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Phil Clark's fantasy football running back (RB) waiver wire pickups for Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season. His free agent RBs to add, stream and stash off waivers.
You have now progressed into the processes of reconstructing rosters and planning lineups for your matchups of Week 9. The numbers that have been delivered by your running backs during the first eight weeks of the regular season have likely fueled a variety of emotions. Unfortunately, injuries to multiple running backs (Saquon Barkley, Cam Skattebo, Quinshon Judkins) emerged during Week 8 that will combine with other developments to send many of you in pursuit of alternative options from your waiver wires.
You have advanced beyond the highly impactful six-team bye week that presented significant obstacles in Week 8. However, that ongoing process also continues this week. The absence of four teams - Cleveland, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay, and the New York Jets - will require you to remove Barkley and Judkins from your lineups regardless of their health, along with Rachaad White and Breece Hall.
However, this article is designed to help you navigate injuries, bye weeks, and all other unwanted hurdles 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 9 matchups!
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:- 2025 fantasy football rankings
- Running back (RB) fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver (WR) fantasy football rankings
- Tight end (TE) fantasy football rankings
- Quarterback (QB) fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Kicker (K) fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Upcoming Bye Weeks
- Week 9: Philadelphia, Cleveland, Tampa Bay, New York Jets
- Week 10: Cincinnati, Tennessee, Dallas, Kansas City
- Week 11: Indianapolis, New Orleans
- Week 12: Washington, Miami, Denver, Los Angeles Chargers
- Week 14: New England, Carolina, San Francisco, New York Giants
Top Priorities - Week 9 Waiver Wire Running Backs
Prioritize These Running Backs On Most Waiver Wires
| Top Priorities | Team | Rostered |
| Tyrone Tracy Jr | New York Giants | 44% |
| Tank Bigsby | Philadelphia Eagles | 17% |
| Kyle Monangai | Chicago Bears | 42% |
| Dylan Sampson | Cleveland Browns | 13% |
| Trey Benson | Arizona Cardinals | 56% |
| Isaiah Davis | New York Jets | 9% |
Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants - 44% Rostered
Tracy’s role within the Giants’ backfield rotation has fluctuated on multiple occasions during his second season. That includes his rise into lead back duties during Week 8, following the unfortunate ankle injury that was sustained by Cam Skattebo.
Tracy operated with a season-high 73.5% snap share in Week 1. He also encountered a shoulder injury that sidelined him in Week 3, then registered a 33.6% snap share in Weeks 6 and 7.
Tracy had also dropped below Skattebo on the Giants’ depth chart before Tracy functioned as New York’s RB1 following Skattebo’s departure in Week 8.
Tracy operated with a 63.5% snap share during New York's matchup with Philadelphia. He tied his season high with 10 carries, generated 39 rushing yards, and finished 10th among all backs in rush percentage over expected (44.4%) according to Next Gen Stats. He also ran 17 routes and collected two of his three targets from Jaxson Dart.
Tracy will now sustain an ongoing role as the Giants’ primary back following Skattebo’s placement on injured reserve. That vaults Tracy atop the list of priorities on this week’s waiver wire. Tracy is currently available in over 50% of all leagues, but that percentage will decrease significantly this week.
Tank Bigsby, Philadelphia Eagles - 17% Rostered
Philadelphia secured Bigsby during a September 8 trade with Jacksonville, but Bigsby had been limited to four offensive snaps from Weeks 2-7.
However, Bigsby is now primed to emerge as a valuable asset for both the Eagles and fantasy managers if Saquon Barkley‘s hamstring injury prevents him from operating in his usual capacity as Philadelphia's RB1. Barkley sustained the injury during the third quarter of the Eagles' Week 8 matchup with the Giants.
Tank Bigsby picks up the first down on 2nd & 31
NYGvsPHI on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/dhfL54Zxoa
— NFL (@NFL) October 26, 2025
That elevated Bigsby into temporary lead-back duties for Philadelphia, and he secured a 27.1% snap share during the contest. Bigsby also maximized his nine carries by eclipsing 100+ rushing yards for the third time in his career (104), and averaging 11.6 yards per attempt.
Will Shipley registered a 13.6% snap share, accumulated three carries, and generated two rushing yards as Bigsby was utilized as the Eagles’ primary back following Barkley’s departure.
