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Phil Clark's running back (RB) fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season. His free agent RBs to add, stream and stash off waivers.
Welcome back to our fantasy football running back waiver wire pickups for Week 2 of the 2025 season! The framework for the creation of your rosters evolved as the offseason unfolded, through your diligent efforts in planning and constructing each team that was ultimately assembled to compete for league championships. The first installment of this year’s regular season matchups has provided your initial opportunity to formulate impressions of the performances that were delivered by players and react to the various developments that occurred in the opening week.
That includes a diminished level of uncertainty surrounding the congested backfields of the Commanders, Jaguars, Texans, and Jets, while the timeline for Quinshon Judkins to operate in Cleveland’s backfield has accelerated as we advance into Week 2. The landscape will transform every week, and this column is designed to help you navigate any roster issues that emerge by locating the best running backs that are available on your waiver wires.
That will include this week's top priorities, along with a collection of secondary options, and a group of high upside handcuffs. After finishing this breakdown, you can also find fantasy football waiver wire pickups at other positions. Good luck with your matchups!
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Top Priorities - Week 2 Waiver Wire Running Backs
Prioritize These Running Backs On Most Waiver Wires
| Top Priorities | Team | Rostered |
| Dylan Sampson | Cleveland Browns | 56% |
| Quinshon Judkins | Cleveland Browns | 59% |
| Trey Benson | Arizona Cardinals | 47% |
| Kenneth Gainwell | Pittsburgh Steelers | 3% |
| Kyle Monangai | Chicago Bears | 6% |
Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns - 56% Rostered
Cleveland's Week 1 matchup with AFC North rival Cincinnati provided the initial opportunity to examine the distribution of touches within the Browns’ restructured backfield rotation.
all over the field 😤 pic.twitter.com/Iu1gu7iJaz
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 7, 2025
Dylan Sampson was deployed in a timeshare with Jerome Ford during his NFL debut. However, that did not deter Sampson from delivering a promising performance. Sampson trailed Ford in snap share (54%/43%), but paced Cleveland's backfield in attempts (12) and rushing yards (29).
Dylan Sampson leads all Browns’ pass-catchers with 6-54-0 on six targets (27.3% target share)
61.9% RB opportunity share (13 opportunities) with 7:20 remaining in the third quarter pic.twitter.com/Z2Obnp0Sac
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) September 7, 2025
Sampson's average of 2.4 yards per attempt was uninspiring. However, his numbers as a receiving weapon were encouraging, as he ran 16 routes and finished third among all backs in targets (8.0), receptions (8.0), and receiving yards (64).
Even though an infusion of Quinshon Judkins into the equation would provide a transformational impact on Cleveland’s offense, Sampson would still retain a role in the Browns’ attack when that occurs.
Sampson’s ability to perform effectively as an instinctive one-cut runner fuels his ability to accrue yardage both inside and after he advances into space. That should preserve Sampson’s place in Cleveland’s rotation, even if an emergence of Judkins alters the landscape of the Browns’ backfield.
Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns - 59% Rostered
The uncertainty that had engulfed Judkins' status since his July 12 arrest (domestic violence/battery) has dissipated in the aftermath of the fully guaranteed contract that he has signed with the Browns. The NFL is continuing an investigation into the incident that fueled Judkins’ arrest, which still presents the possibility of a suspension.
The plan is for Quinshon Judkins to practice tomorrow and Friday and determine his availability for Sunday at that point. https://t.co/gdlotACdHv
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 10, 2025
However, the Browns utilized the 36th overall pick in April’s NFL Draft to secure Judkins, and the team can now benefit from that selection as Judkins progresses toward making his NFL debut.
Ford and Sampson shared touches during the Browns’ season opener. Still, the convergence of Judkins’ power, elusiveness, and explosiveness should reshape Cleveland’s depth chart, while fueling Judkins’ ascent into an eventual lead-back role.
