RADIO
Andy's running back start 'em, sit 'em picks for fantasy football Week 5 lineups (2025). Read his expert RB start/sit advice for Michael Carter, Alvin Kamara, Chase Brown, others.
The running back position has been hit hard by injuries over the past two weeks. In Week 3, managers watched as James Conner (foot) and Najee Harris (Achilles) suffered season-ending injuries. Earlier this week, Trey Benson (knee) hit the IR, and Bucky Irving (foot) is in danger of not only missing Week 5 but potentially longer.
As a result, we may have to look deeper to find optimal plays.
In this weekly piece, we don't look at those must-start options because if you have them, you start them. Instead, we look at those low-range RB2/flex options that are on the verge of start territory. Let's take a look at which running backs we should lock into our fantasy lineups and which ones are better off on our bench. Don't see the running back you're looking for? Be sure to check out more running back start 'em sit 'em content, and our Week 5 RB rankings on RotoBaller. Let's dive in!
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:- 2025 fantasy football rankings
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Week 5 Starts - Potential Fantasy Football Booms
Michael Carter - Arizona Cardinals vs. Tennessee Titans
One of the most popular names on the waiver wire this week was *checks notes* Michael Carter? Yes, the former fourth-round pick from the 2021 NFL Draft has found himself in a starting role with the Arizona Cardinals. With both Conner and Benson on the IR, Carter seems primed to lead the backfield in a Week 5 title against the Tennessee Titans, and I'm more than comfortable viewing him as a solid RB2.
While many expect Emari Demercado to take a significant amount of the workload, Carter is already being viewed as the primary backup. During the team's practice on Wednesday (shortly after Benson hit the IR), Carter was seen taking first-team reps, and Carter himself even announced that he was the team's starter.
This weekend, he has a great matchup to lock down this role, facing the Titans, who have allowed the fourth-most PPR points to opposing RBs. With the Cardinals expected to take care of business, expect Carter to be involved in heavy work in the second half as they look to churn out the clock.
Demercado should have a role in more high-scoring affairs, but given this matchup, Carter seems primed to lead the backfield. He is a strong RB2 play in all leagues and should carry high-touchdown upside.
Michael Carter Set to Take Over as Cardinals' Early-Down Back? https://t.co/ZRasFMOgS6
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) October 3, 2025
Jordan Mason - Minnesota Vikings at Cleveland Browns
Jordan Mason enjoyed a strong debut serving as the team's RB1 in Week 3, totaling 116 yards and two touchdowns on 16 rushing attempts during their dominating victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. In this contest, Mason posted an elite 7.3 YPC and dominated the work with Aaron Jones Sr. (hamstring) on IR.
However, in his second game as the lead back, Mason was a bit of a letdown. Facing the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mason ran for just 57 yards (on 16 carries) and added 15 yards on three catches (three targets). In this contest, Mason did not have the most favorable game script as the Vikings trailed early and opted to push the ball downfield.
Their QB, Carson Wentz, attempted a hefty 46 passes as the team hoped for a second-half rally.
Despite facing a tough Cleveland defense this weekend, which has allowed the third-fewest PPR points to RBs this season, I would still look to start Mason as a solid RB2 in all leagues. The Vikings should be in a much more favorable script with the Browns turning to rookie Dillon Gabriel to lead the offense.
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores overwhelmed Jake Browning in his first start of the season (in Week 3), and will likely do the same against the former Oregon standout. While the matchup is tough on paper and may encourage managers to keep him on the bench, expect Mason to be given a heavy workload in a game in which the Vikings project to hold a comfortable lead.
His volume alone should keep him a solid RB2 territory.
Alvin Kamara - New Orleans Saints vs. New York Giants
The final running back we will look at was once viewed as a must-start, but has seen his fantasy stock drop over the first four weeks of the season. Kamara (and the New Orleans offense) has struggled this season. The veteran running back is on pace to have one of the worst seasons of his career, from an efficiency standpoint.
Through four games, Kamara has posted a modest 3.9 YPC, which is on pace to be the second-lowest in his career. In addition, over the first four weeks, Kamara has seen only 15 targets in the passing game, a career low compared to the 6.4 targets per game he averaged last season. This high target share gave him one of the safest floors as an RB2 at the position.
However, with the lower target share and weaker efficiency, Kamara has fallen into FLEX territory.
Despite this, managers should look to start Kamara this week as he has a prime bounce-back matchup against the New York Giants. The Giants have allowed the fifth-most PPR points to the RB position this season.
While Kendre Miller appears to be gaining traction in this backfield, expect Kamara to enjoy his best game of the season on the ground and be in a prime position to catch passes, facing a defense that allowed Omarion Hampton to catch all five of his targets last weekend.
Week 5 Concerns - Potential Fantasy Football Busts
Travis Etienne Jr. - Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Travis Etienne has been one of the best picks for fantasy managers for those who took him in the middle rounds. Etienne was expected to compete for opportunities in the backfield, but he has claimed the workhorse role in Jacksonville.
Etienne is coming off his second 100-yard game of the season, totaling 124 yards and a touchdown against the 49ers. While he should not be benched in any league, I expect him to post low-end RB2 production this week, rather than the RB1 production he has maintained over the first month.
This weekend, Etienne faces a Chiefs defense that appears favorable on paper, as they have allowed the ninth-most PPR points to opposing RBs. However, they are coming off one of their most dominant showing of the season when they held Derrick Henry to just 42 yards. Their results were clouded by a late 70-yard TD run by Justice Hill in the final quarter.
In Week 3, they held Cam Skattebo to only 60 yards, and the previous week, shut down Saquon Barkley to just 43 yards. While he should carry touchdown upside, do not expect another 15+ PPR showing from the former Clemson standout this weekend.
Unlike the names below, Etienne is not a "bench" candidate. He is more of a "temper your expectations" candidate.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Washington Commanders at Los Angeles Chargers
Jacory Croskey-Merritt has shown flashes at times during his rookie season, but it's best to leave him on the bench in Week 5. Through four games, he has only hit double-digit PPR points twice and appears to be stuck in a committee. Even with Austin Ekeler (Achilles) sidestepping, Croskey-Merritt has only earned double-digit carries once this season.
In Weeks 3 and 4, Croskey-Merritt has seen just 7.5 attempts per game and averaged a modest 36.5 yards per game.
With Chris Rodriguez Jr. nearly splitting the workload, Croskey-Merritt figures to produce low-end FLEX numbers facing a Chargers defense that has allowed the second-fewest PPR points to opposing RBs.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. Working His Way to RB1 Status in Washington? https://t.co/YGkTjFP63o
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) September 30, 2025
Chase Brown - Cincinnati Bengals vs. Detroit Lions
The final running back to consider benching this week is Chase Brown. Brown was a popular late second-round pick in the draft, but has not lived up to the hype. No fault to his own, as the New England offense has stumbled with Joe Burrow under center.
Through four games, Brown has run for just 133 yards (2.3 YPC) and added 11 catches for 74 yards on 14 targets.
This weekend, Brown will face the tough Detroit defense that has begun to find its footing. They have allowed the 12th-fewest points opposing RBs this season and are in a prime position to extend their winning streak.
Browning has stumbled since being named the starter, and in this difficult matchup, don't expect the Bengals' offense to flip the script.
I would look to start Carter or Rachaad White over Brown, who projects to take over RB1 duties in Tampa Bay with Irving sidelined. Even though you drafted Brown to be your RB2, he is barely reaching FLEX territory. It might still be early in the season, but given his current trajectory, Brown does not project to hold much of a floor or ceiling this weekend.
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