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Phil Clark's fantasy football running back (RB) waiver wire pickups for Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season. His free agent RBs to add, stream and stash off waivers.
While many of you are contending with injuries, fluctuating workloads, disappointing performances, and other unwanted developments, the ongoing process of bye weeks will demand additional attention this week. The bye weeks that transpired in Weeks 5-7 have already required many of you to alter the composition of your rosters during that sequence. However, only eight teams have completed their bye weeks, and that number is about to escalate significantly.
Six teams are not included on the schedule this week - Arizona, Detroit, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Seattle, and the Los Angeles Rams. This ensures that anyone with Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Ashton Jeanty, Kyren Williams, Travis Etienne, Kenneth Walker, Zach Charbonnet, Bam Knight, and Michael Carter contained on their rosters will need to locate alternative options for their lineups. A total of 14 teams will also be impacted during the next three weeks, which will intensify the obstacles that you will encounter while building your lineups.
However, this article is designed to help you navigate injuries, bye weeks, and all other obstacles 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 8 matchups!
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:- 2025 fantasy football rankings
- Running back (RB) rankings
- Wide receiver (WR) rankings
- Quarterback (QB) rankings
- Tight end (TE) rankings
- Defense (D/ST) rankings
- Kicker (K) rankings
- FLEX rankings
- Dynasty rankings
Upcoming Bye Weeks
- 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
- Week 11: Indianapolis, New Orleans
Top Priorities - Week 8 Waiver Wire Running Backs
Prioritize These Running Backs On Most Waiver Wires
| Top Priorities | Team | Rostered |
| Kyle Monangai | Chicago Bears | 6% |
| Woody Marks | Houston Texans | 53% |
| Devin Neal | New Orleans Saints | 0% |
| Bhayshul Tuten | Jacksonville Jaguars | 41% |
| Brashard Smith | Kansas City Chiefs | 6% |
| Bam Knight | Arizona Cardinals | 22% |
Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears - 6% Rostered
Monangai continues to progress through his rookie season with a consistent role as the RB2 behind D'Andre Swift in Chicago’s offense. Monangai had registered season highs in snap share (41.2%), attempts (seven), and 28 rushing yards (28) in Week 2.. However, Monangai surpassed those numbers during his performance in Week 7.
Monangai secured a 46% snap share, while accumulating 13 carries, generating 81 rushing yards, and securing his first NFL touchdown. Monangai also finished third among all backs in efficiency (2.69) according to Next Gen Stats.
Kyle Monangai scores his first NFL TD!
NOvsCHI on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/tlabBDz5Mb
— NFL (@NFL) October 19, 2025
Monangai has now secured a 35.7% snap share while averaging 23.4 7.0 attempts/32.4 rushing yards per game since Week 2. He has also accrued seven carries inside the red zone and generated 52 yards after contact during that sequence. He has also run 59 routes, secured five of his eight targets, and assembled 50 yards as a receiving weapon.
There is no discernible evidence that Roschon Johnson is emerging as a threat to Monangai’s workload, as Johnson enters Week 8 with a total of four snaps throughout the regular season.
Monangai is somehow available in 94% of all leagues. However, he would become a valuable asset if Swift is sidelined for any reason during the Bears’ upcoming matchups.
Woody Marks, Houston Texans - 53% Rostered
Marks was rostered in 74% of all leagues following his performance in Week 4. Not only did he secure a season-best 56.3% snap share, but Marks also established season highs in attempts (17), rushing yards (69), targets (five), and receiving yards (50), while soaring to sixth overall in scoring (27.9).
Woody Marks is the first player this season with 50+ rush yards, 50+ rec yards and a rushing and receiving TD in the same game https://t.co/UBIJfvpX60
— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) September 29, 2025
Marks’ usage and production declined in Week 5, as he registered a 38.6% snap share, assembled 24 rushing yards, and failed to accumulate any receiving yards.
That fueled a surge in his availability, which was sustained through Houston’s Week 6 bye. However, Marks exceeded his previous season high in snap share during Week 7 (63.2%), while attaining a double-digit total in attempts for the second time in three games (10). Marks also ran a season-best 20 routes, tied his season high on targets (five) and secured his second touchdown as a receiver.
Woody Marks punches it in for 6.
