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Phil Clark's fantasy football running back (RB) waiver wire pickups for Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season. His free agent RBs to add, stream and stash off waivers.
We have now entered the planning process for Week 12 as the fantasy postseason continues its rapid approach. Congratulations to all of you for your resilience as you have repeatedly navigated the numerous challenges that have emerged throughout the regular season. Injuries at the running back position have been an ongoing issue, including the backs who were sidelined during their Week 11 matchups (Josh Jacobs/Jaylen Warren/Emari Demercado/Bhayshul Tuten).
Another four-team bye week will emerge this week, which will involve running backs from Miami, Washington, Denver, and the Los Angeles Chargers. This ensures that anyone with De'Von Achane, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RJ Harvey, or Kimani Vidal should extract them from their lineups.
However, this article is designed to help you overcome all unwanted factors that have created issues on your rosters 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 12 matchups!
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:- 2025 fantasy football rankings
- Running back (RB) fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver (WR) fantasy football rankings
- Tight end (TE) fantasy football rankings
- Quarterback (QB) fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Kicker (K) fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Upcoming Bye Weeks
- Week 12: Washington, Miami, Denver, Los Angeles Chargers
- Week 14: New England, Carolina, San Francisco, New York Giants
Top Priorities - Week 12 Waiver Wire Running Backs
Prioritize These Running Backs On Most Waiver Wires
| Top Priorities | Team | Rostered |
| Sean Tucker | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 26% |
| Emanuel Wilson | Green Bay Packers | 8% |
| Bhayshul Tuten | Jacksonville Jaguars | 31% |
| Kenneth Gainwell | Pittsburgh Steelers | 32% |
| Trey Benson | Arizona Cardinals | 63% |
| Chris Rodriguez Jr. | Washington Commanders | 12% |
Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 26% Rostered
RUN, TUCKER, RUN ‼️
📺: #TBvsBUF on CBS pic.twitter.com/0Q7uIBygOQ
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) November 16, 2025
The rationale for pursuing Tucker on your waiver wires was steadily increasing before Week 11 as the third-year back’s role was growing within Tampa Bay’s restructured backfield rotation.
Now, Tucker has soared into the top options from the waiver wire in the aftermath of his performance during the Buccaneers’ matchup in Buffalo.
Tucker secured a season-high 44.3% snap share as he exploded for 140 total yards and three touchdowns, while maximizing his 21 touches. He also established a career high in attempts (19) and rushing touchdowns (two), while eclipsing 100 rushing yards for the second time in his career (106).
Make that 3️⃣ for @seantucker2020
📺: #TBvsBUF on CBS pic.twitter.com/pEHL6Eki0X
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) November 16, 2025
Tucker also assembled 34 receiving yards and registered the second touchdown of his career as a pass-catcher. Rachaad White attained a 60% snap share but trailed Tucker in carries (10), rushing yards (51), and receiving yards (11).
Tucker’s workload during Tampa Bay’s upcoming matchups will be partially dependent on the health of Bucky Irving, who has been sidelined for six consecutive games.
However, there should be no hesitation in targeting Tucker for your rosters, as he has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to erupt for sizable yardage when he accumulates touches. He can operate as an RB2 in your lineups until Irving resurfaces, and could maintain relevance after that.
Emanuel Wilson, Green Bay Packers - 8% Rostered
Wilson has not garnered the level of attention that several other handcuff options have attained during the regular season.
Wilson had been functioning consistently as Green Bay’s RB2 since Week 1. He had also been operating with a 28.6% snap share from Weeks 3-10, which included a 36.2% share from Weeks 7-9. However, Wilson’s role as the direct backup to Josh Jacobs became critical when Jacobs sustained a knee injury in Week 11.
Emanuel Wilson slips through for his first TD of the season
GBvsNYG on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/oeQ5J0viCj
— NFL (@NFL) November 16, 2025
That promptly elevated Wilson into a temporary lead-back role when Green Bay visited the Giants. Wilson operated with a career-high 71% snap share, carried 11 times, and generated 40 rushing yards. Wilson also registered his first touchdown of the season.
Jacobs’ health should be monitored, but Wilson’s runway toward functioning as the Packers’ short-term RB1 remains unobstructed if Jacobs is sidelined in Week 12.
