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
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Top 10 Running Back Studs - Best Fantasy Football RB Performances Including Tank Bigsby, D'Andre Swift, Rico Dowdle, And More

Rico Dowdle - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Alex breaks down the top 10 running backs from Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season and the storylines surrounding each backfield. Who was the biggest surprise from another week of NFL action?

Week 5 was fun, not just for the running backs. Seven of the 13 matchups thus far have matched or surpassed 46 points, with three contests exceeding 66 (!) combined points. All of them divisional matchups between the Falcons and Buccaneers, Colts and Jaguars, and Ravens and Bengals. It's a pleasant surprise with a notable amount of fantasy assets from the Chargers, Eagles, Lions, and Titans all on bye. Perhaps offenses are beginning to wake up a bit? Maybe we should start to consider the month of September the "preseason"? I digress.

As always, another week of NFL action brings a litany of storylines, like what's up with the Bills? Buffalo was steamrolling teams through the first three weeks -- averaging 37 points per game -- but has combined for just 30 over its previous two. On the other side of the coin, rookie quarterbacks are taking the league by storm. Jayden Daniels has led the Washington Commanders to a 4-1 record, while Caleb Williams continues his unbeaten streak at home in Chicago. We even had Bo Nix play another sound game of football.

With quarterbacks and their respective air attacks showing out this week, the running back performances took a backseat. Still, there were a few nice stat lines, and some fresh new faces made an appearance in this column. With the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs still left to host the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football, the one player of note not to qualify for this list is Saints stud Alvin Kamara. ICYMI, below are the top 10 fantasy running backs from Week 5 in PPR formats.

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

 

Top 10 Running Backs of the Week (including MNF)

Here are the top 10 running backs from Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season in PPR scoring:

Rank Player Team Points
1 Tank Bigsby JAC 25.9
2 D'Andre Swift CHI 20
3 Rico Dowdle DAL 19.4
4 Rhamondre Stevenson NE 19.2
5 Trey Sermon IND 18.3
6 James Cook BUF 17.9
7 Chuba Hubbard CAR 17.5
8 Derrick Henry BAL 16.6
T-9 Chase Brown CIN 16.4
T-9 Josh Jacobs GB 16.4

1. Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars

This week marked the second in a row that Tank Bigsby out-rushed his backfield mate Travis Etienne Jr. This time, however, the former out-touched him, too. The second-year back rushed 13 times for 101 yards and two touchdowns in the 37-34 victory over the Indianapolis Colts -- adding 28 yards through the air on his sole reception, converting his lone target.

Bigsby ran wild against the Colts (7.8 YPC), ripping off a 65-yard highlight for one of his touchdowns. Etienne was heavily involved in the passing game -- catching 6-of-7 targets for 43 yards -- but was far less efficient on the ground, racking up 17 yards on his six carries (2.8 YPC). He had been dealing with a shoulder injury and was coming off a week of limited sessions, but so was Bigsby.

It's unclear how healthy the presumed starter is. Still, the former third-round pick's back-to-back efficient outings look like they could be turning this backfield into more of a committee than initially anticipated. He's undoubtedly earned the increased role, but an even split could have this backfield leaving fantasy managers with headaches weekly.

This duo will have a tougher task in Week 6 when they face a stout Chicago Bears defense, but Bigsby has worked his way into weekly flex consideration with upside for more.

2. D'Andre Swift, Chicago Bears

After a dreadful first three weeks of the season, D'Andre Swift has now appeared in this column in back-to-back weeks. Swift had another strong outing Sunday when his team decimated the Carolina Panthers 36-10 for their eighth straight home victory. He toted the rock 21 times for 73 yards and a touchdown while adding 47 yards through the air, reeling in both of his targets.

It was another encouraging performance for the 25-year-old, who has 285 total yards and two TDs over his last two contests. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is quickly adapting to the league, so similar production could be in store for the former second-round pick on a more consistent basis. Regardless, anyone who stuck with him is certainly content with the recent returns.

In Week 6, Chicago will travel to the United Kingdom to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in another juicy matchup. The Georgia product will be an RB2 with upside for the contest.

3. Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys and Steelers were delayed roughly 90 minutes due to inclement weather in Week 5's penultimate matchup, but they certainly gave us a show that came down to the wire. I had been waiting for the Rico Dowdle breakout for a few weeks as he'd out-touched and out-gained backfield mate Ezekiel Elliott each outing since Week 2. On Sunday Night Football, it all came together for him.

Dowdle put together his best game in the team's 20-17 victory and he saw his largest touch count of the season, turning 20 carries into 87 yards on the ground while converting both of his targets for 27 yards and a score through the air. It's the first time in his four-year career that he's hit the 20-touch mark, and it's easily his highest output since entering the league. It was also the second week in a row he caught a touchdown.

