Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups - Week 1

September 9, 2021

Phil Clark's fantasy football running back waiver wire pickups before Week 1 of the 2021 NFL season. These are free agent fantasy RBs to add, and potential PPR sleepers to stash.

As the offseason advanced relentlessly toward the long-awaited kickoffs of Week 1, you expended your time and energy preparing meticulously for your drafts. Your treatment of the running back position was also critical since your backs will play an integral role in determining the success of your teams. This remains true regardless of how you approached the position during your draft process.

Once your rosters were constructed you may have been satisfied with the results. But that initial enthusiasm might have dissipated after you re-evaluated your team. That is understandable as various factors can emerge during the unpredictable flow of drafts that leave you underwhelmed with your final roster. Regardless of why you are now considering your waiver wire options, this article is designed to help you locate the best backs that are available in up to 60% of current leagues.

These recommendations will appear in three tiers - beginning with the most enticing options and progressing to suggestions for managers that are struggling with desperation. You will also find a group of backs that can be dropped in order for you to secure your replacements. After you've finished this breakdown, you can also find the latest news and data-driven analysis from the team at RotoBaller that is designed to maximize your scoring potential in Week 1.

Frontrunners - Week 1 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These backs should be your top priorities among the options that are available on most waiver wires. Some will be more beneficial in PPR formats than standard.

James White, New England Patriots - 24% Rostered

White’s availability in over 75% of all leagues is arguably the most surprising aspect of this week’s waiver wire breakdown. His role as New England’s pass-catching specialist from the backfield remains fully intact. However, he is still attainable in the vast majority of leagues prior to the Patriots’ season opener. White has averaged 5.8 targets per game since 2016, while finishing sixth or better at his position in total targets during three of those five seasons. He has also accomplished that feat each year in which he performed during 15+ regular season games.

White also finished 10th among backs in targets last season despite being absent during two matchups (family situation). He also placed fourth in targets from Weeks 11-17 (30/4.3 per game), while finishing among the top six in receptions (22/3.1 per game) and yardage (172/24.6 per game). White’s prospects of sustaining his enticing numbers have been solidified by the ascension of Mac Jones under center. That vaults him atop this week’s list of targets on your waiver wire.

Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys - 57% Rostered

Tony. Pollard. Somersaults in! @Tp__5 @dallascowboys | #HOUvsDAL pic.twitter.com/pQYYriCoie

— NFL (@NFL) August 22, 2021

Pollard will enter his third season having demonstrated the capacity to perform effectively as both a rusher and receiver. He displayed those capabilities last season while attaining a 36% snap share from Weeks 8-17. Pollard averaged 7.8 attempts, 36.2 rushing yards, and 2.8 targets per game during that sequence. He also averaged 8.7 carries, 5.3 targets and 62 total yards per game during the Cowboys’ final three matchups, while also finishing at RB19 during that three-game span.

Pollard also functions as the quintessential insurance policy for anyone with Ezekiel Elliott already contained on their rosters. However, Pollard presents all other managers with scoring potential that surpasses the usual backup, as he would deliver RB1 production if Elliott would be absent during the year. Pollard’s value would ignite if that scenario transpires, as he would become a popular target on the waiver wire. But you can bypass all in-season competition to add Pollard by securing him this week.

Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots - 24% Rostered

What a run by Rhamondre Stevenson! 91-yard touchdown.👀😳(Via @FTBVids_YT)

pic.twitter.com/KAAvzUXCay

— Pats Buzz (@PatsBuzz) August 13, 2021

Stevenson generated 1,180 rushing yards during two seasons at Oklahoma (7.3 per attempt), while also producing 13 touchdowns. He only accumulated 165 attempts, which diminishes concern surrounding wear and tear at the collegiate level. New England secured him on Round 4 of last April’s NFL Draft (120th overall), and the 6’0”, 225-pound newcomer proceeded to assemble 216 yards and five touchdowns during the Patriots’ preseason matchups. Damien Harris will begin Week 1 as New England’s lead rusher, with his status cemented following the exodus of Sony Michel.

However, Michel’s departure has also elevated Stevenson into an ongoing role as the RB2 to Harris. The aforementioned White has commandeered responsibilities as the preferred receiving option from the backfield. But Stevenson’s prospects of receiving a weekly allotment of carries – including opportunities near the goal line – has presented managers with an intriguing waiver option. His potential for collecting red zone carries has risen further now that Mac Jones has supplanted Cam Newton as New England’s starting signal-caller.

In The Running - Week 1 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These backs remain available on the waiver wire but are not necessarily must-adds.

Kenny Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles - 8% Rostered

Gainwell operated in the same backfield as Antonio Gibson during his tenure at Memphis (2019), led the Tigers in rushing attempts (231/16.5 per game) and finished 12th among all backs in rushing yardage (1,459/102.2 per game). He also remained involved as a pass-catching presence within the Tigers' RPO spread offense (51 receptions/610 yards) before opting out during 2020. He became the ninth running back to be selected during April’s NFL Draft, and is in position to confiscate responsibilities as Miles Sanders’ primary backup in Philadelphia’s backfield.

