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Phil Clark's fantasy football running back (RB) waiver wire pickups for Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season. His free agent RBs to add, stream and stash off waivers.
Congratulations to all of you who are now planning your lineups for Week 17. You have sustained your commitment toward assembling rosters that successfully withstood the numerous challenges that emerged throughout the season, while progressing one step closer to capturing league championships.
Your ability to navigate beyond the unwanted collection of injuries, bye weeks, and other production-inhibiting developments has fueled your advancement into the fantasy semifinals. You now have the opportunity to extend your success by deploying the same level of dedication as you construct your rosters this week.
This article will help you locate running backs who are capable of infusing additional scoring into your lineups. Other recommendations will focus on critical handcuffs that protect you from a roster crisis if news emerges that your current starters will be unavailable this week. After you've finished this breakdown, you can also find fantasy football waiver wire pickups at other positions. Good luck with your matchups in Week 17!
Holiday Special! Save 50% on any Premium Pass using discount code THANKS. Win more with our DFS, Betting and Season-Long Pass, get expert tools and advice from proven winners! GAIN ACCESSTop Priorities - Week 17 Waiver Wire Running Backs
Prioritize These Running Backs On Most Waiver Wires
| Top Priorities | Team | Rostered |
| Blake Corum | Los Angeles Rams | 42% |
| Kyle Monangai | Chicago Bears | 62% |
| Chris Rodriguez Jr. | Washington Commanders | 29% |
| Emanuel Wilson | Green Bay Packers | 37% |
| Dylan Sampson | Cleveland Browns | 11% |
| Raheim Sanders | Cleveland Browns | 0% |
Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams - 42% Rostered
Corum’s escalating involvement within the Rams’ backfield rotation has ignited his rise from an intriguing handcuff earlier this season to an essential roster addition in advance of your Week 17 matchups.
Corum has secured a 33.8% snap share since Week 7, while surpassing a 30% share during seven of his last nine contests. He has also accumulated 97 attempts (10.8 per game), which includes six games in which he has eclipsed 11+.
Corum has also carried 11 times inside the red zone, and is tied for the league lead in touchdowns (five) since Week 12. He also rose to third among all backs with an average of 20.1 points per game from Weeks 13-14.
Blake Corum scores one play after the INT!
LARvsSEA on Prime Video
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/9OSCd5GtH0— NFL (@NFL) December 19, 2025
Corum has also assembled 119 rushing yards (59.5 per game) with his 25 attempts (12.5 per game) since Week 15, while also accruing five carries inside the red zone and generating two touchdowns.
Corum’s recent numbers justify utilizing him as an RB2/RB3 during your matchups this week. He would also provide RB1 production if Williams is suddenly unavailable when the Rams visit Atlanta in Week 17.
Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears - 62% Rostered
Monangai’s availability has gradually increased to nearly 40% during the past seven days, even though he has been operating with a favorable workload since Week 7.
His encouraging role in the Bears' backfield rotation justifies his inclusion among this week’s recommendations from the waiver wire, even though his rostership percentage has eclipsed the usual threshold of 60%.
Monangai has now operated with a 47.1% snap share since Week 7. He has also generated 650 rushing yards (65 per game) on 133 attempts (13.3 per game). He has also accumulated 31 carries inside the red zone, secured 11+ touches during eight of his last 10 contests, and has accrued all five of his touchdowns during those matchups.
KYLE. MONANGAI. 😤
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/tWBiE54YCW
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) December 21, 2025
Monangai also attained a 45.3% snap share when Chicago hosted Green Bay in Week 16. He also carried nine times and assembled 50 rushing yards during the contest (5.6 yards per game).
He also ran 15 routes, collected three of his four targets, and generated a season high 43 yards as a receiving weapon. D'Andre Swift secured a 54.7% snap share while accumulating 13 carries/58 rushing yards/two targets/12 receiving yards.
Monangai should share touches with Swift when the Bears travel to San Francisco in Week 17. Monangai should also provide you with low-end RB2/high-end RB3 output if you integrate him into your lineups.
Chris Rodriguez Jr., Washington Commanders - 29% Rostered
Rodriguez reemerged from a one-game absence to operate as Washington’s lead rusher when the Commanders hosted Philadelphia in Week 16. Rodriguez had been sidelined due to a groin injury in Week 15, which vaulted Jacory Croskey-Merritt into temporary lead-back duties.
