ClutchPoints
Week 5 of the fantasy football season ushers in a new wrinkle for managers: byes. With the Bears, Falcons, Packers, and Steelers all off the slate, depth at running back will be tested. The position remains the engine of most lineups. It’s also one of the most volatile, though. Injuries, matchups, and offensive line play can completely shift outlooks from week to week. This week’s rankings reflect both the reliable studs and the surprising risers who are forcing their way into the RB1 conversation. From Christian McCaffrey’s seemingly unstoppable dual-threat dominance to emerging names like Omarion Hampton, fantasy managers must adjust quickly to stay ahead.
The top 10 looks a little different this week. That’s thanks to Hampton’s rapid emergence over the past two weeks. Cam Skattebo and Quinshon Judkins are also climbing. Each lands inside the top 15 after establishing themselves as volume-driven assets. On the other hand, Chase Brown, Tony Pollard, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and Rhamondre Stevenson are trending down. They have been hurt by inefficiency, poor matchups, or both. Navigating these shifts is essential for managers juggling bye weeks and injuries.
Here we will look at our NFL Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings entering Week 5 of the 2025 regular season.
McCaffrey is redefining expectations at the position. He currently sits third in receptions across the league. He is also eighth in receiving and among the top 10 in rushing attempts. That rare combination makes him a weekly matchup-proof starter. Week 5, however, presents a stiff test against the Rams. They have allowed the fewest fantasy football points to running backs this season. They’ve also limited receptions to the position and rank second in fewest receiving yards allowed. Jonathan Taylor was held in check against them in Week 4. He had only 76 rushing yards and 20 receiving yards. Still, McCaffrey’s versatile skill set makes him nearly impossible to bench regardless of matchup.
Hampton delivered a highlight reel in Week 4. That included a 54-yard touchdown run that showcased his explosiveness. Sure, the Chargers’ loss and the injury to offensive tackle Joe Alt cloud the long-term outlook. Still, Hampton’s role is undeniable. He’ll see the bulk of the carries. Yes, Washington has been stout against the run. That said, volume and talent keep Hampton in the low-end RB1 discussion. Managers should temper expectations if the offensive line struggles, but he remains an every-week starter.
Judkins continues to shine as the centerpiece of Cleveland’s backfield. In Week 4, he had 21 carries for 82 yards and a touchdown. That’s in addition to 33 receiving yards. It cemented his reliability. He’s topped 60 rushing yards in each of his three games and is one of the few bright spots in an otherwise sluggish Browns offense. Against Minnesota, Judkins projects as a steady RB2 with upside if the game script works...
