There were some big injuries yet again at the running back position this past week. Both Joe Mixon and David Montgomery are the latest starters to find themselves hit by the injury bug. Whether you are at the bottom of the waiver order or you are going to miss out on the big names, you’re going to be looking for some steals this week at arguably the most important position in fantasy. As always, if you dig deep enough, there are plenty of gems available. Here are three fantasy football streamers at the RB position that can help you get another, or your first, win this fantasy season.
Read on for three RB fantasy football streamers that are worth consideration for Week 5. In some cases, one might still be able to claim these passers off of waivers. In order to be included in the fantasy football RB streamers article, they must be owned in less than 60 percent of ESPN leagues.
Week 5 Fantasy Football RB Streamers
Malcolm Brown | Miami Dolphins (at TB)
Myles Gaskin is clearly the best back for the Miami Dolphins. Unfortunately, that doesn’t stop Miami from giving Malcolm Brown the plurality of work. After just five carries each of the first two weeks, Brown has seven and eight the last two weeks. Seeing that Gaskin had just two carries last week, it’s clear that this is Brown’s backfield now, especially after seeing the majority of snaps. While Gaskin gets more work in the passing game, Malcolm Brown is seeing two looks per game in the red zone situations, and one in goal-to-go situations.
Miami faces a tough test with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coming to town. Their running game will certainly not be as effective (or ineffective) as usual. With the looks that Brown gets near the end zone, however, he has a good chance to simply fall into the end zone. If you’re looking deep on waivers for options, you likely just need a touchdown. Malcolm Brown can certainly give it to you. Brown is rostered in just 15.7% of fantasy football leagues. He is one of the more risky options, but the payoff could be huge.
Alex Collins | Seattle Seahawks (vs LAR)
Chris Carson was slated to be “the guy” once again in Seattle’s backfield. When healthy, he’s historically been one of the best backs in the league. This year, however, something’s different, and that benefits Alex Collins immensely. Last week against the 49ers, Collins saw 10 carries, which he turned into 44 yards, and added two receptions for another 34 yards. Carson was only given 13 carries and could only average 2.3 yards per carry when given the rock. Pete Carroll is not a dumb coach, and he will likely split this backfield in touches again due to the lackluster performances recently from Carson.
Against the Rams, it’s going to be a tall task for Seattle to pull out a victory, even in Seattle. To this point, however, Los Angeles hasn’t been the big bad defense we remember. The Rams are the 22nd overall defense against running backs. Seattle will need to run the ball so the Rams can’t just swarm in on Wilson. When they do, Collins will get plenty of touches. Rostered in just 1.3% of leagues, he’s certainly available…for now.
Kenneth Gainwell | Philadelphia Eagles (at CAR)
When will people learn? Somehow Kenneth Gainwell is rostered in just 35.7% of fantasy football leagues and it’s a wonder he isn’t at least stashed in more. Gainwell is RB25 and has put up double-digit points two out of four weeks this season. The best part about Gainwell’s value is his value in the receiving game. Gainwell only receives three less touches per game than Sanders and will see plenty of targets in a game where Carolina will likely get the lead early.
Sanders was drafted to be a low-RB1 or high-end RB2 this season. In comes Kenneth Gainwell, who not only is outplaying Sanders but also has two touchdowns whereas Sanders has yet to find pay dirt. The biggest positive about Gainwell is that he is game script proof. If the Eagles are winning, he’s a great change of pace back that will be used plenty to give Sanders some rest. If Philly is behind, his abilities in the receiving game will be utilized as well and likely have him on the field more than Sanders. At this rate, Gainwell may have to be inducted into the streamers hall of fame, as he seems to be a great pick-up every single week.
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