With Week 6 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 6.
Woody Marks:
Marks has primarily been the Texans‘ RB2 throughout the season behind David Montgomery, but with a groin injury expected to keep Montgomery out of action for Week 6, Marks will likely be the lead back for Houston. Marks ran the ball 15 times last week for 62 yards and also had four receptions last week against the Titans. Houston will be facing a Jacksonville defensive front that has been tough against opposing backs, but Marks should be in line for considerable touches and is definitely an underrated fantasy option now that he’s expected to take over RB1 duties.
Dameon Pierce:
Dameon Pierce, similarly to Marks, has been pushed up the depth chart due to numerous injuries in the Eagles‘ running back room. The injury bug has claimed the likes of starter Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby, and even sidelined Will Shipley, who was elevated to the starting role last week against the Jaguars. With Bigsby and Shipley out for considerable time and Barkley week-to-week, Pierce will likely be the starter for the Eagles this week.
Besides the injuries to the running back room, Jalen Hurts has been ruled out for Week 6, and DeVonta Smith’s status is also uncertain for Sunday’s game. With all these injuries on offense and Tanner McKee starting at quarterback, the Eagles could opt for a conservative, run-heavy approach Sunday that could favor Pierce and his production. The Eagles’ offense is certainly untrustworthy going into this week, but Pierce is still an underrated fantasy option.
Bhayshul Tuten:
Tuten is coming off a slow game in London against the Eagles, where he was held to 72 yards on 22 carries. Although the Jaguars ultimately won, Tuten wasn’t able to find much success on the ground against a stout Eagles defensive front. He may encounter that again this week with the Jaguars facing a Texans defense that ranks third against the run, surrendering just 78.4 rushing yards per game. The Texans have allowed five rushing touchdowns this season, so there is some optimism for Tuten, but I’d still consider him a risky option for fantasy in Week 6 and would consider other options off the bench or waivers.
Omarion Hampton:
We’re starting to enter the portion of the season where there’s some serious concern surrounding Omarion Hampton. Hampton was selected in the first or second round in most leagues and has yet to have a true breakout performance this year. He was held to a meager 33 yards on 14 carries and was outshined by Kimani Vidal, who had eight carries for 57 yards and a touchdown. Hampton and the Chargers will play the undefeated Chiefs on the road, who also have a top-10 rushing defense so far this season. Hampton should be considered a risky fantasy running back option until he proves otherwise.
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