Kendall Gaskins (RB, SF) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ team leagues

OWNED IN: 2% of Fleaflicker leagues

ANALYSIS: The past few weeks have been rough for the running back position. Keep it between us, but I may have cried with Le'Veon Bell this past Sunday. But it's important to power through the stages of fantasy grief and accept that you have to move on if you want a shot to win. Injuries allow for unknowns to step up and this week Kendall Gaskins looks like he is in a good spot to contribute.

Starting running back Carlos Hyde didn't play last week and in his place backups Reggie Bush and Mike Davis sustained major injuries. Gaskins, who was just promoted from the practice squad, had 5 rushes for 6 yards and 2 catches for 17 yards filling in against the Rams. These were his first NFL touches.

There's a good chance it doesn't work out, but if you're in a very deep league, Gaskins is worth a shot. He’s been with the organization all season, so he should know the system. The 49ers like to run the ball and that won't change with Blaine Gabbert at QB. Atlanta has let up the second most rushing TDs this season, so this week Gaskins has a decent shot to at least vulture a score.

As the week progresses we should hear more about Hyde's outlook for next week and the rest of the season. We don’t know what roles recently signed Pierre Thomas and Shaun Draughn will play. It’s not pretty, but if you’re desperate (like me) Gaskins might be cheap points.