Croskey-Merritt had performed effectively during that contest (18 attempts/96 rushing yards), but that did not prevent Rodriguez from reclaiming his role as Washington’s RB1 immediately upon his return.
Truck stick alert 🛻
PHIvsWAS on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/AgxD9VRvZJ
— NFL (@NFL) December 21, 2025
Rodriguez led the backfield with a season-high 51.9% snap share. He also carried 15 times, assembled 63 rushing yards, and generated a three-yard touchdown. He has now accumulated 51 attempts (12.8 per game), 235 rushing yards (58.8 per game), and two touchdowns since Week 11.
Croskey-Merritt registered a 20.4% snap share in Week 16. He also assembled 25 rushing yards with his eight attempts, and produced a touchdown for the second consecutive week.
Touches will be allocated to Rodriguez, Croskey-Merritt, and Jeremy McNichols when Washington hosts Dallas in Week 17. However, Rodriguez should secure the majority of opportunities as the Commander’s primary rusher. Rodriguez‘s immediate ascension into RB1 duties after he resurfaced in Week 16 bolsters your incentive to secure him for your roster. He can also be utilized as an RB2/RB3 this week.
Emanuel Wilson, Green Bay Packers - 37% Rostered
Wilson’s placement directly below Josh Jacobs on Green Bay’s depth chart has fueled his rise into expanded workloads during several recent matchups.
This has been the byproduct of Jacobs’ troublesome knee, which has fueled continued uncertainty about his status and has also affected his ability to sustain his role as the Packers' workhorse back.
That scenario also played out during Green Bay's Week 16 matchup in Chicago. Jacobs initially operated as the Packers' lead back during the contest, but was ultimately limited to a 38.9% snap share, 14 touches, and 48 total yards.
Wilson secured a 45.8% snap share, which was his highest since Week 12. Wilson also carried 14 times, assembled 82 rushing yards, and averaged 5.9 yards per attempt. Wilson has now exceeded a 45% snap share during three of his last six matchups. He has also accumulated 62 attempts (10.3 per game), 256 rushing yards (42.7 per game), and generated three touchdowns.
Jacobs’ status should be monitored as the week progresses. However, there is no reason for hesitation in pursuing Wilson for your roster. Wilson can deliver RB2 production if he ascends into another sizable workload.
Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns - 11% Rostered
It is currently unclear when Sampson will recover from the multiple injuries (calf/hand) that have sidelined him since Week 15. However, Sampson will be included among this week’s waiver wire targets due to his prospects of securing an expanded role if he reemerges in Week 17.
Quinshon Judkins sustained a season-ending leg injury during Cleveland’s Week 16 matchup with Buffalo, which will force the Browns to restructure their backfield rotation. Cleveland also placed Jerome Ford on injured reserve (shoulder) on December 9.
This provides Sampson with a navigable path to securing a favorable role, even if he shares touches with Raheim Sanders.
Shedeur's first career TD pass! Sampson runs 66 yards for the score.
CLEvsLV on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/fzAH0Ml9ep
— NFL (@NFL) November 23, 2025
Sampson performed effectively when Judkins encountered a head/neck injury in Week 12, while accumulating nine touches, 82 total yards, and generating his second receiving touchdown of the season. Sampson also operated with a 31.1% snap share from Weeks 12-14, while his proficiency as a receiving weapon propelled him to the second-highest yardage total among all backs (123/41 per game).
Updates surrounding Cleveland’s backfield should be monitored as the week progresses. However, Sampson will emerge as a resource for your roster if he resurfaces for the Browns’ Week 17 matchup with Pittsburgh.
Raheim Sanders, Cleveland Browns - 0% Rostered
The aforementioned injury that Judkins suffered in Week 16 immediately launched Sanders into a significant role within Cleveland’s reshaped backfield rotation. Sanders’ ascension into duties as the Browns’ primary back has also launched him among this week’s targets from the waiver wire.
Sanders accumulated 3,882 total yards and 33 touchdowns during his collegiate career. He signed with the Chargers as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL Draft, then was claimed from waivers by Cleveland on August 27.
Sanders generated a touchdown in Week 1, but did not register another snap until Judkins was forced to the sideline. However, Sanders attained a 30% snap share, carried 11 times, and assembled 42 rushing yards in Week 16. He also ran five routes and collected his only target from Shedeur Sanders.
Sanders is positioned to operate with a significant workload if Sampson remains sidelined when Cleveland faces the Steelers on Sunday. Trayveon Williams took just three rushing attempts behind Sanders, suggesting Sanders would see a heavy rushing workload in the event Sampson remains out. However, Williams did bring in four targets in his change-of-pace role.
