Fantasy Football: Week 5 Running Back Rankings

MIAMI, Oct. 4 (UPI) -- Few people could have expected running backs Melvin Gordon and C.J. Anderson to become RB1 fantasy football plays by Week 5.

That's where we are this season, after injuries and many other circumstances have drained the running back pool. It has been another year filled with early-round pick disappointments and sleepers rising to the top. To help navigate who you should depend on, I have ranked my top 50 wide receivers this week. You can also view my add/drops for the week and more positional rankings in the links below.

TOP SHELF

Gordon has been one of the best stories this season. The second-year running back has scored in every game and has six total touchdowns. Look for that great start to continue, when the San Diego Chargers face the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to running backs this season. Gordon should be put in the position to score again in this one and should be employed as a weekly RB1 play. Anderson has helped the Denver Broncos get off to a 4-0 start. He has four touchdowns heading into Week 5 and is also a good bet to score against the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to running backs this season, despite shutting down Carolina Panthers backs for 19 rushing yards last week.

SNEAKY PLAYS

Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore has been quietly dependable for nearly his entire career. The 33-year-old is averaging about 80 yards from scrimmage per game this season and has three touchdowns. Gore is also getting more than 19 touches per game. He has scored in three consecutive contests and could get in the end zone again against a Chicago Bears defense that has allowed the most rushing attempts to running backs this season. I expect the Colts to beat the Bears here with ball control, leaving plenty of work for Gore. In that same game, I think Jordan Howard could be a high-end RB2 play. The Bears rookie is facing a Colts defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points per game to running backs this season.

LONGSHOTS

Baltimore Ravens running back Terrance West can be thrown into your starting lineup straight from the waiver wire. West had 113 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries in a Week 4 loss to the Oakland Raiders. The Ravens released Justin Forsett Tuesday, just ahead of its Week 5 battle against the Washington Redskins. The Redskins have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to running backs this season and I don't see that improving against the Ravens. West should be an RB2 play for the next few weeks. I see New England Patriots running back James White as a huge benefactor for Tom Brady's return. Brady loves pass-catching running backs and White has the skill set, in the absence of Dion Lewis. The Patriots are also facing the Cleveland Browns. I see a blowout in this one, leaving plenty of production to be had by multiple Patriots pass-catchers. White is a sneaky RB2 play in deep PPR leagues this week.