RADIO
Phil Clark's fantasy football running back waiver wire pickups for Week 6 of the 2023 NFL season. His free agent RBs to add, stream, and stash off waivers.
We have now progressed into reconstructing rosters and planning lineups for Week 6. The numbers that have been assembled by running backs during their first five matchups have fueled a variety of emotions for all fantasy managers. Unfortunately, some of you have been contending with underwhelming results due to injuries, inefficient performances, and production-inhibiting committees.
The unwelcome process of managing bye weeks has also resurfaced, which will fuel interest in locating alternative options on the waiver wire. That includes the two teams that will be impacted this week -- Green Bay and Pittsburgh. This ensures that anyone with Aaron Jones, Najee Harris, or Jaylen Warren on their rosters will have to avoid starting those backs.
The recommendations in this week's article will appear in three tiers, beginning with the most enticing and progressing to options for managers who 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 have 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: Green Bay, Pittsburgh
- Week 7: Carolina, Cincinnati, Dallas, Houston, New York Jets, Tennessee
- Week 9: Denver, Detroit, Jacksonville, San Francisco
- Week 10: Philadelphia, Miami, Kansas City, Los Angeles Rams
Frontrunners - Week 6 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs should be your top priorities among the options that are available on most waiver wires.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans - 26% Rostered
If you have used this column as a resource when planning your roster construction, then you are already aware that Tyjae Spears has become a mainstay among the top recommendations in recent weeks.
The explosive rookie remains firmly positioned as the Titans’ RB2 behind Derrick Henry. He also continues to receive favorable touch totals even as Henry operates as the Titans’ lead back.
Spears has already accumulated 144 snaps, which only trails Henry’s total by 18 Spears has also generated 156 rushing yards with his 27 carries (5.8 per attempt). That includes the 34 yards that he assembled on seven attempts when Tennessee visited Indianapolis in Week 5.
Spears also leads the Titans backfield with 82 routes, while Henry has run 52. Spears is also pacing the tandem in targets (19) and receptions (14).
Spears’ current workload is already encouraging. He also retains proximity to a massive workload that would emerge if Henry is forced to the sideline. The elusive Spears would launch into lead-back responsibilities and would approach RB1 output if that scenario develops.
Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos - 58% Rostered
Jaleel McLaughlin was located on the waiver wire in 97% of all leagues when this column was constructed one week ago. There is still an opportunity to add the explosive rookie, but that will evaporate this week.
McLaughlin’s playmaking capabilities were on display during another encouraging performance in Week 5. McLaughlin played on 21 snaps, carried nine times, and generated 68 rushing yards during Denver’s matchup with the Jets. He also ran 10 routes, collected three of his four targets, and assembled 21 yards as a receiving weapon.
Those numbers sustained the recent surge in McLaughlin’s usage and production as his snap counts have steadily increased since Week 2 (3/13/16/21). He has now been entrusted with 22 rushing attempts and accrued 160 rushing yards since Week 3. McLaughlin has also run 18 routes while generating two receiving touchdowns.
Javonte Williams was inactive in Week 5 (quad). However, McLaughlin’s ability to erupt for big plays should compel Sean Payton to keep him highly involved in the Broncos’ backfield rotation regardless of Williams’ status. That vaults McLaughlin among this week’s top priorities from the waiver wire.
Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears - 43% Rostered
The steady rise in Roschon Johnson’s snap share from Weeks 1-3 (39%/42%/45%) had also fueled rising optimism that he was progressing toward a sizable role. He had also attained season highs in carries (eight) and rushing yards (38) when Chicago traveled to Kansas City in Week 3.
Unfortunately, Johnson’s numbers were disappointing when Chicago hosted Denver in Week 4. He experienced declines in snap share (22%), carries (five), and rushing yards (13), and was limited to a season-low in targets (one). Johnson only played on six snaps in Week 5 before sustaining a concussion. However, he is now primed to capture an extensive workload when he returns.
Khalil Herbert sustained a high ankle sprain in Week 5, which provides a path for Johnson and D'Onta Foreman to accumulate touches. Johnson has already catapulted Foreman on the depth chart and would capture the majority of opportunities while Herbert is sidelined.
Johnson's status for Chicago’s Week 6 matchup with NFC North rival Minnesota should be monitored. However, he should become an asset for your rosters when he returns. That should incentivize you to seize him this week.
Jeff Wilson Jr., Miami Dolphins - 27% Rostered
De’Von Achane’s knee injury will force him to the sideline for multiple weeks. This is an unfortunate development for Miami after the explosive rookie stockpiled 455 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns from Weeks 3-5.