📺: @espnnfl pic.twitter.com/RWAxfqB7VK
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) October 21, 2025
Marks now leads the Texans’ backfield with a 51.8% snap share since Week 3, and has surpassed Nick Chubb’s total in attempts (40/38) during that span.
Marks and Chubb should continue to function in a rotation, but Marks’ ability to operate effectively as a rusher and receiver should propel him to favorable workloads. That should encourage you to secure him for your rosters this week.
Devin Neal, New Orleans Saints - 0% Rostered
Kendre Miller had been a mainstay in this column due to the encouraging role that he had secured in Kellen Moore’s offense.
Miller had operated with a 27.8% snap share from Weeks 1-6, and was primed to secure another favorable workload when the Saints traveled to Chicago in Week 7.
Kendre Miller Out for the Year After Suffering Torn ACL https://t.co/uSL3fZupXM
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) October 20, 2025
Unfortunately. Miller sustained a torn ACL during his matchup with the Bears which will prematurely end his promising season.
That development has also elevated Devin Neal directly below Alvin Kamara on New Orleans’ reconstructed depth chart.
The Saints selected Neal in Round 6 of the 2025 NFL draft (184th overall), after Neal had assembled 4,342 rushing yards (88.6 per game) and 49 touchdowns with his 760 attempts (15.5 per game) during four seasons at the collegiate level.
Neal will now operate as the RB2 for the Saints, while Kamara remains cemented as the primary back for New Orleans.
Neal is also positioned to vault into a sizable workload if Kamara is sidelined for any reason during the Saints upcoming matchups. Those factors have launched Neal among this week’s running backs to pursue on the waiver wire.
Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars - 41% Rostered
The allocation of snaps between Tuten, Travis Etienne Jr., and third-down back LeQuint Allen Jr. has restricted Tuten’s usage during the Jaguars’ first seven matchups.
However, Tuten remains a dynamic presence while operating with exceptional speed, proficiency at breaking tackles, and possessing the potential to erupt for significant yardage.
Tuten’s involvement was also encouraging in Week 7, as he secured a season-high 28.6% snap share. Tuten was also tied with Etienne for the team lead in carries (five), and led the backfield with 22 rushing yards during the contest, before Etienne garnered three attempts during the Jaguars’ final drive.
Tuten has now reached a 20.7% snap share in four contests since Week 1. He has also carried 32 times (4.6 per game), generated 130 rushing yards (18.6 per game), and has accumulated 72 yards after contact. Tuten has also run 44 routes, while collecting six of his eight targets from Trevor Lawrence, and assembling 59 yards as a receiving weapon.
Tuten would also operate as the Jaguars’ RB1 if Etienne is unable to sustain that role for any reason. That provides the rationale for stashing him this week.
Brashard Smith, Kansas City Chiefs - 6% Rostered
It is understandable if you were becoming underwhelmed with the prospects of adding Smith to your roster, as he has only exceeded a 13.1% snap once between Weeks 1-6.
There had been indications that Smith was approaching the threshold of an expanded role that would launch him into the top tier of waiver wire targets. That had not translated to an increased workload, before Week 7, as the majority of snaps that were distributed within Kansas City’s backfield had been confiscated by Isiah Pacheco (56.2%),and Kareem Hunt (38.4%).
However, Smith easily established season highs in multiple categories during Week 7, including snap share (34.6%), attempts (14), rushing yards (39), targets (five), and receiving yards (42).
Smith’s attributes also provide the potential for the explosive rookie to sustain a larger role in Andy Reid’s attack. He operated as a wide receiver during his first three collegiate seasons before accumulating 235 attempts and 1,332 yards as a running back during 2024.
Smith’s prowess as a pass-catcher also propelled him to the highest receiving grade from PFF (90.8) among Power Four running backs last season. He remains available in over 90% of all leagues, which bolsters your rationale for pursuing him from your waiver wire.
Bam Knight, Arizona Cardinals - 22% Rostered
The injuries that have sidelined James Conner and Trey Benson have fueled multiple changes to the composition of Arizona’s backfield since Week 3.
Michael Carter initially emerged as the preferred back to target from the waiver wire when he led the transformed backfield in snap share (57.4%), and secured a career high 18 carries in Week 5.