Barkley’s health will determine Bigsby‘s role in Philadelphia’s backfield after the Eagles return from their Week 9 bye. That does not prevent you from infusing Bigsby into your roster, as he is currently available in 83% of all leagues. Bigsby is also positioned to ascend into a sizable workload during Philadelphia’s remaining matchups, if Barkley is sidelined for any reason.
Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears - 42% Rostered
Monangai emerged as Ben Johnson’s choice to operate as Chicago’s RB2 entering the regular season, and he has retained that role throughout the Bears’ first eight matchups.
Monangai’s promising numbers have also ignited a 36% increase in his rostership percentage during the past week, as fantasy managers capitalize on Monangai’s prospects of developing into a starting option as his encouraging rookie season advances.
Monangai has now attained a 37.3% share during his last six matchups. He also established season highs in attempts (13), rushing yards (81), in Week 7, and rose to 10th among all backs in rush yards over expected (23) according to Next Gen Stats.
Monangai also secured a 46% snap share when Chicago traveled to Baltimore in Week 8, which was his highest percentage of the season. He also accumulated seven carries, 24 rushing yards. and expanded his season total to eight red zone attempts.
Roschon Johnson has been relegated to a minuscule 1.2% snap share since Week 1 and is not lurking as a threat to Monangai’s role. Monangai will vault into lead-back duties for Chicago if D'Andre Swift is sidelined during the Bears’ remaining matchups, which bolsters your incentive to add Monangai this week.
Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns -13% Rostered
Sampson had registered a 33.6% snap share and was averaging 13.5 touches/56 total yards per game in Weeks 1-2. Those numbers plummeted from Weeks 3-7 (13.2% snap share), 2.6 touches/8.6 total yards per game, due to the emergence of Quinshon Judkins as Cleveland’s primary back.
Judkins secured a 53.8% snap share and averaged 19.8 attempts/81.2 rushing yards per game during that span. However, Judkins sustained a shoulder injury during the third quarter of Cleveland’s Week 8 matchup with New England.
Sampson operated with a season-high 46.2% snap share and accumulated three carries during the contest. He also ran 18 routes, captured five of his six targets, and generated 29 receiving yards. Jerome Ford attained a 23.1% snap share, ran 11 routes, secured one target, and did not register a rushing attempt during the game.
Updates surrounding Judkins’ health should be monitored during Cleveland's bye week, and Judkins could resurface when the Browns visit the Jets in Week 10.
However, Sampson is positioned to operate with an expanded workload if that does not occur. That provides your incentive for targeting Sampson this week.
Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals - 56% Rostered
Benson began his second season as Arizona’s RB2 behind James Conner.
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
That also entrenched Benson among the top-tier handcuff options for fantasy managers, as Benson was positioned to seize a massive workload if Conner were to be sidelined for any reason.
That scenario quickly transpired when Conner sustained an ankle injury. Benson operated with a 61% snap share following Conner's Week 3 departure.
He also accumulated 42 rushing yards, 44 yards after contact, and vaulted to 10th among all backs in rush yards over expected per attempt (1.07) according to Next Gen Stats.
However, Benson‘s tenure as the Cardinals’ primary back was brief, as he encountered a knee injury in Week 4. That led to his placement on injured reserve, and Benson‘s availability has gradually increased during the past four weeks.
However, Benson is eligible to return in Week 10 and should reclaim his role as Arizona’s RB1 whenever he does resurface. You have an opportunity to secure Benson now, before the competition to seize him from the waiver wire intensifies significantly. Benson should deliver RB2 production after he re-emerges while providing you with a valuable resource during your remaining matchups.
Isaiah Davis, New York Jets - 9% Rostered
Davis is only rostered in 9% of all leagues. However, he remains stationed among the unchallenged handcuff options and should be stashed by anyone who is operating in deeper leagues.
Davis was elevated into his current role as the direct backup to Breece Hall after Braelon Allen sustained his knee injury in Week 4. That also condensed what had been a congested backfield to a two-man rotation.
Davis has now secured a 40.4% snap share since Week 5. He has also carried 12 times, assembled 82 rushing yards, run 71 routes, and accumulated 14 targets/11 receptions/93 receiving yards during that sequence.
Isaiah Davis breaks off for 50 yards!
NYJvsCIN on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/n6BxS54nNX
— NFL (@NFL) October 26, 2025
Davis also secured a collection of season highs when New York traveled to Cincinnati in Week 8. He surpassed his previous season bests in attempts (seven), rushing yards (65), routes run (17), targets (five), and receiving yards (44).
