There were eight 100-yard rushing performances in Week 4. Those were the most in any week since Week 14 of last season. Some of the names on the list were to be expected. Names like Ezekiel Elliott, Alvin Kamara, Melvin Gordon, and Kareem Hunt. Others, not so much. Chris Carson was a surprise inactive in Seattle. Rashaad Penny owners were giddy until Mike Davis swooped in for 101 rushing yards and two touchdowns. And Nick Chubb became the first player in NFL history to rush for at least 100 yards and score two touchdowns on three carries or less. As always, there are plenty of sleepers who seemingly emerge out of nowhere on a weekly basis. Below are some of my favorite Week 5 running back sleepers.
Week 5 Running Back Sleepers
Chris Thompson, Washington Redskins at New Orleans Saints
Chris Thompson was on pace for a potential top-12 finish at the running back position in 2017 before suffering a broken leg in New Orleans. Thompson is already a top-10 back in PPR leagues this year despite playing just three games. The former Florida State product has averaged nearly 80 yards from scrimmage this season. That is nearly an identical pace to his numbers from last year. He looks to put together another solid fantasy performance when he returns to the scene where his breakout campaign ended nearly a year ago. Thompson should be in line for a standout game against the New Orleans Saints.
The New Orleans Saints have not been a very good defense so far in 2018. We know this. But one area where they have been quite stout in is interior run defense. The Saints have allowed just under three yards a carry to opposing runners so far in 2018. That is an impressive number considering they have faced Carlos Hyde, Tevin Coleman, and Saquan Barkley in recent weeks. Adrian Peterson is next on the docket for New Orleans, and I think they will be able to slow him down. Though Alex Smith will have to put the ball in the air, it remains to be seen how willing he will be to take shots down the field. Enter Chris Thompson. Thompson leads Washington in receptions and should be in for another big receiving day. This game has one of the highest Vegas totals on the board. Washington is also one of the biggest underdogs on the board. Both factors should increase confidence that Thompson stands to benefit. I think Chris Thompson has legit RB1 upside in PPR formats and should be viewed as a top-20 option in all leagues.
T.J. Yeldon, Jacksonville Jaguars at Kansas City Chiefs
Leonard Fournette reaggravated a hamstring injury early in last week’s victory against the New York Jets, and T.J. Yeldon took advantage. Yeldon had 100 total yards and two touchdowns in the victory. The free-agent-to-be has been quite productive and consistent thus far in 2018. He has posted at least 69 yards from scrimmage in each game and enters Week 5 as the overall RB12 on the year. Yeldon should be in line for another big game when he heads to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs.
As vulnerable as Kansas City has been in the passing game, they have been even more generous to rushing production. They have allowed seven running backs to post top-24 fantasy finishes through four weeks. In the last two games, Matt Breida, Alfred Morris, Phillip Lindsay, and Royce Freeman have combined for 6.7 yards per rush and three touchdowns. Yeldon figures to see about 15 touches in this game, making him a nice plug-and-play this week. I think he will finish Week 5 as a mid-range RB2 in all formats.
Nyheim Hines, Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots
Nyheim Hines scored two touchdowns in Indianapolis’ Week 4 loss against Houston. Both came via the pass, as the Colts were playing from behind. In all, Hines caught nine passes for 63 yards and those two scores. The Colts will need him to come up big once again in Week 5. Indianapolis is short on offensive weapons and now must travel on a short week to New England to face the Patriots on Thursday night.
The Colts are likely to be without wideout T.Y. Hilton, tight end Jack Doyle, and running back Marlon Mack against the Patriots. Indianapolis figures to suffer from negative game script, though that bodes well for Hines. Hines saw 11 targets in Week 4 and I would not be surprised to see him approach that total in this game. Indianapolis also does not have a very strong running game. They have just 288 rushing yards as a team, and that includes 53 from quarterback Andrew Luck. Hines deserves a long look in Week 5 in all formats. I think he is an RB2 in PPR leagues and a fine Flex play in standard leagues. Nyheim Hines is one of my favorite Week 5 running back sleepers.
Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans at Buffalo Bills
Patience is wearing thin for those who selected Derrick Henry early in drafts. The third-round fantasy pick has scored a grand total of 17.5 fantasy points in standard leagues. Worse yet, Henry has secured just three receptions, making his slow start even more unbearable in PPR leagues. Owners will have to trust Henry as a viable option in Week 5 when he matches up with the Buffalo Bills.
Buffalo has improved a bit defensively as of late but has still ceded five rushing touchdowns to opposing running backs. That number is good for second-worst in the NFL. Henry is reliant on positive game script, and his should be good in this matchup. Tennessee is favored to win this game, and Henry should benefit if the Titans lead late. Henry was dominant in fourth quarters last season. The third-year back averaged 6.6 yards on 73 fourth-quarter carries last season. If Tennessee is in clock-killing mode late, Henry likely will see the majority of touches. Henry does not have a very safe floor but has a lot of upside in this matchup.
All our Week 4 Sleepers: Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Tight Ends
Mick Ciallela has been writing for FantraxHQ since July 2017. He has also written for Bleacher Report. He is a lifelong sports fan and has been an avid fantasy sports player for many years. Mick was the Overall Champion of both the 2016 Football Challenge – Roto and 2017 Play 3 Football contests hosted by CDM Sports. MIck was born and raised in Mount Vernon, New York and currently resides in New London, Connecticut.
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