Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups - Week 3

September 21, 2021

Phil Clark's fantasy football running back waiver wire pickups before Week 3 of the 2021 NFL season. His free agent RBs to add, stream and stash off waivers.

After two weeks of the regular season, some of the running backs that were drafted in the early and middle rounds have performed effectively for anyone who selected them. Hopefully, you are among the fantasy managers that have received favorable results from these players. Unfortunately, other runners have not produced the results that were expected.

Some backs have not delivered on your original investment due to injuries. In other cases, the runners that are currently on your rosters have been encumbered by production-inhibiting committees. Regardless of why you might be considering your waiver wire options, this article will uncover the best running backs that are rostered in 60% or less in all leagues.

These recommendations will appear in three tiers - beginning with the most enticing and progressing to options 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 news updates and data-fueled analysis that is designed to help you maximize the scoring potential of your rosters.

Editor's Note: Be sure to also read our other Week 3 waiver wire articles for even more in-depth waiver wire analysis on wide receivers, tight ends, quarterbacks, defenses, kickers, recommended FAB waiver wire bids and players to consider dropping.

Week 2 Rushing Leaders

Frontrunners - Week 3 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.

Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys - 53% Rostered

The touch distribution between Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott in Week 2 did nothing to quell concerns surrounding Elliott’s diminished usage during the Cowboys’ first two matchups. However, it has eliminated any lingering doubts regarding Pollard’s ascending value - both within the Dallas offense and also for fantasy managers.

Cowboys RBs vs Chargers:

Tony Pollard
💥 140 total yards
💥 1 TD

Ezekiel Elliott
💥 97 total yards
💥 1 TD pic.twitter.com/yUiWkJgPd4

— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) September 19, 2021

Pollard nearly matched Elliott’s touch total when the Cowboys journeyed to Los Angeles (18/16), and easily generated more total yards (140/97). Pollard carried 13 times and eclipsed 100 rushing yards (109/8.4 per attempt), while he also collected all three of his targets and assembled  31 yards as a receiver. Elliott carried 16 times, produced 71 yards (4.4 per attempt), and generated 26 receiving yards on two receptions. In two games, Elliott has generated 136 total yards on 31 touches. But Pollard has been more effective while accumulating 183 total yards on 23 touches. 

Tony Pollard is across for a #DallasCowboys touchdown 🙌 @Tp__5

📺: #DALvsLAC on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/29bOBTvsKG

— NFL (@NFL) September 19, 2021

This is hardly the scenario that managers who invested a first-round selection on Elliott had envisioned. However, it does provide the incentive to secure Pollard, who is still available in 47% of all leagues. Anyone who drafted Elliott can safeguard their investment by seizing Pollard. All other managers can target him as a flex option, whose progression toward standalone value is complete.

James White, New England Patriots - 42% Rostered

White’s credentials as a pass-catching weapon are extensive, as he has finished among the top 10 in targets at his position for five consecutive seasons. It is hardly a revelation that he supplies New England with a dependable option who has requisitioned commandeered receiving duties within the Patriots’ backfield. White attained an 18.5% snap share during Week 1, tied for second on the team in targets (7), and led the team in receptions (6).

James White is such a weapon. So fun to watch. (Via @BenBrownPL) pic.twitter.com/F49cA76shS

— Pats Buzz (@PatsBuzz) September 19, 2021

He also accrued 11 touches when New England faced the Jets in Week 2 while collecting all six of his targets, and producing 20 yards on the ground. White will continue to lead the Patriots’ backfield in target share on a weekly basis while operating with a sustained role that is among the most secure of any back. He also supplies a steady option for anyone who is participating in the PPR format and remains available in 58% percent of all leagues.

Sony Michel, Los Angeles Rams - 60% Rostered

Michel is rostered in 60% of all leagues which positions him at the threshold for inclusion in this week’s article. That percentage has been in decline since Darrell Henderson commandeered a 94% snap share during the Rams’ season opener, while Michel was relegated to just three offensive snaps. Henderson also accumulated 82 total yards in Week 2, including 53 yards on 13 attempts (4.1 per attempt). But he encountered a rib issue, which elevated Michel into lead back duties.

Good blocking up front for Sony Michel pic.twitter.com/KTUgvqqFI7

— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) September 20, 2021

He responded by generating 46 yards on 10 attempts (4.6 yards per attempt). This will reignite interest in extracting Michel from this week’s waiver wire, particularly by anyone who has been deploying Henderson as a starter. Henderson’s status should be monitored as the week continues. But Michel could be presented with an opportunity to operate as the primary component in the Rams' backfield if Henderson is unavailable. That vaults him among this week’s top targets on the waiver wire.