Sanders should also secure touches, even if Sampson reemerges from his two-game absence, and could provide viable flex upside.
Secondary Options - Week 17 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These Running Backs Could Become Assets For Your Rosters
| Secondary Options | Team | Rostered |
| Michael Carter | Arizona Cardinals | 42% |
| Jawhar Jordan | Houston Texans | 8% |
| Keaton Mitchell | Baltimore Ravens | 3% |
| Tyjae Spears | Tennessee Titans | 25% |
| Malik Davis | Dallas Cowboys | 2% |
| Samaje Perine | Cincinnati Bengals | 4% |
Michael Carter, Arizona Cardinals - 42% Rostered
Injuries have repeatedly altered the composition of the Cardinals’ backfield throughout the season. James Conner (ankle) and Trey Benson (knee) were sidelined in September, while Bam Knight sustained a season-ending ankle injury in Week 15.
That has vaulted Carter into a lead-back role during Arizona’s last two matchups. He has now attained a 67% snap share during his previous two contests. He has also accumulated 29 touches and 159 total yards.
That includes Carter’s numbers when the Cardinals hosted Atlanta in Week 16. Carter secured a 54% snap share, carried 11 times, and assembled 65 rushing yards. Carter also paced the backfield in routes run (17), but failed to register a reception.
Emari Demercado registered a 30% snap share, carried five times, and accrued 30 rushing yards. Demercado also ran 10 routes but was targeted only once by Jacoby Brissett. Knight’s placement on injured reserve leaves Carter primed to garner the largest percentage of touches when the Cardinals face Cincinnati on Sunday.
Demercado looms to siphon a percentage of touches, but Carter can be utilized as an RB3/flex option this week.
Jawhar Jordan, Houston Texans - 8% Rostered
Jordan catapulted into the fantasy landscape during Week 15 after Woody Marks was forced to the sidelines with an ankle injury. Nick Chubb (rib) was also inactive during that contest, which created Jordan’s path to operate as Houston’s lead back during his first game at the NFL level.
Jordan has now solidified his status as a viable roster addition after performing effectively for a second consecutive week.
Marks failed to resurface when the Texans hosted Las Vegas in Week 16. Chubb returned to action in Week 16, but that did not impede Jordan from leading the reconstructed backfield in a collection of categories.
Jordan attained a 46.2% snap share and generated 53 rushing yards with his 15 attempts. He also ran 11 routes, captured all five of his targets, and produced 17 yards as a receiving weapon. Chubb registered a 32.3% snap share while accumulating six carries and 33 rushing yards. He also ran seven routes and collected his only target from C.J. Stroud.
Marks’ status should be monitored, as his return would impact Jordan’s workload. However, Jordan should be rostered following his two productive outings. Jordon would also function as an RB2/RB3 if Marks is unavailable during Houston‘s Week 17 matchup with the Chargers.
Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens - 3% Rostered
Mitchell remains embedded among the most enticing backups to infuse into your rosters this week.
This is due to the convergence of his burgeoning workload in Baltimore’s backfield rotation and the home run capabilities that Mitchell can display if he operates with an expanded role.
Road runner!! 💨@_KeatonMitchell with a 25-yard carry!! Tune in on CBS. pic.twitter.com/rofB3deYVC
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 26, 2025
Mitchell played on just 13 snaps entering Week 9, but has now averaged 12.3 per game during the Ravens’ last eight contests. He has also accumulated 41 carries (5.2 per game) and 257 rushing yards (32.1 per game) during that span. He has also assembled 155 rushing yards (51.7 per game) with his 23 attempts (7.7 per game) since Week 14.
Mitchell generated a season-best 76 yards in Week 14 and established season highs in snap share (39.0%) and attempts (eight) in Week 15. He promptly surpassed his previous high in carries (nine) and produced 13 rushing yards when Baltimore hosted New England in Week 16.
Mitchell is now averaging 5.6 yards per attempt since Week 5, while 53.2% of his yards have been generated on explosive runs, according to Fantasy Points Data. The 23-year-old will launch into a lead-back role for the Ravens if Henry’s workload is reduced for any reason when Baltimore visits Green Bay in Week 17.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans - 25% Rostered
Tony Pollard has delivered a statistical eruption as a rusher since Week 14. This includes a league high 367 yards (122.3 per game).
