In rush for RBs, it helps to run toward right ones

FANTASY football managers are rushing through the doors to the Week 5 waiver wire like it’s Black Friday at Walmart. And the mob is flocking to the Running Back Department.

A substantial number of fantasy drafters focused much more heavily on wide receivers, expecting to be able to find complementary RB help throughout the season. Unfortunately, the rising number of tandem backfields, coupled with a bevy of early-season injuries, has left the RB shelves barren, at best.

Few situations have changed since Sunday’s games, but there are certainly a few names to grab and stash from your waiver wire.

The obvious starting place this week is with the Broncos. Lead running back Javonte Williams suffered what is being described as a hip flexor issue and was forced to leave the game in the first quarter. The injury is not expected to keep him out for any serious length of time, but with Williams still returning from a torn ACL suffered in 2022, this backfield already had shared elements.

Samaje Perine has been seeing close to a 50 percent snap-share, and Jaleel McLaughlin has seen a steady increase in touches as well, including some red-zone work.

Should Williams be forced to miss Week 5,

Perine is going to be everyone’s first move, but if you are low on FAAB dollars or have a lower waiver priority, you may just want to focus on McLaughlin. He actually started to see increased work during Denver’s comeback, so perhaps he’s turned coach Sean Payton’s head a little more than we think.

You should also be looking to add Vikings running back Cam Akers. Alexander Mattison is the primary back, but Akers actually saw a 30 percent snap-share, garnered a few carries and out-targeted Mattison in the passing game.

We can also note that Mattison has had issues with dropped passes and fumbling, which opens the door wider for Akers, who was appearing in his first game with Minnesota this past weekend. And don’t forget, both head coach Kevin O’Connell and offensive coordinator Wes Phillips coached the Rams when Akers was originally drafted. He may not be a nepo-baby, but for football, this is pretty close.

With bye weeks rapidly approaching, stashing running backs should be a top priority right now. The wide receivers might be getting all the Flex love, but when it comes down to it, in most leagues, you still have to start two running backs each week. Without a proper stable on your bench, you’re going to be in trouble very soon.

Howard Bender is the head of content at FantasyAlarm.com. Follow him on X @rotobuzzguy and catch him on the award-winning “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show” on the SiriusXM fantasy sports channel weekdays from 6-8 p.m. Go to FantasyAlarm.com for all your fantasy football advice.