Any news emerging from the league’s investigation should be monitored. Judkins is still available in 59% of all leagues. However, his availability will evaporate quickly, and there should be no hesitation in targeting him from the waiver wire while you still can.
Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals - 47% Rostered
Trey Benson began his second year as an elite handcuff option, which is preserved by status as the unquestioned RB2 on Arizona’s depth chart. This sustains Benson’s placement at the periphery of a massive workload if James Conner is forced to the sideline.
2nd year RB Trey Benson for 52 yards
AZvsNO on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/0kWYCp0G2e
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025
However, he will also be contained among this week's top priorities in the aftermath of his usage during the Cardinals’ season opener. Benson operated with a 33% snap share when Arizona traveled to New Orleans. That tied his season high as a rookie, which was also one of just three games in which Benson reached a share of 20% during 2024.
Benson had also averaged 4.8 attempts/22.4 rushing yards per game in 2024, while failing to exceed five carries in nine contests, and only surpassing 37 yards twice. His numbers were more favorable in Week 1, as he accrued eight carries, assembled a career-high 69 rushing yards, and averaged 8.6 yards per attempt.
Conner will continue to function as Arizona’s workhorse back, but Benson remains primed to vault into a significant role if Conner becomes unavailable at any point in the season. Benson can also become a borderline RB1 for fantasy managers if that transpires.
Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers - 3% Rostered
For the sake of clarity, this recommendation is not delivered with the belief that rookie Kaleb Johnson will remain cemented below veterans Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell throughout the regular season. However, Gainwell’s involvement during Pittsburgh’s season opener should not be dismissed, particularly if you are planning to extract a running back from this week’s waiver wire.
Gainwell led the Steelers’ restructured backfield with a 52% snap share, while accumulating seven attempts and 19 rushing yards during his debut with Pittsburgh. He also paced the backfield in routes run (16) and secured three of his four targets from Aaron Rodgers.
Warren operated with a 46% snap share, carried 11 times, and generated 37 yards as a rusher. Warren also ran 10 routes, collected both of his targets, and accrued 22 yards as a receiving weapon. Johnson was relegated to a 4% snap share, one carry, and registered a yardage total of -2.
The recommendation from here is that Johnson should not be dropped. However, Gainwell is currently the Pittsburgh back who would launch into a significant workload if Warren becomes unavailable for any reason.
Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears - 6% Rostered
Kyle Monangai remained available until Round 7 of April’s NFL Draft, but that has not prevented him from competing for a significant role in Ben Johnson’s reconstructed offense.
Monangai is a strong candidate to secure an expanding workload as his first season progresses, which could entrench him as the Bears’ RB2 behind D'Andre Swift.
Monangai accrued 18+ carries and 72+ rushing yards in all 11 of his matchups at Rutgers during 2024 while accumulating 25+ carries and 100+ yards six times. Monangai also finished inside the top 10 among FBS backs in forced missed tackles (139) during 2023-2024, according to PFF.
ICYMI last night, here's a look at Kyle Monangai's (@kylemonangai) first touch in the NFL.
NFL Knights👉https://t.co/OsCikF73ji pic.twitter.com/TQIyr8NO8x
— Rutgers Scarlet Knights | The Knight Report (@RutgersOn3) September 9, 2025
Roschon Johnson has been dealing with a foot issue and was inactive during the Bears’ Week 1 matchup with Minnesota. Monangai operated as Swift’s backup during the contest, while accumulating nine snaps, running seven routes, and collecting his only target.
Johnson’s injury has also enhanced Monangai’s prospects of leapfrogging him on Chicago’s depth chart. Monangai is still available in 5% of all leagues, even though he could become a resource for fantasy managers during the upcoming weeks.
