Running Back Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 7 - Tyjae Spears, Bam Knight, Kimani Vidal, Woody Marks, Kyle Monangai, Kendre Miller, more

Phil Clark's fantasy football running back (RB) waiver wire pickups for Week 7 of the 2025 NFL season. His free agent RBs to add, stream and stash off waivers.

Many of you have been forced to contend with various challenges in recent weeks as you have constructed your rosters. That includes the continued transformation of multiple backfields, which has elevated former backups into significant roles. This has been a byproduct of the recent barrage of injuries at the running back position, along with the continual modifications in workloads that coaches distribute within their backfields.

However, other factors have contributed to lineup dilemmas, including the ongoing process of bye weeks. Two teams will be impacted this week - Buffalo and Baltimore - which ensures that anyone with James Cook or Derrick Henry contained on their rosters should avoid starting those backs. This article is designed to help you navigate injuries, bye weeks, and all other challenging developments by identifying 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 you've finished this breakdown, you can also find fantasy football waiver wire pickups at other positions. Good luck with your Week 7 matchups!

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Upcoming Bye Weeks

• Week 7: Buffalo, Baltimore
• Week 8: Arizona, Detroit, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Seattle, Los Angeles Rams
• Week 9: Philadelphia, Cleveland, Tampa Bay, New York Jets
• Week 10: Cincinnati, Tennessee, Dallas, Kansas City

Top Priorities - Week 7 Waiver Wire Running Backs

Prioritize These Running Backs On Most Waiver Wires

Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers - 28% Rostered

The Chargers were forced to transform the composition of their backfield after Omarion Hampton sustained an ankle injury in Week 5.

Chargers to place RB Omarion Hampton (ankle) on IR. He will miss at least the next four games. pic.twitter.com/BAv157cZFY

— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2025

However, it was unclear how touches would be distributed between Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal when Los Angeles traveled to Miami in Week 6. Haskins had attained a 4.3% snap share while failing to register a touch before Hampton’s injury. Vidal had accumulated just two snaps and no touches during that span.

Kamani Vidal takes it in!

LACvsMIA on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/yXRlOMrvMt

— NFL (@NFL) October 12, 2025

The uncertainty surrounding touch distribution in Week 6 quickly dissipated during the contest as Vidal emerged as the Chargers’ primary back. Vidal paced the reshaped backfield with a 70% snap share, while easily surpassing his previous career highs in attempts (18) and rushing yards (124).

Vidal also averaged 6.9 yards per attempt, led all backs in rush yards over expected (58), and was second in efficiency (2.71) according to Next Gen Stats.

Vidal also paced the backfield in routes run (18), targets (four), and receptions (three), and generated a seven-yard receiving touchdown. Haskins operated with a 28% snap share, while accumulating six carries and 14 rushing yards. He also ran seven routes and secured his only target.

Vidal’s impressive performance in Week 6 has launched him among this week’s top-tier options, and he can function as an RB2/RB3 while Hampton remains sidelined.

Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans - 22% Rostered

Tyjae Spears’ integration into Tennessee’s offense intensified in Week 6, as he paced the Titans’ backfield in multiple categories. Spears had emerged for his season debut in Week 5, after a high ankle sprain led to his placement on injured reserve from Weeks 1-4.

Spears had secured a 25.4% snap share in Week 5, while accumulating four attempts and assembling 14 rushing yards. He also ran 10 routes but was not targeted during that contest.

However, Spears’ usage and output increased sizably during Tennessee’s Week 6 matchup in Las Vegas. Spears operated with a 59% snap share, which exceeded the percentage that was attained by Tony Pollard (42%).

Spears also led the Titans’ backfield in attempts (10), rushing yards (34), routes run (22), targets (four), and receiving yards (19). Pollard carried five times, amassed 31 rushing yards, ran 12 routes, was targeted twice, and assembled 13 yards as a pass-catcher.

The distribution of touches between Spears and Pollard could be modified on a weekly basis, and game scripts will likely fuel the prospective shifts in usage with each back.

However, Spears should be rostered in all leagues. His ability to perform effectively as a rusher and receiving weapon has also vaulted him among this week’s backs to prioritize from your waiver wire.

Bam Knight / Michael Carter, Arizona Cardinals - (Knight - 13% Rostered), (Carter - 52% Rostered),

The Cardinals reassembled their backfield rotation in Week 6, which has vaulted Bam Knight firmly onto the fantasy landscape.

Bam, there it is 💥

📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/1KPdrXWQ4S

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 12, 2025

Michael Carter had operated as Arizona’s lead back when the Cardinals hosted Tennessee in Week 5. However, Knight's role increased during Arizona’s matchup at Indianapolis.

Knight had accumulated 198 snaps, 85 attempts, and 300 rushing yards during his 2022 rookie season, but was limited to 20 snaps, three carries, and 13 yards during 2023 and 2024.

