RADIO
After five weeks of the regular season, some of you have been able to embrace the numbers that have been delivered by the running backs that are contained on your rosters. Unfortunately, an increasing number of fantasy managers have encountered injuries, while others have contended with disappointing output due to a collection of unexpected developments.
The re-emergence of bye weeks has now provided another challenge that will fuel interest in locating alternative options on the waiver wire. That includes the four teams that will be impacted this week – Detroit, Houston, Tennessee, and Las Vegas. This ensures that anyone with Derrick Henry, Jamaal Williams, D'Andre Swift, Josh Jacobs, or Dameon Pierce on their rosters will have to avoid starting those backs this week.
This week's recommendations will appear in three tiers, beginning with the most enticing and progressing to options for managers that are struggling with desperation. You will also find a group of backs that can be dropped in order for you to secure your replacements. After you've finished this breakdown, you can explore all of this week's fantasy football waiver wire pickups that are designed to help you maximize the scoring potential of your rosters.
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Upcoming Bye Weeks
Week 6: Lions, Titans, Texans, Raiders
Week 7: Bills, Eagles, Vikings, Rams
Week 8: Chiefs, Chargers
Week 9: Giants, Steelers, Browns, Cowboys, Broncos, 49ers
Frontrunners - Week 6 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These running backs should be your top priorities among the options that are available on most waiver wires. Some will be more beneficial in PPR leagues.
Kenneth Walker, Seattle Seahawks - 43% Rostered
Rashaad Penny entered Week 5 averaging 12.3 rushing attempts and 73 yards per game and was 11th overall in rushing yards (292). Penny had also accumulated eight carries and 54 yards during Seattle’s matchup with New Orleans before he suffered a broken tibia.
#Seahawks RB Rashaad Penny suffered a fractured tibia, sources say, and he’ll have tests tomorrow to determine associated damage to see if surgery is necessary. As of now, it’s likely. Heart-breaking.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 9, 2022
This has elevated Walker into the lead back responsibilities for the Seahawks, and his opportunity to function with a sizable workload has vaulted him atop this week’s list of priorities from the waiver wire.
Walker had finished second among all backs in rushing yardage (1,636) and yards per game (137.2) during his exceptional 2021 season at Michigan State which contributed to the Seahawks’ decision to seize him during Round 2 of April's NFL Draft. The same balance, vision, and decisiveness that were on full display with the Spartans will remain intact as he operates as Seattle's RB1.
Walker’s snap shares had been uninspiring from Weeks 2-4 (13%/25%/36%) while he remained involved in a rotation with Penny. However, Walker carried eight times and accrued 88 yards on the ground versus the Saints, which included his 69-burst for a touchdown.
PSA: KENNETH WALKER IS VERY FAST!
📺: #SEAvsNO on FOX pic.twitter.com/aeRCiO9L5n
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) October 9, 2022
DeeJay Dallas might siphon a percentage of touches, but Walker will be entrusted with a massive workload while functioning as Seattle’s primary back. Walker is available in 57% of all leagues, but that percentage will evaporate this week.
Eno Benjamin, Arizona Cardinals - 10% Rostered
Injuries to James Conner and Darrel Williams launched Benjamin into lead back responsibilities for Arizona during the Cardinals' Week 5 matchup with the Eagles. Conner was forced to the sideline with a rib issue after he had carried nine times and generated 55 yards on the ground. Williams had manufactured nine yards with his three attempts before he sustained a knee injury.
Eno Benjamin ties the game in the desert ‼️ @EnoB
📺: #PHIvsAZ on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/EybGs8i0rM pic.twitter.com/Vq6U53g3Vh— NFL (@NFL) October 9, 2022
Their collective absence made Benjamin the beneficiary of an expanded workload, as the third-year back accumulated eight rushing attempts, and produced 25 yards on the ground. He also collected four of the five targets that were designated for members of the Cardinals’ backfield.
The status of Conner and Williams should be monitored during the week, as Benjamin would operate as Arizona’s RB1 if they are unavailable during the Cardinals’ NFC West matchup in Seattle. This would vault him into RB2 consideration for fantasy managers if that scenario develops.
