Running Back Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 15: Sincere McCormick, Tank Bigsby, Isaiah Davis, Braelon Allen

December 9, 2024

Phil Clark's running back (RB) fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 15 of the 2024 NFL season. His free agent RBs to add, stream and stash off waivers.

All fantasy managers are to be commended for rising to the unique challenges that have unfolded during this regular season. The weeks have advanced at a relentless pace and we have entered the postseason in the majority of leagues. Congratulations to those of you who have qualified for the fantasy playoffs, as you have successfully navigated the numerous obstacles that have emerged since you created your original rosters.

Many of you have made effective use of your leagues’ waiver wires in reassembling your rosters when injuries, bye weeks, and insufficient production compelled you to find alternative options that will now play integral roles during your Week 15 matchups. That applies to all savvy managers who added highly productive running backs that were contained on the majority of waiver wires during the season, including Bucky Irving, Chase Brown, Tyrone Tracy Jr., Isaac Guerendo, and Chuba Hubbard.

Your waiver wires can also remain critical resources in your efforts to progress through the playoffs. This article will help you locate the best running backs to target this week with recommendations that will appear in three tiers.  After finishing this breakdown you can also find fantasy football waiver wire pickups at other positions. Good luck with your matchups in Week 15!

Tier 1: Front-Runners - Week 15 Waiver Wire Running Backs

Prioritize These Running Backs On Waiver Wires

Sincere McCormick, Las Vegas Raiders - 15% Rostered

Sincere McCormick was signed as an undrafted free agent by Las Vegas following the 2022 NFL draft. He remained stationed on the practice squad until making his NFL debut during the Raiders’ Week 12 matchup with Denver.

Former UTSA RB Sincere McCormick getting the start for the Raiders. pic.twitter.com/JjqFMRfyGB

— Javi Cardenas (@RivalsJavi) December 8, 2024

However, McCormick has secured his place within the fantasy landscape by achieving a level of efficiency that had been nonexistent within the Las Vegas backfield before his debut. McCormick has now generated 175 rushing yards on 32 attempts while operating with a 34.3% snap share. That includes McCormick’s numbers in Week 14 when he led the Raiders backfield in snap share (59.4%), attempts (15), and rushing yards (78).

McCormick also led all backs in rush yards over expected per attempt (2.03) according to Next Gen Stats   He is now averaging 5.5 yards per attempt which easily exceeds the averages that have been attained by Alexander Mattison (3.3), Zamir White (2.8), and Ameer Abdullah (4.2).

McCormick’s ability to perform more effectively than Mattison and White should sustain his recent role as the team’s lead rusher while Abdullah and Mattison will operate primarily as pass-catching weapons from the backfield whenever Mattison resurfaces from his ankle injury.

That provides your incentive to add McCormick, who has now elevated into RB3/flex territory during matchups against the Falcons, Jaguars, and Saints in Weeks 15-17.

Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars - 45% Rostered

Tank Bigsby is still available in 55% of all leagues even though he has consistently operated as Jacksonville’s most explosive and most efficient back during the season. Bigsby’s viability as an RB2/RB3 option for fantasy managers has also been re-established after he led the Jaguars’ backfield with a 51,7% snap share in Week 14.

Bring in The Tank ‼️@tank_bigsby | #JAXvsTEN on CBS pic.twitter.com/XtGAtBEbk2

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) December 8, 2024

Bigsby also secured team highs in attempts (18), and rushing yards (55), while delivering his fifth rushing touchdown of the season. Travis Etienne attained a 48.3% snap share and was limited to four carries and 20 rushing yards. Etienne did pace the backfield in routes run (18), targets (four), and receiving yards (50).

Bigsby's usage and production had previously surged in Weeks 4-8 when he paced the Jaguars’ backfield in snap share (45.5%) while soaring into the league lead in yards after contact (310), and rising to third in rushing yards (411/82.2 yards per game).