Davis also remains capable of performing proficiently as a three-down back, and would vault into a sizable workload if Hall were sidelined by injury or dealt before the trade deadline. Davis would emerge as a valuable asset if either scenario transpires.
Secondary Options - Week 9 Waiver Wire Running Backs
These Running Backs Could Become Assets For Your Rosters
| Secondary Options | Team | Rostered |
| Bam Knight | Arizona Cardinals | 22% |
| Tyjae Spears | Tennessee Titans | 31% |
| Ollie Gordon II | Miami Dolphins | 11% |
| Samaje Perine | Cincinnati Bengals | 3% |
| Bhayshul Tuten | Jacksonville Jaguars | 53% |
| Brashard Smith | Kansas City Chiefs | 12% |
Bam Knight, Arizona Cardinals - 22% Rostered
Knight was signed by the Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He later constructed a four-game sequence during his rookie season, in which he accrued a 35.5% snap share, accumulated 59 attempts (14.8 per game), and generated 253 rushing yards (63.3 per game).
Knight then disappeared from the fantasy landscape until injuries to Conner and Benson fueled multiple transformations in Arizona’s backfield.
Bam, there it is 💥
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/1KPdrXWQ4S
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 12, 2025
Knight has led the Cardinals’ restructured rotation with a 47.7% snap share since Week 6. He has also soared to the team lead in attempts (25/12.5 per game), red zone carries (five), and rushing yards (91/45.5 per game).
Michael Carter has been released by Arizona, which leaves Emari Demercado, D'Ernest Johnson, and Jermar Jefferson below Knight on the Cardinals' latest depth chart. That has entrenched Knight as the preferred back to target from Arizona’s backfield this week, if you are searching for a short-term flex option.
Benson's status should be monitored due to his impending return. However, Knight should sustain his current role when the Cardinals visit Dallas during their Week 9 matchup.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans - 31% Rostered
Spears has steadily secured a favorable role in Tennessee’s offense since he emerged from injured reserve in Week 5. Spears led the Titans’ backfield with a 52.1% snap share in Week 8 and has now secured a higher snap share than Tony Pollard during two of Tennessee’s last three contests.
Spears also established season highs in attempts (nine) and rushing yards (59), while generating more rushing yardage than Pollard for a second consecutive week. He also produced his first touchdown of the season when the Titans visited Indianapolis.
Tyjae Spears in for the Tennessee TD
TENvsIND on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/xzpFOUITav
— NFL (@NFL) October 26, 2025
Spears also paced the backfield in routes run (18), targets (three), and receiving yards (23). Pollard operated with a 48% snap share, carried 11 times, and assembled 44 rushing yards. He also ran 13 routes and collected one of his two targets from Cam Ward.
The Titans continue to function with deficiencies throughout their offense. That combines with the ongoing time share between Spears and Pollard to impact the production of both backs.
However, Spears’ versatility and effectiveness as a runner and receiving weapon would propel him to RB2 production if Pollard were forced to the sideline. That elevates Spears into consideration as a stash option, who could be deployed as a starter if that situation develops.
Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins - 11% Rostered
Gordon has retained an ongoing role as the RB2 in Miami’s backfield throughout the regular season, while accumulating opportunities as a short-yardage and goal-line back.
Gordon has operated with a 24.9% snap share since Week 1, while attaining at least 23.6% during each of his last six contests. He has also accumulated 38 attempts (4.8 per game) and 116 rushing yards (14.5 per game) since Week 1, while generating 68.1% of his yards after contact according to Fantasy Points Data. Gordon has also collected eight carries inside the red zone and four attempts inside the 10-yard line.
First receiving TD for the rook!
Let's go @Ollie_Gordon2 👏 pic.twitter.com/qMmVwt0WEC
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) October 26, 2025
That includes Gordon’s numbers in Week 8, when he accumulated four carries on the Dolphins’ initial drive. Gordon also secured season highs in snaps (21), attempts (10), and rushing yards (46), and finished 10th among all backs in efficiency (3.43) according to Next Gen Stats. He also produced his first touchdown as a receiving weapon.
Jaylen Wright also registered 11 snaps and his first nine carries of the season during Miami's blowout win. However, Gordon remains cemented above him on the Dolphins’ depth chart.
