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Phil Clark's running back (RB) fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 5 of the 2025 NFL season. His free agent RBs to add, stream and stash off waivers.
Multiple injuries at the running back position have added to the collection of challenges that fantasy managers have encountered while constructing their rosters during the past two weeks. Questions surrounding the status of Chuba Hubbard and Jaylen Warren emerged entering Week 4 matchups in the aftermath of impactful injuries that were sustained by James Conner (foot), Najee Harris (Achilles), and Tyrone Tracy Jr. (shoulder) in Week 3.
The challenge of restructuring rosters will intensify as we advance into planning for Week 5, due to the arrival of bye weeks. Four teams will be involved this week – Atlanta, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Green Bay. This ensures that anyone with Bijan Robinson, Josh Jacobs, D'Andre Swift, Jaylen Warren, or Kenneth Gainwell contained on their rosters should avoid starting those backs.
This article is designed to help you navigate bye weeks, injuries, and all other developments by identifying the best running backs that are available on your waiver wires. That will include this week's top priorities, along with a group of secondary options and deep league stashes. After you've finished this breakdown, you can also find fantasy football waiver wire pickups at other positions. Good luck with your Week 5 matchups!
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:- 2025 fantasy football rankings
- Running back (RB) fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver (WR) fantasy football rankings
- Tight end (TE) fantasy football rankings
- Quarterback (QB) fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Kicker (K) fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Upcoming Bye Weeks
- Week 5: Atlanta, Chicago, Green Bay, Pittsburgh
- Week 6: Houston, Minnesota
- Week 7: Buffalo, Baltimore
- Week 8: Arizona, Detroit, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Seattle, Los Angeles Rams
Top Priorities - Week 5 Waiver Wire Running Backs
Prioritize These Running Backs On Most Waiver Wires
| Top Priorities | Team | Rostered |
| Woody Marks | Houston Texans | 31% |
| Kendre Miller | New Orleans Saints | 5% |
| Kyle Monangai | Chicago Bears | 9% |
| Kenneth Gainwell | Pittsburgh Steelers | 22% |
| Blake Corum | Los Angeles Rams | 28% |
| Ollie Gordon II | Miami Dolphins | 32% |
Woody Marks, Houston Texans - 31% Rostered
Woody Marks has vaulted into the top tier of waiver wire priorities in the aftermath of his highly productive performance in Week 4.
C.J. Stroud to Woody Marks for a Texans TD!
TENvsHOU on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/9MacZp1BTJ
— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025
Marks' prospects of securing an expanded workload in Houston’s offense appeared to be surging as entering Week 4, as his snap shares had steadily increased from Weeks 1-3 (11.1%/26.5%/47.6%). The Texans had also evolved from distributing touches to four backs in Week 1 into a two-man rotation between Marks and 29-year-old Nick Chubb.
Marks had carried 12 times (4.0 per game), generated 44 rushing yards (14.7 per game), and produced 52.3% of his yards after contact, according to Fantasy Points Data. He had also run 28 routes, captured two of his three targets, and assembled 46 yards as a receiving weapon.
MAKE IT 2️⃣ FOR THE ROOK 😤
📺: @nfloncbs / @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/MAHDH3j7Zu
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) September 28, 2025
However, Marks' involvement rose significantly when Houston hosted Tennessee. He attained season highs in snap share (59%), carries (17), rushing yards (69), targets (five), and receiving yards (50), while accruing his first touchdown as a pass-catcher.
Marks has now secured standalone value and should continue to garner touches as both a rusher and receiving weapon. There is no discernible threat to his newly attained workload, which entrenches Marks as a back to seize for your rosters.
Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints - 5% Rostered
Kendre Miller was already entrenched as a viable handcuff due to his role as the Saints’ RB2 behind Alvin Kamara. Now, Miller has launched among the most intriguing options on this week’s waiver wire.
Kendre Miller finds an opening for a Saints TD
NOvsBUF on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/g1kSJHyVTO
— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025
Miller secured season highs in snaps (21), attempts (11), and rushing yards (65) in Week 4, while also producing an 18-yard touchdown. Miller has now accumulated 63 snaps since Week 1, which easily places him second behind Kamara. Rooke Devin Neal is a distant third with just four since the Saints' season opener.
