Running Back Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 8: Top Free Agent Adds Include Tyrone Tracy Jr., Zach Charbonnet, Ray Davis, Tyler Goodson

October 22, 2024

Phil Clark's running back (RB) fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 8 of the 2024 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 8. The numbers assembled by running backs during the first seven weeks of the regular season have fueled a variety of emotions for all fantasy managers. Unfortunately, some of you have encountered underwhelming results due to injuries, inefficient performances, and production-inhibiting committees.

You will elude the additional challenge of accounting for backs on their bye week as all teams will be in action during Week 8. However, 22 teams will have their byes from Weeks 9-14. That should incentivize you to plan for the temporary absence of your players in advance. This includes the most impactful byes that loom in Weeks 12 and 14 when six teams will be affected.

This article will help you navigate these obstacles by locating the most enticing options on your Week 8 waiver wires. This week’s recommendations remain available in over 40% of all Yahoo leagues and will be listed in three tiers. After you have finished this breakdown on running backs, you can also find fantasy football waiver wire pickups at other positions. Good luck in your Week 8 matchups.

Upcoming Bye Weeks

• Week 9:  Pittsburgh, San Francisco
• Week 10:  Cleveland, Green Bay, Las Vegas, Seattle
• Week 11:  Arizona, Carolina, New York Giants, Tampa Bay
• Week 12:  Atlanta, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Jacksonville, New Orleans, New York Jets
• Week 14: Baltimore, Denver, Houston, Indianapolis, New England, Washington

Tier 1: Front-Runners - Week 8 Waiver Wire Running Backs

Prioritize These Running Backs On Waiver Wires

Tyrone Tracy Jr. New York Giants - 57% Rostered  

Excellent vision, anticipation, and feet by Tyrone Tracy Jr. to find a hole and pick up a valuable 11 yards for the #Giants offense. pic.twitter.com/ulPt4lzr0S

— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) October 14, 2024

Tyrone Tracy Jr. assembled two highly productive outings while operating as the Giants’ primary back in Weeks 5-6, while Devin Singletary was sidelined by a groin injury. Tracy’s performances during that two-game span also compelled Brian Daboll to utilize him as New York’s lead back when the Giants hosted Philadelphia in Week 7.

#Giants Week 7 RB Usage

- Tyrone Tracy Jr: 67% snaps, 6 carries, 24 routes, 3 targets (34 yds)
- Devin Singletary: 22% snaps, 5 carries, 6 routes, 1 target (21 yds)

Production wasn't there, but usage is very encouraging for Tracy

— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio)

Tracy had attained a 23.3% snap share from Weeks 1-4. However, he has now reached a 63% share during each of his last three outings (63%/84%/67%). That includes the 67% share that he secured in Week 7, while Singletary operated with a 22% share.

Tracy also rose to third among all backs with 179 rushing yards (89.5 per game) in Week 5-6 and has assembled 202 yards on 41 carries (4.9 yards per attempt) during his last three matchups. Tracy has also accumulated 10 missed tackles forced according to Fantasy Points Data. He was also sixth among backs in routes run (46) in Weeks 5-6 and has now run 73 routes during his last three contests.

Tracy is capable of performing proficiently as a rusher and receiving weapon while operating as the Giants’ primary back, while Singletary functions in a complementary role. There should also be no hesitation in prioritizing Tracy for your roster if he remains available in your leagues.

Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks - 55% Rostered

Kenneth Walker III continues to flourish as Seattle’s lead back. However, Zach Charbonnet’s role as the Seahawks’ RB2 has sustained his consistent presence in this column. Charbonnet can operate effectively as a three-down back and retains proximity to an extensive workload if Walker is forced to the sideline.

That scenario transpired in Weeks 2-3 when Walker was unavailable due to an oblique injury. Charbonnet had also operated with a league-high 90.5% snap share during Walker’s absence and flourished with his temporary role as the Seahawks’ primary back.

.@Seahawks make quick work on the drive, and @zachcharbon ends it with a TD!

📺: #MIAvsSEA on CBS/Paramount
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/RmcNRD8b5V

— NFL (@NFL) September 22, 2024

He also finished seventh among all backs with 91 rushing yards in Week 3, while averaging 5.1 yards per attempt, and rising to second in yards after contact (80). Charbonnet also finished sixth in efficiency (3.16) according to Next Gen Stats, and finished at RB7 (25.7 points). 

