Ranking Every Week 6 Running Back as a Sit or Start

Alvin Kamara's usage was down last week, potentially due to a back injury, but he is expected to remain the primary pass-catching back. The source suggests ignoring last week's performance against a tough Vikings defense.

The Browns signed Audric Estime from the Saints practice squad to provide running back depth following the placement of Raheem Sanders on IR. He is currently viewed as a depth option alongside Jaleel McLaughlin, a duo described by the source as unappealing.

Braelon Allen may see another big game, but faces a tough matchup against a stout Patriots interior defensive line, placing him in a 'feels good' but uncertain tier.

The source trusts his role and volume, noting he gets a ton of touches and should be started as an RB2 despite a tough matchup against the Texans.

Bucky Irving looked phenomenal against the Dallas Cowboys and is projected to receive 15-20 touches. He is considered more talented than most other options on the board and is a recommended start.

Cam Akers is losing work to Najee Harris and faces competition from Tyrone Tracy Jr. after a near-costly fumble last week. While his total yardage projection is around 70, his reception line remains low at 1.5, making him a shaky flex option with less upside than players like Woody Marks or Emanuel Wilson.

Carson Steele was activated to the roster to provide depth at the running back position.

Christian McCaffrey is designated as a must-start running back for the week.

Chuba Hubbard is playing well and should be in lineups, with a projected workload of 17-20 touches. The matchup against Philadelphia is not considered overly scary, though there is uncertainty regarding the 1A role in the Panthers' backfield between Hubbard and Jonathan Brooks.

The source notes that the Bears offense is humming and expresses hope that DJ Moore returns to the lineup to bring the unit to full strength.

D'Andre Swift is dealing with nagging injuries and is less than 100%, which is concerning for his fantasy outlook. His performance is also tied to the uncertainty of the Bears' quarterback situation, though he remains a high-floor player if he suits up.

Dameon Pierce is stepping into an every-down role and is projected to play 65-75% of snaps against the Carolina defense. While not an elite option, he is a viable flex play given the high volume of work expected.

Derrick Henry is a must-start regardless of circumstances. His fantasy ceiling could be massive against the Browns if their starting defensive tackles, Mason Graham and Mike Hall, are unable to play.

The team expects either Saquon Barkley or DeVonta Smith to return to the lineup for Week 6.

Dylan Samson is opening his 21-day practice window, but he is unlikely to return to action for Week 6.

Emanuel Wilson is receiving heavy volume, averaging 20 touches per game, and remains a startable 'feel-good' play despite the source's low opinion of his talent and the expectation that his role will diminish once teammates return from injury. The source categorizes him as a 'dub flex' option, noting they feel better about his projected workload and upside compared to other low-end options.

Jadarian Price is expected to compete for backfield work upon his return from injury.

James Cook is a must-start running back who remains among the league leaders in rushing touchdowns despite Josh Allen's goal-line usage; he benefits from a high 53.5-point game total and favorable betting lines, including an anytime touchdown line of -180.

Jayden Daniels' return to the Commanders' lineup helped Brian Robinson Jr. have a productive game last week. While he filled in admirably for the Buccaneers, the source prefers Baker Mayfield under center for fantasy purposes.

Jaylen Warren has been lights out since Rico Dowdle's injury and is considered a featured player by Mike McCarthy. The source would start him over all other options in this tier and recommends riding him into the ground.

Jeremiah Love is a shaky flex play due to recent inefficiency (12 carries for 22 yards), a lack of pass-catching volume, and a clear injury issue.

Jonathan Taylor is a must-start for Week 6, despite the source expressing skepticism about the high point total in the Colts-Titans matchup.

The source notes uncertainty regarding the 1A role in the Panthers' backfield between Chuba Hubbard and Jonathan Brooks.

Justin Herbert is expected to play despite likely dealing with a high ankle sprain; however, the Chargers' offensive line is in shambles due to the absence of Rashan Slater and uncertainty surrounding Joe Alt.

Keaton Mitchell is part of a three-way backfield split where he, Hampton, and Vidal each receive approximately 35% of the snaps.

Kendre Miller out-carried and out-touched Alvin Kamara last week and scored a goal-line touchdown, though he was not effective on the ground. The source expects his role to normalize rather than maintain last week's split.

Kenneth Walker is a must-start running back who is projected to have a massive game.

Marshawn Lloyd is a confident start, projected as the featured back in a two-man rotation with Pierre Strong while Josh Jacobs and Christopher Brooks are expected to be out. He carries a strong -165 anytime touchdown line and is preferred over Tony Pollard.

Michael Pittman Jr. is currently out with an injury, which forces the Pittsburgh passing game to rely more on running backs.

The Houston offense has looked better since Nico Collins returned to the lineup.

Raheem Sanders has been placed on IR, further thinning the Browns' running back depth.

Rhamondre Stevenson is a must-start due to a high-volume role, with Vegas projections of 90 total yards and 3.5 receptions.

Rico Dowdle is dealing with a turf injury that caused him to miss time last week. He is considered a shaky flex option at best.

R.J. Harvey's lack of involvement in the passing game in Week 5 was an outlier; his route participation remained steady at 45%, suggesting fantasy managers should not overreact to the single-game dip. The source also uses him as a benchmark for comparing Dameon Pierce's fantasy value.

Roman Wilson is currently out with an injury.

While not an effective runner, Roschon Johnson maintains a high floor in terms of pass-catching and receptions. He is a speculative add in deep leagues to monitor in case D'Andre Swift's injury status worsens.

The source is not confident that Saquon Barkley will return to the lineup for Week 6 and advises fantasy managers to have backup plans ready. While the team expects either Barkley or DeVonta Smith to return, there is no certainty regarding Barkley's availability.

Tony Pollard is in a 50/50 backfield split with Tajae Spears and is considered a shaky flex play for Week 6, with projections of 60 total yards and 10 receiving yards; the source also views him as a potential trade candidate and would start MarShawn Lloyd over him.

Tajae Spears is in a 50/50 backfield split with Tony Pollard and should be stashed on fantasy benches; he saw nine targets last week and benefits from a favorable matchup against a Colts defense that ranks last in EPA per run.

Tyler Allgeier is playing a high volume of snaps, but the source does not feel confident starting him.

Tyrone Tracy Jr. is getting involved in the Giants' backfield rotation, though his role remains uncertain following previous fumbling issues that landed him in the doghouse during the preseason.

With David Montgomery out, Woody Marks will operate as the bellcow, handling pass-catching and goal-line duties. Despite a tough matchup against Jacksonville, his volume makes him a viable flex start. The source also categorizes him as a 'dub flex' option, noting they feel better about his projected workload and upside compared to other low-end options.

Zach Charbonnet is expected to compete for backfield work upon his return from injury.