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Phil Clark's fantasy football running back (RB) waiver wire pickups for Week 13 of the 2025 NFL season. His free agent RBs to add, stream and stash off waivers.
Ashton Jeanty (ankle) and Alvin Kamara (MCL sprain) became the latest running backs to be impacted by injuries during their matchups in Week 12. That occurred just one week after fantasy managers were forced to contend with health issues to a cluster of backs, including Josh Jacobs and Jaylen Warren. The lengthy absences of Bucky Irving and Trey Benson also continued in Week 12, although both backs could re-emerge in Week 13.
There are no byes to contend with in Week 13, as all 32 teams will be in action. That includes three games that will be played on Thanksgiving Day, along with a matchup that has been integrated into the schedule on Black Friday. It is recommended that you plan for the four-team bye week that looms in Week 14, when players from Carolina, San Francisco, New England, and the New York Giants will be unavailable.
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 13 matchups!
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Upcoming Bye Week
- Week 14: New England, Carolina, San Francisco, New York Giants
Top Priorities - Week 13 Waiver Wire Running Backs
Prioritize These Running Backs On Most Waiver Wires
| Top Priorities | Team | Rostered |
| Trey Benson | Arizona Cardinals | 64% |
| Chris Rodriguez Jr. | Washington Commanders | 16% |
| Kenneth Gainwell | Pittsburgh Steelers | 54% |
| Kyle Monangai | Chicago Bears | 56% |
| Devin Neal | New Orleans Saints | 3% |
| Sean Tucker | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 62% |
Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals - 64% Rostered
Arizona has opened the 21-day window for Benson to be activated. This is a promising development, even though Benson remained sidelined in Week 12.
Benson’s long-awaited return now appears imminent, and he could resurface when the Cardinals visit Tampa Bay in Week 13. The importance of that development for fantasy managers also provides the incentive for bypassing the usual requirement of 40% availability in all leagues for backs who are recommended in this column.
2nd year RB Trey Benson for 52 yards
AZvsNO on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/0kWYCp0G2e
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025
Benson had ascended into a lead-back role for Arizona after James Conner suffered his season-ending ankle injury in Week 3, but he later sustained a knee injury in Week 4. That led to his placement on injured reserve, followed by a protracted absence that forced the Cardinals to reconstruct their backfield rotation.
Touches have been allocated to Bam Knight, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter while Benson has been sidelined, but those backs will not prevent Benson from reclaiming lead back duties.
Benson should quickly launch atop Arizona’s depth chart once he is fully recovered. He is also capable of delivering RB2 production to anyone who has secured him for their roster.
Chris Rodriguez Jr., Washington Commanders - 16% Rostered
Rodriguez’s surging workload as a rusher in Washington’s backfield rotation has launched him among the Tier 1 roster additions as the Commanders return from their Week 12 bye.
The third-year back has operated with a 37.6% snap share since Week 9. That includes the season high 44.8% share that he secured in Week 11. That easily surpassed the 26.9% share that was registered by Jacory Croskey-Merritt, which was also Croskey-Merritt’s second-lowest share of the season.
This is the major difference between Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Rodriguez runs with power, Bill does not. It's important for running backs to fight through contact, break tackles, and pick up extra yards. C-Rod is not giving this job up this year pic.twitter.com/wetYOinqX0
— JohnJohn Analysis (@JohnJohnalytics) November 17, 2025
Rodriguez has also accumulated 33 attempts (11.0 per game), 160 rushing yards (53.3 per game), and 103 yards after contact during those contests, while averaging 4.8 yards per attempt.
That includes the career high 15 attempts and season best 79 rushing yards that he registered during the Commanders’ Week 11 matchup with Miami. Rodriguez also finished fourth among all backs in rush yards over expected (25) according to Next Gen Stats.
Rodriguez appears primed to sustain his role as Washington’s lead rusher and should be rostered in all leagues when the Commanders host the Broncos on Sunday. That contest will be followed by two road matchups with the Vikings and Giants in Weeks 14 and 15.
Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers - 54% Rostered
Gainwell has performed effectively as the RB2 in Pittsburgh’s backfield while securing a role as the direct backup to Jaylen Warren. Gainwell’s placement on the Steelers’ depth chart has also positioned him to seize an extensive workload during any absence by Warren. Gainwell has also demonstrated his ability to thrive if that scenario develops.
Gainwell operated with a career-best 77.4% snap share in Week 4 when Warren was forced to the sideline (knee). Gainwell also established career highs in multiple categories, accumulated 25 touches/134 total yards, and soared to RB3 in scoring (31.4 points).
Gainwell also secured a 63.1% snap share after Warren sustained an ankle injury in Week 11, while assembling 105 total yards on 16 touches, and rising to RB5 in scoring (29.5 points).
Huge gain for Kenneth Gainwell on the fake tush push
PITvsCHI on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/Dq3uwPLanU
— NFL (@NFL) November 23, 2025
Warren resurfaced in Week 12, but that did not prevent Gainwell from delivering a highly productive outing. Gainwell led the Steelers' backfield in snap share (52%) and rushing yards (92) while assembling his second-highest yardage total of the season. He also paced Pittsburgh backs in routes run (18), targets (six), and receiving yards (30).
Gainwell should be rostered in all leagues, as he can currently function as an RB3/flex in your lineups and can provide RB1 production during any additional absence by Warren.
Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears - 56% Rostered
Monangai was a mainstay in this column from Weeks 1-9. This was a byproduct of his placement directly below D'Andre Swift on Chicago’s depth chart and his prospects of flourishing as the Bears’ temporary RB1 if Swift was forced to the sideline.
That scenario occurred when Swift was inactive in Week 9 (groin). Monangai secured a season-high 73.8% share, stockpiled 176 rushing yards, and soared to RB3 in scoring (22.8 points).
Swift reclaimed his lead-back role in Week 10, which led to a steady decline in Monangai’s rostership percentage. That has re-launched Monangai among this week’s recommended options due to his viability as a handcuff, and the favorable numbers that he generated in Week 12.
Let Kyle cook 👨🍳 pic.twitter.com/YFreklcvIH
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) November 2, 2025
Monangai led Chicago's backfield with a 56% snap share and secured team highs in attempts (12) and rushing yards (48). Swift operated with a 43% share, carried eight times, and generated 15 rushing yards.
Monangai also registered five carries inside the red zone and produced his fourth touchdown of the season. He has now accrued 17 red zone attempts since Week 9.
Monangai also remains primed to provide borderline RB1 production during any additional absence by Swift. That supplies the rationale for adding him in leagues where he remains available.
Devin Neal, New Orleans Saints - 3% Rostered
Saints ruled out RB Alvin Kamara for the remainder of today’s game due to a knee injury.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 23, 2025
Neal resumed his role as the RB2 for New Orleans at the onset of the Saints' Week 12 matchup with Atlanta. However, Neal’s workload expanded when Alvin Kamara sustained an MCL sprain during the contest. Neal secured a season-best 74.4% snap share after ascending into temporary lead-back duties.
He also established season highs in attempts (seven) and rushing yards (18), while exceeding his previous season highs in routes run (37), targets (seven), receptions (five), and receiving yards (43).
Neal has now attained a 50.6% snap share since Week 8, when Neal began functioning as the direct backup to Kamara. He has also carried 14 times (3.5 per game), while assembling 51 rushing yards (12.8 per game) during that sequence.
Kamara’s status should be monitored in advance of the Saints' Week 13 visit to Miami. However, with only Audric Estime below him on the New Orleans depth chart, there is no discernible threat to prevent Neal from functioning as the Saints’ RB1 if Kamara is unavailable, even if Taysom Hill siphons a percentage of carries.
Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 62% Rostered
The rationale for pursuing Tucker from your waiver wire has been expanding throughout Bucky Irving’s lingering absence. Tucker has infused a level of explosion into the Buccaneers’ backfield that should be difficult for the coaching staff to dismiss after Irving has resurfaced.