However, Knight accumulated more snaps than Carter in both Week 6 (37/32), and Week 7 (34/28). Knight has also paced the Cardinals’ backfield while securing double-digit totals in attempts during both contests (14/11), and has easily generated more rushing yards than Carter during that sequence (91/45).
That includes Knight’s numbers when Arizona hosted Green Bay in Week 7 (34 snaps/14 attempts/57 yards). Knight also rose to ninth among all backs in efficiency (3.52) according to Next Gen Stats.
Arizona will visit Dallas in Week 9 after the Cardinals return from their Week 8 bye. Benson could resurface in Week 10, although the timeline for his return remains uncertain.
Knight should be prioritized from your waiver wires, and can be utilized as an RB3/flex in Week 9 if you are contending with a roster dilemma.
Secondary Options - Week 8 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These Running Backs Could Become Assets For Your Rosters
| Secondary Options | Team | Rostered |
| Isaiah Davis | New York Jets | 4% |
| Tyjae Spears | Tennessee Titans | 30% |
| Jaydon Blue | Dallas Cowboys | 13% |
| Kenneth Gainwell | Pittsburgh Steelers | 47% |
| Emanuel Wilson | Green Bay Packers | 17% |
| Ollie Gordon II | Miami Dolphins | 14% |
Isaiah Davis, New York Jets ⁃ 4% Rostered
Davis has emerged as a weekly recommendation in this column since he ascended into his current role as the Jets’ RB2. Davis has operated in that capacity since Week 4, when Braelon Allen sustained a sprained MCL.
Davis has attained a 39.3% snap share in three full games since Allen was contained in New York’s backfield rotation. He has also assembled 66 total yards with his 11 touches during that sequence. Davis has also run 54 routes, captured six of his nine targets, and has produced 49 yards as a pass-catcher during that three-game span.
This includes Davis's usage and output when the Jets hosted Carolina in Week 7. Davis played on a season high 48.3% snap share, while accruing four touches and assembling 32 total yards. Davis also ran 21 routes, which was his second-highest total of the season. He also garnered two of his four targets and eclipsed 20+ receiving yards for the second time since Week 5.
Davis is not currently a candidate to secure standalone value as Breece Hall confiscates the majority of touches in New York’s backfield rotation.
However, Davis would become a valuable resource on your roster if Hall is sidelined for any reason. That makes Davis a viable back to stash if you construct rosters in deeper leagues.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans - 30% Rostered
Spears has secured a favorable role in Tennessee’s backfield during the Titans’ last two matchups, while continuing to operate in a rotation with Tony Pollard.
Spears registered a 43.4% snap share, carried five times, and assembled 22 rushing yards when Tennessee hosted New England in Week 7. He also ran 13 routes and captured three of his four targets.
Spears had previously led the Titans’ backfield with a 59% snap share in Week 6, which also propelled him to team highs in routes run (22), targets (four), receptions (four), and receiving yards (19).
Spears has now accumulated 59 snaps, 10 attempts, and 53 rushing yards since Week 6, while Pollard has registered 56 snaps/16 carries/54 rushing yards.
Spears has also run 39 routes, while collecting eight targets, and amassing 37 receiving yards. Pollard has run 43 routes, registered eight targets, and produced 56 yards as a pass catcher.
Both backs will be impacted by the deficiencies that exist within Tennessee’s offense. However, Spears’ versatility sustains his potential to function as an RB3/flex option if you have been confronted by a lineup crisis during your bye weeks.
Jaydon Blue, Dallas Cowboys – 13% Rostered
The protracted delay that occurred before Blue’s emergence into the Cowboys’ backfield has evolved into a three-game sequence in which he has functioned as the RB2 behind Javonte Williams. Blue should also maintain his current role due to the season-ending knee and ankle injuries that Miles Sanders sustained in Week 4.
Blue has now secured a 17.5% snap share since Week 5. He has yet to generate significant yardage, although he did establish season highs in attempts (seven), and rushing yards (29) when Dallas hosted Washington in Week 7.
Blue’s modest workloads do not diminish his game-changing capabilities, as his blazing speed and agility sustain his ability to erupt for big plays. He is also a capable pass-catcher, even though he has not been deployed as a receiving weapon by the Cowboys. Blue also averaged 15.3 routes per game during his final collegiate season, according to PFF.
