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USA Today Sports Media Group
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Jon Heath

Fantasy Football waiver wire: 12 running backs to target in Week 5

As we wait for a pair of Monday Night Football games to wrap up Week 4, fantasy football managers are already considering their waiver wire options for next week.

The top option at wide receiver seems to be Wan’Dale Robinson (28%). Zach Ertz (55%) is a quality tight end available in nearly half of leagues and Tyler Huntley (3%) could be a sleeper option at quarterback. 

Today, though, we’re focusing on running back. We’ve put together a quick list of 12 running backs to target on the fantasy football waiver wire ahead of Week 5. If you’re looking for reinforcements at RB, consider these options.

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Running Backs

1. RB Kareem Hunt (22%): Hunt made his 2024 debut on Sunday and led Chiefs running backs in carries (14), rushing yards (69) and targets (3). He might be the new feature back in KC.

2. RB Bucky Irving (52%): Irving and Rachaad White had nearly identical stats in Week 4 with 10 carries for 49 yards each. Irving also scored a touchdown. It remains to be seen if Irving will become the primary back, but he’s getting enough touches for flex consideration (or a starting role, if you’re thin at RB).

3. RB Braelon Allen (46%): Breece Hall isn’t going anywhere, but he was limited to four yards on 10 carries against the Broncos’ tough defense on Sunday. Allen led the Jets with 34 yards on eight carries. Like Irving, he gets enough touches to warrant consideration even if he’s not the RB1.

4. RB Tyler Allgeier (42%): Allgeier is an extremely important handcuff behind Bijan Robinson, and he led the Falcons in rushing yards (60) in Week 4. That won’t happen every week, but Allgeier remains part of Atlatan’s rotation.

5. RB Trey Sermon (1%): Sermon becomes an important handcuff option this week after Jonathan Taylor suffered an ankle injury on Sunday. If Taylor has to miss any games, Sermon would be the next man up.

6. RB Trey Benson (32%): Benson is another important handcuff behind James Conner, who is yet to play a full season in the NFL. Benson rushed nine times for 50 yards on Sunday.

7. RB Roschon Johnson (14%): D’Andre Swift remains the RB1 in Chicago, but Johnson got seven carries on Sunday and scored a touchdown. He’s worth a look if you’re thin at the position.

8. RB Tank Bigsby (7%): Bigsby led the Jaguars with 90 rushing yards in Week 4 and Jacksonville could opt to ride the hot hand.

9. RB Rico Dowdle (44%): Dowdle led the Cowboys in rushes (11) and yards (46) this week. He seems to be the best option in Dallas’ backfield.

10. RB Justice Hill
(10%): Hill is worth consideration in PPR formats after hauling in six receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown on Sunday night. He also rushed four times for 18 yards.

11. RB Alexander Mattison (31%): Zamir White has been the RB1 in Las Vegas, but Mattison led the team with 60 rushing yards on Sunday and he’s a better receiver out of the backfield. Raiders coach Antonio Pierce hinted Monday that more reps are on the way for Mattison.

12. RB Keaton Mitchell (5%): Mitchell (ACL) is eligible to return this week, although it’s unclear if he will. He’s worth stashing on your IR spot.

Bonus: RB Nick Chubb (78%): Chubb is rostered in most leagues, but like Mitchell, this is the first week he would be eligible to return. Double-check if he’s available in your league just in case. 

Roster percentages for players listed in this article were sourced from ESPN. For more fantasy coverage, check out our fantasy football hub.

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