Gordon would also operate with a sizable workload if Achane is sidelined for any reason. That elevates Gordon among this week’s backs to pursue from the waiver wire.
Samaje Perine, Cincinnati Bengals - 3% Rostered
Even though there was logic in anticipating rookie Tahj Brooks to eventually seize RB2 duties within the Cincinnati backfield, Perine continues to secure an expanding workload while functioning as the direct backup to Chase Brown.
Perine has operated with a 35.9% snap share since Week 1, which includes his 42.7% share since Week 5. He has also carried 26 times (6.5 per game), and generated 168 rushing yards (42 per game) during the Bengals’ last four matchups, after averaging just 1.3 attempts/6.3 yards per game from Weeks 1-4.
Samaje Perine 32-yard house call for the Bengals!
NYJvsCIN on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/lb4h3g9ng3
— NFL (@NFL) October 26, 2025
Perine also attained a 46.7% snap share in Week 8, which was the fifth consecutive game in which he has eclipsed 45%. He also established season highs in attempts (nine) and rushing yards (94), while producing his first touchdown of the season.
Perine now provides a short-term option for anyone who is contending with depleted roster options while searching for an emergency starter. He would also become a valuable resource if Brown is sidelined for any reason.
Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars - 32% Rostered
Tuten has yet to attain standalone value. However, he still delivers an electrifying presence due to his blazing speed and ongoing potential to erupt for big plays, which sustains his viability as a back that should be stashed.
Tuten has operated with a 21.7% snap share since Week 2, while eclipsing a 20.7% share four times during that six-game span. He has also accumulated 29 attempts (4.8 per game) and 119 rushing yards (19.8 per game), while 57.7% of his yards have been generated after contact according to Fantasy Points Data.
Tuten has also run 44 routes, while collecting six of his eight targets, and generating 59 yards as a receiving weapon. Tuten’s numbers remain constricted as he operates within Jacksonville’s three-man backfield rotation with Travis Etienne (59.3% snap share) and LeQuint Allen Jr. (20.9% snap share).
Alright so even if you just want him as a handcuff, Bhayshul Tuten should be rostered in all leagues because the Jacksonville Jaguars are #1 IN THE NFL IN RUN BLOCK WIN RATE
I think after last year everyone assumes that the Jags OL isn't playing at an elite level but they are... pic.twitter.com/cALK7ladHS
— JohnJohn Analysis (@JohnJohnalytics) October 16, 2025
That does not diminish the enticing attributes that Tuten possesses. It also does not alter his potential to deliver a statistical explosion if he elevates into a larger workload.
Tuten is currently available in 68% of all leagues, even though he could emerge as a critical resource on your roster if Etienne is sidelined for any reason.
Brashard Smith, Kansas City Chiefs - 12% Rostered
The decision to add Smith has been based on his potential to eventually secure a larger workload in Andy Reid’s offense throughout the regular season. Now, the knee injury that has been sustained by Isiah Pacheco has facilitated Smith's path toward an expanded role if Pacheco is forced to the sideline.
Smith was the recipient of an encouraging rise in usage and output in Week 7, as the promising rookie secured season highs in multiple categories.
Smith attained a season-best 34.6% snap share, while he also exceeded his previous season highs in attempts (14), rushing yards (39), and red zone carries (six).
Smith’s snap share dropped to 13% in Week 8. He has now failed to surpass that percentage in six different games, while he has also eclipsed a 26% share during his other two contests.
Smith also carried three times in Week 8, and assembled eight rushing yards. He also ran five routes but did not secure a target for the first time since the Chiefs' season opener.
However, Smith’s numbers will not be impacted by the constraints of Kansas City‘s congested backfield if Pacheco is unavailable when the Chiefs visit Buffalo on Sunday.
Smith's versatility could blend favorably with his speed and elusiveness to garner a sizable role in Reid’s offense. That supplies the rationale for adding him this week.
High Upside Handcuffs - Week 9 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 | 32% |
| Kenneth Gainwell | Pittsburgh Steelers | 40% |
| Brian Robinson Jr. | San Francisco 49ers | 27% |
| Jaydon Blue | Dallas Cowboys | 10% |
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 32% Rostered
Allgeier remains cemented as Atlanta’s RB2. This ensures that he operates with inconsistent touch totals based on game scripts and the ongoing presence of lead back Bijan Robinson.
However, Allgeier’s role also sustains his potential to launch into an extensive workload if Robinson cannot operate in his usual capacity as the Falcons’ lead back.