Kenny Gainwell TD #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/StjVcyBaM7

— Barstool Philly (@BarstoolPhilly) August 28, 2021

Sanders averaged 13.7 attempts, and 72.3 rushing yards last season, while also pacing Eagle backs in targets (52/4.3 per game). However, he only caught 28 of those passes (2.3 per game), which led to an underwhelming 53.8% catch percentage. This should present a pathway for Gainwell to collect targets while functioning as a dynamic receiving weapon. Gainwell’s talent is sufficient for him to siphon an increasing percentage of touches from Sanders as the season progresses. He could also become a productive RB2 for all managers if Sanders would be sidelined for any reason.

Ty’son Williams, Baltimore Ravens - 27% Rostered

ty’son williams hype train is officially boarding 🎟

the 1B option in the ravens rushing attack is worth a roster spot on your fantasy teams pic.twitter.com/bjLRg3KC9J

— corey spala (@coreyspala) August 30, 2021

The 6’0”, 220-pound Williams was signed as an undrafted free agent in August of 2020 and remained on the Ravens’ practice squad throughout most of the season. But he performed effectively during Baltimore’s training camp (130 yards/24 attempts), which fueled speculation that he would surpass Justice Hill on the Ravens’ depth chart. However, he was not propelled onto the fantasy landscape until J.K. Dobbins’ season-ending injury (ACL) transformed the composition of Baltimore’s backfield.

Hill’s season-ending injury (torn Achilles) has solidified Williams’ opportunity to function as the Ravens’ RB2 behind Gus Edwards, whose ADP  instantly skyrocketed as a byproduct of Dobbins’ unfortunate injury. But even though Edwards is primed to eviscerate his 2020 usage and output (9 attempts/45.2 per game) his minimal role as a receiver since 2018 is unlikely to change (0.5 targets per game). Williams has the opportunity to garner a weekly percentage of targets, while also accumulating carries in a complementary role. This has transported Williams from the outermost region of irrelevance into one of this week's most viable options for your rosters.

Ty Johnson, New York Jets - 9% Rostered

Michael Carter’s workload should increase on a gradual basis as the season progresses. However, his ADP has plunged from 75/RB29 during June drafts to 97/RB35 since September 1. This is the result of his usage in the preseason, which was interspersed with touches that were distributed to Johnson and Tevin Coleman. Both veterans remain available if you are searching for potential flex options. However, Coleman has failed to perform in 16 games during five of his six professional seasons. His history of health issues and his 3.7 yards per carry average since 2017 serve as reminders that he is not a reliable candidate for your rosters.

TY JOHNSON DELIVERING PUNISHMENT 💪💪💪💪

📺 WCBS/nyjets.com/Jets app pic.twitter.com/MyrMLSltNg

— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 28, 2021

However, Johnson is an intriguing waiver wire option who completed the 40-yard dash in 4.40 during his 2019 Pro Day. He possesses a favorable blend of burst and acceleration, with the ability to finish his runs effectively. All of which can result in sizable gains. This should keep him highly involved in the Jets backfield rotation, which supplies your rationale for adding him this week.

Dark Horses - Week 1 Waiver Wire Running Backs 

This group consists of running backs that can be added if you are willing to wait for the possibility of a larger role during the year, or consider your situation to be desperate due to injuries.

Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals - 33% Rostered

Sure looks like Gio Bernard is the #Buccaneers' pass-catching back.

He came on the field for both 3rd downs with QB Tom Brady in the preseason opener.

— Jared Smola (@SmolaDS) August 16, 2021

The former second-round pick is now entering his ninth season after signing with Tampa Bay in April. That infused Bernard into a backfield that will benefit from the presence of a reliable pass-catching weapon. This did not necessarily exist when Tom Brady targeted Leonard Fournette (76.6 catch%), and Ronald Jones II (66.7 catch%) last season. That tandem also failed to rank inside the top 40 of Football Outsiders’ DYAR (Defense-Adjusted Yards Above Replacement) at their position during 2020, and cannot match the receiving floor that Bernard can deliver for managers.

Bernard exceeded 50 targets during six of his eight seasons with Cincinnati (2013-2020), and Bruce Arians has stated that Bernard will be a “major part of the offense”. It is understandable if you are hesitant to make a significant investment in a player as the result of comments from his head coach. But securing Bernard from your waiver wire does not contain sizable risk. He should operate as the Buccaneers' third-down back while providing you with a potential flex option in PPR leagues.