That does not diminish the numbers Spears totaled in Week 16, which served as a reminder that his versatility can propel him to production beneficial to fantasy managers.
One Tyjae a-leaping
📺: #KCvsTEN on @NFLonCBS & NFL+ pic.twitter.com/JqO9GVk3ZB
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) December 21, 2025
Spears secured a 46.6% snap share in Week 16, which was his highest snap count since Week 12. He also established a season high in attempts (13), generated 52 rushing yards, and produced a touchdown. Spears also led Tennessee’s backfield in routes run (12), targets (five), and receiving yards (53).
Pollard paced the Titans’ backfield in snap share (54.8%), attempts (21), and rushing yards (102). He also ran 11 routes but failed to register a target.
Spears had secured a 49.1% snap share from Weeks 6-13, while averaging 9.0 touches/45.3 total yards per game. Those numbers had declined in Weeks 14-15 (42% snap share/7.5 touches/41.5 total yards per game).
However, Spears’ capabilities as a rusher and receiver converge with his increased workload in Week 16 to sustain his viability as a flex option when Tennessee hosts New Orleans in Week 17.
Malik Davis, Dallas Cowboys - 2% Rostered
The favorable trajectory of Davis’s season has included his rise from the Cowboys’ practice squad into a consistent role as the RB2 behind Javonte Williams.
That has solidified Davis’s place within the fantasy landscape while presenting fantasy managers with a viable roster addition entering Week 17. Davis has averaged 16.5 snaps per game since Week 11. He has also carried 29 times (4.8 per game), assembled 141 rushing yards (23.5 per game), and averaged 4.9 yards per attempt.
That includes Davis’s numbers in Week 15, when he secured a career high 52.9% snap share, accumulated touches (10), and ran 12 routes
Davis also attained a 34.5% snap share when the Cowboys hosted the Chargers in Week 16. He also carried eight times and generated 23 rushing yards. Dallas has been eliminated from playoff contention, which could reduce Williams’ role when the Cowboys travel to Washington. Williams was dealing with a neck injury leading up to this game as well.
The Cowboys have opened the 21-day practice window for Phil Mafah (shoulder), who could garner a percentage of carries if he is activated from injured reserve this week. However, Davis would still emerge as an RB2/RB3 option if Williams does not operate in his usual workload.
Samaje Perine, Cincinnati Bengals - 4% Rostered
Perine’s role as Cincinnati’s RB2 has remained consistent throughout the regular season, while securing snap shares that have ranged from 36.7% to 46.8% during eight of his last nine matchups. The only exception during that sequence transpired in Week 9, when an ankle injury limited him to one snap.
Perine has also accumulated 68 attempts (7.6 per game) and 310 rushing yards (34.4 per game) since Week 5, while accruing 11 carries inside the red zone, and generating two touchdowns during that span.
Samaje Perine puts Cincy ahead before the half
CINvsMIA on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/r4Rx4ErHRg
— NFL (@NFL) December 21, 2025
Perine also secured a 29.3% snap share, nine touches, and 41 total yards in Week 16, while generating a four-yard touchdown.
Those numbers have sustained Perine’s status as a flex option in deeper leagues. His unchallenged role has also provided the potential for Perine to ascend into lead back duties for the Bengals if Brown is unable to operate in that capacity.
That has provided the rationale for adding Perine this week. His capabilities as a three-down back would launch him into a critical role as the Bengals’ primary back if news emerges that Brown will be unavailable for any reason in Week 17.
High Upside Handcuffs - Week 17 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 | 37% |
| Brian Robinson Jr. | San Francisco 49ers | 27% |
| Tank Bigsby | Philadelphia Eagles | 18% |
| Isaiah Davis | New York Jets | 3% |
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 37% Rostered
The infusion of Allgeier into your roster will supply you with a premier handcuff who has repeatedly proven his ability to perform proficiently while operating with a sizable workload.
Allgeier’s track of production includes his numbers as a rookie (2022), when he finished 12th among all backs with 1,035 yards (64.7 per game) and seventh in yards after contact (706). Allgeier has functioned as the direct backup to Bijan Robinson during his last three seasons, but remains capable of generating favorable yardage totals if he ascends into an expanded role.
Allgeier’s workloads have been erratic since Week 1, but he has averaged 8.4 attempts/31.7 rushing yards per game. Those averages rise to 12.8 carries/49.6 yards per game during the eight contests in which he has operated with 10+ attempts.
Allgeier’s consistent involvement near the goal line has propelled him to 31 carries inside the red zone, along with a career-high eight touchdowns.
