There are very few bell-cow backs anymore, but believe it or not, there are five guys averaging more than 20 carries per game. However, they’ve all had some difficulties. The only one who hasn’t had a major issue is Dallas’ Ezekiel Elliott. Lamar Miller is averaging just over 23 carries per game, but he has yet to find the end zone. LeGarrette Blount is averaging 22, but with Tom Brady back, he’s going to lose touches. Todd Gurley (20.5 carries per game) is averaging just 2.63 YPC while Matt Forte has to worry about Bilal Powell. The key to the running back position is finding the right guy with the right matchup and capitalizing on it.

Here are your Top 5 running backs for Week 5 of the NFL season.

David Johnson @ SF

The 49ers have allowed over 100 rushing yards to opposing running backs in three straight contests, and they just lost linebacker NaVorro Bowman, so they are in trouble in this one. Regardless of Carson Palmer’s health, Johnson is going to get plenty of work in this one. He’s averaging over 120 total yards per game this season, so you can confidently fire him up as a RB1.

C.J. Anderson vs. ATL

Falcons are allowing the seventh-most fantasy points per game to opposing backs, so Anderson has himself a nice matchup in Week 5. Expect him to get involved in the passing attack as well, seeing as Atlanta has allowed 300 receiving yards and two scores to running backs this season. He’s a RB1 this week.

DeMarco Murray @ MIA

Murray is red-hot and the Miami defense just won’t be able to contain him. Marcus Mariota has struggled to throw the ball downfield, so Murray has become one of the most important pieces in the passing game. He’s averaging over five yards per carry and 100 total yards should be considered the floor in this one.

Le’Veon Bell vs. NYJ

Bell looked excellent against the Chiefs and that will carry over this week. His usage alone makes him an RB1, but his intriguing skillset makes him that much better. The Jets may be solid against the run, but three receiving scores for running backs through four weeks likely signifies a lot of Bell in the passing game this week. RB1 for sure.

Ezekiel Elliott vs. CIN

The rookie is leading the league in rushing but he gets a stiff test in Week 5. The Bengals have only allowed one touchdown to running backs this season, but they are allowing just under four yards per carry to opposing backs. He will get plenty of work and find the end zone, making him an RB1 this week.

BONUS MENTION:

Melvin Gordon @ OAK

Running the ball, touchdowns aside, he has struggled. However, injuries have forced him to become a major pass-catching threat out of the backfield. He’s received over seven targets in each of the past two games, so you can expect a minimum of 20 touches from Gordon on Sunday.

Be sure to check in with the rest of the NFL Week 5 Fantasy Football Player Rankings here at Fantasy Alarm.

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