Fantasy Football Week 6 Backup RB Rankings: Kimani Vidal joins party to make Chargers' backfield more frustrating

Nairavoice | Oct 13, 2026 1h ago 92 0 8 min read

Fantasy Football Week 6 Backup RB Rankings: Kimani Vidal joins party to make Chargers' backfield more frustrating

Let’s take a look at the backup RBs, who are listed in the order that they should be rostered, taking into account both their immediate fantasy football value as a flex option and their long-term potential to take on a larger role. Current roster rates are listed in parentheses.

1. Braelon Allen, Jets (84% rostered on Yahoo)

Allen is back in this space after a one-week hiatus, as the return of Breece Hall from a quad injury would demote him to backup status. Allen certainly proved his value to the team over the past two weeks, especially when he gained 116 yards on 24 carries in a rainy Week 5 win over the Browns.

In the absence of Hall, Allen has handled a heavier snap share and workload than anyone could have imagined. His usage suggests that he could have a role when Hall returns, which would be enough to keep Allen on fantasy rosters as we move through bye weeks. There is also a significant chance that Hall is unable to return in Week 6, which will keep Allen in the active lineup in most leagues.

2. Woody Marks, Texans (54%)

David Montgomery endured a disastrous Week 5, which included just 11 yards on five carries and a groin injury that will cause him to miss time. Marks took advantage of the additional opportunities, gaining 62 yards on 15 carries and 23 yards on four catches as the Texans routed the 0-5 Titans.

Marks has taken over the team lead in rushing yards, and although his 3.5 yards per carry is an unimpressive mark, it’s still better than Montgomery’s mark of 2.7. The second-year pro remains available in nearly half of Yahoo leagues, which could make him a Week 6 savior for those who must deal with a bye week for Jahmyr Gibbs, Chase Brown or Aaron Jones Sr. Some successful performances from Marks could permanently push him ahead of Montgomery on the depth chart. The one reason for skepticism is that Marks is set to face a Jaguars defense that has not allowed a running back to produce 40 rushing yards to this point in the season.

3. Kyle Monangai, Bears (85%)

Monangai missed Week 5 with thumb and toe injuries, and his status for Week 6 is unclear. His absence gave D’Andre Swift, who was benched after a Week 4 fumble, a chance to reassert himself as the team’s top rusher. Swift did all he could in a lopsided loss to the Packers, gaining 73 total yards on nine carries with a TD and four catches.

The Bears desperately need Caleb Williams back, but they could also use the return of Monangai’s physical running style. The second-year pro will have a significant role when he returns, which makes him worthy of a spot on fantasy benches.

4. TreVeyon Henderson, Patriots (92%)

Henderson missed an opportunity to assert himself when he was ruled out for the remainder of the game in the third quarter of a lopsided win over the Raiders due to an ankle injury. He had already gained 22 yards on four carries and had taken his only reception for 16 yards. Instead, mop up duty went to rookie Corey Kiner, who tallied 52 yards on six carries.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday morning that Henderson is dealing with a high ankle sprain and is expected to miss multiple weeks. With that news, Henderson can likely head to your IR. Despite missing half of the Week 5 contest, Henderson is still averaging 10.5 carries per game. For comparison, starter Rhamondre Stevenson is averaging 11.4 carries per game. Stevenson continues to get more receiving work and red-zone opportunities, but there should be a role there for Henderson when he’s healthy.

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5. Kimani Vidal, Chargers (3%)

The winless Chargers are arguably the most disappointing team in football, and their underachieving offense is the biggest reason. Vidal, who has spent the season ranked third on the team’s depth chart, produced the only big play of Week 5, when he logged a 42-yard touchdown late in the third quarter. Vidal wound up recording 28 snaps to 23 for Keaton Mitchell and 20 for starter Omarion Hampton. Unfortunately, Vidal did little (15 yards) with his other seven carries.

The Chargers offense is a mess, partly due to an injury-ravaged offensive line. But with Hampton averaging 3.7 yards per carry, there is an opportunity for Vidal to take over rushing duties. After all, offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s job likely hinges on finding a way to get this offense going next week in Kansas City.

