The running back landscape is looking good this year. We've only had a few injuries(R.I.P. Fournette/Cook), and many of our breakouts have come to fruition. Barkley has been everything draft pundits and fantasy analysts wanted. McCaffrey became the workhorse we needed, and Gurley remained the machine of last year. If you need some help getting better backs, check out my Trade Calls and Brendan Waiver Wire Gems! If you just need to know who to play, you're in the right place. Also feel free to send me questions on Twitter @HessFootball.
The Elites
- Melvin Gordon
- Todd Gurley
- Saquan Barkley
- James Conner
- Sony Michel
- Christian McCaffrey
- Joe Mixon
- Kareem Hunt
- Ezekial Elliott
- James White
- TJ Yeldon
- David Johnson
Let's get into it. This week I like the Pats RBs and Yeldon a bit more than usual. This season Kansas City has given up 943 scrimmage yards and 7 touchdowns to the Running back position. Both James White, and Sony Michel should be RB1s. Yeldon should remain the feature back for at least a week. Dallas has given up the 4th most receptions to Running Backs this year and Yeldon should be in for a good game. While Zeke and Barkley are still RB1s this week, maybe you should temper expectations a little. The Eagles have given up just slightly over 100 yards a week total to running backs and have allowed only one touchdown. Evening out to about 9 fantasy points a week. While Jacksonville gives up a little more, they are still a nightmare for teams relying on Zeke for a vintage performance.
Starters
- Carlos Hyde
- Jordan Howard
- Marshawn Lynch
- Tevin Coleman
- Chris Carson
- Aaron Jones
- Isaiah Crowell
- Alfred Morris
- Phillip Lindsay
- Chris Thompson
- Dalvin Cook/Latavius Murray
- LeSean McCoy
- Nyhiem Hines
- Wendell Smallwood
- Adrian Peterson
- Austin Ekeler
- Bilal Powell
- Buck Allen
There's a lot of good starting options this week. Hyde is borderline elite playing against the Chargers alongside Baker Mayfield. Crowell has moved up rankings after last weeks career day. Thompson/Peterson are both solid options in what should be a competitive game against Carolina. Freeman is expected to miss giving Coleman another boost. Dalvin Cook is still injured, if he plays he's not a recommended option unless you're desperate even in a good matchup. Buck Allen is officially the Back to own in Baltimore. If I have Collins, I'm trying to get rid of him while he has any value left at all.
Flex Appeal
- Mike Davis
- Corey Clement
- Tarik Cohen
- Royce Freeman
- Lamar Miller
- Kenyan Drake
- Dion Lewis
- Ito Smith
- Marlan Mack
- Peyton Barber
- Alex Collins
Mike Davis has split carries with Carson the last two games with great success and now gets Oaklands "defense". Freeman is averaging 5.1 YPC and it's only a matter of time before he gets unleashed. Lamar Miller has been awful but in a game against Buffalo, he should be a decent start. With Freeman out, Ito again plays the Coleman role. Alex Collins is touchdown dependent if he scores he may give you 10 points. Maybe.
Dart Throws
- Ty Montgomery
- Frank Gore
- Josh Adams
- Nick Chubb
- Duke Johnson
Don't play these guys unless you're desperate. If you really have nothing left Montgomery could rip off a big one. Gore is the always touchdown vulture. Adams may have a decent role if Clement is limited. Chubb was explosive last week and may get a couple more carries and Duke Johnson may be used if the Browns get blown out. Good Luck in Week 6 and I hope to hear from you on Twitter and see you next week!