X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Week 5 Running Back Depth Charts for Fantasy Football

Anthony C takes a look at the Week 5 NFL running backs (RB) depth charts for each NFL team and analyzes the potential value of starters and backups alike for your 2016 fantasy football squad.

Week 4 brought on the return of a pair of some of the top fantasy running backs from over the past few years. Both Le'Veon Bell and Jamaal Charles made their 2016 debuts in a showdown on Sunday Night Football with two completely different outcomes. Bell was a featured piece of Pittsburgh's offense while Charles only was on the field for a handful of plays as it was his first action in a regular season game in over a year. Their returns, however, will impact the fantasy values of DeAngelo Williams and Spencer Ware respectively as well as their standing on their team's depth charts.

Let's take a spin around the league and catch a glimpse at the depth charts for all 32 NFL teams for Week 5 of the 2016 season, but first, here are the clubs who are on their bye this week.

  • Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks

Editor's Note: Be sure to check out FantasyAces DFS contests for Week 4. New users that sign up on Fantasy Aces and make a $20 deposit will receive RotoBaller's full season NFL Premium Pass for free (including Premium DFS), normally a $59.99 value. Expert DFS research, sample lineups, matchup ratings and lots more!

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

2016 Running Back Depth Charts for Week 5

AFC East

Baller Stability Rating Team Name Primary Running Back Backup or Handcuff Long-shot Candidate(s) Waiver Wire Watch
Stable Bills LeSean McCoy Mike Gillislee Jonathan Williams N/A
Questionable Dolphins Jay Ajayi, Arian Foster (Q) Kenyan Drake Damien Williams Kenyan Drake, Damien Williams
Stable Patriots LeGarrette Blount, Dion Lewis (O) James White (PPR) Brandon Bolden James White, Dion Lewis
Stable Jets Matt Forte Bilal Powell Troymaine Pope N/A

-LeSean McCoy appears to be Buffalo's primary source of offensive production right now since Sammy Watkins was placed on the injured reserve list last week. Continue to ride McCoy throughout the year and consider him as a low-end RB1. Reggie Bush was a healthy scratch in Week 4 and could be on his way out of Buffalo. Mike Gillislee appears to be standing pat as McCoy's handcuff.

-For the New York Jets, Matt Forte has been trending downward since his Week 2 explosion for 100 yards and three touchdowns. Since then, Bilal Powell has been out-producing Forte (albeit not by much) on fewer touches. Forte is an aging rusher and could begin to slow down as the season progresses which means Powell will garner more opportunities. Powell should be lingering on the fantasy benches of 12-team fantasy leagues and deeper from here on out.

-Arian Foster resumed practicing on Wednesday, which was unexpected. He had not practiced since injuring his hamstring in Week 2. Although his playing status for Week 5 remains uncertain, it is a good sign that he is back at practice. Aside from Foster, none of Miami's running backs garner fantasy value.

-A small note on the New England Patriots. Tom Brady is returning this week and could negatively effect LeGarrette Blount's production. Still, Brady could be rusty upon his return (he is human) and New England's offense may have to run through Blount for the fifth consecutive week. James White's fantasy value could begin to trend upwards as Brady is known for utilizing the pass-catching back in the offense.

AFC North

Baller Stability Rating Team Name Primary Running Back Backup or Handcuff Long-shot Candidate(s) Waiver Wire Watch
Questionable Ravens Terrance West Kenneth Dixon (Q) Buck Allen Kenneth Dixon
Questionable Bengals Jeremy Hill Gio Bernard Rex Burkhead N/A
Stable Browns Isaiah Crowell Duke Johnson George Atkinson III N/A
Stable Steelers Le'Veon Bell DeAngelo Williams, Fitzgerald Toussaint N/A

-For the second time in about six weeks, the Baltimore Ravens released Justin Forsett, but this time, it could be for good. Forsett was a healthy scratch in Week 4 while Terrance West drew the start as the team intends to utilize a younger backfield. Kenneth Dixon is on track to make his NFL debut in Week 5 and could ultimately overtake West as the No. 1 back in Baltimore. If Dixon is on the waiver wire, grab him now!

