Fantasy Football Start'em, Sit'em Week 5: RB Edition

Welcome to Week 5 of the NFL season, where bye weeks come into play for the Carolina Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs. Last week's running backs have showcased varying levels of success, making it a great time to consider trades. Injuries continue to be a factor, particularly for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Starting out, RJ Harvey from the Denver Broncos is a solid choice for Week 5. Despite getting fewer carries, Harvey has been efficient in the receiving department, catching 16 balls for 109 yards in his last two games. In PPR leagues, he has generated 19.3 fantasy points. Harvey could be an underrated option in fantasy football, so he should definitely be on your starting lineup.

Next up is Emanuel Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks. Wilson had an impressive debut with 81 rushing yards and a touchdown, along with some receptions for 39 yards and a touchdown. The Seattle defense has been solid against running backs, making Wilson a strong candidate to produce similarly in Week 5.

Ollie Gordon II from the Miami Dolphins is another starter to consider. Against the Minnesota Vikings, Gordon had 100 rushing yards and a touchdown, which should translate well against the weaker run defense of the Minnesota Vikings. With other top running backs on bye, including Chuba Hubbard and Kenneth Walker III, Gordon's consistent production makes him worth starting.

David Montgomery from the Houston Texans is a sit for fantasy players. After a strong Week 1, Montgomery's production has been lackluster, with only 67 rushing yards and four targets over his last three games. With the Texans potentially incorporating more of their rookie running back, Woody Marks, into the offense, Montgomery's fantasy production is expected to remain disappointing.

Jeremiyah Love from the Arizona Cardinals is also a sit. Love has been dealing with an injury that has affected his carries, and his upcoming matchup against the Detroit Lions could further limit his opportunities. Unless Love manages to score a touchdown while playing through the injury, he is unlikely to meet his projection this week.

Lastly, Will Shipley from the Philadelphia Eagles is the only healthy starting running back in the Eagles' lineup. Despite Tank Bigsby's injury and Saquon Barkley's questionable status, Shipley could be a decent option for fantasy owners. However, his matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who allow the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs, may not justify starting him. For better waiver-wire options, there are more appealing choices available.