J.D. McKissic, Washington Football Team - 36% Rostered

It is reasonable to project Antonio Gibson for an expanded role as a pass-catcher during his second season. However, that may not preclude McKissic from remaining highly involved in Washington‘s passing attack. McKissic finished at RB17 in PPR scoring last season, while leading all backs in targets (110/6.9 per game). He also procured the third-highest target share among backs (19.2%) and collected 10+ targets during five different matchups. McKissic also finished second in both receptions (80/5.8 per game) and receiving yards (589/36.8 per game) and was sixth in offensive snaps (679).

The is not a suggestion that he will replicate those numbers, as Gibson’s aforementioned usage as a receiver should rise. But it is unlikely that McKissic’s targets will evaporate completely, following his extensive role during 2020. That sustains his viability as a receiver for you to target if you are participating in a PPR league that operates with deeper rosters.

Carlos Hyde, Jacksonville Jaguars - 16% Rostered

You may not be enthusiastic about pursuing Hyde for your roster, as he will not elicit the same level of passion as other backs who are candidates to deliver electrifying runs. However, Hyde’s role with Jacksonville has expanded following Travis Eitenne’s season-ending Lisfranc injury. He will be functioning as James Robinson’s direct backup, as the Jaguars operate without the option of distributing touches to Etienne.

Jaguars' first-team RB snaps out of 66 plays with Trevor Lawrence on the field this preseason, which is basically a game's worth of plays:

James Robinson - 33
Carlos Hyde - 28

Last year, Robinson played on 70% of JAX snaps (7th-most among RBs).

— Graham Barfield (@GrahamBarfield) August 29, 2021

Hyde’s reunion with Urban Meyer is also a major factor in this recommendation, as his former collegiate coach retains confidence in Hyde’s remaining abilities. This will sustain Hyde’s usage during the season, while allowing him to remain involved in Jacksonville’s restructured attack on a weekly basis. That will also result in Hyde being entrusted with more carries than anyone who is depending on Robinson would prefer. Hyde remains available in 84% of all leagues and would also become a valuable roster component if Robinson would become unavailable during the year.

Also-Rans - Time To Say Goodbye

These backs can be dropped in order to secure an RB with greater potential to bolster your scoring during the year. 

Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars - 23% Rostered

The number of backs that are clearly droppable will expand as we progress into the regular season, and their status will impact teams in a large percentage of leagues. However, there are also backs who occupy space on this week’s rosters even though they will not help boost the scoring total for managers at any point in the foreseeable future. This scenario certainly applies to Ettienne in the aftermath of his unfortunate injury.

Jaguars RB Travis Etienne to undergo foot surgery, out at least 12 weeks. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/wKmogQsrev

— NFL (@NFL) August 24, 2021

His enormous talent fueled the optimism of managers who selected him in Round 4 of recent drafts - even though his touches would be constrained by the presence of James Robinson.  But Etienne’s lengthy absence will prevent him from rewarding those who invested in his home-run capabilities during those drafts. He will remain unavailable throughout the entire season, which eliminates all rationale for retaining him on a roster. The timetable for making better use of that valuable spot is now.

Tarik Cohen, Chicago Bears - 18% Rostered

#Bears RB Tarik Cohen transferred to reserve/PUP list meaning he will miss at least the first 6 games of the season.

— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) August 31, 2021

Cohen’s most prolific season was assembled back in 2018, when he accumulated 1,169 total yards, including 725 (45.3 per game) as a receiver. That placed him third among all backs. But Cohen encountered a torn ACL last September, and his protracted recovery remains ongoing. This has prevented him from participating in team activities, and he currently resides on the PUP list (physically unable to perform). He will not resurface until at least Week 7, and his prospects of immediately recapturing his previous responsibilities with the Bears are hardly guaranteed.

Former Chief Damien Williams has resurfaced in Chicago and appears primed to operate as the Bears RB2 duties behind David Montgomery. Williams led Kansas City in rushing attempts (111/10.1 per game), rushing yardage (498/45.3 per game) during 2019, and assembled 290 total yards and six touchdowns during the Chiefs’ extended postseason journey to the Super Bowl. Williams' responsibilities combines with Cohen’s prolonged absence to present your incentive to discard him.

Mark Ingram II, Houston Texans - 20% Rostered

The 31-year-old Ingram was also phased out of Baltimore’s rotation last season while being entrusted with just 25 touches during the Ravens’ final 10 games. He has resurfaced in Houston. But there are multiple reasons to avoid any dependence on members of the Texans’ backfield this season, due to significant talent deficiencies that permeate the entire offense. Ingram will also be performing in an overcrowded backfield, as touches will also be allocated to Phillip Lindsay, David Johnson, and (possibly) Rex Burkhead.

The combination of his unfavorable environment, and the declining ability to run effectively, diminish the likelihood that Ingram can assemble numbers that will be beneficial to managers. This creates enormous risk in starting him, eliminating the incentive to retain him on rosters. It should also encourage managers to locate a player who delivers the potential to become a productive resource during the season.

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