The dearth of competition for Blue’s role as the Cowboys’ RB2 also sustains his potential to ascend into an expanded workload if Williams is sidelined during any remaining matchups. That makes Blue an intriguing back to stash this week.
Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers - 47% Rostered
Gainwell is operating as the clear RB2 in Pittsburgh’s backfield rotation, while Jaylen Warren is functioning as the Steelers’ primary back.
However, if Warren is forced to the sideline, Gainwell would secure a sizable workload. Gainwell has also demonstrated that he can provide RB1 output if he is performing as Pittsburgh’s temporary lead back.
That scenario developed in Week 4 while Warren was sidelined by a knee injury. Gainwell soared to third overall in points (31.4) and rose to sixth in both rushing yards (99) and rush yards over expected (32) according to Next Gen Stats.
Gainwell operated with his fourth-highest percentage of the season in Week 7 (38.6%), while Warren paced the backfield with a 64.9%. He also registered season lows in attempts (three) and rushing yards (14).
Gainwell ran just three fewer routes than Warren (18/15). However, Kaleb Johnson did not register a snap during the contest, as Gainwell remained embedded as the direct backup to Warren.
Gainwell will also retain a weekly role in Arthur Smith’s offense even if Johnson’s usage eventually expands. Gainwell will also become a valuable resource if Warren is forced to the sideline.
Emanuel Wilson, Green Bay Packers - 17% Rostered
Josh Jacobs encountered an illness which fueled uncertainty surrounding his ability to operate as Green Bay’s workhorse back in Week 7. Jacobs ultimately registered a season low 55.4% snap share when the Packers traveled to Arizona, while Wilson also launched into a rotation with Jacobs.
Wilson attained a 33.9% snap share, carried six times, and assembled 17 yards on the ground. Wilson had entered the contest with a 17.8% snap share, and had registered season highs in carries (eight) and rushing yards (44) before his performance in Week 7.
Jacobs’ illness provided a reminder that fantasy managers who rely on Jacobs can reduce the impact of any potential absence by securing Wilson as an insurance policy.
MarShawn Lloyd is currently on injured reserve, and the Packers have yet to launch his 21-day activation window. Lloyd will also need time to integrate into Matt LaFleur’s offense after that occurs. That elevates Wilson as the preferred handcuff for anyone who relies on Jacobs in their lineups.
Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins – 14% Rostered
Gordon has retained an unwavering role as the RB2 in Miami’s offense throughout his rookie season. This has provided his opportunities to accumulate carries in short-yardage and goal-line situations, while also sustaining his presence as the clear backup to De'Von Achane.
Gordon has now attained a 24.0% snap share since Week 1, while his shares have reached 23.7% during six of his seven matchups. He has also accumulated 28 attempts, including seven carries inside the red zone.
Gordon also attained a 31.0% snap share when the Dolphins traveled to Cleveland in Week 7. He also carried five times, assembled 11 rushing yards, and secured an additional attempt in the red zone.
Jaylen Wright did receive his first snaps of the season near the conclusion of Miami's matchup with the Browns, but he failed to register a touch. Gordon’s placement on the depth chart also positions him to seize lead-back duties if Achane is sidelined for any reason. Gordon remains available in 84% of all leagues and should be stashed by anyone who can locate roster space.
High Upside Handcuffs - Week 8 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These Running Backs Are Insurance Policies That Protect You From A Roster Crisis
| High Upside Handcuffs | Team | Rostered |
| Tyler Allgeier | Atlanta Falcons | 39% |
| Brian Robinson Jr. | San Francisco 49ers | 31% |
| Blake Corum | Los Angeles Rams | 11% |
| Sean Tucker | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 10% |
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 39% Rostered
Allgeier remains stationed at the periphery of a mammoth workload through his role as Atlanta’s RB2 behind Bijan Robinson. Allgeier has also demonstrated his ability to perform proficiently as a workhorse back, as he has consistently maximized his opportunities throughout his career.
While his contingent value is clear, his role as the Falcons’ RB2 does contain erratic touch totals. The convergence of unwanted factors that have depleted your starting options could accelerate your need to utilize Allgeier as an RB3/flex during the impactful bye weeks.
However, even though his usage and output have been sufficient to utilize him in that capacity during multiple weeks of the regular season, there are still fluctuations in his workloads.