However, Knight paced the reconstructed backfield with a 50.7% snap share, which was the second highest of his career. He also secured a team-high 11 attempts accrued 34 rushing yards, and produced a rushing touchdown. Knight also ran 14 routes, and captured one of his two targets. 

Carter registered a 46% snap share, carried nine times, and assembled 34 rushing yards.  Carter also led the backfield in routes run (20), targets (five), and receiving yards (30). Emari Demercado functioned in a diminished role while being entrusted with just three snaps and being relegated to one touch.

Knight and Carter will likely share opportunities when the Cardinals host Green Bay in Week 7. Both backs can be utilized as RB3/flex options if you are contending with depleted options at running back.

Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints - 30% Rostered 

The unwavering rise in Kendre Miller’s usage has fueled his expanding role in Kellen Moore’s offense as the regular season has unfolded.

Miller’s snap counts have climbed steadily after he accumulated 11 in Weeks 1 and 2. Miller has played on 20+ snaps during each of his last four games (20/21/26/22), and has now attained a 39.3% snap share during his last two outings. Miller’s rushing attempts have also increased from 5.0 per game entering Week 3 to 9.7 per game since Week 4 (11/10/8).

That includes Miller’s numbers when the Saints hosted New England in Week 6. Miller secured a 39.3% snap share while accumulating 22 snaps, eight attempts, and 21 rushing yards. 55.8% of Miller’s yards have now been accrued after contact, according to Fantasy Point Data.

Miller and Alvin Kamara have both accrued 18 carries since Week 5, while Miller has assembled more yardage (62/58) and yards after contact (38/21) during that span.

Miller’s elevation into standalone value delivers an incentive to pursue him on your waiver wire. His value would also soar if the Saints deal Kamara before the NFL trade deadline.

Woody Marks, Houston Texans - 54% Rostered 

Woody Marks has resurfaced as a recommended roster addition after he was dropped in 20% of all leagues during Houston’s bye week.

Marks also secured season-best totals in carries (17) and rushing yards (69), and finished seventh overall in rush yards over expected per attempt according to Next Gen Stats (1.2).

MAKE IT 2️⃣ FOR THE ROOK 😤

📺: @nfloncbs / @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/MAHDH3j7Zu

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) September 28, 2025

Secondary Options - Week 7 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These Running Backs Could Become Assets For Your Rosters

Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears - 5% Rostered

Ben Johnson deployed Kyle Monangai as Chicago’s RB2 during the Bears’ season opener, and the promising rookie has operated securely in that role entering Week 6.

Kyle Monangai Eyeing Bigger Role in First Game Following Bye https://t.co/KKNppz6kI4

— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) October 11, 2025

Monangai has operated with a 28% snap share. He has also carried 17 times, including three attempts inside the red zone. He has also accumulated five missed tackles forced and generated 62 rushing yards, with 58.1% of those yards being accrued after contact, according to Fantasy Points Data.

Monangai has also run 38 routes, secured three of his five targets, and assembled 23 yards as a receiving weapon. Third-year back Roschon Johnson was inactive due to a foot injury in Week 1, but has been available since he resurfaced in Week 2.

However, Johnson has not been involved in an offensive snap throughout the regular season, as Monongai has consistently functioned as the direct backup to D'Andre Swift.

That positions Monangai to ascend into an extensive workload if Swift is forced to the sideline. Monangai remains available in 95% of all leagues even though he could emerge as a valuable asset during the Bears’ upcoming matchups.

Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers - 38% Rostered 

Kenneth Gainwell returned to his role as Pittsburgh’s RB2 when the Steelers re-emerged from their bye week, while Jaylen Warren operated as the team’s lead back.

#Steelers Week 6 RB Usage

- Jaylen Warren: 52% snaps, 11 carries, 13 routes, 2 targets (63 yds)
- Kenneth Gainwell: 35% snaps, 6 carries, 12 routes, 6 targets (36 yds)

Kaleb Johnson played 19% snaps with 7 opportunities

— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) October 12, 2025

However, Gainwell maintained a favorable workload in Pittsburgh’s backfield rotation, while eclipsing a 35% snap share for the fourth time in five games. Gainwell also accumulated 12 touches, assembled 36 total yards, and ran 12 routes in Week 6. He also led the Steelers’ backfield in targets (six) and receptions (six).

Warren had been sidelined with a knee injury in Week 4, which created a path for Gainwell to deliver a career-best performance during that matchup. Gainwell had secured career highs in snap share 77.4%, attempts (19), rushing yards (99), and touchdowns (two), while finishing third overall with 31.4 points.

It is conceivable that Pittsburgh will become increasingly congested during the upcoming weeks if a higher percentage of touches are allocated to rookie Kaleb Johnson.