-As mentioned earlier, Bell made his return to the Steelers in Week 4 after serving his three-game suspension to start the year. He didn't seem to skip a beat following a lengthy absence from the field that dated back to 2015 and should be considered an elite RB1. DeAngelo Williams found the end zone last week but in a reduced role with Bell back on the scene. He could sit on the fantasy bench if he does not garner more than five touches a week, which is the number he received in Week 4.
AFC South

Baller Stability Rating Team Name Primary Running Back Backup or Handcuff Long-shot Candidate(s) Waiver Wire Watch
Stable Texans Lamar Miller Alfred Blue Tyler Ervin N/A
Stable Colts Frank Gore Robert Turbin Josh Ferguson N/A
Questionable Jaguars Chris Ivory T.J. Yedon Denard Robinson N/A
Stable Titans DeMarco Murray Derrick Henry Antonio Andrews N/A

-Despite the presence of Chris Ivory in Week 4, T.J. Yeldon was by far the more productive back in Jacksonville. He out-touched Ivory 18-to-8 and out-gained him 117-to-29. Ivory was ineffective on the goal line as well against a soft Colts defense and could begin to lose work to Yeldon as the season progresses. Yeldon should be considered the No. 1 back on the Jaguars for the foreseeable future.

AFC West

Baller Stability Rating Team Name Primary Running Back Backup or Handcuff Long-shot Candidate(s) Waiver Wire Watch
Stable Broncos C.J. Anderson Devontae Booker Kapri Bibbs N/A
Questionable Chiefs Jamaal Charles
Spencer Ware
Charcandrick West N/A
Stable Raiders Latavius Murray DeAndre Washington Jalen Richard N/A
Stable Chargers Melvin Gordon Dexter McCluster (PPR) Kenneth Farrow Dexter McCluster

-The Kansas City Chiefs saw the return of Charles on Sunday night. He only was on the field for 11 snaps and received two touches. Reports indicate that Charcandrick West's injury triggered Charles' early return as he was supposed to remain sidelined through Kansas City's Week 5 bye. Charles should be considered the No. 1 back on the Chiefs for the duration of the season as his workload will likely increase beginning in Week 6 against the Oakland Raiders.

NFC East

Baller Stability Rating Team Name Primary Running Back Backup or Handcuff Long-shot Candidate(s) Waiver Wire Watch
Stable Cowboys Ezekiel Elliott Alfred Morris Lance Dunbar Lance Dunbar
Stable Giants Orleans DarkwaRashad Jennings (Q) Bobby Rainey (PPR) Paul Perkins Orleans Darkwa, Bobby Rainey
Questionable Eagles Ryan Mathews (Q) Darren Sproles (PPR) Kenjon Barner, Wendell Smallwood Kenjon Barner, Wendell Smallwood
Stable Redskins Matt Jones Chris Thompson Rob Kelley Chris Thompson

-Jennings was limited in Wednesday's practice as he is still dealing with a thumb injury that sidelined him for the past two games. If Jennings sits out again in Week 5, the Giants will continue to employ a by committee approach to their backfield against the Green Bay Packers. Orleans Darkwa will likely draw the start as the early-down back with Bobby Rainey and Paul Perkins sharing the pass-catching and change of pace duties.

-The Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly going to continue to utilize Ryan Mathews as their starter, but he could proceed to lose touches to Wendell Smallwood and Kenjon Barner as the Eagles transition their backfield to an RBBC approach. Darren Sproles has been appropriated as the team's primary receiver out of the backfield and should continue to see increased work in that role. Philadelphia's backfield is as volatile as they come right now, but Sproles should be considered a lock for solid production in PPR scoring formats.

NFC North

Baller Stability Rating Team Name Primary Running Back Backup or Handcuff Long-shot Candidate(s) Waiver Wire Watch
Questionable Bears Jordan HowardJeremy Langford (O) Joique Bell Ka'Deem Carey (Q) Jordan Howard
Stable Lions Theo Riddick (PPR) Dwayne Washington Zach Zenner Dwayne Washington
Stable Packers Eddie Lacy James Starks Jhurell Pressley N/A
Stable Vikings Jerick McKinnon Matt Asiata Ronnie Hillman Matt Asiata, Ronnie Hillman

-For the Minnesota Vikings, Jerick McKinnon is beginning to emerge as the primary rusher as he found limited success against a stout New York Giants defense. Matt Asiata scored a touchdown in the contest and should maintain his role as the short-yardage back in Minnesota. Despite Asiata's role in the offense, McKinnon should be considered as a mid-range RB2 with upside especially in favorable matchups for the foreseeable future.

