Best Week 5 RB Streamers - Fantasy Football Running Backs to Pickup and Start

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.

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 James 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 Croskey-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 Running Back news and updates for Week 5

Week 5 Running Back Rankings for Fantasy Football

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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, and 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's name. In the second box, search for the second player's 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, player 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 circles), 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, and Ollie Gordon II:

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