Secondary Options - Week 2 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These Running Backs Could Become Assets For Your Rosters
| Secondary Options | Team | Rostered |
| Rachaad White | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 38% |
| Jaydon Blue | Dallas Cowboys | 26% |
| Bhayshul Tuten | Jacksonville Jaguars | 55% |
| Najee Harris | Los Angeles Chargers | 38% |
Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 38% Rostered
Rachaad White unsurprisingly functioned as Tampa Bay’s RB2 behind Bucky Irving during the Buccaneers’ Week 1 visit to Atlanta. That should not prevent you from utilizing him as an RB3/flex if you are constructing rosters in PPR leagues, due to his prowess as a pass-catcher.
White is also a viable handcuff, as he would become a valuable asset if Irving is unable to operate in his usual capacity at any point during the season. White registered a 25% snap share during the Buccaneers’ season opener, while Irving easily led Tampa Bay’s backfield with a career-high 76.8% share. This represented a continuation of White’s decreased involvement as the 2024 regular season advanced.
The 26-year-old eclipsed a 56 percent snap share during eight of his first nine matchups last season (Weeks 1-10). However, he only accomplished it once during his final seven contests (Weeks 11-18), as Irving was in the process of extracting White’s role as lead back.
White also retains contingent value while maintaining adjacency to an expanded role if Irving is sidelined. Sean Tucker could also secure touches if that situation occurs. However, White could still be utilized as an RB2 in your lineups if that scenario develops.
Jaydon Blue, Dallas Cowboys - 26% Rostered
Jaydon Blue has been entrenched among the most intriguing members of this year’s deep rookie class of running backs due to his explosiveness, exceptional speed, and prowess as a receiving weapon.
JAYDON BLUE, HOW DO YOU DO?!?! 🔥
A 77-YARD TOUCHDOWN TO MAKE IT A TWO-SCORE GAME VS. CLEMSON 😱 pic.twitter.com/cCzmh6V5W2
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 22, 2024
However, Blue was inactive during the Cowboys’ Week 1 visit to Philadelphia, even though he was not listed on the injury report before the contest.
Javonte Williams easily paced the Dallas backfield in snap share (77 percent), attempts (15), and rushing yards (54), although he only averaged 3.6 yards per attempt. Williams also ran 27 routes and collected three targets from Dak Prescott.
Miles Sanders registered an 18 percent snap share, carried four times, and generated 53 rushing yards (53), which was fueled by a 49-yard burst. He was also limited to three routes and one target.
Blue’s lack of involvement in Week 1 postponed his regular-season debut, but it should not deter you from considering him as a roster addition. Blue remains the most explosive member of the Dallas backfield and should eventually display his home run capabilities. That combines with his proficiency as a pass catcher to sustain his status as a viable roster addition.
Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars - 55% Rostered
Bhayshul Tuten remains capable of providing an explosive presence to the Jaguars’ backfield. He also operates with elite speed, which can fuel his ability to erupt for sizable yardage on any given play.
This did not prevent Tuten from being relegated to a limited role in Liam Coen's offense during Week 1, as he registered a 6% snap share, carried three times, and assembled 11 rushing yards.
Travis Etienne easily led Jacksonville’s backs with a 62% snap share, while Tank Bigsby (19%) and LeQuint Allen Jr. (14%) also attained higher shares than Tuten. Etienne also paced the backfield in attempts (16) and rushing yards (143), along with routes run (15), and targets (three).
Eagles Acquiring Tank Bigsby From Jaguars on Mondayhttps://t.co/ZuPE04KxQv
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) September 9, 2025
However, the Jaguars have also jettisoned Bigsby to Philadelphia in exchange for 2026 fifth and sixth-round picks. This has reduced the congestion in Jacksonville’s backfield while improving Tuten’s prospects of securing a favorable role in the reshaped attack. Tuten is currently rostered in 57% of all leagues, but his availability will decrease following Bigsby’s departure.
Najee Harris, Los Angeles Chargers - 38% Rostered
Najee Harris's mercurial offseason included the uncertainty surrounding his recovery from a superficial eye injury that he sustained during a Fourth of July fireworks accident.