-Jordan Howard garnered his first NFL start last week and delivered an 111-yard rushing performance in the Week 4 matchup against the Detriot Lions. With Jeremy Langford out for the next few weeks, Howard could solidify his spot atop Chicago's running back depth chart for the duration of the 2016 season if he continues to produce like he did last Sunday afternoon.

NFC South

 Baller Stability Rating  Team Name  Primary Running Back Backup or Handcuff Long-shot Candidate(s) Waiver Wire Watch
Questionable Falcons Devonta Freeman Tevin Coleman Terron Ward N/A
Questionable Panthers Cameron Artis-Payne, Jonathan Stewart (O) Fozzy Whittaker Mike Tolbert Cameron Aris-Payne, Fozzy Whittaker
Stable Saints Mark Ingram Travaris Cadet (PPR) Tim Hightower Travaris Cadet (PPR)
Stable Buccaneers Charles Sims, Doug Martin (O) Jacquizz Rodgers Peyton Barber Jacquizz Rodgers

-With Doug Martin sidelined, Charles Sims is the primary rusher for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, he is dealing with a minor knee injury that is not expected to keep him out of Monday night's tough matchup versus the Carolina Panthers. Sims struggled in Week 4 against Denver's stout defense after a promising performance in Week 3, which was his first game as the starter following Martin's injury. Sims should be considered a mid-to-low end RB2 option in Monday night's encounter with the Panthers.

NFC West

Baller Stability Rating Team Name Primary Running Back Backup or Handcuff Long-shot Candidate(s) Waiver Wire Watch
Stable Cardinals David Johnson
Andre Ellington
Stepfan Taylor N/A
Stable Rams Todd Gurley Benny Cunningham Malcolm Brown N/A
Stable 49ers Carlos Hyde Shaun Draughn Mike Davis N/A
Stable Seahawks Christine Michael C.J. Spiller, Thomas Rawls (O) C.J. Prosise C.J. Spiller

-The Seattle Seahawks have their bye in Week 5, but their backfield, which was once volatile, is now stable. Christine Michael should be considered the clear-cut starter in Seattle's backfield even for when Thomas Rawls returns from his injury especially if he continues to produce at a high level. For C.J. Prosise, his presumed role as the primary receiver out of the backfield remains in question. Prosise has been inactive since Week 2 after suffering a hand injury in the season opener. In Prosise's absence, the Seahawks signed C.J. Spiller to add a healthy rusher to the depth chart. Spiller was active on Sunday and produced a receiving touchdown Seattle's victory over the New York Jets. Spiller could remain in his current role even for when Prosise is healthy enough to return to the field.

Anthony Cervino is a primary contributor for Rotoballer and a lead NFL News Desk writer. For additional content, visit his archive or follow him on Twitter @theRealnflguru.


Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Dominic Canzone

Has Five-Hit, Three-Homer Game Tuesday
Cal Raleigh

Sets Single-Season Home Run Record for a Switch-Hitter
Jayden Reed

Undergoes Clavicle and Foot Surgeries, Out for Foreseeable Future
Bo Bichette

to Miss Rest of Regular Season
Zach Neto

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Out on Tuesday, Dealing With "Significant" Ankle Sprain
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Place Aaron Jones Sr. on Injured Reserve With Hamstring Injury
CFB

Diego Pavia Refutes Report of Seeking Seventh Collegiate Season
Christian Kirk

Expected to Return in Week 3
CFB

Diego Pavia Seeking Another Year of Eligibility
Tarik Skubal

on Track to Start Thursday
CFB

Kevorian Barnes Questionable Against SMU
Bo Bichette

has Short-Term Knee Injury, Could Return for Postseason
Tosan Evbuomwan

Joins Knicks
NBA

Kai Jones Links Up With EuroLeague Team
Bismack Biyombo

Returns to Spurs
Bones Hyland

Rejoins Timberwolves
Kobe Bufkin

Moves to Brooklyn
Trey Yesavage

Sets Franchise Strikeout Record On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

To Receive MRI For Sprained Left Ankle On Tuesday
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Monday With Right-Biceps Tightness
Yordan Alvarez

Exits With Ankle Sprain
Brock Bowers

Officially Active on Monday Night
Jauan Jennings

Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Logan O'Hoppe

Activated Off Seven-Day Injured List
CBJ

Denton Mateychuk Dealing With Groin Issue
Bo Horvat

Fine for Training Camp
Kirby Dach

on Track to Be Ready for Opening Night
Jose Altuve

Returns Against Rangers
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Miss 2-4 Weeks With High-Ankle Sprain
J.J. McCarthy

Likely Out for Week 3 With High-Ankle Sprain
Jean Silva

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Aaron Jones Sr.

Unlikely to Play in Week 3 Due to Hamstring Injury
Diego Lopes

Returns To The Win Column
Jayden Daniels

' Week 3 Status in Doubt
Rob Font

Outclassed In The Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
Jared Gordon

Suffers Brutal TKO Loss At Noche UFC 3
Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Brian Thomas Jr.

Dealing with Wrist Injury
Dustin Stoltzfus

Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
Diego Ferreira

Suffers Second-Round TKO
Alexander Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
Quang Le

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Santiago Luna

Shines In His UFC Debut
Christopher Bell

Earns his First Bristol Cup Series Victory
Alex Bowman

Falls Short of Advancing Through Cup Series Playoffs
Chase Briscoe

Collects his Third Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Strong Top-Five Bristol Performance Advances him to the Playoffs
Corey Heim

Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Leads Greece to Bronze Medal
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Drops 28 Points in EuroBasket Finals
CFB

Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote Bryce Eldridge
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Progressing in Recovery
Jonathan Kuminga

Receives New Offer From Warriors
Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Bijan Robinson

Rushes for 143 Yards in Week 2
Justin Fields

Currently in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Calling Around to Available Free-Agent Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Emil Heineman

Aiming to Take the "Next Step" This Season
Braeden Cootes

Good to Go for Camp
Ivan Fedotov

Blue Jackets Acquire Ivan Fedotov From Flyers
Aaron Jones Sr.

Injures Hamstring During Sunday Night Football
Darren Waller

Not Expected to Play in Week 3
Garrett Crochet

Punches Out 12 in Win
Cole Ragans

to Return on Wednesday
Jameson Williams

Records Long Touchdown in Week 2, Still Limited to Downfield Role?
George Kirby

Strikes Out 14 in Win
Jayden Daniels

Considered "Day-to-Day" with Knee Injury
Carlos Estévez

Carlos Estevez Exits with Back Tightness
Jonathan Taylor

Tops 200 Yards From Scrimmage in Week 2 Win
Joe Burrow

Could Miss Three Months if he Requires Toe Surgery
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
Luis Arraez

Takes a Seat on Sunday With Head Injury
Adolis García

Adolis Garcia Activated, Starting on Sunday
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
Bryan Woo

Records Career-High 13 Strikeouts
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Ivan Demidov

Turning Heads in Rookie Camp
NHL

Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Corey Perry

Out 6-8 Weeks Following Surgery
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Dealing With a "Tweak"
BUF

Alexandar Georgiev Joins Sabres on One-Year Deal
Corey Perry

Injured During Pre-Camp Skate
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
CFB

CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
CFB

David Sanders Jr. Won't Play Against Georgia
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks
CFB

Dylan Edwards Slated to Return on Friday
Adam Lowry

Aims for Early-Season Return
P.J. Washington

Officially Signs Contract Extension
Lauri Markkanen

Big at Both Ends as Finland Books Place in EuroBasket Semis
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Notches 39 Points in Losing Effort
NBA

Cam Reddish Expected to Move to Europe
NBA

Trey Lyles Joins Real Madrid
Charles Bassey

Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Hawks
Sacramento Kings

Terence Davis Waived by Kings

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP