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After months of drafting and reshaping rosters, you have now witnessed the initial matchups during the highly-anticipated return of this year’s regular season. This was also the first opportunity to evaluate the running backs that performed during their season openers. Many of you should be ecstatic with the production that your backs delivered in Week 1, particularly if you had Christian McCaffrey, Austin Ekeler, Nick Chubb, or Travis Etienne in your lineups.
However, some of you might not be satisfied with all of the backs that currently reside on your rosters. This could be the result of an escalating collection of injuries, uninspiring Week 1 performances, or restrictions on your starters' workloads. If you are incentivized to explore the Week 2 waiver wire, this article will locate the most enticing options that are available at a position that remains both critical and volatile on a weekly basis.
These backs currently remain available in at least 40% of all leagues and will be listed in three tiers. You will also find several backs that can be dropped in order for you to secure your replacements. After you've finished this breakdown, you can also find news updates and data-fueled analysis that is designed to help you maximize the scoring potential of your rosters.
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Fantasy Football Rushing Leaders
| Week 1 Rushing Leaders | Attempts | Yards | Yards/Att |
| Christian McCaffrey | 22 | 152 | 6.9 |
| Austin Ekeler | 16 | 117 | 7.3 |
| Nick Chubb | 18 | 106 | 5.9 |
| Joshua Kelley | 16 | 91 | 5.7 |
| Travis Etienne | 18 | 77 | 4.3 |
| Tyler Allgeier | 15 | 75 | 5 |
| David Montgomery | 21 | 74 | 3.5 |
| Miles Sanders | 18 | 72 | 4 |
| Tony Pollard | 14 | 70 | 5 |
| Kenneth Walker | 12 | 64 | 5.3 |
| Derrick Henry | 15 | 63 | 4.2 |
Frontrunners - Week 2 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs should be your top priorities among the options that are available on most waiver wires.
Kenneth Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles -48% Rostered
The results of Philadelphia's season opener have allowed us to advance beyond speculation into tangible analysis regarding the Eagles' deployment of their running backs. This now supplies a long-awaited opportunity to adjust expectations, while strategizing how to value Kenneth Gainwell, D’Andre Swift, and Rashaad Penny.
Anyone who had suggested prior to Week 1 that Gainwell was positioned to operate as the Eagles’ early down back was accurate with their assessment. He captured a 62% snap share, while dominating touches that were allocated within the team’s reconstructed backfield (14 attempts/54 rushing yards).
Rashaad Penny healthy scratch
D’Andre Swift barely saw the field in the first quarter
Big early W for us Kenneth Gainwell drafters pic.twitter.com/xuaSCq7lsD
— Alex Johnson (@a_johnsonFF) September 10, 2023
Swift (28% snap share) combined with Boston Scott for just two carries and a microscopic six yards, while Penny’s relegation to healthy scratch status will be discussed in the drop section. Gainwell also paced the backfield in targets (four) and receiving yards (20). Swift was limited to two targets and failed to register a receiving yard.
The potential exists for Nick Sirianni to modify the usage that we witnessed in Week 1, However, However, Gainwell should sustain his favorable role for the foreseeable future. That vaults him atop this week’s list of waiver wire options.
Gus Edwards / Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens – (Edwards 18% Rostered), (Hill 3% Rostered)
The season-ending injury that was sustained by J.K. Dobbins during Baltimore’s season opener was the most unfortunate development for any running back during the matchups of Week 1. Dobbins had assembled 37 total yards and a touchdown on 10 touches before suffering a torn Achilles when the Ravens hosted Houston.
The former second-round selection has already missed 27 matchups since joining the team in 2020 and Baltimore now must restructure their backfield once again. This has launched Gus Edwards and Justice Hill among this week’s prime targets on the waiver wire. Both backs carried eight times in Week 1. Edwards generated 32 rushing yards while averaging 4.0 yards per attempt. Hill only manufactured nine yards but was able to accumulate two touchdowns.
Non-J.K. Dobbins #Ravens RB Usage in Week 1
- Justice Hill: 29% snaps, 8 carries, 0 targets (9 yards, 2 TDs)
- Gus Edwards: 22% snaps, 8 carries, 0 targets (32 yards)Hill will be more in demand on the waiver wire cause the TDs... but I'm not ready to quit the Gus Bus
— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) September 10, 2023
Edwards and Hill will share opportunities when the Ravens travel to Cincinnati on Sunday. Edwards should receive the majority of rushing attempts while expanding on his career average of 9.6 attempts per game. Hill will also accumulate carries and is positioned to collect the majority of targets that are distributed to the backfield in Todd Monken's offense.