Najee Harris is back in practice. pic.twitter.com/sSKV7sD79E
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) August 27, 2025
Harris had been unavailable throughout a large percentage of training camp and did not play during the preseason. However, he ultimately emerged to function in a limited capacity during the Chargers’ Week 1 matchup with AFC West rival Kansas City. Harris attained an 18% snap share and generated five yards on his only rushing attempt. He also ran six routes and collected his only target from Justin Herbert.
Omarion Hampton had vaulted into an uncontested role as the Chargers’ RB1 during Harris’s extended absence. It also provided Hampton’s pathway toward functioning as the team’s primary back in Week 1.
Hampton paced the backfield in snap share (80 percent), carries (15), and rushing yards (48), although Hampton only averaged 3.2 yards per attempt. Herbert launched 34 passes during the matchup, but only targeted Los Angeles running backs three times.
Even though Harris’s role was underwhelming, his touches are destined to rise during the upcoming weeks. That justifies pursuing him from this week’s waiver wire.
High Upside Handcuffs - Week 2 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These Running Backs Are Insurance Policies That Protect You From A Roster Crisis
| Upside Handcuffs | Team | Rostered |
| Tyler Allgeier | Atlanta Falcons | 30% |
| Ray Davis | Buffalo Bills | 28% |
| D.J. Giddens | Indianapolis Colts | 6% |
| Will Shipley | Philadelphia Eagles | 9% |
| Tyjae Spears | Tennessee Titans | 33% |
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons – 30% Rostered
Tyler Allgeier's unwavering status as an elite handcuff preserves his placement among the premier insurance policies, while providing fantasy managers with the opportunity to safeguard their investment in Bijan Robinson.
Allgeier is a former 1,000-yard rusher who has already demonstrated his ability to operate as a highly productive back when he is the beneficiary of a sizable workload. Allgeier also finished sixth in rushing yards (750/75 per game) and averaged 12 points per game from Weeks 8-18 of his 2022 rookie season.
Allgeier also captured a career-best 51 percent snap share that season, although that percentage dropped considerably in 2024 (25 percent), which was Zac Robinson's first year as the Falcons’ offensive coordinator. Allgeier also averaged 8.1 attempts/37.9 rushing yards per game.
Allgeier secured comparable results when Atlanta hosted Tampa Bay in Week 1, as he trailed Robinson in snap share (83%/25%), carried 10 times, and assembled 24 rushing yards. Allgeier also did not register a target from Michael Penix Jr. during the contest.
However, the motivation of pursuing Allgeier from this week's waiver wire does not involve his standalone potential, as he will eviscerate those numbers if Bijan Robinson is sidelined during the season. Allgeier would also emerge as a critical roster asset if that occurs.
Ray Davis Buffalo Bills - 28% Rostered
Ray Davis's workload was minimal when the Bills hosted Baltimore in Week 1. However, that does not diminish his ability to perform proficiently as a three-down back, or his potential to deliver a statistical eruption if Buffalo’s lead-back James Cook is sidelined.
Davis attained 1 12% snap share during the Bills’ season opener. He was also restricted to one carry and registered two rushing yards. Davis also ran six routes and secured his only target from Josh Allen.
Cook led Buffalo’s trio of running backs in snap share (57%), carries (13), and rushing yards (44). He also paced the backfield in routes run (28), collected all five of his targets, and generated 58 yards as a pass-catcher. Ty Johnson secured a 33% snap share, carried twice, and assembled 24 rushing yards. Johnson also ran 18 routes, but failed to capture either of his targets.
Davis will only attain standalone value if his workload expands, but that scenario will occur during any absence by Cook. Davis’s prospects of flourishing if he temporarily operates as Buffalo’s primary back keep him contained among this week's waiver wire options.
Will Shipley, Philadelphia Eagles - 9% Rostered
Anyone who selected Saquon Barkley at the onset of their drafts can consider the addition of Will Shipley, who performed well in Week 1 before he encountered a rib injury.
