RBs to start in Week 5
Falcons’ Todd Gurley (vs. Panthers): After a slow start to the season, Todd Gurley has shown signs of life in the past two weeks. In his first two games with the Falcons, Gurley looked ineffective, combining for 19.8 points.
However, over the past two weeks, he’s become more of a focal point in Atlanta’s offense, producing a total of 34.5 points. The former Offensive Player of the Year should be able to continue his success for the Falcons when they face the Panthers, who have surrendered an average of 36.75 fantasy points per week this season (second-most in the NFL).
Jaguars’ James Robinson (vs. Texans): The Jaguars — outside of their dud against the Dolphins — have been an offense littered with fantasy football production. While Minshew has performed well under center, the bright spot in Jacksonville’s offense has been James Robinson.
Robinson has scored the sixth-most points among RBs this year and has seen 60 of the 64 carries by RBs for the Jaguars. The undrafted rookie out of Illinois State is poised to continue his impressive start to the season against the Texans, who have allowed an average of 181.8 rushing yards per game (most in the NFL).
Cardinals’ Kenyan Drake (vs. Jets): Bear with me here, Kenyan Drake has unquestionably been a massive disappointment up to this point. Despite being an early-round pick, Drake has outscored Chase Edmonds — his backup — by a mere 0.2 points this season.
All signs pointed toward Drake getting on track in Week 4 versus the Panthers, but the Arizona Cardinals quickly found themselves down double-digits in the game. With (hopefully) a better game script in store for Drake in Week 5, he should be able to run rampant on the New York Jets’ defense that has given up an average of 30.28 points per week to RBs (eighth-most in the NFL).
Other RBs to consider in Week 5: ‘Panthers Mike Davis (vs. Falcons), Texans’ David Johnson (vs. Jaguars), Washington’s Antonio Gibson (vs. Rams)
RBs to sit in Week 5
Bears’ David Montgomery (vs. Buccaneers): There’s no doubt, especially with the season-ending injury to Tarik Cohen, that David Montgomery has full control over the backfield for the Chicago Bears. Through the first four weeks, Montgomery has touched the ball at least 13 times in each game, ensuring he has a consistent role in the offense.
While there could be better weeks ahead for Montgomery and more touchdowns in his future, it’s hard to envision him having a great outing in Week 5 versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers surrender a league-low 2.7 yards per attempt to opposing RBs this season.
Chargers’ Joshua Kelley (vs. Saints): Due to the injury to Austin Ekeler, rookie Joshua Kelley is going to see an expanded workload for the Los Angeles Chargers. Given that, his value should continue to rise until Ekeler is able to make his return to the field.
Unfortunately for Kelley, his first career start in the NFL will come against a stout run defense of the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans has allowed only 3.6 yards per attempt and with Kelley being limited as a receiving threat, for now, he’s better off sitting on your bench unless you’re thin at RB.