Bigsby also accumulated a league-best 24 carries inside the red zone, tied for fourth with four rushing touchdowns, and averaged 14.3 points per game. He has now played in two matchups since re-emerging from the ankle injury that had sidelined him in Week 11 and is operating as Jacksonville’s lead rusher.

Touches will be distributed to Bigsby and Etienne during the fantasy postseason. However, Bigsby is the preferred back to utilize in your lineups when the Jaguars face the Jets, Raiders, and Titans from Weeks 15-17.

Isaiah Davis, New York Jets - 11% Rostered 

The Jets selected Isaiah Davis during Round 5 of the 2024 NFL Draft (173rd overall), which was 39 picks after New York had secured Braelon Allen (134th overall).

Davis had been limited to five snaps and five touches from Weeks 1-12 but ascended into a favorable role within the Jets’ reconstructed backfield rotation in Week 14, as a byproduct of Breece Hall’s knee injury. Davis operated with an 18% snap share while generating 32 total yards with his four touches.

Those numbers were primarily fueled by his involvement as a receiving weapon, as Davis ran eight routes, captured all three of his targets, assembled 28 yards, and produced his initial touchdown as a pass-catcher.   

A week after his first career touchdown via reception, @GoJacksFB alum Isaiah Davis has his first rushing TD in the NFL pic.twitter.com/bYFLHVRDwX

— Dakota News Now Sports (@dakotasportsnow) December 8, 2024

Davis also shared touches with Allen in Week 14, as Davis’s snap share nearly matched Allen’s (56%/52%). Davis also carried 10 times, generated 40 rushing yards, and scored his first touchdown as a rusher. Davis also ran 20 routes, led the reshaped backfield in targets (six), and assembled 27 receiving yards.

The health of Hall will be a critical factor in determining Davis’s workload during New York’s upcoming matchups, as will the Jets’ plan for Hall's utilization if he is active during those contests. However, that should not deter you from prioritizing Davis from your waiver wire, as he could operate as an RB3/flex if his recent role is sustained.

Braelon Allen, New York Jets - 58% Rostered

Braelon Allen had functioned as the RB2 on the Jets depth chart from Weeks 1-13. This had seemingly positioned Allen to capitalize on his enticing blend of size, strength, and vision while operating as New York’s lead back if Breece Hall was unable to function in that capacity.

That scenario eventually transpired during the Jets’ Week 14 visit to Miami, when Hall’s problematic knee forced him to the sideline. However, Allen did not ascend into the massive workload that had been anticipated, as touches were distributed equally between Allen and Isaiah Davis.

.@BraelonAllen gets us movin'#NYJvsMIA on CBS & @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/V8mvVhWbM3

— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 8, 2024

Allen did lead New York’s restructured backfield in snaps (37), attempts (11), rushing yards (43), routes run (22), and receiving yards (38), while collecting four of his five targets.

Hall’s status should be monitored as the Jets may restrict his touches during the remainder of a forgettable season. A continued time share between Allen and Davis during any additional absence by Hall would prevent Allen from providing the level of production that had previously been projected.

However, Allen can still deliver low-end RB2 output during any of New York’s next three matchups (Jaguars/Rams/Bills) if Hall is not being deployed as the Jets’ lead back.

Patrick Taylor Jr., San Francisco 49ers - 4% Rostered

Any fantasy managers who prevailed during the collective scramble to seize Isaac Guerendo from waiver wires embraced the opportunity to immediately launch him into their starting lineups during their matchups in Week 14.

Guerendo also rewarded anyone who had secured him during last week’s waiver process while attaining a 55.7% snap share, accumulating 34 snaps, 15 attempts, 78 rushing yards, and two touchdowns when the 49ers hosted the Bears.

Guerendo also ran 17 routes, and captured both of his targets, before he sustained a foot injury in the fourth quarter, That fueled Patrick Taylor Jr.’s ascent atop San Francisco’s depth chart. Taylor played on 20 snaps while operating as the 49ers’ temporary lead-back. He also generated 25 rushing yards and a touchdown with his seven attempts.