Chris Brooks was only involved on five snaps in Week 11, while being relegated to one touch. MarShawn Lloyd’s burgeoning list of lingering health issues also continues to restrict him from emerging in the Packers’ backfield rotation. Wilson is currently available in over 90% of all leagues and should be prioritized on your Week 12 waiver wires.
Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars - 31% Rostered
Tuten’s elite speed, acceleration, and overall capabilities as a three-down back have fueled his potential to emerge as a productive resource throughout his rookie season.
Those attributes have also supplied the incentive for fantasy managers to stash him during the year. However, Tuten’s prospective rise into a favorable workload had yet to transpire from Weeks 1-10.
Tuten had entered Week 11 with a season high 28.6% snap share, along with season bests of nine attempts, and 42 rushing yards. However, Tuten’s usage and output in Week 11 justified the ongoing optimism that had surrounded the dynamic rookie, as he surpassed his previous season highs in snap share (32.4%), carries (15), and rushing yards (74).
All aboard 🚂@budlight | #ForTheCelly pic.twitter.com/BJ19nsPsfs
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) November 16, 2025
Tuten also averaged 4.9 yards per attempt and generated his third touchdown of the season. He also secured four attempts inside the red zone, which improved his overall total to 16 since Week 1.
Travis Etienne registered a season low 49.3% snap share. He also generated 73 rushing yards, and two touchdowns, and should retain lead-back duties for Jacksonville.
Tuten did sustain an ankle injury that should be monitored. However, he retains the ability to function as an asset for fantasy managers if he is operating with similar workloads during the Jaguars’ remaining matchups.
Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers - 32% Rostered
Gainwell has remained cemented as the Steelers’ RB2 throughout his first season with Pittsburgh. This has supplied managers with a valuable handcuff option as the fantasy postseason continues its rapid approach.
Gainwell’s role as the direct backup to Jaylen Warren gained significance during the Steelers’ Week 11 matchup with AFC North rival Cincinnati, after Warren encountered an ankle injury during the contest.
Touchdown #️⃣2️⃣ for KG 💪 @KENNETHGAINWEL
📺 #CINvsPIT on @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/IppHYwmqIJ
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 16, 2025
Gainwell operated with his second-highest snap share of the season (63.1%). He also accumulated 16 touches, 105 total yards, and two receiving touchdowns. He also ran 26 routes, secured seven of his eight targets, assembled 81 yards, and established season highs in each category.
Gainwell now leads the Steelers’ backfield in routes run (172), targets (42/4.2 per game), and receptions (36/3.6 per game) since Week 1.
Gainwell also possesses the proven ability to deliver RB1 production whenever he operates as Pittsburgh’s short-term lead back. That could occur this week if Warren is unavailable when the Steelers travel to Chicago.
However, Gainwell will remain embedded among the Tier 1 waiver per options even if Warren resurfaces, and should be added this week.
Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals - 63% Rostered
Benson’s availability is currently below 40% which normally restricts backs from inclusion in this column. However, Benson should secure an integral role following his return from injured reserve. The impact that his re-emergence will have for fantasy managers also fuels the rationale for sustaining his place among this week’s top priorities from the waiver wire.
Cardinals HC Jonathan Gannon says RB Trey Benson (knee) will be placed on IR. pic.twitter.com/eXozis8Zba
— NFL (@NFL) October 1, 2025
Benson sustained a knee injury during Arizona’s Week 4 matchup with Seattle. That led to his placement on injured reserve (October 1), which ensured that he would be absent for a minimum of four games.
Benson has now remained sidelined during the Cardinals’ last six contests. His prospects of resurfacing for Arizona’s Week 12 matchup with Jacksonville are unclear, as the Cardinals have yet to open the 21-day window toward Benson’s activation.
Emari Demercado, Bam Knight, and Michael Carter have formed the Cardinals’ reconstructed backfield rotation during Benson’s absence. However, Benson is capable of seizing lead-back duties once his recovery is complete. That will position him to deliver high-end RB2 production whenever he is operating as the Cardinals’ RB1.