The potential for Charbonnet to operate as Seattle’s feature back also re-emerged when Walker encountered an illness before the Seahawks’ Week 7 matchup. That did not prevent Walker from securing a 46.4% snap share while accumulating 14 attempts, and 69 rushing yards. Charbonnet led the backfield with a 55.4% snap share,  carried eight times, and assembled 19 rushing yards.

Walker's illness may have contributed to his diminished snap share and he remains Seattle's lead back. Charbonnet has also established his ability to deliver RB1 output to fantasy managers if he is functioning as Seattle’s primary back. Anyone with Walker contained on their rosters should have Charbonnet secured as a handcuff, while any other managers with roster space should seize him this week.

Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills - 27% Rostered 

Ray Davis operated with a 15.8% snap share while averaging 6.5 attempts/18.8 rushing yards per game from Weeks 1-5. He had also run 12 routes, collected four receptions, and assembled 18 rushing yards.

Ty Johnson had garnered a 24% snap share during that sequence, and it was reasonable to question whether Davis would function as the unquestioned lead back if James Cook were forced to the sideline.

However, Davis secured a 60% snap share during Buffalo’s Week 6 matchup with the Jets, when Cook was inactive due to a troublesome toe. Davis also surpassed his previous season highs in carries (20), rushing yards (97), routes run (14), and receiving yards (55).

Ray Davis cannot be stopped!!! 😤

📺: @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/qQyaqrxfUL

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) October 20, 2024

Cook re-emerged in Week 7 while Davis functioned as Buffalo’s RB2. Davis operated with a 22.2% snap share, carried five times, assembled 41 rushing yards, and generated his second touchdown. He also ran seven routes and captured his only target.

Even though Davis' involvement decreased in Week 7, he should still be prioritized as a valuable insurance policy by anyone who has Cook contained on their rosters. All other managers can also add Davis, who has proven that he can perform proficiently with an extensive workload.

Tyler Goodson, Indianapolis Colts - 14% Rostered

Tyler Goodson was signed as an undated free agent by Green Bay following the 2022 NFL Draft. He was also signed by Indianapolis in 2023 and entered Week 5 with career totals of 62 snaps, 20 touches, and 123 total yards.

However, Goodson has soared into relevance during the Colts’ last three matchups, while emerging as a viable waiver wire option for managers. Goodson ascended into a rotation with Trey Sermon after Jonathan Taylor sustained an ankle injury in Week 4. Goodson has now operated with a 42.9% snap share, and his carries have steadily increased during that three-game span (5/6/14).

Tyler Goodson's first career TD! @Colts even the score.

📺: #MIAvsIND on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/fkmzLcPeVp

— NFL (@NFL) October 20, 2024

Goodson has also performed more efficiently than Sermon while assembling 128 rushing yards, generating a touchdown, and averaging 4.7 yards per attempt. Sermon has secured a 56.6% snap share, leads Indianapolis in carries (36), but trails Goodson in yardage (103), and has averaged just 2.9 yards per attempt. Goodson has also run 43 routes, garnered eight targets, and generated 45 yards as a receiving weapon.

Taylor’s status should be monitored throughout the week. However, that should not deter you from adding Goodson, who can function as an RB3/flex if Taylor remains sidelined.

Jonathon Brooks - Carolina Panthers - 63% Rostered

The rostership percentage for Jonathon Brooks has eclipsed the usual threshold of 60% which is normally required for recommendations in this column. However, an exception will be made to include this reminder that Brooks could soon emerge as a remedy for significant roster issues that may develop as the season progresses.

The exact timeline for Brooks to make his NFL debut is uncertain, and anyone who has benefitted from Chuba Hubbard’s highly productive season may not be ecstatic that Brooks’ entrance into Carolina’s backfield rotation is looming.

Panthers rookie RB Jonathon Brooks making all the moves. pic.twitter.com/48Z3dAam3d

— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) October 16, 2024

The degree to which Brooks’ involvement will be managed is also unclear. The Panthers may opt to continue their extensive deployment of Hubbard, who is now fifth overall with 537 rushing yards (76.7 per game).

It is certain that the 21-day practice window for Brooks has been activated, as is Brooks' ability to perform effectively as a three-down back. Brooks also registered 0.34 missed tackles forced per attempt and 4.1 yards after contact per attempt during 2023 according to PFF.

The availability of Brooks in nearly 40% of all leagues presents an opportunity to secure him this week. You should then exercise patience as his advance toward a role in Carolina’s backfield continues.