Could Patrick Taylor Jr. be the 49ers' starting RB on Thursday?pic.twitter.com/G5hEXVKhHW

— Yahoo Fantasy Sports (@YahooFantasy) December 9, 2024

Guerendo will reclaim his newly attained role as San Francisco’s workhorse back whenever he re-emerges. However, it is uncertain when that may be. That supplies the rationale for targeting Taylor, as he will operate as the 49ers’ RB1 during any additional absence by Guerendo. Kyle Shanahan could also allocate touches to Ke'Shawn Vaughn, or Israel Abanikanda, but Taylor is the San Francisco back to prioritize from your waiver wires.

Tier 2: In The Running - Week 15 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These Running Backs Could Become Assets For Your Rosters

Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams - 15% Rostered 

Blake Corum remains cemented within the shortlist of top-tier handcuffs, as he has now operated as the unquestioned RB2 for Los Angeles during the Rams’ last nine contests. 

Corum has attained a 13.2% snap share since Week 5, after being limited to just eight snaps (3.4% share) from Weeks 1-4. Corum also secured a season-high 32% share in Week 13, which was the first time that Corum had eclipsed 19% throughout the season. Williams also registered a season-low 68% share during the same matchup, after securing a league-high 88.2% share from Weeks 1-12.

Corum had also averaged 3.0 attempts/11.1 rushing yards per game from Weeks 5-12, before he tied his season high in carries (eight), and accumulated a season-best 42 rushing yards in Week 13. He also secured an 18% snap share when the Rams hosted Buffalo in Week 14 and Corum also carried eight times and generated 34 rushing yards.

There is potential for Corum to seize a larger percentage of the touches distributed by Sean McVay when the Rams face the 49ers, Jets, and Cardinals in Weeks 15-17. However, the primary enticement for adding Corum surrounds his status as a critical insurance policy, as he will operate with an enormous workload if Williams is absent during any upcoming matchups.

Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 31% Rostered 

Tyler Allgeier has remained stationed within the elite tier of handcuffs throughout the season due to his role as the RB2 in Atlanta’s offense. His placement as the direct backup to Bijan Robinson on the Falcons’ depth chart will launch Allgeier into an extensive workload if Robinson is unavailable for any reason.

Allgeier is also capable of flourishing with his opportunities which provides the potential for him to generate RB1 production if he vaults into an expanded role. His ability to perform effectively has not resulted in standalone value, due to his inconsistent workloads while functioning as Robinson’s backup.

Allgeier has operated with a 26.5% snap share since Week 1. He has also accumulated 102 attempts (7.8 per game), and 508 rushing yards (39.1 per game). He has also accrued 24 attempts inside the red zone and has secured 42.9% of the carries that have been distributed to Atlanta’s backs inside the five-yard line according to Fantasy Points Data.

Tyler Allgeier’s first carry of the game is a TD!

📺: #ATLvsMIN on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/Pz9ZDqqiV0

— NFL (@NFL) December 8, 2024

That includes his numbers in Week 14 when Allgeier registered an 18% snap share, accumulated nine attempts, 63 rushing yards, and generated his third touchdown of the season.

Allgeier will become a highly productive resource if Robinson is sidelined during any of Atlanta’s next three matchups with the Raiders, Giants, and Commanders.

Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins - 5% Rostered

This is your weekly reminder that Jaylen Wright possesses the ability to deliver a statistical eruption if he operates with a sizable workload. This has fueled Wright’s frequent presence in this column, even though his pathway toward production has been impeded by his placement below  De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert on Miami's depth chart during the regular season.

Wright surpassed Mostert to secure a role as the backup to Achane on early downs from Weeks 10-12, as the promising rookie accumulated more snaps (38/37), and rushing attempts (17/5) than the 10-year veteran during that three-game sequence.

Wright’s numbers evaporated in Week 13 as he was relegated to a season-low one snap. However, his usage was resurrected in Week 14 after Mostert was sidelined with a hip injury.

