Who Should I Start? Derrick Henry or Chase Brown

Saturday, October 4, 2:05 PM

Even without MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson (hamstring), Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry still should be considered an RB1 candidate when his team takes on the Houston Texans in Week 5. The veteran running back is coming off a low-volume dud last week during a blowout loss at Kansas City, but should be the focal point of the Baltimore offense on Sunday. Houston allows opponents to score at the lowest rate in the NFL, but is only middle of the pack against fantasy running backs. The Ravens will need Henry to be involved early and often, which should keep him locked into fantasy lineups.

Saturday, October 4, 1:26 PM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown has been one of fantasy football's biggest disappointments to start the 2025 season. Through four weeks, Brown has 57 carries for just 133 yards and one touchdown, along with 11 catches for 74 yards, ranking as the RB35 in half-PPR formats on a per-game basis. He's struggled badly behind Cincinnati's offensive line, sitting dead last in the league in both yards per carry (2.3) and yards before contact (1.0). Week 5 doesn't offer much relief, as the Bengals face the Detroit Lions, who have allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs. Detroit's run defense has been one of the best in football over the past two seasons, making running lanes nearly nonexistent. Given the tough matchup and Brown's inefficiency, he should be considered no more than a low-end FLEX option in Week 5 lineups.