Fantasy Football RB Sleepers for Week 5: Five Running Backs to Consider

Finding the right fantasy football RB sleepers can make a huge impact in Week 5, especially for managers dealing with injuries, bye weeks, difficult matchups or tough start-sit decisions. Aside from the obvious weekly starters, several running back sleepers could be positioned for increased opportunities this week.

Each week, we highlight five running backs who have a path to outperform expectations because of their role, matchup, recent usage or opportunities in their offense. These picks can help season-long fantasy football managers looking for a sleeper or FLEX option, while DraftKings salaries are included for players who are also in good spots to provide DFS value.

Best Fantasy Football RB Sleepers for Week 5

Here are five fantasy football RB sleepers to consider for Week 5. Quick analysis for each running back is below.

1. Keaton Mitchell, Los Angeles Chargers ($4,500)
2. Najee Harris, New York Giants ($4,500)
3. CJ Donaldson, New Orleans Saints ($4,400)
4. Mike Washington Jr., Las Vegas Raiders ($4,200)
5. Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears ($4,200)

Keaton Mitchell, Los Angeles Chargers ($4,500)

Why he’s a Week 5 fantasy football sleeper: Looking for answers after an 0-4 start, the Chargers are spreading the work around in the backfield with Mitchell sharing time with Omarion Hampton ($6,000) and Kimani Vidal ($4,300). Mitchell has 10+ FPTS in each of the last two weeks and is more involved as a pass-catcher than the other options, which could earn him even more playing time with so many receiver injuries for the Bolts. Mitchell had a touchdown in Week 3 and five catches in Week 4, leading the backfield in touches with 15 against the Seahawks. Hampton is still the starter and much more expensive, but Mitchell is a strong fantasy football sleeper play at $4,500.

Najee Harris, New York Giants ($4,500)

Why he’s a Week 5 fantasy football sleeper: Harris only played 14 snaps (22%) in Week 3 and 12 snaps (18%) in Week 4, but he had nine carries in each of those contests. He ran for 52 yards against the Titans and 30 yards against the Cardinals, while also adding a two-point conversion. He is getting work as the top backup behind Cam Skattebo ($6,000) and looks like he’s a top short-yardage option which gives him touchdown-dependent upside. This game could be run-heavy since it looks like it could be a bad-weather game in Washington.

CJ Donaldson, New Orleans Saints ($4,400)

Why he’s a Week 5 fantasy football sleeper: The Saints are in a tough RB matchup against the Vikings and will be without Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) and possibly Alvin Kamara ($5,400; back), who is questionable. Last week, without Etienne, Kamara and Kendre Miller ($4,900) shared time on early downs, while Donaldson tied for Kamara with 28 snaps. Most of his work was late but he finished with three carries for 18 yards and caught both of his targets for five yards. If the Saints have to go pass-heavy against the blitz-heavy Vikings, Donaldson could be more heavily involved this week and brings intriguing upside, especially if Kamara is out.

Mike Washington Jr., Las Vegas Raiders ($4,200)

Why he’s a Week 5 fantasy football sleeper: Mike Washington Jr. is another player with the potential to step into a big role depending on the final injury updates of the week. Ashton Jeanty (ankle/foot) is questionable, and if he is ultimately out, Washington will be the top value play on the slate. I did a full analysis of the situation Friday, but be ready to roll with Washington if Jeanty is out or limited.

Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears ($4,200)

Why he’s a Week 5 fantasy football sleeper: With Kyle Monangai (toe) out and considered week-to-week, Johnson will likely mix in with D’Andre Swift ($6,200) as the Bears face the Packers, who have allowed the third-most fantasy points to running backs this year. Johnson saw his first action of the season last week, taking four carries for 16 rushing yards with a seven-yard reception. With a dominant offensive line, Johnson could end up putting up big numbers alonside Swift this week.

Last Week’s Fantasy Football RB Sleeper Results

Here’s how our five fantasy football RB sleeper picks performed last week: 

• Woody Marks, Houston Texans: 8.2 FPTS
• Kaleb Johnson, Green Bay Packers: 3.2 FPTS
• George Holani, Seattle Seahawks: 3.0 FPTS
• Ty Johnson, Buffalo Bills: 3.2 FPTS
• Keaton Mitchell, Los Angeles Chargers: 11.3 FPTS

Fantasy Football RB Sleepers FAQ

Who are the best fantasy football RB sleepers for Week 5?

Keaton Mitchell, Najee Harris, CJ Donaldson, Mike Washington Jr. and Roschon Johnson are five running backs to consider as fantasy football sleepers for Week 5.

What is a fantasy football RB sleeper?

A fantasy football RB sleeper is a running back outside the most obvious weekly starters who has an opportunity to outperform expectations because of factors such as an expanded role, increased targets, injuries, recent usage or a favorable matchup.

Can these RB sleepers also be used in DraftKings DFS lineups?

Some fantasy football RB sleepers can also provide DFS value when their DraftKings salary does not fully reflect their projected role or upside. DraftKings salaries are included above to help identify players who may be useful in both season-long fantasy football and DFS contests.