This propelled Wright to a 19% snap share. He was also second behind Achane in attempts (two), and rushing yards (seven), ran nine routes, and collected two of his three targets.

Wright’s recent rise into an early-down role behind Achane has been sufficient to add him this week. Wright can also become a highly productive resource if Achane is sidelined at any point during Miami’s upcoming matchups with the Texans, 49ers, and Browns.

Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints - 4% Rostered

Kendre Miller has not been a resource to fantasy managers during much of his abbreviated second season. However, Miller has now re-emerged into the Saints’ backfield rotation at an opportune time for anyone searching for potential flex options that could boost their scoring in deeper leagues.

Miller had been limited to just 30 snaps, 11 touches, and 53 total yards before Week 14, and had accumulated those numbers during Weeks 7-8. He had been placed on injured reserve on November 2, before being activated before New Orleans’ matchup with the Giants.

Kendre Miller cuts and powers his way into the end zone!

📺: #NOvsNYG on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/Y6fggU5EkK

— NFL (@NFL) December 8, 2024

Miller operated with a 26.2% snap share in Week 14, while establishing season highs in both attempts (10), and rushing yards (32), and generating his second career touchdown. Miller also rose to third among all backs in rush yards over expected per attempt (1.61) according to Next Gen Stats. Jamaal Williams attained a 7.7% snap share in Week 14 and registered 15 total yards with his five touches.

Miller is available in 96% of all leagues and could bypass Williams as the RB2 for the Saints behind Alvin Kamara. That would position Miller to siphon a percentage of the enormous workload allocated to Kamara.

Miller could also attain an expanded role if Kamara is sidelined or his touches are managed during the Saints’ next three matchups (Commanders, Packers, and Raiders).

Jeremy McNichols, Washington Commanders - 9% Rostered 

Jeremy McNichols will return from Washington’s Week 14 bye week to operate as the direct backup to Brian Robinson Jr. on the Commanders’ depth chart.

Commanders placed RB Austin Ekeler on injured reserve and he now will be out a minimum of four games.

Commanders also waived former first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes, whom the team attempted to trade before the deadline. pic.twitter.com/ZVH0uq2wAW

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 30, 2024

McNichols ascended into that role when Austin Ekeler sustained a concussion in Week 12. Ekeler’s placement on injured reserve (November 30) will keep the eight-year veteran sidelined until at least Week 18.

That should sustain McNichols' involvement as Washington’s RB2 through the fantasy postseason. It also makes McNichols a viable handcuff to Robinson, who has already missed three contests while contending with injuries.

Jeremy McNichols runs it in for the @Commanders 3rd rushing TD of the day!

📺: #PITvsWAS on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/6XmBCfzstj

— NFL (@NFL) November 10, 2024

McNichols operated with a 25% snap share when Washington hosted Tennessee in Week 13. He also accumulated six attempts/32 rushing yards and averaged 5.3 yards per attempt.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. also accumulated touches after the game was no longer competitive. He attained a 28% snap share and assembled 94 rushing yards with his 13 attempts.

It is best to avoid an overreaction to Rodriguez’s involvement after Washington built a comfortable lead, as McNichols is the preferred back to target this week. Washington's schedule contains the Saints, Eagles, and Falcons from Weeks 15-17, and McNichols will secure the largest workload if Robinson is sidelined during any of those matchups.

Tier 3: Dark Horses - Week 15 Waiver Wire Running Backs

These Running Backs Could Emerge In Your Lineups

Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills - 22% Rostered 

Ray Davis has displayed his ability to operate effectively as a three-down back during his rookie season, although that has not propelled him above James Cook on Buffalo’s depth chart.

Ray Davis is more than just a power back.

