NFL Fantasy 2025: Week 5 Running Back Start/Sit Guide

Rookie Surge:: Several rookie running backs have emerged as viable fantasy options, with many finishing in the top 25 in Week 4.

Injury Replacements:: Injuries to key players like Bucky Irving and Chuba Hubbard create opportunities for their backups, Rachaad White and Rico Dowdle, respectively.

Matchup Considerations:: Favorable matchups against struggling run defenses can elevate a running back's fantasy potential, while tough matchups should give managers pause.

Workload Analysis:: Understanding a running back's role in the offense, including snap percentage, carries, and targets, is crucial for making informed start/sit decisions.

Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints):: Facing a Giants defense that struggles against the run, Kamara is poised for his best fantasy performance of the season. The Giants allow the fourth-most rushing yards and second-most rushing touchdowns to RBs.

David Montgomery (Detroit Lions):: Against a Bengals team that has struggled to defend the run, Montgomery should benefit from a favorable game script and his nose for the endzone.

Cam Skattebo (New York Giants):: With a consistent floor and tantalizing ceiling, Skattebo has scored at least 13 fantasy points in each of the last three games. Start him against the Saints, who are in the top 12 in rush yards allowed to RBs.

Woody Marks (Houston Texans):: Marks has seemingly surpassed Nick Chubb in Houston’s backfield and faces a struggling Baltimore run defense, making him a strong RB2 candidate.

Rachaad White (Tampa Bay Buccaneers):: With Bucky Irving likely out, White is expected to receive a significant workload against the Seahawks.

Rico Dowdle (Carolina Panthers):: Filling in for the injured Chuba Hubbard, Dowdle faces a Dolphins defense that gives up the 11th-most fantasy points to RBs.

Chase Brown (Cincinnati Bengals):: Without Joe Burrow, the Bengals' offense has struggled, limiting Brown's touchdown opportunities. He faces a tough matchup against the Lions, who allow the eighth-fewest rushing yards to RBs.

Jordan Mason (Minnesota Vikings):: The Browns have been tough on opposing running backs, and Mason is unlikely to receive passing-down duties.

Tony Pollard (Tennessee Titans):: Despite a high volume of touches, Pollard has struggled to produce consistent fantasy points. The Cardinals have been tough on opposing running backs this season.

Isiah Pacheco (Kansas City Chiefs):: Pacheco's usage has declined, and the Chiefs are splitting carries between multiple backs. The Jaguars have allowed the third-fewest rushing yards to RBs.

Zach Charbonnet (Seattle Seahawks):: While he sees decent snap counts, Charbonnet isn't likely to produce significant value against the Buccaneers, who have allowed the fewest rushing yards to running backs.

Monitor injury reports closely to identify potential replacements for injured players.

Pay attention to workload trends, including snap counts, carries, and targets.

Consider matchups when making start/sit decisions, targeting running backs facing struggling run defenses.

Emerging rookies can provide valuable fantasy production, but be mindful of their consistency.