Elliott has yet to average more than 4.0 YPC in any contest this season and hasn't rushed for more than 19 yards since the opener. Perhaps this is the performance that persuades Dallas to feature the 26-year-old more prominently in its offense.

If so, the former undrafted free agent would garner RB2 consideration. However, he gets a tough ask in Week 6 at home against the Detroit Lions. He'll be on the lower end of the spectrum for that one.

4. Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots

There were reports earlier this week that Rhamondre Stevenson had lost the starting running back job in New England and that Antonio Gibson would lead the backfield heading into Week 5. Well, half of that statement was true, as Gibson did get the start and received the first touch out of New England's backfield -- a rush he took for seven yards. However, Stevenson didn't stay down long.

On the Pats' next drive, the 26-year-old was out there and received three straight touches, the third turning into a 33-yard scamper he housed for six points. Gibson would touch the ball just five more times (once through the air) for 49 total yards, while Stevenson again saw the bulk of the backfield work. He'd rush 12 times for 89 yards on the day, "adding" three yards on 4-of-4 receiving.

With the news of him "losing" the starting job, he was probably benched in several leagues, but he'll be a borderline must-start option moving forward. Stevenson will be a mid-to-low-end RB2 in Week 6 against a more formidable Texans squad.

5. Trey Sermon, Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts were down starting quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) and running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) in this one, but they still churned out a top-10 RB performance. Trey Sermon was a fine fill-in for Taylor, rushing 10 times for 38 yards and scoring in a 37-34 shootout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He added 25 yards through the air, converting all six of his targets.

Sermon's work in the passing game was nice to see and helped aid any managers who were forced to start him this week due to Taylor's injury. However, running back Tyler Goodson was more efficient with his work on the ground and through the air. Sermon led the duo in touches (16 to eight), but Goodson was better on a per-touch basis, averaging 7.13 yards to the 25-year-old's 3.94.

This backfield may move to a more even distribution of touches moving forward while the team is down Taylor, whose status over the coming weeks is still uncertain. If Sermon continues to lead the RB room, he'll be a low-end RB3/flex option in Week 6 when Indianapolis lines up against a stout Tennessee Titans defense on the road.

6. James Cook, Buffalo Bills

James Cook had a productive day in Buffalo's 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans despite quarterback Josh Allen completing just 9-of-30 passes for 131 yards. Cook saw 20 carries, turning them into 82 yards and a score while reeling in 2-of-3 targets for 17 yards and a long gain of 24 through the air.

Aside from a poor, single-digit fantasy outing last week in a loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the third-year back has been one of the better picks at the position in fantasy drafts this summer. He's currently the overall RB5 in PPR formats and a weekly top option at the running back spot.

Despite one of the more challenging opponents in Week 6, Cook is a must-start option and a low-end RB1 for the divisional matchup against the Jets.

7. Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers

Chuba Hubbard continues to enjoy a nice streak of production with an Andy Dalton-led offense in Carolina. The Panthers were handily defeated 36-10 by the Bears on the road, but Hubbard still made his mark on the game -- carrying the rock 13 times for 97 yards and a score while reeling in all four of his targets for -2 yards.

The 25-year-old has now recorded at least four receptions and a touchdown in three straight games and was just three yards from his third straight 100-yard effort on the ground. He's racked up 385 total yards, 13 receptions, and three TDs over his last three contests and has elevated himself to weekly must-start status with the enhanced role and efficiency.

Of note, Dalton struggled in this one and was benched late in the fourth quarter for second-year QB Bryce Young. When Young entered the contest, it was far out of reach, and head coach Dave Canales had already committed to Dalton for Week 6. However, the Panthers were bound to turn back to the Alabama product eventually, and now the 36-year-old potentially has a shorter leash.

Hubbard will get another excellent matchup his next time out in Week 6 against a Falcons defense that has allowed the most rushing yards to opposing offenses. He'll be a fringe RB1 for the contest.

8. Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens

Derrick Henry again had a strong outing in Baltimore's electric 41-38 win over the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals. Henry totaled 92 yards and a touchdown on his 15 carries (6.1 YPC) while adding four yards on his lone reception. It's his fifth game in a row with a score and he now has seven total touchdowns through five games. Sunday also marked the third time he's averaged more than six yards per carry this season.

The 30-year-old bruiser continues to dominate while running alongside quarterback Lamar Jackson, forming a nightmare of a duo for opposing defenses to account for. As a team, Baltimore is rushing for 6.1 yards per clip and leads the league in total rushing as the only team to clear 1,000 yards on the season (211.2 per game).

Henry will continue to be an elite RB1 play every week and will look to continue his touchdown streak against a surprising 4-1 Washington Commanders squad. It's another fantastic matchup for the longtime Titan, who should challenge for the overall RB1 spot against a Commanders defense allowing the second-most yards per carry in the league (5.3).