It also supplies the incentive for pursuing Benson in leagues where he remains attainable, as he could become a valuable resource during the critical weeks that remain.
Chris Rodriguez Jr., Washington Commanders - 12% Rostered
Rodriguez has surged into the top tier of this week’s waiver wire options following his performance in Week 11. He has now reached a 33% snap share during each of his last three contests, after securing a season-best 44.8% share during Washington’s matchup with Miami.
Rodriguez functioned as the Commanders’ lead back and established season highs in attempts (15) and rushing yards (79), and capitalized on his opportunity by averaging 5.3 yards per attempt.
Rodriguez also carried four times inside the red zone. He has now accumulated 15 attempts inside the 20 throughout the season, and has attained eight carries since Week 7.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt carried nine times and assembled 28 yards on the ground (3.1 yards per attempt). He has now averaged 10.8 attempts/30.8 rushing yards since Week 7, and is averaging 2.9 yards per attempt during that sequence.
Rodriguez has also assembled 70.5% of his yardage after contact since Week 1, according to Fantasy Points Data. The Commanders will return from their Week 12 bye to host Denver in Week 13, but that should not deter you from pursuing Rodriguez this week.
Secondary Options - Week 12 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These Running Backs Could Become Assets For Your Rosters
| Secondary Options | Team | Rostered |
| Ollie Gordon II | Miami Dolphins | 9% |
| Tyjae Spears | Tennessee Titans | 37% |
| Bam Knight | Arizona Cardinals | 17% |
| Keaton Mitchell | Baltimore Ravens | 2% |
| Isaiah Davis | New York Jets | 7% |
Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins - 9% Rostered
Gordon’s role as the Dolphins’ RB2 was reestablished in Week 11, in the aftermath of an ankle injury that had impacted his numbers in Weeks 9 and 10.
Gordon had also secured consistent opportunities as a short-yard and goal-line back from Weeks 1-8, while accruing 10 carries inside the red zone, and a team-high six attempts inside the 10-yard line.
Gordon sustained the ankle issue in Week 9, which forced him to the sideline after 13 snaps. Gordon was also limited to a season-low three snaps and one touch in Week 10, before his numbers expanded in Week 11.
¡OLÉ, OLLIE! 🕺 pic.twitter.com/Gmy3PItuSj
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) November 16, 2025
Gordon registered a season-high 39.3% snap share while accumulating nine attempts, 45 rushing yards, and scoring a one-yard touchdown. Gordon also secured a season high of five attempts inside the red zone. Jaylen Wright was relegated to just one snap in Week 11 and does not pose a threat to Gordon’s role as De'Von Achane’s direct backup.
The Dolphins will return from their Week 12 bye to host New Orleans in Week 13. Gordon can be stashed this week, as he will seize an expanded workload if Achane is unable to operate as the Dolphins’ primary back during Miami’s remaining matchups.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans - 37% Rostered
The justification for adding Spears to your rosters involves his favorable role within Tennessee’s backfield rotation during his last five contests, despite the continued timeshare between Spears and Tony Pollard.
Spears has operated with a 50.9% snap share since Week 6, including three games in which he eclipsed 52%. He has also carried 30 times (6.0 per game), assembled 141 rushing yards (28.2 per game), and averaged 4.7 yards per attempt.
He also leads the Titans’ backfield in routes run (89), targets (19/3.8 per game), receptions (18/3.6 per game), and receiving yards (127/25.4 per game).
Spears also finished 28th in scoring during that sequence (10.2 points per game) while ascending to RB1 territory during Week 8 (17.2 points).
He also led Tennessee’s backfield in snap share (52.5%) when Tennessee hosted Houston in Week 11. Spears also exceeded Pollard’s totals in routes run (21/17) and targets (five/three).
Spears can operate as an RB3/flex in your lineups when Tennessee hosts Seattle in Week 12, even as he shares touches with Pollard. That supplies the rationale for adding him this week.
Bam Knight, Arizona Cardinals - 17% Rostered
Knight’s touches have been interspersed with the opportunities that have also been allocated to Emari Demercado and Michael Carter during Benson’s aforementioned absence.
Knight has operated with a 47.4% snap share since Week 6. He has also generated 170 yards (34 per game) with his 49 attempts (9.8 per game), while accumulating 10 carries inside the red zone, and rising to third with nine attempts inside the 10-yard line.
Knight also attained a 40.5% snap share while accumulating five carries and a team-high 24 rushing yards in Week 11. He also ran 16 routes and secured season highs in receptions (four) and receiving yards (21). Demercado was limited to a 17.7% snap share, five attempts, and eight rushing yards after sustaining an ankle injury during the first half.
Carter led Arizona’s backfield with a 41.8% snap share. He was limited to two attempts, six rushing yards, ran 28 routes, and paced Arizona’s backfield in targets (seven).
Updates on Demercado’s health should be monitored. However, Knight is the preferred waiver wire option among Arizona backs if Demercado is sidelined in Week 12. The incentive for adding Knight will also evaporate if Benson resurfaces for the Cardinals’ Week 12 matchup with Jacksonville.
Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens - 2% Rostered
Mitchell’s involvement in Baltimore‘s offense has been impacted by the unmistakable presence of Derrick Henry as the Ravens’ primary back. However, Mitchell remains an enticing stash candidate due to his expanding role behind Henry.
Mitchell has functioned as the backup rusher in the Ravens’ rotation while attaining a 15.3% snap share since Week 8. He also accumulated 18 attempts (4.5 per game), 116 rushing yards (29 per game), and averaged 6.4 yards per attempt during that span.
Justice Hill has operated consistently as Baltimore’s pass-catching weapon from the backfield, but has only averaged 2.0 attempts/10.0 rushing yards per from Weeks 1-10. However, a troublesome toe sidelined Hill in Week 11.
Mitchell attained a 26.2% snap share in Week 11, while accumulating six carries and assembling 31 rushing yards. He also ran nine routes, while collecting two of his three targets and generating 23 yards as a receiving weapon.
Mitchell is primed to function as Baltimore‘s lead back if Henry is unavailable during the Ravens’ upcoming matchups. He also possesses home run capabilities that can result in significant yardage totals if that scenario emerges. That provides the incentive to stash him this week.
Isaiah Davis, New York Jets - 7% Rostered
Davis is not accumulating a sufficient number of touches for you to consider utilizing him as a starter. However, Davis remains a recommended stash option due to his capabilities as a three-down back and his continued adjacency to a mammoth workload if Breece Hall is sidelined for any reason during the Jets’ remaining matchups.
Davis secured a 40.4% snap share from Weeks 5-8, while averaging 5.8 touches/43.8 total yards per game during that sequence. However, his snap share has decreased to 28.3% since Week 10, as have his averages in touches (3.0) and total yards (11.0) per game
Davis has also registered two targets, one reception, and one receiving yard during his last two outings, after he had finished among the top 11 at his position in all three categories from Weeks 5-8 (14 targets/3.5 per game), (11 receptions/2.8 per game), (93 receiving yards/23.3 per game).
While those numbers emphasize his diminished prospects of attaining standalone value, they do not alter his unquestioned role as New York’s RB2. That positions Davis to operate with a significant workload if Hall is not performing as New York’s RB1 for any reason, as the season advances toward conclusion.
High Upside Handcuffs - Week 12 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 | 33% |
| Blake Corum | Los Angeles Rams | 17% |
| Brian Robinson Jr. | San Francisco 49ers | 28% |
| Devin Neal | New Orleans Saints | 1% |
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 33% Rostered
Allgeier remains stationed within the elite tier of handcuff options, as he continues to operate as the RB2 in Atlanta’s backfield rotation.
Allgeier has now operated with a 27.8% snap share since Week 1. He has also averaged 7.7 attempts/28.0 rushing yards per game, while assembling seven touchdowns.
Allgeier has also accrued 22 carries inside the red zone, collected 14 attempts inside the 10-yard line, and attained 55.6% of the carries that have been distributed to Atlanta’s backs inside the 5-yard line, according to Fantasy Points Data.
That includes Allgeier’s numbers when Atlanta hosted Carolina in Week 11. Allgeier registered a 21.2% snap share, carried three times, generated 10 rushing yards, and produced his fourth touchdown since Week 8.