In The Running - Week 3 Waiver Wire Running Backs

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

Kenny Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles - 37% Rostered

Gainwell accrued 2,069 total yards (1,459 rushing/610 receiving) in 2019 while operating in the Memphis Tigers’ RPO spread offense. Those were compelling reasons to believe that he could eventually collect touches as both a rusher and receiver in Philadelphia’s backfield - particularly in the aftermath of Miles Sanders’ inefficiency as a pass-catcher during 2020 (63.8% catch rate). But it also appeared likely that any ascension into an ongoing role would be a gradual process, with Gainwell stationed below Sanders and Boston Scott on the depth chart. But Gainwell immediately bypassed Scott by attaining a 35% snap share in Week 1, while assembling 43 total yards on 11 touches.

Hurts to Gainwell on a 9 yard pickup on third and short pic.twitter.com/Xag0TczlIn

— DIE-HARD 🦅 Fans (@Eaglesfans9) September 19, 2021

He also accrued eight touches in Week 2 and scored on a two-point conversion.  Scott has yet to register a touch during either matchup, which solidifies Gainwell's status as a viable insurance policy for anyone who has Sanders contained on their roster. He is also a strong candidate to secure standalone value during the season. This delivers your incentive to add him while you still can.

Michael Carter, New York Jets - 50% Rostered

It will not tax your memory to recall the skyrocketing interest in Carter following his selection by the Jets during April's NFL Draft. His ADP soared to Round 7 in the belief that the same versatility and elusiveness that helped him accrue 2,669 total yards at North Carolina (2019-2020) would quickly propel him atop New York’s depth chart. However, a backfield rotation that also involves veterans Tevin Coleman and Ty Johnson created obstructions in Carter’s path toward a significant touch total prior to Week 2.

Michael Carter breaking all the tackles. #TakeFlight

📺: #NEvsNYJ on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/gbemrhnZUe

— NFL (@NFL) September 19, 2021

Impatience also compelled many managers to drop him, which has elevated his availability to 51% of all leagues. But he was entrusted with a team-high 13 touches in Week 2 while assembling 88 total yards. He has now accumulated 18 touches during New York’s first two matchups, while Coleman and Johnson have combined for 31 (Coleman 14/Johnson 17).  Johnson's burst delivers the potential to produce sizable gains but he is unlikely to vault into lead-back duties. Coleman's performances have been uninspiring amid a 3.8 yards per carry average. You can include Carter among this week’s waiver wire targets, while maintaining optimism that his role will steadily expand.

Alexander Mattison, Minnesota Vikings - 38% Rostered

If you have selected Dalvin Cook near the onset of your drafts at any point since 2018, then you may have opted to protect your investment through the addition of Mattison. The motivation for including Cook’s direct backup on rosters has been sustained due to the potential for Mattison to quickly ascend into Minnesota’s lead-back responsibilities if Cook would be absent for any reason. That would also place Mattison in a position to accrue sizable numbers if that scenario would occur.

Cook departed Minnesota’s lineup on two different occasions in Week 2, after contending with an ankle issue, then returned from each temporary absence. But the fluctuating sequence provided a range of emotions that were largely uncomfortable for anyone who has failed to handcuff Cook with Mattison. However, the level of distress was less severe for anyone who had. Mattison remains available in over 60% of all leagues. If you are depending on Cook as the foundation of your roster, it is highly recommended that you shield your team from the full effect of any potential Cook absence by adding Mattison.

Dark Horses - Week 3 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.

J.D. McKissic, Washington Football Team - 29% Rostered

McKissic captured a 19.2% share last season, led all backs in targets (110/6.9 per game) and was second in both receptions (80/5.8 per game) and receiving yards (589/36.8 per game). But Antonio Gibson’s ADP surged during draft season (14), which was partially a byproduct of his promising numbers as a rusher (795 yards/56.8 per game). But it was also fueled by anticipation of an increase in his 2020 target share (8.9%).

Gibson accumulated 20 carries and five targets during Washington’s season opener, while McKissic was limited to just one attempt and one target. But in Week 2, McKissic confiscated nine touches, collected five of six targets, and assembled 93 totals yards  - including a 56-yard reception.

Heinicke. McKissic. 56 YARDS!

📺: #NYGvsWAS on NFL Networkpic.twitter.com/k17YdWCQJP

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) September 17, 2021

Gibson also carried 13 times but was limited to just two targets in Week 2. McKissic’s touch total does not represent a blueprint toward future usage, as his involvement will be game-script dependent. But there is justification for adding McKissic if you are managing a team in the PPR format. Anyone with Gibson on their roster can also secure McKissic, as he provides an insurance policy if Gibson is unavailable during the season.

J.J. Taylor, New England Patriots - 2% Rostered

Taylor has also transitioned from an intriguing player to a recommended stash in deeper leagues. The 5’6”, 185-pound Taylor was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2020, after assembling 3,850 yards from scrimmage during four collegiate seasons at Arizona. He also performed effectively during the preseason (23 attempts/179 rushing/yards/10 receptions/62 receiving yards) and became an understated beneficiary when Sony Michel was jettisoned to Los Angeles.