T-9. Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals

After being relegated to scraps through the first three weeks, Chase Brown has made the Bengals backfield into more of a 50/50 split over the last two contests. Week 5 marks his second feature in this column and the first time on the season he's out-touched running back Zack Moss.

Brown had modest production on the ground in the 41-38 loss to the Ravens, taking 12 carries for 46 yards. However, he scored a touchdown again this week -- this time through the air -- while adding eight yards on 3-of-3 receiving. Moss racked up one more target than the former and out-gained him by 20 yards on the same amount of receptions. Still, Brown has been the more explosive back and has a good bit more wiggle than the 26-year-old.

Don't let the athleticism fool you, though, as the former fifth-round pick is still a solid in-between-the-tackles runner, capable of making a decisive cut and turning it north-south. Cincinnati may continue to roll with Moss down around the goal line and in short-yardage situations as he leads the tandem with seven attempts inside the 5-yard line. Despite this, Brown has the same amount of TDs on just two rushes from the same area of the field.

Both backs will be RB3s with upside in Week 6 against a Giants defense allowing the eighth-most yards per carry (4.8). Keep an eye on this backfield over the coming weeks.

T-9. Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers.

Aside from a single-digit fantasy outing in Week 3 against the Titans, Josh Jacobs has been one of the more consistent producers at the RB spot. He's been solid, if not spectacular, clearing 11.8 fantasy points in four of five games as a Packer. It feels as though he's flown under the radar a bit, but he turned in his best effort of the season in the Packers' 24-19 victory over the Los Angeles Rams.

Jacobs rushed for just 3.84 YPC but toted the rock 19 times, churning out 73 yards and a score with a long gain of 13. His touchdown came on a two-yard shotgun carry that went under review, and the sixth-year back caught his only target for a 21-yard gain on a sweet play off a screen pass.

It was just the second time this season that the Alabama product hit the 20-touch mark in a single outing. Still, there are likely more days like that ahead, with running back Emanuel Wilson his only competition for backfield touches. The veteran is winning that battle without a hitch, leading the duo with 98 total touches to Wilson's 40.

Jacobs is a solid, high-floor RB2 from here on out and stands an excellent chance to get into the end zone again in Week 6 against an Arizona Cardinals squad that's allowed the most rushing touchdowns (eight) through the season's five weeks.

Thanks for reading, and best of luck in all your matchups in Week 6!



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!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Logan Gilbert

Leaves Friday's Start With Forearm Tightness

Vikings Select Tai Felton To Finish Day 2

Seahawks Select Quarterback Jalen Milroe With The 92nd Pick Overall

Browns Select Dillon Gabriel 94th Overall

Packers Pick Savion Williams At No. 87 overall

Steelers Snag Kaleb Johnson In Round 3

Broncos Select Wide Receiver Pat Bryant With The 74th Overall Pick

Texans Select Jaylin Noel With 79th Pick

Lions Select Wide Receiver Isaac TeSlaa With The 70th Overall Pick
Jack Leiter

To Start On Sunday

Patriots Add Wide Receiver Kyle Williams In Round 3

Browns Draft Harold Fannin Jr. With 67th Pick
Garrett Mitchell

Makes Early Exit
Luke Keaschall

Removed Early On Friday
Blake Snell

Likely Avoids Major Injury
Cole Ragans

Dealing With Mild Groin Strain

Broncos Add RJ Harvey To Backfield With 60th Pick

Raiders Select Jack Bech With 58th Pick

Chargers Add Wide Receiver Tre Harris In Round 2
Detroit Lions

Lions Acquire 57th Pick From Broncos

Seahawks Draft Elijah Arroyo 50th Overall
Carolina Panthers

Panthers Acquire 51st Pick From Broncos
Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals Snag Will Johnson At No. 47