That has supplied the rationale for including Tucker in this week’s recommendations, even though a 36% rise in his rostership percentage within the past seven days has dropped his availability below 40%.
SEAN TUCKER. 43-YARD TD.
TBvsBUF on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/O0chu1HMdk
— NFL (@NFL) November 16, 2025
Tucker has emerged as a back who should be rostered regardless of Irving’s health, following Tucker’s statistical eruption in Week 11. He was entrusted with a season-high 44.3% snap share and garnered a season-best 21 touches. He also stockpiled 140 total yards, generated three touchdowns, and soared to RB2 in scoring (34.0 points).
Tucker also secured a 37.1% snap share, carried 12 times, and generated 42 rushing yards in Week 12, when Irving remained inactive. Irving’s eventual return will impact the workloads allocated to Tucker and Rachaad White.
However, Tucker’s potential to accumulate sizable yardage could also pave his path toward an ongoing role in the backfield even after Irving is re-established as Tampa Bay’s RB1. That should incentivize you to seize Tucker this week.
Secondary Options - Week 13 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These Running Backs Could Become Assets For Your Rosters
| Secondary Options | Team | Rostered |
| Bhayshul Tuten | Jacksonville Jaguars | 49% |
| Tyjae Spears | Tennessee Titans | 37% |
| Isaiah Davis | New York Jets | 5% |
| Keaton Mitchell | Baltimore Ravens | 2% |
| Jaleel McLaughlin | Denver Broncos | 1% |
Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars - 49% Rostered
Tuten’s enticing blend of exceptional speed, acceleration, and physicality provides the potential for the dynamic rookie to reward anyone who has him contained on their roster.
Tuten operated with a 21% snap share and averaged 5.0 attempts per game from Weeks 1-10. However, Tuten easily secured a season-best 32.4% snap share in Week 11, while also establishing season highs in attempts (15) and rushing yards (74).
He also generated 45 yards after contact and registered five forced missed tackles according to PFF, while rising to eighth among all backs in rush yards over expected (12) according to Next Gen Stats.
Tuten’s numbers declined in Week 12 as he registered a 21.3% snap share, seven attempts, and 17 rushing yards when Jacksonville visited Arizona in Week 12. Tuten carried twice in the red zone, which expanded his overall total to 20 since Week 1.
Tuten’s results in Week 12 do not diminish his prospects of delivering a statistical eruption during any of Jacksonville’s remaining contests. The Jaguars will visit Tennessee on Sunday before returning home for matchups with Indianapolis and the Jets in Weeks 14 and 15.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans - 35% Rostered
The allocation of touches between Spears and Tony Pollard within Tennessee’s backfield rotation places ongoing restrictions on the numbers that both backs can deliver.
However, Spears’ continued ability to perform effectively as both a rusher and receiving weapon preserves his ability to operate as a low-end flex option if you are contending with roster challenges at the running back position.
Spears did not emerge for his season debut until Week 5 due to an ankle injury, but he has secured a 49.3% snap share since Week 6. Spears has also accumulated 145 rushing yards (24.2 per game) with his 33 rushing attempts (5.5 per game) during his last six matchups.
Spears is also pacing the Titans’ backfield in routes run (108), targets (24/4.0 per game), receptions (22/3.7 per game), and receiving yards (148/24.7 per game).
Spears also registered a 41.2% snap share when Tennessee hosted the Seahawks in Week 13, while securing seven touches, accumulating 25 total yards, and running 18 routes. Spears would ascend into RB2/RB3 territory if he secures an expanded workload for any reason during Tennessee’s upcoming matchups. The Titans will host Jacksonville in Week 13, before facing the Browns, 49ers, and Chiefs in Weeks 14-16.
Isaiah Davis, New York Jets - 5% Rostered
Davis’s usage and output were initially encouraging after he ascended into his current role as the Jets’ RB2. His opportunities have decreased during New York’s last three matchups, but he remains unchallenged in his placement below Breece Hall on the Jets’ depth chart.