J.J. Taylor's first carry of the season gets called back by a holding penalty on Isaiah Wynn pic.twitter.com/UdSfbnhiQQ

— Ben Brown (@BenBrownPL) September 19, 2021

He was also elevated into the backfield rotation in Week 2 after Rhamondre Stevenson became a healthy scratch. Taylor carried two times, while Damien Harris commandeered 16 attempts. However, Taylor could accrue additional touches if Stevenson remains cemented to the sideline. He is also capable of generating favorable yardage totals if Bill Belichick becomes disenchanted with Damien Harris for any reason. This fuels your incentive to include him on your bench, as he could evolve into a flex option as the season progresses.

Zack Moss, Buffalo Bills 49% Rostered 

Moss was being selected in Round 8 during the majority of drafts during July, But his momentum underwent a downturn in August, which began with a hamstring injury. He was also inactive during Buffalo’s season-opening loss to Pittsburgh, as Devin Singletary bolted for 80 total yards on 14 attempts. These factors all contributed to Moss being discarded in over 50% of all leagues prior to the matchups of Week 2.

He resurfaced in the lineup when the Bills traveled to Miami, but promptly fumbled in the first quarter. However, the second-year back later delivered two touchdowns, and eventually finished the game with 34 total yards on 10 touches. Singletary registered 91 total yards on 15 touches against the Dolphins, and Moss is not a candidate to leapfrog Singletary into a workhorse role, But managers in leagues where Moss is now available should be incentivized to stash him on their rosters.

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.

Le'Veon Bell, Baltimore Ravens - 33% Rostered

After Baltimore endured an unrelenting succession of season-ending injuries in their backfield the Ravens were suddenly faced with the challenge of advancing through the season without J.K. Dobbins or Gus Edwards. The multiple health issues immediately launched Ty’son Williams into an expanded role, while the team also responded by adding Bell, Latavius Murray, and Devonta Freeman to their suddenly depleted arsenal of backs. These developments also ignited a flurry of roster moves by managers, who were also reacting to the developing situation.

This included the addition of Bell in over 50% of leagues prior to Baltimore’s season-opening loss in Las Vegas. Bell was not on the 53-man roster during that contest, as Williams attained a 51.5% snap share, and Murray performed on 30.9% of the Ravens’ snaps. Bell remained on the practice squad during the team’s Week 2 matchup with Kansas City, as Williams (15 touches/93 total yards), Murray (nine touches/36 total yards), and Freeman (two touches/29 total yards), were blended into the backfield rotation. Bell is incapable of regenerating his proficiency from 2014-2017, and there is no reason for you to waste a valuable roster spot.

Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots - 24% Rostered

Stevenson led all backs in rushing yards (217) and rushing touchdowns (5) during the preseason, and the 6’0”, 225-pound rookie appeared capable of seizing a role behind Damien Harris and pass-catching specialist James White. But New England’s fourth-round pick only performed on five snaps in Week 1, during a performance that ended abruptly following his lost fumble.

He was affixed to the sideline following that miscue, then was inactive during the Patriots Week 2 matchup in New York. To be clear, Stevenson’s punishment could be complete following his one-week absence, and he could re-emerge in the Patriots’ backfield rotation. But any managers who are contending with injuries or insufficient output from their starting backs can consider dropping Stevenson. That valuable spot can then be used to target one of the runners that have been discussed in this article.

Rashaad Penny, Seattle Seahawks - 15% Rostered

Chris Carson is functioning as Seattle’s primary back for a fourth consecutive season and should sustain that role once again. He has also averaged 16.2 carries and 75.0 yards during that sequence. He has also finished among the top 15 in PPR scoring from 2018-2020. Penny has not provided a threat to Carson’s lead back role since his arrival in 2018, although he initially provided managers with value as a backup to Carson. But Penny’s prospects of supplying anyone with a resource for their rosters are evaporating.

The former first-round pick established his career-highs in both attempts (85/6.1 per game) and rushing yardage (419/29.9 per game) during his 2018 rookie season. But troublesome health issues affixed him to the sideline for 19 matchups during 2019-2020, including his 13-game absence last year (knee). Penny resurfaced in Week 1 following a cleanup procedure on his knee. But he only performed on seven snaps and is unavailable yet again due to a calf issue. You cannot rely on Penny's availability, which eliminates all incentive to retain him on your roster.

Raheem Mostert, San Francisco 49ers - 39% Rostered

This is a bonus recommendation, that may appear to be obvious. However, Mostert remains rostered in nearly 40 percent of all leagues, and anyone who has failed to remove him should prioritize making far better use of that roster spot. If you drafted the 29-year old Mostert then you likely invested a sixth-round selection in order to secure him. However, all reasons for retaining him on your roster have been eviscerated, in the aftermath of his knee surgery.

He will remain sidelined throughout the season, as his latest injury extends a troublesome history of protracted health issues. Mostert entered the NFL in 2015, but only accumulated 21 offensive snaps until 2018. Since that time, he has encountered an assortment of issues that will result in 30 missed games during the last four seasons. Anyone who was depending on Mostert can shift focus toward targeting one of the backs that have been discussed in this article.

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