Austin Ekeler · Samaje Perine · 2026 week 5

Austin Ekeler or Samaje Perine?

Wondering who you should start this week — Austin Ekeler or Samaje Perine? The start/sit call and the numbers behind it are below, plus who wins a straight-up trade. Rebuilt nightly.

Start Samaje PerineSamaje Perine projects 1.6 PPR points clear of Austin Ekeler in week 5, drawing MIA — the 5th-ranked matchup for RBs. The numbers behind the call are below; overrule them with your eyes open.

Player	Wk 5	Proj (PPR)	Matchup	Form L3	Trade value	Status
Austin Ekeler	vs NYG	4.7	16th	5	–	healthy
Samaje Perine START	@ MIA	6.3	5th · soft	2.1	–	healthy

RBs vs NYG recently: Kyren Williams 13.7 pts (W2) · Tony Pollard 9.6 pts (W3) · Tyler Allgeier 10.9 pts (W4).

RBs vs MIA recently: Christian McCaffrey 18.6 pts (W2) · Kenneth Walker 19.3 pts (W3) · Aaron Jones 12.8 pts (W4).

🎓 The coach's read

Samaje Perine projects 1.6 points higher in PPR.
Austin Ekeler faces NYG, 16th most generous to RBs.
Samaje Perine faces MIA, 5th most generous to RBs.

Who wins a straight-up trade?

Their trade values are effectively even — a one-for-one is a fair swap on the numbers.

Open in Start/Sit (any scoring) Open in the Trade Analyzer

More RB decisions

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All numbers are the 2026 season, refreshed nightly.