DFS: Week 5 Running Back Value Rankings
Here's a look at theScore's running back value rankings for Week 5 (Thursday night game excluded):
Value Rankings
QB | RB | WR | TE
Top 5
| # | NAME | OPPONENT | RISK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matt Forte (CHI) | at KC | Low |
| 2 | Marshawn Lynch (SEA) | at CIN | Low |
| 3 | Jamaal Charles (KC) | vs. CHI | Low |
| 4 | Le'Veon Bell (PIT) | at SD | Low |
| 5 | Justin Forsett (BAL) | vs. CLE | Low |
Forte comes at a reasonable price for an elite back who provides consistency and great benefit in PPR leagues. Bell is simply too expensive to be at the top of the list when the options below him often provide similar fantasy outputs. Forsett cracks the top five due to his moderate price, re-emergence last week, and a matchup against Cleveland in Week 5.
Next 5
| # | NAME | OPPONENT | RISK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Eddie Lacy (GB) | vs. STL | Low |
| 7 | Doug Martin (TB) | vs. JAX | Medium |
| 8 | Joseph Randle (DAL) | vs. DAL | Low |
| 9 | T.J. Yeldon (JAX) | at TB | Medium |
| 10 | Karlos Williams (BUF) | vs. TEN | Medium |
Lacy has had a disappointing start to the season but this has led to a drop in his DFS pricing - time to take advantage. Both Martin and Yeldon eclipsed 100 yards in Week 4 and go head-to-head this week. Randle should see an expanded role with Lance Dunbar out for the rest of the season.
Best of the Rest
| # | NAME | OPPONENT | RISK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Carlos Hyde (SF) | at NYG | Medium |
| 12 | Mark Ingram (NO) | at PHI | Low |
| 13 | Legarrette Blount (NE) | at DAL | Medium |
| 14 | Devonta Freeman (ATL) | vs. WAS | Medium |
| 15 | Latavius Murray (OAK) | vs. DEN | Medium |
| 16 | Dion Lewish (NE) | at DAL | Medium |
| 17 | Chris Johnson (ARI) | at. DET | Medium |
| 18 | Darren McFadden (DAL) | vs. NE | Medium |
| 19 | Ronnie Hillman (DEN) | at OAK | Medium |
| 20 | Todd Gurley (STL) | at GB | Medium |
Similar to the rest of the NFL, DFS pricing has taken notice of Devonta Freeman, and he has skyrocketed into the higher price range for running backs. Ingram is one of the most consistent backs in the league, while Blount and Lewis make predicting the New England running game quite difficult.
Nothing to See Here
| # | NAME | OPPONENT | RISK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Alfred Morris (WSH) | at ATL | Medium |
| 22 | Demarco Murray (PHI) | at NO | High |
| 23 | Jeremy Hill (CIN) | vs. SEA | High |
| 24 | Danny Woodhead (SD) | vs. PIT | Medium |
| 25 | Duke Johnson Jr. (CLE) | at BAL | High |
| 26 | Gio Bernard (CIN) | vs. SEA | High |
| 27 | Melvin Gordon (SD) | vs. PIT | High |
| 28 | Andre Ellington (ARI) | at DET | High |
| 29 | C.J. Anderson (DEN) | at OAK | High |
| 30 | Ameer Abdullah (DET) | vs. ARI | High |
Murray and Anderson continue to define 'bust' as another week passes by. Though Hill had three touchdowns last week, he still only had 40 yards. Furthermore, the Bengals host Seattle in Week 5 and Bernard still vultures some touches from him.