Jeff Pratt breaks down which fantasy running backs you should start or sit in Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season.
Week 5 of the NFL season has arrived! Injuries have already thrown a wrench into multiple backfields around the league, so it’s time to take a deep dive into the position.
Let’s break down my Week 5 start ’em, sit ’em fantasy football running back picks.
We’re coming out of the gate hot with these start/sit RB picks.
I know what you’re probably thinking… how could anyone watch New England’s offense the last few weeks and still feel confident starting Stevenson, especially after he’s fumbled four times in as many games?
It’s true, after an impressive first two outings, Rhamondre fell sharply back to earth. That said, he’s still by far New England’s best offensive player, which is why Jerod Mayo and Alex Van Pelt had no choice but to put him back in the game almost immediately after his most recent turnover. If the Patriots are going to win, Stevenson will need to carry that unit. This Sunday, that outcome could actually be within the realm of possibilities.
The Dolphins are lost without Tua Tagovailoa. Defenses had to respect the long ball with him under center, but with the likes of Skylar Thompson and Tyler Huntley at quarterback, Mike McDaniel’s quick-hit scheme simply doesn’t work. They’re not capable of blowing any team out right now, and the struggles are also apparent on the other side of the ball. Miami allows the fifth-most fantasy points per game to opposing backfields, opening the door for a resurgent performance for Stevenson.
Thursday night’s performance against the Cowboys was a reminder of why so many people were concerned about Singletary’s fantasy prospects in New York.
The Giants’ offense simply isn’t good. They have multiple talented players, but few are worth starting on a consistent basis due to the team’s inconsistent production. Malik Nabers is the obvious exception, as he seems to draw more targets alone than the entire Patriots’ receiving corps on a weekly basis.
New York’s RB1 may be worth starting on a matchup-dependent basis, but that won’t be the case against a formidable Seahawks defense on Sunday.
This is undeniably a risky one.
Carson Steele started last Sunday’s contests against the Chargers, but was quickly replaced after an early fumble. From there on out, it was the Kareem Hunt show for Kansas City. The veteran took his 14 carries and two receptions for 85 yards, showcasing a clear talent gap between himself and the rest of the Chiefs’ backfield.
The only negative note from Sunday’s contest for Hunt was Samaje Perine vulturing a goal-line touchdown from him in the fourth quarter, which is a reminder of the revolving door system Andy Reid implements. Clyde Edwards-Helaire may return from NFI this week, but even if that’s the case I expect Hunt to remain the lead back until further notice. The versatile back should feature in Kansas City’s scheme against the Saints, and he could see more receiving work with Rashee Rice sidelined.
White actually put together a decent outing against the Eagles last week, rushing efficiently for the first time this season and finishing with 10.4 PPR points.
The main issue is that Tampa Bay’s backfield is no longer definitively his. The emergence of Bucky Irving is no longer a secret. The rookie has outproduced White consistently so far this year, equaling his numbers on the ground while scoring the only touchdown between the two backs in their win over Philly.
Unfortunately for fantasy managers with White, this backfield seems set as a 50/50 split. If anything, Irving would be the one receiving more touches due to his efficiency. White can still be started as a matchup-dependent FLEX, but not on Thursday against a stout Falcons run defense.
On Sunday from 11-1 ET, Jeff Pratt will be taking over the DraftKings Network X account to answer all of your start/sit questions. Don’t miss out!
Michael Corleone pretty much sums up my thoughts on Swift.
The 25-year-old struggled so much with efficiency through the first three weeks of the season — although contrary to what Twitter experts will tell you, the tape suggested a lot of the blame falls on Chicago’s offensive line — that Roschon Johnson was expected to take over the Bears’ backfield against the Rams.
Not only did Swift retain his role as the lead back, he rattled off a ridiculous 29.5 PPR points, racking up 165 scrimmage yards and a touchdown. Following this breakout performance, Swift will certainly remain the go-to guy against an extremely vulnerable Panthers run defense.
Those are my start ’em, sit ’em Week 5 fantasy football running back picks! Stay tuned for more fantasy advice next week.
All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS or DKSB contests.
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