The Falcons have been eliminated from the postseason, which could result in Robinson’s workload being restricted in Week 17. Allgeier is capable of operating as a highly productive resource if that occurs.
Brian Robinson Jr., San Francisco 49ers - 27% Rostered
The rationale for adding Robinson to your roster has never wavered since the August 22 trade that sent him from Washington to San Francisco.
Robinson’s infusion into the 49ers’ backfield created a formidable barrier in his path toward standalone value due to his role as the direct backup to Christian McCaffrey. However, Kyle Shanahan’s commitment to the extensive utilization of McCaffrey also presents the potential for Robinson to seize a significant workload if McCaffrey is sidelined.
McCaffrey’s 782 snaps represent the fourth-highest total of his career, while he is also leading his position with 345 touches entering San Francisco’s Monday night matchup at Indianapolis.
Brian Robinson Jr. trucks his way to a 49ers TD
SFvsNYG on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/bNbN6b4lHR
— NFL (@NFL) November 2, 2025
Robinson has been limited to a 17.3% snap share since Week 1, while failing to exceed a 29.1% share during any of his matchups. He has also carried 81 times (5.8 per game), while assembling 349 rushing yards (24.9 per game). Robinson has also accumulated 22 forced missed tackles and generated eight explosive runs, according to PFF.
However, Robinson could quickly emerge as a vital resource if McCaffrey is unable to sustain his massive workload when San Francisco hosts Chicago in Week 17. Robinson would approach RB1 production if he elevates into a temporary lead-back role.
Tank Bigsby, Philadelphia Eagles - 18% Rostered
Bigsby’s modest involvement in Philadelphia’s backfield rotation prevents him from approaching standalone value.
However, the third-year back is positioned to operate as the Eagles’ lead rusher if Saquon Barkley is not functioning in that role for any reason during Week 17.
Bigsby demonstrated his ability to deliver favorable numbers while performing as Philadelphia’s short-term RB1 when Barkley sustained a groin injury during Week 8. Bigsby generated a season high of 104 rushing yards, which launched him to seventh among all backs. He also maximized his nine attempts by tying for fourth overall in yards after contact (77) and accumulating five forced missed tackles, according to PFF.
Tank Bigsby to the house to extend the @Eagles lead!
PHIvsWAS on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/z03j4zKAKm
— NFL (@NFL) December 21, 2025
Bigsby also performed effectively in Weeks 15-16 after Philadelphia built sizable leads during both contests. He accumulated 21 carries (10.5 per game) and 94 rushing yards (47 per game) during that two-game sequence. Bigsby also averaged 4.5 yards per attempt and produced a 22-yard touchdown when the Eagles visited Washington in Week 16.
Bigsby and Will Shipley would both accumulate touches if Barkley’s workload is restricted during Philadelphia’s Week 17 visit to Buffalo. However, Bigsby would function as the Eagles’ primary rusher. He is also capable of delivering RB2 production if that situation develops.
Isaiah Davis, New York Jets - 3% Rostered
Davis ascended into an unwavering role as the RB2 for New York after Braelon Allen sustained a season-ending knee injury in Week 4. Davis’s numbers have been largely restricted due to his placement below Breece Hall on the Jets’ depth chart.
Davis has registered a 32.9% snap share since Week 5. He has also accumulated 35 attempts (3.2 per game), 198 rushing yards (18.0 per game), 22 targets (2.0 per game), and 153 receiving yards (13.9 per game) during that span.
However, Davis has also averaged 26 snaps/8.5 touches/62.5 total yards per game since Week 15. That includes Davis’s numbers when New York traveled to New Orleans in Week 16. He attained a 36.4% snap share, accumulated seven touches, and assembled 60 total yards. Davis also ran 17 routes while leading the Jets in targets (four) and receiving yards (52).
Davis remains cemented as the direct backup to Hall. This sustains his prospects of vaulting into a significant workload if Hall’s usage is reduced for any reason when the Jets host the Patriots in Week 17.
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.
- Jordan Mason, Minnesota Vikings - 73% Rostered - Mason sustained an ankle injury during their victory over the Giants
- Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers - 73% Rostered
- Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots - 68% Rostered
- Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers - 65% Rostered
Good luck in Week 17!
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2025 Player Decisions. Today's focus is on specific players - Blake Corum, Kyle Monangai, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Emanuel Wilson, and Dylan Sampson. These are some common searches for 2025 fantasy football waiver wire pickups.
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