Start 'Em, Sit 'Em running backs for Week 5 fantasy football

Week 5 of the 2026 NFL season is here, and with it comes another challenge for fantasy football managers trying to navigate their lineups. The first bye weeks of the season have arrived, with the Kansas City Chiefs and Carolina Panthers getting the week off. That means fantasy managers will be witho

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What is the story about?

Week 5 of the 2026 NFL season is here, and with it comes another challenge for fantasy football managers trying to navigate their lineups.

The first bye weeks of the season have arrived, with the Kansas City Chiefs and Carolina Panthers

getting the week off. That means fantasy managers will be without two notable running backs, Kenneth Walker IIIand Chuba Hubbard, creating even tougher decisions at a position where depth is always at a premium.

Fortunately, Week 5 still features plenty of reliable options. Jahmyr Gibbs and Chase Brown, among others, enter the week with favorable matchups and look poised for strong performances. But as we move further down the running back rankings, the decisions become much less straightforward. Which players

can you trust, and which should you bench?

We're here to help. Here are three running back starts and three sits to consider as you set your Week 5 fantasy football lineup.

WEEK 5 RANKINGS: QB | RB | WR | TE | K | DST

Fantasy football start 'em: Week 5 RBs

Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings at Saints

Jones remains one of the top volume plays that fantasy managers should keep riding in Week 5. With Jordan Mason still sidelined, Jones has averaged a massive 23.0 touches per game over the last three weeks, including 20 carries and four receptions in Minnesota’s Week 4 win.

The matchup is enticing, too. The Saints were just obliterated by Atlanta’s running backs, and Minnesota should have plenty of opportunities to keep feeding Jones. Volume is always king in fantasy football, and Jones is getting plenty of it while Mason remains out. Even if the veteran hasn’t found the end zone since Week 1, his workload gives him an excellent floor and plenty of touchdown upside. Keep riding Jones in Week 5.

Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Colts

Even if Rico Dowdle returns after a two-week absence, Warren is a must-start. The Steelers have a significant rest advantage after playing Thursday night in Week 4, while the Colts played on Sunday and are traveling back from London. Warren has been electric with his opportunities, averaging 5.6 yards per carry while also proving to be a reliable weapon in the passing game.

The matchup is another major plus. Indianapolis has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to running backs through four weeks, giving Warren a favorable environment to continue producing. Warren's efficiency and versatility make him too appealing to leave on the bench. Ride with Warren in Week 5.

Jeremiyah Love, Arizona Cardinals vs. Lions

The rookie is a player fantasy managers should keep in their lineups in Week 5, despite the recent ankle concern. The matchup against Detroit is simply too good to pass up. The Lions' defense has been a disaster through the first month, allowing a league-high 127 points, and Chuba Hubbard just gashed them for 91 rushing yards and two touchdowns in Week 4.

Love also brings plenty of upside as a pass-catcher. If the Cardinals fall behind early, Jacoby Brissett should be forced to throw frequently, giving Love opportunities to make an impact through the air. Brissett has attempted at least 35 passes in three of four games. The ankle injury is worth monitoring, but Love's ceiling in this matchup is too high to let it scare managers away. We have plenty of love for Love in Week 5.

Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 5 RBs

Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans vs Texans

The veteran back in the Music City is a risky fantasy play in Week 5, with the matchup against Houston offering little reason for optimism. The Texans have been excellent against the run, ranking sixth in rushing yards allowed to running backs. The Titans also carry a league-low implied team total of roughly 15 points, making scoring opportunities especially scarce.

Pollard has become increasingly touchdown-dependent, scoring his first touchdown of the season last week despite managing just 48 rushing yards. He's also a potential trade candidate ahead of this year's deadline, which could further cloud his workload outlook. Add that Pollard has failed to finish inside the top 30 fantasy running backs in each of his last three matchups against Houston, and the veteran is best left on the bench in Week 5.

Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints vs Vikings

Kamara is hard to trust in Week 5, even after scoring twice against Atlanta. The Vikings defense has been exceptional through the first month and presents a much tougher matchup for the Saints offense. Kamara will likely need to find the end zone again to return strong fantasy value, especially if New Orleans continues to struggle moving the ball.

There’s also an injury concern. Kamara briefly left Monday night’s game with a knee injury before returning, and the short turnaround could lead the Saints to manage his workload. With Kendre Miller already expected to share work in the backfield, another increase in his role could further cap Kamara’s opportunities. At 31 years old, Kamara is still capable of producing, especially in the passing game, but this matchup, workload uncertainty and injury have us leaving him on the bench this week.

Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins vs Bengals

The neophyte in Miami is a tempting fantasy option after his breakout performance, but Week 5 looks like a good time to pump the brakes. Gordon topped 100 yards against Minnesota, but he did it on just nine carries, with a 53-yard run accounting for more than half his rushing total. That kind of efficiency is difficult to sustain without consistent volume.

The Bengals are also a much-improved run defense after an offseason overhaul that included acquiring All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. If Cincinnati jumps out to an early lead, Miami could be forced to abandon the run. Gordon's role should be significant with De'Von Achane out, but his Week 4 efficiency shouldn't be mistaken for a sustainable workload. Let's give the Miami backfield at least another week to iron itself out before we can lean on it.

Fantasy football start 'em, sit 'ems, Week 5

Looking for more fantasy football advice? USA TODAY Sports has you covered:

→ Need an edge under center? Here are the best quarterback options to start and to sit in Week 5.

→ The wide receiver position is one of the deepest each season. Set yourself up for success in Week 5 with start 'em, sit 'em advice for wideouts.

→ Tight ends can be the perfect X-factor for any fantasy team. Here's who you should start and sit in Week 5.

→ Defense (and special teams) can win you championships – including your fantasy league's. Here are some of the best D/ST units to start and sit in Week 5.