Fantasy RB PPR Rankings Week 5: Who to start, sit at running back in fantasy football

Let's all take a minute to appreciate the fact that our Week 5 fantasy RB PPR rankings aren't affected by bye weeks. It will be the last time that's the case until December. We know injuries are going to be a constant threat to our start 'em, sit 'em decisions (see David Montgomery), but not having to deal with scheduled PTO creates more sleepers and must-starts.

Of course, it also creates more potential busts. That's slightly mitigated in PPR leagues, as some of the guys with tougher matchups are at least slightly better served to provide points through the air. This week, that includes borderline starters Clyde Edwards-Helaire (vs. Bills) and Miles Sanders/Kenny Gainwell (@ Panthers). Gainwell might actually have more value than Sanders in PPR at this point. The most worrisome backs with bad matchups are the Broncos duo of Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon (@ Steelers). Both are still potentially in play, but Gordon gets the slight bump in PPR to get into the flex range.

WEEK 5 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

The favorable matchups spawn many PPR sleepers this week, as some classic receiving backs are in good spots, at least based on early-season RB defensive stats. Chase Edmonds (vs. 49ers), Cordarrelle Patterson and Mike Davis (vs. Jets in London), Nyheim Hines (@ Ravens), Kareem Hunt (vs. Chargers), and Devin Singletary (@ Chiefs) all look like decent flexes in PPR. Even Giovani Bernard (vs. Dolphins), if active, has some upside, but he's best left on benches for at least one more week.

WEEK 5 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

J.D. McKissic (vs. Saints) seems to be back to usual pass-catching ways after a slow start, so he can still be considered a flex this week. Damien Williams (@ Raiders) and Chuba Hubbard (vs. Eagles) should both see every-down work with the injuries to David Montgomery (knee) and Christian McCaffrey (hamstring), but they have even more juice in PPR formats. 

WEEK 5 DFS LINEUPS: FanDuel | DraftKings | Yahoo

Myles Gaskin (@ Bucs) was always seen as having a high PPR floor, but after last week, he can't be trusted, especially against the Bucs top-ranked run defense. David Johnson (vs. Patriots) is also in that boat.

MORE WEEK 5 DFS: Best stacks | Best values | Lineup Builder

Running back is about as calm as it can get right now, but things are about to get much more turbulent. As we said before, things are always a little easier in PPR, but not much. Stock up on depth and handcuffs now. You're gonna need it. 

WEEK 5 FANTASY: Sleepers | Busts | Start 'em, sit 'em

Note: We'll be updating these RB PPR rankings as needed during the week, so check back for the latest player movement. For individual analysis of key RBs, click here.

Fantasy RB PPR Rankings Week 5: Who to start at running back

Rankings are based on full-point PPR scoring