What to do with Joshua Kelley, Justin Jackson in Week 5 fantasy football

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler suffered a hamstring injury during Sunday’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and will be out several weeks. Joshua Kelley and Justin Jackson appear to be the primary beneficiaries moving forward starting with Sunday’s matchup.

What should fantasy owners be doing with the Chargers’ backfield on Sunday? Here’s a deeper look at Kelley and Jackson.

Fantasy Football analysis: Chargers RBs Joshua Kelley, Justin Jackson

Ekeler went down in the first quarter of Sunday’s game, and neither back was able to take advantage of the extra playing time. In fact, quarterback Justin Herbert led all Chargers’ rushers with 14 yards on five carries. Kelley managed seven yards on nine carries, while Jackson had six carries for nine yards.

Obviously those numbers will improve for both players with their extended playing time moving forward. Kelley should be the No. 1 back for the Chargers with Jackson seeing plenty of action as well. The schedule is fairly favorable to running backs moving forward, so both should be added in most leagues.

On Sunday, the Chargers will see the New Orleans Saints on the road. The Saints didn’t allow much on the ground against the Detroit Lions last week, giving up 90 yards on 22 carries and a touchdown. Adrian Peterson ran for 36 yards on 11 carries to lead Detroit.

Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation

Kelley could be looked at as a second running back in standard leagues, while Jackson is a No. 3 running back at best.