The 2021 NFL season has seen some great value from the running back position. It’s time to continue our fantasy series with a fantasy football Week 5 running backs start ’em sit ’em evaluation.
This is a position that deals with a lot of physical force. It's the one position on offense that gets hit the most and is more vulnerable to an injury. Many running backs turn into a star from playing as a backup to start their career.
*Additionally, here are ClutchPoints’ start ’em sit ’em recommendations at tight end, wide receiver, and quarterback*
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Fantasy Football Week 5 Running Backs Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em
Start ‘Em
Leonard Fournette – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It's safe to say that Fournette is the starter for right now. He's getting a lot more reps than Ronald Jones, who was projected to have a solid season. The former LSU star didn't score against the Patriots last week but did carry the load with 20 carries for 91 yards.
He'll face the Miami Dolphins this weekend who are ranked 30th against the run. Brady will definitely know that stat and should feed Fournette all day long.
Chuba Hubbard – Carolina Panthers
No other running back has increased his fantasy position than Hubbard. Since McCaffery's injury, Hubbard has become the starter but hasn't produced as he wanted. He only carried the ball 13 times for 57 yards last week. Hubbard will continue to be the starter, so his value is only going to rise.
Hubbard and the Panthers are facing the Eagles on Sunday, who are ranked 27th against the run. This game should be the perfect time to start Hubbard as many teams have now put him on their roster. Hubbard has the ability to be involved in the passing game as well, which is nice in PPR leagues.
Cordarrelle Patterson – Atlanta Falcons
Former receiver Cordarrelle Patterson is enjoying his position change to running back. Although, is he really playing a different role? The answer is no. He is still being utilized as a receiving threat who can start from anywhere on the field. He caught three touchdowns this past weekend against the Washington Football Team.
Patterson will face the 32nt ranked NY Jets this week. It will be hard to score three times again, but he should dominate like he has all season long. It's fun to see Patterson utilized on offense because of how dynamic he is.
Sit ‘Em
Josh Jacobs – Las Vegas Raiders
Jacobs didn't play well against the LA Chargers on Monday night. He missed the two previous games with an injury but didn't feel right in the loss to LA. He scored twice against the Ravens in week 1 but had a poor outing in week 4.
The Raiders will play against a tough Bears defense on Sunday, who are ranked 10th against the run. There might be a more valuable RB on your bench for this week. Unless you are desperate for RB this week, starting someone else might benefit your team.
Melvin Gordon III – Denver Broncos
After a strong week 1, Gordon has fallen off a little. He managed to find the endzone a few weeks back but played poorly against the Ravens. He ran for just 56 yards on nine carries in the loss.
Gordon and the Broncos will travel to Pittsburgh to take on the 5th ranked Steelers. Gordon is unlikely to repeat his bad game, but shouldn't be favored to display a high-numbered game this week. He is the starter, but rookie Javonte Williams might take his spot sooner rather than later.
Damien Harris – New England Patriots
Harris didn't show up against the Buccaneers on Sunday night. He finished with (-4) yards rushing on just four attempts. He caught a few passes to keep his fantasy production positive but just couldn't perform to how he wanted to.
Harris will face the 20th ranked Houston Texans on Sunday, which could lead to a better outing. Nonetheless, his value is extremely low at this point in the season and shouldn't be in your lineup unless needed. The Patriots have a lot of work to do if they want to improve their run game.
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