RADIO
The top Week 5 running back streamers, fantasy football pickups and RB starts for 2025. Target these fantasy rb streaming options with strong Week 5 matchups.
Through the opening month of this season, fantasy managers have seen many high-end running backs suffer season-ending injuries, which have forced managers to look to the waiver wire.
In addition, earlier this week, the Cardinals placed Trey Benson (knee) on the IR, and the Panthers will be without top running back Chuba Hubbard (calf).
As a result, many managers could be hurt by the loss of both of their top running backs, which means they have to look deeper on the waiver wire to find potential streaming options. Let's take a look at the top streaming options for Week 5.
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
Top Running Back Streamers for Week 5
Only players rostered in fewer than 60% of fantasy football leagues are considered potential streamers.
Michael Carter (ARI) vs. Tennessee Titans
35% Rostered
With Benson and Conner both sidelined, Michael Carter is slated to serve as the lead back in Arizona this weekend, with Emari Demercado filling in as the third-down option. While Demercado carved out a role last Thursday evening, the Cardinals were trailing in that game, which gave him a positive game script.
However, facing the 0-4 Titans in a game in which the Cardinals sit as heavy favorites, expect Carter to see most of the workload. Carter has consistently seen first-team reps during practice this week and has received the vote of confidence from his coaching staff. Carter has touched down upside and could see 15+ rushing attempts.
Michael Carter Will Play "a Lot of Snaps" in Week 5https://t.co/7EPJ8BtP0Z
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) October 4, 2025
Rico Dowdle (CAR) vs. Miami Dolphins
30% Rostered
The other running back who is poised to see a larger role due to an injury is Rico Dowdle. With Hubbard sitting out, Dowdle figures to see the majority of the opportunities in the backfield while rookie Trevor Etienne operates as the change-of-pace option. This season, Dowdle has been deployed as the clear RB2 to Hubbard, logging 35% of the snaps.
This weekend, Dowdle has a prime matchup, facing the Dolphins, who have allowed the 10th-most PPR points to opposing RBs this season. He can push for RB2 production this weekend.
Rico Dowdle in Line For an Increased Workload in Week 5 With Hubbard Out https://t.co/hkGkDVTx4f
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) October 3, 2025
Chris Rodriguez Jr. (WSH) @ Los Angeles Chargers
15% Rostered
With Austin Ekeler (Achilles) sidelined for the season, Chris Rodriguez Jr. has begun to carve out a role in the backfield. In fact, he has emerged as the slight leader in a three-way committee alongside Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols.
While his ceiling is not overly high, he does carry a decent floor for managers in deep formats looking for a FLEX replacement. Over his last two games, Rodriguez has averaged 9.0 attempts per game and tallied 49,0 yards per game. During this two-game stretch, he has split snaps with Croskery-Merritt.
Ollie Gordon II (MIA) @ Carolina Panthers
25% Rostered
Like Rodriguez, Gordon has upside in deep 12+ team leagues this weekend. After having a minimal role in Weeks 1 and 2, the rookie RB has begun to find a role in the Miami offense. In Week 3, Gordon punched in his first TD of his NFL career. While he saw six attempts in Week 4, he was ineffective in them, totaling just 10 yards.
However, with Tyreek Hill (knee) out for the season, the Dolphins could look to lean on their rushing attack more often. While De'Von Achane figures to see the bulk of the work, Gordon could see double-digit rushing attempts for the first time this season and has red zone upside. Facing the Panthers, who have allowed the 11th-most PPR points to opposing RBs this season, Gordon could push for FLEX upside if he can find the back of the end zone.
Isaiah Davis (NYJ) vs. Dallas Cowboys
15% Rostered
The final running back to consider streaming is Isaiah Davis of the New York Jets. With Braelon Allen (knee) hitting the IR, Davis is slated to be the team's RB2. Davis's role is likely limited to the passing game, as Breece Hall will likely dominate the carries. However, facing the high-flying Dallas Cowboys, the game script could benefit Davis more than Hall.
In Week 4, the Jets targeted Davis twice and had him run 11 routes, a season high, as they attempted to mount a comeback. Given that the Cowboys are coming off a 40-point effort against the Packers, they may find success against the tough New York defense. While Davis should not be targeted in standard leagues, his pass-catching role gives him upside in deeper PPR leagues with D'Andre Swift or Josh Jacobs on a bye.