This is also problematic for anyone who had been utilizing Achane in their lineups, as his absence will present another unwelcome roster challenge. This has intensified the need to locate alternative starting options for many of you who were already contending with bye weeks and health issues with other players.
With De’Von Achane now being an injured reserve candidate due to his knee injury, the team is expected to open the window for RB Jeff Wilson Jr. to start practicing this week, per source. https://t.co/IgPxRhXCVi
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 10, 2023
However, Jeff Wilson Jr will soon resurface from injured reserve, and Achane’s lack of ability should accelerate a path for Wilson to seize an ongoing role in the Dolphins’ backfield rotation. The sixth-year back should share touches with Raheem Mostert, although Wilson’s history with Mike McDaniel should expedite his ascension into a favorable workload.
Wilson paced Miami last season in red zone carries (13), rushing touchdowns (three), routes run (122), and targets 24/3.0 per game) after he was traded from San Francisco in 2022. Wilson is currently available in 73% of all leagues. That percentage will diminish quickly as he is now embedded among this week’s top priorities from the waiver wire.
In The Running - Week 6 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs remain available on the waiver wire and could become resources for your rosters.
Emari Demercado, Arizona Cardinals -1% Rostered
Emari Demercado accumulated 1,326 yards and 10 touchdowns during his final three seasons at TCU while playing behind Zach Evans and Kendre Miller.
Demercado signed with Arizona as an undrafted free agent following last April’s NFL Draft and was limited to 22 snaps and five touches from Weeks 1-3. He accumulated 25 snaps in Week 4, along with four targets and four touches.
James Conner sustained a knee injury when the Cardinals hosted Cincinnati in Week 5. That launched Demercado into lead-back responsibilities, as he played on a season-best 44 snaps. He also established season highs in rushing attempts (10) and rushing yards (45), ran 24 routes, and was targeted three times by Joshua Dobbs.
No other Arizona back was utilized after Conner exited the contest. Demercado’s workload was already increasing prior to Conner's latest health issue. He is now positioned to operate with a sizable touch total when Arizona visits the Rams on Sunday. Connor’s health should be monitored, but Demercado has vaulted among this week’s waiver wire priorities.
Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens - 28% Rostered
Justice Hill reappeared following a one-game absence to generate 45 total yards and a touchdown in Week 5. His performance also provided a reminder that he can function as an RB3/flex, even as he shares touches with Gus Edwards within the Ravens’ backfield rotation.
Hill had secured a 57% snap share in Week 2 while assembling 53 total yards on 14 touches. He contended with a foot injury that sidelined him in Week 3. He also sustained a hamstring issue in Week 4 and was limited to a 12% snap share, three touches, and 33 total yards.
However, he accumulated 39 snaps during Baltimore’s matchup with AFC rival Pittsburgh as Edwards was the only other Raven back to register a touch. Hill has been entrusted with an ongoing role in Todd Monken‘s offense whenever he has eluded injuries.
Keaton Mitchell could become involved in the allocation of touches as the season progresses. That should not prevent Hill from providing a solution to roster dilemmas that are destined to develop in upcoming weeks.
D'Onta Foreman, Chicago Bears - 7% Rostered
Khalil Herbert’s problematic ankle is expected to sideline him for several games. That should relaunch Foreman back to relevance after he had been relegated to healthy scratch status from Weeks 2-4.
Roschon Johnson should operate with a substantial role whenever he has completed concussion protocol. However, Foreman should also accumulate touches. He also possesses a track record of re-emerging in the fantasy landscape after remaining a complete non-factor for multiple weeks.
Foreman was limited to a 9.3% snap share, 12 attempts, and just 37 rushing yards from Weeks 1-6 last season. However, his snap share rose to 47.1% from Weeks 7-18, and he vaulted to third among all backs in rushing yardage (877/79.7 per game), fourth in attempts (191/17.4 per game), and seventh in yards after contact (530). Foreman was also activated from Tennessee’s practice squad in 2021 and finished sixth in rushing yards (480/80.3 per game) from Weeks 12-18.
While it will be important to monitor updates surrounding the health of Johnson and Herbert, there is an enormous incentive to secure Foreman. He should capitalize on any expanded workloads that he receives during the upcoming weeks.
Dark Horses - Week 6 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These backs should be considered if you are searching for players who could eventually emerge in your lineups.
Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers - 58% Rostered
Jaylen Warren was available in over 70% of all leagues as the regular season commenced. However, he has consistently demonstrated a higher level of efficiency than Najee Harris and fantasy managers have steadily secured him for their rosters. This was a byproduct of optimism that Warren would eventually be entrusted with an expanded workload.