Barkley secured a 79% snap share during Philadelphia’s season opener. He also accrued 18 carries, generated 60 rushing yards, ran 26 routes, and captured four of his five targets. That was proportionate to Barkley’s averages during his historic 2024 season (74 percent snap share), (21.6 attempts/18.7 routes/2.7 targets per game).
Seeing a lot of Will Shipley on this drive
DALvsPHI on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/Rxk3M0V9AR— NFL (@NFL) September 5, 2025
Shipley had operated with an 8% snap share and generated 26 rushing yards with his three carries (8.7 yards per attempt) before the injury occurred. He also ran three routes and captured a reception that was nullified by a penalty.
AJ Dillon registered a 13% snap share after Shipley departed the matchup, but was inefficient with his three carries (10 rushing yards/3.3 yards per attempt).
The Eagles have also secured Tank Bigsby in the aforementioned trade, and the former Jaguar could also accrue touches if Barkley is forced to the sideline.
Shipley’s status should also be monitored. However, his favorable blend of burst, agility, and versatility should keep him highly involved in any restructured backfield rotation whenever he re-emerges from his injury.
D.J. Giddens, Indianapolis Colts - 6% Rostered
D.J. Giddens’ path toward operating as the Colts’ RB2 has been navigable, as Tyler Goodson is also contained on the Indianapolis depth chart, while newly signed Ameer Abdullah is currently on the practice squad. Giddens’ ability to function effectively as both a rusher and receiver should also keep him stationed as the direct backup to Jonathan Taylor while the season progresses.
Giddens generated first downs on 30.1 percent of his carries during three collegiate seasons at Kansas State. He also secured a target rate of 15.1 percent during that sequence, according to PFF.
Taylor led the Colts’ backfield with a 73% snap share in Week 1. He also accumulated 18 attempts/71 rushing yards, ran 25 routes, and secured all three of his targets.
DJ Giddens looking good#Colts#ForTheShoe#Dolphins#MIAvsIND pic.twitter.com/zfSzmIHc1T
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) September 7, 2025
The Colts built a substantial lead, which expedited Giddens’ involvement during the contest. He also secured a 24% snap share, carried 12 times, and accrued 41 yards on the ground. Giddens is available in 97% of all leagues and would also ascend into a mammoth workload if Taylor is sidelined for any reason.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans - 33% Rostered
Tyjae Spears is currently on injured reserve after the high ankle sprain he sustained during Tennessee’s initial preseason matchup. This ensures that Spears will remain sidelined for a minimum of four contests before the third-year back resurfaces with the team.
However, Spears should remain stationed directly below Tony Pollard on Tennessee’s depth chart whenever he does emerge. He will also recapture his status as an insurance policy for anyone who has invested in Pollard.
Spears encountered multiple injuries (hamstring/concussion) that suppressed his production during 2024. Spears’ health issues contributed to the 36.4% snap that he registered from Weeks 1-14. He also averaged 5.6 attempts/20.6 rushing yards/2.9 targets per game during that span.
Tyjae Spears climbed up to put the ornament on top of the Christmas tree 🎄
📺: #CINvsTEN on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/8aO3u9JNq4— NFL (@NFL) December 15, 2024
However, Spears’ usage and output surged from Weeks 15-17, as he paced Tennessee’s backfield with 59.7% snap share, averaged 11.3 carries/42.3 rushing yards per game, and finished among the top four at his position in receptions (12/4.0 per game), and receiving yards (134/44.7 per game), during those matchups.
The versatile Spears will eventually retain proximity to an extensive workload if Pollard is sidelined for any reason. His big-play capabilities could bolster your scoring if that scenario occurs.
Other Fantasy Football Running Backs To Consider
- Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins - 42% Rostered
- Rico Dowdle, Carolina Panthers - 20% Rostered
- Tahj Brooks, Cincinnati Bengals - 2% Rostered
- LeQuint Allen Jr, Jacksonville Jaguars -0% Rostered
Good luck in Week 2!
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