As we head into Week 5 of the NFL season, running back depth and consistency remain crucial for fantasy football success. This week, several backfields are seeing changes that could offer value for fantasy managers, including in Tampa Bay, Carolina, Kansas City, and Cincinnati. Here are the key backfield developments and what they mean for your fantasy team.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay’s backfield is evolving into a potential committee with rookie Bucky Irving making a strong case for more touches alongside Rachaad White. Irving played a season-high 42% of snaps in Week 4, rushing for 49 yards on 10 carries. White, who played 58% of snaps, matched Irving’s rushing output but added two receptions for 35 yards. Notably, Irving received all of Tampa’s goal-line carries, hinting at a shift in the team’s short-yardage plans.
The Buccaneers’ offense ranks in the top 10 for success rate and total points scored, which bodes well for both Irving and White’s fantasy potential. Irving’s usage in high-leverage situations makes him a solid FLEX option, while White remains a steady but low-ceiling RB2. If Irving is still available in your league, he should be rostered immediately.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers’ offense has found new life under Andy Dalton, and Chuba Hubbard is benefitting from the change. Over the last two weeks, Hubbard has amassed nearly 300 total yards and two touchdowns, finishing as a top-seven fantasy running back in consecutive games. Miles Sanders, on the other hand, has taken a backseat with just 13 carries compared to Hubbard’s 39.
Hubbard’s efficiency (5.4 yards per carry) and high Pro Football Focus (PFF) rushing grade suggest he’s the clear lead back. With rookie Jonathan Brooks potentially returning from the PUP list, the backfield could see adjustments, but Hubbard’s recent performance makes him a top-15 fantasy RB while Dalton remains under center.
Kansas City Chiefs
Just one week after giving rookie Carson Steele the lead role with 17 carries, the Chiefs benched him for a fumble, turning to veteran Kareem Hunt instead. Hunt took 14 carries for 69 yards and played 45% of snaps, while Samaje Perine maintained his change-of-pace role with 40% of snaps and minimal production.
The Chiefs’ backfield remains volatile, and it’s unclear if Steele’s benching was a one-time punishment or a sign of things to come. Hunt is currently the “hot hand,” but with three backs splitting time, none are reliable fantasy starters. Hunt may be a touchdown-dependent FLEX play in emergencies.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals’ backfield is becoming increasingly unpredictable. Zack Moss appeared to have locked down the RB1 role after playing 80% of snaps in Week 2 and 76% in Week 3. However, in Week 4, he split carries evenly with Chase Brown, with both players getting 15 carries. Brown outgained Moss with 80 yards compared to Moss’ 51, and the two even split goal-line work.
The Bengals’ offense is heating up, and both Moss and Brown are seeing opportunities in a productive system. Moss remains an RB2 despite the reduced workload, but Brown should be picked up if available. Keep a close watch on how this backfield split develops over the next couple of weeks, as both backs could become FLEX-worthy options.
Quick Hitters
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Tank Bigsby had a productive Week 4 with 90 rushing yards on just seven carries, outperforming Travis Etienne, who left briefly with a shoulder injury. Bigsby is worth a waiver add, especially if Etienne’s injury lingers.
- New York Jets: Braelon Allen is continuing to cut into Breece Hall’s workload, playing 45 snaps to Hall’s 51 in Week 4. Allen, who ranks second in PFF’s rushing grades, is a solid trade target as his fantasy production could rise in the coming weeks.
As we approach Week 5, these backfield changes could present valuable opportunities for savvy fantasy managers. Keep a close eye on trends and snap counts to get ahead of the competition and maximize your team’s potential.
