With Week 5 on the horizon, let’s take a look at some underrated and risky fantasy football running back options for this week. You can also check out my full fantasy football running back rankings for Week 5.
Chase Brown:
With both Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase uncertain for the Bengals‘ game against the Dolphins this week, Chase Brown could be in for a big fantasy week. Brown has been a reliable fantasy option so far this year but has yet to truly have a breakout game. The Bengals are 2-2 and, despite potentially missing their top two receivers, have a relatively easy matchup with the 0-4 Dolphins. Miami will be hungry to win its first game, but the Bengals have been playing solid football and will likely be relying on Brown and the run game if Higgins and Chase are out. Brown should be a no-brainer starter this week against Miami.
Ollie Gordon II:
The Dolphins versus Bengals game has a chance to be a very underrated fantasy matchup for running backs, as Ollie Gordon has a big opportunity to have a breakout game. Ever since the season-ending injury to De’Von Achane, the Dolphins have had a hole at running back, mainly filled by Gordon and Jaylen Wright. Gordon made the most of his chance last week against the Vikings, where he rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown on just nine carries. Gordon will likely be the main back this week against Cincinnati and could be one of the most underrated running backs in fantasy this week.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt:
For fantasy owners in bigger leagues, Croskey-Merritt may be a risky start against a Giants defense that’s been committed to winning in the trenches and stopping the run. Croskey-Merritt was scarcely used last week against the Colts, rushing the ball nine times for 15 yards. He does bring some value in the passing game, but I’d consider Croskey-Merritt a risky start in most leagues. With Jayden Daniels potentially returning, the Commanders will likely want to open up the passing game again.
D’Andre Swift:
Despite the Bears‘ convincing win against the Jets last week, Swift was benched during the game after he fumbled, and Kyle Monangai took over and didn’t look back. Swift had 15 carries for 58 yards, but Monangai stole the show on the ground with 30 carries for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Head coach Ben Johnson didn’t seem too thrilled with Swift’s performance postgame, and Monangai appeared to be in line for a bigger role in a huge divisional rivalry game for the Bears against the Packers this week.
However, Monangai has been ruled out with a toe injury, leaving Swift in line for a bigger workload. But with the uncertainty surrounding the Bears’ offense led by Tyson Bagent, along with Swift’s recent benching and injury concerns, there’s still some risk in starting Swift in fantasy this week.
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