6. Tyjae Spears, Titans (22%)

Tony Pollard continues to have a firm grip on the RB1 role in Tennessee after he gained 52 yards on 14 carries in Week 5, while Spears tallied zero yards on two carries. Spears managed to help those in PPR leagues by catching nine passes, but he turned that into just 28 yards.

Spears is on this list for one reason – Pollard is the most obvious trade candidate at the RB position. The 0-5 Titans can already give up on 2026, and the 29-year-old Pollard could help several competitive teams who are struggling with backfield injuries. If Pollard is traded prior to the Nov. 10 deadline, Spears will ascend to the top of the Titans depth chart and will warrant a roster spot in all fantasy leagues. Managers who have bench space can stash him now.

7. RJ Harvey, Broncos (84%)

Fantasy managers were looking forward to Week 5, as Sean Payton was set to take over play-calling duties for a sluggish Broncos offense. Unfortunately, not only did the group continue to underachieve, but Harvey had his worst game of the season. After catching 10 passes in Week 4, the second-year pro didn’t record a catch and produced just seven yards on three carries. Starter J.K. Dobbins logged 18 carries and caught the ball twice.

If there is a silver lining for Harvey, it’s that his 41% snap share wasn’t dramatically different from Dobbins’ 58% mark. That stat alone will keep him on this list, and on fantasy benches, while we hope that he earns more touches in Week 6. After all, Harvey still leads the Broncos with 20 catches.

8. Blake Corum, Rams (77%)

There were plenty of positives for Corum on Monday Night Football, especially given that his role in the Rams offense seemed to be in decline in the previous two weeks. He averaged 3.8 yards on five carries, which was better than Kyren Williams’ 3.1 mark on his 16 rushes. Corum also gained 53 yards on three catches and found the end zone on a one-yard plunge in the third quarter. The bad news is that his snap share (27%) continued to lag far behind that of Williams (73%), and Corum didn’t touch the ball in the fourth quarter or overtime.

Fantasy managers who drafted Corum in hopes of an even backfield split continue to be disappointed. But the third-year pro could have his best game of 2026 this week, as the Rams are bordering on two-touchdown favorites against the Cardinals. An early lead could result in Williams sitting out most of the second half.

9. Keaton Mitchell, Chargers (42%)

Having two Los Angeles RBs ranked among the top-10 backups at the position is a testament to the unsettled nature of the Chargers offense. While the snap shares and rushing totals of Hampton and Vidal continue to fluctuate, Mitchell has kept a steady role in the offense as a part-time rusher and the leading receiving option out of the backfield. The speedster did little on the ground in Week 5 (6 carries, 11 yards) but helped those in PPR leagues with 18 yards on three catches.

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Managers who want to roll the dice on a possible impact RB should target the likes of Spears or Vidal. Mitchell’s value is as a high-floor RB2 for those who are dealing with injuries or bye weeks. After all, he ranks second on the Chargers in catches and should continue to provide 5-10 points per week in PPR formats.

10. Samaje Perine, Bengals (3%)

Week 5 was supposed to be a “get right” game for Chase Brown, who has struggled on the ground all season. But even in a favorable matchup against the lowly Dolphins, Brown gained just 39 yards on 13 carries, with a long run of seven yards. Perine was much more effective, averaging 4.9 yards on his 14 carries, while also scoring a touchdown on one of his two catches.

The Bengals head into a Week 6 bye with Brown averaging 3.5 yards per carry. His long run this season is just 13 yards. Perine likely isn’t any better than Brown, but the team needs to try something as they search for a respectable running game to compliment the passing exploits of Joe Burrow. Don’t be surprised if Perine has a significant role when the Bengals return to action in Week 7. If that happens, Perine will be a useful bye-week replacement in Week 8, when the Bengals enjoy a favorable home matchup against the Titans.

The best of the rest, factoring in current flex value and long-term potential.