X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Running Backs Waiver Wire - Week 11 Pickups and Adds

If you're a believer in the All-RB bench strategy, you may consider acquiring multiple players on this list. We have no idea how much value players like Jamaal Williams or Rex Burkhead will have in another week or two, but the off-chance that they play significant roles on their respective teams during the fantasy playoffs should make them far more valuable than any interchangeable WR3 or WR4 that's out there.

This article will aim to highlight Week 11 waiver wire adds for running backs, players that you should consider targeting on your league's waiver wire if available. Running backs will be split up into three tiers - from most desirable, to most desperate.

I will also include RBs at the bottom of this list that you might consider cutting in order to make room for your new additions and a suggested percentage of your FAAB to spend on each player.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Frontrunners for Week 11 - Waiver Wire Running Backs

Jamaal Williams, Green Bay Packers - 4% owned (7-10% FAAB)

Another new starter in Green Bay's backfield? When Aaron Jones left the game early, Ty Montgomery made the biggest impact but exited late, and Jamaal Williams wound up with the most touches. Williams wasn't overly effective, carrying 20 times for 67 yards and catching just one pass. He could be the de facto RB1 as last man standing, though. This pickup is far less exciting with Aaron Rodgers still sidelined, but any starting running back that's virtually unowned should be a high priority add.

Rex Burkhead, New England Patriots - 10% owned (4-8% FAAB)

I know, another Pats RB... All of a sudden, Rex Burkhead is the focal point of New England's offense, just to confuse us all. He scored a touchdown early in the first quarter and nearly scored again in the second quarter when the Pats seemingly force-fed him the ball near the goal-line. He finished with 63 total yards, but the scoring potential makes him relevant in both standard and PPR. The interesting thing is that he didn't just serve as a pass-catcher. Burkhead was on the field for 36 offensive snaps; Dion Lewis came in next with 21 snaps. His ceiling is limited and his usage extremely unpredictable, but that's the case with pretty much all these players.

Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers - 2% owned (5% FAAB)

Chargers fans might not remember Ekeler too fondly for his late fumble that allowed the Jags to eventually claim victory in overtime. Fantasy owners only care about the two touchdowns and 119 total yards that made Ekeler the second-leading RB scorer in Week 10. If Melvin Gordon were hurt, this would be an obvious situation of a backup whose value is tied to the starter's status. But Ekeler did all his damage with Gordon perfectly healthy and ineffective. Ekeler won't supplant Gordon any time soon, but he should definitely be worked into the offense more after he showed off breakaway speed. He joins the group of PPR flex-worthy options that are boom-bust on a given week.

 

In The Running - Week 11 Waiver Wire Running Backs

Latavius Murray, Minnesota Vikings - 43% owned (3-5% FAAB)

17 carries, 68 yards and one touchdown on the ground, nothing through the air. Not an overly exciting line, but it did show that Murray will continue to be involved in the offense for one of the top teams in the NFC. His value is certainly higher in standard leagues than PPR, as he's somewhat touchdown-dependent. With so few running backs assured of such a dedicated role, he still remains a widely available free agent.

Andre Ellington, Arizona Cardinals - 9% owned (3% FAAB)

Sure, it was a meaningless touchdown that Ellington scored, but it's something. He was stymied on Thursday night, catching three of six targets for 26 yards and running for just four yards, but it was against the Seattle defense. If Blaine Gabbert becomes the new starting QB in Arizona, expect a steady diet of checkdowns. He is far less exciting than he was a few weeks ago, but there's still some potential for a few cheap points.

Theo Riddick, Detroit Lions - 42% owned (2% FAAB)

In many competitive PPR leagues, Riddick has been owned since draft day. He hasn't been worth rolling out in your starting lineups, however. Riddick finally scored for the first time since Week 1, although he only saw seven touches on the day. His value will continue to have a definite limit as long as Ameer Abdullah stays healthy, but with the way the Lions offense is rolling, there could be more touchdowns in his future.

Honorable Mentions: Devontae Booker (8% owned), DeAndre Washington (9% owned)

 

Dark Horses - Week 11 Running Backs Waiver Wire

Rod Smith, Dallas Cowboys - 27% owned (1% FAAB)

So, it turns out Rod Smith is no Ezekiel Elliott. Alfred Morris got first run as expected and did a fair job. Smith was relegated to fourth quarter duty when it was obvious the Cowboys were going to lose and he managed just 14 yards. His role could hypothetically grow over the next couple weeks, but if you need immediate help he'll be of no value. The Cowboys face the best run defense in the league in Week 11, that of the Philadelphia Eagles. Their schedule doesn't ease up much leading to Zeke's next hearing, so expectations need to be seriously tempered for Smith and Morris.

Lance Dunbar, Los Angeles Rams - 0% owned (0% FAAB)

Dunbar was supposed to be the third-down back coming into the season, but he suffered a knee injury in the preseason and was just activated. He took some carries late in the blowout win against Houston, but wasn't needed as a pass-catcher. He could work his way into the backup role that had been occupied by Malcolm Brown, which still makes him no higher than a handcuff. If you're a Gurley owner, you may want to replace Brown with Dunbar. If you're looking to stash RBs just in case worst-case scenarios come true, he's a dark horse.