Tier 2: In The Running - Week 8 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These Running Backs Could Become Assets For Your Rosters

Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 39% Rostered  

Tyler Allgeier has repeatedly delivered evidence that he can perform proficiently when he is entrusted with a favorable workload. That sustains his status as an exceptional handcuff who will deliver RB1 production if Bijan Robinson is inactive for any reason. This also fortifies your incentive for seizing him from your waiver wires if you invested a first-round selection on Robinson.

This is why Bijan Robinson will continue to share snaps with Tyler Allgeier pic.twitter.com/NnPibQhK7A

— Chuck Bass (@ChuckFBass) October 15, 2024

Allgeier also surpassed the threshold of standalone value when his snap share rose from 20.7% in Weeks 1-3 to 38.5% in Weeks 4-6. Robinson’s share dropped from 81.7% during Weeks 1-3, to 61.5% in Weeks 4-6.

However, Allgeier’s snap share decreased to 22.5% when the Falcons hosted Seattle in Week 7. He was limited to five attempts and 36 rushing yards, just one week after he established season-highs in both categories (18/105).

Robinson secured a 69.0% snap share and generated season-highs in attempts (21), and rushing yards (103). Robinson also led Atlanta’s backfield in routes run (22), collected three of his five targets, and assembled 40 yards as a pass-catcher. Allgeier is attainable in 61% of all leagues and remains capable of thriving with a massive workload if Robinson is absent for any reason.

Braelon Allen, New York Jets - 41% Rostered 

Braelon Allen's stock surged from Weeks 2-4 due to rising integration into the Jets’ offense and his ability to perform proficiently with the carries that he was pilfering from Breece Hall.

FIRST NFL TD FOR @BraelonAllen 🥹

📺: #NYJvsTEN on CBS/Paramount+pic.twitter.com/qBZKraJ2eP

— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) September 15, 2024

Allen operated with a 33.2% snap share during that sequence, while also accumulating 26 attempts, generating 122 rushing yards, and averaging 4.7 yards per attempt. Allen also produced 70 yards after contact during that sequence.

Allen remains an excellent insurance policy for managers who have invested in Hall. However, Allen’s touches have decreased since New York transitioned to head coach Jeff Ulbrich and offensive coordinator Todd Downing.

Allen’s snap share dropped to 14.0% since Week 6, while he was limited to a season-low share of 9%  in Week 7. Alien has also carried five times since Week 6  accrued 12 rushing yards, ran seven routes, and registered one reception. Hall has secured an 84.2% snap share, carried 30 times, and produced 151 rushing yards.

The standalone value that Allen had earned before Week 6 has dissipated. However, that does not eliminate the rationale for securing him as a handcuff if Hall is on your roster. Allen is capable of delivering RB1 output if Hall is forced to the sideline.

Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers - 41% Rostered 

Jaylen Warren operated with a 35.5% snap share from Weeks 1-3, while accumulating 19 touches, and generating 82 total yards. The third-year back was also sidelined with a knee injury in Week 4-5.

However, even though Warren’s season was initially a disappointment, he now provides needy fantasy managers with a potential RB3/flex option after resurfacing in the Steelers’ backfield rotation.

This was the play of the game to me.

1-score game late in the 3rd quarter. Jones gets cooked inside which forces Russ to check it down.

Warren's spin cycle evades multiple Jets defenders who should have had good angles on him, turns it into a first down on 3rd and long. pic.twitter.com/EVT31EtvBE

— Derrick (@Steelers_DB) October 21, 2024

Warren has secured a 42.2% snap share since re-emerging in Week 6, including the season high 51% share that he attained in Week 7. He has also accumulated 18 carries and generated 51 rushing yards while establishing season highs in attempts (12), and rushing yards (44) in Week 7. Warren has also run 20 routes, collected five of his six targets, and assembled 26 yards as a pass-catcher.

Najee Harris has attained a 49.2% snap share since Week 6, while rising to third in rushing yards (208), and fourth in attempts (35). He has also run 24 routes while accruing three targets, and assembling 16 receiving yards. Harris will retain a sizable workload. However, that should not deter you from integrating Warren into your list of waiver wire targets if you are confronted with a plethora of roster challenges.

Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers - 14% Rostered

Kimani Vidal possesses a favorable blend of vision, balance, and burst which helped him stockpile 4,010 rushing yards at the collegiate level. Vidal’s attributes have now been on display since Week 6, while he operates as the Chargers RB2.

Vidal failed to register an offensive snap from Weeks 1-5, as J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards functioned in a rotation during those contests. However, Vidal elevated directly below Dobbins on the Chargers’ depth chart, after Edwards was placed on injured reserve (ankle).