Benjamin is also a viable roster addition even if Conner resurfaces on Sunday, as Benjamin will accumulate touches anytime that Connor is absent from Arizona’s lineup.
Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 34% Rostered
White has emerged as a focal point of numerous waiver wire discussions in recent weeks. He has not attained standalone value, but he has been entrusted with an increased role since Week 4.
White only registered an 11% snap share from Weeks 2-3, while being limited to just two touches. His snap share rose to 38% in Week 4, as he also established season highs in targets (5.0), receptions (5.0), and receiving yards (50). White also secured a season-high 39% snap share, carried five times, and collected three of his four targets when the Buccaneers hosted their NFC South rival Atlanta in Week 5.
White’s involvement still remains below the touch totals that have been distributed to Leonard Fournette, who is still functioning as Tampa Bay’s primary back (74 carries/280 rushing yards/30 targets/194 receiving yards) entering Week 6.
However, the ultimate enticement for adding White to your rosters surrounds his proximity to a massive workload if Fournette would become unavailable for any reason, as that would propel White to RB1 status for fantasy managers. He is still available in 66% percent of all leagues and should be secured if he is still on your waiver wire.
In The Running - Week 6 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These running backs remain available on the waiver wire but are not necessarily must-adds.
Brian Robinson, Washington Commandeers - 62% Rostered
On behalf of the entire world:
Welcome. Back. Brian. Robinson. 🙌❤️ pic.twitter.com/HInhP1wZan
— NBC Sports Commanders (@NBCSCommanders) October 9, 2022
Robinson’s roster percentage has finally eclipsed 60% during the past seven days following two sizable steps that allowed him to emerge on the field. Washington designated him to return from the reserve/non-football injury list and later activated him for the Commanders’ Week 5 matchup with Tennessee.
This propelled the rookie into a rotation with Antonio Gibson, even though Robinson led Washington's reconstructed backfield with nine rushing attempts during his debut. Robinson also manufactured 22 yards on the ground, while Gibson was relegated to a season-low 32% snap share, just three carries, and could only manufacture six yards.
Brian Robinson's first NFL carry looked great!
(Unfortunately, in Washington Commanders classic style, it was called back for a holding penalty)#HTTC | @BrianR_4 pic.twitter.com/qWGTmOsBbe
— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 9, 2022
Robinson is now on track to seize a significant role while operating with the early down responsibilities that he earned during training camp and the preseason. This positions him to ascend into RB2 status once he receives an expanded workload. Gibson had been averaging 13.3 attempts per game prior to Robinson's debut but his role will be reduced significantly as a sizable percentage of rushing attempts will be designated for Robinson.
That warrants including Robinson among the most enticing roster additions. However, this week will present the final opportunity to secure him in most leagues where he is still available.
Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers - 8% Rostered
Warren’s astronomical rise from irrelevance to coveted contingency option was launched during training camp and the preseason when Warren catapulted beyond Benny Snell Jr. and Anthony McFarland Jr. to emerge as the Steelers’ RB2. He has been efficient with his workload, while accumulating 94 rushing yards with his 19 carries, and averaging 4.8 per attempt. He also accumulated season-highs in snap share (51%) targets (five) and receiving yards (39) in Week 5.
His performances this season should also bolster confidence that he will not be relinquishing those responsibilities anytime soon. His value would also ignite if Najee Harris would be sidelined at any point this season.
Harris accumulated 307 carries and 1,200 rushing yards during 2021 while averaging 18.1 attempts/70.6 yards per game. He has not matched that level of usage entering Week 6 (222 yards/44.4 per game), (69 attempts/13.8 per game). However, Warren would still be entrusted with a similar workload during any absence by Harris this season.
If Harris is on your roster, you can avoid a potential dilemma by securing Warren this week. Any other managers can also prioritize him for the same reason, as Warren would operate as a high-end RB2 if he ascends into responsibilities as Pittsburgh’s lead back.
Mike Boone, Denver Broncos - 36% Rostered
Denver’s backfield appears destined to operate as a timeshare in the aftermath of Javonte Williams’ season-ending injury (torn ACL). Boone will be sharing touches with Melvin Gordon while Latavius Murray could also become involved as the Broncos adjust their rotation.