Read more Runing Back news and updates for Week 5
Week 5 Running Back Rankings for Fantasy Football
Bookmark our PPR rankings, Half-PPR rankings, and standard (non-PPR) rankings
| RB Tier |
RB Rank |
Player Name |
Pos. | Overall Rank |
| 1 | 1 | Christian McCaffrey | RB | 1 |
| 2 | 2 | Jahmyr Gibbs | RB | 2 |
| 2 | 3 | De'Von Achane | RB | 4 |
| 2 | 4 | Jonathan Taylor | RB | 5 |
| 2 | 5 | James Cook | RB | 7 |
| 2 | 6 | Saquon Barkley | RB | 8 |
| 3 | 7 | Omarion Hampton | RB | 9 |
| 3 | 8 | Breece Hall | RB | 10 |
| 3 | 9 | Cam Skattebo | RB | 11 |
| 3 | 10 | Kyren Williams | RB | 13 |
| 3 | 11 | Javonte Williams | RB | 15 |
| 3 | 12 | Ashton Jeanty | RB | 17 |
| 3 | 13 | Chuba Hubbard | RB | 22 |
| 3 | 14 | Derrick Henry | RB | 23 |
| 3 | 15 | Kenneth Walker III | RB | 24 |
| 4 | 16 | Quinshon Judkins | RB | 27 |
| 4 | 17 | Travis Etienne Jr. | RB | 28 |
| 4 | 18 | Bucky Irving | RB | 30 |
| 5 | 19 | Alvin Kamara | RB | 31 |
| 5 | 20 | David Montgomery | RB | 34 |
| 5 | 21 | Woody Marks | RB | 35 |
| 5 | 22 | J.K. Dobbins | RB | 38 |
| 5 | 23 | Jordan Mason | RB | 44 |
| 5 | 24 | Chase Brown | RB | 48 |
| 5 | 25 | Tony Pollard | RB | 52 |
| 6 | 26 | TreVeyon Henderson | RB | 72 |
| 6 | 27 | Rhamondre Stevenson | RB | 73 |
| 6 | 28 | Nick Chubb | RB | 77 |
| 6 | 29 | Michael Carter | RB | 83 |
| 7 | 30 | Zach Charbonnet | RB | 88 |
| 7 | 31 | Rachaad White | RB | 93 |
| 7 | 32 | Kareem Hunt | RB | 96 |
| 7 | 33 | Isiah Pacheco | RB | 100 |
| 8 | 34 | Jacory Croskey-Merritt | RB | 108 |
| 8 | 35 | RJ Harvey | RB | 110 |
| 8 | 36 | Chris Rodriguez Jr. | RB | 114 |
| 8 | 37 | Rico Dowdle | RB | 115 |
| 8 | 38 | Ollie Gordon II | RB | 116 |
| 8 | 39 | Kendre Miller | RB | 123 |
| 8 | 40 | Bhayshul Tuten | RB | 125 |
| 9 | 41 | Emari Demercado | RB | 129 |
| 9 | 42 | Justice Hill | RB | 130 |
| 9 | 43 | Miles Sanders | RB | 135 |
| 9 | 44 | Blake Corum | RB | 137 |
| 9 | 45 | Devin Singletary | RB | 138 |
| 9 | 46 | Zavier Scott | RB | 139 |
| 9 | 47 | Brian Robinson Jr. | RB | 141 |
| 10 | 48 | Jeremy McNichols | RB | 154 |
| 10 | 49 | Isaiah Davis | RB | 159 |
| 10 | 50 | Brashard Smith | RB | 163 |
| 10 | 51 | Jerome Ford | RB | 165 |
| 10 | 52 | Antonio Gibson | RB | 171 |
| 10 | 53 | Tyjae Spears | RB | 173 |
| 10 | 54 | Ray Davis | RB | 177 |
| 10 | 55 | Sean Tucker | RB | 179 |
| 11 | 56 | Raheem Mostert | RB | 183 |
| 11 | 57 | Dylan Sampson | RB | 187 |
| 11 | 58 | Ty Johnson | RB | 199 |
| 11 | 59 | AJ Dillon | RB | 200 |
| 11 | 60 | DJ Giddens | RB | 205 |
| 11 | 61 | Trevor Etienne | RB | 211 |
| 11 | 62 | Jaydon Blue | RB | 218 |
| 11 | 63 | Samaje Perine | RB | 219 |
| 12 | 64 | LeQuint Allen Jr. | RB | 223 |
| 12 | 65 | Julius Chestnut | RB | 228 |
| 12 | 66 | Tyler Badie | RB | 230 |
| 12 | 67 | Cam Akers | RB | 235 |
| 13 | 68 | Kyle Juszczyk | RB | 236 |
| 13 | 69 | Zamir White | RB | 241 |
| 13 | 70 | Tahj Brooks | RB | 243 |
| 13 | 71 | Hassan Haskins | RB | 246 |
| 13 | 72 | Dare Ogunbowale | RB | 249 |
| 13 | 73 | Kimani Vidal | RB | 252 |
| 13 | 74 | Alec Ingold | RB | 255 |
| 14 | 75 | George Holani | RB | 256 |
| 14 | 76 | Zonovan Knight | RB | 257 |
| 15 | 77 | Isaac Guerendo | RB | 258 |
