Week 5 dropped some absolute bombs on fantasy football managers, leaving us all staring at our screens wondering what just happened in these running back committees. As bye weeks loom large, these frustrating situations are only going to get worse.
Cincy’s Chase Brown is Slipping from RB2 Status
Take Chase Brown for example. We thought this guy was gonna absolutely feast in Week 5, but he got straight-up outtouched and outscored by Samaje Perine. Brown pulled in 13 carries for 3 receptions and 78 total yards, but zero touchdowns for a measly 5.5 fantasy points. Perine, his backup, snagged 14 carries, 2 receptions, 60 yards, and one touchdown for a sweet 14.8 points.
The Bengals’ passing game was cooking, Burrow threw four TDs under 200 yards, and Miami coughed up the ball three times. Yeah, it was a wonky game script, no doubt. But come on, this was a Dolphins D giving up rushing TDs like candy before this game! This isn’t a one-off, either. Brown’s only hit double-digit fantasy points in two of his five games this season, and his high score? A pathetic 16.3. Cincy’s run game is struggling, and Brown’s ceiling is getting absolutely demolished. He’s still technically an RB2, but he’s sliding fast into that RB3/flex territory. Perine’s now an “interesting deep-league add,” and if anything happens to Brown, he was good enough in Week 5 to get on some fantasy radars.
Skattebo’s Red Zone Woes and Costly Fumbles for the G-Men
Over in New York, Cam Skattebo nearly handed the Giants a loss before the Commanders somehow managed to screw up a 27-27 tie. Skattebo ended up with 13 carries, 2 receptions, 71 total yards, and zero touchdowns for a disappointing 6.1 fantasy points. His teammate, Najee Harris, was barely a blip with 5 carries, 1 reception, and 14 yards for 1.9 points.
Skattebo looked like he was heading for another garbage week until overtime, where he got to a “somewhat respectable 59 rushing yards.” Then BAM! He coughed up the ball when the G-Men were literally about to seal the win. You can’t make this stuff up. Everyone thought Skattebo was gonna be a rock-solid RB2/3 coming into 2026. Instead? He’s got no ceiling. His season-high was 14.1 back in Week 1, and just like Brown, he’s only hit double-digit points in two of five games despite getting plenty of touches every single week. Jameis Winston is moving the ball, even in bad weather, so you can’t blame the QB. Skattebo, fresh off a major injury, still looks explosive, but those “home run” plays we saw from him as a rookie? Gone. And the Giants just aren’t getting into the red area enough. He’s getting opportunities, but he’s just not converting. It’s tough because, based on the usage, you want to believe.
With bye weeks hitting hard and fast, you gotta wonder if these guys can turn it around. Brown and Skattebo were supposed to be the anchors, but right now, they’re sinking ships. Keep an eye on how these backfields evolve, especially if their teams can start converting in the red zone, because if these guys don’t produce soon, your fantasy season might be cooked before November.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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