It is also conceivable that Baltimore will infuse another back into the equation during the upcoming weeks. That should not deter you from targeting either member of this tandem if you are searching for alternative options from this week's waiver wire.
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 55% Rostered
Tyler Allgeier joined Travis Etienne and Kenneth Walker as the only first-year backs to eclipse 1,000 yards in 2022. Allgeier also finished third among all backs in rushing yardage (790/711/79 per game) and yards after contact (485) during his last nine games. Those accomplishments did not prevent Allgeier from being dislodged from the top of Atlanta’s depth chart when the Falcons selected Bijan Robinson eighth overall during this year’s NFL Draft.
However, Allgeier's proven effectiveness has also compelled Arthur Smith to deploy the second-year back in a rotation with Robinson as Smith continues his unwavering penchant for his reliance on the Falcons’ rushing attack.
Two touchdown day for Tyler Allgeier 🐊 ATL has the 1-0 start in sight!
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/F1O4k6Iwrp
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 10, 2023
Robinson operated with a 65% snap share and accumulated 56 rushing yards on 10 attempts. He also generated 27 yards and a touchdown as a pass-catcher. Allgeier secured a 54% snap share and paced the backfield with 15 carries. He also assembled a team-high 75 yards and two touchdowns during the matchup. Robinson's touch totals should increase as the season progresses. However, both backs should accumulate carries within an Atlanta offense that will remain cemented among the league leaders in rushing attempts.
Allgeier would also soar into RB1 territory for fantasy managers if Robinson is forced to the sideline. That vaults Allgeier among this week’s premier options from the waiver wire.
In The Running - Week 2 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs remain available on the waiver wire and could become resources for your rosters.
Kyren Williams, Los Angeles, Rams - 5% Rostered
The Rams selected Kyren Williams in Round 5 of the 2022 NFL draft (164th overall). He played on 141 snaps during his rookie season (24% share), while accumulating 35 rushing attempts, and 139 yards on the ground. Williams’ numbers understandably failed to elicit conversation during the offseason as Cam Akers was expected to stockpile touches as the Rams’ workhorse back.
Kyren Williams scored his 2nd TD of the day ✌️ pic.twitter.com/FdmJfjlfNf
— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) September 10, 2023
However, Sean McVay’s usage of both backs during the team’s season opener has fueled a dramatic rise in Williams’ stock. He shockingly led Los Angeles with a 67% snap share, while accumulating a team-high 52 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Akers was limited to a 33% snap share and only manufactured 29 yards with his 22 carries (1.3 yards per attempt). Williams also collected the only two targets that Matthew Stafford distributed to the backfield.
Williams is currently available in 95% of all leagues. This provides an opportunity for you to seize him this week if you are attempting to reshape your roster.
Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars - 47% Rostered
The magnitude of Tank Bigsby’s involvement in Jacksonville’s backfield rotation had been undetermined prior to Week 1. However, we were finally able to observe the first installment of Jacksonville’s reshaped backfield with Bigsby operating as the Jaguars’ RB2 behind Travis Etienne. Bigsby’s workload was hardly massive when the Jaguars traveled to Indianapolis. However, his unquestioned role in Jacksonville's rotation elevates him among the top backs who are still attainable on this week’s waiver wires.
TANK BIGSBY POWERS UP 📈
📺: #JAXvsIND on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/G4uoYVOqQn pic.twitter.com/9hxQyhPw1K— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2023
Bigsby only played on 15 snaps during his NFL debut and was limited to 13 rushing yards on seven carries. He also dropped a pass and lost a fumble. Etienne commandeered a 75% snap share while accumulating 18 rushing attempts and generating 77 yards on the ground. Etienne also collected all five of his targets, while assembling 27 yards as a receiving weapon.
The one-game sample size of Bigsby’s role in Doug Pederson’s offense is destined to expand. For now, he does not supply standalone value. However, he remains an exceptional insurance policy for anyone who has invested in Etienne. Bigsby will also provide RB2 output to fantasy managers if Etienne becomes sidelined as the season progresses.