That leaves Davis primed to operate as New York’s lead back if Hall is no longer operating in his usual capacity for any reason. Davis had averaged 27.5 snaps per game from Weeks 5-8, while accruing 23 touches/175 total yards during those contests.
He also established season highs in carries (seven), rushing yards (65), targets (five), and receiving yards (44) in Week 8 while vaulting to RB10 in scoring (17.9 points). Davis has averaged 15.7 snaps per game since Week 10 and has also been limited to 10 touches/20 total yards during that span. He has also run 23 routes, while being limited to just two targets and one receiving yard.
The recent downturn in Davis’s involvement does not alter his proximity to a massive workload if Hall is sidelined for any reason. That provides the incentive for stashing Davis this week.
Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens - 2% Rostered
Mitchell’s role as the backup rusher behind Derrick Henry continues to position Mitchell as a viable handcuff option. Mitchell had been limited to six snaps before Week 8, but has accumulated 10.0 per game during Baltimore’s last five matchups.
Mitchell has also carried 20 times (4.0 per game), assembled 126 rushing yards (25.2 per game), and eclipsed 20+ yards on two of his carries. He is also seventh among all backs in explosive run percentage (9.5%) according to Fantasy Points Data. He has also averaged at least 5.0 yards per attempt during four of those five contests, and has generated four explosive runs according to PFF.
Mitchell also played on 12 snaps when the Ravens hosted the Jets in Week 12. He was also limited to two attempts and amassed 10 rushing yards. Justice Hill should continue to function as the primary receiving weapon from the backfield, but his presence will not threaten Mitchell’s workload as a rusher.
Baltimore will face the Bengals on Thanksgiving Day, before hosting the Steelers, and traveling to Cincinnati in Week 15. Mitchell will seize a sizable workload if Henry is sidelined during any of those matchups.
Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos - 1% Rostered
McLaughlin accumulated 489 snaps during 2023 and 2024. He also averaged 5.7 attempts/27.5 rushing yards per game during that sequence.
McLaughlin also did not secure his first offensive snap until Week 6 this season. However, he registered a 13.0% snap share in Week 11, while earning a role in a backfield that has been restructured in the aftermath of J.K. Dobbins’ season-ending ankle injury.
A group effort. 👏
📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/SoONbGJDre
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) November 16, 2025
McLaughlin also carried six times, assembled 19 rushing yards, and generated his first touchdown since Week 3 of 2024. McLaughlin shared touches with R.J. Harvey, who secured a season-high 61.3% snap share.
Harvey easily paced Denver’s backfield in attempts (11), rushing yards (30), routes run (18), targets (three), and receiving yards (20). Tyler Badie registered a 12.9% snap share but was limited to just one touch in Week 11.
Harvey will operate as the lead back in Sean Payton’s reshaped backfield, but McLaughlin has emerged as a potential flex option if you are contending with lineup challenges in deeper leagues.
The Broncos will return from their Week 12 bye to visit Washington and Las Vegas in Weeks 13 and 14, before returning home for matchups with Green Bay and Jacksonville in Weeks 15 and 16.
High Upside Handcuffs - Week 13 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 | 44% |
| Blake Corum | Los Angeles Rams | 17% |
| Brian Robinson Jr. | San Francisco 49ers | 26% |
| Ollie Gordon II | Miami Dolphins | 8% |
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 44% Rostered
Allgeier remains embedded among the elite tier of handcuff options, which sustains the primary incentive for pursuing him from the waiver wire.
Allgeier’s role as Atlanta’s RB2 behind Bijan Robinson can also supply the prospects of favorable workloads, as Allgeier has finished as an RB2 in three different matchups and has entered RB3 territory three times.
Allgeier also garnered a sizable workload when the Falcons traveled to New Orleans in Week 12. Allgeier attained a 40% snap share while accumulating 12 carries and 44 rushing yards.
Allgeier has now also amassed 89 attempts (8.1 per game) and assembled 324 rushing yards (29.5 per game) since Week 1, while also generating 11 missed tackles forced, according to Fantasy Points Data.