Miller has also generated 124 rushing yards and seven forced missed tackles, according to PFF. He has also run 19 routes and has collected three of his four targets. Miller's encouraging rise in usage and output has accelerated his approach toward RB3/flex territory. He is also a valuable insurance policy for anyone with Kamara contained on their roster.
The Saints could also trade Kamara to one of the teams that desperately need a talent infusion at running back. That would open a cavernous runway for Miller to seize a significant workload while operating as an RB2 for fantasy managers. It also adds incentive to prioritize Miller for your roster this week.
Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears - 9% Rostered
Kyle Monangai has taken full advantage of this opportunity to operate as the direct backup to D'Andre Swift while retaining an ongoing role in Ben Johnson’s restructured offense.
Monangai has now played on 73 snaps since Week 1. He has also accumulated 17 attempts and 62 rushing yards, including opportunities inside the red zone during each of his last three outings. Monangai has also generated 43.2% of his yards after contact, according to Fantasy Points Data.
Monangai has also run 39 routes, amassed five targets, and assembled 23 receiving yards as he functions in a rotation with Swift. Roschon Johnson has yet to impose a threat to Monangai’s workload, as the fourth-year back has not registered a touch entering Week 5.
Swift is averaging 3.3 yards per attempt and a career low 1.4 yards after contact per attempt. That enhances Monangai’s prospects of securing an expanding role as the season advances. Monangai also remains a viable handcuff who will capture an extensive workload if Swift is forced to the sideline.
Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers - 22% Rostered
The knee injury that Jaylen Warren sustained ultimately sidelined the fourth-year back in Week 4, while launching Kenneth Gainwell into temporary lead-back duties.
Kenneth Gainwell scores the first NFL touchdown in Dublin 🇮🇪
MINvsPIT on @nflnetwork
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/oCgtPkBItV— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025
This was unsurprising, as Gainwell was second behind Warren in snap share (40.7%), rushing yards (55/18.3 per game), and attempts (16/5.3 per game) from Weeks 1-3, and was tied with Warren in routes run (41).
Gainwell established career highs in attempts (19) and rushing yards (99) during Week 4, and also generated multiple touchdowns for the first time in his career. Gainwell also ran 18 routes, captured all six of his targets, and amassed 35 yards as a pass-catcher.
That's ✌️ for @KENNETHGAINWEL so far today 💪
📲 Stream on NFL+: https://t.co/szceXBjRdr pic.twitter.com/pUGbgAOKhK
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 28, 2025
Rookie Kaleb Johnson functioned as Gainwell's short-term backup, while accumulating 11 snaps, six carries, and 22 rushing yards. Johnson also ran five routes but did not collect a reception. Johnson has now been limited to 15 snaps/eight touches entering Week 5, while Gainwell appears primed to operate as the Steelers’ RB2 for the foreseeable future.
Warren’s status should be monitored in advance of Pittsburgh’s Week 6 matchup with Cleveland. However, Gainwell will also secure a sizable workload during any absence by Warren.
Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams - 28% Rostered
Blake Corum is currently cemented as the RB2 for Los Angeles. This elevates him into the tier of valuable handcuff options, as he would vault into a significant workload if Kyren Williams is suddenly unavailable to operate as the Rams’ lead back.
However, Corum is also approaching standalone value if the recent rise in his usage and output continues. Corum played on 10 snaps during the Rams’ season opener, but his involvement has increased during his last three outings (18/16/22).
Corum’s carries have also increased during his four matchups one/five/eight/nine), while he has also averaged 39.3 yards per game since Week 2. Corum has accumulated four attempts inside the red zone during that sequence. Corum has also generated 15+ yards on 14.3% of his runs, according to Fantasy Points Data.
Williams’ snap shares have ranged from 70.5% to 75.8% since Week 2, after he finished seventh among all backs with an 81.7% share in Week 1. Corum remains available in over 70% of all leagues but could deliver RB1 production if Williams is absent during the Rams’ upcoming matchups.
Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins - 32% Rostered
Ollie Gordon II’s encouraging workload in Week 3 has seemingly positioned the first-year back to secure responsibilities as Miami’s RB2 behind De'Von Achane. Gordon’s performance during the Dolphins’ matchup in Buffalo could also signal an imminent role in short-yardage and goal-line situations for the first-year back.
Starting off strong 💪
📺: @NFLonPrime @CBSMiami pic.twitter.com/t1zdtfpexN
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 19, 2025
Gordon operated with a 25% snap share and maximized his opportunity by establishing season-best numbers in attempts (nine), red zone carries (three), and rushing yards (38), while producing his first career touchdown.
Gordon had only averaged 1.5 attempts/6.0 rushing yards per game during his first two matchups and was limited to one carry inside the 20 during that sequence.
However, Gordon’s outlook improved after he was entrusted with an expanded role in Week 3, even though Jaylen Wright was active for the first time this season. Wright had reemerged from an ankle injury that he had sustained in August, but did not register a touch.
Gordon is capable of maintaining an ongoing role in the Dolphins’ backfield rotation and would become a valuable resource if Achane is sidelined during Miami’s upcoming matchups.
Secondary Options - Week 5 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These Running Backs Could Become Assets For Your Rosters
| Secondary Options | Team | Rostered |
| Tyler Allgeier | Atlanta Falcons | 35% |
| Chris Rodriguez Jr. | Washington Commanders | 14% |
| Jeremy McNichols | Washington Commanders | 7% |
| Brian Robinson Jr. | San Francisco 49ers | 51% |
| Rachaad White | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 41% |
| Braelon Allen | New York Jets | 52% |
| Rico Dowdle | Carolina Panthers | 20% |
| Tyjae Spears | Tennessee Titans | 31% |
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 35% Rostered
Tyler Allgeier remains a valuable resource and is the consummate high-upside handcuff. That provides the rationale for including him in this column, as Allgeier’s weekly touch totals have ranged from a season-high 17 in Week 2 to only two during Atlanta’s Week 3 matchup in Carolina.
The erratic nature of Allgeier’s workloads can result in RB2 production during certain matchups that are interspersed with a level of production that can discourage you from utilizing him in your lineups.
What an effort by Tyler Allgeier for the @AtlantaFalcons TD!
WASvsATL on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/F2tpqHHwsl
— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025
Allgeier has accumulated 68 snaps as he enters the Falcons’ bye week. He has also carried 43 times, generated 155 rushing yards, and has produced two rushing touchdowns. That includes Allgeier's production when Atlanta hosted Washington in Week 4. Allgeier surpassed 15 attempts for the second time this season (16), while accruing 51 yards and a 15-yard touchdown.
However, Allgeier should be rostered in all leagues due to his role as Atlanta’s RB2. He would also launch into a substantial workload if Bijan Robinson is unable to operate in his usual capacity as the Falcons’ primary back. Allgeier can also supply RB1 production if that situation develops.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. /Jeremy McNichols, Washington Commanders (Rodriguez 14% Rostered), (McNichols 7% Rostered).
The distribution of touches between Washington’s trio of running backs has built ongoing constraints into their ceilings. It has also created an ongoing challenge for any fantasy managers who are determining whether to insert a member of the Commanders’ backfield into their lineups.
However, even though Jacory Croskey-Merritt is rostered in 82% of all leagues, Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jeremy McNichols are both available in over 85% of all leagues at a time when many of you will encounter bye weeks, injuries, and other challenging factors during your upcoming matchups.
Rodriguez has played on 42 snaps during the Commanders’ two full games without Austin Ekeler in their backfield rotation. Rodriguez has also carried 18 times and generated 98 rushing yards, which includes the 49-yard burst that he produced in Week 4.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. rips off a 49-yard run for the @Commanders
WASvsATL on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/z875X7V00w
— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025
McNichols has accumulated 34 snaps during that sequence, while assembling 84 rushing yards with his six attempts (14.0 yards per attempt). McNichols‘ yardage total is primarily bolstered by a 60-yard run in Week 3.
Jeremy McNichols bounces off tackles for the 60-yard TD!
LVvsWAS on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/x8j0UTgN2I
— NFL (@NFL) September 21, 2025
Rodriguez or McNichols can be infused into your roster if you are contending with a significant roster dilemma this week. However, expectations should be tempered, as Washington’s three-man rotation will inhibit them from supplying highly productive outings.
