NFL 3 Stars For Week 5: Running Backs


The running back position is one of the most loaded in the entire NFL, as there are several tiers of superstar at the position, but this week, we saw some young, unproven players step up and make their mark. While most, if not all of the leagues star backs had solid weeks, there were others who proved that they can be valuable to their team, but out of all, the following three were the ones who stood out the most in Week 5.

3. Josh Jacobs

Stat line: 21 Carries, 154 Yards, 1 Touchdown, 5 Catches, 39 Yards.

The Las Vegas Raiders may have continued their disappointing start to 2022 with another loss, which drops them back to 1-4 on the season, but one big bright spot in the Monday Night Football loss was Josh Jacobs, who proved yet again that he can be effective in all phases of the game. This was highlight by a monster run, where he trucked straight over Chiefs safety Justin Reid, and if the Raiders continue to lose games, it won't be because of Jacobs, who's been fantastic in recent times.

2. Austin Ekler

Stat line: 16 Carries, 173 Yards, 1 Touchdown, 4 Catches, 26 Yards, 1 Touchdown.

The Los Angeles Chargers started slow in 2022, but have since found fantastic form behind Justin Herbert, and are sitting at 3-2, one game back of the Chiefs, and a big part of that is running back Austin Ekler finding his best form, and that was on display in Week 5. The Chargers took down the Browns in a closely fought contest, but it was Ekler who helped the team get over the top, as he was fantastic in all aspects of the game, a worrying sign no doubt for future Chargers opponents. 

1. Breece Hall

Stat line: 18 Carries, 97 Yards, 1 Touchdown, 2 Catches, 100 Yards. 

The Jets were heavily scrutinized when they traded up in Round 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft to take Iowa State running back Breece Hall, and while he started off the season slow, Week 5 was a perfect example of just how dynamic and dangerous he can be. Michael Carter rushed for 2 Touchdown's, but it was Hall who stood out the most, with almost 200 yards as a runner and receiver, and if he can continue to display this big play ability, there's no reason why he can't go on to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Photo Credit: Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK