This week, we’ve had some injuries and changes in workload going into Week 5. That’s good news for you if you need an RB. Check into FantraxHQ every Tuesday for the best RB options on your bench/waiver wire. Now enjoy our Week 3 Running Back Sleepers and Streamers.
Whether it’s to improve your own team or keep one of your league-mates from improving, you’ll want to check in with us weekly. Let’s get into it!
Week 5 Running Back Sleepers and Streamers
Running Back Sleepers
Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos, ~1% owned
Jaleel is now in the mix, and I’m not talkin’ Steve Urkel. This past week against Chicago he had 72 yards rushing on 7 carries, and 3 catches on as many targets, with 32 yards and 1 TD. He’s been getting carries to spell Javonte Williams throughout the season, but now Williams has a hip flexor issue and will likely get fewer carries going forward, if not miss time altogether. The Broncos face the Jets this week, and while the defense is respected, the way to attack the NYJ defense is on the ground. You’re going to want shares of
Cordarrelle Patterson, Atlanta Falcons, ~5% owned
The Atlanta Falcons remain content in hiding their QB’s deficiencies in throwing. As a result, they are going to continue to run the ball as much as possible. Lately, they’ve been getting behind in games which is hurting the RB’s production, but they’ll have a chance vs. Houston, Washington, and Tampa the next few weeks to get it going on the ground. That said, Patterson is finally healthy and was active last week, despite not getting any touches. He’s listed as the “Joker” on the Falcons depth chart, in part because he can play receiver and running back. That versatility makes his floor higher than Tyler Allegier some weeks because if the Falcons need to pass late in the game, Patterson still has value, whereas Allegier may take a hit (Bijan Robinson and Allegier both catch passes out of the backfield, but they use Robinson as a receiver more). I expect Patterson to get a respectable snap count percentage going forward. I don’t think he’ll be a healthy scratch any longer.
2023 Week 4 RB Streamers
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans, 20% owned
I’ve officially taken notice. Two weeks is a fluke, a quarter of the season is a trend. While Derrick Henry is unequivocally the workhorse/lead back, Spears has been getting a respectable amount of touches and had a lot of production with those touches. He averages 5 carries per game over the course of the season and has had 40+ yards in two of those games. On top of that, he’s had 4+ targets in three of the four games this season. He can safely be considered one of the league’s most valuable handcuffs. If Henry goes down, he’s an elite RB option. Get in on Spears now, before it’s too late.
Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers, ~18% owned
Changing of the guard? I think so. Miles Sanders was a key offensive signing for the Panthers this offseason, but it’s looking like his contract-year success will not be replicated this season. Chuba Hubbard actually played 8 more snaps this past week than Miles Sanders. With those extra snaps, he led the Panthers in carries and rushing yards. He only had 41 rushing yards with those 14 carries, but the work share should be noted. Hubbard should be on your radar, but as bad as the Panthers are, I don’t expect the ownership share to rise any time soon. Just keeping an eye on Hubbard should be enough at this moment. They play Detroit this week, so I expect a passing game script out of Carolina.
Week 5 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterback | Running Back | Wide Receiver | Tight End | Half-PPR by Position | Flex Rankings | Positional Ranks w/ K & DST | Dynasty | Superflex Dynasty
Got a beef with Bradlee’s Week 5 Running Backs Sleepers and Streamers? Let him hear about it in the comments below!