Look at the vision on this run Sunday he the #49ers

Be able to cut and change direction in these field conditions is a thing of beauty. #BillsMafia #GoBills pic.twitter.com/VJypu4DM6h

— Dave Myers BIB (@DaveMyersBIB) December 3, 2024

However, Davis is positioned to function as Buffalo’s primary back if Cook is unavailable and remains capable of delivering high-end RB2 output if that scenario develops. Davis’s most prolific outing of the season transpired in Week 6 when a toe injury forced Cook to the sideline.

Ray Davis goes 63 YARDS to the house as the Bills retake the lead!

(via NFL, CBS)
pic.twitter.com/4bvXQCPpqm

— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) November 3, 2024

Davis established season highs in snap share (58%), attempts (20), red zone carries (six), rushing yards (97), routes run (14), and targets (three), while rising to RB13 in scoring (18.2 points). Davis also accumulated 90 total yards on six touches in Week 9, which was fueled by his season-best 70 yards as a receiving weapon.

Davis attained a 22.2% snap share when the Bills visited the Rams in Week 14. He did not register a touch during a game in which Buffalo only ran the ball 17 times, including 10 rushes by Josh Allen.

However, Davis would operate with another massive workload if Cook is absent at any point during Buffalo’s next three matchups with the Lions, Patriots, and Jets. That justifies securing him this week.

Antonio Gibson, New England Patriots - 11% Rostered  

Antonio Gibson has re-emerged as a viable roster addition due to his surging usage and output since Week 12. Gibson’s relevance had waned considerably from Weeks 7-11 when he operated with a 15.5% snap share. JaMycal Hasty (13.9%) nearly replicated Gibson’s share during those matchups, as Gibson also averaged just 3.0 attempts/10.8 rushing yards/1.0 targets per game.

However, Gibson’s snap share rose to 33.6% in Weeks 12-13, while Hasty’s percentage plunged to 9.4%. Gibson also accumulated 13 attempts (6.5 per game), and 93 rushing yards (46.5 per game) during those matchups.

Antonio Gibson with the hesi 😮‍💨

📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/i2IckoYtZq

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 1, 2024

That includes Gibson’s numbers in Week 13 when he assembled 62 yards, established season-highs in yards per attempt (8.9), and yards after contact per attempt (6.7), and generated his first touchdown of the season. Those numbers have bolstered the rationale for adding Gibson as a handcuff to Rhamondre Stevenson, who eclipsed a 70% snap share for the seventh time this season in Week 13 (78%).

The Patriots will return from their Week 14 bye to face the Cardinals, Bills, and Chargers from Weeks 15-17. Gibson will ascend into a sizable workload if Stevenson is unavailable during those contests.

Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 4% Rostered

Sean Tucker is contained on this week’s list of recommendations solely due to his potential to erupt for significant yardage if Bucky Irving or Rachaad White are forced to the sideline.

Tucker has demonstrated his ability to capitalize on his opportunities this season, which provides the potential for him to become an asset on rosters whenever that scenario develops.

Tucker’s most recent opportunity to secure an expanded role took place in Week 14, as he ascended into a rotation with White after Irving’s back injury forced him to the sideline after 10 snaps. Tucker secured an 18.6% snap share, assembled 47 rushing yards on just three attempts, and averaged 15.7 yards per attempt.

Sean Tucker 36-yard catch-and-run for his 1st career TD!

📺: #TBvsNO on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/89uZ2hE01c

— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2024

Tucker had also functioned with a sizable workload in Week 6 when White sustained a foot injury. Tucker attained a career-high 38% snap share and erupted for 192 total yards on 17 touches. Tucker also led all backs in efficiency (2.34) according to Next Gen Stats.

Tucker is an intriguing roster option, as he can explode for sizable yardage if he is elevated into Tampa Bay’s backfield rotation. He could be deployed as an  RB3 if Irving or White are unavailable as the Buccaneers advance through their next three matchups against the Chargers, Cowboys, and Panthers.

Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns - 41% Rostered    

Jerome Ford has resurfaced as a potential roster addition if you are searching for an additional flex option in PPR leagues. Ford's usage and output as a rusher have decreased since the return of Nick Chubb but he continues to operate as the Browns' pass-catching back.