Jets Add A Pass-Catcher With Mason Taylor At No. 42

Rams Select Terrance Ferguson With 46th Pick
Houston Texans

Texans Acquire 48th Pick From Raiders, Draft Aireontae Ersery

Saints Snag Tyler Shough At No. 40
Brenton Doyle

Out For Personal Reasons On Friday
Brandin Podziemski

Not On Injury Report For Game 3
Jimmy Butler III

Warriors Optimistic About Jimmy Butler III Playing Saturday
Jae'Sean Tate

To Remain Out Saturday
Jock Landale

Unavailable For Game 3
Terry Rozier

Out On Saturday
Jrue Holiday

Ruled Out For Friday Night's Game 3 Against Orlando
Kevin Love

To Miss Saturday's Game
Jaylen Brown

Available For Friday Night's Game 3 Against Magic
Gary Payton II

Iffy For Saturday's Action
Jayson Tatum

Officially Available On Friday For Game 3 Against Magic
Will Smith

Back From Injury On Friday
Luke Kennard

Questionable For Game 4 On Saturday
Darius Garland

Listed As Questionable For Game 3
Ja Morant

To Miss Game 4 On Saturday
Rui Hachimura

Available For Game 3 In Minnesota
Aaron Ekblad

Available To Return Saturday
Erik Swanson

Ryan Burr Progressing
Daulton Varsho

To Return On Tuesday At The Latest
Max Scherzer

Takes Positive Step On Friday
Aleksander Barkov

Questionable For Saturday
Gabriel Landeskog

Set For Larger Role In Game 4
Calvin Pickard

To Start Game 3 For Oilers
Randy Arozarena

Resting For First Time This Year
Jonas Siegenthaler

To Play Limited Minutes In Game 3
MLB

Red Sox-Guardians Game Postponed On Friday
Luke Hughes

Remains Out On Friday
MLB

Tigers-Orioles Postponed On Friday
Patrik Laine

A Game-Time Decision Friday
Yainer Diaz

Out On Friday Against Royals
Iván Herrera

Ivan Herrera Hopes To Start Rehab Assignment Next Week
Salvador Perez

Sitting Out For First Time This Season
Jaylen Brown

Questionable For Game 3 On Friday
Brendan Donovan

Back In Action On Friday
Jimmy Butler III

Could Miss Game 3 On Saturday
Coby Mayo

Getting On A Roll At Triple-A
Moises Ballesteros

Riding An 11-Game Hit Streak
Victor Mesa Jr.

Starting Rehab Assignment On Saturday
Carlos Prates

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Ian Machado Garry

Set For UFC Kansas City Main Event
Cade Cunningham

Collects Double-Double In Loss
Jalen Brunson

Drops 30 Points In Game 3
Karl-Anthony Towns

Leads All Scorers In Game 3 Victory
Zhang Mingyang

Scheduled For Co-Main Event
Anthony Smith

Set For His Final UFC Bout
David Onama

Set For Featherweight Bout
Giga Chikadze

Looks To Bounce Back
Abus Magomedov

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Michel Pereira

Returns To Action At UFC Kansas City
Nicolas Dalby

An Underdog At UFC Kansas City
Randy Brown

A Favorite At UFC Kansas City
Andre Muniz

Set To Open Up UFC Kansas City Main Card
Ikram Aliskerov

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Sergei Bobrovsky

Shuts Out Lightning In Game 2
Cam Fowler

Finishes Thursday's Win With Five Points
Robert Thomas

Posts Four Assists In Game 3 Win
Pavel Buchnevich

Celebrates Hat Trick During Four-Point Performance
Dylan DeMelo

Battling An Illness
Marcus Johansson

Exits Early Thursday
Aleksander Barkov

Hurt In Game 2
Jrue Holiday

Tagged As Questionable For Friday
Jayson Tatum

Likely Out Again On Friday
Anthony Cirelli

Good To Go Thursday
Andrei Vasilevskiy

Looks To Bounce Back In Game 2
Rasmus Ristolainen

To Miss Training Camp
Jonas Siegenthaler

Returns To Practice
Aliaksei Protas

Traveling With Capitals
Gabriel Vilardi

Still Out On Thursday
Max Pacioretty

Set To Join Maple Leafs Lineup For Game 3
Cam Davis

Looking For Better Fortunes At TPC Louisiana
Adam Svensson

Making Third Apperence At Zurich Classic
Max Greyserman

Aiming For Similar Success At TPC Louisiana
Lee Hodges

A High-Upside Player In New Orleans
PGA

Nico Echavarria Looks To Ride Off Of Elite Putting In New Orleans
Gary Woodland

A Player Worth Watching In New Orleans
Max McGreevy

Returns To The Zurich Classic Of New Orleans
Rasmus Hojgaard

In Search Of Consistency Ahead Of Zurich Classic
Sam Stevens

A Boom-Or-Bust Candidate In New Orleans
Nicolai Hojgaard

Looking To Turn Season Around At Zurich Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Looks To Sway A Hot Putter In Teams Favor At Zurich Classic
Akshay Bhatia

Looking To Bounce Back At TPC Louisiana
Carson Young

Looks To Turn Things Around At TPC Louisiana
Erik Van Rooyen

Looking For Momentum In Louisiana
Andrew Novak

Making Start At TPC Louisiana After Near Miss At Harbour Town
Ben Griffin

Making Third Career Start At Zurich Classic
Taylor Moore

Competing With A New Teammate In New Orleans
Wyndham Clark

Making Return To New Orleans
Kurt Kitayama

Teeing It Up Again In New Orleans
Collin Morikawa

Back At Zurich Classic For Fifth Time
Thomas Detry

Making Third Appearance At New Orleans Team Event
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF