The situation
Real talk: Ashton Jeanty is staying in the lineup. Despite reports surfacing Wednesday that the Raiders running back has been battling an ankle injury since the preseason—and is now dealing with a fresh foot issue—he isn't taking a break just yet. Klint Kubiak confirmed Wednesday that Jeanty is "playing" and is starting to feel "a lot better."
Stats and performance
Jeanty had a bit of a struggle in Week 5 against New England, logging 10 carries for 27 yards. However, he’s lowkey been a reliable asset in PPR leagues. He has put up at least 12.3 PPR points in three of his five games this season. While he’s still hunting for his first rushing TD of the year, he’s been absolutely cooking in the passing game, catching at least three passes in every single game so far and snagging two receiving touchdowns along the way.
Fantasy outlook
Heading into Week 6, Jeanty is viewed as a solid No. 2 running back for your fantasy squad. The matchup against Buffalo is a W for fantasy managers; the Bills are currently ranked No. 2 in the league for the most fantasy points allowed to opposing RBs. With six different players already hitting at least 13.7 PPR points against them, the vibes are high for a bounce-back performance.
While the team has reportedly discussed giving Jeanty a week off at some point to get fully healthy, he is a confirmed start for this weekend. Still, fantasy managers might want to keep Mike Washington Jr. on the bench as a stash, just in case the Raiders decide to pull the plug on Jeanty's workload in the future.
Why it matters
Jeanty is a vital part of the Raiders' offensive flow. Staying healthy is the main character energy the team needs right now, and his ability to contribute through the air makes him a must-start while he’s still on the field.
