2021 NFL Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 5: Running backs

I wasn’t huge on Edmonds coming into the season. I was more of a James Conner guy -- who has been out there killing it near the goal line. But Edmonds has been really good, too. He’s had at least four receptions in four games this season. The 49ers have allowed a top-20 fantasy RB in four games this year. Start both of these Cardinals running backs with confidence. 

2023 stats: 10 games | 66.2 pct | 2,609 pass yds | 7.3 ypa | 19 pass TD | 5 INT | 186 rush yds | 3 rush TD | 3 fumbles

For the love of all things football, can someone please help Herbert? I can count four key drops off the top of my head: Donald Parham on an early third down, Keenan Allen on third down near the goal line, Allen in the end zone and Quentin Johnston on a throw that should have pushed Los Angeles to victory. Instead, the loss to the Packers was filled with mistakes by the Chargers, who racked up so many errors, not even Herbert couldn’t dig them out of it. It’s a shame, too, because his touchdown pass to Allen, which gave them a temporary fourth-quarter lead, was fantastic. 

Well, Christian McCaffrey isn’t on the IR so you’re saying there’s a chance? Or maybe this will end up like last season, when he was questionable every week and then never played. But Hubbard has been great in the past two games. Well, he’s been fine. He’s getting the opportunities, with at least 14 touches in each game. Love the matchup. The Eagles have allowed the second-most rush yards per game this season (127.3). 

Dude was benched in Week 1. A healthy scratch. He’s currently 13th among running backs averaging more than 15 points per game. He’s led the Bills backfield in snaps the past two games. He’s resilient like when Bryan Danielson was the first person eliminated from NXT back in the day. Now look at him. And Kansas City has allowed a rushing touchdown to a running back in every game this season. The Chiefs have also allowed a top-10 fantasy running back in three of four games. 

David Montgomery is out for a few weeks, which is terrible news. I mean, it could have been the whole season, I guess. Not that it’s much of a consolation. It’s like, hey, somebody stole my skateboard, only to have somebody say, “Hey, they could have stole your car, too.” And I’m like, I’d still like to have my skateboard back. Still. We remember Williams from his great run with the Chiefs a few years ago and I feel confident starting him here. 

Look, he had at least 14 touches in three of four games this year. He’s had at least three receptions in back-to-back games. What is most important to me: He won Angriest Runs on GMFB for Week 4. Once you get the Kyle Brandt seal of approval, wear the crown and hold the scepter, then you’re as good as gold. This is going to be his breakout week and you should be ready for it.  

I really liked Gaskin coming into the season and it might be time to move on. I can’t say that I wasn’t warned. But he hasn’t reached double digits since Week 1. The worst was Sunday when he rushed twice for 3 yards and didn’t even have a damn target. Not even a single look. With a tough matchup against the Bucs this week, he’ll go for 30 once we all put him on the waiver wire. Holy smokes, this dude is rostered in 97 percent of NFL.com leagues. Wow. 

Michel feels like a third wheel in this Rams offense. Like, it’s cool when Darrell Henderson is not around, he’ll get a lot of attention and even do some things. But the Rams barely went to him in Sunday’s loss to the Cardinals. Michel is really nothing more than a handcuff for Henderson at this point. No shame in that. I mean, you get to be a member of the L.A. Rams. Maybe have a nice house in Calabasas. But that’s about it. 

Look, Gio is going to happen when he returns to the team. Just brace yourself for that. Leonard Fournette is going to be the featured back. I mean, I know RoJo got into the end zone. I watched the game. But if you were watching, you’ll know the only reason RoJo got onto the field was because Fournette was exhausted and had to come out of the game. He shouldn’t have a roster spot in 10-team leagues. I don’t know why I get heat for loving Gio so much. It’s RoJo you should be mad at. 

I did notice he had a sizeable part of the Seahawks offense on Sunday. He even rushed for a touchdown. The Rams haven’t been great against the run this year, to the point I’d be comfortable going with Chris Carson this week. But for me, Collins is best used if you missed out on Damien Williams or Semaje Perrine on waivers this week. I would not be starting him over people like Miles Sanders or Zack Moss or players in the low-end RB2 category. Even Kenny Gainwell is a much safer start for me.