Brian Robinson Jr., San Francisco 49ers - 51% Rostered
Washington traded Brian Robinson Jr. to San Francisco on August 22, which altered the landscape of the 49ers’ backfield. Robinson was instantly primed to operate as the direct backup to Christian McCaffrey when that deal was completed, and Robinson remains entrenched as San Francisco’s RB2.
Robinson is also available in nearly 50% of all leagues, even though he is positioned to garner an extensive role in Kyle Shanahan’s offense if McCaffrey is forced to the sideline.
Robinson has played on 50 snaps since Week 1. He has also accumulated 22 attempts (5.5 per game), while assembling 96 rushing yards (24 yards per game). Robinson has also run 17 routes, while collecting two of his three targets.
While Robinson has not attained standalone value, the primary incentive for pursuing Robinson from your waiver wire surrounds his status as the direct backup to McCaffrey, who is averaging 25.0 touches per game.
Robinson would function as the 49ers’ temporary lead back during any absence by McCaffrey. Isaac Guerendo could siphon a percentage of touches if that scenario develops, but Robinson would capture the majority of opportunities.
Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 41% Rostered
Rachaad White’s role as the RB2 in Tampa Bay’s offense has not positioned him to secure standalone value. However, White remains an effective handcuff option due to his proximity to an extensive workload if Bucky Irving is unable to operate as the Buccaneers’ RB1.
White has now played on 89 snaps, which includes the season-high 30 that he registered in Week 4. He has failed to exceed six attempts during three of his four matchups. That includes the season high 10 carries that he collected in Week 2, when he delivered his best rushing numbers (65 yards/6.5 yards per attempt).
White had entered Week 4 with a season high of 10 routes run, before he led the backfield with 20 in Week 4. He is also averaging 2.3 targets per game. That represents a significant decline when compared to his average from 2022 to 2024 (3.7).
However, those numbers should only deter you from inserting him in your lineups while he remains the Buccaneers’ RB2. White can still be added as a handcuff, as he is primed to secure an extensive workload if Irving becomes unavailable for any reason.
Braelon Allen, New York Jets - 52% Rostered
The potential allocation of touches within the Jets’ reconstructed backfield became a compelling storyline during the offseason, amid conjecture surrounding the percentage of opportunities that would be distributed to Breece Hall and Braelon Allen.
However, Hall has been operating with a 58.7% snap share, averaging 12.7 attempts and a career-low 52.3 rushing yards per game. His per-game averages in receptions (2.7) and receiving yards (26.0) are also the lowest of his career.
Allen has yet to emerge as a trustworthy starting option for fantasy managers through the Jets’ first four matchups. However, his involvement as a rusher in New York’s backfield rotation preserves the possibility that he can elevate into a more extensive workload as the season continues.
Allen has eclipsed a 31% snap share during two different contests. He is also averaging 4.7 attempts/16.7 rushing yards per game, while 52% of his yards have been generated after contact according to Fantasy Points Data.
Isaiah Davis is a capable pass-catcher who would siphon targets if Hall is unavailable during the upcoming weeks. However, Allen remains a viable insurance policy who can safeguard fantasy managers from a roster crisis if Hall is sidelined.
Rico Dowdle, Carolina Panthers - 20% Rostered
Rico Dowdle continues to function as Carolina’s RB2 while providing an effective handcuff option to anyone who utilizes Chuba Hubbard in their lineups.
Dowdle’s snap count has remained consistent during his first four matchups (22/25/23/27), while he has also carried 28 times and assembled 83 rushing yards. Dowdle has also run 42 routes while operating with a 4.5% target share.
Dowdle’s red zone usage has also been favorable, as he is pacing the Panthers’ backfield with six carries. He has also secured 75% of Carolina's carries inside the 5-yard line, according to Fantasy Points Data.
Hubbard had been contending with a calf injury as the Panthers’ Week 4 matchup with New England approached, although he sustained his role as Carolina‘s lead back during the contest.
