As you approach the fantasy football waiver wire in Week 5, should you consider adding Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby or Indianapolis Colts RB Trey Sermon?
Here, we take a closer look at the circumstances surrounding Bigsby and Sermon and decide which one of them would serve as a more prudent addition to your roster.
Should You Add Tank Bigsby or Trey Sermon in Week 5?
Bigsby and Sermon are the topics of discussion on the waiver wire this week. Both could be the beneficiaries of injuries suffered by their teams’ respective starters at the RB spot.
Colts starter Jonathan Taylor suffered a high ankle sprain late in Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, while Jaguars starter Travis Etienne Jr. also missed part of Jacksonville’s game against the Houston Texans with a shoulder injury.
Etienne ultimately returned to the game and split carries with Bigsby from that point on. Thus, Etienne doesn’t run the risk of missing additional games like Taylor does. Taylor’s high ankle sprain was revealed to be mild, and he’ll likely be week-to-week, but it’s possible he misses a game or two.
With the circumstances in mind, we now turn back to our subjects: Bigsby and Sermon.
By all metrics, Bigsby is the better runner in 2024. After a poor rookie season in 2023, his efficiency numbers have skyrocketed this season, and he’s coming off a 90-yard outing against Houston, highlighted by a 58-yard rumble.
Tank Bigsby RB1? 😬pic.twitter.com/TNtppynNJY
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) September 29, 2024
While Bigsby has thrived as a handcuff to Etienne this season, Sermon has been much less prolific in the RB2 role behind Taylor. Sermon took one of his two carries for a touchdown against Chicago, but in Week 4, he logged eight yards on five carries at a very inefficient 1.6 yards per carry.
The Colts and Jaguars are set to face off against one another in Week 5, so these two backs will square off on the same field. But while Bigsby will remain Etienne’s handcuff, Sermon might have a shot at taking greater volume, assuming Taylor misses time.
Both backs have at least enjoyed quality run blocking. The Colts’ line performed admirably against the Steelers’ vaunted front in Week 4, with Tanor Bortolini taking over for an injured Ryan Kelly at center. And in Jacksonville, Mitch Morse has been a drastic upgrade at the fulcrum.
The Colts’ run defense, however, might be more susceptible to opposing production. DeForest Buckner is still on injured reserve, and while Grover Stewart has played well, the other defensive line spots have been much less consistent on early downs.
Indianapolis’ run defense has allowed the second-most rushing yards in the NFL through four weeks, averaging over 160 yards against per week. The Colts have improved in Weeks 3 and 4, but they were also working with more positive game scripts over that span.
There’s also another wrinkle to consider with Anthony Richardson nursing a minor hip injury.
The Colts’ passing attack started to find a rhythm with veteran backup Joe Flacco late in Week 4. If Indianapolis is missing both Richardson and Taylor in Week 5, perhaps Shane Steichen opts for a pass-heavy approach with Flacco, Josh Downs, and others.
Whoever you choose between Bigsby and Sermon, it’s a close call. The volume argument favors Sermon if Taylor ends up missing time, but the production efficiency and opportunity arguments favor Bigsby.
My personal preference is Bigsby, but if you’re intrigued by the potential Sermon has with starter volume, in the event that Taylor misses the next game, that’s a viable choice to make as well.