Honorable Mentions: Charles Sims (1% owned), J.D. McKissic (3% owned), Corey Clement (8% owned)

 

Time To Say Goodbye

Tarik Cohen, Chicago Bears - 54% owned

It's finally time to cut bait, if you haven't already, on this year's first waiver wire darling. Cohen burst onto the scene with eight catches in each of his first two games and 100+ total yards in two of his first three. In the last four games, he's seen a total of 11 targets and 135 combined yards. He had a mere two touches in Week 10 and has seen Benny Cunningham take over his job as the pass-catching back. Regardless of how much you spent to acquire him, you aren't losing anything by clearing up roster space to make room for someone who will actually get you points instead.

Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers - 83% owned

This one hurts too. Fantasy owners who thought they found waiver wire gold with Jones a few weeks ago were disappointed the last couple of weeks and now face the prospect of waiving him for good. The initial diagnosis was a sprained MCL, but we should find out more soon. Either way, look for Jones to be out of action while the above-mentioned Williams get a chance to take over, with Montgomery still in the mix, if healthy.

Rob Kelley, Washington Redskins34% owned

It is with great sadness that I must finally part ways with the obese one. Kelley just can't stay healthy and it isn't the same recurring injury. Kelley is like a human Operation board, only needing a broken funny bone before his nose lights up red. It appears the Skins don't need a RB to plunge in near the goal-line, as Kirk Cousins just did it himself twice in Week 10. Samaje Perine just isn't very good and is not worth adding. Wait until next year when the team finds their running back of the future in the draft.

 

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Samuel Basallo

Called Up From Triple-A Norfolk
J.K. Dobbins

Expected to Win Starting RB Job?
Quentin Johnston

Suffers Concussion in Preseason Loss
Jaxson Dart

Plays Well on Saturday Night
Marcus Semien

Avoids Serious Injury
Kyle Stowers

Heads to Injured List With Left-Side Strain
Zack Wheeler

Placed on Injured List With Blood Clot in Shoulder
Terry McLaurin

Commanders Optimistic Terry McLaurin Deal Can Get Done Soon
De'Von Achane

De’Von Achane Dealing With Lower-Body Injury
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Likely Avoids Serious Injury
Josh Hader

Unlikely to Return During Regular Season
Denny Hamlin

the Heavy Favorite to Win at Richmond
Christopher Bell

Has Been Great at Richmond
Kyle Stowers

Out Saturday With Left-Side Tightness
Tyrese Haliburton

No Longer Using a Scooter, Crutches
Ryan Blaney

Can Ryan Blaney Finally Break Through at Richmond?
Joey Logano

Will Start Last at Richmond After Practice Trouble
Chase Elliott

Lack of Top-Line Speed Hurts his DFS Potential
Kyle Larson

Recent String of Crashes Make Him a Big Risk at Richmond
William Byron

Probably Slightly Too Inconsistent at Richmond to Start for DFS
Ryan Preece

on Pole at Richmond as Playoff Deadline Looms Closer
Brad Keselowski

Probably the Best RFK Racing DFS Option at Richmond
Chase Briscoe

Still Figuring Out Richmond
Chris Buescher

a Solid Choice for DFS Play, but Teammates Look Faster
Ty Gibbs

is Mediocre at a Track Where his Grandfather's Team Won 19 Times
Ross Chastain

Despite Qualifying 33rd, Ross Chastain Not As Strong a DFS Option As Usual
Carson Hocevar

Will Carson Hocevar's Speed Overcome His Lack of Racecraft?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Not Enough Attrition at Richmond for Shane Van Gisbergen to Be Viable
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Looking for Another Solid Richmond Race
Austin Cindric

After Strong Iowa Run, Austin Cindric Might Surprise
Corey Heim

Probably Too Inexperienced to Contend at Richmond
Daniel Suarez

Won't Benefit From the Same Strategy Play This Year
Erik Jones

Was Slow at Richmond Even When He Had Fast Cars
Zane Smith

Not a Great DFS Option on Paper, but Typically Outperforms His Expectations
Jhoan Duran

Feels "100%"
Marcus Semien

Out on Saturday, Going for X-Rays on his Wrist
George Springer

Activated and Starting on Saturday
Dylan Beavers

Called Up by Orioles
Terry McLaurin

Commanders Activate Terry McLaurin From PUP List
Jhoan Duran

Takes Comebacker Off Foot, X-Rays Negative
Rashee Rice

NFL Could Reach Settlement Before Hearing
Matt Chapman

Goes to Injured List
George Springer

Likely Returning on Saturday
Max Muncy

Lands on 10-Day Injured List
Joe Mixon

Not a Lock to be Ready For Week 1
Rashee Rice

Receives Clearance to Travel to Brazil for Week 1
Haywood Highsmith

Dealt to Brooklyn on Friday
Amir Coffey

Signs One-Year Deal With Bucks
Jacob Misiorowski

Activated and Starting on Friday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Back From the Injured List
Khamzat Chimaev