However, Gainwell’s ongoing proficiency should keep him involved in Arthur Smith’s attack, even if he is sharing touches with Warren and Johnson. Gainwell would also become a valuable resource during any additional absence by Warren.

Jaydon Blue, Dallas Cowboys - 15% Rostered  

Jaydon Blue’s infusion into the Cowboys’ backfield rotation did not transpire until Week 5, which was excruciatingly slow for anyone who has maintained optimism surrounding his prospects of emerging as an asset during his rookie season.

However, the season-ending knee/ankle injuries that have been sustained by Miles Sanders have expedited Blue’s ascension into a consistent role as the Cowboys’ RB2. Blue had been inactive from Weeks 1-4 before he secured an 18.3% snap share in Week 5.

Blue also played on five snaps in Week 6, following Sanders’ placement on injured reserve. Blue was limited to three attempts and failed to accumulate any rushing yardage. He also ran one route during his limited involvement.

Blue’s numbers have remained underwhelming, but Sanders’ absence has broadened the runway for Blue to display his big-play potential, which is fueled by his exceptional speed and agility. Blue also possesses the potential to integrate into a pass-catching role.

Blue’s role would expand if Javonte Williams is forced to the sideline, and the explosive rookie could still become an intriguing resource on all rosters if that occurs.

Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 7% Rostered  

Sean Tucker played on just three offensive snaps as a byproduct of his placement below Bucky Irving and Rachaad White on Tampa Bay’s depth chart.

However, Irving’s multiple injuries (shoulder/foot) have kept him on the sideline in Weeks 5 and 6, while elevating White and Tucker into expanded roles.

Tucker has accumulated 25 snaps since Week 5. He has also assembled 28 rushing yards with his nine attempts, run 10 routes, and has collected all three of his targets.

Sean Tucker's first rushing TD of the season puts the @Buccaneers back in front 🏴‍☠️

CINvsGB on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/jbBT3ZZlFD

— NFL (@NFL) October 12, 2025

That includes Tucker’s numbers in Week 6, when Tucker accumulated 12 snaps, carried six times, assembled 25 rushing yards, and generated his first touchdown of the season.

The explosive third-year back has proven that he can erupt for sizable yardage when he soared into the fantasy landscape last season. Tucker capitalized on his 17 touches by stockpiling 192 total yards and two touchdowns in Week 6, after White had encountered a foot issue.

Irving’s status should be monitored as the week progresses. However, Tucker can be stashed in deeper leagues, as he possesses the potential to deliver a statistical eruption whenever he elevates into a favorable workload.

MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay Packers - 1% Rostered

The timeline for MarShawn Lloyd's return to Green Bay’s backfield rotation remains uncertain surrounding Lloyd’s return to the Packers’ backfield rotation.

Lloyd currently remains on injured reserve (hamstring) but still retains a navigable path toward operating as Green Bay’s RB2 behind Josh Jacobs whenever he does resurface.

Lloyd’s ability to function as a three-down back should eventually fuel his rise above Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks on the Packers’ depth chart. That would position Lloyd to vault into a sizable workload during any absence by Jacobs.

Lloyd has yet to achieve sustained health since Green Bay selected him in Round 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft.  However, Lloyd can operate as a three-down back.

He accumulated 2,073 total yards and 21 touchdowns at the collegiate level. He also registered 0.41 forced missed tackles per rushing attempt in 2023, according to PFF, and collected 31 of his 49 targets as a receiving weapon during 2022 and 2023.

It will be necessary for Lloyd to integrate into Matt LaFleur’s offense immediately following his return. However, he remains a viable stash option in deeper leagues.

High Upside Handcuffs - Week 7 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These Running Backs Are Insurance Policies That Protect You From A Roster Crisis

Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 31% Rostered  

Tyler Allgeier remains stationed at his customary place among the top-tier handcuff options due to his stable role as the backup to Bijan Robinson.

Allgeier also retains the ability to deliver RB2/RB3 production despite his backup role. However, there is risk involved with utilizing Allgeier in your lineups, as the games in which he operates with a favorable workload are interspersed with other contests when his usage and output are limited.

Allgeier has exceeded a 25% snap share during three of his matchups while also being relegated to a 9.1% share in Week 3. He has also accumulated 16 attempts in two different outings, but was limited to one carry in Week 3.

Allgeier has averaged 9.6 attempts/39.0 yards per game, while accruing 71 red zone attempts since he began functioning as the Falcons’ RB2 in 2023. He had previously secured averages of 13.1 attempts/64.7 yards per game and accumulated 39 red zone carries when he was performing as Atlanta’s primary back during 2022.

However, Allgeier’s value would skyrocket if Robinson becomes unavailable for any reason. That would vault Allgeier into a lead-back role for the Falcons, and he would generate RB1 output if that occurs.

Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins - 16% Rostered

Ollie Gordon II’s weekly touch totals remain restricted by the ongoing workload that is allocated to De'Von Achane by Mike McDaniel. However, Gordon has also secured RB2 responsibilities behind Achane, as Jaylen Wright has failed to register an offensive snap.

Gordon has played on 77 snaps since Week 1. He has also accumulated 23 attempts and 59 rushing yards, while accruing seven carries inside the red zone.

Gordon also leads Miami with four attempts inside the 10-yard line and two carries inside the five. He has also secured 66.7% of the Dolphins’ carries inside the 5-yard line, according to Fantasy Points Data.

That includes Gordon’s number when the Dolphins hosted the Chargers in Week 6. Gordon was involved in 14 snaps and carried twice, although he registered just one yard on the ground. Gordon also ran seven routes and secured his only target.

Gordon has to reach the threshold of standalone value. However, he would launch into an extensive workload if Achane were sidelined during Miami’s upcoming matchups. That supplies your incentive to stash Gordon this week.

Brian Robinson Jr., San Francisco 49ers - 33% Rostered

Brian Robinson Jr. remains contained among the prospective roster additions that do not deliver standalone value. However, Robinson also continues to operate as the direct backup to Christian McCaffrey, which preserves Robinson’s placement among this week’s valuable handcuff options.

Robinson has played on 67 snaps since Week 1. He initially eclipsed 16+ in Weeks 1 and 2, then has averaged 8.3 per game since Week 3. He had also established season highs in attempts (nine) and rushing yards (33) during the 49ers’ season opener, but averaged 4.0 attempts/18.3 rushing yards from Weeks 3-5.

Robinson also played on five snaps in Week 6, but did not register a rushing attempt. He also ran five routes and collected all three of his targets.

Robinson’s role as the 49ers’ RB2 is unchallenged, as Isaac Guerendo has not secured an offensive snap. McCaffrey leads all backs in snap share (84.9%), and targets (60/10.0 per game), and is second overall in attempts (108/18 per game).

Robinson would secure a sizable workload if McCaffrey cannot sustain his workhorse role. Robinson will become a critical asset resource if that scenario develops.

Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams - 12% Rostered

Blake Corum appeared to be progressing on an accelerated path toward securing standalone value as his snap shares steadily expanded from Weeks 1-4 (16.7%/29.5%/24.2%/29.3%).

However, Corum’s statistical ascension promptly stalled in Week 5 after the second-year back’s mishandled pitch caused a critical turnover. Corum did not register a touch following that miscue, which relegated him to a season low 8.8% snap share.

Corum’s minimal involvement also launched Kyren Williams into his season-best 91.2% snap share during the contest. Williams also stockpiled 24 touches and assembled 131 total yards - including a career high 66 yards as a pass-catcher.

Corum played on 12 snaps when Los Angeles traveled to Baltimore in Week 6, although his involvement was impacted by an ankle injury that he sustained during the contest. He also carried five times, assembled 23 rushing yards, and ran four routes,

Corum is still unchallenged in his role as the Rams’ RB2. This preserves the potential for him to receive it in an expanded workload if Williams is sidelined for any reason. That also sustains Corum’s presence among this week’s tier of handcuff options.

Isaiah Davis, New York Jets - 4% Rostered

Isaiah Davis remains positioned to capitalize on his capabilities as a three-down back while functioning as the Jets’ RB2. Davis ascended into that role after Braelon Allen sustained an MCL sprain in Week 4.

Allen was placed on injured reserve before the Jets’ Week 5 matchup with Dallas, which propelled Davis directly below Breece Hall on New York’s depth chart. The Jets did sign Khalil Herbert on October 2, but Herbert has not registered an offensive snap.

Davis had been limited to a 15.2% snap share from Weeks 1-3, but his share increased to a season-high 33.3% share in Week 4, after the Jets transitioned to a two-man rotation. Davis’s share also rose to 40.2% in Week 5 as he established season highs in routes run (24), targets (four), and receiving yards (28).

Davis’s involvement was also minimal during New York’s Week 6 matchup with Denver, as he played on 15 snaps. He also carried twice, generated two rushing yards, ran 10 routes, and secured his only target from Justin Fields.

Davis will operate with a sizable workload if Hall is forced to the sideline. That solidifies Davis’s status as a viable back to stash this week.

Other Fantasy Football Running Backs To Consider

• Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars - 44% Rostered
• Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens - 11% Rostered
• Brashard Smith, Kansas City Chiefs - 9% Rostered
• Tahj Brooks - Cincinnati Bengals - 1% Rostered

Good luck in Week 7!

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2025 Player Decisions. Today's focus is on specific players - Tyjae Spears, Bam Knight, Kimani Vidal, Woody Marks, Kyle Monangai, Kendre Miller, and Kenneth Gainwell. These are some common searches for 2025 fantasy football waiver wire pickups.

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