Allgeier has also accrued 22 red zone carries and has generated seven rushing touchdowns since the Falcons’ season opener. He would secure a lead-back role for Atlanta if Robinson is forced to the sideline.
That would also propel Allgeier into RB1 territory if that scenario occurs. Atlanta will visit the Jets in Week 13, followed by matchups with the Seahawks, Buccaneers, Cardinals, and Rams.
Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams - 17% Rostered
Corum is cemented as the RB2 in Sean McVay’s offense, which has elevated the second-year back among the top-tier handcuff options as the fantasy season advances toward the fantasy postseason.
This has sustained his path toward operating with an expanding workload since Week 7, even as lead-back Kyren Williams secures the majority of opportunities allocated within the Los Angeles backfield rotation (63.9% snap share/17.6 touches per game).
Corum has now secured a 33% snap share during his last five matchups, including four games in which he has surpassed 31%. He has also eclipsed 50+ rushing yards in both Weeks 9 and 10, and has secured 12+ carries during three of his last five contests.
Corum has also accumulated 10 attempts inside the red zone during that sequence, and is 12th among all backs with seven carries inside the 10-yard line. Corum has also accumulated 13 forced missed tackles and 12 explosive runs since Week 1, according to PFF.
Corum would also operate in a temporary RB1 role for the Rams if Williams is forced to the sideline. That has vaulted Corum among this week’s recommended options from the waiver wire.
Brian Robinson Jr., San Francisco 49ers - 26% Rostered
Robinson has been operating with a 17.1% snap share since Week 1, while functioning as the RB2 in San Francisco’s backfield. His numbers remain constricted as Christian McCaffrey has consistently secured extensive workloads while operating as the 49ers’ RB1.
McCaffrey had secured an 84.9% snap share from Weeks 1-9 before his share decreased to 74.6% since Week 10. However, he is still operating with an 83.1% share.
Robinson has also carried 64 times (5.2 per game) while assembling 302 rushing yards (25.2 per game). He has averaged 7.0 attempts/39.5 rushing yards per game since Week 9, while accumulating 40+ rushing yards during three of his last four matchups.
Breaking tackles. Making ways.
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/qn01BzwK6G
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) November 9, 2025
Robinson has also accumulated six of his eight carries inside the red zone during that sequence, along with his first two rushing touchdowns of the season.
Even though Robinson does not have standalone value, he remains an essential handcuff option due to his role as the direct backup to McCaffrey.
That positions Robinson to operate as San Francisco’s temporary lead back if McCaffrey is sidelined during the 49ers’ remaining matchups. Robinson will become a valuable asset if that scenario transpires.
Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins - 9% Rostered
Gordon has operated consistently as Miami’s RB2 throughout his rookie season, while securing opportunities in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Gordon has secured a 24.9% snap share from Weeks 1-8, while averaging 4.8 attempts and 14.5 rushing yards per game. His involvement was temporarily impacted when he encountered an ankle injury in Week 9, which restricted him to a 13.7% snap share in Weeks 9 and 10.
¡OLÉ, OLLIE! 🕺 pic.twitter.com/Gmy3PItuSj
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) November 16, 2025
However, Gordon reemerged to attain a season-high 39.3% snap share in Week 11. He also carried nine times, assembled 45 rushing yards, averaged 5.0 yards per attempt, and produced his second touchdown of the season.
Gordon was also sixth among all backs with a season-high six carries inside the red zone, and was fourth with four attempts inside the 10-yard line. He has now accumulated 16 carries inside the red zone since Week 1, and has been entrusted with 10 attempts inside the 10-yard line.
Gordon’s placement directly below De'Von Achane on Miami’s depth chart keeps him positioned to elevate into a massive workload. It also sustains status as a viable roster addition. The Dolphins will return from their bye to face the Saints, Jets, and Steelers in Weeks 13-15.
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 - 78% Rostered
- Kareem Hunt - 71% Rostered
- Emanuel Wilson - 66% Rostered
Good luck in Week 13!
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