.@Chargers rookie RB Kimani Vidal's first touch in the NFL is a 38-yard TD catch!

📺: #LACvsDEN on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/WEwr9AE9iW

— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2024

Vidal has operated with a 24% snap share, while Dobbins has secured a share of 73.3%. Vidal has also carried seven times, generated 21 rushing yards, run 24 routes, assembled 49 receiving yards, and produced a 38-yard touchdown.

Edwards will not re-emerge until at least Week 10. His inefficiency from Weeks 1-5 also provides the potential for Vidal to maintain his current workload after Edwards returns.

Vidal will also vault into a massive workload in the Chargers' run-heavy offense if Dobbins is forced to the sideline, as Dobbins’s career-high average of 16.2 attempts per game is ninth among all backs.  Vidal’s prospects of operating with a favorable workload could also increase during his upcoming matchups. That supplies the rationale for adding him this week.

Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins -8% Rostered 

Jaylen Wright's runway toward a sizable workload has contained more hurdles than several other members of his rookie class. However, he has performed efficiently with the opportunities that have been distributed by Mike McDaniel.

De'Von Achane (53.3% snap share) and Raheem Mostert (43.6% snap share) continue to operate with the largest percentage of touches even though Mostert was sidelined from Weeks 2-4 (chest), and  Achane sustained a concussion in Week 5. Achane's absence also launched Wright into his most extensive workload of the season.

I’ll keep saying it until I’m blue in the face…

Jaylen Wright is the most talented back on this football team 💪🏻😤pic.twitter.com/VXObPJ9SM4

— The Kevin Harlan Effect (@KevHarlanEffect) October 20, 2024

Wright attained a 32% snap share and established season-highs in carries (13), and rushing yards (86). Wright also finished eighth overall in rush yards over expected (21)  according to Next Gen Stats.

Wright has now attained a 26% snap share since Week 2.  while accumulating  172 rushing yards and eight missed tackles forced with his 34 attempts according to Fantasy Points Data. He has also eclipsed 6.6 yards per attempt during three of his last four contests.

Wright’s continued efficiency could incentivize McDaniel to utilize him with greater frequency during the upcoming weeks. Wright will also ascend into a significant workload if Achane or Mostert are sidelined during any remaining matchups, and the explosive rookie is capable of providing high-end RB2 output if that scenario transpires.

Tier 3: Dark Horses - Week 8 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These Running Backs Could Emerge In Your Lineups

Alexander Mattison, Las Vegas Raiders - 54% Rostered 

Alexander Mattison was in the process of leapfrogging Zamir White as the primary back in Las Vegas even before White’s groin injury sidelined him in Weeks 5-6. White had been provided with an opportunity to function as the Raiders’ RB1. However, he failed to perform efficiently while averaging 3.1 yards per attempt and descending to 44th in efficiency (4.79) according to Next Gen Stats.

Now, what was once an unobstructed path toward production for White has closed, while Mattison has seized lead-back duties for Las Vegas. Mattison has now secured a 51% snap share while accumulating 250 rushing yards and 99 yards after contact with his 69 attempts.

Alexander Mattison punches in the touchdown for the first score of the game! 🏴‍☠️

✅ First TD Scorer (+650)
✅ Anytime TD Scorer (+140)

(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/dUVVASJw4A

— ESPN BET (@ESPNBET) October 13, 2024

That includes the season-highs that Mattison secured in snap share (70%), attempts (23), and rushing yards (92) when the Raiders visited the Rams in Week 7. Mattison has also paced the Las Vegas backfield in routes run (62), targets (11), receptions (10), and receiving yards (86) since Week 5.

It is understandable if there is hesitation in adding Mattison due to the deficiencies that exist in the Las Vegas offense. However, he is the most effective member of the Raiders’ backfield and should continue to operate with the largest allocation of touches. Mattison can also function as a flex for anyone experiencing significant roster issues.

Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams - 16% Rostered

Prioritizing Blake Corum from your waiver wire may not deliver immediate dividends, but you will be rewarded for your decision if Kyren Williams is unable to sustain his current workload as the season advances.

The Rams' selection of Corum during Round 3 of the NFL Draft (83rd overall) seemingly positioned him for a rapid rise into an ongoing role as the backup to Williams. However, Corum only registered eight touches from Weeks 1-4, while Ronnie Rivers surprisingly functioned as the RB2 for Los Angeles.

Corum ascended beyond Rivers to secure that role when the Rams hosted Green Bay in Week 5. He operated with a 15% snap share while accumulating five attempts and generating 25 rushing yards (5.0 yards per attempt).