A Favorite At UFC 319
Dricus Du Plessis

Set For His Third Title Defense
Aaron Pico

Set For UFC Debut
Lerone Murphy

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Chase Burns

Hits 15-Day Injured List With Flexor Strain
Geoff Neal

Looks For His Second Win In A Row
Travis Hunter

Dealing With Upper-Body Injury, Could be Held Out of Preseason Game
Michael Page

Set For His Second Middleweight Bout
Jared Cannonier

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Kai Asakura

Looks For His First UFC Win
Tim Elliott

Set To Open Up UFC 309 Main Card
CBJ

Mikael Pyyhtia Re-Signs With Blue Jackets for One Year
UTA

Caleb Desnoyers Expected to Miss 12 Weeks After Wrist Procedure
Tyson Foerster

on Track to Be Healthy for Season Opener
NHL

Olivier Rodrigue Signs KHL Deal
NHL

Emil Bemstrom to Join Swiss Team
Payton Pritchard

Reportedly Moving Into Starting Lineup
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Expected to Return Friday
Michael King

Heading to 15-Day Injured List
Aaron Nola

to Return on Sunday
Quinshon Judkins

Won't Face Formal Charges
Sam LaPorta

To "Miss a Little Bit of Time"
Rashee Rice

Disciplinary Hearing Scheduled For Late September
Chris Godwin

Likely to Start the Season on PUP List?
Kevin Durant

Rockets Not Interested in Keeping Kevin Durant with Max Extension
Paul Goldschmidt

Could Land on the Injured List
NBA

Isaiah Mobley Joins Turkish Team
NBA

Cole Swider Links Up with EuroLeague Powerhouse
Ethan Thompson

Joins Heat for Training Camp
Los Angeles Clippers

Clippers Add Jason Preston for Training Camp
Stefon Diggs

Unsure About Availability for Week 1
Justin Jefferson

Won't Practice This Week, Will be Re-Evaluated Next Week
Akshay Bhatia

a High-Upside Play at BMW Championship
Robert MacIntyre

a Safe Play at BMW Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im a Risky Play at BMW Championship
Xander Schauffele

Chases Big Week at BMW Championship
Shane Lowry

Aims to Rebound at BMW Championship
Si Woo Kim

Looks to Build Momentum at BMW Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Looking to Rebound at BMW Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Eyeing Another BMW Championship Victory
Neemias Queta

Wants to Raise His Free-Throw Attempts
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Stuggling to Trade Anfernee Simons
James Cook

Bills Agree on Four-Year Extension
Cole Anthony

Focuses on Winning with Bucks
NBA

Jesse Edwards Moves to Australia
Kessler Edwards

Joins Nuggets
Bradley Beal

Feeling Rejuvenated in Los Angeles
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Looking "Incredible"
PIT

Chad Ruhwedel Retires From NHL
MIN

Jack Johnson Signs Tryout Deal with Wild
Ryker Evans

Kraken Extend Ryker Evans with Two-Year Deal
Rondale Moore

Out for the Season With Knee Injury
Christian Watson

Likely to Begin Season on PUP List
Jordan Love

Undergoes Procedure on Left Thumb
Bud Cauley

Needs a Big Result in Maryland
Harris English

Confident for BMW Championship
Jason Day

Faces Uphill Battle at BMW Championship
Cameron Young

Hot at the Right Time
J.J. Spaun

Rolls in After Near Miss in Memphis
Brian Harman

is a Longer Shot Heading to Maryland
Corey Conners

Appears Safe This Week in Maryland
Daniel Berger

Must Play Better at BMW Championship
Miami Heat

Kai Jones Works Out for Heat
Sacramento Kings

Russell Westbrook Likely to Join Kings
Golden State Warriors

Al Horford Expected to Sign with Warriors if He Doesn't Retire
Jonathan Kuminga

Reportedly Leaning Toward Accepting Golden State's Qualifying Offer
Sepp Straka

Withdraws From BMW Championship
Maverick McNealy

Finishes Tied for 28th at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Third at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied For 22nd at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Rory McIlroy

Finishes Tied For Seventh at Open Championship
Brandon Aiyuk

Could Return in Week 6
Anthony Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak To Eight
Roman Dolidze

Submitted At UFC Vegas 109
Ode' Osbourne

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 109
Steve Erceg

Gets Back In The Win Column
Angela Hill

Outclassed At UFC Vegas 109
Angela Hill

Iasmin Lucindo Dominates Angela Hill
Christian Rodriguez

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Andre Fili

Gets Back in the Win Column
Miles Johns

Drops Split Decision At UFC Vegas 109
Miles Johns

Jean Matsumoto Edges Out Miles Johns To Win Split Decision
Eryk Anders

Suffers First-Round TKO
Christian Leroy Duncan

Scores First-Round TKO Win

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP