Fantasy Football Buy Low Running Backs: RB Breakout Candidates for Week 6

Buy-Low Running Backs This Week at a Glance

• Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals
• Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles

With five weeks of the NFL season behind us, fantasy football managers have a pretty good idea of where their teams stand. Whether you're sitting atop your league's standings or desperately trying to turn things around, making the right trades can go a long way toward improving your chances of winning a championship.

Running back is one of the toughest positions to upgrade through trades, but disappointing performances and frustrating workloads can create opportunities to acquire talented players at a discount. Rather than paying a premium for someone coming off a huge game, targeting running backs whose fantasy production hasn't matched their potential can be a savvy strategy.

Looking ahead at the Week 6 games across the NFL, which running backs should we buy low this week?

All fantasy football projections via our numbers at FanDuel Research, and NFL odds references are to FanDuel Sportsbook. Statistics mentioned are via NextGenStats or Pro Football Focus unless stated otherwise.

Running Backs to Buy Low in Fantasy Football

Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Bucky Irving entered Week 5 having failed to score a touchdown in three consecutive games, and his declining involvement in the passing game has been another concern for fantasy managers. Still, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back handled at least 15 touches in each of his first four games, giving him a relatively encouraging workload despite the disappointing production.

Then Irving blew up in Week 5 on TNF, racking up 165 rushing yards and two total TDs. While that big game will surely drive up his trade cost, I still view him as a buy-low RB to consider as I think his rest-of-season projections around the industry are underrating him a bit.

Tampa Bay's offense has faced challenges at quarterback, but Irving's ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver gives him a path to consistent fantasy production, especially if the offense improves — something that should eventually happen if Baker Mayfield gets healthy.

Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals

Chase Brown has struggled to deliver consistent fantasy production, but his workload suggests better days could be ahead.

Through five games, Brown has played approximately 70% of the Cincinnati Bengals‘ offensive snaps while accounting for 71 of the of the team's 98 RB rushing attempts and 28 total targets.

That involvement is particularly encouraging in PPR formats, where his receiving opportunities can help offset disappointing rushing performances.

With Cincinnati on bye in Week 6, this could be a week where Brown’s manager in your league may be open to moving him.

Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles

So far in 2026, Saquon Barkley has been one of fantasy football's biggest disappointments relative to expectations, and a hamstring injury has only complicated his outlook.

The Philadelphia Eagles‘ offense has struggled to find consistency, but Barkley remains the team's clear workhorse running back and should reclaim a significant workload once healthy (which may be this week).

The Eagles have also dealt with injuries to Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley, potentially making Barkley's presence even more important when he's ready to return.

There is certainly risk involved given his injury and Philadelphia's offensive struggles, but Barkley's depressed trade value makes him an intriguing target.

Fantasy Football Buy-Low Running Backs FAQ

What does buy low mean in fantasy football?

Buying low means trading for a player whose perceived fantasy value is lower than his expected value going forward. This can happen because of a slow start, difficult matchups, injuries, or concerns about workload.

When is the best time to buy low on a running back?

The best opportunities often come after a running back has produced a few disappointing fantasy performances but still has an encouraging role. Usage, carries, targets, snap rate, and goal-line opportunities can be more important than the player's recent fantasy-point totals.

What should you look for in a buy-low running back?

Look for backs with strong workloads who haven't converted their opportunities into fantasy production. Receiving usage, red-zone touches, offensive-line play, upcoming schedule, and potential changes to the backfield can also help identify undervalued players.

Should you trade for a running back who is losing touches?

It depends on why his workload is declining. A temporary reduction caused by game script or injury may create a buying opportunity, but a permanent shift toward a committee can significantly lower a running back's fantasy ceiling.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.