| 15 | 78 | Jaleel McLaughlin | RB | 259 |
| 15 | 79 | Will Shipley | RB | 260 |
| 15 | 80 | Dylan Laube | RB | 261 |
| 15 | 81 | Tyler Goodson | RB | 262 |
| 15 | 82 | Devin Neal | RB | 263 |
| 15 | 83 | Jaylen Wright | RB | 264 |
| 15 | 84 | Sincere McCormick | RB | 265 |
| 15 | 85 | Tank Bigsby | RB | 266 |
| 16 | 86 | Jarquez Hunter | RB | 267 |
| 16 | 87 | Hunter Luepke | RB | 268 |
| 16 | 88 | Audric Estime | RB | 269 |
| 17 | 89 | Rasheen Ali | RB | 270 |
| 17 | 90 | Craig Reynolds | RB | 271 |
| 17 | 91 | Reggie Gilliam | RB/TE | 272 |
| 17 | 92 | D'Ernest Johnson | RB | 273 |
Who Should I Start Tool
You can also see the Who Should I Start tool here.
Week 5 Running back Decisions. Today's focus is on specific RBs - Michael Carter, Rico Dowdle, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Isaiah Davis, Ollie Gordon II. These are some of the most common searches for fantasy football lineups in Week 5.
Using The Tool. This is a simple tool but very powerful. The first step is to enter the player names that you want to compare. In the first box, search for the first player name. In the second box, search for the second player name. Compare up to four NFL players at once, and then click the Who To Start? button to see who the recommended starts are based on weekly fantasy football matchups.
Improvements For Who Should I Start? You may have noticed, our Who Should I Start? tool has gotten an overhaul. We've added lots of great features for you to give you as much information as possible to win your fantasy football matchups each week. You'll see NFL player tiles with headshots and bye weeks, stats, projections, strength of schedule, players news, and enhanced search results with data to compare with a slick new interface. We hope you enjoy!
How It Works. Each week our RotoBaller staff puts together their weekly fantasy football rankings and projections based on their research. That information is the core data that is powering the decision-making in this tool. When you search for player names, you will only see those players who are ranked. If someone is out for the week, they will not appear in the search results.
Scoring Formats. Fantasy football managers play in various types of leagues, and this tool allows you to choose whether it's PPR scoring, Half-PPR scoring, or Standard (Non-PPR) scoring. The second thing you want to do, is to select the scoring format. There are three small radio buttons (small circle), so click on the scoring format you prefer. The results may vary based on the scoring format you select.
Popular Week 5 Searches. Curious to see some tough lineup decisions for Week 5 (2025)? Below you will find a list of some popular Who Should I Start? searches that RotoBaller readers are looking at this week. Click any of the links to see the result and recommendation.
Popular Week 5 Searches - Start/Sit Player Comparisons
Below are some popular searches and comparisons from our Who To Start tool for Week 5 for Michael Carter, Rico Dowdle, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Isaiah Davis, Ollie Gordon II:
More Fantasy Football Analysis
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!
