Flex Options for Week 5 (Fantasy Football)
We’re in uncharted territory with the Flex Options article this week. I’ve never seen a week with such a bleak outlook for WRs, but there’s not a single one outside of the Top-24 that I have any interest in starting. As a result, I’ve chosen five RBs ranked outside the Top-24 this week who I think you can play in your flex spot.
To take things up a notch, I’d start these guys over typical lineup stalwarts at the WR position, such as Tee Higgins, DeVonta Smith, and Ladd McConkey. The sad reality is that those WRs haven’t produced at all yet this year, and it’s time to sit them down until they show some signs of life. These RBs, on the other hand, have been trending upwards and have matchups this week that should be conducive to fantasy scoring.
Here they are:
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, New England Patriots
Henderson found the endzone for the first time in a 42-13 blowout of the Carolina Panthers last week. The goal-line plunge was a promising sign that the Patriots are gaining trust in their rookie runner. Rhamondre Stevenson still led the backfield with a 57% snap share, but that seems more game script related with the Patriots up big for most of the second half. New England enters this week’s matchup with Buffalo as 7.5-point underdogs, which should mean plenty of opportunities for Henderson, who tends to get more work on passing downs. The 49.5 point over/under is juicy, even if most of those implied points are on the Buffalo side. I would start Henderson over Stevenson this week, and if it works out, I would expect that to become the norm moving forward.
Woody Marks, RB, Houston Texans
Another emerging rookie, Marks burst onto the fantasy scene last week with a two-TD performance on 22 opportunities and 119 scrimmage yards. Snaps had been trending this direction, and Marks seemed to officially take over RB1 duties from Nick Chubb last week. The matchup with Baltimore this week might look daunting, but Baltimore’s injury-stricken defense has actually been the best matchup for RBs this year. Marks flashed a three-down skillset last week, and he’s someone who could be locking down your flex position for the rest of the season if his breakout continues. Marks was the top waiver wire add this week. If you were lucky enough to get him, or if you had him stashed, don’t hesitate to start him right away.
Tony Pollard, RB, Tennessee Titans
Tony Pollard did what Tony Pollard does last week – returned Top 36 value despite his team being shut out. He was actually surprisingly efficient too, averaging 4.6 yards per carry on his 14 rushing attempts. Tyjae Spears is eligible to return from his IR stint this week, but even if he does, I don’t expect him to eat into Pollard’s workload too much. Arizona’s defense represents a pretty good matchup for Pollard, having just allowed 155 rushing yards to Seattle last week. If Tennessee is able to gain similar traction in the running game, most of those yards should go to Pollard, and he will turn in another serviceable fantasy performance in your flex spot. Don’t hope for a TD – Tennessee’s offense has scored just three all year – but another 10-point fantasy performance should be well within reach even without a score.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Washington Commanders
This one may be wishful thinking, but Bill Croskey has quietly been putting in some good work for our Nation’s capital city. Some mystery remains as to why he hasn’t been handed the reins to the backfield in Austin Ekeler’s absence, but he continues to make the most out of the limited touches he receives. His 5.93 YPC ranks second behind Travis Etienne among players with at least 20 rushing attempts this season. If that isn’t enough to convince you, X.com is littered with 22-wide videos like this one displaying Croskey-Merritt’s vision and explosiveness.
Every Week 3 touch for Jacory Croskey-Merritt https://t.co/aJWWeoYEtS pic.twitter.com/TKjWT0Vd3o
— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) September 22, 2025
The only person who seemingly hasn’t discovered Bill’s talent yet is his Offensive Coordinator, Kliff Kingsbury. The Commanders are likely to get their starting QB, Jayden Daniels, back from his knee sprain this week, but he may be limited a bit from a mobility standpoint, which could mean more rushing attempts and checkdowns for Washington’s RBs. The matchup against the Chargers’ run defense is tough, but there figures to be plenty of scoring in this game with a 48.0 point over/under. I like Bill’s talent and upside this week, so I’m firing him up in my flex and hoping for a breakout performance.
RJ Harvey, RB, Denver Broncos
Speaking of breakouts, RJ Harvey just had the game that we’re hoping for out of Bill Croskey this week. He saw a season-high 19 opportunities against Cincinnati on Monday night and turned them into 98 scrimmage yards and a TD – his first as a pro. His 41% snap share was also a career high. Harvey outperformed JK Dobbins in that game, so let’s hope the Denver coaching staff takes notice and continues to utilize his talents in a way that benefits our fantasy teams. The matchup with Philadelphia isn’t as bad as it sounds, with Philly currently allowing the 9th most fantasy points to RBs this season. Denver also enters as an underdog, which could lend itself to pass-catching opportunities for Harvey, who is adept in that area. It’s been tough sledding for rookie RBs to start the season, but the breakouts finally seem to be happening before our very eyes. Sit back and ride the wave.