However, Boone should retain a respectable workload as a change-of-pace back, and his role could expand as Gordon’s fumbling issues have become increasingly problematic. At a minimum, Boone will remain highly involved in Denver’s backfilled equation, while infusing a level of explosiveness into an offense that has been a massive disappointment.
Making moves, @_lococinco
📺: @NFLonPrime
pic.twitter.com/yUP2GkFLS7— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 7, 2022
Denver utilized Gordon and Boone in a reshaped backfield rotation during the Broncos’ Week 5 matchup with Indianapolis. Gordon was entrusted with the larger workload, as the 29-year-old year-old back carried 15 times and manufactured 54 yards on the ground (3.6 yards per attempt).
Boone attained a 41% snap share, accumulated seven rushing attempts, and performed more efficiently (38 yards/5.4 per attempt). Boone also collected all three of his targets and assembled 47 receiving yards, while Gordon also caught all three of his targets and produced 49 yards as a pass-catcher.
His pass-catching potential solidifies his status as a flex option for managers who are contending with bye weeks, injuries, and limited roster choices in deeper leagues - particularly for anyone who is constructing rosters in a PPR format.
Dark Horses - Week 6 Waiver Wire Running Backs
This group consists of running backs that can be added if you are willing to wait for the possibility of a larger role during the year or consider your situation to be desperate due to injuries.
J.D. McKissic, Washington Commandeers - 28% Rostered
McKissic’s responsibilities as the Commanders’ pass-catching back have remained consistent since he arrived in Washington, as he averaged 6.0 targets per game during 2020-2021.
McKissic did not capture his usual allotment of targets during the team’s season opener (3.0 targets/7.5 share/17.6% targets per route run). However, he has now collected 7+ targets in two of his last three games. That includes his usage during Washington’s Week 5 matchup with Tennessee, as Carson Wentz targeted McKissic seven times.
McKissic has now accumulated 30 targets (6.0 per game), which places him third among all backs entering Week 6. McKissic is also fourth in receptions (24/4.8 per game) and fifth in receiving yards (159/31.8 per game).
McKissic’s usage and output as a receiver will be impacted by game scripts during the season. However, his role can remain sizable even as he operates in a Washington backfield that will also distribute targets to Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson.
That should encourage anyone who is building rosters in PPR leagues to add him this week.
Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs - 34% Rostered
Pacheco’s usage has fluctuated during the season. However, he has become an intriguing back who presents the potential to energize Kansas City’s rushing attack whenever he emerges on the field.
Pacheco attained a 23% snap share in Week 1 while accumulating 62 rushing yards (12 attempts/5.2 yards per attempt). His snap share plunged to just 8.5% in Weeks 2-3, while he was limited to 5 carries/15 rushing yards in both games combined. However, Pacheco’s share rose to 21% in Week 4, as he generated a season-high 63 yards on the ground (11 attempts/5.7 yards per attempt) while infusing explosiveness into the Chiefs’ backfield rotation.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire leads the backfield with a 45% snap share, although that is also the lowest of his career. However, could seize RB2 duties for the Chiefs leapfrogging 30-year-old Jerick McKinnon - who has averaged 4.2 attempts/21.2 rushing yards per game and 1.6 receptions/10.0 receiving yards per game.
Andy Reed could soon be incentivized to increase Pacheco’s role, which would provide fantasy managers with an enticing flex option.
Joshua Kelley, Los Angeles Chargers - 1% Rostered
Kelley had averaged 16 snaps per game and had only carried 13 times from Weeks 1-4. Sony Michel had averaged 14 snaps and had been entrusted with 22 rushing attempts per game during that span.
Joshua Kelley and the @Chargers find the end zone! #BoltUp
📺: #LACvsCLE on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/psZXYKrNKH pic.twitter.com/RzwqfuhpJt— NFL (@NFL) October 9, 2022
However, Kelley appears to have bypassed Michel on L.A.’s depth chart, while emerging as the Chargers’ RB2 behind Austin Ekeler in the process. The third-year back accumulated 10 rushing attempts and generated 49 rushing yards when Los Angeles visited Cleveland in Week 5. That was also Kelley’s highest yardage total since Week 2 of his 2020 rookie season.