Those results underscore the erratic nature of his workloads as he has registered double-digit totals in carries five times, while also failing to surpass four attempts during five other contests.
However, your primary enticement for seizing Allgeier involves the extensive workload that he will secure if Robinson is absent during any of the Falcons’ remaining contests. Allgeier can provide RB1 output if that scenario emerges, which justifies seizing him for your rosters this week.
Corum has maintained his placement among the most viable handcuff options as he retains his role as the RB2 for Los Angeles. He has also eclipsed a 31% snap share during three of the Rams' last four matchups after attaining a 21.9% share from Weeks 1-6.
Corum has also accumulated 46 attempts (9.2 per game), which includes his nine carries inside the red zone. He has also generated 161 rushing yards (30.2 per game) since Week 7, including 85 yards after contact. Corum was also seventh in rush percentage over expected (50%) in Week 7, according to Next Gen Stats.
Corum registered a 31.4% snap share, carried eight times, and assembled 10 rushing yards when Los Angeles hosted NFC West rival Seattle in Week 11. He had also averaged 12.7 attempts/50.3 yards per game from Weeks 7-10 before his numbers decreased during the Week 11 matchup.
Corum is also firmly positioned in a rotation with Kyren Williams, which leaves him primed to operate with an expanded workload if Williams is forced to the sideline.
Corum would secure a critical role in Sean McVay's offense if that situation develops, while also emerging as a critical resource on your rosters. That provides your incentive for adding him this week.
Brian Robinson Jr., San Francisco 49ers - 28% Rostered
Robinson’s inclusion among the premier handcuff options has remained intact throughout the regular season. This is the unsurprising byproduct of Robinson’s sustained role as the direct backup to Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco’s offense.
Robinson’s role as the 49ers’ RB2 places inherent restrictions on his usage and output. He now enters Week 12 with a career-low 16.1% snap share, which includes three games in which he has failed to exceed 9.2%.
He has also accumulated 57 attempts (5.2 per game) and 262 rushing yards (23.8 per game) since Week 1, after averaging 13.9 carries and 56.8 yards per game from 2022-2024 with Washington.
McCaffrey registered a season-low 70.9% snap share in Week 11 but is still pacing all backs with an 83.4% share since Week 1. He also leads his position in target share (25.8%), receiving yards (732/66.5 per game), and rushing attempts (193/17.5 per game), and is also second overall in points per game (24.9).
However, Robinson’s workload would expand significantly if McCaffrey is suddenly unable to perform in his usual capacity. That would launch Robinson into a lead-back role with the 49ers, while propelling him to borderline RB1 production for fantasy managers. That should encourage you to stash Robinson from your waiver wires this week.
Devin Neal, New Orleans Saints - 1% Rostered
Neal was limited to 14 snaps and three touches from Weeks 1-7. However, the trajectory of Neal’s rookie season was altered when Kendre Miller sustained a torn ACL in Week 7.
That launched Neal into his current role as the direct backup to Alvin Kamara, and Neal has steadily secured an expanding workload in Kellen Moore’s offense since that occurred.
Neal has attained a 40.3% snap share since Week 8. His weekly touch totals have gradually increased (three/four/seven), as have his total yards during that span (11/12/31).
Neal also established season-highs in rushing yards (22) and yards per attempt (5.5) in Week 10, and has generated 34.9% of his yardage after contact according to Fantasy Points Data. He has also run 42 routes since Week 8, while securing all seven of his targets, and assembling 21 yards as a receiving weapon.
Neal is also primed to emerge as a late-season asset for fantasy managers if his involvement rises even further as the season advances. He is also a viable handcuff as he would vault into a massive role if Kamara’s workload is reduced during the Saints’ upcoming matchups.
Other Fantasy Football Running Backs To Consider
These running backs are rostered in over 60% of leagues, but should be added in any leagues where they remain available
- Woody Marks, Houston Texans- 76% Rostered
- Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs - 66% Rostered
- Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears - 62% Rostered
Good luck in Week 12!
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2025 Player Decisions. Today's focus is on specific players - Sean Tucker, Emanuel Wilson, Kenneth Gainwell, Bhayshul Tuten, Chris Rodriguez Jr. These are some common searches for 2025 fantasy football waiver wire pickups.
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