC Antonio Pierce said this week that Mattison will get “more reps” after busting off several chunk runs vs. Cleveland. The Denver matchup simply isn’t great, as the Broncos sit fifth in rush defense DVOA. They’ve also allowed only one rushing score all season.

Zamir White, Raiders

White lost a fumble last week, and there’s a real chance his role gets scaled back against Denver. Among 36 RBs with 30+ carries, White ranks 31st in yards per carry, 34th in yards after contact per attempt, and last in PFF rushing grade. White also missed practice on Thursday with a groin injury.

Jaleel McLaughlin, Broncos

McLaughlin should pick up a few extra touches with Tyler Badie (back) sidelined. While Javonte Williams remains the lead back, a matchup with Vegas helps support McLaughlin’s FLEX appeal. The Raiders have allowed 5.3 YPC and might remain without DL Maxx Crosby.

Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Jordan Mason, 49ers

You spend all this time on projections in the offseason, and then some dude named Jordan Mason leads the NFL in carries through four weeks. He also sits second in rushing yards and sixth in PPR points per game – even with just 6 receptions. Mason gets a Cardinals defense this week that ranks 29th in total DVOA. And his team carries a Vegas-implied total nearly 3 points higher than anyone else in the league. Mason’s ceiling looks as high as any RB’s for Week 5.

James Conner, Cardinals

The Cardinals still handed Conner the ball 18 times last week despite a one-sided loss to Washington. But 12 of those carries came in the first half, when they didn’t fall more than 7 points behind until the final play. Conner’s two strong rushing lines through four games have come against the Rams (31st in rush DVOA) and Commanders (28th). The Niners enter this one ranked sixth in rush DVOA and fourth in total DVOA. They’re also 7.5-point favorites, which threatens Arizona’s rushing game script. Conner ranks just 29th among RBs in route participation and 54th in target share. He had exactly 1 target each of the past three weeks. He’ll probably get at least decent rushing volume, which keeps him in low-RB2 territory. But there’s at least as much risk as upside here.

Green Bay Packers at Los Angeles Rams

Kyren Williams, Rams

Williams can't stop scoring TDs. He's up to six of them through four games -- tied for the most in the league. Williams also ranks fourth among RBs with 87 total opportunities (carries + targets). Next up is a Packers defense that's allowed 93+ rushing yards to a lead back in three of four games this season.

Josh Jacobs, Packers

Jacobs seems to be in a legit committee with Emanuel Wilson. But he's still leading in rushing and controlling passing-down and goal-line snaps. Jacobs is in a great spot this weekend with his Packers 3-point favorites with a 26-point implied total vs. the Rams, who rank 31st in run defense DVOA and 19th in adjusted fantasy points allowed to RBs.

Emanuel Wilson, Packers

Wilson has carried 20 times over the past two weeks -- just three fewer than RB Josh Jacobs. That's enough to make Wilson a viable Week 5 flier in a plus matchup against the Rams, who rank 31st in run defense DVOA and are allowing 4.8 yards per carry to RBs.

New York Giants at Seattle Seahawks

Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks

Walker has been fortunate on TDs so far. But he also ranks a strong ninth among RBs in expected PPR points per game (albeit over two outings). His 12 carries at Detroit might seem like a limited workload, but they constituted 85.7% of Seattle’s RB rushes for that game. And despite their tie in targets, Walker ran 13 more pass routes than Zach Charbonnet (32-19). So he reclaimed the clear backfield lead in his return from the oblique injury. Now comes a Giants D that ranks 21st in total DVOA. Only three teams carry a higher Vegas-implied point total this week. So don’t be surprised if Walker stays fortunate on the TD front.

Tyrone Tracy, Giants

Devin Singletary’s officially doubtful with a groin injury at Seattle. That should position Tracy as the lead back. He’ll surely share some work with Eric Gray but has more than quadrupled his more-tenured teammate in snaps so far (66-15). Tracy might actually be in better shape if this game flows the way the 6.5-point Vegas line expects. The former WR could be a high-volume target for a trailing Giants offense with a short-range thrower at QB. That’s not enough to make Tracy a truly attractive option if you’re in decent shape at the position. But it makes him interesting in PPR if you’re reaching outside the top 24. He also has the speed (4.48-second 40 time) to break a big play at any point.

Zach Charbonnet, Seahawks

Charbonnet’s not a good bet for touches with Ken Walker back, but the Seahawks don’t freeze him out completely. He got 10 touches in Week 1 and scored a TD. And Charbonnet matched Walker’s 5 targets in the loss at Detroit. If Seattle pulls far enough ahead of the Giants this week, then perhaps Charbonnet can find some mop-up duty. But that’s only a scenario worth reaching for if you’re truly desperate at RB.

Dallas Cowboys at Pittsburgh Steelers

Najee Harris, Steelers

Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson are battling injuries, so Harris figures to see plenty of work against Dallas. Prior to shutting down the Giants in Week 4, the Cowboys allowed opposing lead backs to hit 19+ fantasy points in three straight.

Rico Dowdle, Cowboys

Dowdle’s rushing share has increased in recent weeks, with marks of 53% (Week 3) and 48% (Week 4). He’ll run into a Pittsburgh defense that’s allowed only 3.7 YPC.

New Orleans Saints vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Alvin Kamara, Saints

Kamara is the RB1 overall for the season and could have scored even more fantasy points if Taysom Hill didn’t snipe two TDs last week. The Chiefs run defense has been able to stifle opposing RBs, but Kamara is a different animal. RB1 overall once again is possible this week.

Kareem Hunt, Chiefs

After Carson Steele lost another fumble, Hunt took over the backfield leading the team in snaps. He should retain the between the tackles role, though it remains to be seen how the Chiefs will use their RBs with a full week of preparation on how to deploy them. He is a solid RB3 who has upside.

Samaje Perine, Chiefs

Perine keeps the pass catching role, even with Kareem Hunt getting work in the lineup. He didn’t have a target last week, but did find the end zone on a run. The Chiefs will likely get Perine back to a pass catching role, so in PPR, he is a low end RB3.

Carson Steele, Chiefs

Steele fumbled on the first drive last week and lost his work to Kareem Hunt. He only played five snaps after the fumble.  With four potential RBs who could contribute for the Chiefs this week, Steele could be the odd man out again. If he gets goal-line work, then perhaps Steele could find the end zone and have a decent day, but he is an RB5 at best.

Jamaal Williams, Saints

After having 19 rushes for 77 yards and a TD over the first two weeks, Williams only has four rushes for 10 yards over the last two. Alvin Kamara controls the Saints backfield, and Williams needs garbage time to get enough snaps to be worthwhile. That won’t happen against the Chiefs. He is an RB5 this week.

Got Other Start-Sit Questions?

Matt and Jared run through some of the bigger Week 4 lineup questions in this preview show ...

Matt Schauf, Editor

Matt has earned two Fantasy Pros accuracy awards for IDP rankings and won thousands of dollars as a player across best ball, dynasty, and high-stakes fantasy formats. He has been creating fantasy football content for more than 20 years, with work featured by Sporting News, Rotoworld, Athlon, Sirius XM, and others. He's been with Draft Sharks since 2011.