Fantasy Football Handcuff Report: Week 5

As we head into Week 5 there are just two teams that haven’t given up a rushing TD to a RB: the Patriots and the 49ers. The Ravens, who have a reputation for having a stout defense, give up an average of 5.38 YPC, and have yielded the most rushing TDs to RBs (6). The Texans have given up the most receptions to RBs (34), and the Dolphins have given up the most TD receptions to the position (4). The Bears have a legit run defense that made Vikings RB Dalvin Cook look average. The Packers have given up 5.30 YPC this season and let Eagles RB Jordan Howard look like an RB1 as he scored three TDs against them this week. Here’s some more:

Kansas City Chiefs

Damien Williams returned to practice this week could be active for Sunday night’s matchup against the Colts. LeSean McCoy is dealing with an ankle issue but if he’s active as expected, he and Williams should split carries. Darrel Williams would be the biggest loser if both Williams and McCoy are a full go this Sunday. Follow this situation closely as game time approaches.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers kind of played us a little bit last week. Melvin Gordon was active, but didn’t play a single snap. That should change this week. Gordon might not be the Chargers’ lead back this week, but with Justin Jackson out, he should have a semi-significant role in the Chargers offense against the Broncos. The Broncos just got carved up by Leonard Fournette in Week 4 for 225 rushing yards and are giving up 4.75 YPC on the season. You’re probably safer playing Austin Ekeler than Gordon in fantasy this week. However, Gordon owners should monitor the news coming out of L.A.

New York Giants

There’s been some speculation that Saquon Barkley could possibly return to action in Week 6 against the Patriots. The instillation of Daniel Jones as the team’s QB seems to have reinvigorated the entire franchise and Barkley has been very vocal about wanting to get back on the playing field as quickly as possible. In the meantime, Wayne Gallman will be the Giants’ lead back this week but stay tuned!

Pittsburgh Steelers

Both James Conner and Jaylen Samuels had a productive Week 4. That kind of makes sense, since they were playing the Bengals who’ve given up eight total TDs to RBs, and the most fantasy points to the position. However, it was ironic that each had 10 carries and eight receptions. At 0-3, the Steelers’ backs were up against the wall. With rookie QB Mason Rudolph having gotten off to a slow start in his first two NFL games, they looked outside the box and used an offensive scheme that took advantage of Samuels’ dynamic skillset and incorporated wild cat and jet sweep action. With Conner dealing with an ankle issue which caused him to miss practice this week, if he does play, he’s probably not going to be at 100%. The Steelers would be wise to attack the Ravens with a heavy dose of Samuels this week. Remember, the Ravens showed they’re vulnerable to the run after they gave up 165 rushing yards and three TDs to Nick Chubb last week. If we get another big week from Samuels, look for him to have a significant role in the Steelers offense going forward.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ronald Jones rushed a season high 19 times in Week 4 against the Rams and out snapped Peyton Barber 36 to 19. He also rushed for 5.71 YPC in Week 3. Jones has been the more productive back of the two over the past two weeks and it seems as if we’re starting to see him develop into the more dominant RB in the Buccaneers’ backfield. The Bucs face the Saints who haven’t given up too many fantasy points to RBs, but they have yielded a 4.25 YPC against to the position. Keep an eye on Jones’ usage this week.