Week 5 of the NFL season is in the books, and our attention is drawn towards the top-performing rookie players nationwide. The rookie running back group 2023 has showcased impressive stats in the season’s early stages. As we approach Week 6, we have compiled a list of the best rookie rushers for fantasy football in the upcoming slate.
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Who Are the Best Rookie RBs for Fantasy This Week?
Our NFL Week 6 dynasty running back rankings are courtesy of the PFN Consensus Fantasy Rankings.
1) Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
Tied as the NFL’s eighth-leading rusher, it’s unsurprising that Bijan Robinson is still atop our rookie rankings. Despite a strong push from De’Von Achane before he suffered a knee injury, Robinson remains one of the safest fantasy plays possible, thanks to his blend of consistency, explosiveness, and opportunity.
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Robinson has 364 yards on a terrific 5.4 per carry. We’re still waiting for his first rushing touchdown, which might be coming against the Washington Commanders this week.
2) Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos
With Achane on the shelf, Jaleel McLaughlin sees a big rise again. With a whopping 7.3 yards per carry and an increased role as a receiver, McLaughlin has been a jolt of energy to this lethargic Denver Broncos offense. McLaughlin is the latest UDFA back to become a viable fantasy starter early in his career.
Though McLaughlin may never see more than 10 rushes a game due to his 5’7″ stature, his speed and ability to threaten defenses is enough to do significant damage in his touches. He could have a big week in Week 6 if Denver trails Kansas City throughout their matchup.
3) Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
While David Montgomery is a solid running back, Detroit’s usage of first-round pick Jahmyr Gibbs remains confounding. Gibbs has only 39 carries and 70 receiving yards on the season. But with Gibbs missing last week, Montgomery exploded for a big game.
Gibbs isn’t likely to overtake Montgomery as the lead back this season, but his increase in workload since Week 1 seemed meaningful until Gibbs was out for Week 5.
It feels like we’re one big play away from Gibbs’ stock getting back to where it should be for a recent first-rounder.
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Week 6 would be a good time for it to happen against a mediocre Tampa Bay run defense.
4) Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans
As long as Derrick Henry is healthy and in town, he’s at little risk of ceding a significant share of touches to anyone else.
Although Henry averages only 3.8 yards per carry compared to Tyjae Spears’ 5.8-yard mark, Henry’s incredible durability and ability to contribute all three downs is a factor in playing time. Spears has only 27 rushing attempts and 13 receptions through five games.
5) Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks
There’s no question that Kenneth Walker III owns the Seattle backfield, carrying the ball at least 12 times and out-touching Zach Charbonnet almost 3-to-1. However, Charbonnet was a second-round investment for a reason, and Seattle has given him more leash over the last couple of games.
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The power back is still a long shot to be in any lineups barring a Walker injury, but there have been some signs that he can steal more snaps away from Walker if he continues to be a more successful rusher. Charbonnet produces a successful run 4% more often than Walker in a limited sample size.
6) Emari Demercado, Arizona Cardinals
You could argue that Emari Demercado should be even higher on this week’s rookie running back report. With James Conner dealing with an injury that will keep him out a few weeks, it’s Demercado’s time to walk into a bigger role.
He started to show what he could bring to the table last week, producing 45 yards and one touchdown on the ground.
The issue with betting on Demercado in your lineup is putting faith in the Arizona Cardinals’ offense. Their upcoming tussle with the Los Angeles Rams isn’t a death trap, but the Rams’ defense is respectable enough to make fantasy managers consider benching Demercado.
7) Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars
Most expected the Jacksonville Jaguars to split their backfield touches between Travis Etienne and rookie Tank Bigsby, but we’ve seen no indication of this backfield being a platoon. Bigsby has terrific natural athleticism and a low center of gravity, but it hasn’t earned him playing time yet.
Etienne has 95 rushes and 18 receptions, leaving Bigsby in the dust. The Indianapolis Colts’ defense offers some potential for Bigsby to carve out a bigger role this week, but we need to see it before trusting him in our lineup.
8) Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears
Fantasy managers waiting to see if Roschon Johnson could eventually break into the Chicago Bears’ loaded backfield saw a glimpse of hope last week when Khalil Herbert suffered an ankle injury that will keep him out for a few weeks.
Unfortunately, it’s D’Onta Foreman in line for more touches in the short term as Johnson is dealing with a concussion he suffered. Johnson was quickly ruled out of the game after the concussion, and his status is uncertain.
9) Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints
After dealing with a hamstring issue at the end of the preseason and over the first two weeks of action, it’s as if Kendre Miller missed his window to be a major contributor for the New Orleans Saints this season.
Alvin Kamara is back, and as Miller earned only 22 touches in three games, he now has a huge mountain to climb to get more.
Miller is buried behind Kamara and, to some extent, Taysom Hill. Miller played 36% of snaps last week and saw 12 carries and four receptions. It was a sign of life, but not enough to trust that Miller will see similar opportunities soon.