That has now transpired, as the second-year back’s snap share has gradually ascended from 4o% to 49% during Pittsburgh’s five matchups. Warren has also run more routes than Harris (61/59), and easily leads the backfield in targets (25/8).
Warren also accumulated 32 snaps when the Steelers hosted Baltimore in Week 5, while Harris played on 37. Warren carried nine times and generated a team-high 40 rushing yards. He also ran 14 routes, while generating 39 receiving yards.
Both backs are now operating with similar weekly snap shares and touch totals. However, Warren’s expanded involvement has propelled him to standalone value. This elevates him into consideration as a flex option for anyone who is dealing with significant roster challenges.
Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers - 32% Rostered
Chuba Hubbard became a viable roster addition during the initial weeks of the regular season, due to his proximity to a massive workload if Miles Sanders became unavailable. However, Hubbard’s weekly role within Carolina’s backfield rotation has expanded, as he has ascended beyond functioning as the backup to Sanders.
Hubbard was averaging 25.7 snaps per game from Weeks 1-3. However, he accumulated more snaps than Sanders since Week 4 (71/62), while also accruing a higher number of rushing attempts (23/20) and rushing yards (76/51) during that two-game span.
That includes Hubbard’s numbers when the Panthers traveled to Detroit in Week 5. The third-year back led the backfield in snaps (34/33) while generating 35 rushing yards on nine attempts. Sanders carried seven times while assembling 32 yards on the ground.
Sanders accumulated more routes than Hubbard in Week 5 (22/17) and led the backfield in that category from Weeks 1-5 (46/31). That does not diminish the increased touch totals that have been entrusted to Hubbard, who would also operate with an extensive workload if Sanders is sidelined. That provides your motivation for securing him this week.
Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks - 54% Rostered
The inclusion of Zach Charbonnet in this article is not a suggestion that he is looming as an immediate threat to confiscate Kenneth Walker’s role as Seattle’s lead back. However, Charbonnet should be among your targets on this week’s waiver wire.
His size, strength, and vision as a runner blend favorably with his proficiency as a receiving weapon to position him as an effective every-down back. Those attributes should also sustain his presence in a rotation with Walker and could fuel an increase in his touches as the season progresses.
Charbonnet has operated with a 30.6% snap share, which includes a season-best 43.7% when Seattle hosted Carolina in Week 3. He also accumulated 14 attempts and 77 rushing yards in Weeks 3-4, while averaging 5.5 yards per attempt. Walker leads the Seahawks backfield in snap share (60.4%), carries (64), rushing yards (283), routes run (41), and targets (10), but Charbonnet’s recent workload should not be dismissed.
Charbonnet’s usage and value would increase significantly if Walker were forced to the sideline. Charbonnet would instantly become a valuable resource on all rosters if that scenario develops.
Also-Rans - It Is Time To Say Goodbye
Dalvin Cook, New York Jets - 70% Rostered
If Dalvin Cook is currently contained on your roster, it might be difficult for you to extract him. However, there is expanding evidence that he cannot be trusted in any lineups, which eliminates the possibility that he can function as an asset. Cook signed a one-year, $7,000,000 contract with the Jets in August and has yet to provide any indication that he will ever reward the team for that decision. Cook has carried 36 times from Weeks 1-5 while failing to exceed 18 rushing yards in four of his five matchups during that sequence.
His season-high 33 yards were assembled with 13 rushing attempts, and his current averages of 2.7 yards per attempt and 19.4 yards per game from Weeks 1-5 are the lowest of his career. He has also attained career lows in yards after contact per attempt (1.0).
Breece Hall is no longer encumbered by a managed workload and should confiscate a massive percentage of the touches that will be allocated to the Jets’ backfield. Cook's underwhelming numbers prevent you from using him in your lineup. That should remove all hesitation in dropping him from your roster.
Damien Harris, Buffalo Bills - 27% Rostered
Damien Harris’ workload had been disappointing during his first five matchups as a member of Buffalo’s backfield. His microscopic touch totals have also elevated him among this week’s drop candidates.
Harris appeared capable of operating with a weekly allotment of rushing attempts, including opportunities in the red zone. However, Harris has only played on 54 snaps. Not only does that trail Cook (180), but Harris has also played on fewer snaps than 33-year-old Latavius Murray (79).
Harris has only been entrusted with 22 attempts and has only accrued 93 yards. That includes his involvement in Week 5 when he was limited to three carries and manufactured 13 yards. He has yet to surpass 33 rushing yards in any of his first five matchups and is averaging just 18.6 per game.
Harris has also been relegated to just two targets and is not securing enough opportunities to justify any consideration as a starter in your lineups. That should incentivize you to remove him from your rosters this week.
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