Corum’s involvement was minimal in Week 7, as he attained an 11% snap share,  carried three times, and assembled 11 rushing yards. Corum does not present a threat to Williams' role as the Rams' RB1, although Corum could carve out a larger role before the season has concluded.

Corum will also ascend into lead back duties in Sean McVay‘s offense if Williams is sidelined for any reason. That potential for Corum to seize an extensive workload supplies the rationale for targeting him this week.

Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 20% Rostered

There is a legitimate reason for the excitement surrounding Sean Tucker's statistical explosion in Week 6, as the season-year back has now displayed his proven ability to erupt for sizable yardage when he is operating with a favorable workload. 

Sean Tucker
- 14 rushes
- 136 yards

Feet never stop moving! pic.twitter.com/0wBDjMfaxf

— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) October 14, 2024

Tucker entered Week 6 with career totals of 41 snaps, 17 carries, and 30 rushing yards since Week 1 of 2023. However, Rachaad White’s absence (foot) elevated Tucker into a rotation with Bucky Irving. Tucker capitalized on his career-best 38% snap share by assembling a league-high 136 rushing yards with his career-best 14 attempts (9.7 yards per attempt).

Unfortunately, the initial enthusiasm for targeting Tucker as a roster addition has been tempered following White's return in Week 7. White (16 touches), Irving (12 touches), and  Tucker (six touches), all shared opportunities during the matchup, as the Buccaneers deployed a “hot hand approach”. 

That unwanted development has led to a highly congested backfield rotation that lowers the statistical ceiling for Tucker, Irving, and White. However, Tucker could become a significant asset if Irving or White are inactive during any upcoming contests. That supplies the rationale for stashing Tucker, who could become a point producer if that scenario develops.,   

Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints - 5% Rostered 

Kendre Miller made his season debut in Week 7 after a problematic hamstring led to his extended absence. It was also Miller’s first appearance since Week 18 of his 2023 rookie season, when Miller established career highs in snap share (36%), rushing yards (73), and attempts (13).

Saints RB Kendre Miller makes his return with an eight-yard carry.

He’s been in the mix in the backfield so far tonight. pic.twitter.com/02jJvM5ZuH

— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) October 18, 2024

Miller was activated from injured reserve on October 12 and re-entered New Orleans’ backfield rotation when the Saints hosted Denver. He secured a 30.3% snap share, carried six times, and assembled 36 rushing yards while averaging 6.0 yards per attempt.

Jamaal Williams was limited to a 15.2% snap share, three attempts, and 17 rushing yards. Williams had attained an 18.6% snap share from Weeks 1-6 while averaging 4.5 attempts/17.2 rushing yards per game and 3.8 yards per attempt.

Miller will not be the beneficiary of a substantial workload, with Alvin Kamara functioning as the primary back for New Orleans. However, Miller should surpass Williams on the Saints’ depth while solidifying his status as the Saints RB2 behind Kamara. That bolsters the rationale for adding Miller to your rosters, as he could become a resource if Kamara is sidelined for any reason.

Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears - 15% Rostered 

Roschon Johnson has also maintained his role as Chicago’s RB2 since emerging as D'Andre Swift's direct backup in Week 3. Johnson has operated with a 32.5% snap share during Chicago’s last four matchups while accumulating 30 attempts (7.5 per game), and 89 rushing yards (22.3 per game) since ascending into an expanded workload.

Roschon Johnson finishes the drive! #DaBears

📺: #CARvsCHI on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/SCz7umfXox

— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2024

Johnson has also accrued seven carries in the red zone while generating 64% of his yards after contact according to Fantasy Points Data. He has also run 48 routes, collected six of his eight targets, and assembled 57 yards as a receiver.

Johnson is not a candidate to confiscate Swift's lead back role, after Swift soared to fourth in rushing yards (257/85.7 per game), and led all backs in receiving yards (147/49 per game) from Weeks 4-6.

However, Johnson is firmly established as Swift’s backup as Khalil Herbert has been relegated to a minuscule 14 snaps (5.2% share) since Week 3. Johnson will secure a substantial workload if Swift becomes unavailable for any reason. That makes Johnson an effective insurance policy if Swift is on your roster and a back who can be stashed in deeper leagues.

Other Fantasy Football Running Backs To Consider

• Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings - 32% Rostered 
• Trey Benson - Arizona Cardinals - 18% Rostered 
• Audric Estime, Denver Broncos - 1% Rostered
• Justice Hill - Baltimore Ravens - 18% Rostered 

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