Kelley played on 27 snaps, according to PFF, while Sony Michel was relegated to just two snaps versus the Browns. Michel was also limited to just one carry and failed to register a yard with his lone attempt.
Ekeler had been averaging 11.3 attempts prior to Week 5, but established a season-high with his 16 carries versus the Browns. He will continue to share opportunities as a rusher within the backfield and Kelley is now positioned to operate in that rotation. He remains available in 99% of all leagues, and they can provide a safeguard for anyone who has Ekeler contained on their rosters.
Also-Rans - It Is Time To Say Goodbye
These running backs can be dropped in order to secure an RB with greater potential to bolster your scoring during the year.
Chase Edmonds, Miami Dolphins - 89% Rostered
Raheem Mostert had 18 carries and 3 targets while going off for 122 yards and a score
Meanwhile, Chase Edmonds had just 1 touch today. He’s droppable
— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) October 9, 2022
Edmonds commandeered a 63% snap share during Miami’s season opener while leading the Dolphins in rushing attempts (12), rushing yardage (25), targets, receptions (four), and receiving yards (40). However, since Week 2, his snap shares and touches have plummeted to a level that should encourage anyone who has retained him on their rosters to jettison him this week.
Edmonds has only averaged 4.3 attempts per game since Week 2. That includes the lone carry that he was allotted when Miami visited the Jets in Week 5. Edmonds has also averaged 1.0 receptions per game during Miami’s last four contests after failing to register a catch in New York.
Raheem Mostert has confiscated lead back duties for the Dolphins while accumulating 57 rushing attempts and 260 rushing yards. That includes the season-highs that he secured in Week 5 (18 carries/113 yards).
It will not be difficult to make more effective use of your roster spot by locating an alternative option on this week’s waiver wire.
James Cook, Buffalo Bills - 30% Rostered
Buffalo invested a second-round selection (63rd overall) on Cook during April’s NFL Draft, which fueled optimism that he would emerge as a change-of-pace presence in their backfield as a rookie.
However, he has failed to confiscate a role in Buffalo‘s rotation, and anyone who has retained Cook on their rosters is acutely aware that his involvement has been minimal during four of his first five games.
I appreciate the James Cook stans finding the way into the light to post about him every time he gets a touch in a game Buffalo is winning by 3+ scores
— Dan Fornek ↗️ (@fornekdf) October 9, 2022
Cook carried 11 times during Buffalo's blowout of Tennessee in Week 2 but has only accumulated six carries times during the Bills' other four matchups. That includes his involvement in Week 5 when he was limited to 10 snaps and four carries. He did generate a 24-yard touchdown, but that occurred after Buffalo had built a 31-7 lead. Otherwise, he managed just seven yards with his other three attempts.
Cook's presence in a three-man backfield has rendered him a non-essential roster component as Devin Singletary has commandeered 51+ touches and Zack Moss remains above Cook on the depth chart. There is limited rationale for retaining Cook in hopes that his workload will expand as the season progresses. That could be difficult if injuries, bye weeks, and substandard workloads have created a cluster of roster issues for you to navigate.
Rex Burkhead, Houston Texans - 21% Rostered
Burkhead captured a 71% snap share during Houston’s season opener while leading the Texans’ backfield in rushing attempts (14), rushing yardage (40), targets (eight), receptions (five), and receiving yards (30).
However, those numbers have also remained Burkhead’s season highs. His workload has been constrained since Week 2 as rookie Dameon Pierce has confiscated Houston’s lead back responsibilities. Burkhead has only carried six times and managed just 24 yards on the ground during the Texans’ last four contests.
Pierce has averaged 19 attempts per game during that sequence and has also carried 20+ times in two of his last three outings. Pierce has also collected more targets than Burkhead during each of Houston’s last two matchups, including their allotments versus Jacksonville in Week 5 (Pierce-5/Burkhead-3).
Pierce’s increased involvement as a pass-catcher should eliminate any lingering hesitation surrounding the need to extract Burkhead from your rosters. Burkhead is not accumulating enough touches to generate fantasy points, which supplies the rationale for locating a more effective option from your waiver wires.
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