However, Hubbard’s health issue provided a reminder that Dowdle would instantly become a valuable resource on your rosters if Hubbard is forced to the sideline during the upcoming weeks. Dowdle could also emerge as an RB3/flex option if he continues to collect opportunities in the red zone.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans - 31% Rostered
Tyjae Spears has been contained in this column during recent weeks due to his imminent return from injured reserve (high ankle sprain).
That could transpire when the Titans travel to Arizona on Sunday. Spears will quickly regain his role as Tennessee’s RB2 behind Tony Pollard, which could launch Spears into eventual standalone value once he has been integrated into the Titans’ attack.
Endzone, meet Tyjae Spears 🤝
First career TD for @tyjae22
📺: Watch #TENvsIND on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/z011MF4Byc
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) October 8, 2023
Spears played in 17 games during his 2023 rookie season, while averaging 9.0 touches/49.2 total yards per game. He also rose to fifth among all backs in target share (15.1%), and eighth in receiving yards (357/27.5 per game) from Weeks 5-18.
Spears encountered multiple injuries (hamstring/concussion) last season that impacted his numbers from Weeks 1-14 (5.6 attempts/20.6 rushing yards/2.0 receptions/10 receiving yards per game).
However, his averages rose to 11.3 attempts/42.3 rushing yards/4.0 receptions/44.7 receiving yards per game from Weeks 15-17 as he also soared to fifth in points per game (20.7). Spears remains a viable handcuff if Pollard is contained on your roster. Spears can also become an RB3/flex option after he resurfaces in Tennessee’s backfield rotation.
Deep League Stash Options - Week 5 Waiver Wire Running Backs
| Deep Stashes | Team | Rostered |
| Tahj Brooks | Cincinnati Bengals | 1% |
| MarShawn Lloyd | Green Bay Packers | 2% |
Tahj Brooks, Cincinnati Bengals - 1% Rostered
Tahj Brooks has yet to secure RB2 duties for Cincinnati. However, a runway still exists for Brooks to capture that role if he can leapfrog 30-year-old Samaje Perine on the Bengals’ depth chart. That would also provide Brooks with adjacency to a massive workload if Chase Brown were to become unavailable at any point during the season.
Brooks failed to register a snap in Weeks 1 and 2. However, Perine sustained a thumb injury in Week 3. That propelled Brooks to a 17.9% snap share, while he also accumulated five carries and 17 rushing yards.
Brooks stockpiled 4,557 rushing yards (81.4 per game) and 45 touchdowns during his collegiate career, and is capable of flourishing with a sizable workload.
He also finished second among all backs in attempts (290/22.3 per game) and fourth in rushing yards (1,538/118.3 per game) during 2023, and was fourth in carries (286/26.0 per game) and seventh in yardage (1,505/136.8 per game) during 2024.
Brooks can operate effectively if he is entrusted with a larger workload. He would also launch into an expanded role during any absence by Brown, which is your incentive for stashing him this week.
MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay Packers - 2% Rostered
MarShawn Lloyd is included among this week’s deep league stash options due to his impending return to Green Bay’s backfield rotation. Lloyd was initially placed on injured reserve in late August with a hamstring injury, but could reemerge for the Packers’ Week 6 matchup with Cincinnati.
Lloyd should have a navigable path to rise within Green Bay’s depth chart whenever he does resurface, as he is capable of leapfrogging Chris Brooks and Emanuel Wilson. That would also position Lloyd to operate as the Packers’ RB2 behind Josh Jacobs.
Lloyd had demonstrated his capabilities as a three-down back during his collegiate career, accumulating 1,393 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns over his final two seasons, and averaging 4.0 yards after contact in 2023, according to PFF. He also collected 31 of his 49 targets and generated 408 yards as a receiving weapon.
Lloyd was restricted to 10 snaps during his 2024 rookie season due to a cluster of health issues (hamstring/hip/ankle/appendicitis). However, he should have an opportunity to accumulate touches as the direct backup to Jacobs following his return. He would also become an asset if Jacobs is sidelined at any point.
Other Fantasy Football Running Backs To Consider
- Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens - 4% Rostered
- Brashard Smith, Kansas City Chiefs - 2% Rostered
- Zavier Scott- Minnesota Vikings - 1% Rostered
Good luck in Week 5!
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