Tank Bigsby with two rather huge mishaps today:
1. Trevor Lawrence INT bounced off Bigsby's hands. Not a perfect pass, but shouldn't have been a pick.
2. T-Law strip sacked, Bigsby picks up ball but thinks play is dead, Colts strip him and then scoop and score.
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) September 10, 2023
Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers - 15% Rostered
Chuba Hubbard entered his third season as Carolina’s unquestioned RB2. However, the size of his workload was uncertain after Miles Sanders signed a four-year contract with the Panthers in March. Hubbard’s involvement during the team’s season opener was promising, which has vaulted him among this week’s potential roster additions.
Sanders' ADP rose to Round 6 (65/RB24) during draft season, in anticipation of a sizable workload that he could procure in his new environment. He did secure a 58% snap share when Carolina traveled to Atlanta in Week 1. He also generated 98 total yards on 22 touches and assembled 72 rushing yards on 18 carries.
Hubbard’s role as Carolina’s unquestioned RB2 propelled him to a 36% snap share, 11 touches, and 69 total yards. He also bolted for 60 yards with his nine carries, while averaging 6.7 yards per attempt.
Hubbard is not lurking as a legitimate threat to confiscate Sanders’ lead back responsibilities, although he has still emerged as a viable roster option. He would ascend into an extensive workload if Sanders is forced to the sideline at any point during the season. That would elevate Hubbard into consideration as a low-end RB2 if that transpires.
Dark Horses - Week 2 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs should be considered if you are searching for players who could eventually emerge in your lineups.
Joshua Kelley, Los Angeles Chargers - 4% Rostered
Joshua Kelley has entered his fourth season with an edge over Isaiah Spiller for RB2 responsibilities with the Chargers. Kelley averaged 5.8 attempts/20.1 rushing yards per game during his first three seasons, with only modest involvement as a receiver during that span (1.1, receptions/7.8 yards per game).
However, Kelley fortified his chances of operating as the direct backup to Austin Ekeler by bolting for a 75-yard touchdown during L.A.’s final preseason matchup. He also generated a career-high 91 rushing yards and a touchdown on 16 carries when the Chargers hosted Miami in Week 1.
joshua kelley earned this 💪
📺 | @nfloncbs pic.twitter.com/yQKoEsul1e
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) September 10, 2023
The Chargers had ranked 30th with an average of 89.6 yards per game during 2022. However, Kelley and Ekeler also combined for 208 yards on the ground during the team's first game with new OC Kellen Moore.
Kelley's Week 1 workload has launched him to the periphery of standalone value. He also remains positioned to receive an extensive role if Ekeler is sidelined during the season. Kelley's contingent value supplies the rationale for targeting him on this week’s waiver wire, particularly if you seized Ekeler in Round 1 of your drafts.
Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers - 57% Rostered
Health issues have forced Elijah Mitchell to miss 18 games during his first two seasons. He also contended with an adductor strain during August. However, Mitchell has already proven that he will perform effectively when he can elude injuries. Kyle Shanahan has also demonstrated his confidence in the deployment of Mitchell when the talented third-year back is healthy.
Mitchell finished eighth in rushing yards (963/87.5 per game) and ninth in yards after contact (581), during his 2021 rookie season, even though he was limited to 11 games. He also began 2022 as the 49ers’ primary back, while averaging 9.0 carries/55.8 yards per game during the five games in which he was available.
Mitchell was also the only other back beyond Christian McCaffrey to accumulate touches during the 49ers’ season opener, even though he registered modest numbers (five carries/10 rushing yards). Shanahan should continue to deploy Mitchell in a rotation with McCaffrey as the weeks advance.
Mitchell would also operate with a mammoth workload if McCaffrey became unavailable at any point during the season. That contingent upside sustains Mitchell's presence among the most viable handcuffs that remain available on waiver wires.
Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 4% Rostered
Sean Tucker has emerged as an enticing roster addition after surging from undrafted free agent status to RB2 responsibilities for Tampa Bay. Tucker accumulated 3,182 yards and 27 touchdowns on the ground during his three years at Syracuse, while leading the Orangemen in yardage and attempts during all three seasons. He also finished sixth overall in rushing yards during 2021 (1,496/124.7 per game), while finishing second with 1,014 yards after contact according to PFF.
Tucker was considered to be a potential mid-round selection prior to last April’s NFL Draft. However, his stock plunged after he was flagged for a heart condition at the NFL combine. Tucker later signed with the Buccaneers and received clearance to join the team during training camp. He surpassed Chase Edmonds and Ke'Shawn Vaughn on the depth chart, which places him directly below Rachaad White.
