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Phil Clark's fantasy football running back (RB) 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 already impacted James Conner (foot), Najee Harris (Achilles), Tyrone Tracy Jr. (shoulder), and Jaylen Warren (knee) during the past two weeks while adding to the collection of challenges that fantasy managers have encountered while constructing their rosters. Bucky Irving, Chuba Hubbard, Trey Benson, and Braelon Allen are also contending with health issues that will alter the landscape of their backfields.
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 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!
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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% |
| Michael Carter | Arizona Cardinals | 0% |
| Emari Demercado | Arizona Cardinals | 4% |
| Rachaad White | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 41% |
| Isaiah Davis | New York Jets | 0% |
| Kyle Monangai | Chicago Bears | 9% |
| Kenneth Gainwell | Pittsburgh Steelers | 22% |
| Blake Corum | Los Angeles Rams | 28% |
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 61.1% 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 snap share (31.3%), 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.
Michael Carter / Emari Demercado, Arizona Cardinals – (Carter 0% Rostered), (Demercado 4% Rostered)
Arizona’s backfield transformed in Week 4 following the season-ending foot injury that was sustained by James Conner. The Cardinals will restructure their rotation once again, following the placement of Trey Benson on injured reserve.
Trey Benson Going on Injured Reserve With Knee Injuryhttps://t.co/CRvOY6XnJO
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) October 1, 2025
That also elevates Michael Carter and Emari Demercado as top priorities from this week’s waiver wire as both backs are primed to secure expanded roles when Arizona hosts Tennessee.
Benson functioned as the Cardinals' primary back during their Week 4 matchup with Seattle, and paced the backfield in snap share (55.2%), carries (eight), and rushing yards (35). He also led Arizona backs in routes run (20) and targets (five).
Demercado secured a 38.8% snap share, carried twice, and registered eight rushing yards. He also ran 17 routes, collected both of his targets, and generated a seven-yard touchdown reception.
Carter attained a 6.0% snap share and was limited to one touch in Week 4. However, Carter could emerge as the Cardinals’ lead rusher against the Titans with Demercado functioning in his customary role as Arizona’s pass-catching back.
Carter and Demercado are both available in over 95% of all leagues, although Carter should currently be considered the preferred waiver wire option.
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 roster addition due to his proximity to an extensive workload if Bucky Irving is unable to operate as the Buccaneers’ RB1.
Bucky Irving Dealing With Foot Sprain, Spotted at Practice on Crutcheshttps://t.co/qEFl4ubaOi
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) October 1, 2025
Irving is currently contending with a foot sprain, and will be sidelined during the Buccaneers' Week 5 matchup with Seattle. That has elevated White among this week's backs to prioritize from the waiver wire.
White is operating with a 32% snap share, including the season-high 41.7% share 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 route runs, before he led the backfield with 20 in Week 4. He is also averaging 2.3 targets per game.
Sean Tucker could pilfer a percentage of touches during Tampa Bay's visit to Seattle on Sunday. However, White is primed to secure an extensive workload and should be registered in all leagues.
Isaiah Davis, New York Jets ⁃ 0% Rostered
The MCL sprain that was sustained by Braelon Allen during the Jets’ Week 4 encounter with AFC East rival Miami appears destined to result in his placement on injured reserve. Allen's knee injury has positioned Isaiah Davis to ascend into an expanded role as the Jets' RB2 while Allen is unavailable.
Davis was selected by New York during Round 5 of the 2024 NFL Draft (173rd overall), which was 39 slots after the Jets had secured Allen. This limited Davis to a minuscule 16 snaps and nine touches from Weeks 1-13.
However, Davis launched into the fantasy radar during a late-season surge in his involvement. He nearly matched Allen in snaps from Weeks 14-18 (85/83). Both backs also registered 25 rushing attempts, but Davis accumulated more rushing yards (152/94) and performed with greater efficiency (6.1/3.8 yards per attempt).
Davis is also a capable pass-catcher, which elevates his prospects of garnering touches in New York's restructured backfield. Davis would also vault into a massive workload if Hall is also forced to the sideline. Those factors have elevated Davis among this week’s tier 1 waiver wire targets.
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 eclipsed a 28% snap share for three consecutive weeks. He has also accumulated 17 attempts and 62 rushing yards since Week 1, including opportunities inside the red zone during each of his last three outings. Monangai has also generated 58.1% 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 1.0 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 snap share (77.4%), 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 registered a 16.7% snap share during the Rams’ season opener, but that percentage has increased to 27.7% during his last three outings.
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 is also 14th among all backs in rush yards over expected (32) according to Next Gen Stats.
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.
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% |
| Ollie Gordon II | Miami Dolphins | 32% |
| 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 secured a 25% snap share 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 registered a 36.5% snap share 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 secured a 29.6% snap share 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.
Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins - 32% Rostered
Ollie Gordon II has now accumulated 15 snaps during each of Miami's last two matchups, as the first-year back has secured responsibilities as Miami’s RB2 behind De'Von Achane. Gordon’s workload has also signaled that he could capture an ongoing role in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Starting off strong 💪
📺: @NFLonPrime @CBSMiami pic.twitter.com/t1zdtfpexN
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 19, 2025
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.
Gordon operated with a 25% snap share in Week 3 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 also accumulated 15 snaps, six carries, three red zone attempts, and 10 rushing yards in Week 4, while Wright has not registered a touch since emerging from his ankle injury.
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.
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 that will force him to miss the Panthers’ Week 5 matchup with Miami.
That will elevate Dowdle into temporary duties as Carolina’s lead back. He can become a valuable resource on your rosters if you are searching for an additional starter, and can be utilized as an RB2 in Week 5,
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.
Titans Opening Tyjae Spears' Practice Window This Week https://t.co/88n4AdYpTF
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) September 29, 2025
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 |
| Justice Hill | Baltimore Ravens | 4% |
| MarShawn Lloyd | Green Bay Packers | 2% |
Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens - 4% Rostered
Justice Hill is only rostered in 4% of all leagues, even though his sustained role as Baltimore’s receiving back can justify stashing him in deeper leagues. Hill has nearly matched Derrick Henry’s snap share (51.4%/48.6%) from Weeks 1-4. Hill has also run 64 routes while accumulating 15 targets, 12 receptions, and 107 receiving yards during his first four matchups.
That includes his involvement when the Ravens visited Kansas City in Week 4. Hill ran 19 routes during that contest, while capturing five of his six targets, and assembling 41 receiving yards. Hill also erupted for a career-high 76 rushing yards on three attempts, which were produced primarily on a 71-yard touchdown.
Justice Hill's second TD of the game goes for 71 yards 😤
BALvsKC on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/2hHWDudxbe
— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025
Baltimore’s backfield does not contain a legitimate threat to diminish Hill’s pass-catching presence. Keaton Mitchell has also been a healthy inactive during the Ravens’ first four games, which sustains Hill’s prospects of securing the largest percentage of rushing attempts that are not allocated to Henry.
However, it is Hill’s weekly potential to generate fantasy points as a receiving weapon that elevates him into consideration as an RB3/flex option in PPR leagues.
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
- Brashard Smith, Kansas City Chiefs - 2% Rostered
- Zavier Scott- Minnesota Vikings - 1% Rostered
- Tahj Brooks - Cincinnati Bengals - 4% Rostered
Good luck in Week 5!
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