One of the best parts of it Fantasy NFL -and the NFL in general- is that every week new arguments arise. Entering the fifth week of the season, the landscape of the ever-important running back position continues to change. The Week 5 RB rankings include a few surprises…

The biggest news in four weeks is this Nick Chubb (against the Chargers in Week 5) could be the new king of RBs. He was an absolute heartthrob week after week, making the Dawg Pound forget about the Deshaun Watson fiasco. Derrick Henry (against Governors) and Saquon Barkley (against the Packers) have returned to the dominance we’ve come to expect from them before their respective injuries in years past.

Speaking of injuries, Jonathan Taylor (@Broncos) enters Week 5 with a “questionable” tag due to an ankle injury, and considering the Colts play Thursday, that’s a big concern. Nyheim Hines would likely be the biggest beneficiary if Taylor leaves, but Deon Jackson could also see some carry over. Javonte Williams (vs. Colts) is also “questionable” with a knee injury, but we don’t expect to see him Thursday night. Melvin Gordon III He’s listed as the top option, but his issues could pave the way for Mike Boone’s legitimacy. Consider both as flex at this time.

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For some, injuries mean opportunity. Khalil Herbert ( @Vikings ) was spectacular before David Montgomery’s ankle injury and added another 100 yards agitation with Modi out; Jamaal Williams (@Patriots) went from best RB2 to dominant RB1 with D’Andre Swift’s sprained shoulder. and Jeff Wilson Jr. (@Panthers) looked adequate as an RB2 during Elijah Mitchell’s (MCL) IR stint. Latavius ​​Murray (vs. Seahawks) even shined in Week 4 with Alvin Kamara out with a rib injury. If Kamara is out again, Murray will be a high-level flexibility in a favorable matchup despite sharing carries with Mark Ingram.

Of course, many players were healthy, but they had a shaky start to the season. After three weeks of mediocre opening, Austin Eckler (@Browns) finally came out of his shell against the Texans and it should be a strong game against a Cleveland D that has allowed four career TDs. Texans rookie Dameon Pierce (vs. Lions) has been phenomenal the past two weeks. Rashaad Penny ( @Saints ) exploded for two TDs last week, as did JK Dobbins (vs. Bengals). Miles Sanders (@Cardinals) has benefited greatly from the Eagles offense led by Jalen Hurts. Everyone is sure to start again this week. This also goes for some upsets like Najee Harris (@Bills) and James Conner (vs. Eagles), who should have enough bulk to be profitable as a flex even in brutal matchups.

Green Bay monsters Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon (vs. Giants) and New England monsters Rhamondre Stevenson and Damien Harris (vs. Lions) are must-haves right now in both standard and PPR leagues. Both offenses rely heavily on the run game, and both sets of players see enough volume to give them high floors and ceilings. However, the same cannot be said for Cowboys running backs Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard (@Rams). They looked bad against the Commanders and now head to LA to face Aaron Donald and the reigning champions. Both are low level flex.

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We like what we’ve seen Josh Jacobs (@Chiefs) early, continuing the touchdown production he enjoyed in 2021. We also like the Jets rookie, Breece Hall (against the Dolphins) and we bet his usage continues to increase against Miami. Be sure to pick up the rookie from Washington Brian Robinson Jr. (vs. Titans) wherever available. Antonio Gibson has been disappointing (as usual) and B-Rob will be hot to take over this backfield after taking a lot of shots in the legs in the preseason. Clyde Edwards-Helaire (vs. Raiders) continues to find a way to be valuable even with Isiah Pacheco coming on strong.

Will Cam Akers ever start (vs. Cowboys) this season? Probably not this week against the Dallas defense. Akers and Darrell Henderson Jr. they look faded to us, as do rookies Kenneth Walker III (Seahawks @ Saints) and Tyler Allgeier (Falcons @ Buccaneers). the latter gave up multiple carries to teammate Caleb Huntley last week. We also stay as far away from Chase Edmonds (@ Jets as possible). Raheem Mostert has more value.

RB Rankings Week 5 for Standard Leagues | RB Rankings Week 5 for PPR leagues

RB Rankings Week 5 for standard leagues

RB Rankings Week 5 for PPR leagues