This positions Tucker to operate with a weekly allotment of carries. He was limited to 15 yards on five attempts in Week 1. However, White was unimpressive while managing just 39 yards with his 17 carries (2.3 per attempt).
Rachaad White recorded *NEGATIVE-38* rush yards over expectation today, per @NextGenStats.
Would have been tied for the fourth-worst RYOE game of the entire 2022 season.
— Seth Walder (@SethWalder) September 10, 2023
White and Tucker also collected two targets while combining for 19 receiving yards. Tucker’s involvement during his NFL debut was encouraging and he has emerged as a promising handcuff option. He also possesses the explosiveness to become a significant asset for fantasy managers if his workload expands.
Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings - 8% Rostered
This recommendation is for anyone who is operating with a deeper bench. Ty Chandler was limited to just 12 snaps, six touches, and 20 total yards during his 2022 rookie season. However, Chandler completed the 40-yard dash in 4.38 at the 2022 NFL Combine, and his favorable blend of speed and versatility provides the potential for him to emerge as the direct backup to Alexander Mattison in his second season.
Chandler was expected to compete with 2021 fourth-round selection Kene Nwangwu, and rookie DeWayne McBride for that opportunity. However, Nwangwu has begun the year on injured reserved (leg), while the Vikings waived McBride on August 29. Minnesota also signed Myles Gaskin on the following day but he should not impede Chandler from evolving into a consistent RB2 role in Kevin O’Connell’s offense.
Mattison accumulated 44 total yards on 14 touches when Minnesota hosted Tampa Bay, and should operate with the most extensive workload of his career. Chander was the only other back to register a rushing attempt (three) while also capturing his only target.
Even though Chandler's numbers were modest, his weekly touch totals should expand as he operates behind Mattison. His contingent value also supplies the primary enticement for adding him to your 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.
Rashaad Penny, Philadelphia Eagles - 68% Rostered
Rashaad Penny is in fact INACTIVE https://t.co/HUqUED0A3h
— Adam Koffler (@AdamKoffler) September 10, 2023
After months of debate surrounding the potential touch distribution between members of the Eagles’ backfield, the results from Philadelphia’s season opener provided clarity to what had been a nebulous situation. Unfortunately for anyone who had invested in Rashaad Penny during draft season, this included the eye-opening news that he was relegated to healthy scratch status.
This was an unwanted development that has elevated Penny into consideration as a drop candidate. It is understandable if you would prefer to delay any extraction of Penny from your roster with the hope he can reemerge with an ongoing role within the Eagles’ crowded backfield. However, this decision could also prevent you from seizing a player who is more likely to develop into a resource for your roster.
Penny’s eruption for a league-high 682 yards and six touchdowns during a memorable five-game sequence in 2021 was impressive, and it incentivized many managers to draft the sixth-year-back. However, Penny’s alarming descent into inactive status appears to have destined you to continued disappointment during the upcoming weeks. It also provides your incentive to discard him.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs – 20% Rostered
Clyde Edwards-Helaire collected touches on the Chiefs’ first two offensive plays during their season opener. This led to rising uneasiness for managers who had started Isiah Pacheco. However, the disintegration of Edwards-Helaire’s role in the Chiefs’ offense during 2022 has already provided Pacheco with a runway to seize lead-back responsibilities which the second-year back is unlikely to relinquish.
#Chiefs Week 1 RB Usage
- Isiah Pacheco: 47% snaps, 8 carries, 4 targets (54 yards)
- Jerick McKinnon: 31% snaps, 0 carries, 2 targets (10 yards)
- Clyde Edwards-Helaire: 23% snaps, 6 carries, 1 target (29 yards)4 targets for Pacheco, just 14 all of last year
— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) September 8, 2023
Edwards-Helaire had operated as Kansas City’s primary back from Weeks 1-6 last season before his snap share plunged from 44.6% to 14.7% during Weeks 7-11. He also averaged 4.0 carries/15.3 yards per game before failing to register a snap from Weeks 12-18. Edwards-Helaire’s role was also uninspiring in Week 1, as his 22% snap share trailed Pacheco (48%) and Jerick McKinnon (31%). Edwards-Helaire also managed just 22 rushing yards on six attempts (3.7 yards per attempt) and was limited to a seven-yard reception.
If Edwards-Helaire remains on your roster, you will need the fourth-year back to experience an improbable rise from his role as the third back in a committee before you can start him. There are other backs available on this week’s waiver wire who deliver a greater potential to function as an asset for your rosters.
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