Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 5: Running backs

As if the injuries weren’t bad enough at running back this season, now fantasy owners have to contend with the bye weeks. Christine Michael, Mark Ingram, Spencer Ware, Jamaal Charles, and T.J. Yeldon will not be available for Week 5, so owners need to come up with contingency plans.

It’s not just the byes that are a problem -- now there are new injuries to account for. Charles Sims, who was doing a fine job filling in for Doug Martin, is out with his own injury. LeSean McCoy is playing through a hand injury, so how effective will he be? And what exactly do we make of the Miami Dolphins’ situation if Arian Foster sits out again?

With all that in mind, let’s take a look at the top recommended starting options this week at running back. We’ll also pick out some players you should probably avoid playing in Week 5.

Jordan Howard, Chicago Bears (at Indianapolis Colts)

Howard made the most of his opportunity filling in for Jeremy Langford last week, rushing for 111 yards on 23 carries. Showing way more agility and burst than Langford, who struggled to make opponents miss, Howard should stay on the RB1 borderline against Indy’s porous defense this week.

Jerick McKinnon, Minnesota Vikings (vs. Houston Texans)

McKinnon’s fantasy ceiling is always going to be limited by the vulture threat of Matt Asiata, but there’s no question he can play. He had a productive game last Monday night, getting 85 yards against the New York Giants and making defenders look silly with impressive open-field runs. McKinnon is a worth starter against the Houston Texans, who are dearly missing J.J. Watt.

DeAndre Washington, Oakland Raiders (vs. San Diego Chargers)

Latavius Murray is out this week, so Washington will get a chance to run with the starting back role. Although he’s expected to split carries with Jalen Richard, Washington is the more talented back and making the most of his touches, averaging 6.4 yards on 23 carries this season. The timeshare concern makes him just a flex play at best, but the upside is there against San Diego’s defense.

Matt Forte, New York Jets (at Pittsburgh Steelers)

The 30-year-old is dealing with a rib injury and might not play a full share of snaps this week. The game flow script also works against him -- Pittsburgh’s explosive offense could force the Jets into playing from behind early, thus putting Bilal Powell on the field in passing downs. It’s not time to give up on Forte yet, but this is probably not the week he returns RB1 value.

Theo Riddick, Detroit Lions (vs. Philadelphia Eagles)

No matter how hard the Lions try, Theo Riddick: running back is not going to happen. With Ameer Abdullah and Dwayne Washington out injured, he may yet get another shot as the lead back, but he’ll likely be slamming into brick walls against Philly’s fierce defensive line. Riddick is only usable in PPR leagues at this point.

Jacquizz Rodgers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at Carolina Panthers)

Martin and Sims are both listed as doubtful for Monday night, meaning they won’t play. That leaves Rodgers as the next man up, but do fantasy owners really want to put their trust in him? A career journeyman, on his third team in three years, averaging 3.7 yards per carry despite his reputation as a speedster, is not someone worth hitching your wagon to. Look elsewhere for your Hail Mary RB3 option.