Allgeier has eclipsed 21+ snaps during three of his matchups while scoring at least 9.8 points in those games. He has also averaged 13 snaps during his three other contests while failing to surpass 2.4 points per game.
That will present a level of risk that must be considered before starting him in his current role. However, he is cemented as a critical handcuff who would erupt for RB1 production if Robinson is forced to the sideline.
Brian Robinson Jr., San Francisco 49ers - 31% Rostered
The addition of Robinson does not provide you with an immediate solution to current roster issues while he is performing in his current role as San Francisco’s RB2.
However, securing Robinson could provide you with a valuable resource during your upcoming matchups due to his placement directly below Christian McCaffrey on the 49ers depth chart. Robinson has registered a 16.8% since Week 1 while eclipsing 22.5% during three of his matchups.
He has also carried 36 times (5.1 per game) and generated 144 rushing yards (20.6 per game), as Robinson’s results remain well below the numbers that he assembled during his three seasons with Washington.
However, Robinson’s role remains secure as no other running back on San Francisco’s roster has registered an offensive snap entering Week 9. McCaffrey has stockpiled a league-high 416 snaps as he continues to excel with his extensive workload.
However, if McCaffrey’s impressive season is suddenly impacted by a health issue, Robinson would instantly ascend into a sizable role. Robinson would also emerge as a borderline RB1 for fantasy managers if that situation develops. That delivers your incentive to seize him this week.
Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams - 11% Rostered
Corum secured his highest snap share of the season (33.9%) when he operated as the Rams’ RB2 in Week 7. Corum had secured a 27.7% snap share from Weeks 2-4, while averaging 7.3 attempts/39.3 rushing yards per game, and generating 53 yards after contact. He had also finished as a high-end RB3 in scoring (10.4 points) during Week 2.
Corum's statistical momentum temporarily stalled after he mishandled a pitch that led to a fumble in Week 5. He also sustained an ankle injury in Week 6, as those developments restricted him to a 14.9% snap share during that two-game sequence.
However, Corum re-emerged in Week 7 to accumulate a career high 12 carries and generate 37 rushing yards during a game in which the Rams built a comfortable lead. Corum also ran eight routes and secured his only target from Matthew Stafford.
Corum should retain his role as the direct backup to Williams when Los Angeles hosts New Orleans in Week 9. He remains a viable handcuff who would secure a significant workload in Sean McVay’s offense if Williams is sidelined for any reason.
Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers -10% Rostered
The shelf life for this recommendation to stash Tucker coincides with the timetable for Bucky Irving’s return from his health issues (foot/shoulder).
Tucker is currently operating as Tampa Bay’s RB2 in a rotation with Rachaad White as the Buccaneers advance through their matchups during Irving’s absence.
Tucker has attained a 17.5% snap share since Irving was temporarily extracted from the Buccaneers’ offense. White has commandeered a 83.1% share during that span, which has placed constraints on Tucker’s workload in Tampa Bay’s modified backfield rotation.
Tucker has also accumulated 10 attempts (3.3 per game) and 32rushing yards (10.7 per game) during that sequence. He has also accumulated 13 routes run and four targets during the Buccaneers’ last three outings.
We are #PL44SED 🍊🎯
📺: #SFvsTB on CBS pic.twitter.com/4KrHVqioLh
— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) October 12, 2025
Tucker’s recent workload will not compel you to utilize him in your lineups. However, his statistical eruption in Week 6 of the 2024 regular season (136 rushing yards/56 receiving yards/two touchdowns) provides a reminder that Tucker can erupt for significant yardage if he ascends into an expanded role.
That scenario would transpire if White is forced to the sideline while Irving remains unavailable. It also provides the rationale for stashing Tucker if you are constructing rosters in deeper leagues.
Other Fantasy Football Running Backs To Consider
- Tyrone Tracy Jr, New York Giants - 44% Rostered
- Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens - 10% Rostered
- Tahj Brooks, Cincinnati Bengals - 1% Rostered
Good luck in Week 8!
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2025 Player Decisions. Today's focus is on specific players - Kyle Monangai, Woody Marks, Bhayshul Tuten, Brashard Smith, Bam Knight, Tyler Allgeier, Sean Tucker, Kenneth Gainwell. These are some common searches for 2025 fantasy football waiver wire pickups.
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