Allgeier has carried at least 10 times during four of his seven matchups, but has also failed to exceed four attempts during his other three contests.
Allgeier has also accumulated 15 red zone carries, including nine since Week 4. He has also secured a team-high 10 attempts inside the 10-yard line and has generated four rushing touchdowns. Allgeier also delivered RB2 production in Week 2 (15.0 points) and finished as an RB3 in Weeks 4 and 6 (11.1/10.8).
If you invested in Robinson at the onset of your drafts, then any issue that forces Robinson to the sideline could create a sizable roster dilemma. However, Allgeier presents you with a valuable handcuff option who is capable of delivering RB1 production if Robinson is unavailable.
Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers - 40% Rostered
Gainwell operated with a 49.3% snap share from Weeks 1-4, while averaging 8.8 attempts/38.5 rushing yards per game during those contests.
Those numbers were largely fueled by his usage and production in Week 4, when Jaylen Warren was sidelined by a knee injury. Gainwell soared into a temporary lead-back role for the Steelers during that matchup and attained a career-best 77.4% snap share.
Gainwell also secured career highs in attempts (19) and rushing yards (99), ran 18 routes, and attained season highs in targets (six) and receiving yards (35) during that contest.
Warren reclaimed his role as Pittsburgh’s primary back following the Steelers’ Week 5 bye. That has launched the descent of Gainwell’s snap share (36.2%), along with his per-game averages (4.7 carries/22.3 yards per game).
That includes Gainwell’s numbers during Pittsburgh’s Week 8 matchup with Green Bay. Gainwell secured a 38.1% snap share, carried five times, and assembled 31 rushing yards. He also ran 14 routes and captured both of his targets.
Gainwell’s standalone value has dissipated. However, he would vault back into a sizable workload if Warren is forced to the sideline. That sustains Gainwell’s placement among this week’s top-tier handcuff options.
Robinson is not contained on the list of high upside handcuffs that also provide standalone value. However, if your teams are reaping the benefits of McCaffrey’s exceptional production, the addition of Robinson will safeguard you from the roster crisis that would ensue if McCaffrey is suddenly forced to the sideline.
Robinson’s snap shares ranged between 52% and 43% from 2022-2024, while he was operating in Washington’s backfield. He also averaged 13.9 attempts and 56.8 rushing yards per game, while producing 15 rushing touchdowns during that sequence.
His usage and output have declined during his first season with San Francisco, as he is operating with a career low 17% snap share. Robinson is also averaging 4.5 attempts/18 rushing yards per game and has failed to generate a touchdown.
Robinson also remains positioned as the direct backup to McCaffrey, who leads all backs in snap share (84.5%) and target share (26.6%), and is second in rushing attempts (140/17.5 per game).
Robinson would secure a mammoth workload if McCaffrey is unable to sustain his current role in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Robinson would also provide RB2 production if that transpires.
Jaydon Blue, Dallas Cowboys - 11% Rostered
Anyone who had anticipated Blue’s NFL debut is already aware that he was not entrusted with his first offensive snap until Week 5. However, Blue has now operated as the Cowboys’ RB2 behind Javonte Williams during each of the Cowboys’ last four matchups.
Blue is also positioned to maintain his current role in the aftermath of season-ending knee and ankle injuries that were sustained by Miles Sanders in Week 4.
Blue registered a 13.9% snap share in Weeks 5 and 6, while only accumulating seven touches and seven total yards. However, Blue’s usage and output have increased since Week 7. The explosive rookie has secured a 20.6% snap share, while assembling 58 rushing yards with his 15 attempts during that two-game sequence.
Blue still possesses the attributes of a difference maker, as his big play capabilities fuel his potential to generate sizable yardage. Blue also functions with an open runway toward sustaining his current role.
Blue would vault into a larger workload during any absence by Williams, which would increase Blue's opportunities to display his game-changing capabilities at the NFL level.
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:
- Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers - 74% Rostered
- Woody Marks, Houston Texans - 65% Rostered
- Nick Chubb, Houston Texans - 63% Rostered
Good luck in Week 9!
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2025 Player Decisions. Today's focus is on specific players - Tyrone Tracy Jr., Tank Bigsby, Kyle Monangai, Brashard Smith, Trey Benson, Tyjae Spears, Bam Knight. These are some common searches for 2025 fantasy football waiver wire pickups.
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