Ford led the Browns' backfield in snap share (66.6%) rushing yards (250/50.0 per game), attempts (48/9.6 per game), and yards after contact (142) from Weeks 1-5.

He sustained a hamstring injury after playing just four snaps in Week 6 and re-emerged in Week 9. Ford leads Chubb in snap share during the Browns' last five matchups (52.5%/38.7%), including the 66% share that Ford secured in Week 13.

Ford has averaged 6.0 attempts/20.6 rushing yards per game since Week 9 but leads the backfield in routes run (133), while Chubb is a distant second (50). Ford has also paced the backfield in targets (13), receptions (10), and receiving yards (79).

Ford’s utilization as a receiving weapon should be sustained due to game scripts when Cleveland faces the Steelers, Chiefs, and Dolphins in Weeks 15-17. That provides the rationale for adding Ford if you operate in PPR leagues.

Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears - 19% Rostered

Roschon Johnson was sidelined during Chicago’s Week 14 matchup in San Francisco, as he remained in concussion protocol. Travis Homer temporarily functioned in Johnson’s role as Chicago’s RB2 behind D'Andre Swift during the contest, before Homer suffered a head injury. However, Johnson should regain his role when he resurfaces.

Johnson’s snap share had been rising before his absence, while Swift’s snaps had declined. Johnson secured a 26.1% snap share from Weeks 1-8 while Swift’s 65.1% share launched him to 13th overall. Johnson’s share had increased to 41.8% in Weeks 11-12, which included a season-high 42% in Week 11. Swift’s percentage dropped to 53.9% during that two-game sequence as the gap between both backs was condensed.

Touchdown Roschon Johnson!

📺: #MINvsCHI on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/N4A75bhZNU

— NFL (@NFL) November 24, 2024

Johnson also rose to ninth among all backs with six carries inside the red zone from Weeks 11-12 and soared into a tie for third with four attempts inside the five-yard line. He has also generated six touchdowns since Week 1.

Johnson’s status should be monitored as the week progresses. However, Johnson should operate as the unquestioned backup to Swift upon his return. He will ascend into a larger workload if Swift is unavailable during any of Chicago’s upcoming matchups with the Vikings, Lions, or Seahawks.

Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens - 18% Rostered

The prospects of adding Justice Hill may not elicit the same degree of interest as several other backs that have been included in this column. However, Hill has maintained an unchallenged role as Baltimore’s primary pass-catcher from the backfield, which will be sustained during the Ravens' upcoming matchups.

This was a major turning point in the game. Money down and Lamar hands it off pretty much to justice hill. Hope Justice continues to get pass down snaps with Mitchell returning. Hill has been a factor as a receiver pic.twitter.com/Z5Zi5q8hqM

— Yuri (@Yuri_Ravens) November 4, 2024

Hill has operated with a 44.9% snap share and had risen to sixth among all backs in receiving yards (322/24.8 per game) before Baltimore’s Week 14 bye. He was also eighth in targets (47/3.5 per game), ninth in receptions (37/2.8 per game), and secured a 45.5% route participation according to Fantasy Points Data.

JUSTICE HILL. 51 YARDS. GONE.

📺: #BALvsLAC on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/DfWCTj2kNO

— NFL (@NFL) November 26, 2024

Keaton Mitchell has yet to register a touch since returning from injured reserve in Week 10 which has bolstered Hill’s status as the preferred roster option for any potential absence by Derrick Henry. Hill also provided a reminder that he can supplement his production as a receiving weapon by bolting for a 51-yard rushing touchdown in Week 12.

Hill is a viable flex option if you build rosters in PPR leagues. He is also a viable handcuff to Henry as the Ravens progress through their matchups from Weeks 15-17 against the Giants, Steelers, and Texans.

Other Fantasy Football Running Backs To Consider

Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals - 21% Rostered 

Kenneth Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles - 6% Rostered 

Cam Akers, Minnesota Vikings - 16% Rostered

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Advice